JP7163144B2 - Merchandise sales system, shopping cart and merchandise sales method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product sales system , a shopping cart, and a product sales method for selling products.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a product purchase system using personal authentication that enables the purchase of products and the provision of services without exchanging cash. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a merchandise purchase system that compares the amount of advance payment and the amount of merchandise price and, if there is a shortage, notifies of insufficient balance.

JP-A-2003-85452

However, in the system of Patent Literature 1, the stationary terminal is provided with a price recognition unit that recognizes the product price. In this case, the person who is about to purchase the product recognizes that the balance is insufficient when he or she is operating the stationary terminal. There is a problem that the recognition time and the cancellation processing time are extra, resulting in a large loss of time.

In recent years, there has been a chronic problem of people queuing up at checkout counters and waiting time at checkouts getting longer, and the loss of time described above is a very serious problem. Settlement using prepayment is expected to shorten the time required and improve the efficiency of product sales. This is because a situation arises.

For these reasons, it has become an important issue to avoid an increase in required time due to an insufficient balance and to improve the efficiency of product sales in product sales that use payment in advance. Note that this problem is not limited to advance payments, but arises when using electronic payment values other than cash. For example, electronic money is a value for electronic settlement corresponding to advance payment, but similar problems arise in credit settlement and debit settlement.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of product sales in product sales using electronic payment value.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a merchandise sales system including a shopping cart having a basket portion for storing merchandise to be purchased by a user, wherein the user electronically pays for the merchandise. a first acquisition unit that acquires the balance of the user's electronic payment value used in the above; a first price recognition unit that is provided in the shopping cart and recognizes the product price of the product to be purchased ; a first control unit for comparing the balance of the value for electronic payment acquired by the first acquisition unit and the product price recognized by the first price recognition unit ; and a notification unit that notifies the customer, the notification unit, when the first control unit determines that the balance of the value for electronic payment is insufficient for the product price, the amount of shortage or the additional required amount. is notified to the user, and the first price recognition unit excludes the product from the products to be purchased when any product among the products to be purchased is excluded from the products to be purchased. and the first control unit compares the product price recalculated by the first price recognition unit with the balance of the value for electronic payment .
Further, the present invention includes a basket section for storing a product to be purchased by a user, a first acquisition section for acquiring the balance of the user's electronic payment value used by the user for electronic payment of the product, A first price recognition unit that recognizes the product price of the product to be purchased, the balance of the value for electronic payment acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the product recognized by the first price recognition unit A first control unit that compares prices and a notification unit that notifies the user, and the notification unit causes the balance of the electronic payment value to be compared with the commodity price by the first control unit. If it is determined that the amount is insufficient, the user is notified of the insufficient amount or the additional required amount, and the first price recognition unit excludes any item from the items to be purchased from the items to be purchased Then, the product price is recalculated by excluding the product from the products to be purchased, and the first control unit stores the product price recalculated by the first price recognition unit as the value for electronic payment. is compared with the balance of

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first acquisition unit acquires the balance of the value for electronic payment stored in a predetermined storage medium used for electronic payment.

In the above invention, the present invention further comprises an electronic payment value management device that manages a balance of electronic payment value in association with identification information of the user, wherein the first acquisition unit comprises a biometric of the user. Information is acquired to authenticate the user, and if the user is authenticated as valid, the balance of the electronic payment value corresponding to the identification information of the user is transferred to the electronic payment value management device. It is characterized in that it is obtained from

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the biometric information is face information captured by a predetermined imaging device .

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first price recognition unit recognizes the product price by reading code information attached to the product .
Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first price recognition unit identifies the product by capturing the product image and recognizes the product price.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first price recognition unit wirelessly detects information recorded on electronic tags attached to at least one or more products put in the basket . and is characterized by recognizing commodity prices.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the notification unit adds the value for electronic settlement when the first control unit determines that the amount of the value for electronic settlement is insufficient. at least one of a change to a new product, a cancellation of the transaction, and a cancellation of some of the products.

