JP6690284B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device used for settlement of goods.

  At checkout terminals in stores such as supermarkets, (1) processing for registering the product for payment (barcode reading, etc.) and (2) processing for payment for the registered product (receipt of payment, return of change, etc.) Two processes are performed.

  Then, there is an operation method in which the function of such a cashier terminal is separated into two devices, and the process (1) and the process (2) are performed by different devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sales management system in which a registration device used for the process (1) and an accounting device used for the process (2) are separately provided. The store clerk registers the product using the registration device. Then, when the registration of the product is completed, the registration device issues a registration receipt. The purchaser carries the registered receipt to the accounting apparatus, and causes the accounting apparatus to read the registered receipt. Then, the accounting processing based on the contents of the registered receipt becomes possible, so that the purchaser operates the accounting device (eg, pays the price) to perform the accounting. Hereinafter, the method of performing the settlement process using the information read from a portable medium such as a registration receipt by the accounting apparatus will be referred to as a sheet method. In the following, the accounting device will also be referred to as a settlement device.

  There is also a method (hereinafter, a designation method) of designating, from the product registration device, a settlement device that performs settlement processing of a product registered by a certain product registration device without using the registration receipt or the like as described above. In the case of this method, the purchaser hears from the store clerk which settlement device has been designated and moves to the settlement device to perform settlement. As a prior art document disclosing the designation method, there is Patent Document 2 and the like.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, when the customer operates the settlement device designated by the product registration device, the communication between the store controller that manages the information necessary for the settlement process and the settlement device becomes offline. In this case, the technology that the settlement device issues a sheet for specifying the settlement process is disclosed.

JP, 2013-186495, A JP, 2014-220019, A JP, 2005-032162, A

  In the case of using the designation method, the product registration device may not be able to designate the settlement device because each settlement device is already used by the customer. As a result, the flow of payment at the store is delayed. In order to solve this problem, the product registration apparatus of Patent Document 2 is configured to specify the settlement apparatus that is in the process of issuing a receipt or making a payment if there is no settlement apparatus in the empty state.

  The inventor has found a new solution to the above problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a new operation mode of a device used for settlement of goods.

The first to third information processing apparatuses of the present invention 1) determine whether or not it is possible to allocate, to the first settlement apparatus, settlement information regarding settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement object. 2) first processing means for allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device; and 3) the first settlement device. When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information acquired from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement information or the settlement is added to the portable medium. Second processing means for outputting the identifier of the information.
In the first information processing device of the present invention, the determination means is in a state in which the state of the first settlement device is capable of performing settlement processing based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing means, or When the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the second settlement information different from the settlement information is assigned and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the settlement is performed on the first settlement device. It is determined that the information can be assigned. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the second settlement information was assigned to the first settlement device.
In the second information processing apparatus of the present invention, the determination unit is in a state in which the state of the first settlement device is a state in which settlement processing based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing unit can be performed, or When the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the second settlement information different from the settlement information is assigned and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the settlement is performed on the first settlement device. It is determined that the information can be assigned. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the customer started operating the first settlement device.
In the third information processing device of the present invention, the distance between the product registration device used for the registration process of the product indicated by the payment information and the first payment device is the product registration device and the second payment device. Shorter than the distance to the checkout device.

  An information processing system of the present invention includes the above-described information processing device, product registration device, first settlement device, and second settlement device.

The first to third control methods of the present invention are executed by a computer. The control method comprises: 1) a determination step of determining whether or not settlement information regarding settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement apparatus; and 2) the first settlement apparatus. If the settlement information can be assigned to the settlement device, a first processing step of allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device, and 3) assigning the settlement information to the first settlement device. If it cannot be assigned, a second process of associating the settlement information with the identification information acquired from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or outputting the settlement information or the identifier of the settlement information to the portable medium. And steps.
In the first control method of the present invention, in the determination step, the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned in the first processing step can be performed, or When the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the second settlement information different from the settlement information is assigned and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the settlement information is sent to the first settlement device. It is determined that can be assigned. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the second settlement information was assigned to the first settlement device.
In the second control method of the present invention, in the determination step, the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned in the first processing step can be performed, or When the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the second settlement information different from the settlement information is assigned and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the settlement information is sent to the first settlement device. It is determined that can be assigned. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the customer started operating the first settlement device.
In the third control method of the present invention, the distance between the product registration device used for the registration process of the product indicated by the payment information and the first payment device is set to be the distance between the product registration device and the second payment device. Less than the distance to the checkout device.

  The program of the present invention causes a computer to execute each step of the control method of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, a new operation mode of the device used for settlement of goods is provided.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to a first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing executed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the goods registration device provided with each functional composition part of an information processing system. It is a block diagram which illustrates the server apparatus provided with each function structure part of an information processing system. It is a figure which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the computer which implement | achieves a goods registration device. It is a figure which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the computer which implement | achieves a settlement device. It is a figure which illustrates the hardware constitutions of the computer which implement | achieves a server apparatus. It is a 1st figure which illustrates the layout of the goods registration device, the 1st settlement device, and the 2nd settlement device which an information processing system has. It is a 2nd figure which illustrates the layout of the goods registration device, the 1st settlement device, and the 2nd settlement device which an information processing system has. It is a 3rd figure which illustrates the layout of the goods registration device, the 1st settlement device, and the 2nd settlement device which an information processing system has. It is a figure which illustrates a mode that the 1st settlement device of the allocation destination of settlement information is displayed on a touch panel. It is a figure which illustrates the settlement information in a table format. It is a figure which illustrates the method in which the 1st settlement device acquires the settlement information. It is a figure which illustrates the screen transition in a goods registration device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same constituents will be referred to with the same numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Further, in each block diagram, unless otherwise specified, each block represents a functional unit configuration rather than a hardware unit configuration.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a product registration device 20, a first settlement device 30, and a second settlement device 32. Here, the installed numbers of the product registration device 20, the first settlement device 30, and the second settlement device 32 are each 1 or more. When describing matters that apply to both the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32, the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32 will be collectively referred to as a “settlement device”.

