JP2019096048A - Settlement device, registration settlement device and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a burden on an attendant who guides a shopper unfamiliar with operation.SOLUTION: A settlement device according to an embodiment comprises settlement means, detection means and notification means. The settlement means performs settlement processing for payment settlement regarding a transaction. The detection means detects an operator. The notification means performs notification processing for notifying a predetermined notification destination of a case where operation by an operator for settlement processing to be performed by the settlement means has not been performed within a predetermined acceptance period and the detection means has detected an operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a settlement device, a registered settlement device, and an information processing program.

There are known payment devices or registered payment devices in which a shopper is an operator, such as a payment device included in a semi-self type POS system or a self checkout device.
With these devices, if the shopper is unfamiliar with the operation, it takes a long time to process one transaction, resulting in a decrease in the operating rate. Therefore, the store clerk is often arranged as an attendant. Then, the attendant observes the shopper's condition and gives a guide to the shopper who is confused about the operation.
For this reason, the attendant must always observe the shopper's appearance, and the burden is large.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired to be able to reduce the burden of the attendant on guidance for shoppers who are unfamiliar with operations.

JP, 2015-201147, A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a settlement device, a registered settlement device, and an information processing program capable of reducing the burden of the attendant on guidance for a shopper not familiar with the operation.

  The settlement apparatus of the embodiment includes settlement means, detection means and notification means. The settlement means executes a settlement process to settle the payment for the transaction. The detection means detects an operator. The notification means is a predetermined notification when the operation by the operator for the settlement means to execute the settlement process is not performed within a predetermined reception period and the detection means detects the operator. Perform notification processing to notify earlier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The perspective view of the external appearance of the self checkout apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part circuit configuration of the self checkout device shown in FIG. 1; 5 is a flowchart of information processing by the CPU shown in FIG. 5 is a flowchart of information processing as monitoring processing by the CPU shown in FIG. 2; The block diagram which shows the principal part circuit structure of the self checkout apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of information processing by the CPU shown in FIG. 5;

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
In the first embodiment, a self checkout apparatus having a function as a registered payment apparatus that performs registration of a purchased product and processing for settlement of the price of the registered purchased product will be described as an example.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a self-checkout apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The self-checkout apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is also called a self-checkout POS terminal or a self-registration apparatus. The self checkout device 100 is operated by the shopper. Thus, the shopper is the operator of the self checkout device 100. However, a store clerk may be the operator of the self checkout apparatus 100.

The self checkout apparatus 100 includes a main body 1 and weighing units 2 and 3.
The main body 1 includes a touch panel 10, a scanner window 11, a handy scanner 12, a receipt issue port 13, a card insertion slot 14, a coin insertion tray 15, a receiving tray 16, a bill insertion slot 17, a bill dispensing outlet 18, a human sensor 19 and a playing card 20. including.

The touch panel 10 displays various screens for notifying the operator of various information. Some of the various screens constitute a graphical user interface (GUI), and the touch panel 10 receives a touch operation for operating the GUI.
The scanner window 11 is formed by covering an opening formed in the main body 1 with a transparent resin or glass. The scanner window 11 enables a fixed scanner disposed inside the main body 1 to scan a commodity picked up by the operator in front of the scanner window 11. The fixed scanner will be described later.
The handy scanner 12 reads the barcode displayed on the product, and outputs the information represented by the barcode.

The receipt issue port 13 is a slit-like opening for discharging the receipt to the outside of the main body 1.
The card insertion slot 14 is a slit-like opening for inserting a card into the inside of the main body 1 and discharging the card out of the main body 1.

The coin insertion tray 15 receives coins that the operator inserts for settlement. An opening is formed on the bottom of the coin insertion tray 15, and the coin received by the coin insertion tray 15 is taken into the inside of the main body 1 from the opening.
The tray 16 receives a coin to be paid out as a change or the like from the main body 1.
The bill insertion slot 17 is a slit-like opening for taking in the bill which the operator inserts for settlement into the inside of the main body 1.
The bill dispenser 18 is a slit-like opening for dispensing a bill as a change from the main body 1. The bill dispenser 18 holds a bill in a state where a part of the bill is protruded to the outside of the main body 1.

