WO2022181014A1

WO2022181014A1 - Program, method, and information processing device

Info

Publication number: WO2022181014A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/047264
Authority: WO
Inventors: 夕輔水口; 眞也佐藤; 茉里富岡
Original assignee: 株式会社ポケモン
Priority date: 2021-02-26
Filing date: 2021-12-21
Publication date: 2022-09-01
Also published as: JP2022131911A; JP7432545B2; JP2024045411A

Abstract

Provided is a program causing a computer comprising a processor to operate. The program causes the processor to execute a step for acquiring information about an article selected by a user for purchase at a shop. A plurality of payment devices are installed in the shop, and the shop receives payment from the user through the payment devices. The program additionally causes the processor to execute a step for enabling the user to pay at a specific payment device from among the plurality of payment devices in the case where the information about the selected article satisfies a prescribed condition.

Description

program, method, information processing device

The present disclosure relates to programs, methods, and information processing devices.

When paying for purchases at stores such as supermarkets, customers may look at the length of the line waiting for payment at the cash register and consider which line to line up. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-200514 (Patent Document 1 below) describes a technique for guiding a purchaser to a desired place without delay even during a busy time when purchasing at a store. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, after specifying the register with the shortest waiting time based on the position of the display shelf where the product is displayed, the congestion of the cash register, and the speed at which the cashier registers the product, , to guide the shopping cart.

JP 2015-200514 A

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the shopping cart is guided based on factors such as the congestion of the cash register and the speed with which the cashier registers products, the customer considers which line to line up in the crowded cash register waiting line. You don't have to.

In recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on taking measures against infectious diseases at stores. For example, when customers are waiting for a checkout, they are encouraged to line up at regular intervals. From the customer's point of view, it is thought that they understand the importance of taking measures against infectious diseases. On the other hand, as the queues for waiting at the checkout counter for shopping that are lined up at intervals become longer, it becomes difficult for consumers to see the entire line, making it difficult to read the waiting time until payment can be made at the cash register. You may even give up shopping.

Therefore, in this disclosure, we provide a technology that further improves the shopping experience of customers at stores while taking into consideration public health, such as taking measures against infectious diseases at stores.

According to one embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a program for operating a computer having a processor is provided. The program causes the processor to perform a step of acquiring information on the product selected by the user for purchase at the store. A plurality of settlement devices are installed in the store, and the settlement devices accept the settlement of the user of the store. The program further causes the processor to execute a step of enabling the user to use a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition. Let

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to further improve the purchasing experience of users who are customers of the store, while taking public health into consideration.

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

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

<Overview of First Embodiment>
The system according to the first embodiment is configured as follows, thereby further improving the purchasing experience of the user who is the customer in the store.
・ The store operates multiple payment devices (POS (Point of Sale) terminals installed in the store). Each settlement device performs settlement when a user who is a customer purchases a product.
- The system acquires information on the product selected by the user for purchase at the store. For example, a company that operates a store provides an application that runs on a user's terminal device. In the application, the virtual shopping basket information (cart information) is updated by reading the information of the product selected by the user at the store.
・ Some payment devices (specific payment devices) out of multiple payment devices will not be used for payments by users if they do not meet predetermined conditions, and will not be used for payments by users if they meet predetermined conditions. be used for
・ Some payment devices are used for payments by users without any particular conditions.

As described above, some payment devices out of multiple payment devices accept payment when predetermined conditions are met. As a result, a specific payment device can be used according to the information of the product that the user intends to purchase, so that the experience of queuing up at the checkout line can be changed along with the purchase.

(1) Notifying the user that payment will be made with a specific payment device based on information on the product selected by the user for purchase at the store. As a matter of fact, the user's payment is accepted in the following cases in the information of the product selected by the user as the target of purchase at the store as follows.
(i) that the number of products that the user intends to purchase is less than or equal to a certain number;
(ii) including specific products (for example, including products associated with period information, such as products running campaigns in stores);
(iii) The combination of products satisfies a certain condition (for example, the product to be purchased is only a specific type (one type or multiple types). For example, the user can only use cards that can be used in a card game). etc.),
(iv) The total weight of the product satisfies certain conditions (below a certain weight or above a certain weight. For example, if the total weight of the product is above a certain weight, store staff who can pack it may be limited, and may involve unconventional work such as delivery), or include products with a certain weight or more (v) Conditions where the size of the product is certain (below a certain volume or above a certain volume) There is a possibility that work such as delivery will be involved).

