JP2024045411A - Program, method, information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a program, method, and information processing device that further improves the purchasing experience of users who are customers of a store while respecting public health. [Solution] A program for operating a computer having a processor causes the processor to execute a step of acquiring information on a product selected by a user as an object of purchase at a store. A plurality of payment devices are installed at the store, and payments from users of the store are accepted by the payment devices. The program also causes the processor to execute a step of making a specific one of the plurality of payment devices available for the user, if the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, and an information processing device.

When making a payment for a purchase at a store such as a supermarket, a customer may look at the length of the queue at the cash register and consider which queue to join. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-200514 (Patent Document 1 below) describes a technology for guiding purchasers to their destination without delays when making a purchase at a store, even when the store is crowded. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that identifies the cash register with the shortest wait time based on the position of the display shelves where the products are displayed, the congestion at the cash register, and the speed at which the cashier registers the products, and then guides the shopping cart to it.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-200514

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to guide the shopping cart based on the congestion of the cash register and the speed at which the cashier registers items, the customer considers which part of the crowded cash register line he or she should stand in. You don't have to do it.

In recent years, stores have placed increasing emphasis on taking measures against infectious diseases. For example, measures are being implemented to encourage customers to keep a certain distance between themselves when waiting in line at the register. From the customer's perspective, it is thought that they understand the importance of taking measures against infectious diseases. On the other hand, as the line of customers waiting at the register gets longer and they are standing with a certain distance between them, it becomes difficult for them to see the entire line, making it difficult to gauge how long they will have to wait until they can pay at the register, and they may give up on their purchase.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technology that further improves the purchasing experience of store customers while giving consideration to public health, such as taking measures against infectious diseases in stores.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a program for operating a computer including a processor is provided. The program causes the processor to execute a step of acquiring information on a product selected by a user as a purchase target at a store. The store is provided with a plurality of payment devices, and the payment devices accept payments from the user of the store. The program further causes the processor to execute a step of making a specific one of the plurality of payment devices available for payment for the user when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.

This disclosure makes it possible to further improve the purchasing experience of users, who are store customers, while also taking into consideration public health.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the system 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 40. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the customer information database 281. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information database 282. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store inventory database 283 and the data structure of the EC site inventory database 284. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the cart update history database 285. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the POS operation history database 286. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a situation in which each user makes a payment using the POS terminal 10 at a store. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the store operator makes settings to enable the use of a specific cash register. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying a user that a particular cash register is available. FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen for notifying the user when the user can use a specific cash register. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen when notifying the user that a particular cash register is available during the process in which the user is selecting a product for purchase. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in which benefits are given according to the order of the users when they wait in the checkout line. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the third embodiment. FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen when accepting an operation for reserving timing for payment at a store from a user inside or outside the store.

Below, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

<Outline of the first embodiment>
The system according to the first embodiment further improves the purchasing experience of a user who is a customer at a store by having the following configuration.
- Multiple payment devices (POS (Point of Sale) terminals installed in the store) are in operation at the store. Each payment device performs payment when a user, who is a customer, purchases a product.
- The system acquires information about the product selected by the user for purchase at the store. For example, a business that operates a store provides an application that runs on a user's terminal device. In this application, virtual shopping cart information (cart information) is updated by reading information on products selected by the user at a store.
- Certain payment devices (specific payment devices) out of multiple payment devices will not be allowed to be used for payments by users if they do not meet certain conditions, and will not be allowed to be used for payments by users if certain conditions are met. be used for
- Some payment devices are used for payments by users without any particular conditions.

As described above, a portion of the multiple payment devices will accept payment if certain conditions are met. This allows a user to use a specific payment device depending on the information about the product they wish to purchase, potentially changing the experience of waiting in line at the register when making a purchase.

(1) Notify the user that payment will be made with a specific payment device based on information about the product the user has selected for purchase at the store. Here, some of the payment devices meet predetermined conditions. In particular, in the following example, the user's payment is accepted in the case of information on a product selected by the user as an object for purchase at a store.
(i) The number of products that the user attempts to purchase is below a certain number;
(ii) Includes specific products (for example, includes products that are associated with period information, such as products that are running a campaign at a store);
(iii) The combination of products satisfies certain conditions (for example, the product to be purchased is of only a specific type (one or more types); for example, the user can only use cards that can be used in card games; etc.),
(iv) The total weight of the product satisfies certain conditions (below a certain weight or more than a certain weight; for example, if the total weight of the product is over a certain weight, the staff at the store can pack it) (v) The size of the product is a certain condition. (Below a certain volume or above a certain volume. For example, if the total volume of the product is above a certain volume, there may be a limited number of store staff who can pack it, which is different from normal.) (It may also involve work such as shipping.)

This allows a user to make a payment using a specific payment device among multiple payment devices if the product the user wishes to purchase satisfies certain conditions.

As described above, when a user selects a product for purchase at a store, the server 20 of the system 1 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on information about the product selected by the user.

(2) Estimate the product that the user is likely to select as an item to purchase in the store, and based on the estimation result, notify the user to make payment at a specific payment device.In addition, the server 20, etc. may determine that a certain condition is met depending on whether the user is planning to select a product to purchase in the store, and accept payment at some of the above-mentioned payment devices.

The server 20 can obtain the location or range in which the user is in the store by using various sensing means installed in the store. For example, cameras may be installed in the store for purposes such as measuring the user's body temperature, or cameras may be installed on the ceiling of the store for purposes such as determining the degree of congestion in the store.

In this case, the server 20 can determine how many users are in each area where product shelves are installed in the store, and the duration of their stay, without having to identify each user in the store. Also, by having beacon emitters installed on product shelves in the store communicate with the user's terminal device 40, the server 20 can determine the user's location in the store.

Here, some payment devices accept payments from users in the following cases, for example, based on information about the location or range where the user attempts to select a product for purchase at a store. It may also be a thing.
(i) If the user is on a shelf where a specific product is displayed,
(ii) If the user stays around a product shelf where a specific product is displayed for a predetermined period of time (this may be the case when the user is in the process of carefully examining the product he/she intends to purchase);
(iii) When the combination of products on the product display shelf where the user is located satisfies a certain condition (for example, the product the user wants to purchase is of only a specific type (one or more types); for example, the user , you are only trying to purchase cards that can be used in a card game),
(iv) If the weight of the product displayed on the product display shelf satisfies certain conditions,
(v) When the size of the product displayed on the product display shelf satisfies certain conditions.

This allows users to know that a particular payment device is available when they are considering the product they wish to purchase, further improving the user's purchasing experience.

<1 Configuration diagram of the entire system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the system 1. As shown in FIG. A system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of POS (Point of Sale) terminals 10 as payment devices, a server 20, a plurality of display devices 30, and a terminal device 40 of a user who is a customer user using a store. .

In the example of Figure 1, a "store area" is shown as the devices located within the store. As shown in the figure, the "store area" includes a user's terminal device 40A located within the store, and a POS terminal 10 and a display device 30 that constitute the "store system." A user's terminal device 40B is shown to be located outside the store.

The POS terminal 10 and the display device 30 are configured as a pair. A plurality of display devices 30 may be installed in the POS terminal 10. Furthermore, one display device 30 may be installed for a plurality of POS terminals 10.

In the illustrated example, multiple POS terminals are shown, POS terminals 10A, 10B, .... Hereinafter, the multiple POS terminals may be collectively referred to as "POS terminal 10."

Similarly, the illustrated example shows a plurality of display devices such as display devices 30A, 30B, . . . . Hereinafter, a plurality of display devices may be collectively referred to as "display device 30."

The POS terminal 10, the server 20, and the display device 30 are connected for communication via a network 80. The display device 30 may be connected directly to the POS terminal 10 by wire or wirelessly, without going through the network 80.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30, the number of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30 included in the system 1 is not limited to a plurality of devices. There may be one POS terminal 10 and one display device 30.

For example, a plurality of sensing means (such as cameras) are arranged in a store to track information about products held by a user in the store. When entering a store, the user performs an operation for user authentication. For example, information for authenticating the user is registered in the user's terminal device 40 in advance. When a user enters a store, information for authenticating the user, which is held in the terminal device 40, is presented to the system 1. For example, as a method of presenting information for authenticating a user to the system 1, when the user enters the store, a reading device such as an IC reader installed in the store reads the information for authentication. It is possible that the user may be authenticated by photographing the user. As described above, it is possible for a user to make a payment without having to specifically use the POS terminal 10 when leaving the store while picking up a product in the store.

On the other hand, if a predetermined condition is met, such as when the user holds a specific product in the store, the user's terminal device 40 or the store's notification means (speaker, display) will notify the user that the product is installed in the store. A notification is sent to prompt the user to use the POS terminal 10. This allows the user to use a specific POS terminal 10 when purchasing a specific product.

For example, if a product needs to be packed for a user at a particular POS terminal 10, the payment and product packing may be carried out together with store staff at the particular POS terminal 10.

The display device 30 attached to the POS terminal 10 may display information to be notified to the user. The notification items include, as a benefit to the user, for example, notifying the user of campaign information, satisfying the requirements for applying to the campaign with the product purchased by the user, being able to obtain another product with the product purchased by the user, etc. etc.

In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. In other words, a collection of devices can be considered as one "information processing device," and system 1 can be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The method of allocating multiple functions required to realize system 1 according to this embodiment to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be appropriately determined in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and/or the specifications required for system 1, etc.

The POS terminal 10 is, for example, a device operated by a store clerk when making a payment. The POS terminal 10 may also be a device (a so-called self-checkout) that is operated by the user himself, not by a store clerk. The POS terminal 10 may also be a device that performs payment without being operated by a user or a store clerk (for example, the POS terminal 10 performs payment for products that the user holds in the store when passing through a gate to leave the store). The POS terminal 10 may be a dedicated terminal for payment, or may be an information processing device on which a payment application is installed. The information processing device may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or laptop PC.

