JP2017167662A - System for calculating waiting time in automatic cash registration machine, waiting time calculation device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system capable of correctly estimating a waiting time on a register.SOLUTION: A system is configured so that: when a terminal determines that the terminal is in the vicinity of a register on the basis of the position of the terminal, the terminal sends article feature information indicating a feature of an article acquired based on an image of the article; a waiting time calculation device identifies an article classification name from the article feature information received from the terminal, registers a classification name of the article in a processed article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for every article for which account settlement processing is going to be performed, then updates an account settlement processing time list on the basis of the account settlement processing time required for performing account settlement processing, for every classification name of article received from the register, deletes the article classification name for which account settlement processing has been performed on the register from the processed article list, refers to an account settlement processing time table for calculating a total processing time obtained by totalizing the account settlement processing time for every article classification name registered in the processed article list, as a waiting time and then notifies of the total processing time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for calculating a waiting time in an automatic cash register, a waiting time calculating apparatus, and a method.

  In a store such as a department store or a supermarket, a customer who uses the store moves to a cash register (also called an automatic cash register or cash register) with a product to purchase, and performs a checkout process for the product.

  If the store is crowded with a large number of customers, there may be a queue of customers waiting for checkout at the cash register.

  For example, in the evening supermarket, even if a large number of cash registers are arranged in a store, a long line by customers may occur at each cash register.

  Therefore, it has been proposed to display the expected waiting time for customers lining up at the cash register and guide the customer to a cash register with relatively little congestion.

  For example, a weight sensor is placed at the bottom of the basket where the product is placed, and the number of products placed in the basket is estimated by detecting an increase in weight due to the product being placed in the basket. A system has been proposed for obtaining a waiting time based on the number of items. Then, the system guides the customer to a cash register with a low waiting time by displaying the waiting time of each cash register.

  In addition, a system has been proposed in which a camera placed on the ceiling of a cash register is used to take an image of a basket possessed by a customer and detect the type and score of the product in the basket. Then, it has been proposed to obtain the waiting time of the cash register based on the number of products in the basket held by the customers at each cash register.

JP 2014-235530 A JP 2010-280468 A JP 2006-236145 A JP 2011-96140 A JP 2013-37452 A

  In a system that estimates the number of items in a basket using a weight sensor located at the bottom of the basket, the apparent weight of the product is increased by the inertia of the product when the basket is lifted up or down. Since an increase or a decrease is detected, there is a possibility that an erroneous detection of the product score may occur.

  Also, obtaining the waiting time of the cash register based on the number of items in the basket may not provide an accurate waiting time. The product checkout time at the cash register varies depending on the type of product. For example, in order to prevent the smell of fresh fish or meat from being transferred to other products, the product is often packaged at the cash register together with the product's checkout process. Often longer than other products. Therefore, it is likely that waiting time errors will occur if the settlement time for a product at a cash register is regarded as uniform regardless of the type of product.

  Even in the system that detects the type and score of the product in the basket by photographing inside the basket possessed by the customer, the waiting time of the cash register is obtained based on the score of the product in the basket. Have problems.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a system that can accurately estimate the waiting time of a cash register.

  According to one aspect of the system disclosed in this specification, a terminal includes a terminal transmission unit, a photographing unit that captures an image of an article, a position detection unit that detects a position of the terminal, and an image of the article. A feature acquisition unit for acquiring article feature information indicating the feature of the article based on the position of the terminal, and the terminal is within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers And a waiting time calculation device for calculating a waiting time in the one automatic cash register, the terminal having a feature transmission determination unit that transmits the article feature information using the terminal transmission unit when it is determined that An apparatus receiving unit that receives the article feature information from the terminal, an article identifying unit that identifies a classification name of the article based on the article feature information, and a classification name of the identified article. The one automatic cash register A first article list updating unit for registering in a processing article list in which a classification name of the article is registered for each article scheduled to be processed in a machine; and the apparatus receiving unit transmitted from the one automatic cash register The relationship between the article classification name and the settlement processing time is registered for each automatic cash register on the basis of the settlement processing time required for the settlement process for each article classification name received by A settlement processing time update unit that updates a settlement processing time list, and the article that has been settled in the one automatic cash register, transmitted from the one automatic cash register, and received by the device receiving unit. For each classification name of the article registered in the processing article list, with reference to the second article list updating unit that deletes the classification name from the processing article list and the settlement processing time list A processing time calculation unit that calculates a total processing time obtained by adding up the arithmetic processing times as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register; and a notification unit that notifies the waiting time obtained by the processing time calculation unit. A waiting time calculation device.

  According to one form of the waiting time calculation device disclosed in the present specification, an article transmitted from a terminal determined to be located within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers. Based on the article feature information indicating the feature of the article acquired based on the image, the article identification unit for identifying the classification name of the article, and the identified classification name of the article as the one automatic cash register A first article list update unit for registering in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each of the articles scheduled to be settled in step 1, and the classification of the article transmitted from the one automatic cash register For each name, based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement processing, the settlement processing time update unit that updates the settlement processing time list in which the relationship between the classification name of the article and the settlement processing time is registered, and Automatic gold The second article list update unit that deletes the classification name of the article that has been settled in the one automatic cash register, transmitted from the registration machine, from the processed article list, and the settlement processing time list. A processing time calculating unit that calculates a total processing time as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register, summing up a total processing time for each classification name of the article registered in the processing article list, A notification unit that notifies the waiting time obtained by the processing time calculation unit.

  According to an embodiment of the method disclosed in the present specification, the terminal captures an image of an article, acquires article feature information indicating the feature of the article based on the image of the article, and based on the position of the terminal. When the terminal determines that the terminal is located within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers, the article characteristic information is transmitted, and the waiting time calculation device receives from the terminal Based on the article feature information, the classification name of the article is identified, and the classification name of the identified article is classified for each article that is scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register. The article classification name is registered based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement process for each classification name of the article received from the one automatic cash register and registered in the processing article list in which the name is registered. And the settlement processing time Update the settlement processing time list in which the relationship is registered for each automatic cash register, and received from the one automatic cash register, the classification name of the article for which the settlement processing was performed in the one automatic cash register Is deleted from the processed article list, and the total processing time obtained by summing up the adjustment processing times for each classification name of the article registered in the processing article list with reference to the adjustment processing time list, Calculating the waiting time in the automatic cash register and notifying the waiting time.