  The human sensor 19 detects the presence of a human at the position of the operator for operating the self-checkout apparatus 100. That is, the human sensor 19 detects a human being who can be an operator when the human being is located in front of the self-checkout apparatus 100. As the human sensor 19, for example, a known device using an infrared sensor or an optical sensor can be used. Further, instead of the human sensor 19, the operator may be detected by a foot switch or a pressure sensor disposed on the floor in front of the self checkout device 100. Alternatively, the operator may be detected by attempting to extract a human from an image captured by a camera in front of the self-checkout apparatus 100. The front of the self-checkout apparatus 100 is the front side in FIG. The human sensor 19 is an example of a detection unit that detects an operator.

The pad lamp 20 performs a lighting operation for notification of the device state.
The weighing unit 2 includes a stand 2a for placing an unregistered product. The weighing unit 2 measures the total weight of the goods placed on the table 2a.
The weighing unit 3 includes platforms 3a and 3b for placing registered products, and an arm 3c for holding a bag for storing the registered products. The weighing unit 3 measures the total weight of the product placed on the table 3a, 3b and the product placed in the bag hung on the arm 3c.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part circuit configuration of the self-checkout apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. Elements in FIG. 2 that are the same as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the self checkout apparatus 100 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 21 and a ROM (read) in addition to the weighing units 2 and 3, the touch panel 10, the handy scanner 12, the human sensor 19 and the card 20 described above. 22 includes a RAM (random-access memory) 23, an auxiliary storage unit 24, a fixed scanner 25, a printer 26, a card reader / writer 27, a speaker unit 28, a money collection unit 29, and a communication unit 30. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the auxiliary storage unit 24, the fixed scanner 25, the printer 26, the card reader / writer 27, the speaker unit 28, the money receiving unit 29 and the communication unit 30 are accommodated in the main body 1. The weighing units 2 and 3, touch panel 10, handy scanner 12, CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, auxiliary storage unit 24, fixed scanner 25, printer 26, card reader / writer 27, speaker unit 28, money receiving unit 29, and communication unit 30. Are connected via the transmission line 31. Thus, the CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23 and the auxiliary storage unit 24 constitute a computer that executes information processing for controlling the self-checkout apparatus 100.

The CPU 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 21 controls each unit to realize various functions of the self-checkout apparatus 100 by information processing based on an operating system and an application program stored in the ROM 22 and the auxiliary storage unit 24.
The ROM 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 22 stores an operating system and an application program. The ROM 22 may also store data to be referred to when the CPU 21 performs various processes.

The RAM 23 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 23 stores data to be referred to when the CPU 21 performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 23 is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used when the CPU 21 performs various processing is stored.
The auxiliary storage unit 24 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 24 stores data used when the CPU 21 performs various processes, or data generated by the process of the CPU 21. The auxiliary storage unit 24 may store application programs. As the auxiliary storage unit 24, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used.

  The fixed scanner 25 picks up an item picked up in front of the scanner window 11, and identifies a barcode displayed on the item by image processing. Then, the fixed scanner 25 outputs the information represented by the identified barcode to the CPU 21. It should be noted that the stationary scanner 25 can also utilize other types of known devices such as bar code identification using reflection of laser light. The fixed scanner 25 may have a function of identifying a product using an object recognition technique based on the features of the image of the product itself.

  The printer 26 includes a receipt printer and a journal printer. The receipt printer issues various types of vouchers by printing various types of information on receipt paper. The various vouchers are receipts or the like representing the contents of the transaction. The voucher issued by the receipt printer is discharged from the receipt issue port 13 to the outside of the main body 1. The journal printer prints journal data including information to be printed on receipt paper by the receipt printer on journal paper. The journal sheet is retained inside the main body 1 unless taken out by a maintenance person. The journal data may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24 and printed on a receipt sheet by a receipt printer as needed.

The card reader / writer 27 reads data recorded on a card inserted by the shopper into the card insertion slot 14. The card reader / writer 27 writes data to the above card. The cards are a point card and an IC card for payment. The card reader / writer 27 ejects the card having undergone necessary processing from the card insertion slot 14 to the outside of the main body 1. The card insertion slot 14 holds a card to be ejected in a state where a part of the card is protruded to the outside of the main body 1.
The speaker unit 28 includes a speaker and a drive circuit. The speaker unit 28 outputs an arbitrary sound under the control of the CPU 21.

