JP2014126999A - Device monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of understanding, at a glance, a device concerning a transaction of a high unsettlement probability, which should have been settled.SOLUTION: A device monitoring system for monitoring a system which executes registration processing and settlement processing of purchased goods includes specifying means for specified time-passed unsettled transaction the registration processing of which has started but the settlement processing of which is not yet completed within a predetermined time, and reporting means for reporting a device in a specifiable manner which has executed the registration processing or a device which completes the settlement processing for the time-passed unsettled transaction specified by the specifying means. The specifying means specifies the time-passed unsettled transaction based on information generated during the registration processing or information generated during the settlement processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus monitoring system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic cash register is known that registers merchandise sales data and prints out the merchandise sales data as a receipt (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-4-33197

  However, in the conventional technology such as Patent Document 1, in a POS system in which a registration apparatus and a settlement apparatus are separately configured such that registration of a product is performed in a registration apparatus and settlement is performed in a settlement apparatus for a certain transaction. It was difficult to grasp (quickly) at a glance a highly probable transaction that should have been settled but still unsettled.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its purpose is to grasp at a glance a device related to a highly probable transaction that should have been settled but still not settled. It is to provide a technology that can do.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an apparatus monitoring system according to an aspect of the present invention provides a transaction in which the registration process is started in an apparatus monitoring system that monitors a system that executes a registration process and a checkout process for purchased products. And means for identifying an overdue unsettled transaction for which the settlement process has not yet been completed within a predetermined time, and an apparatus for executing the registration process for the overdue unsettled transaction identified by the identifying unit Or a notification means for notifying the apparatus for completing the settlement process in an identifiable manner, wherein the identification section is based on the information generated in the registration process or the information generated in the settlement process. It is characterized by specifying as an overdue unpaid transaction.

  According to the above apparatus monitoring system, the specifying means identifies the overtime unsettled transaction, and the notifying means can identify the device that performed the registration process or the device that completes the settlement process for the overtime unsettled transaction. The device related to a highly probable transaction that should have been settled but still unsettled (the device that executed the transaction, the device that executes the transaction, execute the transaction) It is possible to grasp at a glance the device to be performed.

  The apparatus monitoring system includes at least a registration apparatus that executes the registration process, and a settlement apparatus that executes the settlement process by a customer's operation. The registration apparatus registers a purchase product and the registration A medium output unit that outputs a medium from which information of the purchased product registered in the transaction can be read out for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased product is completed by the means, and the settlement apparatus includes the medium output unit Read means for reading the output medium, and checkout means for paying out based on information on purchased products read from the medium read by the read means, and the specifying means is generated in the checkout process Information generated at the time of reading the medium as information that is a transaction in which the medium is output by the medium output means within a predetermined time The transaction in which the recording medium is not read is specified as the overtime unsettled transaction, and the notification unit is configured to notify the registration device that has performed the registration process for the overtime unsettled transaction in an identifiable manner. Good.

  According to the above apparatus monitoring system, a transaction in which a medium (account voucher) is output from a registration apparatus by a specifying unit, and a transaction in which the medium is not read by the settlement apparatus within a predetermined time is not settled. Since the registration device (registration device that has output the medium) that has been specified for the transaction and that has performed registration processing for the overtime unsettled transaction is identified by the notification means, it should be settled. At a glance, it is possible to grasp at a glance a device related to a transaction with a high probability of being yet to be settled (a registration device that has performed registration processing for an overtime unsettled transaction).

  The apparatus monitoring system includes at least a registration apparatus that executes the registration process, and a settlement apparatus that executes the settlement process by a customer's operation. The registration apparatus registers a purchase product and the registration A medium output unit that outputs a medium from which information of the purchased product registered in the transaction can be read out for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased product is completed by the means, and the settlement apparatus includes the medium output unit Read means for reading the output medium, and checkout means for paying out based on information on purchased products read from the medium read by the read means, and the specifying means is generated in the checkout process The information generated at the completion of the checkout is used as the information to be processed, and is a transaction in which the medium is read by the reading means and is processed within a predetermined time. The transaction that has not been completed is identified as the overtime unsettled transaction, and the informing means informs the settlement device that has read the medium so that the settlement process is completed for the overtime unsettled transaction. You may do it.

  According to the above apparatus monitoring system, a transaction in which the medium (payment voucher) output from the registration apparatus is read by the checkout apparatus by the specifying means and the checkout has not been completed within a predetermined time has not been exceeded. Since it is specified as a settlement transaction and a settlement device (a settlement device that has read the medium) that completes the settlement process for the transaction for which the time has not been settled is identified by the notification means, it should be settled. However, it is possible to grasp at a glance a device related to a highly probable transaction that has not yet been settled (a settlement device that is to execute a settlement process for an overdue unsettled transaction).

  The apparatus monitoring system includes at least a registration apparatus that executes the registration process, and a settlement apparatus that executes the settlement process by a customer's operation. The registration apparatus registers a purchase product and the registration Specifying means for specifying the settlement apparatus for completing the settlement process for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased commodity has been completed by the means, wherein the settlement apparatus is information on the purchased commodity registered by the registration section A checkout means for paying out based on the information, and the specifying means uses the information generated at the completion of the checkout as information generated in the checkout process, and the checkout device is specified by the specifying means A transaction that has not been settled within a predetermined time is identified as the overtime unsettled transaction, and the notification means Wherein to complete the checkout process may be identifiable to notify the designated the settlement apparatus.

  According to the apparatus monitoring system, a transaction in which the settlement device is designated by the registration device and the settlement is not completed within a predetermined time is identified as an overtime unsettled transaction by the specifying unit, and the notification unit, Since the settlement device (settlement device specified by the registration device) that completes the settlement process for the overtime unsettled transaction is notified in an identifiable manner, It is possible to grasp at a glance a device related to a high transaction (a settlement device that should perform a settlement process for an unsettled transaction that has exceeded time).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp at a glance a device related to a highly probable transaction that should have been settled but still unsettled.

It is an example of the block diagram of the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram of a registration device 200. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the installation position of the imaging part 212 of the registration apparatus 200, an imaging direction, and a captured image. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram of the payment apparatus 300. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the installation position of the imaging part 312 of the payment apparatus 300, an imaging direction, and a captured image. It is an example of the information memorize | stored in the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention, and an example of the information displayed. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the information memorize | stored in the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the information which the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention displays. It is an example of the information which the apparatus monitoring system by one Embodiment of this invention displays.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of an apparatus monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the device monitoring system includes a store controller 100 (high-order device), S registration devices (registers) 200 having a registration function (S is an integer of 1 or more), and T devices having a settlement function. (T is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and a U account (U is an integer equal to or greater than 1) monitoring device 400.

  The store controller 100, the registration device 200, the checkout device 300, and the monitoring device 400 are connected to each other via the LAN 110. The form of LAN connection may be wired or wireless. In addition, the system by all the apparatuses (store controller 100, registration apparatus 200, checkout apparatus 300, monitoring apparatus 400) shown in FIG. 1, or some apparatuses (for example, store controller 100, registration apparatus) shown in FIG. 200, the settlement apparatus 300) is also called a POS system.

  The store controller 100 is a computer (for example, a server) that manages (controls) the entire store. The store controller 100 stores various information. For example, the store controller 100 stores a product master that stores (holds) product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name, and sales price of each product. The store controller 100 transmits the latest product master received from the outside (for example, the headquarters) to other devices (the registration device 200, the payment device 300, and the monitoring device 400).

  The store controller 100 also stores transaction information (also referred to as transaction data) for each transaction as a log file. The transaction information includes information related to a registration process (also referred to as a product registration process) in the registration apparatus 200 and information related to a payment process in the payment apparatus 300.

  Information related to the registration process includes, for example, transaction identification information for identifying each transaction, apparatus identification information for identifying the registration apparatus 200 that has performed the registration process (also referred to as a registration apparatus number), and commodity identification information for identifying each commodity ( (Also referred to as product code), purchase quantity of purchased product (product purchased by the customer), purchase price (amount of purchased product), registration completion date and time when registration processing is completed, and captured image (eg, video) at the time of registration processing Contains an address. The registration completion date and time is, for example, the date and time when the registration device 200 issues a bill (described later), the device designation date and time when the registration device 200 designates the settlement device 300, or the like.

  Further, the store controller 100 includes, as information related to the registration process, device designation information (information relating to the designation of the settlement device 300 in the registration device 200), a total quantity (a quantity of all purchased products in one transaction), and a total amount (one transaction). The amount of all purchased products) may be stored. The apparatus designation information is, for example, information (apparatus designation flag) indicating whether or not the settlement apparatus 300 is designated by the registration apparatus 200, or apparatus identification information for identifying the settlement apparatus 300 designated by the registration apparatus 200. .

  The rules for issuing (numbering) the transaction identification information are not particularly limited. For example, it is good also as an aspect which issues the transaction identification information of the value which does not overlap in each registration apparatus 200, and is good also as an aspect which issues the transaction identification information of the value which does not overlap as the whole store. In the case of issuing transaction identification information having a non-overlapping value in each registration device 200, for example, if each transaction is specified as the entire store from the device identification information (registration device number) of each registration device 200 and the transaction identification information. Good. In the case of issuing transaction identification information having a value that does not overlap for the entire store, for example, the store controller 100 may control issuance of transaction identification information in all the registration devices 200. In the following description, it is assumed that transaction identification information having a value that does not overlap for the entire store is issued.

  Information related to the settlement process includes, for example, device identification information (also referred to as a settlement device number) for identifying the settlement device 300 that has performed (or should perform) the settlement process, the settlement start date and time when the settlement process is started, and the settlement process. It includes the completion date and time of completion of payment, a payment receipt number, and a storage address of a captured image (for example, a moving image) at the time of payment processing. The settlement start date and time is, for example, the reading date and time when the bill is read by the settlement apparatus 300, or the start operation date and time when the settlement apparatus 300 is started. The payment completion date and time is the date and time when the payment apparatus 300 issues a payment receipt.

  The registration device 200 is a device for a store clerk (operator) to register a product (registration process) for a purchased product. Details of the registration apparatus 200 will be described later. The settlement apparatus 300 is an apparatus for the customer himself / herself to perform settlement (settlement processing). Details of the settlement apparatus 300 will be described later.

  The monitoring device 400 is a device for monitoring the status (normal, abnormal) of the monitoring target devices (mainly, the registration device 200 and the checkout device 300). For each monitoring target device, the monitoring target event (also referred to as an error). ) Is monitored. Specifically, the monitoring device 400 manages (controls and stores) monitoring information for each monitoring target device and for each type of monitoring target event (monitoring type), and uses the monitoring information to monitor each monitoring target. Notify the monitoring target event that occurred in the device. The monitored event is an overtime unsettled transaction (monitoring type 1, monitoring type 2). Details of the monitoring device 400 will be described later. Note that the monitoring target device is different between the monitoring type 1 and the monitoring type 2.

