JP7388577B2 - Product registration device, control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for improving the efficiency of customer service.

At cash register terminals in stores such as supermarkets, there are two processes: (1) registering products to be paid for (such as reading barcodes), and (2) processing for paying for registered products (receiving payment, returning change, etc.) Two processes are performed.

There is an operating method in which the functions of such a cash register terminal are separated into two devices. Specifically, the product registration device is provided with the function of performing the process (1), and the payment device is provided with the function of performing the process (2). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sales management system that includes a product registration device and a payment device. A store clerk registers a product using a product registration device. When the product registration is completed, the product registration device issues a registration receipt. The purchaser moves to the payment device with the registered receipt and causes the payment device to read the registered receipt. Then, a state is reached in which payment processing based on the contents of the registered receipt can be performed, and the purchaser operates the payment device (such as inserting money) to complete the payment.

Furthermore, as described above, there is also a method in which a payment device that performs payment processing for a product registered by a certain product registration device is specified from the product registration device or another device, without using a registered receipt or the like. In this case, for example, the purchaser hears from the store clerk which payment device has been designated, moves to that payment device, and makes payment.

Generally, in a system in which a payment device is specified from a product registration device or other device, a payment device corresponding to the product registration device is placed near each product registration device. Then, a certain product registration device specifies a payment device corresponding to the product registration device as a payment device that performs payment processing for the registered product.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-186495

In stores, etc., the level of crowding at cash register terminals may vary. For example, it may happen that one product registration device is busy while another product registration device is empty. In such a case, even though there is vacancy in the payment device corresponding to the vacant product registration device, there is no vacancy in the payment device that can be designated from the crowded product registration device. As a result, a purchaser using a crowded product registration device has to wait until a checkout device becomes available.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that improves the efficiency of customer service.

The product registration device of the present invention includes:
If all the payment devices belonging to the first candidate group, which is the candidate group associated with the product registration device among the multiple candidate groups of payment devices, are in use, the payment processing for the product registered as the payment target a control means for switching a candidate group from which a payment device to which payment information regarding the payment information is to be transmitted can be selected to a candidate group other than the first candidate group;
and transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to the payment device.

The control method of the present invention includes:
A control method executed by a computer functioning as a product registration device, comprising:
If all the payment devices belonging to the first candidate group, which is the candidate group associated with the product registration device among the multiple candidate groups of payment devices, are in use, the payment processing for the product registered as the payment target switching the candidate group from which the payment device to which the payment information regarding the related payment information is to be transmitted can be selected to a candidate group other than the first candidate group;
The payment information is transmitted to a payment device.

The program of the present invention can be applied to a computer by
This is a program for executing the above control method.

According to the present invention, a technique for improving the efficiency of customer service is provided.

The above-mentioned objects, and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating association information. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an environment in which a server device is added to the environment of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how candidate group payment devices corresponding to product registration devices are provided near a customer's flow line. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by a control unit that performs control in Example 1. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by a control unit that performs control in Example 2. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a first diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by a display control unit. FIG. 7 is a second diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by the display control unit. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 7 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by a display control unit of Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by a display control unit of Modification 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus of Embodiment 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus of Embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the layout of a product registration device and a payment device in an example of Embodiment 4;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in all the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus 2000 according to the first embodiment. The dotted line in FIG. 1 represents the correspondence between the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, each block represents the configuration of a functional unit rather than a hardware unit configuration.

In stores and the like that use the information processing device 2000, the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000 are used to pay for products purchased by customers. The product registration device 3000 is a device used to register products to be settled (products purchased by customers). The payment device 4000 is used for payment processing (payment of price, etc.) for products registered as payment targets. Specifically, the payment device 4000 acquires information (payment information) related to payment processing for products registered as payment targets, and performs payment processing using the payment information. A plurality of product registration devices 3000 and a plurality of payment devices 4000 are provided.

The information processing device 2000 associates the product payment information registered in the product registration device 3000 with one of the plurality of payment devices 4000. The payment device 4000 acquires payment information associated with the payment device 4000, and performs payment processing using the payment information. A specific method for associating payment information and payment device 4000 will be described later.

The information processing device 2000 includes an association section 2020 and a control section 2040. The association unit 2020 associates the payment information with the payment device 4000. The control unit 2040 controls so that the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information of the product registration device 3000 is preferentially selected from the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. Here, the "payment information of the product registration device 3000" means payment information regarding the payment processing of a product registered as a payment target by the product registration device 3000.

According to the present embodiment, the information processing device 2000 controls such that the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information of the product registration device 3000 is preferentially selected from the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. do. By doing so, by appropriately determining the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000, it is possible to preferentially associate the payment device 4000 that is preferably associated with the payment information with the payment information.

For example, a payment device 4000 installed near a product registration device 3000 is assumed to be a payment device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. By doing this, a payment device 4000 installed near a certain product registration device 3000 uses that product registration device 3000 preferentially over a payment device 4000 that is not installed near the product registration device 3000. It is used as a payment device 4000 used for payment processing of purchased products by a customer. Therefore, the customer who has completed the product registration by the store clerk using the product registration device 3000 can easily know which payment device 4000 should be used to make payment, thereby improving the convenience of the store. Note that details regarding the candidate group will be described later.
This embodiment will be described in further detail below.

<Product registration process by product registration device 3000>
Various known techniques can be used for the registration process of registering a product to be paid for using the product registration device 3000. For example, the product registration device 3000 registers the product as a payment target by reading a symbol such as a barcode attached to the product.

Settlement targets in one settlement process may include a plurality of products. For example, the product registration device 3000 may register one or more registered products after receiving an operation instructing the start of the registration process for the payment target and before receiving an operation instructing the end of the registration process for the payment target. , to be registered as a payment target in one payment process. Settlement information regarding a certain settlement process indicates identification information (hereinafter referred to as ID (Identifier)) of each product registered as a target of the settlement process. The settlement information may further indicate the transaction number, the amount of each product, the settlement amount (the total amount paid by the customer), and the like.

<Details of association unit 2020>
The association unit 2020 associates the payment information and the payment device 4000. For example, the association unit 2020 associates the payment device 4000 with the payment information by generating association information that associates the payment information with the ID of the payment device 4000 (payment device ID). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating association information. The list shown in FIG. 2 is called list 100. The list 100 includes a payment device ID 102 and payment information 104. Settlement information 104 indicates an arbitrary number of product IDs 106. All product IDs included in the payment information 104 are products that are subject to payment processing using the payment information 104.