  The money collection unit 29 counts the coins taken into the inside of the main body 1 from the opening of the coin insertion tray 15 for each denomination and then stores them. The money collection unit 29 pays out coins as change to the tray 16. The money collection unit 29 counts the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 17 for each denomination and stores them. The money collection unit 29 pays out a bill as a change from the bill payout opening 18.

The communication unit 30 is connected to an in-store network such as a local area network (LAN) or a communication network such as the Internet, and communicates with any device such as a POS server.
The transmission path 31 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like, and transmits data and control signals transmitted and received between the connected units.

Next, the operation of the self-checkout apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.
The CPU 21 executes the information processing described below when the self-checkout apparatus 100 is set to the operation mode in which the processing for checkout of the shopper's shopping should be performed according to the operation of the shopper.

  The ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24 stores an information processing program describing information processing described later as one of application programs. The information processing program may be stored in the ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24 at the time of transferring the hardware of the self-checkout apparatus 100, or may be transferred separately from the above hardware. In the latter case, the information processing program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory or the like, or is transferred via a network. In the latter case, the information processing program is provided as a version upgrade program, written to the auxiliary storage unit 24, and used by replacing it with another information processing program of the same type already stored in the ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24. Is assumed.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the CPU 21. The contents of the processes described below are merely examples, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used.
As Act 1, the CPU 21 performs initialization processing such as clearing of the product list. The item list is a list of items to be subjected to one commercial transaction, and is stored in the RAM 23 or the auxiliary storage unit 24.

  The CPU 21 waits for an operator to be detected as Act 2. Then, when a human is detected by the human sensor 19, the CPU 21 determines that the operator is detected as Yes, and proceeds to Act 3.

As Act 3, the CPU 21 starts another monitoring process different from the information processing shown in FIG. 3 in execution. The CPU 21 executes this monitoring process in parallel with the information processing shown in FIG. 3, but the description will be described later.
The CPU 21 then proceeds to Act 4. When the CPU 21 is in the standby state of Act 2, the CPU 21 causes the touch panel 10 to display a standby screen which is determined in advance to indicate the standby state. Then, when proceeding to Act 4, the CPU 21 changes the display of the touch panel 10 to a registration screen representing a GUI for designating a commodity for purchase or representing the content of a commodity list.
As Act 4, the CPU 21 confirms whether the product code has been acquired. Then, if the product code is not obtained, the CPU 21 determines No and proceeds to Act 5.

As Act 5, the CPU 21 confirms whether an operator is detected. Then, if the human sensor 19 continues to detect a human, it is determined that the operator is detected as Yes, and the process returns to Act 4.
Thus, the CPU 21 waits for the product code to be acquired or for the operator to be undetected as Act 4 and Act 5. Then, when the human sensor 19 does not detect a human being, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 5 and ends the information processing shown in FIG. After that, the CPU 21 starts the process shown in FIG. 3 again.

  The shopper picks up the item he / she purchases from the counter and takes the item to the checkout corner. Then, the shopper stands in front of the self checkout device 100 installed at the checkout corner, and performs a registration operation for purchasing and registering a product. The registration operation is, for example, an operation of sending a purchased product in front of the scanner window 11, an operation of bringing the handy scanner 12 close to a bar code displayed on the purchased product, or an operation of touching the touch panel 10 to designate a purchased product. . These operations correspond to operations for inputting a product code, and are included in operations for purchase registration.

  When the purchased item is stolen in front of the scanner window 11, the fixed scanner 25 recognizes the purchased item by image processing, and sends the item code of the item to the CPU 21. When the handy scanner 12 approaches the barcode, the handy scanner 12 sends the product code represented by the barcode to the CPU 21. When an operation of touching the touch panel 10 is performed to designate a purchased item, the touch panel 10 sends the product code associated with the touch position to the CPU 21. In response to these, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 4 and proceeds to Act 6.