  An unsettled transaction is a transaction for which a settlement process has not been completed. An overdue unsettled transaction is a transaction for which a settlement process has not been completed within a predetermined time. In other words, an overtime unsettled transaction is a transaction that has passed a predetermined time among unsettled transactions. In the present embodiment, a transaction for which the registration process has been completed and a settlement process has not been completed is referred to as an unsettled transaction. Further, an unsettled transaction for which the registration process has been completed and the settlement process has not been completed within a predetermined time is referred to as an overtime unsettled transaction. In addition, a transaction for which settlement has been completed with respect to an unsettled transaction is called a settlement transaction.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of the registration device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the registration device 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a store clerk display unit 205, a customer display unit 206, an operation unit 207, a communication unit 208, A buzzer 209, a printing unit 210, a hard disk 211, and an imaging unit (camera) 212 are provided. Each component is connected to each other via a bus and can communicate with each other. The scanner unit 204 and the imaging unit 212 may not be integrated with the registration device 200 but may be separate bodies (external) that can be attached to and detached from the registration device 200.

  The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the registration device 200 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202. For example, when the CPU 201 acquires the reading information of the barcode attached to the product from the scanner unit 204, the CPU 201 displays information (product name, sales price, etc.) based on the product master on the display unit 205 for clerk. In addition, when the registration process is completed, the CPU 201 transmits transaction information (information related to the registration process) to the store controller 100 via the communication unit 208.

  Further, the CPU 201 executes a process according to the information supplied from the store clerk display unit 205. For example, when the apparatus identification information (accounting apparatus number) of the settlement apparatus 300 is supplied from the salesclerk display unit 205, the CPU 201 stores the apparatus identification information (accounting apparatus number) via the communication unit 208. To 100. Similarly, the CPU 201 executes processing according to information supplied from the operation unit 207.

  The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores the program. The RAM 203 is an occasional read / write memory that stores various information. The scanner unit 204 optically reads a barcode (product code) attached to a product. The scanner unit 204 supplies read information to the CPU 201.

  The clerk display unit 205 has a display function for the clerk and an input reception function from the clerk. For example, the clerk display unit 205 may be a liquid crystal touch panel. The store clerk display unit 205 displays various information according to the control of the CPU 201. For example, the store clerk display unit 205 displays information (product name, sales price, etc.) based on the product master. Moreover, the display part 205 for shop assistants may display a captured image. Further, the store clerk display unit 205 displays various buttons and screens, and receives input via the buttons and screens. For example, the store clerk display unit 205 displays an apparatus designation screen (or apparatus designation button), and inputs (specifying apparatus designation) for designating the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the settlement process via the apparatus designation screen (apparatus designation button). Input). When there is a payment device designation input, device identification information (settlement device number) of the designated payment device 300 is supplied to the CPU 201.

  The customer display unit 206 has a display function for customers. For example, the customer display unit 206 displays information (product name, sales price, etc.) based on the product master. The customer display unit 206 may have an input receiving function from the customer. In other words, the customer display unit 206 may display various buttons and screens and accept inputs via the buttons and screens. For example, the customer display unit 206 displays a confirmation button for confirming the display contents (for example, age and amount), and accepts confirmation input (confirmation input) via the confirmation button. When there is a confirmation input, information notifying that a confirmation input has been received is supplied to the CPU 201.

  The operation unit 207 includes various buttons (keys) that operate the registration apparatus 200. When each button is operated (pressed or the like), information (operation information) corresponding to each button is supplied to the CPU 201.

  The communication unit 208 communicates with other devices (the store controller 100, the other registration device 200, the checkout device 300, and the monitoring device 400) via the LAN 110 according to the control of the CPU 201. For example, the communication unit 208 transmits transaction information (information related to the registration process) to the store controller 100. For example, the communication unit 208 transmits and receives captured images. The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound according to the control of the CPU 201.

  The printing unit 210 issues (issues) an accounting ticket under the control of the CPU 201. The bill is a medium used for the checkout process in the checkout apparatus 300. Specifically, transaction information (transaction identification information, total amount, etc.) generated in the registration process, in other words, information necessary for the settlement process of the settlement apparatus 300 is two-dimensionally encoded and printed on a predetermined sheet. Is. The two-dimensional encoding may be executed by the printing unit 210 or the CPU 201. An example of the two-dimensional code is a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark). Further, the information to be two-dimensionally coded may be only transaction identification information.

  The hard disk 211 stores various information according to the control of the CPU 201. For example, the hard disk 211 stores a captured image captured by the imaging unit 212 in association with transaction identification information. The captured image stored in the hard disk 211 is read out under the control of the CPU 201 and output to the store clerk display unit 205 and the communication unit 208. Note that the hard disk 211 may store the program in place of the ROM 202.

  The imaging unit 212 images a customer who is registering a product and generates a captured image according to the control of the CPU 201. That is, while the store clerk is registering a product for a customer's purchased product, the imaging unit 212 takes a captured image of the customer waiting for completion of the product registration or the store clerk performing the product registration as a subject. That is, a captured image in which the customer's appearance, clothes, purchased product, etc. can be confirmed is generated. Note that the imaging unit 212 may continue imaging for several seconds after the bill is issued.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an installation position, an imaging direction, and a captured image of the imaging unit 212. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the registration device 200 installed on the counter table 22. In FIG. 3A, the arrow A represents the customer's moving direction (accounting conductor), and the dot display area B represents the customer's standard standing position. FIG. 3B by the imaging unit 212 is an example of a captured image.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the imaging unit 212 is arranged with its installation position and imaging direction determined so that the customer's appearance, clothes, purchased products, and the like can be confirmed from the captured image. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a pole (column) may be installed in the vicinity of the counter table 22, and the imaging unit 212 may be disposed on the top of the pole. The imaging unit 212 and the main body of the registration apparatus 200 may be connected by a cable, and an image may be transmitted from the imaging unit 212 to the main body by the cable. The imaging unit 212 and the main body are wirelessly connected, An image may be transmitted from the imaging unit 212 to the main body by wireless communication.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram of the settlement apparatus 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the checkout apparatus 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 307, a communication unit 308, a buzzer 309, a printing unit 310, A hard disk 311, an imaging unit (camera) 312, a deposit / withdrawal unit 320, and a sign pole unit 321 are provided. Each component is connected to each other via a bus and can communicate with each other. Note that the scanner unit 304, the imaging unit 312, and the sign pole unit 321 may not be integrated with the payment apparatus 300, but may be a separate body (external) that can be attached to and detached from the payment apparatus 300.

  The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the payment apparatus 300 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 302. For example, when the CPU 301 acquires reading information of the two-dimensional code printed on the bill from the scanner unit 304, the CPU 301 displays the purchase details (total amount, etc.) on the display unit 305. In addition, CPU301 receives the transaction information identified by the said transaction identification information from the store controller 100 via the communication part 308, when only transaction identification information is acquired as reading information of a two-dimensional code, and purchase details Is displayed on the display unit 305. In addition, when the settlement process is completed, the CPU 301 transmits transaction information (information related to the settlement process) to the store controller 100 via the communication unit 308.

  In addition, the CPU 301 executes processing according to the operation signal supplied from the operation unit 307. For example, when the operation signal corresponding to the clerk call button is supplied from the operation unit 307, the CPU 301 transmits the clerk call information to the monitoring device 400 via the communication unit 308. For example, when the operation signal corresponding to the release button is supplied from the operation unit 307, the CPU 301 transmits the release information to the monitoring apparatus 400 via the communication unit 308. In addition, when the operation signal corresponding to the salesclerk call button is supplied, the CPU 301 may supply the light emission instruction information to the sign pole unit 321 in addition to the transmission of the salesclerk call information. The same applies when an operation signal corresponding to the release button is supplied. Further, the CPU 301 may transmit store clerk call information and release information to the store controller 100 instead of the monitoring device 400. Similarly, the CPU 301 executes processing according to information supplied from the display unit 305.

  Further, the CPU 301 calculates the total amount to be inserted based on the inserted coin information and the inserted banknote information supplied from the deposit / withdrawal unit 320. In addition, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display the total investment amount up to the present time. Further, the CPU 301 may calculate the difference between the total amount and the total input amount up to the present time, and display the difference on the display unit 305. Further, the CPU 301 supplies the deposit / withdrawal unit 320 with coin discharge instruction information for instructing coin discharge (discharge) or banknote discharge instruction information for instructing banknote discharge.

  Further, the CPU 301 monitors the number of changes in the deposit / withdrawal unit 320. For example, the CPU 301 compares the current remaining number (stored number) for each denomination with a preset reference number for each denomination, and if the number is less than the reference number, the change near the end via the communication unit 308. Information is transmitted to the monitoring device 400. In addition, when the change near end is resolved by the change replenishment, the CPU 301 transmits change near end elimination information to the monitoring device 400 via the communication unit 308. When the number is less than the reference number, the CPU 301 may supply light emission instruction information to the sign pole unit 321 in addition to transmission of change near-end information. The same applies when the change near end is resolved. Further, the CPU 301 may transmit change near-end information and change near-end elimination information to the store controller 100 instead of the monitoring device 400.

  The ROM 302 is a read-only memory that stores a program executed by the CPU 301. The RAM 303 is a read / write memory that stores various information as needed. The scanner unit 304 optically reads the two-dimensional code printed on the bill issued by the registration apparatus 200. The scanner unit 304 supplies read information to the CPU 301.

  The display unit 305 has a display function and an input reception function. For example, the display unit 305 may be a liquid crystal touch panel. The display unit 305 displays various information according to the control of the CPU 301. For example, the display unit 305 displays purchase details. The display unit 306 displays various buttons and screens, and accepts input through the buttons and screens. When there is an input, input information is supplied to the CPU 301.

  The operation unit 307 includes various buttons (keys) that operate the settlement apparatus 300. When each button is operated (pressed or the like), operation information corresponding to each button is supplied to the CPU 301. For example, the buttons include a store clerk call button, a release button, and the like.

  The communication unit 308 communicates with other devices (the store controller 100, the registration device 200, the other settlement device 300, and the monitoring device 400) via the LAN 110 according to the control of the CPU 301. For example, the communication unit 308 transmits transaction information (information related to the checkout process) to the store controller 100 according to the control of the CPU 301. For example, the communication unit 308 transmits and receives captured images according to the control of the CPU 301. The buzzer unit 309 generates a buzzer sound according to the control of the CPU 301. The printing unit 310 prints a payment receipt (detailed receipt) that the customer takes home under the control of the CPU 301 and issues it from the printing unit output port 310a (see FIG. 5).

  The hard disk 311 stores various information according to the control of the CPU 301. For example, the hard disk 311 stores a captured image captured by the imaging unit 312 in association with transaction identification information. The captured image stored in the hard disk 311 is read out and output to the communication unit 308 and the display unit 305 under the control of the CPU 301. Note that the hard disk 311 may store the program in place of the ROM 302.