As a result, the user can make a payment with a specific payment device among multiple payment devices when the product that the user intends to purchase satisfies predetermined conditions.

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

(2) Estimating products that the user is likely to purchase at the store, and notifying the user that payment will be made with a specific payment device based on the estimated results. Alternatively, depending on whether or not the user is going to select a product for purchase at the store, it may be determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, and payment may be accepted at some of the above payment devices.

It is assumed that the server 20 can acquire the position or range where the user is in the store by various sensing means installed in the store. For example, a camera may be installed in a store for the purpose of measuring a user's body temperature, or a camera may be installed on the ceiling of the store for the purpose of determining the degree of congestion in the store.

In this case, the server 20 can determine how many users are staying in each area where product shelves are installed in the store, and how long they stay, etc., without determining each user in the store. . In addition, the user's position in the store can be determined in the server 20 by communicating with the user's terminal device 40 with a beacon transmitter installed on a product shelf or the like in the store.

Here, some payment devices accept payment by the user in the following cases, for example, based on the information of the position or range where the user intends to select a product for purchase in the store, as described below. You can do it.
(i) if the user is at a shelf where a particular item is displayed;
(ii) When the user stays around a product shelf on which a specific product is displayed for a predetermined period of time (it is possible that the product to be purchased is under close examination);
(iii) When the combination of products on the display shelf where the user is located satisfies a certain condition (for example, the product to be purchased is only a specific type (one type or multiple types). For example, when the user , trying to purchase only cards that can be used in card games, etc.),
(iv) if the weight of the products displayed on the product shelves satisfies certain conditions,
(v) When the size of the merchandise displayed on the merchandise display shelf satisfies certain conditions.

As a result, the user can recognize that a specific payment device can be used at the stage of considering the product to be purchased, thereby further improving the user's purchasing experience.

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

In the example of Fig. 1, the "store area" is shown as a device in the store. As illustrated, the "store area" includes a user's terminal device 40A in the store, and the POS terminal 10 and the display device 30 that constitute the "store system". It indicates that the user's terminal device 40B is outside the store.

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

In the illustrated example, a plurality of

POS terminals

10A, 10B, . . . are shown. Hereinafter, a plurality of POS terminals may be collectively referred to as "POS terminal 10".

Similarly, in the illustrated example, a plurality of

display devices

30A, 30B, . . . are shown. Hereinafter, a plurality of display devices may be collectively referred to as "display device 30".

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

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

For example, multiple sensing means (cameras, etc.) are placed in a store to track information about products that users have picked up in the store. A user performs an operation for user authentication when entering a store. For example, information for authenticating the user is registered in advance in the terminal device 40 of the user. When the user enters the store, the system 1 is presented with information for authenticating the user held in the terminal device 40 . For example, as a method of presenting information for authenticating a user to the system 1, a reader such as an IC reader installed in a store when the user enters the store reads the information for authentication. For example, the user may be authenticated by photographing. As described above, it is possible for the user to make a payment without going through the POS terminal 10 when leaving the shop while picking up the product in the shop.

On the other hand, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as when the user holds a specific product in the store, the user is notified in the store by the user's terminal device 40 or the store's notification means (speaker, display). A notification is sent to prompt the user to use the POS terminal 10 to be used. This allows the user to use a specific POS terminal 10 when purchasing a specific product.

For example, if the user needs to pack the product at the specific POS terminal 10, the payment and packing of the product may be done with the store staff at the specific POS terminal 10.

The display device 30 attached to the POS terminal 10 may display items to be notified to the user. The notification items include benefits for the user, such as notifying the user of campaign information, meeting the requirements for applying to the campaign with the product purchased by the user, obtaining another product with the product purchased by the user, etc.

In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be understood as an information processing device. In other words, a group of devices can be understood as one "information processing device", and the system 1 may be formed as a group of a plurality of devices. How to distribute a plurality of functions required to realize the system 1 according to this embodiment to one or more pieces of hardware is determined in consideration of the processing capability of each piece of hardware and/or the specifications required for the system 1. can be determined as appropriate.

