JP2022033301A - Settlement device, registration settlement device and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: 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

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a payment device, a registered payment device, and an information processing program.

A payment device included in a semi-self-type POS system, or a payment device or a registered payment device in which a shopper operates such as a self-checkout device is known.
With these devices, if the shopper is unfamiliar with the operation, the time required for processing one transaction becomes long, resulting in a decrease in the operating rate. Therefore, a clerk is often assigned as an attendant. The attendant then observes the shopper and guides the shopper who is confused about the operation.
For this reason, the attendant needs to constantly observe the situation of shoppers, which is a heavy burden.

Under these circumstances, it has been desired to reduce the burden on the attendant regarding guidance to shoppers who are unfamiliar with the operation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-201147

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a payment device, a registered payment device, and an information processing program that can reduce the burden on an attendant for guidance to shoppers who are unfamiliar with the operation.

The payment device of the embodiment includes a payment means, a detection means, and a reporting means. The settlement means executes a settlement process for settlement of the price related to the transaction. The detection means detects the operator. The notification means is a predetermined notification when the operation by the operator for the payment means to execute the payment process is not performed within the predetermined reception period and the detection means detects the operator. Perform report processing to report first.

The perspective view of the appearance of the self-checkout apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the self-checkout device shown in FIG. 1. The flowchart of information processing by CPU shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of information processing as a monitoring process by the CPU shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the main part circuit composition of the self-checkout apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart of information processing by CPU shown in FIG.

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

(First Embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described by exemplifying a self-checkout device having a function as a registered settlement device that performs processing for registration of purchased products and settlement of the price of the registered purchased products.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the self-checkout device 100 according to the first embodiment. The self-checkout device 100 of the present embodiment is also called a self-checkout type POS terminal or a self-registration device. The self-checkout device 100 is operated by the shopper. Therefore, the shopper is the operator of the self-checkout device 100. However, the clerk may be the operator of the self-checkout device 100.

The self-checkout device 100 includes a main body 1 and measuring units 2 and 3.
The main body 1 includes a touch panel 10, a scanner window 11, a handy scanner 12, a receipt issuing port 13, a card insertion slot 14, a coin slot 15, a tray 16, a bill insertion slot 17, a bill payout outlet 18, a motion sensor 19, and a patrol lamp 20. including.

The touch panel 10 displays various screens for notifying the operator of various information. A part of the various screens constitutes a GUI (graphical user interface), and the touch panel 10 accepts a touch operation for operating the GUI.
The scanner window 11 is formed by covering the opening formed in the main body 1 with a transparent resin, glass, or the like. The scanner window 11 makes it possible to scan a product held by an operator in front of the scanner window 11 by a fixed scanner arranged inside the main body 1. 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 issuing port 13 is a slit-shaped opening for discharging the receipt to the outside of the main body 1.
The card insertion slot 14 is a slit-shaped opening for inserting a card into the main body 1 and discharging the card to the outside of the main body 1.

The coin insertion plate 15 receives coins inserted by the operator for settlement. An opening is formed in the bottom surface of the coin insertion plate 15, and the coins received by the coin insertion plate 15 are taken into the inside of the main body 1 through the opening.
The saucer 16 receives coins to be paid out as change or the like from the main body 1.
The bill insertion slot 17 is a slit-shaped opening for taking in the bill inserted by the operator for settlement into the inside of the main body 1.
The bill payout outlet 18 is a slit-shaped opening for paying out bills as change from the main body 1. The bill payout outlet 18 holds the bill in a state where a part of the bill is projected to the outside of the main body 1.

The motion sensor 19 detects the presence of a human in the standing position of the operator for operating the self-checkout device 100. That is, the motion sensor 19 detects a person who can be an operator when the person is located in front of the self-checkout device 100. As the motion sensor 19, for example, a well-known device using an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, or the like can be used. Further, instead of the motion sensor 19, the operator may be detected by a foot switch or a pressure sensor arranged 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 taken by a camera in front of the self-checkout device 100. The front side of the self-checkout device 100 is the front side in FIG. The motion sensor 19 is an example of a detection means for detecting an operator.