Further, the present invention is a product sales method in a product sales system including a shopping cart having a basket portion for storing products to be purchased by a user, and a management device capable of communicating with the shopping cart, wherein the management device comprises: is an acquisition step of acquiring the balance of the user's electronic payment value used by the user for electronic payment of the product; and a price recognition step of the shopping cart recognizing the product price of the product to be purchased. a control step in which the management device compares the balance of the value for electronic payment received from the shopping cart and the product price transferred from the shopping cart; and a notification step of notifying the insufficient amount or the additional required amount when it is determined that the balance of the value for electronic settlement is insufficient for the commodity price .

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the efficiency of product sales using electronic settlement value.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of a product sales system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the store. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a product sales system. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cart. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the store management server. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS register. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing cart processing procedures. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the store management server. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a POS register processing procedure. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cart that operates alone. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a cart that operates independently. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing cart processing procedures.

Preferred embodiments of a product sales system , a shopping cart, and a product sales method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the concept of the merchandise sales system according to the present embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of a product sales system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the products are displayed on the product shelf, and the shopper who is the user puts the products to be purchased in the product carrying cart 10 and carries them.

The cart 10 is a so-called shopping cart, and includes a basket portion for storing products, a handle portion for a user to hold, and wheels (casters). Further, the cart 10 has a function of recognizing the price of the product placed on the basket by the user and transmitting it to the store management server 20, which will be described later. The price of the product may be recognized, for example, by reading the RFID tag attached to the product.

The user puts the product to be purchased in the cart 10, carries it to the checkout counter provided in the checkout area, and settles the price of the product. Here, if the checkout counter is being used by other users, they will wait in line as customers waiting for the checkout.

At the checkout counter, in addition to cash payment, payment using electronic payment values such as electronic money is possible. Such electronic payment completes the payment by subtracting the payment amount from the balance and does not generate change. Therefore, it takes less time than cash payment and contributes to the efficiency of product sales.

However, after registering the product at the checkout area and specifying the product price to be paid, if the balance is found to be insufficient at the stage of electronic payment, the user will have to add the balance or reduce the number of products to be purchased. occurs, resulting in a situation in which the required time is longer than cash settlement.

Therefore, in the product sales system shown in FIG. 1, it is determined whether the balance of the electronic money is sufficient before the user enters the checkout area. Specifically, the merchandise sales system shown in FIG. 1 has a camera installed so that the face of a customer waiting for a cash register is included in the imaging range, and identifies a user by performing face authentication on the customer waiting for a cash register. Then, the balance of electronic money associated with the specified user is acquired and compared with the product price acquired from the cart 10 to determine whether or not the balance of electronic money is equal to or greater than the product price.

If the balance of the electronic money is insufficient as a result of the determination, the user is notified. In this notification, only the fact that the balance of the electronic money is insufficient may be notified, or measures to be taken against the insufficient balance may be presented. In order to deal with the insufficient balance, one or more of the following methods can be presented: charging additional electronic money, changing to another payment method, canceling the transaction itself for purchasing the product, canceling some products, etc. .

The notification to the user may be made by providing the cart 10 with a function of display output or voice output, or may be notified by the checkout counter before product registration.

In this manner, a camera or the like that captures images of customers waiting to register is used to obtain the balance of electronic money at a position different from the checkout counter, and the cart 10 recognizes the product price at a position different from the checkout counter, and uses the electronic money. By comparing the balance and the product price, it is possible to determine whether the balance is insufficient before the checkout is made at the cashier counter. Therefore, it is possible to increase the efficiency of product sales in product sales using electronic payment value such as electronic money.

Next, the configuration of the store will be explained. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the store. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of product shelves, a checkout area, and a cart storage area near the entrance/exit are arranged.

A plurality of product shelves are arranged to form a passage through which a user can pass while pushing the cart 10. - 特許庁A user who enters the store rents a cart 10 from the cart storage area and puts desired commodities into the basket part while moving along the aisle. After that, the product price is settled at the cashier area, the cart 10 is returned, and the store is exited.

One or more checkout counters are provided in the checkout area. The checkout counter may be a manned checkout, a semi-self checkout, or a self-checkout, or they may be mixed. At the manned cash register, a store clerk performs product registration and payment operations. In the semi-self-checkout, the store clerk performs the product registration operation, and the user performs the payment operation. In the self-checkout, the user performs product registration and payment operations.

Next, the system configuration of the merchandise sales system will be described. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a product sales system. As shown in FIG. 3, the merchandise sales system has a store management server and a checkout counter in the cart.