  The product registration device 20 is used for a process of registering a product as a settlement object (hereinafter, product registration process). A user of the product registration device 20 (such as a clerk) operates the product registration device 20 to perform product registration processing for each product purchased by the customer. By this registration processing, the settlement information is generated. The settlement information is information relating to settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement target (information indicating an ID (Identifier) of the registered product).

  The settlement device is used for settlement processing of products registered as settlement objects. Specifically, the settlement device acquires the settlement information and performs the settlement process using the settlement information. The settlement process includes, for example, a process of presenting the total amount of money to the customer, a process of accepting the price from the customer, a change discharge process, and a receipt issuing process.

  The information processing system 10 further includes a determination unit 12, a first processing unit 14, and a second processing unit 16. The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30. The first processing unit 14 allocates the settlement information to the first settlement device 30 when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30. On the other hand, when the second settlement unit 16 cannot allocate the settlement information to the first settlement apparatus 30, 1) associates the settlement information with the identification information that the second settlement apparatus 32 acquires from the portable medium, or Or 2) Output the payment information or the ID of the payment information to a portable medium. The portable medium is, for example, a sheet of paper. However, as will be described later, the portable medium is not limited to a sheet of paper.

  According to the information processing system 10 of the present embodiment, when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement apparatus 30, the settlement information is assigned to the first settlement apparatus 30. On the other hand, when the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the settlement information is output to the portable medium so that the settlement process is performed using the second settlement device 32. As described above, according to the information processing system 10 of the present embodiment, the first settlement device 30 that performs the settlement process based on the assigned settlement information, and the second settlement device that performs the settlement process based on the information acquired from the portable medium. By providing two types of settlement devices, the settlement device 32, in the store, even if the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the customer can perform the settlement using the second settlement device 32. it can. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the flow of settlement of products in the store is delayed due to the absence of the first settlement device 30 to which settlement information can be assigned.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

<Process flow>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The determination unit 12 determines whether the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30 (S102). When the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30 (S102: YES), the first processing unit 14 assigns the settlement information to the first settlement device 30 (S104). On the other hand, when the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device 30 (S102: NO), the second processing unit 16 1) sets the settlement information in the identification information acquired by the second settlement device 32 from the portable medium. Or 2) output the payment information or the ID of the payment information to the portable medium (S106).

<Implementation Method of Information Processing System 10>
Each functional configuration unit (determination unit 12, first processing unit 14, and second processing unit 16 in this embodiment) included in the information processing system 10 is implemented by one or more information processing devices. For example, all of these functional components are implemented inside the product registration device 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a product registration device 20 including each functional component of the information processing system 10.

  Further, it is assumed that the information processing system 10 includes a server device 50 that is communicably connected to the product registration device 20 and the first settlement device 30. In this case, each functional configuration unit included in the information processing system 10 may be mounted inside the server device 50. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a server device 50 including each functional component of the information processing system 10. The server device 50 may be installed inside the store or outside the store.

  Further, any of the functional components included in the information processing system 10 may be mounted inside the product registration device 20, and the remaining functional components may be mounted inside the server device 50 (not shown).

  Note that, also in each of the embodiments described below, each functional configuration unit included in the information processing system 10 is mounted in the product registration device 20, the server device 50, or the like by a method similar to the mounting method described here.

<Example of hardware for realizing the product registration device 20>
Each functional configuration unit of the product registration device 20 may be implemented by hardware that implements each functional configuration unit (eg, hard-wired electronic circuit, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software (eg: Combination of an electronic circuit and a program for controlling the electronic circuit).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 200 that realizes the product registration device 20. The computer 200 may be implemented using a dedicated device designed for use as a cashier terminal, or may be implemented using a general-purpose device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a mobile terminal.

  The computer 200 has a bus 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, a storage 208, an input / output interface 210, and a network interface 212. The bus 202 is a data transmission path for the processor 204, the memory 206, the storage 208, the input / output interface 210, and the network interface 212 to exchange data with each other. However, the method of connecting the processors 204 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection. The processor 204 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 206 is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage 208 is a storage device such as a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card. Further, the storage 208 may be a memory such as RAM or ROM.

  The input / output interface 210 is an interface for connecting the computer 200 and the input / output device. In FIG. 5, the touch panel 214, the reader 216, and the printer 218 are connected to the input / output interface 210. The touch panel 214 receives an input for operating the computer 200. For example, the touch panel 214 is used to manually input the product ID and the price. Further, the touch panel 214 displays various kinds of information such as information about products registered as settlement objects. An input device other than the touch panel 214, such as a keyboard, may be connected to the computer 200.

  The reader 216 is various readers used for registering a product for payment. For example, the reader 216 is a bar code reader or a camera for recognizing products by image recognition.

  The printer 218 is a printer that outputs a portable medium in which the identification information for specifying the adjustment information, the adjustment information, or the ID of the adjustment information is indicated. However, as will be described later, the portable medium is not limited to the one output by the product registration device 20.