However, the configuration of the payment information 104 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. For example, the payment information 104 may indicate information other than the product ID 106 (product name, price, etc.) for each product.

Further, when a plurality of products of the same type are registered, the payment information 104 may indicate the product ID 106 of the registered number of products, or may indicate the number of products registered in the payment information 104. The former means that, for example, if two products A are registered, two product IDs of product A are shown.

In addition, various existing methods can be used to configure the payment information.

The association information generated by the association unit 2020 is recorded, for example, in a storage device provided inside or outside the information processing device 2000. For example, the association unit 2020 stores the association information in a storage device (such as a hard disk drive or NAS (Network-Attached Storage)) that is communicably connected to both the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000. For example, the association unit 2020 transmits association information to the server device 5000 that is communicably connected to both the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000. Server device 5000 stores association information in an internal or external storage device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an environment in which a server device 5000 is added to the environment in FIG.

Note that a plurality of storage devices for storing payment information and server devices 5000 to which payment information is transmitted may be provided. In this case, the association unit 2020 stores the payment information in a storage device that is communicably connected to the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information, or stores the payment information in a server device 5000 that is communicably connected to the payment device 4000. Send payment information to.

The association unit 2020 transmits the ID of the payment information to the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information. The payment device 4000 that has acquired the ID acquires payment information associated with the acquired ID from the above-mentioned server device 5000 or the like.

The association unit 2020 may automatically determine the payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information. In this case, the association unit 2020 associates one of the payment devices 4000 that are selectable by the control unit 2040 with the payment information. Further, the association unit 2020 may receive a designation of a payment device 4000 to be associated with payment information from a store clerk or the like, and may associate the designated payment device 4000 with the payment information. In this case, the payment device 4000 that can be specified by the store clerk or the like is controlled by the control unit 2040 to become the payment device 4000 that can be selected. A mode in which the designation of the payment device 4000 to be associated with payment information from a store clerk or the like is accepted will be described in detail as a second embodiment.

Further, the association unit 2020 may associate the payment device 4000 with the payment information by transmitting the payment information associated with the payment device 4000 to the payment device 4000.

<Details of control unit 2040>
As described above, the control unit 2040 controls so that the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information of the product registration device 3000 is preferentially selected from the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. First, the candidate group will be specifically explained below.

<<About the candidate group>>
A candidate group is a set including one or more payment devices 4000. For the product registration device 3000, a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is defined. Then, the control unit 2040 prioritizes the payment devices 4000 included in the candidate group associated with the product registration device 3000 as the payment devices 4000 associated with the payment information regarding the product registered by the product registration device 3000. be used for.

A candidate group for a certain product registration device 3000 is composed of payment devices 4000 installed near the certain product registration device 3000, for example. For example, such a candidate group is installed near the flow line of the customer who uses the product registration device 3000. Therefore, when viewed from the payment device 4000 belonging to the candidate group of a certain product registration device 3000, that product registration device 3000 is located closer than other product registration devices 3000.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating how candidate payment devices 4000 corresponding to the product registration device 3000 are provided near the flow line of the customer 10. The dotted arrow represents the flow line of the customer 10. The store clerk 20 is a store clerk who uses the product registration device 3000 to register products to be paid for. In FIG. 4, three product registration devices 3000, product registration devices 3000-1, 3000-2, and 3000-3 are provided. Further, two payment devices 4000 are provided near the flow line of the customer 10 in each product registration device 3000. Hereinafter, the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-i will be referred to as candidate group i. Candidate group i includes payment device 4000-i-1 and payment device 4000-i-2.

For example, the association unit 2020 assigns the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1 to the payment device 4000 (payment device 4000-1-) included in the candidate group 1 with priority over the payment device 4000 included in the candidate group 2 or 3. 1 or payment device 4000-1-2).

Information indicating the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is stored in a storage device provided inside or outside the information processing device 2000, for example. For example, this storage device is a storage device in which the association unit 2020 stores association information. The information processing device 2000 acquires a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 from this storage device.

<<Example 1 of control by control unit 2040>>
For example, if each payment device 4000 of a candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 cannot perform payment processing based on payment information, the control unit 2040 may select a payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information of the product registration device 3000. It is also possible to select from payment devices 4000 that are not included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000.

Various situations can be considered as specific situations representing "a case where the payment device 4000 cannot perform payment processing based on certain payment information". For example, this situation is (1) where the payment device 4000 is performing payment processing based on other payment information. For example, this situation is (2) where the payment device 4000 is not processing payment information and cannot process new payment information. Specifically, there may be a failure in the payment device 4000 or a failure in the communication line between the payment device 4000 and the outside. Further, a situation in which the payment device 4000 is not powered on or a situation in which the payment device 4000 is restarted also corresponds to the situation (2). Hereinafter, the situation (1) will be called "in use" and the situation (2) will be called "offline."

The information processing device 2000 is in use, offline, or both in the case where the payment device 4000 cannot perform payment processing. However, the information processing device 2000 may treat situations other than being in use and offline as “a case where the payment device 4000 cannot perform payment processing”.

The definition of "when the payment device 4000 cannot perform payment processing" is set in the control unit 2040 in advance, for example. However, the control unit 2040 may acquire setting information representing the definition of “when the payment device 4000 cannot perform payment processing” from a storage device inside or outside the information processing device 2000.

For example, in FIG. 4, assume that both payment device 4000-1-1 and payment device 4000-1-2 are in use. In this case, the control unit 2040 makes it possible to select the payment device 4000 included in the candidate group 2 or the candidate group 3 as the payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information. Then, the association unit 2020 associates, for example, one of the payment devices 4000 included in candidate group 2 or candidate group 3 with the payment information. However, even in this case, the association unit 2020 may associate one of the payment devices 4000 included in candidate group 1 with the payment information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the control unit 2040 that performs the control in Example 1 described above. The control unit 2040 determines whether each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 can perform payment processing based on the payment information of that product registration device 3000 (S102). If each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform payment processing based on the payment information (S102: YES), the process in FIG. 5 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the payment processing based on the payment information cannot be performed in any payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 (S102: NO), the process in FIG. 5 proceeds to step S106.