  As Act 6, the CPU 21 updates the product list so as to include the product identified by the product code sent as described above as a purchased product. Further, in response to this, the CPU 21 updates the registration screen displayed on the touch panel 10 so as to show the contents of the product list after the update. Thus, when the CPU 21 executes the information processing shown in FIG. 3 based on the information processing program, the computer having the CPU 21 as a central part functions as a registration unit.

As Act 7, the CPU 21 confirms whether a product code is newly acquired. Then, if the product code is not acquired, it is determined as No, and the process proceeds to Act 8.
As Act 8, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not a tightening operation has been performed to specify the closing of the purchase registration. Then, the CPU 21 returns to Act 7 if the corresponding operation is not performed.
Thus, as Act 7 and Act 8, the CPU 21 waits for a product code to be newly obtained or a closing operation to be performed. Then, when the product code is newly acquired, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 7, performs Act 6 again, and returns to the standby state of Act 7 and Act 8. Thus, the CPU 21 registers the purchased item in the item list according to the operation of the shopper.

  After the shopper has registered all of the purchased items, the shopper performs a closing operation, for example, by touching a predetermined button included in the registration screen. The closing operation is included in the operation for purchasing registration. Then, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 8 and proceeds to Act 9. At this time, the CPU 21 changes the display on the touch panel 10 to a designation screen representing a GUI or the like for designating a settlement method. Further, at this time, the CPU 21 calculates a settlement amount to be settled for the purchase and sale of all registered purchased products, and displays it on the designation screen.

As Act 9, the CPU 21 waits for a settlement method to be designated. Then, the CPU 21 determines that the operation of designating the settlement method on the designation screen is performed by the shopper by the touch panel 10, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to Act 10. The operation of designating the settlement method is included in the operation for settlement processing.
As Act 10, the CPU 21 performs payment processing. Specifically, the CPU 21 settles the above-mentioned settlement amount using a settlement method designated by the operator from among a plurality of settlement methods. As the settlement method, various known settlement methods using cash, credit card, debit card, prepaid card, electronic money, points, cash vouchers and the like can be appropriately used. The CPU 21 receives various operations such as the insertion of money, the insertion of various cards, the specification of the number of use points, and the execution instruction of the settlement during the settlement process. These operations are included in the operation for payment processing.
Thus, when the CPU 21 executes the information processing shown in FIG. 3 based on the information processing program, the computer having the CPU 21 as a central part functions as a settlement means.

As Act 11, the CPU 21 causes the printer 26 to issue a receipt representing the list of purchased products, the result of settlement, and the like.
As Act 12, the CPU 21 stops the monitoring process. That is, the CPU 21 executes the monitoring process during the period until the settlement process is completed after the operator is first detected when in the standby state in the initialized state.

  As Act 13, the CPU 21 confirms whether an operator is detected. Then, if a human is still detected by the human sensor 19, it is determined as Yes, and Act 13 is repeated. Thus, as Act 13, the CPU 21 waits for the operator to be undetected. When the human sensor 19 no longer detects a human, the CPU 21 determines that the operator is not detected as No, and ends the information processing shown in FIG. 3. After that, the CPU 21 starts the process shown in FIG. 3 again.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of information processing as monitoring processing by the CPU 21. The contents of the processes described below are merely examples, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used. Note that the information processing shown in FIG. 3 and the information processing shown in FIG. 4 are executed based on separate program modules included in the same information processing program. However, both information processing may be performed based on separate application programs.

As Act 21, the CPU 21 confirms whether an operator is detected. Then, if a human being remains detected by the human sensor 19, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to Act 22.
As Act 22, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not an operation waiting state is in progress. Then, the CPU 21 determines No when it is not in a state of waiting for any of the operation for purchase registration or the operation for payment processing described above in the information processing shown in FIG. 3, and returns to Act 21.
Thus, as Act 21 and Act 22, the CPU 21 waits for the operator to be undetected or to be in a state of waiting for an operation for purchase registration or settlement processing. Then, if the CPU 21 is in a state of waiting for an operation for purchase registration or settlement processing, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 22 and proceeds to Act 23.