The cart has a first price recognition portion and a notification portion. The first price recognition unit is a functional unit that recognizes the price of the product to be purchased and transmits the price to the store management server. The notification unit is a functional unit that notifies the user when the store management server determines that the electronic money balance is insufficient.

The store management server has a face information acquisition section, a first acquisition section, a first control section, and an output section. The facial information acquisition unit is a functional unit that acquires facial images of customers in queue. The first control unit is a functional unit that acquires the electronic money balance of the user identified from the face image acquired by the face image acquisition unit. The first control unit is a functional unit that compares the balance of electronic money acquired by the first acquisition unit and the product price recognized by the first price recognition unit of the cart. The output unit is a functional unit that outputs the result of comparison by the first control unit to the cart or the checkout counter to notify the user.

The register counter is provided with a second price recognition section, a second acquisition section, a second control section, a notification section, and a register. The cash register is a functional unit for registering and paying for products to be purchased, and is realized by a POS (Point of sale system) cash register or the like. The second price recognition unit, second acquisition unit, second control unit, and notification unit may also be realized by the POS register.

A second price recognition unit is a functional unit that recognizes the product price at the checkout counter. The second acquisition unit is a functional unit that acquires the electronic money balance at the checkout counter. The second control unit is a functional unit that compares the balance of electronic money acquired by the second acquisition unit and the product price recognized by the second price recognition unit. The notification unit is a functional unit that notifies the user of the comparison result between the electronic money balance and the product price. This reporting unit can report not only the result of comparison by the second control unit, but also the result of comparison by the first control unit received from the store management server.

Next, the functional configuration of the cart 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cart 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , cart 10 has RFID (radio frequency identifier) receiver 11 , display operation unit 12 , communication unit 13 , storage unit 14 and control unit 15 .

The RFID receiving unit 11 is a communication interface for receiving RFID from the RF tag of the product placed on the basket by the user. The display operation unit 12 is an input/output interface such as a touch panel display. The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that communicates with the store management server 20 and the like.

The storage unit 14 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, and stores product data 14a, price data 14b, and the like. The product data 14a is data indicating the product to be purchased placed in the basket. The price data 14b is data indicating the price of the product to be purchased.

The control unit 15 is a control unit that controls the entire cart 10, and has a product recognition unit 15a, a price recognition unit 15b, a price transmission unit 15c, and a notification unit 15d. The commodity recognition unit 15a is a processing unit that recognizes the commodity placed on the basket from the RFID received by the RFID receiving unit 11 and adds the commodity to the commodity data 14a.

Moreover, the product recognition unit 15a resets the product data 14a and the price data 14b when the payment is executed. Execution of payment may be determined by receiving some signal from a checkout counter, for example, or it may be determined that payment has been completed when all the products in the basket are exhausted.

The price recognition unit 15b is a processing unit that recognizes the product price from the product data 14a and updates the price data 14b, and corresponds to the first price recognition unit. The price transmission unit 15c is a processing unit that transmits the price data 14b to the store management server 20. FIG.

The notification unit 15 d is a processing unit that executes notification when receiving a notification instruction from the store management server 20 . Specifically, when the store management server 20 determines that the electronic money balance is insufficient, the notification unit 15d notifies the user. In this notification, only the fact that the balance of the electronic money is insufficient may be notified, or measures to be taken against the insufficient balance may be presented. In order to deal with the insufficient balance, one or more of the following methods can be presented: charging additional electronic money, changing to another payment method, canceling the transaction itself for purchasing the product, canceling some products, etc. . In addition, as a notification method, display output to the display operation unit 12 can be used, but any other method such as voice output or lighting of an indicator can be used.

Next, the functional configuration of the store management server 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the store management server 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the store management server 20 is connected to a display section 21, an input section 22, a camera 23, etc., and has a communication section 24, a storage section 25 and a control section .

The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and performs display output. The input unit 22 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and receives input from the operator. The camera 23 is installed so as to include the face image of the customer waiting for the checkout in its imaging range, and transmits the image data, which is the imaging result, to the store management server 20 . The communication unit 24 is a communication interface that communicates with the cart 10 and a POS register 30, which will be described later.