The POS terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, storage 16, and a processor 19.

The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the POS terminal 10 can communicate with external devices.

The input device 13 is a device (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a store clerk. Further, the input device 13 is a reader for reading information about the product.

The output device 14 is a device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to store clerks.

Memory 15 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The storage 16 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

The processor 19 is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

The server 20 is, for example, a device that manages information on products sold at stores and information on registered users. Additionally, the server 20 manages information about images displayed on the display device 30.

The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input/output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

The input/output IF 23 functions as an interface between an input device for accepting input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

Memory 25 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

Storage 26 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

The processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set described in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

The display device 30 displays images based on control from the POS terminal 10 or the server 20.

<1.1 Configuration of POS terminal>
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a first camera 161, a second camera 162, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the POS terminal 10 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

The communication unit 120 performs processes such as modulation and demodulation for the POS terminal 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits it to the outside (e.g., the server 20 or the display device 30). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 190.

The input device 13 is a device for the store clerk operating the POS terminal 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 is realized, for example, by a reader 131, a keyboard 132, and a touch-sensitive device 133 that inputs instructions by touching the operation surface. The input device 13 converts the instructions or information input by the store clerk into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may include, for example, a receiving port that receives an electrical signal input from an external input device. The input device 13 may also include a switching button (not shown) for switching the display content of the display device 30.

The reader 131 is a device for reading information attached to products. For example, the reader 131 optically reads an optical code attached to a product. Further, the reader 131 may read information attached to a product using short-range wireless communication. At this time, a wireless tag on which information about the product is written is attached to the product. The reader 131 reads information from the wireless tag by emitting radio waves to the product attached with the wireless tag and receiving the radio waves reflected from the wireless tag.

Reader 131 is also a device for reading identification information assigned to a user, such as a user ID. Reader 131 reads, for example, an image related to the identification information displayed on a mobile terminal owned by the user (for example, a two-dimensional code including the user's identification information is displayed in a payment application). Reader 131 also reads, for example, identification information stored on an IC card or a magnetic card.

The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a store clerk who operates the POS terminal 10. The output device 14 is realized by, for example, a display 141 or the like. The display 141 displays data related to accounting processing under the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of audio signals. The audio processing unit 17 converts the signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal, and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides an audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 171 receives a voice input and provides a voice signal corresponding to the voice input to the voice processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing section 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the POS terminal 10 .

The first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are devices that receive light using a light receiving element and output it as a photographic signal. The first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are placed in positions where they can photograph users or store staff inside or outside the store. For example, the first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are placed in positions where they can photograph the actions of a user at the time of payment, or in positions where they can photograph users waiting in line to pay at the POS terminal 10.

The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, the memory 15, the storage 16, etc., and stores data and programs used by the POS terminal 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, product information 181, specific customer information 182, and employee information 183.

Product information 181 is information about products sold at the store. Information about the product includes, for example, information that identifies the product, product name, product price, product release date, next expected arrival date, inventory quantity, and campaigns in which the product is the subject of a promotion for a certain period of time. This includes information such as whether the product is a target product or not.

Specific customer information 182 indicates information about users who can use specific payment devices at a store. For example, the server 20 distributes information about users who can use specific payment devices to the POS terminal 10.

Employee information 183 is information about the employee who uses the POS terminal 10. Information about the employee includes, for example, information that identifies the employee, the employee's name, a character registered for the employee, etc.

The control unit 190 is realized when the processor 19 reads a program stored in the memory unit 180 and executes the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the POS terminal 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission/reception unit 192, an accounting processing unit 193, a display control unit 194, and a memory control unit 195.

The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives information based on instructions input from the keyboard 132, the touch-sensitive device 133, or the like. Instructions input via the keyboard 132, the touch-sensitive device 133, or the like include, for example, information about products, information about accounting, information about the user, or information about controlling the display device 30. In addition, the operation reception unit 191 receives information read from products by the reader 131, or information about the user read by the reader 131.

Further, the operation reception unit 191 receives operations from users inside the store, which are photographed by the first camera 161, the second camera 162, and the like. The POS terminal 10 may receive an operation by a user in the store by detecting a predetermined action such as the user raising his or her hand in the store, for example. The user's operations on the POS terminal 10 include, for example, operations for completing product selection and proceeding to checkout processing.

Further, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives an audio signal input from the microphone 171 and converted into a digital signal by the audio processing unit 17. The operation reception unit 191 acquires an instruction from a user or a store clerk, for example, by analyzing a received audio signal and extracting a predetermined noun.

The transmission/reception unit 192 performs processing to enable the POS terminal 10 to transmit and receive data to and from external devices such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

The checkout processing unit 193 performs checkout-related processing in response to instructions input from a store clerk. For example, the accounting processing unit 193 acquires product information from the product information 181 based on information input from the keyboard 132 or the touch-sensitive device 133, or information read by the reader 131. The accounting processing unit 193 stores information that the acquired product was purchased by the user in a POS operation history database 286, which will be described later. In addition, the accounting processing unit 193 performs processes such as updating the product information 181 and transmitting information on the user's purchase history to the server 20 in response to the purchase of a product.

The display control unit 194 controls the output device 14 in order to present information regarding the checkout to the clerk. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display the product information read from the product information 181 by the accounting processing unit 193. Further, the display control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display information regarding accounting processing performed by the accounting processing unit 193.

Further, the display control unit 194 controls the display device 30 in order to present information regarding accounting to the user. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display information on products purchased by the user, information on product prices, etc. as information related to accounting processing. The display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display a presentation image that improves the user's experience during payment or an image that improves the store clerk's payment operation.

An image that enhances the user's experience during payment is, for example, a highly entertaining image that allows the user to enjoy shopping even during payment. The display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display the following images.
・Image of a character related to the user ・Image of a character related to a store clerk ・Image of a character related to the POS terminal 10 ・Image related to the situation at checkout ・Image of a character related to the product

The display control unit 194 may cause the display 141 or the display device 30 to display information for specifying the location of the specific payment device when making the specific payment device available to the user.

This makes it easier for the user to find a specific payment device without getting lost when the specific payment device is available to the user.

The store clerk may also be informed on display 141 or display device 30 that the user can use a specific payment device, and information about the product that the user has selected to purchase.

This makes it easy for the store clerk to guide the user to make a payment using the specific payment device if the user is able to use the specific payment device.

In addition, to make it easier for store staff to guide users to use a specific payment device, the POS terminal 10 or the server 20 may notify the store staff's terminal device that a user who can use a specific payment device is present in the store. For example, the server 20 may obtain information about a product selected by the user to purchase and determine whether to allow the specific payment device to be used. Depending on the result of this determination, the server 20 may notify the store staff's terminal device that the user can use a specific payment device and information about the product selected by the user to purchase.

The storage control unit 195 controls the storage of data in the storage unit 180. For example, the storage control unit 195 updates the product information 181, the specific customer information 182, or the employee information 183 based on data provided by the server 20.

<1.2 Functional configuration of the server>
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the server 20 fulfills the functions of a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

The storage unit 202 stores various databases such as a customer information database 281, a product information database 282, a store inventory database 283, an EC site inventory database 284, a cart update history database 285, and a POS operation history database 286.

The customer information database 281 is a database for holding information about users who use products or services provided by businesses that operate stores. Details will be described later.

The product information database 282 is a database for a store operator to store information about products that the store operator sells at the store or on the EC site. Details will be described later.

The store inventory database 283 is a database for managing the inventory of products in the store. Details will be described later.

The EC site inventory database 284 is a database for managing the inventory of products at the EC site. Details will be described later.

The cart update history database 285 is a database for holding information on products that a user has selected as items to purchase at a store. When a user selects an item to purchase, the server 20 reads the information on the item using the terminal device 40 or the like, and adds the information on the item to the cart associated with the user. Details will be described later.

The POS operation history database 286 is a database for storing the history of user payments accepted by the POS terminal 10 installed in the store. Details will be described later.

The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 203 operates according to a program to control a reception control module 2041, a transmission control module 2042, a POS setting module 2043, a cart management module 2044, an inventory management module 2045, a POS terminal management module 2046, a value determination module 2047, and a reservation process. It performs the functions shown as module 2048.

The reception control module 2041 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol.

The transmission control module 2042 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

The POS setting module 2043 receives an operation for setting the POS terminal 10 installed in the store from a business operator that operates the store. For example, the POS setting module 2043 sets whether one or more POS terminals 10 installed in a store are to be made available to users as a specific payment device when predetermined conditions are met, and Conditions for applying settings (for example, date and time, sales, etc.) are received from the store operator.

The POS setting module 2043 may determine the conditions for the specific payment device in a store based on the purchasing history of each store accumulated in the POS operation history database 286.

For example, the POS setting module 2043 references the cart update history database 285 and the POS operation history database 286, and generates a trained model by learning based on the track record of whether one or more POS terminals 10 in each store have been designated as specific payment devices, and on information on the products and dates and times for which payments have been accepted from each user. The POS setting module 2043 may determine the conditions for designating one or more POS terminals 10 installed in a store as specific payment devices, for example, based on the trained model and the number of users predicted to visit the store on a certain date and time.

The cart management module 2044 manages information about products that the user intends to purchase (products that the user selected as items to purchase before making payment, products that the user selected but did not purchase, etc.). The cart management module 2044 updates the cart update history database 285 in response to the user's operation to select a product.

The inventory management module 2045 manages the inventory of products at a store or an EC site according to a user's purchase history of products. The inventory management module 2045 refers to the cart update history database 285 and the POS operation history database 286, and in response to the user's operation of selecting a product for purchase and acceptance of payment processing for purchasing the product, the store The inventory database 283 or the EC site inventory database 284 is updated.