In step S104, the control unit 2040 controls so that the payment device 4000 associated with the product registration device 3000 is selected from the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. On the other hand, in step S106, the control unit 2040 controls the payment device 4000 associated with the product registration device 3000 so that it can select from a group of candidates other than the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000.

In this way, by making it possible to associate payment information with the payment device 4000 that does not belong to the candidate group when the payment processing cannot be performed on the payment device 4000 that belongs to the candidate group, the customer can There is no need to wait for the payment device 4000 to become available. If a customer can use a payment device that can start the payment process immediately, even if the payment device is located in a somewhat inconvenient location, the customer can complete the purchase of the product quickly. Therefore, the usage efficiency of the payment device 4000 is increased, and the time required for the customer to purchase the product is shortened.

<<Example 2 of control by control unit 2040>>
For example, when the control unit 2040 receives a predetermined operation from a user (such as a store clerk), the control unit 2040 selects the payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information of the product registration device 3000 from among the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. It is also possible to select from payment devices 4000 that are not included in the payment system. This predetermined operation is an input via various input devices. For example, the control unit 2040 displays a button on the display screen viewed by the store clerk to enable selection of a payment device 4000 other than the candidate group. The clerk presses this button when he/she wants to associate payment information with payment devices 4000 other than the candidate group.

Depending on the situation of the store, even if the payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 is available, the payment information of the product registered with that product registration device 3000 may not be included in the candidate group. It may be preferable to have the settlement device 4000 process the processing. For example, in the product registration device 3000, it is assumed that the amount of products to be purchased by the customer to be served next is greater than the amount of products to be purchased by the customer currently being served. Further, as described in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the payment devices 4000 included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 are payment devices 4000 that are on the flow line of the customer who uses the product registration device 3000.

In this case, it is preferable that the payment device 4000 to be used by the next customer to be used is closer to the product registration device 3000 than the payment device 4000 to be used by the customer currently being served. This is because a customer who purchases a large amount of products is considered to take longer to travel than a customer who purchases fewer products. Therefore, the store clerk allows the customer currently being served to use the payment device 4000 that is not included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000, and asks the customer to be served next to use the payment device 4000, which is not included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. The information processing device 2000 is operated so as to use the payment device 4000 included in the information processing device 2000.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the control unit 2040 that performs the control in Example 2 described above. The control unit 2040 determines whether a predetermined operation has been accepted (S202). If the predetermined operation has not been accepted (S202: NO), the process in FIG. 6 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the predetermined operation is accepted (S202: YES), the process in FIG. 6 proceeds to step S106. The processing after step S104 and the processing after step S106 are the same as in the case of FIG. 5.

<Details of payment device 4000>
The payment device 4000 acquires payment information associated with the payment device 4000 by the information processing device 2000. For example, the payment device 4000 acquires payment information associated with the payment device ID of the payment device 4000 from the storage device in which the product registration device 3000 has stored the association information. For example, the payment device 4000 acquires payment information associated with the payment device 4000 from the server device 5000 that has received the association information.

The payment device 4000 performs payment processing based on the acquired payment information. Here, a known method can be used as a method for the payment device 4000 to perform payment processing based on information used for product payment processing (payment information). Details regarding this known technique will be omitted.

<Method of implementing information processing device 2000>
For example, the information processing device 2000 is implemented as a product registration device 3000. For example, the information processing device 2000 may be implemented as a server device 5000 that is communicably connected to the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000. In this case, the server device 5000 acquires payment information from each of the arbitrary number of product registration devices 3000. The server device 5000 then associates each acquired payment information with the payment device 4000.

<Hardware configuration example>
Each functional component of the information processing device 2000 may be realized by hardware that implements each functional component (e.g., a hard-wired electronic circuit), or by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it).

The information processing device 2000 is implemented as various computers such as a PC (Personal Computer), a portable terminal, or a server machine. Here, the information processing device 2000 may be implemented in a dedicated computer for implementing the information processing device 2000, or may be implemented in a general-purpose computer that also includes other applications.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000. The information processing device 2000 includes a bus 1020, a processor 1040, a memory 1060, a storage 1080, an input/output interface 1100, and a network interface 1120. The bus 1020 is a data transmission path through which the processor 1040, memory 1060, storage 1080, input/output interface 1100, and network interface 1120 exchange data with each other. However, the method for connecting the processors 1040 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection. The processor 1040 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 1060 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage 1080 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a memory card. Further, the storage 1080 may be a memory such as RAM or ROM.

The input/output interface 1100 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 2000 and an input/output device. The input/output device is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or display. When the information processing device 2000 is implemented as a product registration device 3000, the input/output device further includes a barcode reader used for product registration.

The network interface 1120 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 2000 to an external device (such as the payment device 4000). The network interface 1120 may be a network interface for connecting to a wired line or a network interface for connecting to a wireless line.

The storage 1080 stores programs for realizing the functions of the information processing device 2000. Specifically, program modules that implement the functions of the association unit 2020 and the control unit 2040 are stored. The processor 1040 implements the functions of the association unit 2020 and the control unit 2040 by executing each of these program modules. Here, when executing each of the above modules, the processor 1040 may read these modules onto the memory 1060 and then execute them, or may execute them without reading them onto the memory 1060.

The hardware configuration of the information processing device 2000 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 7. For example, each program module may be stored in memory 1060. In this case, the information processing apparatus 2000 does not need to include the storage 1080.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus 2000 according to the second embodiment. The dotted line in FIG. 8 represents the correspondence between the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000. Furthermore, in FIG. 8, each block represents the configuration of a functional unit rather than a hardware unit configuration. Except for the points described below, the functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the first embodiment.

The control unit 2040 of the second embodiment includes a display control unit 2042 and a selection reception unit 2044. The display control unit 2042 displays candidates for the payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information. The selection accepting unit 2044 accepts an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices 4000. The association unit 2020 of the second embodiment associates payment information with the payment device 4000 indicated by the input received by the selection reception unit 2044.

It is assumed that the settlement information of a certain product registration device 3000 is associated with the settlement device 4000. At this time, when each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform payment processing based on the payment information, the display control unit 2042 controls the product registration device 3000 corresponding to the product registration device 3000 other than the product registration device 3000. The payment devices 4000 of the candidate group are displayed in a state where they cannot be selected or are not displayed. On the other hand, when each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 cannot perform payment processing based on the payment information, the display control unit 2042 controls the product registration device 3000 corresponding to the product registration device 3000 other than the product registration device 3000. The payment devices 4000 of the candidate group are displayed in a selectable state.