  The network interface 212 is an interface for communicatively connecting the computer 200 to an external device. The network interface 212 may be a network interface for connecting with a wired line or a network interface for connecting with a wireless line. For example, the computer 200 that implements the product registration apparatus 20 is connected via a network to a computer that implements the first settlement apparatus 30 (a computer 300 described below) and a computer that implements the server device 50 (a computer 400 described below).

  The storage 208 stores a program module that realizes each function of the product registration device 20. The processor 204 implements each function corresponding to the program module by executing each of the program modules. For example, when the determination unit 12, the first processing unit 14, and the second processing unit 16 are installed in the product registration device 20, the storage unit 208 includes the determination unit 12, the first processing unit 14, and the second processing unit 16 in the storage 208. A program module for realizing the function of is stored.

  The hardware configuration of the computer 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, each program module may be stored in the memory 206. In this case, the computer 200 does not have to include the storage 208.

<Example of hardware that realizes the settlement device>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 300 that realizes the settlement device. The computer 300 may be implemented using a dedicated device designed for cashier terminal use, or may be implemented using a general-purpose device such as a PC or a mobile terminal.

  The computer 300 has a bus 302, a processor 304, a memory 306, a storage 308, an input / output interface 310, and a network interface 312. The functions of the bus 302, the processor 304, the memory 306, the storage 308, the input / output interface 310, and the network interface 312 are respectively the above-described bus 202, processor 204, memory 206, storage 208, input / output interface 210, and network interface 212. It has the same function as.

  The input / output interface 310 is an interface for connecting the computer 300 and the input / output device. For example, a touch panel 314, a drawer 316, a change dispenser 318, a printer 320, and the like are connected to the input / output interface 310. The touch panel 314 is used for operation of the settlement device (menu selection, etc.). In addition, the touch panel 314 displays various information such as the settlement amount. The drawer 316 stores coins and bills. The change dispenser 318 has an input port for inputting the price and an output port for discharging the change. The printer 320 issues a receipt or the like. Note that an input device other than the touch panel 314 such as a keyboard may be connected to the computer 300.

  Further, a device for acquiring information from a portable medium is connected to the input / output interface 310 of the computer 300 that realizes the second settlement device 32, if necessary. For example, when settlement information is displayed on a portable medium, a reader for reading the information is connected to the input / output interface 310.

  The hardware configuration of the computer 300 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, each program module may be stored in the memory 306. In this case, the computer 300 does not have to include the storage 308.

  The storage 308 stores a program module that realizes the function of the settlement device. The processor 304 realizes each function corresponding to the program module by executing each of these program modules.

<Example of Hardware for Realizing Server Device 50>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 400 that realizes the server device 50. The computer 400 is implemented using various computers such as a PC and a mobile terminal.

  The computer 400 has a bus 402, a processor 404, a memory 406, a storage 408, an input / output interface 410, and a network interface 412. The functions of the bus 402, the processor 404, the memory 406, the storage 408, the input / output interface 410, and the network interface 412 are respectively the above-described bus 202, processor 204, memory 206, storage 208, input / output interface 210, and network interface 212. It has the same function as.

  The storage 408 stores program modules that realize the functions of the server device 50. By executing each of these program modules, the processor 404 realizes each function corresponding to the program module.

  The hardware configuration of the computer 400 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 7. For example, each program module may be stored in the memory 406. In this case, the computer 400 does not have to include the storage 408.

<Example of store layout>
FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying the layout of the product registration device 20, the first settlement device 30, and the second settlement device 32 included in the information processing system 10. Each of the first settlement devices 30 is installed near the merchandise registration device 20 along the flow line of the customer 60. On the other hand, the second settlement device 32 is installed at a place slightly away from the product registration device 20. According to this layout, the distance between the first settlement device 30 closest to the merchandise registration device 20 and the merchandise registration device 20 is such that the second settlement device 32 and its merchandise registration are closest to the merchandise registration device 20. It is shorter than the distance to the device 20.

  As described above, the first settlement device 30 acquires the settlement information assigned to the first settlement device 30 by the first processing unit 14. Therefore, unlike the second settlement device 32 that obtains the settlement information based on the information obtained from the portable medium, the first settlement device 30 acquires the settlement information without obtaining the identification information or the like from the portable medium. it can. Therefore, the customer who uses the first settlement device 30 does not need to have the settlement device acquire the portable medium. Therefore, it can be said that the first settlement device 30 is easier for the customer to operate. By installing the first settlement device 30 which is easy to operate in this manner near the product registration device 20, a settlement device which is easy to operate for customers (children, elderly people, etc.) who are not accustomed to handling the settlement device can be provided. There is an advantage that the clerk 70 who operates the product registration device 20 can support such a customer while using it.

  On the other hand, when the second settlement device 32 is used, the customer is not limited to one settlement device that can be used, and has an advantage that he / she can select the settlement device himself / herself. When all the settlement devices provided in the store are the first settlement devices 30, the customer may have to use the first settlement device 30 far from the product registration device 20. For example, when all the settlement devices are the first settlement devices 30 in FIG. 8, the customer 60 who uses the product registration device 20-1 must use the settlement device located at the position of the second settlement device 32-4. Sometimes it becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is better for the customer to install both the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32 in the store as shown in FIG. 8 than to use all the settlement devices installed in the store as the first settlement device 30. Will be more convenient. Therefore, the information processing system 10 of the present embodiment includes both the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32, and these are used properly.