  The imaging unit 312 captures a customer who is paying in accordance with the control of the CPU 301 and generates a captured image. That is, while the customer is paying for his / her purchased product, the imaging unit 312 captures an image of the customer who is performing the payment (payment / withdrawal operation), in particular, a deposit (injection) banknote. The picked-up image which can confirm the presence or absence, a money type, the presence or absence of a withdrawal banknote, a money type, etc. is produced | generated. The settlement apparatus 300 starts from the settlement process start timing (settlement start date and time), the designated timing (apparatus designation date and time) of the settlement apparatus 300, or a timing based on the designated timing (several seconds after the designation timing). Imaging may be started. Further, the settlement apparatus 300 may end the imaging at the settlement process completion timing (settlement completion date and time) or a timing based on the completion timing (several seconds after the settlement receipt is issued).

  The depositing / withdrawing unit 320 includes a counting unit (not shown), a coin depositing slot 320a, a coin dispensing slot 320b, and a banknote depositing / dispensing slot 320c. The deposit / withdrawal unit 320 generates coin information and supplies it to the CPU 301 when a coin is inserted into the coin deposit slot 320a. When a banknote is inserted into the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 320c, the deposit / withdrawal unit 320 generates inserted banknote information and supplies it to the CPU 301. The deposit / withdrawal unit 320 generates inserted coin information indicating the counting result (number of inserted sheets) for each denomination of coins. The same applies to inserted banknote information. Also, the deposit / withdrawal unit 320 ejects coins (changes) from the coin dispensing slot 320b based on the coin ejection instruction information supplied from the CPU 301, and the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot based on the banknote ejection instruction information supplied from the CPU 301. The banknote (fishing card) is discharged from 320c.

  The sign pole unit 321 turns on (flashes) and turns off the light emitting unit at the tip based on the light emission instruction information supplied from the CPU 301.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing an installation position, an imaging direction, and a captured image of the imaging unit 312. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the settlement apparatus 300. In FIG. 5A, the arrow A represents the customer's moving direction (accounting conductor), and the dot display area B represents the customer's standard standing position. FIG. 5B is an example of an image captured by the imaging unit 312.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the imaging unit 312 has an installation position and an imaging direction that are determined so that a customer's deposit / withdrawal operation (especially, a deposited banknote and an output banknote) can be confirmed from the captured image. . For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the imaging unit 312 may be disposed on the upper portion of the display unit 305. Alternatively, the imaging unit 312 may be disposed on the sign pole unit 321. The imaging unit 312 and the main body of the payment apparatus 300 may be connected by a cable, and an image may be transmitted from the imaging unit 312 to the main body by the cable. The imaging unit 312 and the main body may be wirelessly connected. An image may be transmitted from the imaging unit 312 to the main body by wireless communication.

  FIG. 6 is an example of information stored in an apparatus monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention and an example of information displayed. FIG. 6A is an example of transaction information stored in the store controller 100 at a certain time T1.

  According to FIG. 6A, at time T1, the store controller 100 has transaction information (“A” in the figure) of the bill number “999999” and transaction information (in the figure) of the bill number “123456”. “B”) and transaction information (“C” in the figure) of the bill number “333333” are stored. The bill number corresponds to transaction identification information.

  Among the items of each transaction information in FIG. 6 (a), the bill number, registration device number, product code, purchase quantity, purchase price, ticketing date (or device designation date), device designation flag, and registration processing time The storage address of the captured image is stored based on information received from the registration device 200 (information generated in the registration process). Among the items of the transaction information in FIG. 6A, the settlement start date and time, the settlement completion date and time, the settlement receipt number, and the storage address of the captured image at the settlement process are generated from the settlement apparatus 300 (generated in the settlement process). Information). Among the items of each transaction information in FIG. 6A, the settlement apparatus number is stored based on information received from the registration apparatus 200 or information received from the settlement apparatus 300.

  For example, when a checkout device 300 is not specified in a certain registration device 200 and an accounting ticket is issued, the registration device 200 displays the check ticket number, the registration device number, the product code, the purchase quantity, the purchase price. The ticket issuing date and the storage address of the captured image at the time of registration processing are transmitted to the store controller 100. Then, the store controller 100 stores the ticket issue date and time as the registration completion date and time, and stores the accounting ticket number, the registration device number, the product code, the purchase quantity, the purchase price, and the storage address of the captured image at the time of the registration process. . Note that the storage address of the captured image at the time of registration processing may be an address in each registration device 200 or may include the address of the registration device 200.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 300 is specified in a certain registration apparatus 200 and an accounting ticket is issued, the registration apparatus 200 includes an accounting ticket number, a registration apparatus number, a product code, a purchase quantity, a purchase price, an apparatus The designated date and time (or ticketing date and time), the storage address of the captured image at the time of registration processing, and the designated settlement device number of the settlement device 300 are transmitted to the store controller 100. The store controller 100 stores the device designation date and time (or ticketing date and time) as the registration completion date and time, and stores the bill number, the registered device number, the product code, the purchase quantity, the purchase price, and the captured image at the time of registration processing. The address and the settlement device number are stored. Further, the device designation flag is set to the value “1 (designated)”. The initial value of the device designation flag is “0 (no designation)”.

  Further, when a bill is read by a certain settlement apparatus 300 (or when a settlement process is started), the settlement apparatus 300 stores a settlement apparatus number and a reading date (or start operation date). It transmits to the controller 100. The store controller 100 stores the reading date and time (or start operation date and time) as the settlement start date and time, and stores the settlement apparatus number. When the store controller 100 has already stored the settlement apparatus number of the settlement apparatus 300 at the timing (that is, when the settlement apparatus 300 is designated), the store controller 100 acquired at the timing. It may be overwritten with respect to the adjustment device number already stored by the number, or the adjustment device number acquired at the timing may be stored separately from the adjustment device number already stored.

  Further, when the settlement process is completed in a certain settlement apparatus 300, the settlement apparatus 300 transmits the settlement completion date and time, the settlement receipt number, and the storage address of the captured image at the settlement process to the store controller 100. Then, the store controller 100 stores the settlement completion date and time, the settlement receipt number, and the storage address of the captured image at the settlement process. Note that the storage address of the captured image at the time of the adjustment process may be an address in each adjustment apparatus 300 or may include the address of the adjustment apparatus 300.

  The transaction information of each transaction stored in the store controller 100 is used as sales data and the like, and is also used for determining the state of each transaction. For example, the transaction information “A” in FIG. 6A stores the settlement completion date and time and the settlement receipt number, so that the transaction of the transaction information “A” is a settlement transaction. Further, for example, the transaction information “B” does not store the settlement completion date and the settlement receipt number, so the transaction of the transaction information “B” is an unsettled transaction (the same applies to the transaction of the transaction information “C”). Furthermore, the unsettled transaction of the transaction information “B” (similar to the unsettled transaction of the transaction information “C”) exceeds the time from the start date / time (for example, registration completion date / time, settlement start date / time) and the current date / time regarding the predetermined time. It can also be determined whether the transaction is an unsettled transaction (a transaction corresponding to the monitoring type 1 or the monitoring type 2). In other words, the transaction information of each transaction stored in the store controller 100 can identify the overdue unsettled transaction.

  FIG. 6B is an example of a transaction list screen displayed on the monitoring device 400 based on the transaction information of FIG. In FIG. 6B, the total amount of each transaction is calculated based on the purchase amount of each transaction. The icon of the captured image at the time of registration processing (the same applies to the icon of the captured image at the time of settlement processing) indicates that the captured image can be reproduced. The icon may be a captured image of each captured image. In addition, the icon at the time of the adjustment process of transaction information “C” indicated by a broken line indicates that a live image (through image) can be reproduced. Each captured image (including a live image) is reproduced by the operation (pressing or the like) of the icon.

  The button “switch” on the transaction list screen is a switch display button between all transactions (paid and unpaid transactions) and overtime unpaid transactions. That is, every time the button “switch” is pressed, the monitoring apparatus 400 switches between the list of all transactions and the list of unpaid overdue transactions. In addition, a list of all transactions, a list of unsettled transactions including overtime unsettled transactions, and a list of overtime unsettled transactions may be switched and displayed. In addition, in the list of all transactions and the list of unsettled transactions (including unsettled transactions that have exceeded time), transaction information on unsettled transactions that have exceeded time, The transaction information other than the settlement transaction may be displayed separately (for example, the transaction information row (record) of the overtime unpaid transaction may be colored, or the transaction information row of the overtime settlement transaction may be displayed) Thus, the registration device 200 and the payment device 300 related to the overtime unsettled transaction can be grasped at a glance.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the apparatus monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing an operation of controlling the value of the monitoring type 1 which is monitoring information regarding the overtime unsettled transaction. FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing an operation for controlling the value of the monitoring type 2 which is monitoring information regarding the overtime unsettled transaction. Note that the flowcharts of FIGS. 7A and 7B are always started (every fixed time). For example, the processing may be sequentially started in the order of the flowchart of FIG. 7A and the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining information stored in the apparatus monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8 is an example of monitoring information (values for each monitoring target device and each monitoring type) stored in the monitoring device 400 at a certain time T2. Time T2 is unrelated to time T1. In addition, it is assumed that a device capable of settlement processing (a device having a settlement function) is installed in the service counter.

(Flowchart in FIG. 7 (a))
Step S30: The monitoring device 400 accesses the transaction information stored in the store controller 100, and the unsettled transaction designated by the settlement device (ie, device designation flag “1”, settlement completion date and settlement receipt number is not stored) The transaction number N1 of transactions for which a predetermined time has elapsed from the registration completion date and time (device designation date and time or ticket issue date and time) is counted for each payment device 300 designated by the device (that is, for each payment device number). . In other words, the monitoring device 400 is an overtime unsettled transaction with a settlement device designation that has passed a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (device designation date and time or ticket issue date and time), and specifies the settlement device 300 by designation of the settlement device. A possible overtime unsettled transaction is identified, and the number of identified transactions (number of transactions N1) is counted for each settlement device 300 designated by the device. Instead of the monitoring device 400, the store controller 100 may count the number of transactions N1 for each checkout device 300 and transmit it to the monitoring device 400.
Step S31: The monitoring device 400 accesses the transaction information stored in the store controller 100, and the unsettled transaction with no settlement device designation (ie, device designation flag “0”, settlement completion date and settlement receipt number is not stored) The transaction number N2 of transactions for which a predetermined time has elapsed from the settlement start date / time (reading date / time or start operation date / time) is counted for each settlement device 300 that started the settlement process (ie, for each settlement device number). To do. In other words, the monitoring device 400 is an overtime unsettled transaction that has not been designated by a settlement device that has passed a predetermined time from the settlement start date (reading date or start operation date), and identifies the settlement device 300 by the start of the settlement process. A possible overtime unsettled transaction is identified, and the number of identified transactions (number of transactions N2) is counted for each settlement apparatus 300 that has started the settlement process. Note that the store controller 100 may count the number of transactions N2 for each checkout device 300 in place of the monitoring device 400 and transmit it to the monitoring device 400.
Step S32: The monitoring apparatus 400 calculates N = N1 + N2 for each settlement apparatus 300, and sets the value of the monitoring type 1 of each settlement apparatus 300 to “N”. For example, when the value of “N” of the settlement machine 2 (the settlement apparatus 300 of the apparatus identification information “100002”) is “1”, it is associated with the apparatus identification information “100002” as shown in FIG. The value of the monitoring type 1 is “1”. Similarly, when the value of “N” of the settlement machine 8 (the settlement apparatus 300 of the device identification information “100008”) is “1”, or the value of “N” of the service counter (device identification information “900001”) is When it is “1”, as shown in FIG. 8, the value of the monitoring type 1 associated with each device identification information is set to “1”. Note that the value of the monitoring type 1 is set to “0 (initial value)” for the checkout machine whose “N” value is “0”. Then, this flowchart ends.