  According to one mode of the system disclosed in the present specification described above, it is possible to accurately estimate the waiting time of the cash register.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system disclosed herein. It is a figure which shows the mode of the cash register vicinity in a shop. It is a figure which shows the basket by which the terminal is arrange | positioned. It is a sequence diagram explaining operation | movement of a system. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a terminal. It is a functional block diagram of a processing part. It is a flowchart (the 1) explaining operation | movement of a terminal. It is a figure which shows a goods feature information table. It is the flowchart (the 2) explaining operation | movement of a terminal. It is a figure which shows terminal merchandise information. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a waiting time calculation apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a processing part. It is a flowchart (the 1) explaining operation | movement of a waiting time calculation apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows terminal merchandise information, (B) is a figure which shows a merchandise classification table. It is a figure which shows a process goods table | surface. It is a figure which shows a payment process time table | surface. It is a figure explaining settlement processing time. (A) is a figure which shows a process goods table | surface, (B) is a figure explaining calculation of total processing time, (C) is a figure explaining waiting time. It is a flowchart (the 2) explaining operation | movement of a waiting time calculation apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows cash register merchandise information, (B) is a figure which shows the adjustment process time table after an update. (A) is a figure explaining cash register merchandise information, and (B) is a figure showing the processed goods table after updating.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed in the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system disclosed in this specification. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in the vicinity of the cash register in the store. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a basket in which terminals are arranged.

  In the system 10 of the present embodiment, for each of the plurality of cash registers R1 to Rn (n is an integer of 2 or more) arranged in the store S, the waiting time that is expected when being arranged in a row that performs checkout processing is Displayed on the waiting time display sections A1 to An. As a result, the customer (not shown) who performs the checkout process of the product is guided to a cashier with a shorter waiting time, and the time for the customer to wait for the checkout process at the cash register is reduced, thereby improving the service for the customer.

  The system 10 displays the accurate waiting time by calculating the waiting time when lined up at each of the registers R1 to Rn based on the number of products put in the basket B possessed by the customer and the classification of the products. It is made like that. In this specification, product classification is also used to identify products with different checkout processing times at the cash register. In the classification of products, for example, products with different types such as dairy products, sweets, fish packs, and daily goods are classified as different products. In addition, in the classification of products, products of the same type but different in size or packaging form such as candy (small bag), candy (medium bag), and candy (large bag) are classified as different products. Is done. Products with different classifications are identified using the classification names of the different products.

  For example, fresh foods such as fish packs or meat packs can be packaged together with the product check-out process at the cash register to prevent the smell of simple packaging but shifting to other products. Often. Therefore, the payment processing time of fresh food is often longer than other products.

  Further, in the system 10, a more accurate waiting time is obtained by updating the settlement processing time in the cash register for each product category name. For example, if the person in charge at the cash register changes, even if the products have the same classification name, the settlement processing time may be different. It is known that a person with a short experience in cashier settlement processing and a person in charge with a long experience have different settlement processing times. In addition, when the number of persons in charge of one cash register is changed, the settlement processing time varies greatly. If there is significant congestion at the cash register, the cashier staff may be increased from one to two. It is known that the settlement processing time differs greatly between the case where the settlement process at the cash register is performed by one person and the case where the settlement process is performed by two persons even if the products have the same classification name. In the system 10, it is possible to obtain an accurate waiting time corresponding to such a change in the cashier settlement processing status.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 calculates the estimated waiting time at the terminal 20 arranged in the basket B used by the customer in the store S, the plurality of registers R1 to Rn, and the registers R1 to Rn. The waiting time calculating device 30 is provided. The terminal 20 and the waiting time calculation device 30 are connected to be communicable wirelessly via the network N or not via the network N. The basket B is used for putting a product purchased by a customer.

  The plurality of registers R1 to Rn are also connected to the waiting time calculation device 30 so as to be communicable. The plurality of registers R1 to Rn may be connected to the waiting time calculation device 30 via the network N, or may be connected to the waiting time calculation device 30 without passing through the network N. For example, the plurality of cash registers R1 to Rn may be directly connected to the usage cash register determination device 30 using a wired connection.

  The terminal 20 disposed in the basket B and the plurality of cash registers R1 to Rn are disposed in the store S. The terminal 20 arranged in the basket B moves in the store S while the customer moves in the store S for a product.

  The waiting time calculation device 30 may be arranged, for example, in the backyard of the store S, or may be arranged in an external data center or the like.

  In each of the cash registers R1 to Rn, waiting time display units A1 to An for displaying waiting time are arranged for customers who are lined up in each cash register. The waiting time displayed is a time estimated to be required to wait for the settlement process when newly arranged. As the waiting time display units A1 to An, for example, an electric bulletin board or a liquid crystal display can be used.

  The waiting time display units A <b> 1 to An are communicably connected to the waiting time calculation device 30, and display contents are controlled by the waiting time calculation device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of cash registers R <b> 1 to Rn are arranged in the store S, and a person in charge performs settlement processing using each cash register. In each of the cash registers R1 to Rn, a plurality of customers (not shown) are arranged in a row with a basket B in order to perform a checkout process for the purchased product.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the basket B, a terminal 20 for identifying the number of products put in the basket and the classification name of the products is arranged. The terminal 20 includes a device main body 20d that includes components of the first photographing unit 27, the second photographing unit 28, and other devices for photographing the product P. The terminal 20 shoots an image obtained by photographing the product P to be put in the basket B using the first photographing unit 27 and the second photographing unit 28, and the product showing the characteristics of the product based on the photographed product image Get feature information.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the system 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S401, the customer who owns the basket B in which the terminal 20 is placed puts a product to be purchased in the basket and lines it up in one of the plurality of registers R1 to Rn.

  Next, in step S <b> 403, the terminal 20 transmits terminal product information including product feature information indicating the feature of the product to the waiting time calculation device 30 via the network N.

  Next, in step S405, the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 receives terminal product information.

  On the other hand, in step S407, the customer who owns the basket B where the terminal 20 is placed undergoes a settlement process at the cash register.

  In step S409, the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 identifies the product classification name based on the product feature information included in the terminal product information. Then, the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 registers the product classification name in the processing product table in which the product classification name is registered for each product scheduled for settlement at the cash register, and updates the processing product table.