The patrol lamp 20 performs a lighting operation for reporting the device status.
The weighing unit 2 includes a stand 2a for placing an unregistered product. The weighing unit 2 measures the total weight of the products placed on the table 2a.
The weighing unit 3 includes tables 3a and 3b for placing registered products and an arm 3c for hanging a bag for storing registered products. The measuring unit 3 measures the total weight of the product placed on the bases 3a and 3b and the product placed in the bag hung on the arm 3c.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the self-checkout device 100. In FIG. 2, the same elements as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the self-checkout device 100 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 21 and a ROM (read) in addition to the above-mentioned measuring units 2 and 3, a touch panel 10, a handy scanner 12, a human sensor 19 and a patrol lamp 20. -Only memory) 22, RAM (random-access memory) 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 included. The 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 housed in the main body 1. Further, the measuring units 2 and 3, the touch panel 10, the handy scanner 12, 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 collecting unit 29 and the communication unit 30. Is connected via a transmission line 31. As a result, a computer that executes information processing for controlling the self-checkout device 100 is configured by the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, and auxiliary storage unit 24.

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 device 100 by information processing based on the operating system and the 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. ROM 22 stores an operating system and application programs. Further, the ROM 22 may store data referred to by the CPU 21 in performing various processes.

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

The fixed scanner 25 takes an image of the product held in front of the scanner window 11 and then identifies the barcode displayed on the product by image processing. Then, the fixed scanner 25 outputs the information represented by the identified barcode to the CPU 21. The fixed scanner 25 can also use other types of well-known devices that identify barcodes by utilizing the reflection of laser light. The fixed scanner 25 may have a function of identifying a product by using an object recognition technique based on the characteristics of the image of the product itself.

The printer 26 includes a receipt printer and a journal printer. The receipt printer issues various certificates by printing various information on the receipt paper. Various vouchers are receipts showing the contents of commercial transactions. The voucher issued by the receipt printer is discharged from the receipt issuing port 13 to the outside of the main body 1. The journal printer prints the journal data including the information printed on the receipt paper by the receipt printer on the journal paper. The journal paper is held inside the main body 1 unless it is taken out by a maintenance person. The journal data may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24 and printed on the receipt paper with a receipt printer as needed.

The card reader / writer 27 reads the data recorded on the card inserted by the shopper into the card insertion slot 14. The card reader / writer 27 writes data to the above card. The card is a point card, an IC card for payment, or the like. The card reader / writer 27 ejects the card that has completed the necessary processing from the card insertion slot 14 to the outside of the main body 1. The card insertion slot 14 holds the card to be ejected in a state where a part thereof is projected 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 coin collecting unit 29 counts coins taken into the inside of the main body 1 from the opening of the coin insertion dish 15 for each denomination and stores them. The money receiving unit 29 pays out coins as change to the tray 16. The money receiving unit 29 counts the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 17 for each denomination and stores them. The money receiving unit 29 pays out banknotes as change from the banknote payout port 18.

The communication unit 30 is connected to an in-store network consisting of a LAN (local area network) or a communication network such as the Internet, and communicates with an arbitrary device such as a POS server.
The transmission line 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 parts.

Next, the operation of the self-checkout device 100 configured as described above will be described.
When the self-checkout device 100 is set to the operation mode in which the process for checking out the shopping of the shopper is to be performed according to the operation of the shopper, the CPU 21 executes the information processing described below.

The ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24 stores an information processing program that describes information processing described later as one of the application programs. The information processing program may be stored in the ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24 when the hardware of the self-checkout device 100 is transferred, 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, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., or transferred via a network. In the latter case, the information processing program is provided as an upgrade program, written to the auxiliary storage unit 24, and replaced 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 content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.
As Act1, the CPU 21 performs initialization processing such as clearing the product list. The product list is a list of products subject to one commercial transaction, and is stored in the RAM 23 or the auxiliary storage unit 24.

As Act2, the CPU 21 waits for the operator to be detected. Then, if a human is detected by the motion sensor 19, the CPU 21 determines that the operator has been detected as Yes, and proceeds to Act3.

As Act3, the CPU 21 activates a monitoring process different from the information processing shown in FIG. 3 during execution. The CPU 21 executes this monitoring process in parallel with the information processing shown in FIG. 3, and the description thereof will be described later.
After this, the CPU 21 proceeds to Act4. When the CPU 21 is in the standby state of Act2, the touch panel 10 displays a predetermined standby screen to indicate that it is in the standby state. Then, when proceeding to Act 4, the CPU 21 changes the display of the touch panel 10 to a registration screen that represents a GUI for designating the purchased product or represents the contents of the product list.
As Act4, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the product code has been acquired. Then, the CPU 21 determines No if the product code has not been acquired, and proceeds to Act5.