The storage unit 25 is a storage device composed of a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like, and stores registered user data 25a, user-specific price data 25b, and the like. The registered user data 25a is data that associates the user's name, identification information, face image, electronic money account, electronic money balance, and the like. The user-by-user price data 25b is data that associates price data with corresponding user identification information.

The control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the entire store management server 20, and has a face information acquisition unit 26a, a user authentication unit 26b, a balance acquisition unit 26c, a comparison control unit 26d, and an output unit 26e. The face information acquisition unit 26a is a processing unit that extracts a face image from image data captured by the camera 23 and acquires a feature amount that is information necessary for face authentication.

The user authentication unit 26b is a processing unit that authenticates users. Any method can be used for user authentication. When the user is authenticated by face authentication, the user authentication unit 26b compares the feature amount acquired by the face information acquisition unit 26a with the face image to be used registered in the registered user data 25a, and performs authentication. conduct.

The balance acquisition unit 26c is a processing unit that acquires the electronic money balance of the user authenticated by the user authentication unit 26b, and functions as a first acquisition unit. Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the user authentication unit 26b, the balance acquisition unit 26c reads the corresponding electronic money account from the registered user data 25a, and makes a balance inquiry to an electronic money management server (not shown). to acquire the balance of electronic money and update the balance of electronic money in the registered user data 25a.

The comparison control unit 26d is a processing unit that compares the price data received from the cart 10 with the electronic money balance acquired by the balance acquisition unit 26c, and functions as a first control unit. Specifically, when the price data is received from the cart 10, the comparison control unit 26d specifies the corresponding user, associates the price data with the identification information of the corresponding user, and stores the price data by user 25b. sign up. Then, based on the identification information of the user, the electronic money balance is read out from the registered user data 25a, and the price data and the electronic money balance are compared.

Any method can be used to identify the user corresponding to the price data received from the cart 10 . For example, the position of the cart 10 is managed by radio waves and image processing, and the position of the cart in the image is obtained by image processing of the image data of the camera 23. The cart 10 and the cart imaged by the camera 23 used by the user may be associated with each other.

The output unit 26e is a processing unit that transmits the comparison result obtained by the comparison control unit 26d to the cart 10 or the POS cash register 30 of the checkout counter and notifies the user. Specifically, when it is determined that the balance of the electronic money is insufficient as a result of the comparison, the output unit 26e transmits a notification instruction to the cart 10 or the POS register 30. FIG. It is also possible to transmit data on selectable countermeasures together. If the electronic money balance is not insufficient, the comparison result may not be transmitted.

Next, the functional configuration of the POS cash register 30 installed at the cash register counter will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS register 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the POS cash register 30 is connected to a change machine 40 for depositing and withdrawing money, and includes a display operation unit 31, a barcode reader 32, a card reader 33, a printing unit 34, a communication unit 35, and a POS control unit. 36.

The display operation unit 31 is a liquid crystal touch panel display or the like, and can receive various operation inputs in addition to displaying operation guides and registered products. The barcode reader 32 acquires information such as the product name and price by reading the barcode attached to the product. The card reader 33 is used at the time of settlement with a payment card such as a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or the like.

The printing unit 34 is used to issue receipts on which transaction details are printed. The contents of the transaction printed on the receipt include, for example, the date and time, the name of the registered product, the price, the amount of money inserted, and the amount of change. The communication unit 35 is a communication interface that communicates with the change dispenser 40 and various servers. In addition to the store management server 20, the various servers include a server for sales management and an electronic money management server.

The POS control unit 36 is a control unit that controls the POS cash register 30 as a whole, and includes a purchased product registration unit 36a, a price recognition unit 36b, a balance acquisition unit 36c, a comparison control unit 36d, a notification unit 36e, and a settlement processing unit 36f.

The purchased product registration unit 36a is a processing unit that registers products to be purchased. Specifically, when the barcode reader 32 acquires information such as the name and price of the product by reading the barcode attached to the product, the purchased product registration unit 36a uses the acquired information to identify the product. Registration is performed, and the registered product is displayed on the display/operation unit 31 .

The price recognition unit 36b is a processing unit that totals the prices of the products registered by the purchased product registration unit 36a and calculates the product price for payment, and functions as a second price recognition unit.