The POS terminal management module 2046 manages one or more POS terminals 10 installed in the store, and performs processes such as determining whether to operate each POS terminal 10 and displaying information on each POS terminal 10. For example, when a POS terminal 10 is designated as a specific payment device, the POS terminal management module 2046 changes the settings of the POS terminal 10 that is to become the specific payment device, and causes the POS terminal 10 to perform processes such as displaying that it is a specific payment device.

The value determination module 2047 determines the value to be provided to a user when that user is waiting in line to make a payment at a POS terminal 10 in a store. Details will be described later.

The reservation processing module 2048 receives from the user a reservation for the timing at which the user makes payment at the POS terminal 10 of the store. Details will be described later.

<1.3 Functional configuration of user's terminal device 40>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 40.

As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 40 includes a plurality of antennas (antennas 411, 412), communication units (first communication unit 420, second communication unit 421) corresponding to each antenna, and an input device 430 ( a touch sensitive device 431), a display 432, an audio processing unit 440, a microphone 441, a speaker 442, a position information sensor 450, a camera 460, a motion sensor 470, a storage unit 480, and a control unit. 490. The terminal device 40 also has functions and configurations that are not particularly illustrated in FIG. 4 (for example, a battery for holding power, a power supply circuit that controls the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in FIG. 4, each block included in the terminal device 40 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

Antenna 411 radiates a signal emitted by terminal device 40 as a radio wave. Further, the antenna 411 receives radio waves from space and provides a received signal to the first communication unit 420.

Antenna 412 radiates a signal emitted by terminal device 40 as a radio wave. Further, the antenna 412 receives radio waves from space and provides a received signal to the second communication unit 421.

The first communication unit 420 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 411 so that the terminal device 40 communicates with other wireless devices. The second communication unit 421 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 412 so that the terminal device 40 communicates with other wireless devices. The first communication unit 420 and the second communication unit 421 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high frequency circuit, and the like. The first communication unit 420 and the second communication unit 421 perform modulation/demodulation and frequency conversion of radio signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 40 and provide received signals to the control unit 490.

The input device 430 has a mechanism for accepting input operations by the user. Specifically, the input device 430 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch-sensitive device 431. The touch-sensitive device 431 accepts input operations by the user of the terminal device 40. The touch-sensitive device 431 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 431 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 490 as an input operation.

The display 432 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 490. The display 432 is realized by, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

The audio processing unit 440 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 440 modulates a signal provided by the microphone 441 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 490. The audio processing unit 440 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 442. The audio processing unit 440 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 441 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 440. The speaker 442 converts the audio signal provided by the audio processing unit 440 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 40.

The location information sensor 450 is a sensor that detects the location of the terminal device 40, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current location of the terminal device 40 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. For example, in system 1, if a user allows the server 20 to refer to the user's location, the terminal device 40 transmits location information to the server 20. The server 20 determines whether the user is inside the store based on the location information of the terminal device 40 and the location information of the store.

The camera 460 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs it as a photographed image. The camera 460 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 460 to the object to be photographed.

The motion sensor 470 includes an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc., and detects the movement of the terminal device 40.

The storage unit 480 is configured, for example, from a flash memory, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 40. In one aspect, the storage unit 480 stores a game program 481 and a store application 482.

The game program 481 is a program for executing a game that operates on the terminal device 40. The game program 481 is, for example, a game in which the user acquires various game characters and has them compete against each other. Game program 481 includes programs and user game data. Game data includes information that identifies the user in the game, the user's name, the user's level in the game based on the game program, game objects held by the user (including game characters and game items), and information held by the user. This includes the amount of virtual currency held by the user, identification information of other users who have registered as friends with the user, etc.

The store application 482 is an application provided by a business operator that operates a store. For example, the store application 482 provides the following various information to the user.
- Information about products offered at stores or e-commerce sites - Information about store locations - Information about campaigns carried out at stores or e-commerce sites - Content related to products sold at stores (for example, if a product is related to a character) If so, information on the game program (for example, includes the game program 481 that runs on the terminal device 40, the game program that runs on the game machine, etc.) associated with the game, manga, movie, etc. in which the character appears.

The control unit 490 controls the operation of the terminal device 40 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 480 and executing instructions included in the program. Control unit 490 is, for example, an application processor. The control unit 490 functions as an operation reception unit 491, a transmission/reception unit 492, a data processing unit 493, a notification control unit 494, and a storage control unit 495 by operating according to a program.

The operation reception unit 491 performs processing to receive a user's input operation on an input device such as the touch-sensitive device 431. The operation reception unit 491 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information on the coordinates where the user touches the touch-sensitive device 431 with a finger or the like.

The transmitting/receiving unit 492 performs processing for the terminal device 40 to transmit and receive data with external devices such as the server 20 and the POS terminal 10 according to a communication protocol.

The data processing unit 493 performs calculations on the data received by the terminal device 40 according to a program, and outputs the results of the calculations to a memory or the like.

The notification control unit 494 performs processing to display the display image on the display 432, to output sound to the speaker 442, and to generate vibrations.

The storage control unit 495 controls storage of data in the storage unit 480. For example, the storage control unit 495 causes the storage unit 480 to store various data based on the operations of the game program 481 and the store application 482.

<2 Data structure>
5 to 9 are diagrams showing the data structure of a database stored in the server 20. Note that FIGS. 5 to 9 are examples, and do not exclude data not described.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the customer information database 281. Each record in the customer information database 281 includes the following information: "Customer ID", "Name", "Age", "Address", "Date of Birth", "Email Address", "Date of Registration", "Last Visit Date", "Reservation Date and Time of Visit", and "Other Accounts".

The item "Customer ID" indicates information that identifies each user. Specifically, the item "customer ID" is a membership number of a membership service provided by a business operator that operates a store.

The "Name" item indicates the name or nickname set by each user. Specifically, the "Name" item is the real name registered by the user or a name set by the user. The server 20 accepts a setting from the user as to whether or not to make the real name public to other users.

The "age" item indicates the age or age range set by the user. Specifically, the "age" item is information set by the user in the store application 482, and is information on the age or age range of the user himself/herself or the user's family (children), etc. Some products or services provided by businesses that operate stores may be available for a certain age range. For example, for educational toys, an appropriate age may be set. Here, information regarding the user's age may be input by the user with the user's consent.

The item "address" indicates the address set by the user. Specifically, the item “address” is address information set by the user in the store application 482. Among the products or services provided by businesses that operate stores, there may be products or services that are available in a certain area. For example, campaigns may be offered by region. Here, the information regarding the user's address may be inputted from the user after obtaining the user's consent.

The "Date of Birth" item indicates the date of birth set by the user. Specifically, the "Date of Birth" item is the date of birth set by the user in the store application 482. The store may provide services to the user according to the user's birthday or month of birth. Here, information relating to the user's date of birth may be input by the user with the user's consent.

The "Email address" item indicates the user's contact information. Specifically, the "Email address" item is the email address set by the user in the store application 482.

The "Registration Date" item indicates the timing at which the user registered for the membership service. Specifically, the "Registration Date" item is the date and time at which the user registered for the membership service at a store or through store application 482. For example, the user may be able to use benefits within a certain period of time after registration is completed.

The item "Last Visit Date" indicates the last time the user visited the store. Specifically, the item "Last Visit Date" is the time when the user entered the store and made a payment. For example, in system 1, when a user enters a store, the member number is obtained by a device installed in the store (for example, a two-dimensional code representing the member number is displayed in store application 482 and read by the store's system), and thereby server 20 obtains the time when the user visited the store. In addition, server 20 may update the item "Last Visit Date" in customer information database 281 based on the time when the user made a payment at POS terminal 10.

The server 20 may notify the user of a campaign in which benefits can be acquired based on the timing when the user last visited the store.

The item "Store reservation date and time" indicates information indicating the timing when a user reserves the timing to make payment at a store. Specifically, the item "Store reservation date and time" may include store information, the timing to make payment at the store, and information about the POS terminal 10 for making the payment. For example, whether the user is inside or outside the store, the server 20 may accept a reservation from the user for the timing to make payment at the POS terminal 10 in the store.

The item "Other Accounts" is account information, and indicates information about accounts issued to users for services other than the membership service. Specifically, when a business that operates a store provides a game program, etc., the item "Other Accounts" may include a player's ID (information that uniquely identifies the player) in the game program. For example, the server 20 may receive an operation from a user to link game account information with a user's account for the store's membership service.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information database 282. As shown in Figure 6, each record in the product information database 282 includes information on the following items: "Product ID", "Product name", "Sales price", "Product category", "Version", "Release date", "End of sale date", and "Product description".

The "Product ID" item indicates information that identifies a product. Specifically, the "Product ID" item may include information that is uniquely assigned to each product by the business operator that operates the store.

The item "product name" indicates the name of the product. Specifically, the item "product name" includes the name given by the business operator that operates the store. As the name of the product, for example, information that allows the user to recognize the category of the product, the character, the title name of the content, etc. can be set. Product categories may include card games, stuffed animals, stationery, miscellaneous goods, accessories, video media such as DVDs, tickets, and the like.

The item "sales price" indicates the price set when selling the product. Specifically, the item "sales price" may include a standard price set by a business operator and a price set when selling at a store (for example, a price discounted for promotion).

The item "product category" indicates the classification of the product. Specifically, the item "product category" includes (1) products such as card games or game programs that can be used in battles between multiple users, (2) daily necessities such as stuffed animals, toys, and stationery; (3) May include information such as tickets and other rights to participate in events offered in the real world or online.

The "Version" item indicates information about the version of a product that is continuously sold. Specifically, the "Version" item may include information about the version if the battle rules are revised, such as in a card game. If the product is updated, such as in a video game software, the "Version" item may include information about the updated version.

The item "Release date" indicates the date and time when the business entity released the product. Specifically, the item "release date" may include information on the date and time when a customer can purchase and obtain the product at a store or on an EC site, or the date and time when a reservation for purchasing the product is accepted.