(Flowchart in FIG. 7B)
Step S41: The monitoring device 400 accesses the transaction information stored in the store controller 100, and has not yet stored the unsettled transaction with no settlement device designation (that is, the device designation flag “0”, the settlement completion date and time, and the settlement receipt number). Transaction number M of transactions that have not been memorized in the settlement start date and time (reading date and time or start operation date and time) and have passed a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (ticketing date and time). Count is performed for each issued registration apparatus 200 (that is, for each registration apparatus number). In other words, since the monitoring device 400 is a time-over unsettled transaction for which a predetermined time has elapsed from the registration completion date and time (ticketing date and time), the settlement device is not designated, and the settlement device is not designated and the settlement is not yet started. The time-over unsettled transaction in which the device 300 cannot be specified is specified, and the specified number of transactions (the number of transactions M) is counted for each registered device 200 that has registered. Instead of the monitoring device 400, the store controller 100 may count the number of transactions M for each registration device 200 and transmit it to the monitoring device 400.
Step S42: The monitoring device 400 sets the value of the monitoring type 2 of each registration device 200 to “M”. For example, when the value of “M” in cash register 2 (registered device 200 with device identification information “000002”) is “2”, it is associated with device identification information “000002” as shown in FIG. Set the value of the monitoring type 2 to “2”. Similarly, when the value of “M” in the register 5 (the registered device 200 with the device identification information “000005”) is “1”, it is associated with the device identification information “000005” as shown in FIG. The value of the monitoring type 2 is “1”. For a cash register having a value “M” of “0”, the value of the monitoring type 2 is set to “0 (initial value)”. Then, this flowchart ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the apparatus monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are flowcharts showing operations for controlling the display mode of an apparatus image (described later). Note that the monitoring target devices in the flowchart of FIG. 9A are the checkout device 300 and the service counter. The monitoring target device in the flowchart of FIG. 9B is the registration device 200. In addition, each flowchart of Fig.9 (a) and FIG.9 (b) is always started (every fixed time). For example, the processing may be sequentially started in the order of the flowchart of FIG. 9A and the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the monitoring device 400 sequentially switches the monitoring target devices (device identification information), and starts the flowchart of FIG. 9A for each monitoring target device (accounting device 300, service counter). The same applies to the flowchart of FIG.

Step S190: The monitoring device 400 sets the value of the monitoring type 1 of one monitoring target device (one of the payment devices 300 or the service counter) (the monitoring type 1 associated with the device identification information of the monitoring target device). It is determined whether or not the value (N) is equal to or greater than “1”. In other words, the monitoring device 400 determines whether or not the monitoring target device is related to the overtime unsettled transaction of the monitoring type 1. When the value of the monitoring type 1 of the monitoring target device is “1” or more, the process proceeds to step S191. If the value of the monitoring type 1 is not “1” or more, the process proceeds to step S201.
Step S191: The monitoring device 400 determines the color of the device image of the monitoring target device as the first warning color (green).
Step S192: Following step S191, the monitoring apparatus 400 determines whether the value (N) of the monitoring type 1 of the monitoring target apparatus is “2” or more. If the value of the monitoring type 1 is “2” or more, the process proceeds to step S193. When the value of the monitoring type 1 is not “2” or more, this flowchart ends.
Step S193: The monitoring apparatus 400 sets the error display number to “N”. And this flowchart is complete | finished. Note that N is the value of the monitoring type 1 compared in step S192.
Step S201: The monitoring device 400 determines the color of the device image of the monitoring target device as an initial color (gray). And this flowchart is complete | finished.

Step S300: The monitoring device 400 monitors the monitoring type 2 value of a certain monitoring target device (one of the registration devices 200) (the monitoring type 2 value (M) associated with the device identification information of the monitoring target device). Is determined to be greater than or equal to “1”. In other words, the monitoring device 400 determines whether or not the monitoring target device is related to the overtime unsettled transaction of the monitoring type 2. When the value of the monitoring type 2 is “1” or more, the process proceeds to step S301. If the value of the monitoring type 2 is not “1” or more, the process proceeds to step S311.
Step S301: The monitoring device 400 determines the color of the device image of the monitoring target device as the second warning color (blue).
Step S302: Following step S301, the monitoring apparatus 400 determines whether the value (M) of the monitoring type 2 of the monitoring target apparatus is “2” or more. When the value of the monitoring type 2 is “2” or more, the process proceeds to step S303. If the value of the monitoring type 2 is not “2” or more, this flowchart ends.
Step S303: The monitoring apparatus 400 sets the error display number to “M”. And this flowchart is complete | finished. Note that M is the value of the monitoring type 2 compared in step S302.
Step S311: The monitoring apparatus 400 determines the color of the apparatus image of the monitoring target apparatus as an initial color (gray). And this flowchart is complete | finished.

  FIG. 10 is an example of information displayed by the apparatus monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10A is an example of the in-store monitoring screen displayed on the monitoring device 400 based on the monitoring information of FIG. FIG. 10B to FIG. 10D are other examples of the display mode of the device image.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the in-store monitoring screen has a layout area and a list display area. In the layout area, a floor image and a device image are displayed. The floor image is an image corresponding to the actual shape of the floor in the store. The device image is an example of “information indicating the device”, and is an image displayed in each region in the floor image in accordance with the arrangement position in the actual floor. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the respective device images of the seven registration devices 200 (the device image of the register 1 (reference R1), the device image of the register 2 (reference R2),..., The device image of the register 7). (Symbol R7)) is displayed. In addition, the respective device images of 11 settlement devices 300 (the device image of the settlement machine 1 (symbol A1), the device image of the settlement machine 2 (symbol A2), ..., the device image of the register 11 (symbol A11)) are displayed. Has been. In addition, an apparatus image (symbol SC) of one service counter that can be settled is displayed.

  In FIG. 10A, plain device images (R1, R3, R4, R6, R7, which are device images of cash registers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and settlement machines 1, 3-7, 9 to 11 apparatus images A1, A3 to A7, and A9 to A11) are assumed to be displayed in gray. Assume that the device images (R2, R5 which are the device images of the cash registers 2, 5) are displayed in blue. It is assumed that the device images with the diagonal lines rising to the right (A2, A8, SC which are the device images of the settlement machines 2 and 8 and the service counter) are displayed in green. The same applies to FIGS. 10B to 10D.

  The display mode of each device image represents the state (normal or abnormal) of each device. In other words, the monitoring device 400 performs control so that the display mode of the device image is changed according to the state of each device. That is, the state of each device is notified by changing the display mode of the device image.

(Image of layout area / accounting device 300 and service counter)
In the example of FIG. 10A, the device images of the settlement machines 1, 3 to 7, and 9 to 11 are displayed in gray (initial color) for notifying that they are normal, whereas the settlement machines 2, 8. The device image of the service counter is displayed in green (first warning color).

  That is, when the monitoring apparatus 400 stores the monitoring information in the state shown in FIG. 8, for example, for the settlement machine 2, the settlement machine 8, and the service counter, according to the flowchart of FIG. Since the value of “1” is “1”, the color of the device image is determined to be green (first warning color) in step S191, and the device image is changed from gray (initial color) to green (first warning color). I am letting.

(Device image of layout area / registration device 200)
In the example of FIG. 10A, the apparatus images of the cash registers 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are displayed in gray (initial color) to notify that they are normal, whereas the cash registers 2 and 5 The device image is changed to blue (second warning color) and displayed.

  That is, when the monitoring device 400 stores the monitoring information in the state illustrated in FIG. 8, the value of the monitoring type 2 is “2” for the cash register 2, for example, according to the flowchart of FIG. 9B. Therefore, in step S301, the color of the device image is determined to be blue (second warning color), and in step S303, the error display number is determined to be “2”, and the device image is changed from gray (initial color). It is changed to blue (second warning color) including the number “2”. For the cash register 5, since the value of the monitoring type 2 is “1”, the color of the device image is determined to be blue (second warning color) in step S301, and the device image is changed from gray (initial color) to blue (initial color). (Second warning color).

  In FIG. 10A, the device image including the number of errors is displayed when the number of errors is displayed as shown in the device image of the cash register 2. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, the device image is displayed. The number of errors may be displayed in the vicinity of. 10B is another example of the device image of the cash register 2 in FIG. 10A (device image when the value of the monitoring type 2 is “2”, etc.). Note that FIG. 10C and FIG. 10D will be described later.

(List display area)
In the example of FIG. 10A, two list display areas are provided on the in-store monitoring screen. That is, an area (list display area on the left side) for displaying list information on the monitoring type 1 and the monitoring type 2 and an area (list display on the right side) for displaying list information on other error information (for example, clerk call, change near end). And (region) are provided as separate regions. In each list display area, an error list including the time of occurrence is displayed.

  Each information in the list display area is displayed in a color corresponding to the monitoring type. For example, in the example of FIG. 10A, in the list display area on the left side, the list is displayed in green (first warning color) corresponding to monitoring type 1 or blue (second warning color) corresponding to monitoring type 2. Each displayed information (display field such as time) is displayed.

  In addition, in the list display area regarding the monitoring type 1 and the monitoring type 2 shown in FIG. 10A, each error is displayed in time series so that the most recent error is at the top. Each error may be displayed in time series so that the error is at the bottom. In the area displaying the list information on other error information, each error is displayed in time series so that the most recent (latest) occurrence error is at the bottom, but the most recent occurrence error is at the top. Each error may be displayed in time series. One list display area for displaying all error information as a list may be provided on the in-store monitoring screen, or individual error information (monitoring type 1, monitoring type 2, clerk call, change near end) is listed. Four list display areas to be displayed may be provided on the in-store monitoring screen.

  Note that other error information may be displayed in the device image. For example, according to the list display area of FIG. 10 (a), since each of the checkout machines 1 and 2 has a clerk call (clerk call), as shown in FIGS. 10 (c) and 10 (d), The word “call clerk” may be added to each device image, or the word “call clerk” may be displayed near each device image. The same applies to the change near end.

  FIG. 11 is an example of information displayed by the apparatus monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it is an example of an image reproduction screen displayed on the monitoring device 400. The monitoring device 400 displays (reproduces) a captured image when a predetermined operation is performed in the layout area of the in-store monitoring screen. Specifically, when the device image is touched in the layout area, the monitoring device 400 displays an image playback screen instead of the in-store monitoring screen, and the touched device image is displayed in the playback area of the image playback screen. A captured image captured by a corresponding device or a captured image of a transaction related to the device corresponding to the touched device image is reproduced (streaming reproduction, download reproduction, etc.). The captured image of the transaction related to the device corresponding to the touched device image includes not only the captured image captured by the device corresponding to the touched device image but also a device other than the device corresponding to the touched device image. The picked-up image picked up in is also included.