  The CPU 21 reads the first setting data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24 as Act 23. The first setting data represents a first setting time as a time for allowing operation standby. When the setting of the first set time is designated by the operator in the operation mode for setting the operation condition etc. of the self checkout device 100, the CPU 21 acquires the first set time, The first setting data represented is written to the auxiliary storage unit 24. If another first setting data is already stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24, the CPU 21 overwrites it with the new first setting data. Thus, when the CPU 21 executes this information processing, a computer having the CPU 21 as a central part functions as an updating means. The auxiliary storage unit 24 is an example of a storage device that stores the first setting data. The first default data may be stored in the ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24, and the CPU 21 may use one of the first default data and the setting data designated by the operator as the valid setting data. . Here, the operator is a clerk or the like who manages the self checkout apparatus 100.

As Act 24, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator is detected. Then, if a human being remains detected by the human sensor 19, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to Act 25.
As Act 25, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the above-mentioned operation is still waiting. Then, if the state of waiting for the operation continues, the CPU 21 determines as Yes, and proceeds to Act 26.
As Act 26, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the first set time has elapsed from when it is determined as Yes in Act 22. Then, if the time has not elapsed, the CPU 21 determines No and returns to Act 24.
Thus, as Act24-Act26, the CPU 21 stops detecting the operator, cancels the state of waiting for the operation for purchase registration or settlement processing, or waits for the above operation at the first set time. I wait for the transition to continue. Then, the CPU 21 continues waiting for the operation for the first set time, and when the first set time has elapsed, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 26 and proceeds to Act 27. That is, the period from the standby state for the operation to the elapse of the first set time is the reception period.

The CPU 21 executes the first notification process as Act 27. The first notification process is a process for notifying a predetermined notification destination that the operation waiting state continues regardless of the presence of the operator. One of the first notification processes is control of the speaker unit 28 for outputting a predetermined alarm sound or voice message for the notification. One of the notification processes is control of the touch panel 10 for displaying at least one of a predetermined text message and an image for the first notification. One of the first notification processes is control of the lamp lamp 20 for lighting predetermined for the notification. One of the first notification processing is transmission of notification data to an arbitrary information terminal such as an attendant terminal, a portable information terminal, a POS terminal, or a POS server. The CPU 21 executes one or more of these processes as Act 27. Thus, when the operation to be performed is not performed due to the shopper being confused by the operation or the like, a person who is around the self checkout device 100 or a notification It is reported to a person who uses the above information terminal. Thus, when the CPU 21 executes the information processing shown in FIG. 4 based on the information processing program, the computer having the CPU 21 as a central part functions as a notification means. After that, the CPU 21 returns to the standby state of Act 21 and Act 22.
If the state where the operation is on standby is canceled earlier than the first set time has elapsed, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 25 and does not execute the first notification process as Act 27. Then, the process returns to the standby state of Act 21 and Act 22.

If the human sensor 19 no longer detects a human, the CPU 21 determines that the operator is not detected at No in Act 21 or Act 24, and proceeds to Act 28.
As Act 28, the CPU 21 reads the second setting data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24. The second setting data represents a second setting time as a time for permitting the shopper not to be detected by the human sensor 19 within the period of executing the monitoring process as described above. That is, even if the shopper stands in front of the self-checkout apparatus 100, the human sensor 19 may not be able to detect the operator depending on the position and the posture. Also, for some reason, the shopper may leave the front of the self-checkout device 100 for a short time. Therefore, the second set time described above can be set. When the setting of the second set time is designated by the operator in the operation mode for setting the operation condition etc. of the self checkout apparatus 100, the CPU 21 acquires the second set time concerned, The represented setting data is written to the auxiliary storage unit 24. If another second setting data is already stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24, the CPU 21 overwrites it with the new second setting data. Thus, when the CPU 21 executes this information processing, a computer having the CPU 21 as a central part functions as an updating means. The auxiliary storage unit 24 is an example of a storage device that stores the second setting data. The second default data may be stored in the ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24, and the CPU 21 may use one of the second default data and the setting data designated by the operator as the valid setting data. . Here, the operator is a clerk or the like who manages the self checkout apparatus 100.