  However, the layout of the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32 is not limited to the layout of FIG. 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the positions of the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32 may be opposite to those in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the layout may be such that both the first settlement device 30 and the second settlement device 32 are installed along the flow line of the customer 60.

<Details of processing by the determination unit 12: S102>
The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30. Here, there are various methods by which the determination unit 12 makes this determination. Hereinafter, some methods will be exemplified.

<< Method 1 >>
For example, when the first settlement device 30 can execute the settlement process based on the newly assigned settlement information, the determination unit 12 determines that the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30. On the other hand, when the first settlement device 30 cannot execute the settlement process based on the newly assigned settlement information, it is determined that the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device 30. Hereinafter, the first settlement device 30 that can execute the settlement process based on the newly assigned settlement information will be referred to as a waiting first settlement device 30.

  The first settlement device 30 that is not included in the first settlement device 30 that is on standby is roughly classified into the first settlement device 30 that is in use and the first settlement device 30 that is offline. The first settlement device 30 in use is the first settlement device 30 (first settlement device 30 used by another customer) that is performing the settlement process based on another settlement information. The off-line first settlement device 30 is the first settlement device 30 that is neither the first settlement device 30 in standby nor the first settlement device 30 in use. For example, the first settlement device 30 that is offline may be the first settlement device 30 that has not been activated, the first settlement device 30 that is under maintenance (for example, the first settlement device 30 that collects or replenishes change), or the outside. The first settlement device 30 or the like is unable to obtain the settlement information because the network between them is disconnected for some reason.

<< Method 2 >>
The determination unit 12 determines that the adjustment information can be assigned to the first adjustment device 30 when the state of the first adjustment device 30 is on standby or is in use and the predetermined condition is satisfied. To do. On the other hand, the determination unit 12 may allocate the adjustment information to the first adjustment device 30 when the state of the first adjustment device 30 is in use and does not satisfy the predetermined condition or is offline. It is determined that it cannot be done.

  This predetermined condition is, for example, a condition that “the currently executed settlement process is expected to be completed in a short time”. For example, the predetermined conditions are as follows: 1) A predetermined time or more has passed since the payment information used in the current payment processing is assigned. 2) A predetermined time after the customer starts operating the first payment device 30. The above is satisfied, 3) or the progress degree of the settlement process is equal to or more than a predetermined value, which is satisfied. The degree of progress of the settlement process is determined by which phase is currently executed when the settlement process is composed of a plurality of phases, for example. The settlement process phases include, for example, a payment method selection phase, a payment acceptance phase, and a change discharge phase. The condition that “the degree of progress of the settlement process is equal to or greater than a predetermined value” is, for example, “the phase of the settlement process is after the change discharge phase”.

  The information indicating the predetermined condition, the predetermined time, the predetermined value, or the like may be set in advance in the determination unit 12 or may be stored in a storage device accessible from the determination unit 12.

<< When there are a plurality of first settlement devices 30 >>
When the information processing system 10 has a plurality of first settlement devices 30 (when a plurality of first settlement devices 30 are provided in a store), the determination unit 12 determines some or all of the plurality of first settlement devices 30. , It is determined whether the settlement information can be assigned. Then, when there is the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information can be assigned among the plurality of first settlement devices 30 to be determined, the determination unit 12 assigns the settlement information to the first settlement device 30. It is determined that it is possible. On the other hand, when the settlement information cannot be assigned to any of the plurality of first settlement devices 30 that are the determination targets, the determination unit 12 determines that the settlement information cannot be allocated to the first settlement device 30. .

  In addition, when a part of the plurality of first settlement devices 30 is set as the determination target, there are various methods for determining the first settlement device 30 to be set as the determination target. For example, the determination unit 12 determines that the distance from the product registration device 20 used by the customer among the plurality of first adjustment devices 30 is close to a certain degree (for example, the distance from the product registration device 20 is a predetermined value or less ) Is the judgment target. In this case, the determination unit 12 grasps the positions of the product registration device 20 and the first settlement device 30, respectively. A specific method for grasping the positions of the product registration device 20 and the first settlement device 30 will be described later. The information indicating “how close to the product registration device 20 the object is to be determined” may be set in advance in the determination unit 12, or may be stored in a storage device accessible from the determination unit 12. It may be stored.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that a plurality of product registration devices 20 are installed in a store and a part of the plurality of first settlement devices 30 is associated with each product registration device 20. In this case, the determination unit 12 sets the first settlement device 30 associated with the product registration device 20 used by the customer as the determination target. In this case, information indicating the association between the product registration device 20 and the first settlement device 30 is prepared in advance. For example, this information is set in the determination unit 12, or the information is stored in a storage device accessible from the determination unit 12.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 8 described above, it is assumed that the product registration device 20 is associated with the first settlement device 30 on the flow line of the customer who uses the product registration device 20. In this case, specifically, the first settlement device 30-1 and the first settlement device 30-2 are associated with the product registration device 20-1, and the first settlement device 20-2 is associated with the product registration device 20-2. 30-3 and the 1st adjustment device 30-4 are matched. When the customer is the customer 60-1, the determination unit 12 sets the first settlement device 30-1 and the first settlement device 30-2 associated with the product registration device 20-1 as the determination target. On the other hand, when the customer is the customer 60-2, the determination unit 12 sets the first settlement device 30-3 and the first settlement device 30-4 associated with the product registration device 20-2 as the determination targets.