(When a captured image of the checkout apparatus 300 in which no error exists is operated)
When the device image of the settlement apparatus 300 in which no error exists (for example, settlement machine 1, settlement machine 3 to settlement machine 7, settlement machine 9 to settlement machine 11 in FIG. 10A) is touched, monitoring is performed. The apparatus 400 reproduces the captured image at the time of the registration process of the settlement transaction that has been most recently settled in the settlement apparatus 300.

  For example, when the device image of the settlement machine 3 is touched, the monitoring device 400, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), at the time of registration processing of the settlement transaction that has been most recently settled in the settlement machine 3 concerned. Play back the captured image. Specifically, when the device image of the settlement machine 3 is touched, the monitoring apparatus 400 stores the storage address of the captured image at the time of registration processing of the transaction that has been most recently settled by the settlement machine 3 in the store controller 100. Request. The store controller 100 searches for the storage address in the transaction information stored by itself and responds to the monitoring device 400. The monitoring device 400 receives the storage address from the store controller 100, receives the captured image stored at the storage address from the cash register, and reproduces it. Note that “Register NO” and “Cash machine NO” on the left side of the image reproduction screen display devices related to the transaction (transaction related to the captured image being reproduced in the reproduction area). For example, in FIG. 11 (a), “Cashing machine NO. Payment machine 3” represents the payment apparatus 300 (Cashing machine 3) that has processed the transaction in which the state of the registration process is played back in the playback area. Yes. “Registration No. cash register 1” is a registration device 200 (for example, cash register 1) that registered a transaction in which the state of the registration process is being reproduced in the reproduction area, in other words, in the checkout machine 3 in the latest. The registration apparatus (for example, cash register 1) which registered the payment completed transaction which carried out the payment process is represented.

  In addition, when the device image of the settlement apparatus 300 in which no error exists is touched, the monitoring apparatus 400 replaces the captured image at the time of registration processing of the settlement transaction that has been most recently settled in the settlement apparatus 300. The captured image at the time of the settlement process of the settlement transaction that has been most recently settled in the settlement apparatus 300 may be reproduced. For example, when the device image of the settlement machine 3 is touched, the monitoring device 400 displays the captured image at the time of the settlement process of the settlement transaction that has been most recently settled in the settlement machine 3 (that is, the settlement machine 3 has The store controller 100 may be requested for the storage address of the most recently imaged transaction image), and the image stored at the storage address received from the store controller 100 may be received from the settlement machine 3 and played back. .

  In addition, when the device image of the checkout device 300 in which no error exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 performs an unsettled transaction in the checkout device 300 (that is, an unsettled transaction that does not correspond to an overtime unsettled transaction). A captured image (live image) during the checkout process may be reproduced. For example, when the device image of the checkout machine 3 is touched, the monitoring device 400 directly accesses the checkout machine 3 that has settled (or plans to settle) the unsettled transaction, and the checkout machine 3 A live image being captured may be reproduced.

  Note that the monitoring device 400 reproduces a captured image at the time of the registration process or displays a captured image (including a live image) at the time of the adjustment process when a device image of the adjustment device 300 in which no error exists is touched. You may make it select whether to reproduce. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the button “registration” and the button “accounting” are arranged on the image reproduction screen, and the captured image at the registration processing is reproduced, or the captured image at the settlement processing is reproduced. You may make it select whether to reproduce (a live image is included). For example, when the device image of the checkout machine 3 is touched, the monitoring device 400 switches the display from the in-store monitoring screen to an image reproduction screen in which the button “registration” and the button “accounting” are arranged (a captured image at the time of switching). After that, if the button “Register” is touched, the captured image at the time of registration processing is played back, and if the button “Accounting” is touched, the captured image at the time of settlement processing is played back. May be. Alternatively, when the device image of the checkout machine 3 is touched, the monitoring device 400 switches the display from the in-store monitoring screen to an image reproduction screen in which the button “registration” and the button “accounting” are arranged, and imaging at the time of registration processing When an image is reproduced and the button “accounting” is touched, a captured image at the time of settlement processing may be reproduced, or an image in which the button “registration” and the button “accounting” are arranged from the in-store monitoring screen. It is also possible to switch the display to the reproduction screen, reproduce the captured image at the time of the adjustment process, and reproduce the captured image at the time of the registration process when the button “Register” is touched.

(When a captured image of the registration device 200 in which no error exists is operated)
When the device image of the registration device 200 (for example, cash register 1, cash register 3, cash register 4, cash register 6, cash register 7 in FIG. 10A) in which no error exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 The captured image at the time of registration processing of the settlement transaction that has been most recently registered by the registration device 200 is reproduced.

  For example, when the device image of the cash register 1 is touched, the monitoring device 400 reproduces the captured image at the time of the registration process of the settlement transaction that has been most recently registered in the cash register 1. Specifically, when the device image of the cash register 1 is touched, the monitoring device 400 causes the captured image (that is, the cash register 1 to be registered at the cash register 1) to be registered at the cash register transaction most recently registered. The store controller 100 is requested for the storage address of the most recently imaged transaction image captured), and the captured image stored at the storage address received from the store controller 100 is received from the register 1 and reproduced.

  In addition, when the device image of the registration device 200 in which no error exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 replaces the captured image at the time of registration processing of the settlement transaction that has been most recently registered in the registration device 200. The captured image at the time of the settlement process of the settlement transaction most recently registered by the registration apparatus 200 may be reproduced. For example, when the device image of the cash register 1 is touched, the monitoring device 400 requests the store controller 100 for the storage address of the captured image at the time of the settlement processing of the settlement transaction most recently registered in the cash register 1. The captured image stored in the storage address received from the store controller 100 may be received from the settlement machine and reproduced.

  In addition, when the device image of the registration device 200 in which no error exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 corresponds to an unsettled transaction that has been most recently registered in the registration device 200 (that is, an unsettled transaction that has exceeded time). The captured image (live image) at the time of the settlement process of (not yet settled transaction) may be reproduced. For example, when the device image of the cash register 1 is touched, the monitoring device 400 settles the unsettled transaction most recently registered in the cash register 1 (or plans to settle) The store controller 100 is requested for an identification number (settlement device number). The store controller 100 searches for the device identification number in the transaction information stored in itself and responds to the monitoring device 400. The monitoring device 400 may directly access the settlement machine with the device identification number received from the store controller 100 and reproduce the live image being captured by the settlement machine.

  Note that, when the device image of the registration device 200 in which no error exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 performs the registration process at the time of the registration process, similarly to the case in which the device image of the settlement device 300 in which no error exists. You may make it select whether to reproduce a captured image or to reproduce a captured image (including a live image) at the time of settlement processing.

(When a captured image of the settlement apparatus 300 in which an error exists is operated)
When the device image of the settlement apparatus 300 in which an error exists (for example, the settlement machine 2, the settlement machine 8, and the service counter in FIG. 10A) is touched, the monitoring apparatus 400 is connected to the settlement apparatus 300. The captured image at the time of registration processing of the error transaction or the captured image (including the live image) captured by the settlement apparatus 300 is reproduced.

  For example, when the device image of the checkout machine 8 (same as the checkout machine 2 and the service counter) in which an error of the monitoring type 1 (overtime unsettled transaction) exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 displays the information shown in FIG. As shown in (b), the captured image at the time of registration processing of the overtime unsettled transaction in the settlement machine 8 is reproduced. Specifically, when the device image of the settlement machine 8 is touched, the monitoring device 400 requests the store controller 100 for the storage address of the captured image at the time of registration processing for the overtime unsettled transaction in the settlement machine 8. To do. The store controller 100 searches for the storage address in the transaction information stored by itself and responds to the monitoring device 400. The monitoring device 400 receives the storage address from the store controller 100, receives the captured image stored at the storage address from the cash register, and reproduces it. As described above, the “registration NO” and “settlement machine NO” on the left side of the image reproduction screen display devices related to the transaction (transaction related to the captured image reproduced in the reproduction area). In the case of 11 (b), since the transaction in which the state of the registration process is reproduced in the reproduction area is an unsettled transaction (an overtime unsettled transaction), it becomes “settlement machine NO.-”. Yes. Further, “Register No. Register 2” is a registration device 200 (for example, cash register 2) that has registered a transaction in which the state at the time of the registration process is reproduced in the reproduction area. This represents a registration device (for example, cash register 2) that has undergone registration processing. In FIG. 11B, the button “accounting” is not arranged on the image reproduction screen, but the button “accounting” may be arranged as necessary.

  In addition, when the device image of the settlement apparatus 300 in which the error of the monitoring type 1 (excessive settlement transaction overtime) exists is touched, the captured image at the time of registration processing of the overpaid settlement transaction in the settlement apparatus 300 is displayed. Instead, the captured image (live image) at the time of the settlement process of the overtime unsettled transaction in the settlement apparatus 300 may be reproduced.

(When a captured image of the registration apparatus 200 in which an error exists is operated)
When the device image of the registration device 200 in which an error exists (for example, cash register 2 and cash register 5 in FIG. 10A) is touched, the monitoring device 400 displays the transaction of the error in the registration device 200. Play back the captured image during the registration process.

  For example, when the device image of the cash register 2 (same as the cash register 5) in which an error of the monitoring type 2 (excess settlement of overtime) exists is touched, the monitoring device 400 indicates that the time over in the cash register 2 has not been exceeded. The captured image at the time of the settlement transaction registration process is reproduced.

  In addition, when the device image of the registration device 200 (for example, cash register 5) in which a plurality of monitoring type 2 (overtime unsettled transaction) errors exist is touched, the registration device 200 is not overtimed. Since there are a plurality of transaction errors (two transactions in the case of the cash register 5), the monitoring apparatus 400 may select which of the time-over unsettled transactions is to be reproduced. For example, when the device image of the cash register 5 is touched, the monitoring device 400 displays the transaction identification information (account number) of the overtime unpaid transaction in the cash register 5 on the image reproduction screen so as to be selectable, Thereafter, the captured image at the time of registration processing of the overtime unsettled transaction selected by the transaction identification information or the like may be reproduced. Alternatively, when the device image of the cash register 5 is touched, the monitoring device 400 displays the transaction identification information of the overtime unsettled transaction, etc. on the image reproduction screen so as to be selectable, and any one of the overtime unsettled transactions in advance. A captured image at the time of registration processing (for example, a transaction that has not been settled for a long time since the registration completion date and time) may be reproduced and switched to another captured image according to the selection.

  The example in which the captured image is reproduced when the device image in the layout area of the in-store monitoring screen is touched has been described, but the captured image related to the error specified in the list display area of the in-store monitoring screen may be reproduced. Good.