The balance acquisition unit 36c is a processing unit that acquires the user's electronic money balance, and functions as a second acquisition unit. Specifically, when the card reader 33 reads data indicating an electronic money account from a card for electronic money settlement, the balance acquisition unit 36c makes a balance inquiry to the electronic money management server and acquires the electronic money balance. do. Here, a case where a card for electronic money settlement is used will be described as an example, but the configuration may be such that the electronic money account is identified by identifying the user by face authentication. A configuration in which the electronic money account is identified by performing distance wireless communication may also be used. The mobile terminal can also be used to report the result of comparison between the balance of electronic money and the product price. In particular, when the balance of electronic money is specified by the mobile terminal, it is preferable that the mobile terminal side notifies the balance.

The comparison control unit 36d is a processing unit that compares the product price recognized by the price recognition unit 36b and the electronic money balance acquired by the balance acquisition unit 36c, and functions as a second control unit.

The notification unit 36e is a functional unit that notifies the user of the comparison result between the electronic money balance and the product price. The reporting unit 36e can report not only the comparison result by the comparison control unit 36d, but also the comparison result received from the store management server 20. FIG.

Specifically, the notification unit 36e notifies the user when the electronic money is less than the product price. In this notification, only the fact that the balance of the electronic money is insufficient may be notified, or measures to be taken against the insufficient balance may be presented. In order to deal with the insufficient balance, one or more of the following methods can be presented: charging additional electronic money, changing to another payment method, canceling the transaction itself for purchasing the product, canceling some products, etc. . In addition, as a method of notification, display output to the display operation unit 31 can be used, but in addition to this, an arbitrary method such as voice output or lighting of an indicator can be used. It is also possible to send a notification instruction to a portable terminal such as a smart phone to perform notification.

The settlement processing unit 36f displays the product price recognized by the price recognition unit 36b on the display operation unit 31 when the purchased product registration unit 36a finishes registering the product. Then, the product price is settled, the transaction is completed, and a receipt is issued. This payment may be made in cash or by a payment card.

The settlement processing unit 36f instructs the change machine 40 to accept payment and acquires the received amount from the change machine 40 when the payment by cash is selected. If change is required, the change machine 40 is caused to dispense the money for the amount of change, and the settlement is completed.

Further, when payment by payment card is selected, the payment processing unit 36f acquires information such as the card ID from the payment card inserted in the card reader 33, and transmits the information together with the product price to an external server. make the payment.

Next, the procedure for processing the cart 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the cart 10. As shown in FIG. First, the commodity recognizing unit 15a recognizes the commodity placed on the basket from the RFID received by the RFID receiving unit 11 (step S101). The price recognition unit 15b recognizes the price of the product using the recognition result of the product recognition unit 15a (step S102). Then, the price transmission unit 15c transmits the product price recognized by the price recognition unit 15b to the store management server 20 (step S103).

Thereafter, the notification unit 15d determines whether or not a notification instruction has been received from the store management server 20 (step S104), and if a notification instruction has been received (step S104; Yes), executes notification (step S105). .

After step S105, or when no notification instruction has been received (step S104; No), the product recognition unit 15a determines whether payment has been made (step S106). If the payment has not been executed (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S101 and product recognition is performed. If the payment has been made (step S106; Yes), the product recognition unit 15a resets the product data 14a and the price data 14b (step S107), and terminates the process.

Next, a processing procedure of the store management server 20 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the store management server 20. As shown in FIG. First, the face information acquisition unit 26a extracts a face image from image data captured by the camera 23, and acquires a feature amount, which is information necessary for face authentication, as face information (step S201).

The user authentication unit 26b performs authentication by comparing the acquired face information with the face image to be used registered in the registered user data 25a (step S202). The balance acquisition unit 26c acquires the electronic money balance of the authenticated user (step S203).

The comparison control unit 26d receives price data from the cart 10 (step S204), and compares the balance of electronic money acquired by the balance acquisition unit 26c with the price data (step S205).

As a result of the comparison, if the balance of the electronic money is insufficient to meet the product price indicated by the price data (step S206; Yes), the output unit 26e sends the cart 10 or the POS register 30 of the register counter A notification instruction is transmitted to it (step S207), and the process ends. If the balance is not insufficient (step S206; No), the process is terminated.