Here, the selectable state is a state in which "the information processing device 2000 accepts the selection operation of the payment device 4000 and associates the selected payment device with payment information." On the other hand, a state in which selection is not possible means "a state in which the information processing device 2000 does not accept the selection operation of the payment device 4000" or "a state in which the information processing device 2000 accepts the selection operation of the payment device 4000, but the selected payment device is not selected". 4000 and settlement information are not associated with each other." In the former case, the display control unit 2042 displays the selection button for selecting the payment device 4000 in a state where it cannot be pressed, or does not display the selection button. In the latter case, the display control unit 2042 displays, for example, a selection button for selecting the payment device 4000 in a pressable state. However, even if the selection button is pressed, for example, the information processing apparatus 2000 ignores the press or performs error processing (such as displaying a warning pop-up).

If there are three or more product registration devices 3000, the above-mentioned "product registration devices 3000 other than that product registration device 3000" may mean all the product registration devices 3000 other than that product registration device 3000, or It may also mean a part of the product registration device 3000 other than the product registration device 3000. In the latter case, for example, the display control unit 2042 controls each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 when the payment processing based on the payment information of that product registration device 3000 cannot be performed. The payment devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 adjacent to are displayed in a selectable state.

Further, there are various display modes of the payment device 4000 in a situation where payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000 cannot be performed. For example, the display control unit 2042 displays the corresponding payment device 4000 in a state where it cannot be selected or does not display it. However, the display control unit 2042 may display the corresponding payment device 4000 in a selectable manner. If a payment device 4000 is selected that is in a situation where payment processing cannot be performed based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000, the customer waits in line etc. until the payment device 4000 becomes available. That will happen.

Display by the display control unit 2042 is performed on a display screen such as a display. This display and the like are viewed by a store clerk who operates the product registration device 3000. This display and the like may be provided integrally with the product registration device 3000, or may be provided separately.

The display control unit 2042 and the selection reception unit 2044 are implemented inside the product registration device 3000, for example. However, some of the functions of the display control unit 2042 may be implemented inside the server device 5000. For example, the configuration is such that the server device 5000 determines candidates for the payment device 4000 to be associated with payment information, and the server device 5000 notifies the product registration device 3000 of the determined candidates. In this case, the product registration device 3000 displays the candidates notified from the server device 5000.

The selection reception unit 2044 receives an input for selecting one of the payment devices 4000 displayed by the display control unit 2042. Selection of the payment device 4000 is performed by input using, for example, a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. Further, the selection of the payment device 4000 may be performed by voice input using a microphone. The information processing device 2000 includes various input devices depending on the method of accepting the selection of the payment device 4000.

<Specific example of display and selection on payment device 4000>
9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the selection screen 30 that the display control unit 2042 displays on the display or the like. The payment device area 40 is a display area that displays the current status of each payment device 4000. Specifically, the name of the payment device 4000, the status of the payment device 4000 (standby, in use, offline, etc.), the number of products registered for payment, the total amount, and the information for the payment device 4000. The time when the payment information was previously associated (transmission time) and the transmission button 50 are shown.

The send button 50 in the payment device area 40 of a certain payment device 4000 is a button that is pressed to associate payment information with that payment device 4000. In other words, the send button 50 is a button for the selection reception unit 2044 to accept the selection of the payment device 4000. When payment information can be associated with a certain payment device 4000, the send button 50 corresponding to that payment device 4000 is enabled (can be pressed). On the other hand, if payment information cannot be associated with a certain payment device 4000, the send button 50 corresponding to that payment device 4000 is disabled (cannot be pressed). In FIG. 9, when the frame of the send button 50 is a solid line, the send button 50 is enabled. On the other hand, if the frame of the send button 50 is a dotted line, the send button 50 is disabled.

A case in which the product registration device 3000-1 associates payment information with the payment device 4000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, payment device 1 and payment device 2 belong to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-1, and payment device 3 and payment device 4 belong to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-2. Suppose that

FIG. 9 illustrates a case where among the payment devices 4000 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1, there is a payment device 4000 that can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1. There is. The state of the payment device 1 is "standby", and it is in a state where payment processing based on payment information can be performed. Therefore, the state of the send button 50-1 is enabled. On the other hand, the status of the payment device 2 is "in use." This indicates that new payment information cannot be associated with the payment device 2 because the payment device 2 is performing payment processing based on different payment information. Therefore, the state of the send button 50-2 is disabled. Since the payment device 1 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1 is in a selectable state, the payment devices 3 and 4 are not displayed on the selection screen 30.

The clerk operating the product registration device 3000-1 associates the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1 with the payment device 1 by pressing the send button 50-1 that is enabled.

On the other hand, FIG. 10 illustrates a case where there is no payment device 4000 that can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1 among the payment devices 4000 that belong to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1. are doing. In FIG. 10, the states of both the payment device 1 and the payment device 2 are "in use." Therefore, in FIG. 10, the payment device 3 and payment device 4 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-2 are displayed on the selection screen 30. Here, since the state of the payment device 3 is "offline", the state of the send button 50-3 is disabled. On the other hand, since the state of the payment device 4 is "standby", the state of the send button 50-4 is enable. Therefore, by pressing the send button 50-4 that is enabled, the clerk sends the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1 to the payment device 4 that does not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1. and associate it.

Note that the method for displaying candidate payment devices 4000 on the selection screen 30 is not limited to the methods shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. For example, the display control unit 2042 may display on the selection screen 30 only the payment devices 4000 that are in a state where payment information can be associated (“standby” in FIGS. 9 and 10). In this case, in the case of FIG. 9, only the payment device 1 is displayed on the selection screen 30, and in the case of FIG. 10, only the payment device 4 is displayed on the selection screen 30.

In addition, for example, the display control unit 2042 may display a payment device 4000 that is in a state where payment information can be associated with more emphasis than a payment device 4000 that is in a state where payment information cannot be associated. As a method of emphasis, there are methods such as enlarging the payment device area 40 or making the background color of the payment device area 40 a conspicuous color (for example, red). Further, the payment devices 4000 may be sorted depending on whether or not they are in a state where payment information can be associated. Specifically, the display control unit 2042 places the payment device area 40 of the payment device 4000 in a state where payment information can be associated with the payment device area 40 of the payment device 4000 in a state where payment information cannot be associated with the payment device area 40 of the payment device 4000 in a state where payment information cannot be correlated. to be displayed.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2000 of the second embodiment. The display control unit 2042 determines whether each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000 (S302). If the payment process described above can be performed (S302: YES), the process in FIG. 11 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the payment process cannot be performed (S302: NO), the process in FIG. 11 proceeds to step S308.