  For example, according to the list display area of FIG. 10A, since there is a clerk call (clerk call) in the checkout machine 1 (same as the checkout machine 2), when the error information is touched, the monitoring device 400 may reproduce the captured image (live image) being captured by the checkout machine 1. Further, since the settlement machine 9 is a change near end, the monitoring device 400 may reproduce the captured image (live image) being captured by the settlement machine 9 when the error information is touched.

  Next, a change in the color of the device image will be described using a specific example. Note that at a certain time T3, it is assumed that no error exists in any of the registration devices 200 and any of the checkout devices 300 in the store. That is, at time T3, 0 (initial value) is set for the monitoring information (value for each monitoring target device and each monitoring type) stored in the monitoring device 400, and each device image on the in-store monitoring screen is gray (initial color). Is displayed. Time T3 is unrelated to time T1 and time T2.

(Specific example 1)
For example, at time T4 after time T3, for a transaction for which registration processing has been completed in a certain registration apparatus 200 (transaction specifying a certain settlement apparatus 300), settlement within a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (apparatus designation date and time or ticketing date and time). If the process is not completed, the monitoring apparatus 400 sets the value of the monitoring type 1 of the designated settlement apparatus 300 to “1” (step S32 in FIG. 7). Subsequently, since the value of the monitoring type 1 of the settlement apparatus 300 is “0”, the monitoring apparatus 400 determines the color of the apparatus image of the settlement apparatus 300 to be green (first warning color) ( In step S191 in FIG. 9, the color of the apparatus image of the settlement apparatus 300 is changed from gray (initial color) to green (first warning color). Therefore, it can be grasped at a glance that the overtime unsettled transaction has occurred and where the apparatus related to the overtime unsettled transaction is arranged in the store. When the device image in green (first warning color) is touched, the monitoring device 400 reproduces, for example, a captured image at the time of registration processing for the overtime unsettled transaction.

  After the time T4, when the settlement process is completed in the settlement apparatus 300, the settlement completion date and settlement receipt number are stored in the store controller 100. Therefore, the monitoring apparatus 400 sets the value of the monitoring type 1 of the settlement apparatus 300 to “0” (step S32 in FIG. 7). Subsequently, since the monitoring type 1 of the settlement apparatus 300 has a value of “0”, the monitoring apparatus 400 determines the color of the apparatus image of the settlement apparatus 300 to be gray (initial color) (FIG. 9). In step S201, the color of the device image of the checkout device 300 is changed (returned) from green (first warning color) to gray (initial color).

(Specific example 2)
Also, for example, at time T4 after time T3, for a transaction for which registration processing has been completed in a certain registration apparatus 200 (transaction not specifying a certain settlement apparatus 300), the settlement process starts within a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (ticketing date and time). If not, the monitoring device 400 sets the value of the monitoring type 2 of the registration device 200 to “1” (step S42 in FIG. 7). Subsequently, since the value of the monitoring type 2 of the registration device 200 is “1”, the monitoring device 400 determines the color of the device image of the registration device 200 to be blue (second warning color) ( In step S301 in FIG. 9, the color of the device image of the registration device 200 is changed from gray (initial color) to blue (second warning color). Therefore, it can be grasped at a glance that the overtime unsettled transaction has occurred and where the apparatus related to the overtime unsettled transaction is arranged in the store. When the device image in blue (second warning color) is touched, the monitoring device 400, for example, during the registration process of the overtime unsettled transaction (taken by the registration device 200 of the device image) Captured image) is reproduced.

  When the settlement process is started in a certain settlement apparatus 300 at time T5 after time T4, the settlement date / time (reading date / time, start operation date / time) is stored in the store controller 100. Therefore, the monitoring device 400 sets the value of the monitoring type 2 of the registration device 200 to “0” (step S42 in FIG. 7). Subsequently, since the value of the monitoring type 2 of the registration device 200 is “0”, the monitoring device 400 determines the color of the device image of the registration device 200 to be gray (initial color) (FIG. 9). In step S311), the color of the device image of the registration device 200 is changed (returned) from blue (second warning color) to gray (initial color).

  In addition, after the time T5, in the settlement apparatus 300 in which the settlement process is started, if the settlement process is not completed within a predetermined time from the settlement start date and time, the monitoring apparatus 400 sets the monitoring type 1 of the settlement apparatus 300. The value is set to “1” (step S32 in FIG. 7). Subsequently, since the value of the monitoring type 1 of the settlement apparatus 300 is “1”, the monitoring apparatus 400 determines that the color of the apparatus image of the settlement apparatus 300 is green (first warning color) ( In step S191 in FIG. 9, the color of the apparatus image of the settlement apparatus 300 is changed from gray (initial color) to green (first warning color).

  Note that an unsettled transaction for which no settlement device is specified is regarded as an overdue unsettled transaction when the settlement process is not completed within a predetermined time from the settlement start date (reading date, start operation date) (step of FIG. 7). S31) When the settlement process is not completed within a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (ticketing date and time), it may be an overtime unsettled transaction.

  For an unsettled transaction that does not specify a settlement device, in a mode in which the settlement process is not completed within a predetermined time from the settlement start date and time (reading date and time and start operation date and time), the transaction is registered in a certain registration device 200. In a certain settlement apparatus 300, for a transaction that has been processed (transaction without specifying the settlement apparatus) and for which the settlement process has not started within a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (ticketing date and time), When the checkout process is started, the device image of the registration device 200 changes from blue (second warning color) to gray (initial color) as described above, but the device image of the checkout device 300 is gray. (The initial color) remains the same (however, the predetermined time with the registration completion date and time as the starting date and time is different from the predetermined time with the payment start date and time as the starting date and time, and the checkout process is started. If the predetermined time has already passed since the settlement start date and time, the settlement is performed when the device image of the registration device 200 changes from blue (second warning color) to gray (initial color). The device image of the device 300 changes from gray (initial color) to green (first warning color)). On the other hand, in the case of an unsettled transaction for which an unsettled transaction is not specified, in a case where the settlement process is not completed within a predetermined time from the registration completion date and time (ticketing date and time), an overtime unsettled transaction is performed. The device image changes from blue (second warning color) to gray (initial color), and the device image of the settlement apparatus 300 changes from gray (initial color) to green (first warning color).

  As described above, according to the device monitoring system, it is possible to grasp at a glance a device related to a highly probable transaction that should have been settled but is not yet settled. Specifically, the device displayed in the layout area of the in-store monitoring screen shown in FIG. 10A by the registered device number and the settlement device number in the transaction list screen shown in FIG. 6B. According to the display mode of the image, it is possible to grasp at a glance a device related to the overtime unsettled transaction.

  In the above description, the first warning color is green and the second warning color is blue. However, other colors may be used as the respective warning colors. Further, in the above description, the error occurrence status is notified by the color of the device image, but the error occurrence status may be notified by a display mode other than the color. For example, the occurrence status of the error may be notified by the pattern of the device image. Further, for example, the occurrence status of the error may be notified by the presence / absence of blinking of the device image and the manner of blinking (for example, blinking speed, blinking pattern).

  In the above description, information related to clerk calling and change near-end is displayed in the list display area of the in-store monitoring screen, but the information displayed in the list display area is not limited to the above. For example, information on change near full may be displayed in the list display area.

  In the above description, an unsettled transaction for which a predetermined time has passed is defined as an overtime unsettled transaction. However, a plurality of types of overtime unsettled transactions may be set according to the degree to which the predetermined time has passed. For example, when setting two types of overtime unsettled transactions, the unsettled transaction that has passed the first predetermined time is set as the first overtime unsettled transaction, and the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time has elapsed. The unsettled transaction that has been made may be the second time excess unsettled transaction. In addition, when setting multiple types of overtime unsettled transactions that differ in degree after a predetermined period of time, set different monitoring types for each overtimed unsettled transaction, etc. The display mode (color, pattern, etc.) of the device image may be varied depending on the unsettled transaction. For example, when setting the first overtime unsettled transaction and the second overtime unsettled transaction, the device image of the registration device related to the first overtime unsettled transaction is displayed in light blue (light blue). The color of the device image 200 related to the second time excess unsettled transaction may be amber (dark blue).

  The “device image” has been described as an example of “information indicating the device”, but the “device image” may not be the image shown in FIG. 10 but may be a mark or the like. For example, a square 1 (one in a square, hereinafter the same) is a cash register 1, a square 2 is a cash register 2, a circle 1 (one in a circle, the same below) is a checkout machine 1, The circle 2 may be the checkout machine 2. In addition, the “device image” may be arranged on the floor image as a so-called object (such as an icon or a thumbnail), or may be distinguished from others (for example, color-coded) in the floor image. May be referred to as a device image. Further, the “information indicating the device” is not limited to an image or a mark but may be a character or a symbol. For example, the wording “registry 1” may be displayed in the area of the floor image corresponding to the arrangement position of the cash register 1, and the wording “accounting machine 1” may be displayed in the area of the floor image corresponding to the arrangement position of the payment machine 1. . In addition, when using the word “registry 1” or the word “settlement machine 1” as “information indicating the device”, the character display mode (character color, character size) according to the state of each device. The thickness of the character, the decoration of the character such as italic, underline and underline, and the blinking of the character may be changed.

  In the above description, as the predetermined time for determining (specifying) whether or not the transaction is an overtime unsettled transaction, the predetermined time with the registration completion date and time (device specified date and time or ticketing date and time) as the starting date and time, and the settlement start date and time (reading date and time) , The start operation date and time) is a predetermined time. The predetermined times may be different times. The predetermined time when the device designation date and time is the registration completion date and time may be different from the predetermined time when the ticket issue date and time is the registration completion date and time. Similarly, the predetermined time when the reading date and time is the settlement start date and time and the predetermined time when the start operation date and time is the settlement start date and time may be different.

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 11, the image reproduction screen has one reproduction area (a common reproduction area for reproducing a captured image at the time of registration processing or settlement processing). It may have a playback area (a dedicated playback area for playing back a captured image at the time of registration processing, or a dedicated playback area for playing back a captured image at the time of settlement processing). The captured image and the captured image at the time of the adjustment process may be reproduced simultaneously.

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 11, “Register NO” and “Cash machine NO” are displayed on the left side of the image reproduction screen, but the display location may not be on the left side. Further, clerk identification information for identifying the clerk who registered the transaction may be displayed on the image reproduction screen (for example, under “Register NO”). For example, before the store clerk starts operation on the registration device 200, a barcode indicating the store clerk identification information (for example, a barcode printed on a name tag) is read and stored by the scanner unit 204, and in each registration process By storing the clerk identification information in association with the transaction identification information, the clerk identification information for identifying the clerk who registered the transaction in which the state of the registration process (or the checkout process) is reproduced may be displayed. .

  In the above description, the information required for the checkout process is two-dimensionally encoded and printed on a printing medium as a bill of payment. However, a readable / writable card storing the information required for the checkout process is used as the bill of payment. Also good.

  In the above description, the registration device 200 has provided the information necessary for the settlement process to the settlement apparatus 300 via the bill, but the information necessary for the settlement process is provided to the settlement apparatus 300 via the LAN 110. May be provided. For example, when the settlement apparatus 300 is designated, the registration apparatus 200 directly receives a part of information necessary for the settlement process from the registration apparatus 200 to the settlement apparatus 300 (numbered instead of the bill number). Transaction identification information) or all of them. When the payment apparatus 300 receives a part of information necessary for the payment process from the registration apparatus 200, the payment apparatus 300 may receive information necessary for another payment process from the store controller 100.