Next, the processing procedure of the POS cash register 30 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the POS register 30. As shown in FIG. First, the purchased product registration unit 36a registers a product to be purchased (step S301). The price recognition unit 36b adds up the prices of the products registered by the purchased product registration unit 36a, and recognizes the product price for payment (step S302).

After that, if cash settlement is selected (step S303; Yes), the settlement processing unit 36f executes cash settlement (step S309), and terminates the process. On the other hand, if cash settlement is not selected (step S303; No), the balance acquisition unit 36c acquires the user's electronic money balance (step S304).

The comparison control unit 36d compares the product price recognized by the price recognition unit 36b with the electronic money balance acquired by the balance acquisition unit 36c (step S305). As a result of the comparison, if the balance of the electronic money is insufficient to meet the price of the product indicated by the price data (step S306; Yes), the notification unit 36e notifies that the balance is insufficient ( Step S307), and the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the balance is not insufficient (step S306; No), payment is made with electronic money (step S308), and the process ends.

Next, a modification of the merchandise sales system will be described. In the explanation so far, the cart 10 and the store management server 20 cooperate to acquire the product price, acquire the electronic money balance, compare the product price with the electronic money balance, and notify the user. Although the configurations have been exemplified, they may be configured to be executed by the cart alone.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cart that operates alone. In this case, the cart has all the functional units of the first price recognition unit, the first acquisition unit, the first control unit, and the notification unit.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a cart that operates independently. The cart 110 shown in FIG. 11 further includes a card reader 111 and a camera 112 . The control unit 15 also includes a product recognition unit 15a, a price recognition unit 15b, a balance acquisition unit 115a, a comparison control unit 115b, and a notification unit 115c.

The card reader 111 can read data indicating an electronic money account from a card for electronic money settlement. It is also possible to read data identifying a user from a membership card or the like. Camera 112 is provided so as to be able to capture a face image of the user.

The RFID receiving unit 11, the display operation unit 12, the communication unit 13, and the storage unit 14 are the same as those of the cart 10 shown in FIG. 4, so description thereof will be omitted. Also, the commodity recognition section 15a and the price recognition section 15b of the control section 15 operate in the same manner as the cart 10 shown in FIG.

The balance acquisition unit 115a is a processing unit that acquires the user's electronic money balance. Once the card reader 111 has read the data indicating the electronic money account, the electronic money balance can be obtained by inquiring the electronic money management server for the balance.

Alternatively, data identifying a user may be read from a membership card or the like, an electronic money account associated with the user may be identified, and the balance may be obtained. In this case, the processing from the data specifying the user to specifying the electronic money account can be performed by an external device.

Alternatively, face authentication may be performed using a user's face image captured by the camera 112, an electronic money account associated with the user may be specified, and the balance may be obtained. In this case, the processing up to specifying the electronic money account from the face image can be performed by an external device.

Alternatively, the electronic money account may be specified by performing short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The mobile terminal can also be used to report the result of comparison between the balance of electronic money and the product price. In particular, when the balance of electronic money is specified by the mobile terminal, it is preferable that the mobile terminal side notifies the balance.

The comparison control unit 115b is a processing unit that compares the product price recognized by the price recognition unit 15b with the electronic money balance acquired by the balance acquisition unit 115a. The reporting unit 115c is a processing unit that reports the result of comparison by the comparison control unit 115b.

Specifically, the notification unit 115c notifies the user when the electronic money balance is less than the product price. In this notification, only the fact that the balance of the electronic money is insufficient may be notified, or measures to be taken against the insufficient balance may be presented. In order to deal with the insufficient balance, one or more of the following methods can be presented: charging additional electronic money, changing to another payment method, canceling the transaction itself for purchasing the product, canceling some products, etc. . In addition, as a notification method, display output to the display operation unit 12 can be used, but any other method such as voice output or lighting of an indicator can be used. It is also possible to send a notification instruction to a portable terminal such as a smart phone to perform notification.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the cart 110. As shown in FIG. First, the commodity recognizing unit 15a recognizes the commodity placed on the basket from the RFID received by the RFID receiving unit 11 (step S401). The price recognition unit 15b recognizes the price of the product using the recognition result of the product recognition unit 15a (step S402). The balance acquisition unit 115a acquires the user's electronic money balance (step S403).

The comparison control unit 115b compares the product price recognized by the product recognition unit 15a with the electronic money balance acquired by the balance acquisition unit 115a (step S404).