The "End of Sale Date" field indicates the date and time when the business stops selling the product. Specifically, the "End of Sale Date" field may include information on the date and time when sales will end, which is set in advance for a product that is sold for a limited time. The "End of Sale Date" field may include information on the date and time when sales will end due to circumstances such as ceasing production of the product.

The item "Product Description" refers to content such as text, images, and audio that explain the contents of the product. Specifically, the item "Product Description" may include information such as the age at which the product can be used, how to use the product, and safety precautions when using the product as a description of the product.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store inventory database 283 and the data structure of the EC site inventory database 284.

Each record in the store inventory database 283 includes the item "Product ID", the item "Inventory quantity", the item "Standard price", the item "Specific cash register usage conditions", the item "Specific cash register response history", and the item " This information includes the item "stock replenishment date" and the item "replenishment quantity."

The item "product ID" indicates the name of the product.

The "Stock quantity" item shows information about the quantity of stock held by the store for the product.

Specifically, the item "in stock quantity" is information that is updated when a product is sold in the store (payment is made at the POS terminal 10).

For example, when a user purchases a product at a store, the payment is made through the POS terminal 10. The server 20 reduces the quantity in the "Quantity in stock" field by the number of items for which payment has been made.

The item "sales price" indicates the price set when selling the product.

Specifically, the "Sales Price" item may include the standard price set by the business operator and the price set when selling in a store (e.g., a discounted price for a promotion).

The "Specific register usage conditions" item indicates the conditions under which a specific POS terminal 10 among multiple POS terminals 10 in a store can be set to allow payment.

Specifically, in the item "specific register use conditions", the following conditions can be set as conditions for allowing the use of a specific POS terminal 10 for each product in a store.
- The user's cart information includes a specific product. - The user's cart information includes only specific products. - The user's cart information includes a certain number of specific products. - The user's cart information includes more than a certain number of products, regardless of whether they are specific products or not. - The products included in the user's cart information are a predetermined combination.

The "Conditions for using a specific cash register" item may also include a condition that a specific POS terminal 10 cannot be used (is not allowed) for each product. For example, if an operator operates multiple stores, the operator may leave it up to each store to decide whether or not to allow payment at a POS terminal 10 for some products, while uniformly disallowing payment at a POS terminal 10 for other products at all stores (or allowing payment at a POS terminal 10 at all stores).

The "Specific register transaction history" item shows the history of when an item can be paid for at a specific POS terminal 10 in a store.

Specifically, the item "specific register handling history" may include the following forms of history.
History of the server 20 operating a specific POS terminal 10 in a store when the conditions set for enabling the use of the specific POS terminal 10 are met. History of the staff in the store setting the specific POS terminal 10 to be usable regardless of the predetermined conditions.

For example, a store staff member may check the following information and, at his/her discretion, operate some of the multiple POS terminals 10 as specific POS terminals 10 .
The number of customers visiting the store The purchasing behavior of customers The queue of customers waiting to make a payment at the POS terminal 10

The "Stock replenishment date" item indicates the date and time when the product's stock was replenished at the store.

Specifically, the item "stock replenishment date" may include the following information as the date and time.
・Date and time when the store placed an order to replenish product inventory ・Date and time when the inventory arrived at the store following the order

For example, store staff read information about products that have arrived at the store using a reading device such as a reader. Thereby, the server 20 updates the information on the date and time when the inventory of the product was replenished and the quantity that was replenished.

The item "replenishment quantity" indicates information on the quantity when the inventory of the product is replenished at the store.

Specifically, the item "replenishment quantity" holds information on the number of products when the stock arrives at the store (for example, when the store staff reads the ordered product).

For example, in response to the replenishment of products at a store, the server 20 updates the information in the item "inventory quantity" by the replenished quantity.

Each record in the EC site inventory database 284 includes the following items: "Product ID", "Inventory quantity", "Sales price", "Campaign implementation period", "Campaign quantity", "Inventory replenishment date", and "Replenishment quantity".

The item "product ID" indicates the name of the product.

The item "inventory quantity" indicates information on the quantity of inventory held on the EC site for the product.

Specifically, the item "inventory quantity" is information that is updated when a product is sold on an EC site (for example, when the server 20 accepts payment processing for the product).

The "Sales Price" item indicates the price set when the product is sold.

Specifically, the item "sales price" may include a standard price set by a business operator and a price set when selling on an EC site.

The item "campaign implementation period" indicates information about the period during which a product campaign will be implemented on the EC site.

Specifically, the item "campaign implementation period" may include information about a period for providing the following benefits to users as a campaign for each product on the EC site.
・Right to receive discounts on e-commerce sites, etc. (assignment of coupon data)
- The right to participate in a lottery at an EC site or store - The right to obtain other goods or services with the purchase of a product by the user

The "Campaign quantity" item indicates the number of products that are the subject of the campaign on the EC site.

Specifically, the item "campaign quantity" may include the following information on the quantity on the EC site:
・ The number of items in a campaign in which special offers are given to users on a first-come, first-served basis. ・ The number of items won in a campaign in which special offers are given to users by lottery.

Here, the products offered to users through the campaign may include the following products:
・ Products that are sold to users ・ Products that are not sold directly to users but are provided to users through their purchase of a product

The item "stock replenishment date" indicates the date and time when the product stock was replenished on the EC site.

Specifically, the item "Stock replenishment date" may include the following information as the timing for replenishing stock in the warehouse operated by the EC site.
- The timing when the stocked item arrives - The timing when the item is shipped from the shipping source

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the cart update history database 285. Each record in the cart update history database 285 includes an item "cart ID", an item "customer ID", an item "store ID", an item "product ID", an item "quantity", and an item "cart addition timing". and the item "cart deletion timing".

The "Cart ID" item indicates information that identifies the cart used to register product information when a user makes a purchase.

Specifically, the item "Cart ID" includes cart identification information generated by the server 20 in response to the purchasing behavior of each user.

Here, as a method for reading product information when a user makes a purchase, there are the following examples.

(1) Read product information in the actual shopping cart prepared at the store.
(1-1) For example, an actual shopping cart is provided with a reading device for optically reading product information. For example, the reading device is equipped with a scanner for optically reading product information, and by reading a two-dimensional code such as a barcode attached to a product with the scanner, it reads product information in a shopping cart. .
(1-2) For example, a reading device for electromagnetically reading product information is provided in an actual shopping cart. For example, an actual shopping cart is provided with a reading device that reads information from an IC tag. When an IC tag is attached to a product, the user causes a shopping cart reading device to read the IC tag of the product, thereby reading product information in the shopping cart.
(1-3) The server 20 acquires information about the products read in the actual shopping cart.
(1-3-1) The actual shopping cart may be connected to the user's terminal device 40 wirelessly (for example, the terminal device 40 and the shopping cart communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication) or wired (for example, the actual shopping cart There is a mounting section for mounting the user's terminal device 40), thereby enabling communication. The terminal device 40 receives product information read in the actual shopping cart and transmits it to the server 20.
(1-3-2) An actual shopping cart can communicate with, for example, a POS terminal 10 in a store. The actual shopping cart is created by acquiring information that identifies the user (for example, information that identifies the user displayed on the terminal device 40, or a two-dimensional code that the user acquires when entering the store). (to be read), the information identifying the user and the product information are transmitted to the POS terminal 10. The POS terminal 10 receives this information and transmits it to the server 20.

(2) Product information is read on the user's terminal device 40 .
(2-1) For example, the terminal device 40 optically reads product information using the store application 482 or the like. For example, the camera 460 of the terminal device 40 reads a two-dimensional code attached to the product, thereby reading the product information in the terminal device 40.
(2-2) For example, the terminal device 40 is provided with a reading device for electromagnetically reading product information.

(3) Alternatively, a reading device installed in the store's payment device may read information about the product that the user purchases and register the product in the cart.

"Cart" is virtual cart information for accepting product registration before the user makes payment.
The timing at which the server 20 issues cart identification information to the user may be as follows.
- The timing at which the server 20 issues cart identification information in advance regardless of whether each user visits the store (for example, when each user registers for a service provided by the server 20, the server 20 (Issuing cart identification information to each user)
- When the user operates the store application 482 and newly registers product information from a state where no product information has been registered, the terminal device 40 sends the user's registered content to the server 20, and the server When the server 20 issues cart identification information in association with the user - When the user makes a payment on the terminal device 40, the server 20 issues the cart identification information by having the terminal device 40 read the product that the user is purchasing. Timing to associate and issue with the user

The "Customer ID" item indicates information that identifies each user.

The item "store ID" indicates information for identifying each store.

Specifically, the item "store ID" may include the following information as information for identifying each store:
Information for identifying a store in the real world Information for identifying an EC site Here, for example, a unique store code may be assigned to each store in advance.

The "Product ID" item indicates information that identifies the product registered in the cart.

The "Quantity" item shows the quantity of the product registered in the cart.

The item "cart addition timing" indicates the timing at which the user registers a product in the cart.

Specifically, the item "cart addition timing" may include the following information in association with information identifying the product.
- Timing when a user registers a product in the cart - Number of products added to the cart

The item "cart deletion timing" indicates the timing at which the user deletes a product registered in the cart.

Specifically, the item "cart deletion timing" may include the following information in association with information identifying a product.
- The timing when a user deleted an item from their cart - The number of items deleted from the cart

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the POS operation history database 286. Each record in the POS operation history database 285 includes an item “transaction ID,” an item “payment device ID,” an item “payment order,” an item “cart ID,” an item “payment timing,” and an item “specific cash register.” the item "notification target user ID", the item "inside/outside the store", and the item "payment method".

The item “transaction ID” indicates information that identifies each transaction for which payment processing was performed at the POS terminal 10.

The item "Payment device ID" indicates information that identifies the POS terminal 10.

When each POS terminal 10 performs payment processing, the server 20 adds a record to the POS operation history database 286.

The "Payment Order" item shows information about the order in which payments were made at each POS terminal 10.

Specifically, the item "payment order" includes information that is associated with the identification information of the POS terminal 10 and changed (for example, increased) each time a payment process is performed.