In step S304, the display control unit 2042 selects, from among the payment devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000, a payment device 4000 that can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000. Display in . Furthermore, the display control unit 2042 displays payment devices 4000 other than the payment device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 in a state where they cannot be selected (S306). Note that S304 and S306 may be executed at the same time or in the reverse order from the case of FIG. 11.

In step S308, the display control unit 2042 selects a payment device 4000 that can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000 among payment devices 4000 other than the payment device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. , displayed in a selectable state.

Then, the selection reception unit 2044 receives an input for selecting one of the payment devices 4000 displayed by the display control unit 2042 (S310).

<Hardware configuration example>
The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000 according to the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, for example, similarly to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that implements each function described in this embodiment. Furthermore, the storage 1080 further stores program modules that implement the functions of the display control section 2042 and the selection reception section 2044, respectively. These program modules are executed by the processor 1040 similarly to the other program modules described in the first embodiment. As a result, the functions of the display control section 2042 and the selection reception section 2044 are respectively realized.

According to the present embodiment, candidate payment devices 4000 to be associated with the payment layer can be presented to a store clerk or the like who operates the product registration device 3000 so that the utilization efficiency of the payment device 4000 can be improved. Therefore, a store clerk or the like can efficiently use the payment device 4000 through easy operations.

<Modification 1>
Control by the display control unit 2042 is not limited to the above-mentioned control. For example, the display control unit 2042 determines whether each payment device 4000 in the candidate group can perform payment processing based on the payment information, but based on ``whether or not a predetermined operation has been received from a store clerk, etc.'' 4000 may be displayed. Specifically, when a product is registered in a certain product registration device 3000 and a predetermined operation is not received from a store clerk or the like, the display control unit 2042 determines that the product does not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. The payment device 4000 is displayed in a non-selectable state or not displayed. On the other hand, when the display control unit 2042 receives the above-described predetermined operation, it displays the payment devices 4000 that do not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state.

The operation of the display control unit 2042 in the first modification corresponds to “Example 2 of control by the control unit 2040” described in the first embodiment. The above-mentioned predetermined operation is the predetermined operation described in "Example 2 of Control by Control Unit 2040".

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the selection screen 30 displayed by the display control unit 2042 of Modification 1. In the example of FIG. 12, the payment device 1 belongs to the candidate group of the product registration device 3000 that has registered the product. On the other hand, the payment device 2 does not belong to this candidate group.

FIG. 12(a) shows the selection screen 30 before the store clerk performs a predetermined operation. Here, the predetermined operation is an operation of pressing the other candidate display button 60. In FIG. 12A, only the payment device area 40 of the payment device 1 belonging to the candidate group is displayed, and the payment device area 40 of the payment device 2 is not displayed.

FIG. 12(b) shows the selection screen 30 after the store clerk presses the other candidate display button 60. In FIG. 12(b), the payment device area 40 of the payment device 2 is displayed. In this way, the display control unit 2042 selectably displays the payment device 4000 (payment device 2) that does not belong to the candidate group when the store clerk presses a predetermined operation (the other candidate display button 60). Note that the store clerk can also change the selection screen 30 from the state shown in FIG. 12(b) to the state shown in FIG. 12(a) by pressing the other candidate hide button 70.

<Modification 2>
For example, when a product is registered in a certain product registration device 3000, the display control unit 2042 selects a payment device 4000 that belongs to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 from a payment device 4000 that does not belong to the candidate group. It may also be displayed with emphasis. In this case, the display control unit 2042 may selectably display both the payment device 4000 that belongs to the candidate group and the payment device 4000 that does not belong to the candidate group. The highlighted payment device 4000 is more easily noticed by store clerks and the like than the payment device 4000 that is not highlighted. Therefore, the payment device 4000 that belongs to the candidate group is more likely to be selected (selected preferentially) than the payment device 4000 that does not belong to the candidate group.

There are various methods for the control unit 2040 to highlight and display the payment devices 4000 that belong to the candidate group. For example, the control unit 2040 displays the payment devices 4000 that belong to the candidate group larger than the payment devices 4000 that do not belong to the candidate group, or displays them in a conspicuous color. For example, the control unit 2040 may perform highlighted display based on the display order of the payment device 4000. Specifically, the control unit 2040 displays the payment devices 4000 that belong to the candidate group before the payment devices 4000 that do not belong to the candidate group.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the selection screen 30 displayed by the display control unit 2042 of Modification 2. In the example of FIG. 13 as well, the payment device 1 belongs to the candidate group of the product registration device 3000 that has registered the product, and the payment device 2 does not belong to the candidate group. In FIG. 13 , the payment device area 40 of the payment device 1 is displayed larger than the payment device area 40 of the payment device 2 . In this way, the display control unit 2042 selects the payment device 4000 (payment device 1) that belongs to the candidate group of the product registration device 3000 that has registered the product from the payment device 4000 (payment device 2) that does not belong to the candidate group. is also highlighted and displayed.

Note that in the first modification as well, the payment device 4000 may be highlighted. For example, in FIG. 12(b), the payment device 1 is displayed more emphasized than the payment device 2. By doing this, even if both the payment device 4000 that belongs to the candidate group and the payment device 4000 that does not belong to the candidate group are displayed by pressing the other candidate display button 60, the clerk can easily identify them. can.

[Embodiment 3]
The information processing apparatus 2000 of the third embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, similarly to the information processing apparatus 2000 of the first embodiment. Except for the points described below, the functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the first embodiment.

The association between the payment device 4000 and the product registration device 3000 by the association unit 2020 of the third embodiment is performed as follows.

First, assume that each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 is in a situation where payment processing can be performed based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000. In this case, the association unit 2020 associates the payment information with the payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000.

On the other hand, assume that each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 is unable to perform payment processing based on the payment information of that product registration device 3000. In this case, the association unit 2020 associates the payment information with a payment device 4000 other than the payment device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000.