<Method of grasping information about the first settlement device 30>
In order to determine whether or not the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the determination unit 12 acquires information about the first settlement device 30 (hereinafter, settlement device information). The settlement device information indicates the state of the settlement device (standby, in use, offline, etc.). Further, the settlement device information further indicates the time when the settlement information currently processed by the settlement device is transmitted to the settlement device, the time when the customer starts operating the settlement device, or the degree of progress of the settlement process in the settlement device. May be.

  The method by which the determination unit 12 acquires the settlement device information is arbitrary. For example, the determination unit 12 acquires the settlement device information from each first settlement device 30. In this case, the settlement device information is generated by the first settlement device 30. Further, for example, the adjustment device information of each first adjustment device 30 may be generated by monitoring each first adjustment device 30 from an external device (hereinafter, a monitoring device). The monitoring device is, for example, the product registration device 20 or the server device 50. The monitoring device generates the settlement device information of each first settlement device 30 and stores it in the storage device. The monitoring device also updates the settlement device information stored in this storage device. The determination unit 12 acquires the settlement device information of the first settlement device 30 specified by the ID by transmitting a request indicating the ID of the first settlement device 30 to be determined to the monitoring device.

  The method by which the monitoring device generates and updates the settlement device information is arbitrary. For example, the first settlement device 30 has a function of transmitting a message to the monitoring device when any of the states of waiting, in use, and offline changes to another state. The monitoring device receives the message from the first settlement device 30 to update the settlement device information of the first settlement device 30. In addition, when the adjustment device information about the first adjustment device 30 that is the transmission source of the message is not stored in the storage device, the monitoring device newly generates the adjustment device information of the first adjustment device 30. Further, for example, the adjustment device information may be generated or updated by the monitoring device polling each first adjustment device 30.

  Various existing techniques can be used for the method of monitoring the state of one device in this way. Therefore, description of other methods for the monitoring device to generate and update the adjustment device information will be omitted.

<Details of Processing Executed by First Processing Unit 14: S104>
When the determination unit 12 determines that the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the first processing unit 14 assigns the settlement information to the first settlement device 30. Here, the process of “allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device 30” is a process for causing the first settlement device 30 to perform the settlement process based on the settlement information. The specific process is arbitrary. For example, the first processing unit 14 assigns the adjustment information to the first adjustment device 30 by transmitting the adjustment information to the first adjustment device 30 to which the adjustment information is assigned.

  When the device that generates the adjustment information and the device that includes the first processing unit 14 are different, the first processing unit 14, for example, the first adjustment unit that is the allocation destination of the generated adjustment information to the device that generates the adjustment information. Information for identifying the device 30 (for example, the ID of the first settlement device 30) is transmitted. The device that generated the settlement information transmits the generated settlement information to the first settlement device 30 specified by the received ID.

  For example, it is assumed that the first processing unit 14 is mounted inside the product registration device 20 and the settlement information is generated by the server device 50. In this case, the product registration device 20 transmits, to the server device 50, the ID of the first payment device 30 to which the payment information is assigned, in addition to the information about each product to be registered as the payment target. The server device 50 generates settlement information using the received product ID and the like. Further, the server device 50 uses the received ID of the first settlement device 30 to transmit the settlement information to the first settlement device 30 having the ID.

<< When there are a plurality of first settlement devices 30 to which settlement information can be assigned >>
Here, when there are a plurality of first settlement devices 30 that the determination unit 12 has determined that the settlement information can be assigned to, the first processing unit 14 determines which one of the plurality of first settlement devices 30 is used. Assign settlement information to one. There are various methods for determining the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned from the plurality of first settlement devices 30. For example, the first processing unit 14 randomly selects one of the first settlement devices 30 from among the first settlement devices 30 determined to be able to allocate the settlement information, and sets the selected first settlement device 30 to the selected first settlement device 30. Settlement information is allocated to it.

  Further, for example, the first processing unit 14 is the first settlement device 30 determined to be able to allocate the settlement information, which is the first closest to the product registration device 20 used by the customer who is trying to purchase the product. The first settlement device 30 may be assigned to the settlement device 30. In this case, the first processing unit 14 grasps the positions of the commodity registration device 20 and each first settlement device 30.

  Therefore, the first processing unit 14 acquires information indicating the positions of the product registration device 20 and each first settlement device 30. The first processing unit 14 calculates the distance between the product registration device 20 and each first settlement device 30 based on this information. The information indicating the positions of the product registration device 20 and the first settlement device 30 may be preset in the first processing unit 14 or may be stored in a storage device accessible from the first processing unit 14. . Further, for example, the position of the first adjustment device 30 may be indicated in the adjustment device information of the first adjustment device 30.

<< Method of grasping the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned >>
When the settlement information is assigned to the first settlement device 30 by the first processing unit 14, the customer or the store clerk needs to know which first settlement device 30 the settlement information is assigned to. There are various methods of grasping the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned. For example, the first processing unit 14 uses the touch panel provided in the product registration device 20 to identify the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is allocated (the ID of the first settlement device 30 or the first settlement device 30. The location where it is installed, etc.) is output. This touch panel may be a touch panel browsed by a store clerk or a touch panel browsed by a customer.

  FIG. 11: is a figure which illustrates the display screen which shows the 1st settlement apparatus 30 of the allocation destination of settlement information. The display screen G11 is displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device 20. In this example, the settlement information is assigned to the first settlement device 30 having the ID of 3.

  In addition, the first processing unit 14 may output, by voice, information that identifies the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned. In addition, the first processing unit 14 may output information specifying the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned to the customer's mobile terminal or the like.