As Act5, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator has been detected. Then, if the motion sensor 19 continues to detect a human, it is determined that the operator has been detected as Yes, and the process returns to Act4.
Thus, the CPU 21 waits for the product code to be acquired or the operator to be undetectable as Act4 and Act5. Then, when the motion sensor 19 no longer detects a human, the CPU 21 determines No in Act5 and ends the information processing shown in FIG. After that, the CPU 21 restarts the process shown in FIG.

The shopper picks up the product he / she buys from the sales floor and takes the product to the checkout corner. Then, the shopper stands in front of the self-checkout device 100 installed in the checkout corner and performs a registration operation for purchasing and registering the product. The registration operation includes an operation of holding the purchased product in front of the scanner window 11, an operation of bringing the handy scanner 12 close to the barcode displayed on the purchased product, an operation of touching the touch panel 10 to specify the purchased product, and the like. .. These operations correspond to the operation for inputting the product code, and are included in the operation for purchase registration.

When the purchased product is held in front of the scanner window 11, the fixed scanner 25 recognizes the purchased product by image processing and sends the product code of the product to the CPU 21. When the handy scanner 12 is brought close to the bar code, the handy scanner 12 sends the product code represented by the bar code to the CPU 21. When the operation of touching the touch panel 10 is performed to specify the purchased product, 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 Act4 and proceeds to Act6.

As Act6, 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. In response to this, the CPU 21 updates the registration screen displayed on the touch panel 10 so as to represent the contents of the updated product list. 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 portion functions as a registration means.

As Act7, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the product code has been newly acquired. Then, if the product code has not been acquired, it is determined as No, and the process proceeds to Act8.
As Act8, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not a closing operation for designating the closing of the purchase registration has been performed. Then, if the corresponding operation is not performed, the CPU 21 returns to Act7.
Thus, the CPU 21 waits for the product code to be newly acquired or the tightening operation to be performed for Act7 and Act8. Then, if the product code is newly acquired, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act7, performs Act6 again, and then returns to the standby state of Act7 and Act8. As a result, the CPU 21 registers the purchased product in the product list according to the operation of the shopper.

When the shopper has registered all of the purchased products, he / she performs a closing operation by, for example, touching a predetermined button included in the registration screen. The tightening operation is included in the operation for purchase registration. Then, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act8 and proceeds to Act9. At this time, the CPU 21 changes the display of the touch panel 10 to a designated screen showing a GUI or the like for designating a payment method. At this time, the CPU 21 calculates the settlement amount to be settled for the sale and purchase of all the registered purchased products, and displays it on the designated screen.

As Act9, the CPU 21 waits for the payment method to be specified. Then, when the shopper performs an operation of designating the payment method on the designated screen and the input is input by the touch panel 10, the CPU 21 determines Yes and proceeds to Act10. The operation of specifying the payment method is included in the operation for payment processing.
As Act10, the CPU 21 performs payment processing. Specifically, the CPU 21 setstles the above-mentioned payment amount using a payment method designated by the operator from among a plurality of payment methods. As a payment method, various well-known payment methods using cash, credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, electronic money, points, cash vouchers, etc. can be appropriately used. In this payment process, the CPU 21 accepts various operations such as money insertion, various card insertions, designation of the number of points to be used, and payment execution instructions. These operations are included in the operations 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 portion functions as a payment means.

As Act11, the CPU 21 causes the printer 26 to issue a receipt showing a list of purchased products, a settlement result, 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 from the first detection of the operator in the standby state in the initialized state to the completion of the settlement process.

As Act 13, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator has been detected. Then, if the human being is still detected by the motion sensor 19, it is determined as Yes, and Act 13 is repeated. Thus, the CPU 21 waits for the operator to stop being detected as the Act 13. Then, if the human is no longer detected by the motion sensor 19, the CPU 21 determines that the operator is no longer detected and determines No, and ends the information processing shown in FIG. After that, the CPU 21 restarts the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of information processing as a monitoring process by the CPU 21. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used. The information processing shown in FIG. 3 and the information processing shown in FIG. 4 are executed based on different program modules included in the same information processing program. However, both information processes may be executed based on different application programs.