In Act 29, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not an operator is detected. Then, if the human sensor 19 continues to detect a human, it determines No and proceeds to Act 30.
In Act 30, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the second set time has elapsed from when it is determined No in Act 21 or Act 24. Then, if the second set time has not elapsed, the CPU 21 determines as No and returns to Act 29.
Thus, the CPU 21 acts as Act 29 and Act 30 to wait for the operator to be detected or for the time when the operator is not detected to continue for the second set time. Then, when the human sensor 19 detects a human, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 29 and returns to the standby state of Act 21 and Act 22. That is, even if the CPU 21 can not detect the operator once, if the state can detect the operator without continuing for the second set time, the CPU 21 performs the second notification process described later. It returns to the waiting state of Act21 and Act22 without.

If the time during which the operator is not detected continues for the second set time, the CPU 21 determines that the second set time has elapsed, that is, Yes in Act 30 and proceeds to Act 31.
The CPU 21 executes the second notification process as Act 31. The second notification process is a process for notifying a predetermined notification destination that there is a risk that the shopper may not be present in the state where the above-described process regarding one transaction is not completed. The second notification process may be similar to the first notification process. However, both the alert and voice message, the text message or image to be displayed, the color or pattern of lighting, or the destination of the notification may be differentiated between the first notification process and the second notification process, etc. It is preferable to be distinguishable. Then, by the operation according to the second notification processing, the shopper is separated while executing the processing regarding one transaction, the person who is around the self checkout device 100 or the information terminal of the notification destination is used. Reported to people who Thus, when the CPU 21 executes the information processing shown in FIG. 4 based on the information processing program, the computer having the CPU 21 as a central part functions as a notification means. Then, the CPU 21 ends the monitoring process. When the monitoring process is stopped by Act 12 in the information processing of FIG. 3 described above when the CPU 21 is in the standby state of Act 21 and Act 22, in the standby state of Act 24-Act 26 or in the standby state of Act 29 and Act 30 End the monitoring process.

  As described above, according to the self checkout apparatus 100, when there is a shopper who can not perform the operation due to being unfamiliar with the operation, etc., the attendant may respond to it according to the first notification. So you don't have to keep an eye on shoppers. For this reason, the burden on the attendant is reduced as compared to the case where such observation must be performed.

  Further, according to the self checkout apparatus 100, the first set time can be set arbitrarily. Thus, it is possible to adjust the timing at which the first notification is made to be appropriate timing according to the operation status of the self-checkout apparatus 100. For example, immediately after the introduction of the self checkout apparatus 100 into a store, the first set time is shortened in a situation where many shoppers are unfamiliar with the operation. Then, it is possible to improve the processing capacity at the checkout corner by making the early guidance be given to the attendant. On the other hand, for example, in a situation where a sufficient time has elapsed since the introduction of the self checkout apparatus 100 to the store, and many shoppers are used to the operation, the first set time is lengthened. This makes it possible to reduce the opportunity for guidance and reduce the load on the attendant.

  Further, according to the self checkout device 100, the second clerk can quickly recognize the shopper's inappropriate leaving by the clerk near the notification destination. Then, it becomes possible for the clerk to promptly take appropriate measures such as setting the checkout device concerned to a state in which processing concerning a new commerce can be started.

  If the first notification process and the second notification process can be distinguished as described above, for example, a guide to a shopper who is not familiar with the operation or a treatment for a customer who is going to leave should be performed, for example. The attendant or the like can easily determine whether the As a result, it becomes possible for the attendant etc. to take appropriate measures promptly.

  In addition, if the shopper who is going to leave should be able to recognize that the report by the report processing is a warning sound or the output of a voice message or lighting of a playing card, if the shopper is going to leave by mistake, It is possible to make the shopper recognize such an error. Also, if the shopper is intentionally going to leave, it is possible to dissuade such an act.

  Further, according to the self checkout apparatus 100, the notification process is executed when the state in which the operator is not detected continues for the time corresponding to the second setting data. For this reason, it is prevented that a report is made one by one when the human sensor 19 can not detect the shopper temporarily, or when the shopper is separated from the front of the self checkout device 100 for a short time. it can.