  When outputting the information for identifying the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned to the customer's mobile terminal or the like, there are various methods by which the first processing unit 14 identifies the destination. For example, if the customer has registered as a member at the store, the member information should include the email address. In this case, for example, the first processing unit 14 acquires the mail address included in the member information of the customer by reading the member card presented by the customer. Then, the first processing unit 14 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the acquired mail address as a destination.

  Further, for example, the customer installs a dedicated application provided from a store or the like in the mobile terminal in advance. This application has a function of establishing a wireless communication connection with the information processing system 10. The first processing unit 14 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the application with which the connection has been established.

<Details of Processing Executed by Second Processing Unit 16: S106>
The second processing unit 16 associates the adjustment information with the identification information acquired by the second adjustment device 32 from the portable medium, or outputs the adjustment information or the ID of the adjustment information to the portable medium. Here, there are various kinds of information that the second settlement device 32 can obtain from the portable medium. The information that the second settlement device 32 can obtain from the portable medium varies depending on the configuration and function of the second settlement device 32. Therefore, the operation of the second processing unit 16 also differs depending on the configuration and function of the second settlement device 32. Hereinafter, the operation of the second processing unit 16 will be described in association with the information that the second processing unit 16 can acquire from the portable medium.

<< When the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information ID from the portable medium >>
When the second settlement device 32 acquires the ID of the settlement information from the portable medium, the second processing unit 16 outputs the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. Hereinafter, a method in which the second processing unit 16 outputs the ID of the payment information to the portable medium will be described.

  For example, the second processing unit 16 outputs a portable medium. This portable medium is, for example, a sheet of paper or plastic. At this time, the second processing unit 16 outputs (prints or records) the ID of the adjustment information to the portable medium. When the ID of the payment information is printed on the sheet, the ID of the payment information is printed using, for example, various codes (character string, bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.). The customer brings the sheet output by the second processing unit 16 to the second settlement device 32, and causes the second settlement device 32 to read the ID of the settlement information printed on the sheet. Thereby, the 2nd settlement device 32 acquires ID of settlement information. The sheet may be a disposable one, a reusable rewritable card, or the like.

  In addition, the second processing unit 16 may output the ID of the payment information to the portable medium that the customer has in advance without outputting the portable medium. For example, the second processing unit 16 records the ID of the payment information on the member card of the customer. Further, for example, the second processing unit 16 transmits the ID of the payment information to the mobile terminal of the customer. In this case, the customer's mobile terminal has a function of receiving the ID of the settlement information transmitted by the second processing unit 16 and displaying the ID on the display screen.

  The method by which the second processing unit 16 specifies the transmission destination of the ID of the settlement information is the above-described method by which the first processing unit 14 identifies the transmission destination of the information that identifies the first settlement device 30 to which the settlement information is assigned. The same as (member information, use of dedicated application, etc.).

<< When the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information from the portable medium >>
When the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information itself from the portable medium, the second processing unit 16 outputs the settlement information to the portable medium by the same method as outputting the settlement information ID to the portable medium. Output. In this case, the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information from the portable medium.

<< When the second settlement device 32 acquires identification information other than the ID of the settlement information >>
It is assumed that the second settlement device 32 acquires the identification information other than the settlement information ID from the portable medium. In this case, the second processing unit 16 acquires this identification information from a portable medium (membership card, mobile terminal, etc.) that the customer has in advance. For example, when this portable medium is a membership card, this identification information is a membership ID or the like. The second processing unit 16 associates the ID of the payment information with the identification information acquired from the portable medium.

  There are various specific methods by which the second processing unit 16 associates the identification information with the ID of the settlement information. For example, the second processing unit 16 stores information in which the identification information and the ID of the payment information are associated with each other in the storage device. Further, for example, the second processing unit 16 may transmit the identification information to be associated and the ID of the adjustment device information to a device other than the device including the second processing unit 16. Specifically, when the second processing unit 16 is mounted inside the product registration device 20, for example, the second processing unit 16 transmits the identification information to be associated and the ID of the adjustment device information to the server device 50. The server device 50 stores information in which the identification information and the ID of the adjustment device information are associated with each other in the storage device.

<Regarding product registration>
Various known techniques can be used for the process of registering the product for settlement using the product registration device 20. For example, the merchandise registration device 20 registers the merchandise as a payment target by reading a symbol such as a barcode attached to the merchandise.

  A plurality of products may be included in the settlement object in one settlement process. For example, the merchandise registration device 20 may display one or a plurality of merchandise items that have been registered between the operation of instructing the start of the payment target registration process and the operation of instructing the end of the payment object registration process It is registered as a settlement object in one settlement process. The settlement information relating to a certain settlement process indicates the ID of each product registered as the target of the settlement process. Further, the settlement information may further indicate the transaction number, the price of each product, the total price, and the like.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying the settlement information in a table format. The settlement information shown in FIG. 12 is referred to as settlement information 600. The checkout information 600 has two columns, a checkout information ID 602 and a product list 604. The settlement information ID 602 indicates an identifier of the settlement information. The product list 604 is a list of product IDs registered as settlement objects. The product ID 606 is an identifier of a product registered as a settlement object.

  The settlement information may be generated by the product registration device 20 or the server device 50. In the latter case, the server device 50 obtains information (for example, the ID of each product read by the reader 216 of the product registration device 20) related to each product to be registered as a payment target from the product registration device 20, thereby performing the payment. Generate information.

<Details of settlement device>
The settlement device acquires the settlement information and performs the settlement process based on the settlement information. A known method can be used for the method of performing the settlement process based on the information (the settlement information) used by the settlement device for the settlement process of the product. Details of this known method are omitted.