As Act21, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator has been detected. Then, if the human being is still detected by the motion sensor 19, it is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to Act22.
As Act22, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not it is in the operation waiting state. Then, the CPU 21 determines No if it is not in a state of waiting for either the above-mentioned operation for purchase registration or the operation for payment processing in the information processing shown in FIG. 3, and returns to Act21.
Thus, the CPU 21 waits for the Act 21 and the Act 22 to stop detecting the operator or to be in a state of waiting for an operation for purchase registration or payment processing. Then, if the CPU 21 is in a state of waiting for an operation for purchase registration or payment processing, the Act 22 determines Yes and proceeds to the Act 23.

As Act23, the CPU 21 reads the first setting data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24. This first setting data represents a first set time as a time for allowing an operation to stand by. When the operator specifies the setting of the first set time in the operation mode for setting the operating conditions of the self-checkout device 100, the CPU 21 acquires the first set time and sets the first set time. The first set 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, the computer having the CPU 21 as a central portion functions as an update means. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 24 is an example of a storage device that stores the first setting data. The ROM 22 or the auxiliary storage unit 24 may store the first default data, and the CPU 21 may use either the first default data or the setting data specified by the operator as valid setting data. .. The operator here is a clerk who is in charge of managing the self-checkout device 100.

As Act 24, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator has been detected. Then, if the human being is still detected by the motion sensor 19, it is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to Act25.
As Act 25, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not it is still waiting for the above-mentioned operation. Then, if the state of waiting for the operation continues, the CPU 21 determines Yes and proceeds to Act26.
As Act26, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the first set time has elapsed since the determination of Yes in Act22. Then, if the time has not elapsed, the CPU 21 determines No, and returns to Act24.
Thus, in Act24-Act26, the state in which the operator is not detected, the state of waiting for the operation for purchase registration or payment processing is canceled, or the state of waiting for the above operation is set as the first set time. Wait for the migration to continue. Then, when the state of waiting for the operation continues for the first set time and the first set time has elapsed, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act26 and proceeds to Act27. That is, the reception period is the period from the state of waiting for the operation to the elapse of the first set time.

As Act27, the CPU 21 executes the first notification process. The first notification process is a process for notifying a predetermined report destination that the operation waiting state continues despite the situation where the operator is present. One of the first notification processes is the control of the speaker unit 28 for outputting a predetermined alarm sound or voice message for the notification. One of the notification processes is the control of the touch panel 10 for displaying at least one of the character message and the image predetermined for the first notification. One of the first notification processes is the control of the patrol lamp 20 for lighting, which is predetermined for the above notification. One of the first notification processes is transmission of notification data to any information terminal such as an attendant terminal, a mobile information terminal, a POS terminal, or a POS server. As Act27, the CPU 21 executes one or more of these processes. As a result, if the shopper is confused about the operation and the operation that should be performed is not performed, that is the person around the self-checkout device 100 or a report. It will be notified to the person who uses the previous 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 portion functions as a reporting means. Then, the CPU 21 then returns to the standby state of the Act 21 and the Act 22.
If the state of waiting for the operation is resolved earlier than the first set time elapses, the CPU 21 determines No in the Act 25 and does not execute the first notification process as the Act 27. Then, it returns to the standby state of Act21 and Act22.

If the human sensor 19 no longer detects a human, the CPU 21 determines that the operator is no longer detected and determines No by the 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 set time as a time for allowing the shopper to be prevented from being detected by the motion sensor 19 within the period in which the monitoring process as described above is executed. That is, even if the shopper is standing in front of the self-checkout device 100, the motion sensor 19 may not be able to detect the operator depending on the position and posture thereof. Also, for some reason, the shopper may leave the front of the self-checkout device 100 for a short time. Therefore, the above-mentioned second set time can be set. When the operator specifies the setting of the second set time in the operation mode for setting the operating conditions of the self-checkout device 100, the CPU 21 acquires the second set time and sets the second set time. 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, the computer having the CPU 21 as a central portion functions as an update 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 either the second default data or the setting data specified by the operator as valid setting data. .. The operator here is a clerk who is in charge of managing the self-checkout device 100.