  Next, in step S411, the waiting time calculating device 30 refers to the checkout processing time table, and calculates a total processing time by summing up the checkout processing times of the classification names of the products registered in the processing product table. Find the waiting time for each cash register. In the checkout processing time table, the relationship between the product category name and the checkout processing time is registered for each cash register. And the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 displays the waiting time of each cash register on the waiting time display units A1 to An, and notifies the customer of the waiting time of each cash register.

  In step S413, the cashiers R1 to Rn perform a payment process for customers who are lined up at the cash register, corresponding to the payment process in step S407 described above. The cash registers R <b> 1 to Rn determine the amount charged for the product purchased by the customer. The customer pays the invoice amount and ends the checkout process. In the checkout process, the cash registers R1 to Rn store, as checkout product information, the checkout processing time required for the checkout processing of the product classification name and the product associated with the product classification name for each checkout processed product. .

  Next, in Step S413, the cash registers R1 to Rn transmit cash register product information to the waiting time calculation device 30 via the network N.

  Next, in S417, the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 receives cash register product information.

  Next, in step S419, the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 updates the settlement processing time table based on the settlement processing time for each product category name included in the cash register product information.

  Next, in step S421, the processed product included in the cash register product information is deleted from the processed product table for each cash register and the processed product table is updated.

  In step S423, the waiting time calculating device 30 refers to the settlement processing time table, calculates the total processing time obtained by summing the settlement processing times of the classification names of the products registered in the processing product table, Find the estimated waiting time for. And the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 displays the waiting time of each cash register on the waiting time display units A1 to An in order to notify the customer of the waiting time of each cash register.

  Each operation of the system 10 described above will be described in further detail below in the description of the terminal 20 and the waiting time calculation device 30.

  Next, the terminal 20 will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal 20.

  The terminal 20 includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, a product detection unit 26, a first photographing unit 27, and a second hardware component. An imaging unit 28 and a motion detection unit 29 are included.

  The processing unit 21 includes one or a plurality of processors and peripheral circuits. The processing unit 21 performs control and various processing of each hardware component of the terminal 20 according to a predetermined program stored in advance in the storage unit 22, and stores the data generated during the processing temporarily. 22 is used.

  The storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 22 may include a drive that can read a storage medium that stores a predetermined program. The storage unit 22 also stores information used for the operation of the terminal 20 such as a terminal identification number (terminal identification information) for identifying the terminal 20.

  The operation unit 23 is operated by an administrator or a user of the terminal 20 and can input operation information. As the operation unit 23, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel can be used. In addition, the terminal 20 has the operation part 23 so that attachment or detachment is possible, and the operation part 23 may be attached or detached in the state arrange | positioned in the basket B. FIG.

  The display unit 24 is controlled by the processing unit 21 and can display various types of information. As the display unit 24, for example, a liquid crystal display can be used. In addition, the terminal 20 has the display part 243 so that attachment or detachment is possible, and the display part 24 may be attached or detached in the state arrange | positioned in the basket B. FIG.

  The communication unit 25 transmits and receives signals to and from the waiting time calculation device 30 via the network N. The processing unit 21 performs various processes based on information received using the communication unit 25. In addition, the processing unit 21 transmits the results of various processes using the communication unit 25. The communication unit 25 may include a communication circuit that performs transmission and reception and an antenna.

  The product detection unit 26 detects that the product P approaches the basket B within a predetermined distance. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal 20 includes four product detection units 26, and each product detection unit 26 is provided on a side edge on the open portion side of the four inner surfaces of the basket B. The product P that is arranged and approaches from the outside toward the inside of the basket B can be detected. Although it does not specifically limit as the goods detection part 26, For example, an infrared type proximity sensor can be used. For example, the predetermined distance may be 10 to 50 cm.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first photographing unit 27 and the second photographing unit 28 are arranged on the inner surfaces of the basket B facing each other, and photograph an image of the product P put in the basket B. When the product detection unit 26 detects that the product P approaches the basket B, the processing unit 21 uses the first imaging unit 27 and the second imaging unit 28 to capture an image of the product P put in the basket B.

  The first photographing unit 27 photographs an image of the product P against the first background plate Ba having the first background color. The captured image is stored in the storage unit 22. The second photographing unit 28 photographs an image of the product P against the background of the second background plate Bb having a second background color different from the first background color. When the color of the product P is close to the background color, product feature information indicating the feature of the product may not be acquired successfully based on the image of the product P. Therefore, the terminal 20 captures two images with the background of the first background plate Ba and the second background plate Bb having different background colors, and the processing unit 21 can more appropriately extract the image area of the product from the background image. Product feature information is acquired by selecting an image. As the first background color and the second background color, for example, a color having a complementary color relationship can be selected.

  The motion detection unit 29 detects the presence or absence of movement of the terminal 20. Specifically, the motion detection unit 29 is used to detect the movement of the basket B in which the terminal 20 is fixed and arranged. As the motion detection unit 29, for example, an acceleration sensor can be used.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the processing unit 21.

  The processing unit 21 includes a position detection unit 21a, a feature acquisition unit 21b, and a feature transmission determination unit 21c.

  Each of these units included in the processing unit 21 is, for example, a functional module realized by a computer program that operates on a processor included in the processing unit 21. Each of these units included in the processing unit 21 may be mounted on the terminal 20 as a separate circuit. Further, each of these units included in the processing unit 21 may be mounted on the terminal 20 as one integrated circuit that realizes the function of each unit.

  Next, operation | movement of the terminal 20 is demonstrated below, referring the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows an operation in which the terminal 20 detects a product approaching the basket B and acquires product feature information.

  First, in step S701, the feature acquisition unit 21b determines whether or not the product detection unit 26 has detected that the product has approached the basket B within a predetermined distance. When it is not detected that the product has approached the basket B (step S701—No), the processing after step S701 is repeated.

  When it is detected that the product has approached within a predetermined distance from the basket B (step S701-Yes), the feature acquisition unit 21b uses the first photographing unit 27 and the second photographing unit 28 to continuously display the product images. Then, a plurality of images are acquired (step S703). The feature acquisition unit 21 b stores the acquired image in the storage unit 22.

  Next, in step S705, the feature acquisition unit 21b determines whether the product is moving toward the basket. Based on the plurality of images acquired using the first image capturing unit 27 or the second image capturing unit 28, the feature acquiring unit 21b is moving from the outside of the basket to the inside, or the product Determine whether the car is moving from the inside of the basket to the outside. When the customer puts the product into the basket, the product moves from the outside of the basket toward the inside. On the other hand, when a customer takes out a product from the basket in order to return the product contained in the basket, the product moves from the inside of the basket toward the outside. If the product has not moved into the basket (step S705—No), the processing after step S701 is repeated.