As a result of the comparison, if the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for the product price (step S405; Yes), the notification unit 115c performs notification regarding the insufficient balance (step S406).

After the end of step S406, or when the balance is not insufficient (step S405; No), the product recognition unit 15a determines whether payment has been made (step S407). If the payment has not been executed (step S407; No), the process proceeds to step S401 and product recognition is performed. If the payment has been made (step S407; Yes), the product recognition unit 15a resets the product data 14a and the price data 14b (step S408), and ends the process.

As described above, in this embodiment, the camera 23 or the like that captures images of customers waiting to register is used, and the first acquisition unit that acquires the balance of electronic money at a position different from the checkout counter and the RFID provided on the cart 10 are used. Using the receiving unit 11 or the like, a first price recognition unit recognizes the product price at a position different from the cashier counter, and the balance of electronic money acquired by the first acquisition unit is recognized by the first price recognition unit. and a first control unit for performing comparison with the commodity price. Therefore, it is possible to increase the efficiency of product sales in product sales using electronic payment value such as electronic money.

In the above embodiment, the case of using electronic money has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of using electronic settlement values other than electronic money. For example, in the case of debit settlement, an account for debit settlement is identified and an inquiry is made as to whether debit settlement for the product price is possible. Similarly, when using credit settlement, an inquiry is made as to whether credit settlement for the product price is possible.

Further, by providing the card reader 111 like the cart 110, the first acquisition unit can acquire the amount information of the value for electronic payment via a predetermined medium such as a card for electronic money payment.

Also, the first acquisition unit can acquire amount information of the value for electronic payment through biometric authentication such as face authentication. In the above embodiment, the face information acquiring unit 26a acquires the information necessary for face authentication and performs face authentication. may be used.

In the above embodiment, the case of acquiring the face information of a person waiting in line at the checkout counter has been described as an example. It is also possible to In addition, user information can be obtained when the user enters the store, receives a rental cart, or is at the sales floor.

In the above embodiment, the first price recognition unit is provided in the shopping cart and recognizes the price by reading the RFID tag attached to the product. Other methods of price recognition, such as reading, are also possible.

Also, in the above embodiment, the shopping cart was explained as an example, but it is also possible to apply it to a predetermined container such as a basket. For example, a first price recognition unit is provided in a predetermined container, and the product price is recognized by wirelessly detecting information recorded on an electronic tag attached to each of at least one product stored in the predetermined container. may

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a notification section is provided to notify the result of comparison by the first control section. This notification unit is provided at a position different from the checkout counter of the cart or the like. Also, the notification unit can be provided in the checkout counter.

Further, when the first control unit determines that the amount of the value for electronic payment is insufficient, the notification unit adds the value for electronic payment, changes to another payment method, cancels the transaction, It is possible to inform the user to select at least one of canceling some products.

In addition, when the first control unit determines that the amount of the value for electronic settlement is insufficient, the notification unit can also notify the insufficient amount or the additional required amount.

Further, in the above embodiment, the second acquisition unit provided at the checkout counter for acquiring the amount information of the value for electronic payment, the second price recognition unit provided at the checkout counter for recognizing the product price, a second control unit that compares the amount of electronic payment value acquired by the second acquisition unit and the product price recognized by the second price recognition unit; and a register provided in the cash register counter. configured to be ready.

By outputting the comparison result from the first control unit to the register, the checkout counter can also notify the comparison result before the product is registered.

It should be noted that the above embodiment is merely an example, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications. For example, when the user takes out a product from the basket, the product price may be recalculated after removing the product from the purchase target, and it may be determined whether or not the product price is equal to or less than the electronic money balance. It is also possible to automatically charge electronic money when the balance of electronic money is insufficient. Alternatively, the product recognized by the cart may be sent to the checkout counter instead of the product registration at the checkout counter.

In addition, the product price recognized by the first price recognition unit and the value for electronic payment acquired by the second acquisition unit are compared, and the product price recognized by the second price recognition unit and the first acquisition unit are compared. It is also possible to compare the amount of the value for electronic payment acquired by the department.

Moreover, face recognition does not necessarily have to be performed in the store, and an external server can be used.

Also, each illustrated configuration is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the product sales system , shopping cart, and product sales method according to the present invention are suitable for improving the efficiency of product sales in product sales using electronic payment value.