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 5B, the imaging unit 312 of the checkout apparatus 300 generates a captured image focused on the deposit / withdrawal operation by the customer, but in addition to the deposit / withdrawal operation by the customer, Alternatively, a captured image in which the customer's appearance and clothes can be confirmed may be generated.

  In the above description, an image is taken for each transaction (customer) and an image for each transaction is stored. However, an image is captured through a plurality of transactions and an image position (start position, end position) for each transaction is stored. It is good. As described above, in the aspect of imaging through a plurality of transactions, the captured image is reproduced from the imaging position of the desired transaction. A still image may be taken instead of a moving image. For example, one or more still images may be captured in one transaction, and the one or more still images may be stored in association with the transaction identification information.

  In the above description, the captured image captured by each registration device 200 is stored in each registration device 200, but may be stored in one representative registration device 200 or another device (store). The data may be transmitted to the controller 100, the monitoring apparatus 400, and the payment apparatus 300) and stored in another apparatus. The same applies to the picked-up images picked up by each settlement apparatus 300.

  In the above description, the registration apparatus 200 includes one imaging unit 212, but may include two or more imaging units 212. That is, each registration device 200 may simultaneously capture images with a plurality of cameras having different imaging ranges and imaging angles. For example, the registration apparatus 200 may capture images simultaneously with a camera that generates a captured image for confirming the customer's appearance, clothes, and the like and a camera for confirming the purchased product. The same applies to the settlement apparatus 300. In the case where images are simultaneously captured by a plurality of cameras, any camera (or a captured image captured by any one of the cameras) can be designated when reproducing a captured image of a certain transaction. Good.

  In the above description, the registration device 200 includes one image capturing unit 212. However, the registration device 200 does not include the image capturing unit 212, and can capture an image captured by the image capturing unit 212. (Camera) may be installed separately from the registration device 200. For example, one or a plurality of imaging units may be installed on the ceiling, wall, pillar, shelf, etc. of the store, and a captured image similar to the captured image by the imaging unit 212 may be generated. One imaging unit installed on the ceiling or the like may be assigned to one registration device 200 one by one, or a plurality of imaging units may be assigned to a plurality of registration devices 200. Similarly, the settlement apparatus 300 may not include the imaging unit 312, and an imaging unit that can generate a captured image similar to the captured image by the imaging unit 312 may be installed separately from the registration device 200. As a method for controlling one or more image capturing units installed on the ceiling or the like, for example, the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 have timing information for each transaction (information for instructing image capture start, image capture end, start position, end position) Is transmitted to the camera control device (for example, the store controller 100 or another device), and the camera control device captures one or more images installed on the ceiling or the like according to the timing information. The unit may be controlled. Note that when the camera control device controls one or more imaging units installed on the ceiling or the like, the camera control device may store the captured image.

  In the above description, there is an example in which both the case where the registration apparatus 200 designates the settlement apparatus 300 and the case where the settlement apparatus 300 is not designated exist (mixed), but the registration apparatus 200 always designates the settlement apparatus 300. Alternatively, the registration apparatus 200 may not always specify the settlement apparatus 300. Note that when there is no case where both designation and non-designation exist, it is not necessary to determine whether or not designation is made, so the store controller 100 does not need to store the device designation flag.

  In the above description, the registration process and the settlement process are executed by different apparatuses (registration apparatus 200 and settlement apparatus 300). However, the registration process and the settlement process are performed on the same apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a registration settlement apparatus). May be executed. In order to keep track of overdue transactions in the registration settlement device, the registration settlement device is in a stage where the registration process of a certain transaction has been completed (for example, after registering all purchased products, Information relating to the registration process in the transaction is transmitted to the store controller 100 at the stage where the transaction is pressed, and the settlement in the transaction is completed at the stage where the settlement process of the transaction is completed (for example, when a settlement receipt is issued). Information related to processing may be transmitted to the store controller 100. It should be noted that there are a mode in which the clerk performs registration processing and settlement processing using the registration settlement apparatus and a mode in which the customer himself performs registration processing and settlement processing using the registration settlement apparatus (or the clerk However, there is a case where there is a registration and settlement device for the customer and a customer's registration and settlement device. Checkout device).

  In the above description, a transaction for which registration processing has been completed and settlement processing has not been completed is regarded as an unsettled transaction, and the registration processing has been completed. In the case where the unpaid transaction for which the settlement process has not been completed within a predetermined time is regarded as an overtime unsettled transaction, the registration process starts when the registration settlement apparatus executes the registration process and the settlement process. Transactions that have been completed and the settlement process has not been completed are regarded as unsettled transactions, and transactions that have been registered and have not completed the settlement process within a specified period of time are not settled. It is good. In order to grasp an unsettled transaction that has not been completed within a predetermined time and is a transaction for which registration processing has been started, for example, the registration settlement apparatus may start a registration process for a certain transaction ( For example, at the stage when the first purchased product is registered), information related to the registration process in the transaction (may be only information that can be acquired) may be transmitted to the store controller 100.

  In the above embodiment, the monitoring device 400 identifies an unsettled transaction that has exceeded time (see FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D), and displays a transaction list screen (see FIG. 6B) and in-store monitoring. In the screen (see FIG. 10 (a)), the example in which the registration device 200 that performed the registration process for the overtime unsettled transaction or the settlement device 300 that completes the settlement process for the overtime unsettled transaction has been described in an identifiable manner. However, other devices may execute.

  For example, in addition to the monitoring device 400, the store controller 100 may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen (even if both the monitoring device 400 and the store controller 100 display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen). Good). Note that in the case where the transaction list screen and the in-store monitoring screen are displayed on both the monitoring device 400 and the store controller 100, the store controller 100 may specify the overdue unpaid transaction instead of the monitoring device 400. The monitoring information (see FIG. 8) may be stored.

  Further, the store controller 100 may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen instead of the monitoring device 400 (the store controller 100 may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen). That is, the monitoring device 400 stores the overdue unsettled transaction and the monitoring information (see FIG. 8), but the store controller 100 displays the transaction list screen and the in-store monitoring screen, and the monitoring device 400 displays the transaction list screen. And the in-store monitoring screen need not be displayed.

  Moreover, the registration apparatus 200 may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen. For example, the monitoring device 400 (or store controller 100) identifies an overdue unsettled transaction, the monitoring device 400 (or store controller 100) stores monitoring information, and adds to the monitoring device 400 (and / or store controller 100). Alternatively, the registration device 200 may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen. The transaction list screen and the in-store monitoring screen may be displayed on all the registration devices 200 in the store, or the transaction list screen and the in-store monitoring screen may be displayed on a predetermined specific registration device 200. Similarly, the settlement apparatus 300 may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen, and when installing a registered settlement apparatus, the registration settlement apparatus may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen. .

  Further, the monitoring device 400 may not be installed. In the case of a mode in which the monitoring device 400 is not installed, for example, the store controller 100 may identify the overdue unsettled transaction and store the monitoring information. In addition, when the store controller 100 specifies an unsettled transaction that has exceeded time and stores monitoring information, the store controller 100, the registration device 200 (all or part), the settlement device 300 (all or part) ) When installing a registration settlement apparatus, at least one of the registration settlement apparatuses (all or a part) may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen.

  Moreover, in the aspect which does not install the monitoring apparatus 400, a certain representative registration apparatus 200 (one predetermined registration apparatus 200) may specify the overdue unsettled transaction and store the monitoring information. In addition, when a representative registration device 200 identifies an overtime unpaid transaction and stores monitoring information, the store controller 100, the registration device 200 (all, a part, or a representative), and the payment device 300 In the case of installing a registration settlement apparatus (all or a part), a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen may be displayed on at least one of the registration settlement apparatuses (all or a part). Alternatively, in a mode in which the monitoring apparatus 400 is not installed, similarly, a representative settlement apparatus 300 may identify an overtime unsettled transaction, store monitoring information, or install a registered settlement apparatus. A representative registration and settlement apparatus may display a transaction list screen or an in-store monitoring screen.

  In addition, in a device capable of displaying an in-store monitoring screen or the like, the bar code indicating the clerk identification information is read by the scanner unit 204, so that the in-store monitoring screen or the like is displayed only in the case of a specific store clerk operation. You may allow it. Or you may permit reproduction | regeneration of a captured image only in the case of operation of a specific shop assistant.

  In addition, it can switch to the screen which confirms the transaction information in each apparatus, and the change amount (stored number) for every denomination from the main menu of a shop monitoring screen (FIG. 10).

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design and the like within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the invention. The following notes are disclosed regarding the device monitoring system shown in the above embodiment.

(Additional item 1)
In an apparatus monitoring system for monitoring a system that executes a registration process and a checkout process for purchased products, a transaction for which the registration process has been started and the checkout process has not yet been completed within a predetermined time. And specifying means for specifying the device that has executed the registration process or the device that completes the checkout process for the time-over unsettled transaction specified by the specifying means. The device monitoring system is characterized in that the specifying means specifies the time-exceeded unsettled transaction based on information generated in the registration process or information generated in the checkout process.

(Appendix 2)
The device monitoring system includes at least a registration device that executes the registration processing, and a payment device that executes the payment processing by a customer's operation, the registration device registering a purchased product, and the registration A medium output unit that outputs a medium from which information of the purchased product registered in the transaction can be read out for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased product is completed by the means, and the settlement apparatus includes the medium output unit Read means for reading the output medium, and checkout means for paying out based on information on purchased products read from the medium read by the read means, and the specifying means is generated in the checkout process Information generated at the time of reading the medium as information that is a transaction in which the medium is output by the medium output means within a predetermined time A transaction in which a recording medium is not read is specified as the overtime unsettled transaction, and the notification unit notifies the registration device that has performed the registration process for the overtime unsettled transaction so as to be specified. The apparatus monitoring system according to appendix 1.

(Additional Item 3)
The device monitoring system includes at least a registration device that executes the registration processing, and a payment device that executes the payment processing by a customer's operation, the registration device registering a purchased product, and the registration A medium output unit that outputs a medium from which information of the purchased product registered in the transaction can be read out for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased product is completed by the means, and the settlement apparatus includes the medium output unit Read means for reading the output medium, and checkout means for paying out based on information on purchased products read from the medium read by the read means, and the specifying means is generated in the checkout process The information generated at the completion of the checkout is used as the information to be processed, and is a transaction in which the medium is read by the reading means and is processed within a predetermined time. The transaction that has not been completed is identified as the overtime unsettled transaction, and the informing means informs the settlement device that has read the medium so that the settlement process is completed for the overtime unsettled transaction. The apparatus monitoring system as set forth in appendix 1, wherein:

(Appendix 4)
The device monitoring system includes at least a registration device that executes the registration processing, and a payment device that executes the payment processing by a customer's operation, the registration device registering a purchased product, and the registration Specifying means for specifying the settlement apparatus for completing the settlement process for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased commodity has been completed by the means, wherein the settlement apparatus is information on the purchased commodity registered by the registration section A checkout means for paying out based on the information, and the specifying means uses the information generated at the completion of the checkout as information generated in the checkout process, and the checkout device is specified by the specifying means A transaction that has not been settled within a predetermined time is identified as the overtime unsettled transaction, and the notification means Device monitoring system according to Note 1, wherein the said complete the checkout process, to identify possible notify the designated the settlement apparatus.