In Act29, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator has been detected. Then, if the motion sensor 19 cannot continue to detect a human, it is determined as No, and the process proceeds to Act30.
In Act 30, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the second set time has elapsed since the determination of No in Act 21 or Act 24. Then, if the second set time has not elapsed, the CPU 21 determines No, and returns to Act29.
Thus, as Act 29 and Act 30, the CPU 21 waits 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 motion sensor 19 detects a human, the CPU 21 determines Yes in the Act 29, and returns to the standby state of the Act 21 and the Act 22. That is, even if the operator cannot be detected once, if the state becomes a state in which the operator can be detected without continuing for the second set time, the CPU 21 performs the second notification process described later. It returns to the standby state of Act21 and Act22 without any.

When the time when the operator is not detected continues for the second set time, the CPU 21 determines that the second set time has elapsed and determines Yes in the Act 30, and proceeds to the Act 31.
As Act 31, the CPU 21 executes the second notification process. The second notification process is a process for notifying a predetermined notification destination that there is a possibility that the shopper may have disappeared in a state where the above-mentioned processing for one transaction has not been completed. The second notification process may be the same as the first notification process. However, both notifications are sent by making the output alarm sound or voice message, the displayed character message or image, the lighting color or pattern, the notification destination, etc. different between the first notification processing and the second notification processing. It is preferable to make them distinguishable. Then, due to the operation corresponding to this second notification processing, the fact that the shopper has left while executing the processing related to one transaction is that the person around the self-checkout device 100 or the information terminal of the notification destination is used. It will be reported to the person who does it. 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 portion functions as a reporting means. Then, the CPU 21 ends the monitoring process. If the monitoring process is stopped by Act12 in the information processing of FIG. 3 described above when the CPU 21 is in the standby state of Act21 and Act22, the standby state of Act24-Act26, or the standby state of Act29 and Act30, it is as it is. End the monitoring process.

As described above, according to the self-checkout device 100, if there is a shopper who cannot perform the operation due to unfamiliarity with the operation, the attendant may deal with it in response to the first report. Therefore, it is not necessary to constantly observe the shoppers. Therefore, the burden on the attendant is reduced as compared with the case where such an observation must be performed.

Further, according to the self-checkout device 100, the first set time can be arbitrarily set. As a result, it is possible to adjust the timing at which the first notification is made so as to be an appropriate timing according to the operating status of the self-checkout device 100. For example, in a situation where many shoppers are unfamiliar with the operation, such as immediately after the introduction of the self-checkout device 100 into a store, the first set time is shortened. By doing so, it is possible to improve the processing capacity in the checkout corner by having the attendant provide early guidance. On the other hand, for example, in a situation where a sufficient time has passed since the introduction of the self-checkout device 100 into a store and many shoppers are accustomed to the operation, the first set time is lengthened. This makes it possible to reduce the chances of providing guidance and reduce the load on the attendant.

Further, according to the self-checkout device 100, the second notification allows the clerk who is near the notification destination to quickly recognize the inappropriate departure of the shopper. Then, the clerk can promptly take appropriate measures such as setting the corresponding checkout device to a state in which processing related to a new commercial transaction can be started.

Then, if the first notification process and the second notification process can be distinguished as described above, for example, guidance to a shopper who is unfamiliar with the operation or dealing with a customer who is about to leave should be performed. The attendant or the like can easily determine whether or not the situation is true. As a result, attendants and the like can promptly take appropriate measures.

Also, if the notification by the notification processing is recognizable by the shopper who is going to leave, such as the output of an alarm sound or voice message or the lighting of the patrol lamp, if the shopper is trying to leave by mistake, It is possible to make the shopper aware of such an error. Also, if the shopper is intentionally leaving, it is possible to discourage such behavior.

Further, according to the self-checkout device 100, the notification process is executed when the state in which the operator is not detected continues for a time corresponding to the second setting data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shopper from being notified one by one when the motion sensor 19 cannot temporarily detect the shopper or when the shopper is away from the front of the self-checkout device 100 for a short time. can.