  The second set time is a time lag until a notification is made when the operator has inappropriately left. However, according to the self checkout apparatus 100, since it is possible to arbitrarily change the second setting data, this time lag is appropriately set so as to prevent a delay in dealing with leaving in consideration of various conditions. It is possible to set. The various conditions are the size and structure of the checkout corner where the self checkout device 100 is installed, or the distance from the installation position of the self checkout device 100 to the representative location of the store clerk corresponding to the notification.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, a settlement apparatus used as a settlement terminal of a semi-self type POS system will be described as an example.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main part circuit configuration of the settlement apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The external appearance of the settlement apparatus 200 can be, for example, one in which the weighing units 2 and 3, the scanner window 11 and the handy scanner 12 in the self-checkout apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 5, the payment apparatus 200 includes a touch panel 10, a human sensor 19, a card 20, a CPU 21, an RO 22, a RAM 23, an auxiliary storage unit 24, a printer 26, a card reader / writer 27, a speaker unit 28, a money receiving unit 29, A communication unit 30 is included.

That is, in addition to the weighing units 2 and 3 and the handy scanner 12 in the self checkout apparatus 100, the settlement apparatus 200 omits the fixed scanner 25. In the present embodiment, a computer configured by the CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the auxiliary storage unit 24 executes information processing for controlling the payment apparatus 200.
The communication unit 30 is connected to the communication network 400, and exchanges data with the registration device 300 connected to the communication network 400 via the communication network 400.

Next, the operation of the settlement apparatus 200 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of information processing by the CPU 21. The contents of the processes described below are merely examples, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used. In addition, the same processing as that shown in FIG. 3 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

As Act 41, the CPU 21 performs initialization processing such as clearing of payment information for payment related to the immediately preceding commercial transaction.
As Act 42, the CPU 21 confirms whether the communication unit 30 receives payment information to be sent from the registration device 300 and to be processed for payment in the payment device 200.

  Here, the registration device 300 registers the purchased item of the shopper in response to the operation of the store clerk, and sends out the item list and payment information representing the payment amount and the like to the communication network 400. In many cases, a payment device other than the payment device 200 is connected to the communication network 400, and the plurality of payment devices share and process payment information sent from the registration device 300. As an example, the registration device 300 selects any one of a plurality of payment devices, and sends payment information to the payment devices. In this case, the communication unit 30 receives the settlement information addressed to the settlement apparatus 200. Then, in response to this, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 42. However, how to share a plurality of payment information by a plurality of payment devices can be arbitrarily changed. Then, if the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 42, it proceeds to Act 43.

In Act 43, the CPU 21 waits for the detection of the operator. Then, when a human is detected by the human sensor 19, the CPU 21 determines that the operator is detected as Yes and proceeds to Act 5. That is, in the settlement apparatus 200, the monitoring process is started in response to the detection of the operator after the settlement information is received. The CPU 21 performs monitoring processing in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
The CPU 21 then proceeds to Act 44. When the CPU 21 is in the standby state of Act 43, the CPU 21 causes the touch panel 10 to display a standby screen which is determined in advance to indicate the standby state. Then, when proceeding to Act 44, the CPU 21 changes the display on the touch panel 10 to a start screen representing a GUI for receiving a payment start instruction.

As Act 44, the CPU 21 confirms whether a start instruction has been issued. Then, the CPU 21 determines No when the instruction is not made, and proceeds to Act 45.
As Act 45, the CPU 21 confirms whether the operator is detected. Then, if the human sensor 19 continues to detect a human, it is determined that the operator is detected as Yes, and the process returns to Act 44.
Thus, as Act 44 and Act 45, the CPU 21 waits for a start instruction to be issued or for the operator not to be detected. Then, when the human sensor 19 does not detect a human being, the CPU 21 determines No in Act 45 and proceeds to Act 46.
As Act 46, the CPU 21 stops the monitoring process. At this time, in the monitoring process, the first notification process may have been executed. However, since the monitoring process is stopped before proceeding to Act 28 in FIG. 4, the second notification process is not executed. That is, the CPU 21 does not execute the second notification process even if the operator goes away, before the start instruction is issued. Then, after that, the CPU 21 starts the process shown in FIG. 6 again.