<< About the first settlement device 30 >>
The first settlement device 30 acquires the settlement information assigned to itself. The first settlement device 30 may obtain the settlement information from the product registration device 20, or may obtain the settlement information from the server device 50. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the first settlement device 30 acquires the settlement information.

  In FIG. 13A, the first settlement device 30 acquires the settlement information from the product registration device 20. Further, in FIG. 13B, the first settlement device 30 acquires the settlement information transmitted from the product registration device 20 to the server device 50 from the server device 50. In the cases of FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the product registration device 20 generates settlement information.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 13C, the first settlement device 30 obtains the settlement information generated by the server device 50 from the server device 50. In this case, the server device 50 acquires the information necessary for generating the settlement information from the product registration device 20.

<< About the second settlement device 32 >>
As described above, the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information, the settlement information ID, or the identification information other than the settlement information ID from the portable medium. When the information acquired from the portable medium is the payment information, the second payment device 32 performs the payment processing based on the payment information acquired from the portable medium. When the settlement information is printed on a portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second settlement device 32 determines the settlement information by decoding the read information.

  When the information acquired from the portable medium is the ID of the payment information, the second payment device 32 acquires the payment information corresponding to the ID of the acquired payment information. Here, when the ID of the adjustment information is printed on the portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second adjustment device 32 determines the ID of the adjustment information by decoding the acquired information.

  There are various methods for acquiring the payment information based on the ID of the payment information. For example, the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information specified by the ID of the settlement information from the storage device in which the settlement information is stored. In addition, for example, the second settlement device 32 may transmit a request for transmitting the settlement information to the server device 50. The ID of the payment information is shown in this request. The server device 50 transmits the settlement information specified by the ID of the settlement information shown in the acquired request to the second settlement device 32. The second settlement device 32 may send the same request to the product registration device 20.

  When the information acquired from the portable medium is identification information other than the ID of the adjustment information, the second adjustment device 32 acquires the adjustment information based on this identification information. Here, when the identification information is printed on a portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second settlement device 32 determines the identification information by decoding the acquired information.

  For example, the second settlement device 32 acquires the ID of the settlement information associated with the acquired identification information from the storage device that stores the identification information and the ID of the settlement information in association with each other. Then, the second settlement device 32 acquires the settlement information specified by the obtained settlement information. The method of acquiring the payment information specified by the ID of the payment information is as described above.

  Further, for example, the second settlement device 32 may acquire the ID of the settlement information and the settlement information by transmitting a request to the server device 50. The identification information is shown in this request. The server device 50 acquires the ID of the adjustment information associated with the identification information indicated in the request from the storage device that stores the identification information and the ID of the adjustment information in association with each other. Then, the server device 50 transmits the ID of the settlement information or the settlement information acquired based on the ID of the settlement information to the second settlement device 32. The method for acquiring the settlement information based on the ID of the settlement information is as described above. The second settlement device 32 may send the same request to the product registration device 20.

<Example of screen transition>
FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying screen transitions in the product registration device 20. The display screen G12 is displayed during the product registration process. After completing the product registration process, the salesclerk operating the product registration device 20 presses the subtotal button 80. After that, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30. When the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the first processing unit 14 assigns the settlement information to the first settlement device 30. As a result, for example, G11 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the processing by the second processing unit 16 is performed. As a result, the product registration device 20 outputs a portable medium on which, for example, the ID of the payment information is printed. The display screen G13 is displayed before the portable medium is output by the product registration device 20. In addition, on the display screen G13, the portable medium is referred to as “accounting ticket”.

  When the accounting ticket may be output, the clerk presses the OK button 90. As a result, the accounting ticket is output. On the other hand, when the settlement ticket is not output and the settlement information is to be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the clerk presses the retry button 100. Then, the determination unit 12 determines again whether the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device 30.

  By providing the retry button 100 in this way, when the settlement information is not assigned to the first settlement apparatus 30, it is possible to try to assign the settlement information to the first settlement apparatus 30 again. As a result, when the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device 30, the processing (such as the processing of outputting the settlement information ID to the portable medium) is unconditionally performed by the second processing unit 16. You can avoid it.

  For example, when the devices are arranged in the layout as shown in FIG. 8, the second settlement device 32 is located farther than the first settlement device 30 for the customer who uses the product registration device 20. Therefore, some customers may not want to use the second settlement device 32. Therefore, the store clerk asks the customer whether the second settlement device 32 can be used before the accounting ticket is output by the product registration device 20.

  When the customer approves the use of the second settlement device 32, the clerk presses the OK button 90 to cause the product registration device 20 to output the accounting ticket. On the other hand, when the customer does not approve the use of the second settlement device 32, the clerk presses the retry button 100 to cause the determination unit 12 to perform the process again. At this time, if there is the first settlement device 30 that can be assigned the settlement information, the settlement information is assigned to the first settlement device 30. By doing so, the store clerk can operate the information processing system 10 so as to satisfy the customer's request as much as possible.

  However, the retry button 100 may not be displayed on the display screen G13. In this case, the accounting ticket may be output before the user presses the OK button, or may be output after the user presses the OK button.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, they are merely examples of the present invention, and combinations of the above-described embodiments or various configurations other than the above may be employed.