(Appendix 5)
The specifying unit specifies the time-exceeded unsettled transaction in which the registration process is completed, using information generated when the registration process is completed as information generated in the registration process. The apparatus monitoring system according to 1.

  According to the above configuration, since the over-time unsettled transaction for which the registration process has been completed is specified by the specifying unit, a device related to a highly probable transaction that should be settled but still unsettled ( The device that has executed the transaction, the device that is executing the transaction, and the device that is to execute the transaction can be grasped at a glance.

(Appendix 6)
The display device further includes a display unit that displays a floor image of the in-store floor, and at least displays information indicating a device of the registration device in each area of the floor image corresponding to a position of the registration device. The notification means displays the information indicating the device of the registration device that has executed the registration processing for the overtime unsettled transaction so as to be distinguishable from the information indicating the other device. Equipment monitoring system.

  According to the above configuration, information (for example, a device image) indicating the device of each registration device is displayed on each area of the floor image corresponding to the arrangement position of each registration device by the display device, and time is displayed by the notification device. Since the information indicating the device of the registration device that has performed the registration process for the excess unsettled transaction is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the information indicating other devices (displayed in a different display mode), it should be settled. It is possible to grasp at a glance the arrangement position in the store of a device related to a highly probable transaction that has not yet been settled (registration device that has performed registration processing for an overtime unsettled transaction).

(Appendix 7)
The image processing device further includes an image capturing unit that captures an image of a registration process in the registration device, and a playback unit that reproduces a captured image of the registration device that is notified by the notification unit during the registration process of the overtime unsettled transaction. Item 2. The device monitoring system according to item 2 or 6, wherein

  According to the above configuration, imaging at the time of registration processing of a device related to a transaction with a high probability of being settled but still unsettled (a registration device that has performed registration processing for an overtime unsettled transaction) The image can be confirmed.

(Appendix 8)
It is possible to distinguish between imaging means for imaging the registration process in the registration apparatus, designation means for designating the registration apparatus by information indicating the apparatus displayed by the display means, and information indicating the other apparatus. When the information indicating the displayed device is designated, reproduction means for reproducing a captured image at the time of registration processing of the overtime unsettled transaction in the registration device corresponding to the information indicating the designated device The apparatus monitoring system according to item 6, further comprising:

  According to the above configuration, by specifying the registration device by information indicating the device in the floor image (for example, the device image), it is possible to reproduce the captured image at the time of registration processing of the overtime unpaid transaction in the registration device. Therefore, it is easy to take an image at the time of registration processing of a device (registration device that performed registration processing for overtime unsettled transactions) related to transactions that are likely to be settled but still unsettled. The image can be confirmed.

(Appendix 9)
The display further includes display means for displaying a floor image of the floor in the store, and at least displaying information indicating the device of each of the payment devices in each area of the floor image corresponding to the arrangement position of each of the payment devices, The informing means displays the information indicating the device of the settlement apparatus that completes the settlement process for the overdue unsettled transaction so as to be distinguishable from the information indicating the other apparatus. Item 5. The apparatus monitoring system according to Item 4.

  According to the above configuration, the display means displays information (for example, apparatus image) indicating the apparatus of each settlement apparatus in each area of the floor image corresponding to the arrangement position of each settlement apparatus, and the notification section displays time information. The information indicating the device of the settlement device that completes the settlement process for the excess unsettled transaction is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the information indicating other devices (displayed in a different display mode), so it should be settled. It is possible to grasp at a glance the arrangement position in the store of a device related to a highly probable transaction that is still unsettled (a settlement device that is to perform a settlement process for an overtime unsettled transaction).

(Appendix 10)
Imaging means for imaging the state during registration processing in the registration device; and reproduction means for reproducing the captured image during registration processing of the overtime unsettled transaction to be completed in the settlement device notified by the notification unit. Furthermore, the apparatus monitoring system in any one of the additional clause 3, the additional clause 4, or the additional clause 9 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the above configuration, imaging at the time of registration processing of a device related to a transaction with a high probability of being settled but still unsettled (a registration device that has performed registration processing for an overtime unsettled transaction) The image can be confirmed.

(Appendix 11)
It is possible to distinguish between imaging means for imaging the state of registration processing in the registration apparatus, designation means for designating the settlement apparatus by information indicating the apparatus displayed by the display means, and information indicating other apparatuses. Reproduction means for reproducing the captured image at the time of registration processing of the overtime unsettled transaction to be completed in the settlement apparatus corresponding to the information indicating the designated apparatus when the information indicating the displayed apparatus is designated The apparatus monitoring system according to item 9, further comprising:

  According to the above configuration, by specifying the settlement apparatus by information (for example, apparatus image) indicating the apparatus in the floor image, it is possible to reproduce the captured image at the time of the registration process of the overtime unsettled transaction in the settlement apparatus. Therefore, it is easy to take an image at the time of registration processing of a device (registration device that performed registration processing for overtime unsettled transactions) related to transactions that are likely to be settled but still unsettled. The image can be confirmed.

(Appendix 12)
In a monitoring device that monitors a system that executes a registration process and a checkout process for purchased products, a transaction for which the registration process has been started and the checkout process has not yet been completed within a predetermined time period. A specifying means for specifying, and a notification means for notifying the device that has executed the registration process or the device for completing the checkout process for the time-over unsettled transaction specified by the specifying means, The specifying means specifies the time-over unsettled transaction based on information generated in the registration process or information generated in the checkout process.

  According to the above configuration, the same effect as in Supplementary Item 1 can be obtained. Note that the monitoring device 400 identifies an overtime unsettled transaction and displays an in-store monitoring screen or the like (that is, the registration device 200 that performed the registration process for the overtime unsettled transaction or completes the settlement process for the overtime unsettled transaction) In the case of an aspect in which the settlement apparatus 300 is specified in an identifiable manner, the monitoring apparatus 400 corresponds to the monitoring apparatus of the supplementary item 12. In the case where the store controller 100 identifies an overtime unsettled transaction and displays an in-store monitoring screen or the like, the store controller 100 corresponds to the monitoring device of the supplementary item 12. In the case where the registration device 200 identifies the overtime unsettled transaction and displays the in-store monitoring screen or the like, the registration device 200 corresponds to the monitoring device of the supplementary item 12. In the case where the settlement apparatus 300 identifies an overtime unsettled transaction and displays an in-store monitoring screen or the like, the settlement apparatus 300 corresponds to the monitoring apparatus of the supplementary item 12. In the case where the registered settlement apparatus identifies the overtime unsettled transaction and displays the in-store monitoring screen or the like, the registered settlement apparatus corresponds to the monitoring apparatus of the supplementary item 12.

  The program for executing each process of the apparatus monitoring system of the present invention is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed. You may perform the various process mentioned above which concerns on each process of the apparatus monitoring system of invention. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used. The “computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk built in a computer system, etc. This is a storage device.

  Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” means a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic DRAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Random Access Memory)), etc., which hold programs for a certain period of time. The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Store controller 110 ... LAN 200 ... Registration apparatus (registration) 201 ... CPU 202 ... ROM 203 ... RAM 204 ... Scanner part 205 ... Clerk display part 206 ... Customer display part 207 ... Operation part 208 ... Communication part 209 ... Buzzer DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 210 ... Printing part 211 ... Hard disk 212 ... Image pick-up part (camera) 300 ... Checking apparatus (settlement machine) 301 ... CPU 302 ... ROM 303 ... RAM 304 ... Scanner part 305 ... Display part 307 ... Operation part 308 ... Communication part 309 ... Buzzer DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 310 ... Printing part 311 ... Hard disk 312 ... Imaging part (camera) 320 ... Deposit / withdrawal part 321 ... Sign pole part 400 ... Monitoring apparatus

Claims (4)

In a device monitoring system that monitors a system that performs registration processing and settlement processing of purchased products,
A specifying means for identifying a transaction that has started the registration process and that has not yet completed the settlement process within a predetermined period of time;
About the time-over unsettled transaction specified by the specifying unit, the device that has performed the registration process, or a notification unit that notifies the device that completes the checkout process can be specified, the specifying unit,
The apparatus monitoring system characterized by specifying as said time-over unsettled transaction based on the information produced | generated in the said registration process, or the information produced | generated in the said adjustment process. The device monitoring system includes:
At least a registration device that executes the registration process, and a payment device that executes the payment process by a customer operation,
The registration device includes a registration unit for registering a purchased product, and a medium output for outputting a medium from which information of the purchased product registered in the transaction can be read for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased product has been completed by the registration unit. Means,
The settlement apparatus includes a reading unit that reads the medium output by the medium output unit, and a settlement unit that performs settlement based on information on purchased products read from the medium read by the reading unit,
The specifying means is a transaction in which the medium is output by the medium output means using information generated when the medium is read as information generated in the settlement process, and the medium is read within a predetermined time. Identify transactions that have not been accounted for as overtime unsettled transactions,
The apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the registration apparatus that has performed the registration process for the overtime unsettled transaction so as to be specified. The device monitoring system includes:
At least a registration device that executes the registration process, and a payment device that executes the payment process by a customer operation,
The registration device includes a registration unit for registering a purchased product, and a medium output for outputting a medium from which information of the purchased product registered in the transaction can be read for each transaction for which the registration of the purchased product has been completed by the registration unit. Means,
The settlement apparatus includes a reading unit that reads the medium output by the medium output unit, and a settlement unit that performs settlement based on information on purchased products read from the medium read by the reading unit,
The specifying means uses the information generated at the completion of the checkout as the information generated in the checkout process, and is a transaction in which the medium is read by the reading means, and the checkout is completed within a predetermined time. Identify no transactions as unsettled transactions over time,
2. The apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the informing means informs the settlement apparatus that has read the medium, which completes the settlement process for the overtime unsettled transaction, in an identifiable manner. The device monitoring system includes:
At least a registration device that executes the registration process, and a payment device that executes the payment process by a customer operation,
The registration device includes registration means for registering purchased products, and designation means for designating the settlement device for completing the settlement process for each transaction for which registration of the purchased products has been completed by the registration means,
The settlement apparatus includes a settlement unit that performs settlement based on information on the purchased product registered by the registration unit,
The specifying means uses the information generated at the completion of the checkout as the information generated in the checkout process, and the checkout device is specified by the specifying means and the checkout is completed within a predetermined time. A transaction that has not been accounted for as an overdue unsettled transaction,
2. The apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the informing means informs the specified settlement apparatus that specifies the settlement apparatus for completing the settlement process for the overtime unsettled transaction.

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