In the latter situation, there are various methods for determining the payment device 4000 to be associated with payment information. For example, the association unit 2020 determines the payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information from among the payment devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 adjacent to the product registration device 3000. More specifically, the association unit 2020 determines that “the payment device 4000 corresponds to the product registration device 3000 adjacent to the product registration device 3000, and is in a state in which payment processing can be performed based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000. The settlement information is associated with the settlement device 4000 that is closest to the product registration device 3000 among the settlement devices 4000 that are “Yes”. Further, the association unit 2020 randomly selects one payment device 4000 from among the payment devices 4000 that are ready to perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000, and associates the payment information with that payment device 4000. You can.

<Notification of payment device 4000 associated with payment information>
The association unit 2020 notifies the customer, store clerk, etc. which payment device 4000 is associated with the payment information. For example, the association unit 2020 outputs the payment device ID of the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information. For example, this output is a screen output on a display screen, an audio output from a speaker, or the like. The customer moves to the payment device 4000 notified by the association unit 2020 and performs payment.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2000 of the third embodiment. The association unit 2020 determines whether each payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000 (S402). If the payment process described above can be performed (S402: YES), the process in FIG. 14 proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if the payment process cannot be performed (S402: NO), the process in FIG. 14 proceeds to step S408.

In step S404, the association unit 2020 selects a payment device 4000 that satisfies the condition that “it is a payment device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000, and is capable of performing payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000.” One of them is associated with the payment information.

On the other hand, in step S406, the associating unit 2020 associates one of the payment devices 4000 that satisfies the condition of "capable of performing payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000" with the payment information.

<Hardware configuration example>
The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000 according to the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, for example, as in the case of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module included in the storage 1080 described above includes a program that implements each function described in this embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the payment processing based on the payment information can be performed in the payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000, the payment information of the product registration device 3000 is It is associated with the payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the device 3000. Therefore, the payment device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is preferentially used. Therefore, for the same reason as described in the first embodiment, the convenience of the store from the customer's perspective is improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the payment device 4000 to be associated with the payment information of a certain product registration device 3000 is automatically determined according to the status of the payment device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. Therefore, the usage efficiency of the payment devices 4000 can be improved by taking into consideration the status of each payment device 4000 while saving the clerk the trouble of manually selecting the payment device 4000.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus 2000 according to the fourth embodiment. The dotted line in FIG. 15 represents the correspondence between the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000. Furthermore, in FIG. 15, each block represents the configuration not in hardware units but in functional units. Except for the points described below, the functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the information processing apparatus 2000 of any one of the first to third embodiments.

In the fourth embodiment, the information processing device 2000 handles two types of payment devices 4000. The first type of payment device 4000 acquires payment information ID for specifying payment information from the storage device or server device 5000. Here, this storage device is a storage unit in which the association unit 2020 stores association information. Further, this server device 5000 is a storage unit to which the association unit 2020 transmits association information. The first type of payment device 4000 belongs to a candidate group corresponding to any product registration device 3000.

On the other hand, the second type of payment device 4000 reads the payment information ID from the portable medium. The second type of payment device 4000 does not belong to any candidate group.

The information processing device 2000 of the fourth embodiment further includes an identification information output unit 2060. The identification information output unit 2060 outputs a payment information ID that specifies the payment information when the payment device 4000 and the payment information are associated with each other.

The method by which the information processing device 2000 outputs the payment information ID depends on the type of the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information. Specifically, the payment information ID is output as follows.

It is assumed that the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information is the first type of payment device 4000. In this case, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the payment information ID of the payment information to the storage device or server device 5000. On the other hand, it is assumed that the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information is a second type payment device 4000. In this case, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the payment information ID of the payment information to a portable medium.

Note that the payment information ID output to the portable medium may be the payment information itself, or may be an ID associated with the payment information. In the latter case, the payment information itself is stored, for example, in the storage device or server device 5000 described above. After acquiring the settlement information ID, the settlement device 4000 acquires the settlement information associated with this settlement information ID from the storage device or the server device.

<About portable media>
The portable medium to which the payment information ID is output may be a portable medium output from the product registration device 3000, or may be a portable medium that the customer has in advance.

The portable medium output from the product registration device 3000 is, for example, a sheet of paper, plastic, or the like. The identification information output unit 2060 prints the payment information ID on this sheet and issues this sheet. In this case, the payment information ID is printed on the sheet as various codes (character string, bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.). The customer brings the sheet issued by the product registration device 3000 to the payment device 4000, and causes the payment device 4000 to read the payment information ID printed on the sheet. Note that the sheet may be disposable or may be a reusable rewritable card.

There are various possible portable media that the customer has in advance. For example, this portable medium is a magnetic stripe card or an IC (Integrated Circuit) card that can record data. Further, this portable medium may be a card capable of displaying various codes representing an ID. Furthermore, this portable medium may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

When the portable medium held by the customer is a variety of cards, for example, this card is a membership card held by the customer.

When the portable medium held by the customer is a mobile terminal, this mobile terminal has a function of acquiring and displaying the payment information ID from the identification information output unit 2060. In this case, first, the identification information output unit 2060 transmits the payment information ID to the customer's mobile terminal. Then, this mobile terminal receives the payment information ID transmitted by the identification information output unit 2060, and displays the received payment information ID on the display screen. This function may be realized by a general-purpose application such as a mailer, or may be realized by a dedicated application provided by a store.

<How to use payment information by payment device 4000>
The method by which the first type of payment device 4000 uses payment information is the same as the method described in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the method by which the second type of payment device 4000 uses payment information is as follows. First, when payment information is associated with the second type of payment device 4000, a payment information ID that specifies the payment information is output to a portable medium. The customer takes the portable medium on which the settlement information ID has been outputted, goes to any settlement device 4000 (second type settlement device 4000) that can read this settlement information ID, and reads the portable medium. is read by the payment device 4000. Thereby, the second type of payment device 4000 acquires the payment information ID. The payment device 4000 that has acquired the payment information ID performs payment processing using this payment information ID.