In the illustrated example, the payment device with the payment device ID “#P001” accepts the payment with the transaction ID “#T187” in the payment order “87”. Thereafter, the payment device with the payment device ID “#P001” accepts the payment with the transaction ID “#T188” in the payment order “88”.

The item "cart ID" indicates information for identifying the cart.

The information identifying the cart is associated with information identifying the user ("customer ID"), as described in the example of the cart update history database 285 in Figure 8.

The item “payment timing” indicates the timing at which the POS terminal 10 accepts the payment.

Specifically, the item "payment timing" includes the following information.
- The timing when the user completed the payment process at the POS terminal 10 - The user reserved the timing to make the payment at the store's POS terminal 10

The POS terminal 10 activates the POS of the server 20 in response to completing the payment process (for example, completing the withdrawal process in a cashless payment, accepting the input of cash and receiving a confirmation operation from the user, etc.). The history database 286 is updated.

As shown in the figure, the POS terminal 10 is in a state where the user is waiting for an operation to read the information of the product to be purchased (for example, reading the cart information) and complete the payment process (“waiting for payment”) It is also possible.

The store application 482 also accepts from the user the timing of payment at the POS terminal 10, either inside or outside the store. In other words, the user can shop at the store in accordance with the timing of payment at the POS terminal 10.

The item "specific cash register notification" indicates the timing when the POS terminal 10 is set as a specific payment device.

Specifically, the item "specific register notification" includes the following timing:
The timing when the server 20 sets the POS terminal 10 as a specific payment device by comparing the cart update history database 285 of each user with the conditions for setting the POS terminal 10 as a specific payment device. The timing when the staff in the store, regardless of the conditions, observes the situation in the store and determines that it is necessary to set a specific payment device, and sets the POS terminal 10 as a specific payment device.

The item "notification target user ID" indicates identification information of a user who has been notified that payment can be made using a specific payment device.

For example, the server 20 refers to the information on the "cart ID" and the cart update history database 285, and updates the information on the item "notification target user ID" by accepting payment processing from the user. For example, the server 20 may compile the results of users who have been notified that they can use a specific payment device actually using the specific payment device.

The item "Inside/Outside Store" indicates whether the user is inside or outside the store.

Specifically, the item "Inside/Outside Store" includes information about whether a user who has reserved a time to make a payment at the POS terminal 10 has accepted the reservation inside or outside the store.

When the server 20 determines that the user who made the reservation is inside the store, the server 20 updates the POS operation history database 286 with information on the timing at which it was determined that the user is inside the store. .

The "Payment method" item indicates information about the payment method used by the user (credit card payment, post-pay payment, etc.).

Specifically, the item "payment method" includes the following information:
- Payment method (prepaid, postpaid, or cash)
- Information about businesses that provide payment methods (for example, businesses that provide prepaid payment services, businesses that provide credit card services, etc.)

For example, a store operator may provide a payment method to customers using the store application 482 or the like. By analyzing the payment method used when a customer makes a payment, the server 20 can compile information such as which payment methods are frequently used and the percentage of payment methods used that are provided by the store operator itself.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a situation in which each user makes a payment using the POS terminal 10 at a store. As shown in the figure, the store is equipped with a plurality of POS terminals 10 (an example is shown in which three payment devices, POS terminal 10A, POS terminal 10B, and POS terminal 10C, are arranged).

In the illustrated example, the following three cash registers are shown.
- First cash register R1 (POS terminal 10A and display device 30A)
- Second cash register R2 (POS terminal 10B and display device 30B)
- Third cash register R3 (POS terminal 10C and display device 30C)
Each cash register may be collectively referred to as cash register R.

Each POS terminal 10 has a camera 161. In the illustrated example, a first camera 161A of POS terminal 10A, a first camera 161B of POS terminal 10B, and a first camera 161C of POS terminal 10C are shown.

Corresponding to register R1, register R2, and register R3, waiting line markers MK1, MK2, and MK3 are arranged to guide users in line to wait for payment at the POS terminal 10. Hereinafter, each waiting line marker may be collectively referred to as a waiting line marker MK.

The waiting list marker MK may be configured as follows, for example, by providing a distance that can be understood as so-called social distancing.
・ Add a pattern to the floor. ・ Place a mark (such as a pole) on the floor to indicate where to stand.

In the illustrated example, the following information is notified to users in the store by displaying information on the display device 30A at the first register R1.
- The first cash register R1 is a specific payment device - Conditions for using the first cash register R1 for payment (for example, conditions such as purchasing only specific products)
- Information on users who can use the first cash register R1

In the illustrated example, the following information is notified to users in the store by displaying information on the display device 30B at the second register R2.
- Providing benefits to users who are waiting in the checkout line. - Details of the benefits to be provided to users who are waiting in the checkout line.

In the illustrated example, the following information is notified to users in the store by displaying information on the display device 30C at the third register R3.
・ Being able to reserve the timing of payment at the cash register ・ Information of the user who reserved the timing of payment at the register (nickname, information that allows the user to recognize that the notification is for him or herself)
- Timing of scheduled payment - Arrival of scheduled payment timing

In the illustrated example, a display device 30 is installed at each cash register. In addition, instead of the display devices 30 provided at each of the plurality of cash registers, a display device 30 may be installed that presents information to users standing in the checkout line at the plurality of cash registers. For example, the display device 30 with a screen size that allows information to be recognized by users in the front rows of the checkout lines of multiple cash registers (for example, users up to a certain order including the front row) is installed at a predetermined position in the store (for example, It may also be installed at the top of multiple cash registers, etc.). Furthermore, the display device 30 may be placed at any position within the store, regardless of the positions of the plurality of cash registers.

In the illustrated example, the first camera 161 can capture an image of users waiting in line to make a payment. This allows the POS terminal 10 to determine the length of the line and the number of people waiting in line at each register R based on the image captured by the first camera 161.

<Operation of the first embodiment>
Next, the operation of each device constituting the system 1 will be explained.

<Processing for the store to set conditions for enabling a specific cash register>
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process in which a store manager performs settings to enable a specific register to be used.

In step S1101, the control unit 190 accepts an operation by the store manager to set the conditions under which a specific register can be used and the expiration date. The conditions include the following:
For example, the conditions include the following:
"The user purchases only a specific product (the first product)"
・ "The cart contains a specific product (second product)"
・ "The number of types of products in the cart meets the condition"
・ "The number of items in the cart is below a certain level"

In step S1123, the control unit 203 receives from the POS terminal 10 the conditions set by the store operator under which a specific register can be used. The control unit 203 updates the database (store inventory database 283) based on the received information.

In step S1103, the control unit 190 displays information on the conditions set by the store operator for enabling the use of a specific cash register and the expiration date of the conditions.

<Processing to notify users in the store that a specific cash register is available>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying a user that a particular cash register is available.

In step S1241, the control unit 190 accepts registration of information (cart information) of the product selected by the user as a purchase target at the store via the store application 482 or the like. The control unit 190 reads the cart information and transmits it to the server 20.

In step S1221, the control unit 203 receives information about the product selected by the user for purchase from the terminal device 40. Control unit 203 updates cart update history database 285 based on the received information.

In step S1223, the control unit 203 compares the cart update history database 285 with the conditions set by the business operator (conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register (payment device)). Based on the information on the user's cart, the control unit 203 identifies users who will make a payment and who meet the predetermined conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register.

In step S1225, if there is a user in the store whose cart information meets a predetermined condition, the control unit 203 notifies the user that a specific register can be used (that payment can be made at a specific register).

For example, the control unit 203 identifies the identification information of a user who can use a specific cash register by referring to the cart information. The control unit 203 notifies the terminal device 40 of the identified user's identification information that the specific cash register is available through the store application 482 or the like (for example, by sending a push notification).

In step S1243, the control unit 190 displays that a particular register is available based on the cart information.

In step S1245, if a specific cash register is available, the control unit 190 receives an operation to reserve the use of the cash register, and transmits reservation information in response to the user's operation.

In step S1227, the control unit 203 notifies the staff of the store (by notifying the POS terminal and notifying the staff's terminal) that there is a user who can use the specific cash register.

In step S1229, the control unit 203 accepts the user's operation to reserve the use of the cash register and updates the database (POS operation history database 286).

<Screen example>
FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen that is displayed when a user is notified that a particular cash register is available for use.

The screen example (A) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which information about a product selected by the user for purchase is presented to the user as the contents of the cart. In the example below, information on products registered in a cart is displayed on the user's terminal device 40, but the information is not limited to the case where information is displayed on the terminal device 40 owned by the user. For example, assume that a terminal device (such as a tablet type terminal) is lent out to a user for purchase at a store. By loading information that identifies the user into the terminal device rented at the store (for example, loading information that identifies the user (membership card information, etc.) into the terminal device at the store), it is possible to make a purchase at the store. The function may be provided to the user.

The control unit 490 displays on the display 432 information about the products the user has registered in the cart, as well as UI (User Interface) components for accepting operations to initiate payment.

The control unit 490 displays information on the registered product on the cart display unit 132A each time the user registers a product in the cart.

Specifically, the control unit 490 displays information such as the "product type," "product details," "quantity," and "price" of the product registered by the user in the cart display unit 132A.

The control unit 490 displays the content of the notification to the user in the notification unit 132B.

Specifically, the control unit 490 displays in the notification unit 132B that no products are registered in the cart.

The control unit 490 receives input operations from the user at the operation reception unit 132C.

Specifically, the control unit 490 displays the following information on the operation reception unit 132C.
・ Accepts input operations to start the payment process for products registered in the cart. ・ In the example shown, since no products are registered in the cart, operations to start the payment process are not possible (UI parts are not enabled).

The control unit 490 displays user information, information on whether the user is inside or outside the store, and the current time in the login information display unit 132E.