The second set time is a time lag until a notification is made when the operator leaves improperly. However, according to the self-checkout device 100, it is possible to arbitrarily change the second setting data, so that this time lag should be appropriately set in consideration of various conditions so that the response to leaving is not delayed. It is possible to set. The conditions include 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 place where the clerk who responds to the report is stationed.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described by taking as an example a payment device used as a payment terminal of a semi-self-type POS system.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the payment device 200 according to the second embodiment. The same elements as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The appearance of the payment device 200 may be, for example, omitting the weighing units 2, 3 and the scanner window 11 and the handy scanner 12 in the self-checkout device 100 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the payment device 200 includes a touch panel 10, a motion sensor 19, a patrol lamp 20, a CPU 21, a RO22, 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, and the like. The communication unit 30 is included.

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

Next, the operation of the payment device 200 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of information processing by the CPU 21. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used. Further, the same processing as shown in FIG. 3 is designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As Act 41, the CPU 21 performs initialization processing such as clearing settlement information for settlement related to the previous commercial transaction.
As Act 42, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the communication unit 30 has received the payment information transmitted from the registration device 300 and to be processed for payment in the payment device 200.

Here, the registration device 300 registers the purchased product of the shopper according to the operation of the clerk, and sends the product list and the payment information representing the payment amount to the communication network 400. In many cases, a payment device other than the payment device 200 is also connected to the communication network 400, and the payment information sent from the registration device 300 by these plurality of payment devices is shared and processed. As an example, the registration device 300 selects any one of a plurality of payment devices and sends payment information to the payment device. In this case, the communication unit 30 receives the payment information addressed to the payment device 200. Then, the CPU 21 determines Yes in the Act 42 accordingly. However, how the plurality of payment information is shared by the plurality of payment devices can be arbitrarily changed. Then, if the CPU 21 determines Yes in the Act 42, the CPU 21 proceeds to the Act 43.

As Act43, the CPU 21 waits for the operator to be detected. Then, if a human is detected by the motion sensor 19, the CPU 21 determines that the operator has been detected as Yes, and proceeds to Act5. That is, in the payment device 200, the monitoring process is started according to the detection of the operator after the payment information is received. The CPU 21 performs the monitoring process in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
The CPU 21 then proceeds to Act44. When the Act 43 is in the standby state, the CPU 21 displays a predetermined standby screen on the touch panel 10 to indicate that the Act 43 is in the standby state. Then, when proceeding to Act 44, the CPU 21 changes the display of the touch panel 10 to a start screen showing a GUI for accepting a payment start instruction.

As Act44, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the start instruction has been given. Then, the CPU 21 determines No if the instruction is not given, and proceeds to Act45.
As Act45, the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the operator has been detected. Then, if the motion sensor 19 continues to detect a human, it is determined that the operator has been detected as Yes, and the process returns to Act44.
Thus, the CPU 21 waits for the start instruction to be given or the operator to be undetectable as Act44 and Act45. Then, if the motion sensor 19 no longer detects a human, the CPU 21 determines No in the Act 45 and proceeds to the Act 46.
As Act46, 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 leaves before the start instruction is given. After that, the CPU 21 restarts the process shown in FIG.

The shopper moves to the front of the payment device 200 in response to the guidance from the clerk who performed the purchase registration operation on the registration device 300, for example, by touching a predetermined button included in the start screen. Give a start instruction. Then, the CPU 21 determines Yes in Act44 and proceeds to Act9.

Then, the CPU 21 subsequently executes Act9-Act13 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Thus, in this case, the payment device 200 executes the monitoring process during the period until the payment is completed.
Also in this payment device 200, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved.

The above first and second embodiments can be modified in various ways as follows.
It can also be implemented as a registered settlement device for registering contents and settlement of prices for any transaction other than commercial transactions involving the sale and purchase of goods, or as a settlement device for settlement of payments for the above transactions. As applicable transactions, for example, the use of facilities and services is assumed.

A part of the above-mentioned information processing performed by the CPU 21 may be omitted. For example, the receipt as Act 11 in FIGS. 3 and 6 may not be issued. In this case, the electronic receipt data may be transmitted to the receipt server instead. Further, the receipt may be issued after the monitoring process is stopped. Further, for example, the confirmation of Act2, Act5, Act13, Act43, and Act45 in FIGS. 3 and 6 may be omitted in whole or in part.