  When the product is moving into the basket (step S705-Yes), the feature acquisition unit 21b acquires product feature information indicating the feature of the product based on the product image. The product feature information is used to identify the classification name of the product. The processing for identifying the classification name of the product based on the product feature information is executed in the waiting time calculation device 30.

  Examples of the product feature information include product size and color distribution. From the viewpoint of identifying more detailed classification names, it is preferable to use, for example, SIFT feature values as the product feature information. The SIFT feature amount is product feature information that is invariant to the scale and rotation of the product. For the SIFT feature value technique, refer to the following document, for example.

  Digital Image Processing (Revised New Edition), Chapter 11 Section 3 and Section 4, Image Information Education Promotion Association, CG-ARTS Association, ISBN-10: 490347450X, ISBN-13: 9784903474502

  The feature acquisition unit 21b registers the newly acquired product feature information and the number of products, which is the number of times the product feature information has been acquired, in the product feature information table stored in the storage unit 22, and stores the product feature information table. Update. The number of products indicates the number of products in the basket B. And the characteristic acquisition part 21b repeats the process after step S701.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a product feature information table.

  The product feature information table 801 includes the number of products indicating the number of products put in the basket B and product feature information 1 to M for each acquired product. The number of products means the number of products scheduled to be processed at the cash register.

  Next, another operation of the terminal 20 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows an operation of detecting that the terminal 20 is stopped within a predetermined distance from the cash register and transmitting the terminal product information to the waiting time calculation device 30 via the network N.

  First, in step S901, the feature transmission determination unit 21c uses the motion detection unit 29 to determine whether or not the basket B in which the terminal 20 is arranged has been stopped for a predetermined time or more. When the duration for which the motion detection unit 29 detects that the terminal 20 is not moving is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is considered that the basket B in which the terminal 20 is disposed is stopped. The predetermined time can be, for example, 10 seconds to 30 seconds. If the basket B has not been stopped for a predetermined time (step S901—NO), the feature transmission determination 21c repeats the processing after step S901.

  When the basket B has been stopped for a predetermined time (step S901-Yes), the feature transmission determination 21c determines whether the terminal 20 is in any register R1 based on the position of the terminal 20 detected by the position detection unit 21a. It is determined whether or not it is located within a predetermined distance from ~ Rn. When the terminal 20 is not located within the predetermined distance from the registers R1 to Rn (No in step S903), the feature transmission determination 21c repeats the processes in and after step S901. In this case, it is considered that the customer did not stop to line up at the cash register, but simply stopped while searching for the product.

  The position detection unit 21a acquires the position of the terminal 20 in the store S. Specifically, the position detection unit 21a communicates a radio beacon signal transmitted from a beacon device (not shown) arranged in each section in the store S virtually divided into a plurality of sections. It receives using the part 25. The communication unit 25 has a reception circuit for short-range communication for receiving a radio beacon signal. The radio beacon signals of the beacon devices arranged in the respective sections are different, and the position detection unit 21a refers to the relationship between each section and the radio beacon signal stored in the storage unit 22, and stores the shop S of the terminal 20. Get the position within. Note that another method may be used as the method by which the position detection unit 21a acquires the position of the terminal 20 in the store S. For example, the position detection unit 21a receives signals transmitted from a plurality of access points arranged in the store S using the communication unit 25, and based on the strengths of the plurality of signals, in the store S of the terminal 20 You may acquire the position of.

  When the terminal 20 is located within a predetermined distance from the registers R1 to Rn (step S903-Yes), the feature transmission determination unit 21c waits for the terminal product information via the network N using the communication unit 25. Transmit to the computing device 30. The fact that the terminal 20 is stopped within a predetermined distance from the cash register is considered that the customer who owns the basket B is lined up at any of the cash registers R1 to Rn for the product checkout process. The predetermined distance is a distance at which a customer having the basket B in which the terminal 20 is arranged is determined to be lined up at the cash register, and can be set to 1 to 5 m, for example. The feature transmission determination unit 21c creates terminal product information based on the position of the terminal 20 detected by the position detection unit 21a, the terminal identification number and the product feature information table stored in the storage unit 22.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing terminal product information.

  The terminal product information 1001 includes terminal identification information for identifying the terminal 20, terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal 20, the number of products that are in the basket B and are scheduled to be processed at the cash register, and product characteristics for each product. It has information 1-M.

  The above is the description of the operation of the terminal 20.

  Next, the waiting time calculation device 30 will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the waiting time calculation apparatus 30.

  The waiting time calculation device 30 includes a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a device display unit 34, and a communication unit 35 as hardware components. The waiting time calculation device 30 is connected to the waiting time display units A1 to An and controls information displayed on the waiting time display units A1 to An.

  The processing unit 31 includes one or a plurality of processors and peripheral circuits. The processing unit 31 performs control of various hardware components of the waiting time calculation device 30 and various processes according to a predetermined program stored in advance in the storage unit 32, and temporarily stores data generated during the processing. The storage unit 32 is used.

  The storage unit 32 may include a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 32 may include a drive that can read a storage medium that stores a predetermined program.

  The operation unit 33 is operated by an administrator or the like of the waiting time calculation device 30 and inputs various types of information. As the operation unit 33, for example, a keyboard or a mouse can be used. The processing unit 31 performs various types of processing using various types of information input from the operation unit 33.

  The device display unit 34 is controlled by the processing unit 31 to display various information. As the device display unit 34, for example, a liquid crystal display can be used.

  The communication unit 35 transmits and receives signals to and from the terminal 20 or the registers R1 to Rn via the network N. The processing unit 31 performs various processes based on information received using the communication unit 35. In addition, the processing unit 31 transmits the results of various processes using the communication unit 35. The communication unit 35 may include a communication circuit and an antenna that perform transmission and reception when performing wireless communication. The communication unit 35 may include a communication circuit that performs transmission and reception and an interface circuit that is connected to a signal line when performing wired communication.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the processing unit 31.

  The processing unit 31 includes a product identification unit 31a, a cash register determination unit 31b, a first product table update unit 31c, a settlement processing time update unit 31d, a second product table update unit 31e, a processing time calculation unit 31f, It has a notification unit 31g.