10, 110 cart 11 RFID receiver 12, 31 display operation unit 13, 24, 35 communication unit 14, 25 storage unit 14a product data 14b price data 15, 26 control unit 15a product recognition unit 15b, 36b price recognition unit 15c price transmission Units 15d, 36e, 115c Notification unit 20 Store management server 21 Display unit 22 Input unit 23, 112 Camera 25a Registered user data 25b Price data by user 26a Face information acquisition unit 26b User authentication unit 26c, 36c, 115a Balance acquisition unit 26d, 36d, 115b Comparison control unit 26e Output unit 30 POS register 32 Barcode reader 33, 111 Card reader 34 Printing unit 36 POS control unit 36a Purchased product registration unit 36f Settlement processing unit 40 Change dispenser

Claims (10)

A product sales system including a shopping cart having a basket part for storing products to be purchased by a user,
a first acquisition unit that acquires the balance of the user's electronic payment value that the user uses for electronic payment of products ;
a first price recognition unit provided in the shopping cart and recognizing the product price of the product to be purchased ;
a first control unit that compares the balance of the value for electronic payment acquired by the first acquisition unit and the product price recognized by the first price recognition unit ;
a notification unit provided in the shopping cart and configured to notify the user;
with
When the first control unit determines that the balance of the value for electronic payment is insufficient for the product price, the notification unit notifies the user of the insufficient amount or the additional required amount,
The first price recognition unit, when an arbitrary product among the products to be purchased is excluded from the products to be purchased, excludes the product from the products to be purchased and recalculates the product price. ,
The first control unit compares the product price recalculated by the first price recognition unit with the balance of the value for electronic payment.
A product sales system characterized by : a basket for storing products to be purchased by the user;
a first acquisition unit that acquires the balance of the user's electronic payment value that the user uses for electronic payment of products;
a first price recognition unit that recognizes the product price of the product to be purchased;
a first control unit that compares the balance of the value for electronic payment acquired by the first acquisition unit and the product price recognized by the first price recognition unit;
a notification unit that notifies the user;
with
When the first control unit determines that the balance of the value for electronic payment is insufficient for the product price, the notification unit notifies the user of the insufficient amount or the additional required amount,
The first price recognition unit, when an arbitrary product among the products to be purchased is excluded from the products to be purchased, excludes the product from the products to be purchased and recalculates the product price. ,
The first control unit compares the product price recalculated by the first price recognition unit with the balance of the value for electronic payment.
A shopping cart characterized by: 2. The product sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the balance of the value for electronic payment stored in a predetermined storage medium used for electronic payment. Equipped with an electronic payment value management device that manages the balance of electronic payment value in association with user identification information,
The first acquisition unit acquires biometric information of the user, authenticates the user, and if the user is authenticated as valid, the electronic data corresponding to the identification information of the user. 2. The merchandise sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the balance of settlement value is obtained from said electronic settlement value management device . 5. The product sales system according to claim 4, wherein the biometric information is face information captured by a predetermined imaging device . 2. The product sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the first price recognition unit recognizes the product price by reading code information attached to the product. 2. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the first price recognition unit identifies products by capturing product images and recognizes product prices. The first price recognition unit recognizes the product price by wirelessly detecting information recorded on an electronic tag attached to each of at least one product placed in the basket . The merchandise sales system according to claim 1 , wherein: When the first control unit determines that the amount of the value for electronic payment is insufficient, the notification unit adds the value for electronic payment, changes to another payment method, and cancels the transaction. 9. The product sales system according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, wherein at least one of the following is notified : , that some products are to be canceled. A product sales method in a product sales system including a shopping cart having a basket portion for storing products to be purchased by a user and a management device capable of communicating with the shopping cart,
an acquisition step in which the management device acquires the balance of the user's electronic payment value used for electronic payment of the product by the user ;
a price recognition step in which the shopping cart recognizes the product price of the product to be purchased ;
a control step in which the management device compares the balance of the value for electronic payment received from the shopping cart and the product price received from the shopping cart ;
a notification step in which the management device notifies a shortage amount or an additional required amount when it is determined in the control step that the balance of the electronic payment value is insufficient for the product price;
A product sales method characterized by comprising:

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