Hereinafter, an example of the reference mode will be additionally described.
1. Determination means for determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement device;
First processing means for allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information obtained from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. An information processing device, comprising: second processing means for outputting information or an identifier of the settlement information.
2. When the state of the first settlement device is in a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing unit cannot be performed, the determination means sets the settlement for the first settlement device. Determine that information cannot be assigned, 1. The information processing device according to 1.
3. The determination unit is a state in which the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing unit can be performed, or the state of the first settlement device is When the second settlement information different from the settlement information is allocated and the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the settlement information can be allocated to the first settlement device,
The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the second settlement information was assigned to the first settlement device, and the predetermined condition has been set since the customer started operating the first settlement device. That is, the time or more has elapsed, or the degree of progress of the settlement process based on the second settlement information is a predetermined value or more. The information processing device according to 1.
4. The distance between the product registration device used for the registration process of the product indicated in the payment information and the first payment device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second payment device, 1. Through 3. The information processing device described in any one of the above.
5. 1. Through 4. An information processing device comprising the information processing device, the product registration device, the first payment device, and the second payment device according to any one of claims.
6. A control method executed by a computer,
A determination step of determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement apparatus;
A first processing step of allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information obtained from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. A second processing step of outputting information or an identifier of the settlement information.
7. In the determining step, when the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned in the first processing step cannot be performed, the settlement process is performed on the first settlement device. 5. Determine that information cannot be assigned, The control method described in.
8. In the determination step, the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned in the first processing step can be performed, or the state of the first settlement device is When the second settlement information different from the settlement information is allocated and the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the settlement information can be allocated to the first settlement device,
The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the second settlement information was assigned to the first settlement device, and the predetermined condition has been set since the customer started operating the first settlement device. 5. It is that more than time has passed, or that the degree of progress of the settlement process based on the second settlement information is not less than a predetermined value. The control method described in.
9. The distance between the product registration device used for the registration process of the product indicated in the payment information and the first payment device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second payment device, 6. Through 8. The control method described in any one.
10. 6. Through 9. A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the control method described in any one.

10 Information Processing System 12 Judgment Unit 14 First Processing Unit 16 Second Processing Unit 20 Product Registration Device 30 First Adjustment Device 32 Second Adjustment Device 32 User Interface 50 Server Device 60 Customer 70 Salesclerk 80 Subtotal Button 90 OK Button 100 Retry Button 200 computer 202 bus 204 processor 206 memory 208 storage 210 input / output interface 212 network interface 214 touch panel 216 reader 218 printer 300 computer 302 bus 304 processor 306 memory 308 storage 310 input / output interface 312 network interface 314 touch panel 316 drawer 318 change machine 320 printer 400 Computer 402 bus 404 processor 406 memory 408 storage 410 input / output Interface 412 network interface 600 adjustment information 602 adjustment information ID
604 Product list 606 Product ID
G11 display screen G12 display screen G13 display screen

Claims (9)

Determination means for determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement device;
First processing means for allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information obtained from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. possess a second processing means for outputting information or identifier of the adjustment information, and
The determination unit is a state in which the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing unit can be performed, or the state of the first settlement device is When the second settlement information different from the settlement information is allocated and the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the settlement information can be allocated to the first settlement device,
The information processing apparatus , wherein the predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the second adjustment information was assigned to the first adjustment apparatus.   Determination means for determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement device;
  First processing means for allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
  When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information acquired from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. Second processing means for outputting information or an identifier of the settlement information,
  The determination unit is a state in which the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing unit can be performed, or the state of the first settlement device is When the second settlement information different from the settlement information is allocated and the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the settlement information can be allocated to the first settlement device,
  The information processing device, wherein the predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the customer started operating the first settlement device.   Determination means for determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement device;
  First processing means for allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
  When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information obtained from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. Second processing means for outputting information or an identifier of the settlement information,
  The distance between the product registration device used for the registration process of the product indicated in the payment information and the first payment device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second payment device, Information processing equipment. When the state of the first settlement apparatus is in a state in which the settlement processing based on the settlement information newly assigned by the first processing unit cannot be performed, the determination unit performs the settlement with respect to the first settlement apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus determines that information cannot be assigned.   An information processing system comprising the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a product registration device, a first settlement device, and a second settlement device. A control method executed by a computer,
A determination step of determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement apparatus;
A first processing step of allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information acquired from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. possess the information or the second processing step of outputting an identifier of the payment information, and
In the determining step, the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned in the first processing step can be performed, or the state of the first settlement device is When the second settlement information different from the settlement information is assigned and the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device,
The control method, wherein the predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the second adjustment information was assigned to the first adjustment device .   A control method executed by a computer,
  A determination step of determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement apparatus;
  A first processing step of allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
  When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information acquired from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. A second processing step of outputting information or an identifier of the settlement information,
  In the determining step, the state of the first settlement device is a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information newly assigned in the first processing step can be performed, or the state of the first settlement device is When the second settlement information different from the settlement information is assigned and the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined that the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device,
  The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time or more has passed since the customer started operating the first settlement device.   A control method executed by a computer,
  A determination step of determining whether or not the settlement information regarding the settlement processing of the product registered as the settlement object can be assigned to the first settlement apparatus;
  A first processing step of allocating the settlement information to the first settlement device when the settlement information can be assigned to the first settlement device;
  When the settlement information cannot be assigned to the first settlement device, the settlement information is associated with the identification information obtained from the portable medium in the second settlement device, or the settlement is performed in the portable medium. A second processing step of outputting information or an identifier of the settlement information,
  The distance between the product registration device used for the registration process of the product indicated in the payment information and the first payment device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second payment device, Control method. A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 6.

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