  Each of these units included in the processing unit 31 is, for example, a functional module realized by a computer program that operates on a processor included in the processing unit 31. In addition, each of these units included in the processing unit 31 may be implemented in the waiting time calculation device 30 as a separate circuit. Further, each of these units included in the latency calculation device 30 may be mounted on the latency calculation device 30 as one integrated circuit that realizes the function of each unit.

  Next, the operation of the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the waiting time calculation device 30 determines the cash register where customers are lined up based on the received terminal product information, updates the cash register processing product table, and waits for the calculated total processing time for each cash register. The operation displayed as time is shown.

  First, in step S <b> 1301, the product identification unit 31 a receives terminal product information transmitted from the terminal 20 using the communication unit 35.

  Next, in step S1303, the product identification unit 31a identifies the classification name of the product for each product based on the terminal product information received by the communication unit 35.

  FIG. 14A shows the terminal product information, and FIG. 14B shows the product classification table.

  The terminal product information 1401 includes a terminal identification number 1401a, terminal position information 1401b, a product number 1401c, and product feature information 1401d to 1401f. In the product classification table 1402, for each product, the product classification name is associated with the product feature information and registered.

  The product identification unit 31a refers to the product classification table 1402 stored in the storage unit 32, and identifies the product classification name for each product based on the product feature information 1401d to 1401f. For example, the information E1 that is the product feature information 1401d corresponds to the product feature information D6 of the product classification table 1402, and therefore, the product classification name is identified as “candy (medium bag)”. Similarly, the information E2 that is the product feature information 1401e is identified as the product classification name “fish pack”, and the information E3 that is the product feature information 1401f is also the product classification name “fish pack”. Identified.

  Next, in step S1305, the cash register determining unit 31b determines one cash register located within a predetermined distance from the terminal 20 among the plurality of cash registers R1 to Rn, based on the terminal position information included in the terminal product information. To do. This cash register is regarded as a cash register where customers who have the basket B of the terminal 20 that has transmitted the terminal product information are lined up. The cash register determination unit 31b refers to the cash register position information table stored in the storage unit 32, and determines the cash register closest to the terminal position indicated by the terminal position information as the one cash register. In the cash register position information table, cash register position information indicating the cash register position in the store S is registered. Note that the cash register determination unit 31b uses another method to register one cash register located within a predetermined distance from the terminal 20 among the plurality of cash registers R1 to Rn based on the terminal position information included in the terminal product information. May be determined.

  Next, in step S1307, the first product table updating unit 31c registers the product classification name identified by the product identification unit 31a in the processing product table stored in the storage unit 32, and processes the product. Update the table. In the processed product table, a product classification name is registered in association with terminal 20 terminal identification information included in the terminal product information for each product scheduled to be settled at each cash register.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a processed product table.

  In the processed product table 1501, the classification name of the product scheduled for settlement at the register R1 identified by the register identification number 1 (register identification information 1) is registered in association with the terminal identification number. The processed product table 1501 has a list in which product category names are arranged. According to the processed product table 1501, the product scheduled for checkout at the register R1 is identified by the terminal identification number 37 and the four products included in the basket in which the terminal identified by the terminal identification number 24 is arranged. It turns out that it is three goods contained in the basket by which a terminal is arrange | positioned. The classification names of the four commodities included in the basket in which the terminal identified by the terminal identification number 24 is arranged are dairy products, sweets (inner bags), fish packs, and daily miscellaneous goods (small). The classification names of the three commodities included in the basket in which the terminal identified by the terminal identification number 37 is arranged are candy (medium bag), fish pack, and fish pack. In the processed product table 1501, when there are a plurality of products having the same product category name associated with one terminal identification information, the product category name is registered for each product.

  Similarly, the storage unit 32 stores processing product tables 1502 to 150n of products scheduled to be settled at the respective registers R2 to Rn identified by the cash register identification number 2 to the cash register identification number n.

  Next, in step S1309, the processing time calculation unit 31f refers to the settlement processing time table stored in the storage unit 32, and for each cash register, the settlement processing for each product classification name registered in the processing product table. Calculate the total processing time by adding up the time. In the checkout processing time table, the relationship between the product category name and the checkout processing time is registered for each cash register. Hereinafter, the process of step S1309 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a settlement processing time table.

  In the settlement processing time table 1601, the settlement processing time for each category name of the product to be settled at the register R1 identified by the register identification number 1 is registered in association with the category name of the product. The settlement processing time table 1601 has a list in which the settlement processing times for each product category are arranged. According to the adjustment processing time table 1601, the adjustment processing time of the side dish (small) is 3500 milliseconds, and the adjustment processing time of the meat pack and the fish pack is 4500 milliseconds. It can be seen that the products classified in the meat pack and the fish pack are packaged in the checkout process, so that the checkout processing time is longer than the products of other classification names.

  Similarly, the storage unit 32 stores settlement processing time tables 1602 to 160n of the respective registers R2 to Rn identified by the register identification number 2 to the register identification number n.

  In the above description, the settlement processing time table is created for each cash register. However, the settlement processing time table may be created for each person in charge of the settlement processing at each cash register. This is because even if the cash register is the same, if the person in charge changes, the settlement processing time of the product with the same classification name may change.

  Next, taking as an example products that are classified by dairy products and fish packs, how to calculate the settlement processing time for each product category name will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the settlement processing time.

  First, at time T1, a product classified as a dairy product is taken out from the basket. Next, at time T2, the barcode of the product is read at the cash register. Next, at time T3, the product is returned to the basket. Next, at time T4, the next product classified as a fish pack is taken out from the basket. Next, at time T5, the bar code of the product is read at the cash register. Here, the time from the time T2 to the time T5 is the settlement processing time for the product classified as a dairy product, and is recorded at the cash register. Information on the classification name of the product to be processed is included in the barcode.

  Subsequently, after the packaging of the fish pack is performed, the merchandise is returned to the basket at time T6. Next, at time T7, the next product is taken out from the basket. Next, at time T8, the barcode of the product is read at the cash register. Here, the time from time T5 to time T8 is the checkout processing time for the product classified as a fish pack, and is recorded at the cash register. The check-out time classified by the fish pack is longer than the product classified by the dairy product by the amount to be packaged.