  The shopper moves to the front of the settlement apparatus 200 according to the guidance by the store clerk who has performed the registration operation for the purchase registration with the registration apparatus 300, and touches, for example, a predetermined button included in the start screen. Give a start instruction. Then, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act 44 and proceeds to Act 9.

After that, the CPU 21 executes Act 9 to Act 13 as in the first embodiment.
Thus, in this case, in the settlement apparatus 200, the monitoring process is performed during the period until the settlement is completed.
Also in the settlement apparatus 200, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved.

The following various modifications can be made to the first and second embodiments described above.
It is also possible to implement as a registered settlement apparatus that performs registration of contents related to any transaction other than a commercial transaction involving the purchase and sale of goods and performs settlement of the price or a settlement apparatus that performs settlement of the price of the above-described transaction. For example, use of facilities and services is assumed as the relevant transaction.

  A part of the above-described information processing performed by the CPU 21 may be omitted. For example, issuance of a receipt as Act 11 in FIGS. 3 and 6 may not be performed. And in this case, the electronic receipt data may be transmitted to the receipt server instead. Also, the issuance of the receipt may be performed after the monitoring process is stopped. Further, for example, confirmation of Act 2, Act 5, Act 13, Act 43, and Act 45 in FIGS. 3 and 6 may be entirely or partially omitted.

  The first setting data may be individually stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24 in association with each of the plurality of operations to be awaited. Alternatively, the first setting data may be individually stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24 in association with each of a plurality of groups formed by grouping a plurality of standby operations. In these cases, the CPU 21 reads the first setting data associated with the standby operation or the first setup data associated with the group to which the standby operation belongs in Act 23 in FIG. 4. do it.

  Each function realized by the CPU 21 by information processing may be realized by hardware that executes information processing that is not based on a program such as a logic circuit or the like. Further, each of the functions described above can be realized by combining hardware such as the logic circuit described above with software control.

  While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... main part, 2 ... measurement unit, 3 ... measurement unit, 10 ... touch panel, 11 ... scanner window, 12 ... handy scanner, 13 ... receipt issue port, 14 ... card insertion port, 15 ... coin insertion tray, 16 ... saucer, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 ... Banknote insertion slot, 18 ... Banknote payment outlet, 19 ... Human sensor, 20 ... Patram, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... ROM, 23 ... RAM, 24 ... Auxiliary memory unit, 25 ... Fixed scanner, 26 ... Printer, 27 ... card reader / writer, 28 ... speaker unit, 29 ... money collection unit, 30 ... communication unit, 31 ... transmission path, 100 ... self checkout device, 200 ... settlement device, 300 ... registration device, 400 ... communication network.

Claims (6)

A settlement unit that executes settlement processing for settling the payment for the transaction;
Detection means for detecting an operator;
A predetermined operation when the operation by the operator for the settlement unit to execute the settlement process is not performed within a predetermined reception period and the detection unit detects the operator. Reporting means for performing report processing for reporting to a report destination;
Payment device equipped with. The notification unit sets a period represented by setting data stored in a storage device as the reception period.
The payment device
Updating means for acquiring a new reception period and updating the setting data stored in the storage device so as to represent the acquired reception period;
The payment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The notification means performs the notification process even when the detection means does not detect the operator while the payment means is executing the payment process.
The settlement apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The notification means is configured such that the operation is not performed within the reception period, and the detection means detects the operator during a period when the detection means detects the operator, and a period when the settlement process is performed. Perform the notification process distinguishably from the case where it is not detected
The settlement apparatus according to claim 3. A registration unit that executes a registration process for registering the content of the transaction according to the operation by the operator;
A settlement unit that executes a settlement process to settle a payment for the transaction of the content registered by the registration unit;
Detection means for detecting the operator;
The operation by the operator for the registration means or the settlement means to execute the registration process or the settlement process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. Reporting means for performing a report process for reporting to a predetermined report destination, if any;
Registered payment device equipped with. A computer for executing information processing for controlling a settlement apparatus comprising detection means for detecting an operator;
A settlement unit that executes settlement processing for settling the payment for the transaction;
A predetermined operation when the operation by the operator for the settlement unit to execute the settlement process is not performed within a predetermined reception period and the detection unit detects the operator. Reporting means for performing report processing for reporting to a report destination;
Program to make it function.