As described above, the payment information ID may be the payment information itself, or may be an ID associated with the payment information. In the former case, the payment device 4000 reads the payment information itself from the portable medium, and performs payment processing using the payment information. On the other hand, in the latter case, the payment device 4000 acquires payment information associated with the payment information ID read from the portable medium from the storage device or server device 5000 in which the payment information is stored.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2000 of the fourth embodiment. The association unit 2020 associates the payment information with the payment device 4000 (S502). Note that the processing performed before step S502, such as the process of determining which payment device 4000 can be selected as the payment device 4000 associated with payment information, may be performed with the information processing device 2000 of any one of the first to third embodiments. The same is true.

The identification information output unit 2060 determines whether the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information belongs to the candidate group corresponding to any product registration device 3000 (S504). If the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information belongs to the candidate group corresponding to any product registration device 3000 (S504: YES), the process in FIG. 16 proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information does not belong to any candidate group (S504: NO), the process in FIG. 16 proceeds to step S508.

In step S506, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the payment information ID to the storage device or server device 5000 that is communicatively connected to the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information. On the other hand, in S508, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the payment information ID to the portable medium.

<Hardware configuration example>
The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000 according to the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, for example, as in the case of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module included in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that implements each function described in this embodiment. Furthermore, the storage 1080 further stores a program module that implements the functions of the identification information output section 2060. This program module, like other program modules, is executed by processor 1040. As a result, the function of the identification information output section 2060 is realized.

<Example>
A specific method of using the information processing apparatus 2000 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the layout of the product registration device 3000 and the payment device 4000 in an example of the fourth embodiment.

First, in FIG. 17, similar to FIG. 4, the payment devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to each product registration device 3000 are installed near the flow line of the customer 10 of each product registration device 3000. In addition to these, in FIG. 17, there are payment devices 4000-A to 4000-D that do not belong to the candidate group of any of the product registration devices 3000, located away from the payment device 4000 of the candidate group of each product registration device 3000. is set up. The payment devices 4000-A to 4000-D are payment devices 4000 that have a function of reading payment information ID from a portable medium.

Here, a case where the product registration device 3000-1 associates payment information with the payment device 4000 will be described as an example. First, at least one of the payment devices 4000-1-1 and 4000-1-2, which are the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1, can perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1. Suppose that the state is as follows. In this case, the product registration device 3000-1 selects one of the payment devices 4000-1-1 and 4000-1-2, which is capable of payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1. In contrast, payment information is associated. The customer 10 moves to the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information and makes payment.

On the other hand, both the payment device 4000-1-1 and the payment device 4000-1-2 included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1 perform payment processing based on the payment information of the product registration device 3000-1. Assume that it is not possible to do so. In this case, the product registration device 3000-1 includes a payment device 4000-2-1 and a payment device 4000-2-2 that belong to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-2, and a payment device that does not belong to any candidate group. The payment information is associated with one of the payment devices 4000-A to 40000-D.

The operations performed by the product registration device 3000-1 when associating payment information with the payment device 4000-2-1 or the payment device 4000-2-2 are as follows: This operation is similar to the operation performed by the product registration device 3000-1 when associating payment information with the item. The customer 10 then moves to the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information and makes payment.

On the other hand, when associating payment information with any of payment devices 4000-A to 4000-D, product registration device 3000-1 outputs payment information ID to a portable medium. In this case, the customer 10 carries this portable medium to the payment device 4000 associated with the payment information. The customer 10 then causes the payment device 4000 to read this portable medium and pays the price.

In this way, if the payment devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 are available, the customer 10 uses the payment device 4000 designated by the product registration device 3000 from among the payment devices 4000 of the candidate group. On the other hand, if the payment devices 4000 of the candidate group are not available, the customer 10 uses a portable medium and uses any payment device 4000 that can read the payment information ID from the portable medium.

A payment device 4000 that can read payment information ID from a portable medium is shared by each product registration device 3000. In this way, by installing a payment device 4000 that can be shared by each product registration device 3000, even if any product registration device 3000 is crowded, customers using that product registration device 3000 can make payment without having to wait for a long time. An apparatus 4000 can be provided. Therefore, the usage efficiency of the payment device 4000 can be increased, and the time required for the customer to purchase a product can be shortened.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and combinations of the above embodiments and various configurations other than the above embodiments may also be adopted.