  After the checkout process for each customer, the cash register creates checkout product information by associating the product classification name with the checkout processing time for each product purchased by the customer. The cash register includes a bill and money storage unit (not shown), a payment processing unit (not shown) that performs a payment process, and a cash register product information creation unit (not shown) that creates cash product information. The settlement processing unit and the cash register product information creation unit can be realized by using a hardware configuration such as a processing unit including a processor, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

  Next, a process in which the processing time calculation unit 31f calculates the total processing time with reference to the settlement processing time table will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating a processed product table, FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating calculation of the total processing time, and FIG. 18C is a diagram illustrating waiting time. .

  The processed product table 1801 has a list of product classification names for each product to be settled at the register R1 identified by the register identification number 1. The processed product table 1801 has the same information as the processed product table 1501 shown in FIG. According to the processed product table 1801, it can be seen that the customer who owns the basket of the terminal having the terminal identification number 24 and the customer who possesses the basket of the terminal having the terminal identification number 37 are lined up in the register R1. The cash register R1 is scheduled to perform a settlement process for a total of seven commodities.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18B, the processing time calculation unit 31f reads the settlement processing time corresponding to the product classification name for each product with reference to the settlement processing time table (see FIG. 16) of the register R1. After that, the total processing time is calculated by calculating the sum of the settlement processing times. In the example shown in FIG. 18B, the total processing time is 21900 milliseconds.

  The above is the description of step S1309.

  Next, in step S1311, the notifying unit 31g notifies the customer of the total processing time obtained by the processing time calculating unit 31f as a cashier waiting time. Specifically, the notification unit 31g displays the total processing time obtained in step S1309 on the waiting time display units A1 to An as the waiting times of the respective registers R1 to Rn. The waiting time display unit A1 displays the waiting time as 21.9 seconds, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In the above description, the waiting time update processing (total processing time calculation processing) of each of the registers R1 to Rn is performed after the processing product table is updated, but the waiting time of each of the registers R1 to Rn is updated. The processing may be performed every predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time can be 10 to 30 seconds.

  Next, another operation of the waiting time calculation apparatus 30 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 shows that the waiting time calculation device 30 updates the settlement processing time table based on the received cash register product information and updates the processing product table for each cash register, and then sets the total processing time for each cash register as the waiting time. Indicates the operation to display.

  First, in step S1901, the checkout processing time update unit 31d receives cash register product information transmitted from the cash registers R1 to Rn using the communication unit 35.

  Next, in step S1903, the settlement processing time update unit 31d updates the settlement processing time table based on the cash register product information. The cash register product information includes a cash register identification number for identifying a cash register and a checkout processing time required for the checkout processing for each product classification name. The settlement processing time table is stored in the storage unit 32.

  FIG. 20A is a diagram showing cash register merchandise information, and FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a settlement processing time table after update.

  The cash register merchandise information 2001 includes a cash register identification number and a checkout processing time required for the checkout process for each product classification name. The settlement processing time included in the cash register merchandise information 2001 is a time required for each product purchased by the customer who has just performed the settlement processing at the cash register R1 identified by the cash register identification number 1.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, the settlement processing time update unit 31d registers the settlement processing time for each product category name included in the cash register product information 2001 in the settlement processing time table 2002 for each product category name. The settlement processing time table 2002 of the register R1 is updated in place of the settlement processing time that has been set. FIG. 16 shows a settlement processing time table before updating the cash register R1. As a result of the update process, the checkout time for products classified as dairy products is updated to 1050 milliseconds, and the checkout time for products classified as confectionery (medium bags) is updated to 950 milliseconds, and classified as fish packs. The settlement processing time of the merchandise to be processed is updated to 4750 milliseconds, and the settlement processing time of the merchandise classified as daily miscellaneous goods (small) is updated to 2040 milliseconds. The settlement processing time update unit 31d stores the updated settlement processing time table 2002 in the storage unit 32.

  Next, in step S1905, based on the cash register product information received from the cash register, the second merchandise table updating unit 31e deletes from the processed merchandise table the classification name of the merchandise for which the checkout process has been performed at the cash register. To update the processing article list.

  FIG. 21A is a diagram for explaining cash register product information, and FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a processed product table after update.

  The information that the cash register product information 2101 has is the same as the cash register product information 2001 shown in FIG. Further, the processed product table before being updated by the second product table updating unit 31e is the same as the processed product table 1501 of the register R1 shown in FIG. The second product table update unit 31e displays dairy products, sweets (medium bags), fish packs, and daily miscellaneous goods (small), which are classification names of products included in the cash register product information 2001, in the processed product table 2102. Delete the category names registered in order. In the processed product table 2102, the previously registered category name is located above the list of category names arranged vertically. Normally, all the product classification names associated with the same terminal identification number are deleted from the processed product table 2102. If the number of product classification names included in the cash register product information 2101 is smaller than the number of product classification names associated with the same terminal identification number, the product associated with the same terminal identification number All of the classification names may be deleted from the processed product table 2102. FIG. 21B shows the processed product table 2102 after the update. In the processed product table 2102, all product category names associated with the terminal identification number 24 are deleted.

  Next, in step S1907, the processing time calculation unit 31f refers to the payment processing time table stored in the storage unit 32, and for each cash register, the payment processing for each product classification name registered in the processing product table. Calculate the total processing time by adding up the time.

  Next, in step S1907, the notification unit 31g displays the total processing time obtained by the processing time calculation unit 31f on the waiting time display units A1 to An as the cashier waiting time, and notifies the customer.

  In the above description, the waiting time update processing (total processing time calculation processing) for each of the registers R1 to Rn is performed after the settlement processing time table is updated. The update process may be performed every predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time can be 10 to 30 seconds.

  According to the system of the present embodiment described above, the waiting time is calculated using the checkout processing time for each product classification name that the customer checks out at the cash register, and the checkout time for each product classification name is updated. , Can accurately estimate the waiting time of the cash register.

  In the present invention, the system, the waiting time apparatus, and the method of the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the configuration requirements of one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as appropriate.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal acquires the product feature information indicating the feature of the product based on the product image, and transmits the product feature information to the waiting time calculation device. The image itself may be transmitted to the waiting time calculation device as product feature information. In this specification, the product feature information includes an image of the product. In this case, the feature acquisition unit acquires the product image captured by the imaging unit as the item feature information. The waiting time calculation apparatus acquires the product feature information indicating the feature of the product based on the product image, and then identifies the classification name of the product based on the product feature information. In addition, the merchandise may be anything that is subject to the checkout process at the cash register, and may simply be called an article.

  When the product image itself is handled as the product feature information, the waiting time calculation apparatus may identify the product classification name using, for example, a neural network technique. In this case, the product image is input as the input information, the product category name is output, and the product category name is identified.