Specifically, the control unit 490 displays the following information etc. on the login information display unit 132E.
- "User B" is logged in to the store application 482 - "User B" is present in "Store A"

Screen example (B) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the user has registered a product in the cart in contrast to the screen example (A). As illustrated, the user is adding a product "card" to the cart.

The control unit 490 displays in the cart display section 132A that the user has added the quantity "5" of the product "card pack" to the cart.

The control unit 490 notifies the user in the notification unit 132B that the product "card pack" has been added to the cart as the content of the operation performed by the user.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in response to the user adding a product to the cart in the operation reception unit 132C.
- It is possible to proceed to payment at the cash register. - The operation reception unit 132C must accept the operation to proceed to payment.

As described above, the control unit 490 may enable the operation reception unit 132C in response to a product being registered in the cart information.

Screen example (C) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which a user is notified that a specific cash register is available for use. In the illustrated example, in the state of screen example (B), in response to receiving an operation (to make a payment) from the user to operation reception unit 132C, control unit 490 notifies the user that a specific cash register is available for use. When the user performs an operation on operation reception unit 132C, it will be explained that control unit 490 confirms the contents of the products registered in the cart (information on the products selected by the user to purchase).

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B.
・ That the user can use a specific cash register ・ Which of multiple cash registers is the specific cash register ・ The reason why the user can use the specific cash register (the condition for using the specific cash register is met)
For example, this corresponds to the process of step S1243 in FIG.

The control unit 490 causes the operation reception unit 132C to receive an operation from the user to return to a state in which the user can add or delete products (the state in screen example (B)) without finalizing the contents of the cart. .

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the register designation unit 132D.
- Type of cash register (which cash register is a specific cash register among multiple cash registers)
- Information on the degree of congestion at each cash register (for example, the length of the cash register queue can be determined by the camera 161 installed at each cash register)
- It is possible for the user to specify which cash register to make the payment (designation of which cash register to make the payment)
- Content that prompts the user to choose which cash register to make payment among multiple cash registers (in the illustrated example, by associating the icon on the arrow with the specific cash register "Dedicated cash register A", (recommends a specific cash register to the user rather than the cash register)
- It is possible to reserve payment at the register. For example, this corresponds to the process of step S1245 in FIG. 12.

The screen example (D) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which the user specifies that payment should be made at a specific cash register in a state where the specific cash register is available for use. The control unit 490 causes the state of the screen example (C) to transition to the state of the screen example (D) when the user specifies a specific cash register using the cash register designation unit 132D.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B.
・ Information on the cash register that has been reserved when the user makes a payment ・ The timing at which the user will make a payment at the cash register (in the example shown, the cash register is available immediately after the reservation)

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the operation reception unit 132C.
- Be able to cancel a reservation for making payment at the cash register. - Be able to accept the cancellation operation at the operation reception unit 132C.

In the register designation section 132D, the control unit 490 displays information about the register that the user designated to be used for payment ("dedicated register A" in the illustrated example).

Figure 14 shows a situation in which a user is notified that a particular register is available while the user is selecting an item to purchase.

The screen example (A) in Figure 14 shows a notification that the user can use a specific cash register when the user satisfies the conditions for using the specific cash register in the process of selecting a product for purchase. FIG.

The control unit 490 causes the notification unit 132B to display the following information as the content of the notification to the user.
・ The conditions for using a specific cash register are met at the stage when the user is selecting products (before the contents of the cart are finalized) ・ Information on the products selected by the user for purchase (products added to the cart)
Conditions for enabling the use of a particular register (in the illustrated example, purchasing the product "card pack" and purchasing other specific products)

Screen example (B) in FIG. 14 shows a situation in which the user adds additional items to the cart compared to the state of screen example (A), and as a result the conditions for using a specific cash register are no longer met. As shown in the figure, the user has added items of the product category "Cards" and the product classification "Clothing" and "Plush Toys" to the cart.

The control unit 490 causes the notification unit 132B to display the following information as the content of the notification to the user.
The conditions for using a specific cash register are not met at the stage when the user is selecting products (before the contents of the cart are finalized). The conditions for using a specific cash register (in the illustrated example, the conditions are notified regarding products)
- Which is the specific cash register among multiple cash registers?

Screen example (C) in FIG. 14 shows a situation in which a user is notified that a specific cash register has become available for use. For example, a store staff member sets one of multiple cash registers as the specific cash register on a store terminal.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B.
・ One of multiple cash registers has started operating as a new specific cash register. ・ Which of multiple cash registers is the specific cash register. ・ The reason why the user can use the specific cash register (the user meets the conditions for using the specific cash register).
- Conditions for using a specific cash register

Screen example (D) in Figure 14 shows a situation in which a user is notified when a new store staff member opens a specific cash register.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B.
- One of the multiple cash registers has started operating as a new specific cash register. - It is possible to refer to the conditions that make a specific cash register usable.

In response to the user's input operation to the notification unit 132B, the control unit 490 presents the user with conditions under which a specific cash register can be used.

Summary of the First Embodiment
As described above, the user is notified that a particular register is available depending on the item that the user has selected to purchase at the store.

When the user is notified that a specific cash register is available at the time of proceeding to payment at the cash register (such as in Figure 13), the user can concentrate on selecting the product and select a specific cash register depending on the content of the selected product. Since the user will be notified whether or not to use the cash register, it is possible to easily check the information of the cash register to be used.

If you want to notify the user that a particular checkout is available while the user is selecting an item and adding it to the cart, the user can check the checkout line while making a purchase and then add the item to the cart. You can confirm that a particular cash register is available depending on the product being purchased. Therefore, customers can be deterred from giving up on purchasing in the first place after seeing the checkout line, and the purchasing experience can be further improved.

<Modification of the first embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, the configuration is such that the user is notified of whether or not a particular payment device is available among a plurality of payment devices based on information about the product selected by the user for purchase. It is said that The user can use a specific payment device, or can use a payment device other than the specific payment device.

In contrast, when a user selects a product described above based on the information of the product selected by the user as the item to be purchased, the user may be allowed to use only a specific payment device among multiple payment devices, and may not use any other payment device for payment. System 1 may notify the user via the user's terminal device 40, display device 30, etc., that the user cannot use any other payment device for payment, and may only use the specific payment device for payment.

For example, when a store releases a new product, if the user selects that new product, payment will only be accepted at a specific payment device among multiple payment devices. In this case, by notifying the user via the terminal device 40, display device 30, etc. that payment will only be accepted at a specific payment device, the user who is purchasing the new product will be less likely to be confused about which payment device to use. In addition, store staff, etc. can easily determine how many new products have been purchased based on the usage status of specific payment devices and the length of the queue at the register.

<Second embodiment>
System 1 in the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, while the users are waiting in line at the register, benefits are given to the users according to their order in the queue. This can further improve the user's purchasing experience.

<Operations of Devices in System 1 in the Second Embodiment>
Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. Fig. 15 shows an example in which a privilege is given based on the inventory of the EC site to a user who is waiting in line at the register and a user who has finished selecting a product and performed an operation to wait in line at the register.

In step S1543, the control unit 490 accepts an operation from the user to initiate payment at the store for the items included in the cart.

In step S1523, the control unit 203 detects that the user is standing in the checkout line based on the information received from the user's terminal device 40 or the detection result of the sensor in the store.

For example, the control unit 203 performs the following process in order to determine whether users are in the checkout line and the number of users in the checkout line.
- Refers to the history of operations accepted by each user to reserve payment at the cash register (POS operation history database 286) - As a sensor in the store, a camera that can detect users lining up at each cash register (for example, camera 161A, etc.) Determine the number of users lining up at each cash register based on the shooting results of

In step S1545, the control unit 490 accepts an input operation from the user to use a specific service (first service, such as a store app, an EC site, or the store operator's website) while the user is waiting in line at the register.

For example, the control unit 490 accepts an operation from a user waiting in line at the register to enable the user to use a specific service, as follows.
Accepts input operations to the store application 482 (where user identification information is registered) Accepts operations to read two-dimensional codes available to users waiting in line at the register (for example, two-dimensional codes may be placed at positions in the store where users wait in line at the register (such as queue markers MK), or two-dimensional codes distributed by store staff).

In step S1525, the control unit 203 receives the user's operation for using the first service, and selects the EC site as the value to be provided to the user based on the user's cart information (cart update history database 285). Specify the products to be provided to the user among the products provided by .

For example, the value provided to users may include:
- Products of the same type as the products included in the user's cart information that are not in stock at the store but are in stock on the EC site

In step S1527, the control unit 203 transmits information including the content specified as the value to be provided to the user to the terminal device 40 of the user standing in the checkout line. For example, the control unit 203 responds with the above information to the terminal device 40 that communicated with the server 20 through the process of step S1545.

In step S1547, the control unit 490 receives the content determined as the value to be provided to the user from the server 20 and displays it on the screen. Control unit 490 receives an operation to receive value from the user.

In step S1529, the control unit 203 grants the user the value that has been determined to be provided to the user.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. Figure 16 shows an example in which a user who is waiting in line at the cash register is given a bonus in another service (e.g., a game based on a game program) that the user uses.

In step S1625, the control unit 203 determines the value to be provided to the user according to the order in which the users are in the payment queue.
For example, the control unit 203 determines parameters for the lottery process according to the order of standing in the payment queue. The control unit 203 determines the following information according to the determined parameters.
・Game objects that can be used in the game of the game account held by the user ・Value that can be given to the user on an EC site or store (products, etc.)
- Types of purchase benefits given by store staff at the time of purchase

For example, the server 20 transmits the determined parameters described above to a game server that provides a game program. Accordingly, the game server may perform the following processing.
・ Based on parameters, select one of multiple lottery tables to perform lottery processing,

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 shows an example in which, when a user is a repeat customer of a store, a benefit is given when the user stands in a waiting line.