Below, examples of reference forms will be added.
1. associating means for associating payment information regarding payment processing for products registered as payment targets with one of the plurality of payment devices;
a control means for controlling the payment device associated with the payment information to be selected from among payment devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the payment device;
An information processing device having:
2. associating means for associating payment information regarding payment processing for a product registered as a payment target in the product registration device with one of the plurality of payment devices;
a control means for controlling the payment device associated with the payment information to be selected from payment devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device;
An information processing device having:
3. If the payment processing based on the payment information cannot be performed in the payment device of the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the payment information, the control means may cause the payment device to be associated with the payment information to: 1. Allow selection from payment devices that do not belong to the candidate group. Or 2. The information processing device described in .
4. When the control means receives a predetermined operation, the control means selects the payment device to be associated with the payment information from among the payment devices that do not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the payment information. 1. Or 2. The information processing device described in .
5. The control means includes:
Display control means for displaying candidates for the payment device associated with the payment information;
selection receiving means for receiving an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices;
The display control means includes:
If a payment device that belongs to the candidate group that corresponds to the device that registered the product related to the target payment information can perform payment processing based on the payment information, the payment device that does not belong to the candidate group will be disabled for selection. display or not display;
If each payment device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform payment processing based on the payment information, displaying a payment device that does not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state;
3. The association means associates the payment information with the payment device indicated by the input received by the selection reception means.3. The information processing device described in .
6. The control means includes:
Display control means for displaying candidates for the payment device associated with the payment information;
selection receiving means for receiving an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices;
The display control means includes:
If the predetermined operation is not accepted, a payment device that does not belong to the candidate group that corresponds to the device that registered the product related to the target payment information is displayed in a selectable state or is not displayed;
When the predetermined operation is accepted, displaying a payment device that does not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state;
4. The association means associates the payment information with the payment device indicated by the input received by the selection reception means. The information processing device described in .
7. The control means includes:
Display control means for displaying candidates for the payment device associated with the payment information;
selection receiving means for receiving an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices;
1. The control means displays a payment device belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the target payment information in a manner that is more emphasized than payment devices not belonging to the candidate group.1. to 5. The information processing device described in any one of the above.
8. The association means:
If each payment device belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the target payment target can perform payment processing based on the payment information, select one of the payment devices belonging to the candidate group. and associate that payment information with the selected payment device,
If each payment device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform payment processing based on the payment information, select one of the payment devices that do not belong to the candidate group, and associate the payment information with the selected payment device.1. Or 2. The information processing device described in .
9. The payment device closest to the device that registers the product to be paid for is the one that belongs to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registers the product to be paid for. to 8. The information processing device described in any one of the above.
10. There is a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The information processing device includes an identification information output unit that outputs identification information of the payment information associated with the payment device by the association unit,
The identification information output means includes:
When the payment information is associated with a payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the payment information to a storage means or a server device;
If the payment information is associated with a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the payment information to a portable medium;
A payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of the payment device from the storage means or the server device,
A payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of the payment device from the portable medium.1. to 9. The information processing device described in any one of the above.
11. An information processing system having multiple product registration devices and multiple payment devices,
associating means for associating payment information regarding payment processing for a product registered as a payment target by the product registration device with one of the plurality of payment devices;
a control means for controlling such that the payment device associated with the payment information is preferentially selected from payment devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device that has registered the product related to the payment information;
and identification information output means for outputting identification information of the payment information associated with the payment device,
There is a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The identification information output means includes:
When associating a payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups with payment information, outputting identification information of the payment information to a storage means or a server device,
When associating a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups with payment information, output the identification information of the payment information to a portable medium,
A payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of payment information from the storage means or the server device,
A payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups is an information processing system that acquires identification information of payment information from the portable medium.
12. Computer, 1. to 10. A program that operates as an information processing device described in any one of the above.
13. A control method performed by a computer, comprising:
an associating step of associating payment information related to payment processing of a product registered as a payment target with one of the plurality of payment devices;
a control step of controlling the payment device associated with the payment information to be selected from payment devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the computer;
A control method having
14. A control method performed by a computer, comprising:
an associating step of associating payment information related to payment processing for a product registered as a payment target in the product registration device with one of the plurality of payment devices;
a control step of controlling the payment device associated with the payment information to be selected from payment devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device;
A control method having
15. In the control step, if the payment processing based on the payment information cannot be performed in the payment device of the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the payment information, the payment device to be associated with the payment information, 13. Allow selection from payment devices that do not belong to the candidate group.13. or 14. Control method described in .
16. In the control step, when a predetermined operation is received, the payment device to be associated with the payment information is selected from payment devices that do not belong to a candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the payment information. 13. or 14. Control method described in .
17. The control step includes:
a display control step of displaying candidates for the payment device to be associated with the payment information;
a selection reception step of accepting an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices;
The display control step includes:
If a payment device that belongs to the candidate group that corresponds to the device that registered the product related to the target payment information can perform payment processing based on the payment information, the payment device that does not belong to the candidate group will be disabled for selection. display or not display;
If each payment device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform payment processing based on the payment information, displaying a payment device that does not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state;
15. The associating step associates the payment information with the payment device indicated by the input received by the selection receiving step. Control method described in .
18. The control step includes:
a display control step of displaying candidates for the payment device to be associated with the payment information;
a selection reception step of accepting an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices;
The display control step includes:
If the predetermined operation is not accepted, a payment device that does not belong to the candidate group that corresponds to the device that registered the product related to the target payment information is displayed in a selectable state or is not displayed;
When the predetermined operation is accepted, displaying a payment device that does not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state;
16. The associating step associates the payment information with the payment device indicated by the input received by the selection receiving step. Control method described in .
19. The control step includes:
a display control step of displaying candidates for the payment device to be associated with the payment information;
a selection reception step of accepting an input for selecting one of the displayed payment devices;
13. The control step displays a payment device belonging to the candidate group that corresponds to the device that has registered the product related to the target payment information in a manner that is more emphasized than payment devices that do not belong to the candidate group.13. to 17. The control method described in any one.
20. The associating step includes:
If each payment device belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the target payment target can perform payment processing based on the payment information, select one of the payment devices belonging to the candidate group. and associate that payment information with the selected payment device,
If each payment device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform payment processing based on the payment information, select one of the payment devices that do not belong to the candidate group, and associate the payment information with the selected payment device.13. or 14. Control method described in .
21. 13. The payment device closest to the device that registers the product for payment belongs to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registers the product for payment. to 20. The control method described in any one of the above.
22. There is a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The control method includes an identification information output step of outputting identification information of the payment information associated with the payment device in the association step,
The identification information output step includes:
When the payment information is associated with a payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the payment information to a storage means or a server device;
If the payment information is associated with a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the payment information to a portable medium;
A payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of the payment device from the storage means or the server device,
13. A payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of the payment device from the portable medium. to 21. The control method described in any one of the above.
23. A control method executed by an information processing system having multiple product registration devices and multiple payment devices, the method comprising:
an associating step of associating payment information regarding payment processing for a product registered as a payment target by the product registration device with one of the plurality of payment devices;
a control step of controlling such that the payment device associated with the payment information is preferentially selected from payment devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device that has registered the product related to the payment information;
an identification information output step of outputting identification information of the payment information associated with the payment device,
There is a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The identification information output step includes:
When associating a payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups with payment information, outputting identification information of the payment information to a storage means or a server device,
When associating a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups with payment information, output the identification information of the payment information to a portable medium,
A payment device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of payment information from the storage means or the server device,
A control method in which a payment device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of payment information from the portable medium.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-039629 filed on February 27, 2015, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein.

Claims (5)

A product registration device,
If all the payment devices belonging to the first candidate group, which is the candidate group associated with the product registration device among the multiple candidate groups of payment devices, are in use, the payment processing for the product registered as the payment target a control means for switching a candidate group from which a payment device to which payment information regarding the payment information is to be transmitted can be selected to a candidate group other than the first candidate group;
A product registration device, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to a payment device. The product registration device according to claim 1, further comprising associating means for associating the payment information with one payment device. The product registration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a payment device closest to the product registration device belongs to the first candidate group. A control method executed by a computer functioning as a product registration device, comprising:
If all the payment devices belonging to the first candidate group, which is the candidate group associated with the product registration device among the multiple candidate groups of payment devices, are in use, the payment processing for the product registered as the payment target switching the candidate group from which the payment device to which the payment information regarding the related payment information is to be transmitted can be selected to a candidate group other than the first candidate group;
A control method that transmits the payment information to a payment device. to the computer,
A program for executing the control method according to claim 4.

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