  Further, the product classification name may be identified by displaying code information such as a barcode having the product classification name as information on the product and analyzing the code information based on the product image. In this case, the code information may be handled as product feature information.

  In addition, the settlement processing time update unit calculates an average value of the settlement processing time for each product category name, replaces this average value with the settlement processing time registered in the settlement processing time table for each product category name, The settlement processing time table may be updated.

  Further, the settlement processing time update unit obtains the maximum value of the settlement processing time over a predetermined past period for each product category name, and registers the maximum value of the settlement processing time in the settlement processing time table for each product category name. The settlement processing time table may be updated by replacing the settlement processing time that has been set. Customers who line up at the cash register referring to the time displayed on the waiting time display section may be disappointed if the waiting time increases, although the waiting time displayed is good. Therefore, the system determines the frequency of increasing the waiting time displayed by setting the maximum value of the checkout processing time for each product category name over the predetermined period in the past as the checkout time for each product category name. It can be reduced to make the customer less regretful. The predetermined period can be, for example, 5 to 60 minutes.

  Moreover, the notification part should just be able to notify the waiting time of each cash register to a customer, and the notification means is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the notification unit may display the waiting time of each cash register on the display unit of the terminal. Or you may make it a notification part display the waiting time of each cash register on display parts, such as a highly functional portable terminal which a customer has.

  All examples and conditional words mentioned herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader deepen and understand the inventions and concepts contributed by the inventor. All examples and conditional words mentioned herein are to be construed without limitation to such specifically stated examples and conditions. Also, such exemplary mechanisms in the specification are not related to showing the superiority and inferiority of the present invention. While embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

  Regarding the above-described embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.

(Appendix 1)
A terminal,
A terminal transmitter,
A shooting section for shooting images of articles;
A position detector for detecting the position of the terminal;
A feature acquisition unit that acquires article feature information indicating characteristics of the article based on an image of the article;
Based on the position of the terminal, when it is determined that the terminal is located within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers, the item feature information is transmitted using the terminal transmission unit. A feature transmission determination unit,
A terminal having
A waiting time calculating device for calculating a waiting time in the one automatic cash register,
A device receiving unit for receiving the article feature information from the terminal;
An article identifying unit for identifying a classification name of the article based on the article feature information;
A first article list update unit for registering the identified classification name of the article in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each of the articles scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register; ,
Based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement process for each classification name of the article transmitted from the one automatic cash register and received by the device receiving unit, the classification name of the article and the settlement A settlement processing time update unit for updating a settlement processing time list in which the relationship with the processing time is registered for each automatic cash register;
A class name of the article which has been sent from the one automatic cash register and received by the device receiving unit and which has been subjected to a settlement process in the one automatic cash register, is deleted from the processed article list; An article list update unit;
Referring to the settlement processing time list, a total processing time obtained by summing up the settlement processing times for each classification name of the articles registered in the processing article list is calculated as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register. A processing time calculator,
A notification unit for notifying the waiting time determined by the processing time calculation unit;
A waiting time calculation device comprising:
A system comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The settlement processing time update unit registers the settlement processing time for each classification name of the article, which is transmitted from the one automatic cash register, in the settlement processing time list for each classification name of the article. The system according to claim 1, wherein the settlement processing time list is updated in place of the settlement processing time.

(Appendix 3)
The settlement processing time update unit obtains an average value of the settlement processing time for each classification name of the article, and the settlement processing time registered in the settlement processing time list for each classification name of the article. The system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the payment processing time list is updated by replacing

(Appendix 4)
The settlement processing time update unit obtains a maximum value of the settlement processing time over a predetermined past period for each classification name of the article, and calculates the maximum value of the settlement processing time for each classification name of the article. The system according to claim 1, wherein the settlement processing time list is updated by replacing the settlement processing time registered in the list.

(Appendix 5)
The terminal includes a motion detection unit that detects presence or absence of movement of the terminal,
The feature transmission determining unit
Based on the position of the terminal detected by the position detection unit, the terminal detects the one automatic operation based on a duration time during which the motion detection unit detects that there is no movement of the terminal. The article feature information and the terminal position information are transmitted using the terminal transmission unit when it is determined that the position is within the predetermined distance from the cash register, according to any one of appendices 1 to 4. System.

(Appendix 6)
The processing time calculation unit calculates the total processing time with reference to the settlement processing time list after the second item list update unit updates the processing item list. The system described in.

(Appendix 7)
The processing time calculation unit calculates the total processing time with reference to the payment processing time list after the payment processing time update unit updates the payment processing time list. The system described in.

(Appendix 8)
The feature transmission determining unit transmits the article feature information and terminal location information indicating the location of the terminal using the terminal transmission unit,
The device reception unit receives the article feature information and the terminal position information from the terminal,
The waiting time calculation device includes:
Additional remarks 1 to 7 including a registration machine determination unit that determines the one automatic cash register located within the predetermined distance from the terminal among the plurality of automatic cash registers based on the terminal position information. The system according to any one of the above.

(Appendix 9)
The terminal is disposed in a storage container for storing the article;
The terminal
An article detection unit that detects that the article approaches a second predetermined distance from the storage container;
The feature acquisition unit causes the imaging unit to capture an image of the article when the article detection unit detects that the article has approached the second predetermined distance from the storage container. 9. The system according to any one of items 8.

(Appendix 10)
The terminal has terminal identification information for identifying the terminal;
When the feature transmission determination unit determines that the terminal is located within the predetermined distance from the one automatic cash register based on the position of the terminal detected by the position detection unit, , Transmitting the terminal identification information using the terminal transmission unit,
The first article list updating unit associates the identified classification name of the article together with the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal and received by the device receiving unit together with the article feature information, The system according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, which is registered in a list.