In step S1725, the control unit 203 uses the information in the customer information database 281, the information in the POS operation history database 286 (results of purchases made by the user), and the cart update history database 285 (the user's shopping behavior at the store). , determine the value provided to the user.
- For example, the value is determined depending on whether the user is a repeat customer who repeatedly visits the store. Specifically, the control unit 203 refers to the history of payments made by the user at stores, and determines whether the number of payments made within a certain period meets a certain condition, or whether the user made payments within the campaign period. The value shall be determined based on the following.
- For example, the value is determined according to the user's past purchase history. Specifically, the control unit 203 determines whether the product that the user in the checkout line wants to purchase and the products that the user has purchased in the past meet a certain condition (for example, if the product "card" has been purchased in the past). (If the type of product you purchased in the past is related to the type of product you are currently trying to purchase, such as when you wait at the cash register and try to purchase a different version of the card you are currently trying to purchase, etc.) , it may be determined that the user is given value associated with the product type.

<Screen example of second embodiment>
FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in which benefits are given according to the order of the users when they wait in the checkout line.

The screen example (A) in FIG. 18 shows a situation where the value provided to the users based on the cart information is displayed to the users in line at the checkout line. Screen example (A) corresponds to each process in FIG. 15.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the content of the notification to the user.
- That the EC site has in stock a product of the same type as the product included in the user's cart information and that a different version of the same product is available on the EC site. - That the user can receive a special benefit by accessing the EC site based on the information provided.

For example, the control unit 490 may present to the user that there is a product that is not available in store but is available on the EC site and that is related to the product that the user has added to the cart (e.g., a different version, a different color, a different size, etc.).

Screen example (B) in FIG. 18 shows a situation in which the value to be provided to a user waiting in line at the register is displayed based on the cart information. Screen example (B) corresponds to each process in FIG. 18.

The control unit 490 displays the following information as the content of the notification to the user in the notification unit 132B.
・ Information about the register where the user is lining up among multiple cash registers ・ The order in which the user is waiting for payment at the register (the number of people who can pay at the register)
- The content of the benefits may change depending on the order in which the user waits at the register. - The specific content of the benefits may vary depending on the order in which the user waits at the register. - Specifically, the possibility of a user being able to obtain a game object that appears in the game changes (the appearance rate of a specific game object changes) as a content that allows the user to receive benefits in the game.

Control unit 490 displays the following information to the user in cashier designation unit 132D.
- Information about the cash register where the user is waiting to check out (in the illustrated example, "Cash register B")
・ Information about the order of waiting in line at the cash register

Screen example (C) in FIG. 18, like screen example (B), shows a situation in which the value to be offered to users waiting in line at the register is displayed based on the cart information. This corresponds to the processing of step S1625 in FIG. 18.

The control unit 490 displays the following information as the content of the notification to the user in the notification unit 132B.
- Information about the register where the user is lining up among multiple cash registers - Depending on the order in which the user waits at the register, the details of the specific benefits include the fact that the user can receive the benefits at the store where they are making a purchase. Contents that you can receive benefits at the store

Specifically, the control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the contents of the benefit that can be received at the store.
・ A user can receive a benefit through equipment or items installed in the store. ・ As an example of items installed in the store, multiple lottery boxes are prepared in the store. ・ A user can participate in a lottery at the lottery box. ・ Depending on the queue of the user, which of the multiple lottery boxes the user can receive a benefit from ("lottery box G" in the illustrated example).
- The expiration date during which the user can receive the benefit (in the illustrated example, the user can participate in a lottery). In addition, the store may provide the user with an item (such as character goods) available in the store depending on the result of the lottery in the lottery box.

The screen example (D) in FIG. 18 shows a situation in which a user who has returned to the store is notified that a benefit will be given to the user when he or she waits in line at the register.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the content of the notification to the user.
- The user has visited the store again (being a repeat customer)
- The benefits are available to repeat users while they are waiting at the checkout counter. - The details of the benefits are presented to the users.

The control unit 490 presents the contents of the benefit to the user in response to the user's input operation to the notification unit 132B.

<Summary of the second embodiment>
(1) In the second embodiment, the following example was explained as shown in the screen example (A) of FIGS. 15 and 18.
・ Even if a product is out of stock at a store, the user can be aware that it is in stock at another store such as an e-commerce site. , by receiving information from the server 20 and making the user aware of the fact that other stores, such as e-commerce sites, have inventory.By accepting user operations (purchasing, viewing products, etc.), the user can receive special benefits. This can improve the user's experience while waiting their turn.

(2) In the second embodiment, the following example has been described, as shown in the screen example (B) and screen example (C) of FIG. 16 and FIG.
Depending on the order in which users queue at the register, the value they receive in other services (game programs, e-commerce sites) or at stores may change. This can improve the user's experience while they are waiting in line.

(3) In the second embodiment, the following example was explained as shown in the screen example (D) of FIGS. 17 and 18.
- Give benefits to users while they are waiting in line at the cash register, depending on the number of times they visit the store or their purchase history (number of purchases). User experience may be improved.

Third Embodiment
The system 1 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the timing of payment at the register can be reserved whether the user is in the store or outside the store. Here, an example will be described in which the timing of payment at the register is reserved with priority given to users in the store over users outside the store. This can further improve the purchasing experience of users in the store.

<Operation of each device in the third embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 in the third embodiment.

In step S1941, the control unit 490 accepts an operation to reserve a time to make a payment at the store's cash register, regardless of whether the user is inside or outside the store.

In step S1943, the control unit 490 transmits to the server the contents of the reservation made by the user (including store information and information on the timing of payment at the register) and information as to whether the user is in the store. For example, the control unit 490 determines whether the user is inside the store by performing the following procedure.
- Obtain the location information of the terminal device 40 and compare it with the store location information (if the location of the terminal device 40 and the store location are within a certain distance, it is determined that the user is inside the store)
- Communicate between the terminal device 40 and a communication device installed in the store (by communicating between the terminal device 40 and the communication device through short-range wireless communication or the like, it is determined that the user is in the store)
- Accept user authentication when entering the store

The following methods may be used to accept user authentication at a store.
- A method of authenticating the user based on the recognition result of the user's face while measuring the user's body temperature with a thermo camera installed at the store (for example, at the entrance) when a pre-registered user can enter the store. - Store, etc. The ticket purchaser can be identified on the ticket (paper ticket, electronic ticket, etc.) for admission to the area where the ticket is distributed (for example, a mall with multiple stores, a theme park with attractions, etc.) When information (e.g., a two-dimensional code) is placed, a method for causing the identifying information to be read by a reading device in the area - In an application that operates on the terminal device 40, an application for which identity verification has been performed (e.g. , an application that accepts user registration based on a phone number) A method of having a store's reader read information that can identify a user (e.g., a two-dimensional code)

In step S1923, the control unit 203 receives the details of the register reservation made by the user, and updates the POS operation history database. The control unit 203 reserves the timing for the user to use the cash register. The control unit 203 gives priority to reservations from users inside the store over reservations from users outside the store.

Examples of the control unit 203 giving priority to reservations from users inside the store over reservations from users outside the store include the following.
・If a user outside the store and a user inside the store make reservations for the same time when using the register, and the reservation operations are performed at the same time within a certain period of time, the user inside the store may Prioritize reservations - Make the time from accepting reservations from users outside the store to confirming them longer than when accepting reservations from users inside the store.

In step S1925, when the control unit 203 has made a reservation for use of the cash register, it notifies the user's terminal device 40 of information about the reserved cash register and the timing when it can be used.

In step S1945, if the user is in the store, control unit 490 accepts an operation to confirm a reservation at the register.

In step S1927, the control unit 203 confirms the user's cash register reservation.

<Example of a screen according to the third embodiment>
20 shows an example of a screen when accepting an operation to reserve a timing for making a payment at a store from a user who is in or outside the store. In the example shown, when a user reserves the timing outside the store, it is a "tentative reservation," and when the user confirms the reservation, the user can make the payment at the register.

The screen example (A) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which, when the user is outside the store, an operation to reserve the timing for making payment at the cash register of the store is accepted.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the content of the notification to the user.
- Ability to reserve the time to use the store's cash register - Candidates for such time

The server 20, for example, by referring to the cart update history database 285, the POS operation history database 286, etc., causes the terminal device 40 to present the following information as candidates for when the user will use the cash register.
- Information on times when cash registers are expected to be less busy at a store based on past purchases at the store

The control unit 490 accepts, in the operation reception unit 132C, an operation to reserve a time for the user to use the cash register even when the user is outside the store.

The control unit 490 displays information on whether the user is inside the store or outside the store (in the illustrated example, the user is “outside the store”) on the login information display unit 132E.

The example screen (B) in Figure 20 shows a situation in which an operation to reserve a time to use the cash register is accepted when the user is inside the store.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the content of the notification to the user.
・ Information on the cash register that allows you to reserve the use of the cash register (in the illustrated example, "Register B")
・ Candidates for when to reserve the use of the cash register ・ Users inside the store can reserve the use of the cash register with priority over users outside the store

In the control unit 490, the operation reception unit 132C receives an operation for reserving the timing for the user to use the cash register when the user is inside the store.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the register designation unit 132D.
・ A cash register where users can make reservations to use the cash register ・ Number of users waiting in line at the cash register

The control unit 490 displays in the login information display section 132E that the user is inside the store.

Screen example (C) in Figure 20 shows a situation in which a user reserves a time for using the cash register and is given a bonus for using the cash register at that time.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the content of the notification to the user.
・Reserving the timing to use the cash register and making payment according to that timing (for example, making payment within a certain period including the reserved timing)
- Granting benefits to users for making payments according to the timing.

The control unit 490 receives, in the operation reception unit 132C, an input operation for receiving the privilege given to the user.

For example, the benefits include content related to the user's cart information (products purchased by the user) (for example, if the product is a campaign target, images that can be obtained by participating in the campaign).