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

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

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 ... main body, 2 ... weighing unit, 3 ... weighing unit, 10 ... touch panel, 11 ... scanner window, 12 ... handy scanner, 13 ... receipt issuing port, 14 ... card insertion slot, 15 ... coin slot, 16 ... saucer, 17 ... Banknote slot, 18 ... Banknote payout, 19 ... Human sensor, 20 ... Patramp, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... ROM, 23 ... RAM, 24 ... Auxiliary storage unit, 25 ... Fixed scanner, 26 ... Printer, 27 ... Card reader / writer, 28 ... Speaker unit, 29 ... Money collection unit, 30 ... Communication unit, 31 ... Transmission line, 100 ... Self-checkout device, 200 ... Payment device, 300 ... Registration device, 400 ... Communication network.

The payment device of the embodiment includes a payment means, a detection means, and a reporting means. The settlement means executes a settlement process for settlement of the price related to the transaction. The detection means detects the operator. The reporting means is the first state in which the operator does not perform the operation for executing the payment process within the predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator, and the detection means within the reception period . In the second state in which the state in which the operator is not detected continues for a predetermined time after the means changes to the state in which the operator is not detected, the notification process for notifying the predetermined notification destination is performed. conduct.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the original claims of the present application are described below.
[Appendix 1] A payment method that executes payment processing to settle the price related to a transaction,
Detection means to detect the operator and
Predetermined when the operation by the operator for the payment means to execute the payment process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. A reporting means for processing a report to notify the report destination, and
Payment device equipped with.
[Appendix 2] The reporting means uses the period represented by the setting data stored in the storage device as the reception period.
The payment device is
An update 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 device according to Appendix 1, further comprising.
[Supplementary Note 3] The reporting means performs the reporting process even when the detecting means does not detect the operator during the period during which the payment means is executing the payment process.
The payment device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.
[Appendix 4] In the notification means, the detection means is used when the operation is not performed within the reception period and the detection means detects the operator, and during the period when the payment process is being executed. The notification process is performed so as to be distinguishable from the case where the operator is not detected.
The payment device according to Appendix 3.
[Appendix 5] A registration means for executing a registration process for registering the contents of a transaction in response to an operation by an operator.
A payment means that executes a payment process for settling the price related to the transaction of the contents registered by the registration means, and a payment means.
The detection means for detecting the operator and
The operation by the operator for the registration means or the payment means to execute the registration process or the payment process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. If so, a notification means that performs notification processing to notify a predetermined notification destination, and
A registered payment device equipped with.
[Appendix 6] A computer that executes information processing to control a payment device equipped with a detection means for detecting an operator.
A payment method that executes payment processing to settle the price related to a transaction,
Predetermined when the operation by the operator for the payment means to execute the payment process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. A reporting means for processing a report to notify the report destination, and
Information processing program to make it work.

Claims (6)

A payment method that executes payment processing to settle the price related to a transaction,
Detection means to detect the operator and
Predetermined when the operation by the operator for the payment means to execute the payment process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. A reporting means for processing a report to notify the report destination, and
Payment device equipped with. The reporting means uses the period represented by the setting data stored in the storage device as the reception period.
The payment device is
An update 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 device according to claim 1, further comprising. The reporting means also performs the reporting process even when the detecting means does not detect the operator during the period when the payment means is executing the payment process.
The payment device according to claim 1 or 2. In the reporting means, the detecting means detects the operator when the operation is not performed within the reception period and the detecting means detects the operator, and during the period when the payment process is being executed. Perform the above-mentioned notification processing so that it can be distinguished from the case where it is not detected.
The payment device according to claim 3. A registration method that executes the registration process for registering the contents of a transaction in response to an operation by the operator.
A payment means that executes a payment process for settling the price related to the transaction of the contents registered by the registration means, and a payment means.
The detection means for detecting the operator and
The operation by the operator for the registration means or the payment means to execute the registration process or the payment process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. If so, a notification means that performs notification processing to notify a predetermined notification destination, and
A registered payment device equipped with. A computer that executes information processing to control a payment device equipped with a detection means that detects an operator.
A payment method that executes payment processing to settle the price related to a transaction,
Predetermined when the operation by the operator for the payment means to execute the payment process is not performed within a predetermined reception period, and the detection means detects the operator. A reporting means for processing a report to notify the report destination, and
Information processing program to make it work.

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