(Appendix 11)
Article feature information indicating the feature of the article acquired based on the image of the article transmitted from the terminal determined to be located within a predetermined distance from one of the plurality of automatic cash registers. An article identification unit for identifying a classification name of the article,
A first article list update unit for registering the identified classification name of the article in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each of the articles scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register; ,
The relationship between the classification name of the article and the settlement processing time is registered based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement processing for each classification name of the article transmitted from the one automatic cash register. A settlement processing time update unit for updating the settlement processing time list,
A second article list update unit that deletes from the processed article list the classification name of the article that has been sent out from the one automatic cash register, and that has undergone checkout processing in the one automatic cash register;
Referring to the settlement processing time list, a total processing time obtained by summing up the settlement processing times for each classification name of the articles registered in the processing article list is calculated as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register. A processing time calculator,
A notification unit for notifying the waiting time determined by the processing time calculation unit;
A waiting time calculation device comprising:

(Appendix 12)
The terminal
Taking an image of the article, acquiring article feature information indicating the feature of the article based on the image of the article,
When it is determined that the terminal is located within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers based on the position of the terminal, the article feature information is transmitted,
The waiting time calculation device
Based on the product feature information received from the terminal, the classification name of the product is identified,
Registering the identified classification name of the article in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each article scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register;
Based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement process for each classification name of the article received from the one automatic cash register, the relationship between the classification name of the article and the settlement processing time is automatic cash registration. Update the payment processing time list registered for each machine,
Delete the classification name of the article received from the one automatic cash register and processed for settlement in the one automatic cash register from the processing article list,
Referring to the settlement processing time list, a total processing time obtained by adding up the settlement processing times for each classification name of the article registered in the processing article list is calculated as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register. ,
Notifying the waiting time,
A method involving that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 System 20 Terminal 21 Processing part 21a Position detection part 21b Feature acquisition part 21c Feature transmission judgment part 20d Device main body 22 Storage part 23 Operation part 24 Display part 25 Communication part 26 Goods detection part (article detection part)
27 First imaging unit 28 Second imaging unit 29 Motion detection unit 30 Wait time calculation device 31 Processing unit 31a Product identification unit (article identification unit)
31b Cash register determining unit (registered machine determining unit)
31c 1st product list update part (1st goods list update part)
31d Settlement processing time update unit 31e Second product list update unit (second article list update unit)
31f Processing time calculation part 31g Notification part 32 Storage part 33 Operation part 34 Display part 35 Communication part A1-An Waiting time display part B, B1 basket (storage container)
Ba 1st background plate Bb 2nd background plate R, R1-Rn Cash register (facility)
N network S store P product (article)

Claims (7)

A terminal,
A terminal transmitter,
A shooting section for shooting images of articles;
A position detection unit for detecting the position of the terminal;
A feature acquisition unit that acquires article feature information indicating characteristics of the article based on an image of the article;
Based on the position of the terminal, when it is determined that the terminal is located within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers, the item feature information is transmitted using the terminal transmission unit. A feature transmission determination unit,
A terminal having
A waiting time calculating device for calculating a waiting time in the one automatic cash register,
A device receiver that receives the article feature information from the terminal;
An article identifying unit for identifying a classification name of the article based on the article feature information;
A first article list update unit for registering the identified classification name of the article in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each of the articles scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register; ,
Based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement process for each classification name of the article transmitted from the one automatic cash register and received by the device receiving unit, the classification name of the article and the settlement A settlement processing time update unit for updating a settlement processing time list in which the relationship with the processing time is registered for each automatic cash register;
A class name of the article which has been sent from the one automatic cash register and received by the device receiving unit and which has been subjected to a settlement process in the one automatic cash register, is deleted from the processed article list; An article list update unit;
Referring to the settlement processing time list, a total processing time obtained by summing up the settlement processing times for each classification name of the articles registered in the processing article list is calculated as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register. A processing time calculator,
A notification unit for notifying the waiting time determined by the processing time calculation unit;
A waiting time calculation device comprising:
A system comprising:   The settlement processing time update unit registers the settlement processing time for each classification name of the article, which is transmitted from the one automatic cash register, in the settlement processing time list for each classification name of the article. The system according to claim 1, wherein the settlement processing time list is updated by replacing the settlement processing time.   The settlement processing time update unit obtains an average value of the settlement processing time for each classification name of the article, and the settlement processing time registered in the settlement processing time list for each classification name of the article. The system according to claim 1, wherein the checkout processing time list is updated by replacing with the system.   The settlement processing time update unit obtains a maximum value of the settlement processing time over a predetermined past period for each classification name of the article, and calculates the maximum value of the settlement processing time for each classification name of the article. The system according to claim 1, wherein the settlement processing time list is updated by replacing the settlement processing time registered in the list. The terminal includes a motion detection unit that detects presence or absence of movement of the terminal,
The feature transmission determining unit
Based on the position of the terminal detected by the position detection unit, the terminal detects the one automatic operation based on a duration time during which the motion detection unit detects that there is no movement of the terminal. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined to be located within the predetermined distance from a cash register, the article feature information and the terminal position information are transmitted using the terminal transmission unit. The described system. Article feature information indicating the feature of the article acquired based on the image of the article transmitted from the terminal determined to be located within a predetermined distance from one of the plurality of automatic cash registers. An article identification unit for identifying a classification name of the article,
A first article list update unit for registering the identified classification name of the article in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each of the articles scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register; ,
The relationship between the classification name of the article and the settlement processing time is registered based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement processing for each classification name of the article transmitted from the one automatic cash register. A settlement processing time update unit for updating the settlement processing time list,
A second article list update unit that deletes from the processed article list the classification name of the article that has been sent out from the one automatic cash register, and that has undergone checkout processing in the one automatic cash register;
Referring to the settlement processing time list, a total processing time obtained by summing up the settlement processing times for each classification name of the articles registered in the processing article list is calculated as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register. A processing time calculator,
A notification unit for notifying the waiting time determined by the processing time calculation unit;
A waiting time calculation device comprising: The terminal
Taking an image of the article, acquiring article feature information indicating the feature of the article based on the image of the article,
When it is determined that the terminal is located within a predetermined distance from one automatic cash register among a plurality of automatic cash registers based on the position of the terminal, the article feature information is transmitted,
The waiting time calculation device
Based on the product feature information received from the terminal, the classification name of the product is identified,
Registering the identified classification name of the article in a processing article list in which the classification name of the article is registered for each article scheduled to be settled in the one automatic cash register;
Based on the settlement processing time required for the settlement process for each classification name of the article received from the one automatic cash register, the relationship between the classification name of the article and the settlement processing time is automatic cash registration. Update the payment processing time list registered for each machine,
Delete the classification name of the article received from the one automatic cash register and processed for settlement in the one automatic cash register from the processing article list,
Referring to the settlement processing time list, a total processing time obtained by adding up the settlement processing times for each classification name of the article registered in the processing article list is calculated as a waiting time in the one automatic cash register. ,
Notifying the waiting time,
A method involving that.

Images