Screen example (D) in Figure 20 shows a situation in which a user who has made a reservation to use the cash register outside a store has confirmed the reservation by visiting the store.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the notification unit 132B as the content of the notification to the user.
The user has reserved a time to use the cash register outside the store. The user has arrived at the store by that time. The user's arrival at the store confirms the reservation for the time to use the cash register.

Even though the user has reserved a timing to use the cash register outside the store, if the user does not come to the store for a certain period of time before the specified timing, the purchase and the payment at the cash register will not be completed in time. Therefore, the server 20 cancels the reservation for the timing to use the cash register in a situation where it is determined that there is a high possibility that the user who reserved the timing outside the store will not come to the store. In other words, if a reservation is made for the timing outside the store, it may be treated as a "tentative reservation" and an operation may be required to confirm the reservation.

In this case, the server 20 notifies the user who has reserved the timing to wait at the cash register in the store of the timing that is treated as a cancellation, and accepts the timing to use the cash register from the user in the store. Good too. It is assumed that users who are inside the store are more likely to continue purchasing activities and make payments inside the store compared to users outside the store, so the purchasing experience for users inside the store will be further improved. can be done.

Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as within the scope and spirit of the invention.

<Additional notes>
The matters explained in each of the above embodiments are additionally described below.

(Additional note 1)
A program for operating a computer (20) including a processor (29), the program causes the processor to execute a step of acquiring information (285) on a product selected by a user for purchase at a store; A plurality of payment devices (10) are installed in the store, and the payment devices accept payments from users of the store. If the above conditions are met, the program causes the user to perform a step (S1225, 132B) of making payment available at a specific payment device among a plurality of payment devices.

(Additional note 2)
The program described in (Appendix 1) allows the user to use a specific payment device for payment if, as a predetermined condition, the number of products selected by the user satisfies a certain condition in the enabling step. .

(Additional note 3)
In the step of making available, as a predetermined condition, if the product selected by the user contains a specific product, or if a combination of products satisfies a certain condition, a specific product is selected. The program according to (Appendix 1 or 2) that enables a user to use a payment device for payment.

(Appendix 4)
A program for operating a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to execute a step (S1525) of accepting input of first information for using the first service instead of input of information for registering for the first service, in association with information of a user waiting in line to make a payment at a store, and a step (S1525) of determining a value to be provided to the user in the first service based on the first information.

(Appendix 5)
A program as described in (Appendix 4), in which in a receiving step, information on a product selected by the user as a target for purchase is received as the first information (S1521), and in a determining step, a value is determined based on the information on the selected product (S1525).

(Appendix 6)
The first service is an EC (electronic commerce) site related to a business operator that operates a store, and in the determining step, based on information on the selected product, the user is provided with products from among the products provided on the EC site. The program described in (Appendix 5), which determines the value of the product to be sold (S1525).

(Appendix 7)
The program according to any one of (Appendixes 4 to 6), wherein in the determining step, the value is determined according to the order in which the users line up for payment (S1625).

(Appendix 8)
A program as described in (Appendix 7), in which in the first service, multiple characters are provided for use by the user, and in the determination step, a lottery process is performed according to the order, and the character to be provided to the user from among the multiple characters is determined as a value (S1625).

(Appendix 9)
In the determining step, if the first service is a service related to a store, character goods offered at the store are provided to the user as value, and if the first service is a game based on a game program, a character that can be used in the game is provided to the user as value (S1625), the program described in (Appendix 8).

(Appendix 10)
In the determining step, the value is determined based on information related to the user as the first information, and the information related to the user includes at least one of whether the user is a repeat customer who has used the store multiple times, or information on the history of products the user has previously purchased at the store (S1725). A program described in any of (Appendix 4 to 9).

(Appendix 11)
(Appendixes 1 to 10) of causing the processor to further perform the steps of reserving for the user a timing for the user to make payment at the store (S1923) and notifying the user of information on the reserved timing. Programs listed in either.

(Appendix 12)
The program according to (Appendix 11), wherein in the step of making a reservation, a timing is reserved by accepting an operation for reserving a timing for payment at the store from a terminal of a user of the store.

(Appendix 13)
In the reservation step, by accepting an operation to reserve the timing for payment at the store via the network from the terminal of the user who is not at the store, the timing is also reserved for the user who is not at the store, as described in (Appendix 12). program.

(Appendix 14)
In the reservation step, when an operation to reserve a timing is received from a user who is at the store and a user who is not at the store, the reservation is received with priority given to the user who is at the store (S1923), as described in (Appendix 13). program.

(Appendix 15)
A method executed by a computer having a processor, the method comprising the steps of: the processor executing a step of acquiring information about a product selected by a user as an item to be purchased at a store; the store having a plurality of payment devices installed and accepting payments from users of the store using the payment devices; and the processor further executing a step of making a specific one of the plurality of payment devices available for the user if the information about the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.

(Appendix 16)
An information processing device having a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a step of acquiring information about a product selected by a user as an item to be purchased at a store, wherein a plurality of payment devices are installed in the store and payments from users of the store are accepted by the payment devices, and the control unit further executes a step of making a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices available for the user when information about the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.

1: System, 10: POS terminal, 13: Input device, 14: Output device, 15: Memory, 16: Storage, 17: Audio processing unit, 19: Processor, 20: Server, 25: Memory, 26: Storage, 29 : Processor, 30: Display device, 40: Terminal device, 80: Network, 120: Communication section, 131: Reader, 132: Keyboard, 132A: Cart display section, 132B: Notification section, 132C: Operation reception section, 132D: Cash register Designation section, 132E: Login information display section, 133: Device, 141: Display, 161: Camera, 161: First camera, 162: Second camera, 171: Microphone, 172: Speaker, 180: Storage section, 181: Product Information, 182: Specific customer information, 183: Employee information, 190: Control unit, 191: Operation reception unit, 192: Transmission/reception unit, 193: Accounting processing unit, 194: Display control unit, 195: Storage control unit, 201: Communication Department, 202: Storage Department, 203: Control Department, 281: Customer Information Database, 282: Product Information Database, 283: Store Inventory Database, 284: EC Site Inventory Database, 285: Cart Update History Database, 285: POS Operation History database, 286: POS operation history database, 411: antenna, 412: antenna, 420: first communication unit, 421: second communication unit, 430: input device, 431: device, 432: display, 440: audio processing unit, 441: Microphone, 442: Speaker, 450: Position information sensor, 460: Camera, 470: Motion sensor, 480: Storage unit, 481: Game program, 482: Store application, 490: Control unit, 491: Operation reception unit, 492 : Transmission/reception unit, 493: Data processing unit, 494: Notification control unit, 495: Storage control unit, 2041: Reception control module, 2042: Transmission control module, 2043: POS setting module, 2044: Cart management module, 2045: Inventory management Modules, 2046: POS terminal management module, 2047: Value determination module, 2048: Reservation processing module.

Claims (16)

A program for operating a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to:
Executing a step of acquiring information on a product selected by a user as a purchase target in a store;
a plurality of payment devices are installed in the store, and payments from the users of the store are accepted by the payment devices;
The program further causes the processor to
a program that executes a step of enabling the user to make payment at a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices when information of the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition. In the step of making the payment available, if the predetermined condition is that the number of items selected by the user satisfies a certain condition, the user can make payment using the specific payment device. The program described in 1. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the step of making the payment available, the user is allowed to make a payment on the specific payment device if the predetermined condition is met, at least one of the following is met: the product selected by the user includes a specific product, or a combination of products satisfies a certain condition. A program for operating a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to:
accepting input of first information for using the first service, instead of input of information for registering with the first service, in association with information of users waiting in line for payment at the store;
The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining a value to be provided to the user in the first service in accordance with the first information. In the step of accepting, as the first information, information about a product selected by the user as a purchase target is accepted;
5. The program according to claim 4, wherein in the determining step, the value is determined based on information about the selected product. The first service is an EC (electronic commerce) site related to a business operator that operates the store,
6. The program according to claim 5, wherein in the determining step, a product to be provided to the user from among products provided at the EC site is determined as the value based on information on the selected product. The program according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the determining step, the value is determined according to the order in which the users stand in the queue to wait for payment. In the first service, a plurality of characters are made available to the user,
8. The program according to claim 7, wherein in the determining step, a character to be provided to the user from among the plurality of characters is determined as the value by performing a lottery process according to the order. In the determining step,
When the first service is a service related to the store, character goods provided at the store are provided to the user as the value;
The program according to claim 8 , wherein, when the first service is a game based on a game program, a character that can be used in the game is provided to the user as the value. In the determining step, the value is determined according to information related to the user as the first information;
A program as described in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the information related to the user includes at least one of whether the user is a repeat customer who has used the store multiple times, and information on the history of products that the user has previously purchased at the store. The processor further comprises:
A step of reserving a time for the user to make a payment at the store;
11. The program according to claim 1, further comprising a step of notifying the user of information about the reserved timing. 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein in the reserving step, the timing is reserved by accepting an operation for reserving a timing for payment at the store from a terminal of the user at the store. 2. In the step of making a reservation, the timing is reserved even for the user who is not at the store by accepting an operation to reserve the timing for payment at the store via a network from the terminal of the user who is not at the store. The program described in 12. The program according to claim 13, wherein in the reservation step, when operations to reserve the timing are accepted from a user who is in the store and a user who is not in the store, the reservation is accepted with priority given to the user who is in the store. 1. A method implemented by a computer having a processor, the method comprising:
Executing a step of acquiring information on a product selected by the user as a purchase target at the store;
a plurality of payment devices are installed in the store, and payments from the users of the store are accepted by the payment devices;
The method further comprises the processor:
a program that executes a step of allowing the user to make payment at a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices when information of the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition; An information processing device including a control unit,
Executing a step of acquiring information on a product selected by the user as a purchase target at the store;
a plurality of payment devices are installed in the store, and payments from the users of the store are accepted by the payment devices;
The control unit further
The information processing device executes a step of allowing the user to use a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices for payment when information of the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.