The POS terminal 10 is, for example, a device operated by a store clerk during checkout. The POS terminal 10 may be a device (so-called self-checkout) that is operated by the user himself/herself without relying on store clerks. The POS terminal 10 may be a device that performs payment without depending on the operation of the user or the store clerk (for example, when the user passes through the gate for leaving the store, the user can pay for the product held in the store). conduct). The POS terminal 10 may be a dedicated terminal for accounting, or may be an information processing device in which an accounting application is installed. The information processing device may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or tablet, a stationary PC (Personal Computer), or a laptop PC.

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

The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals in order for the POS terminal 10 to communicate with an external device.

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

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

The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs, data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

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

The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of arithmetic units, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

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

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

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

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

The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs, data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The storage 26 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are devices for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting it as a photographing signal. The first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are arranged at positions capable of photographing a user or a store clerk inside or outside the store. For example, the first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are arranged at positions where they can shoot the user's actions during checkout, or at positions where they can take pictures of the users lined up in the checkout queue for the POS terminal 10 .

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

The product information 181 is information about products sold at the store. Information about products includes, for example, information that identifies the product, product name, product price, product release date, next scheduled arrival date, number of items in stock, and campaigns in which the product is subject to promotion for a certain period of time. Information such as whether or not the product is the target product is included.

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

The employee information 183 is information about the employee who uses the POS terminal 10. The information about the employee includes, for example, information identifying the employee, the name of the employee, characters registered for the employee, and the like.

The control unit 190 is implemented by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls operations of the POS terminal 10 . The control unit 190 functions as an operation reception unit 191, a transmission/reception unit 192, an accounting processing unit 193, a display control unit 194, and a storage control unit 195 by operating according to programs.

The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13 . Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives information based on instructions input from the keyboard 132, the touch sensitive device 133, or the like. Instructions input via the keyboard 132 or the touch-sensitive device 133 are, for example, information on products, information on accounting, information on users, information on control of the display device 30, or the like. Further, the operation reception unit 191 receives information read from the product by the reader 131 or information on the user read by the reader 131 .

In addition, the operation reception unit 191 receives user operations inside the store, which are captured by the first camera 161, the second camera 162, and the like. The POS terminal 10 may accept the operation of the user in the store by detecting a predetermined action such as raising the hand of the user in the store. The POS terminal 10 is operated by the user, for example, to complete the selection of products and proceed to checkout processing.

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

The transmission/reception unit 192 performs processing for the POS terminal 10 to transmit/receive data to/from an external device such as the server 20 according to the communication protocol.

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

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

In addition, the display control unit 194 controls the display device 30 in order to present information regarding accounting to the user. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display information on the product purchased by the user, information on the price of the product, etc., as information related to accounting processing. The display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display an effect image for improving the user's experience during payment or an image for improving the payment operation of the store clerk.

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

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

This makes it easier for the user to reach the specific payment device without hesitation when the user can use the specific payment device.

In addition, the display 141 or the display device 30 may be made to display to the store clerk that the user can use a specific payment device and information on the product selected by the user as a purchase target.

As a result, when the user can use a specific payment device, it becomes easier for the store clerk to guide the user to use the specific payment device for payment.

In addition, in order to facilitate the store clerk to guide the user to use a specific payment device, the POS terminal 10 or the server 20 is provided with the terminal device of the store clerk to use the specific payment device. It is also possible to notify that a possible user is in the store. For example, the server 20 determines whether or not a specific payment device can be used by obtaining information on a product selected by the user for purchase. Depending on the result of the determination, the server 20 may notify the terminal device of the shop clerk that the user can use the specific payment device and the information on the product selected by the user for purchase. good.

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

<1.2 Functional Configuration of Server>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the server 20 functions as a communication section 201 , a storage section 202 and a control section 203 .

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

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

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

The product information database 282 is a database for holding information about products sold by a business operator who operates a store or at an EC site. Details will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The transmission control module 2042 controls the processing by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to the communication protocol.

The POS setting module 2043 receives an operation to set the POS terminal 10 installed in the store from the business operator who operates the store. For example, the POS setting module 2043 sets whether or not one or a plurality of POS terminals 10 installed in a store is to be a specific payment device that can be used by the user when a predetermined condition is met, and the relevant setting. Conditions for applying the settings (eg, date and time, sales, etc.) are received from the store operator.

The POS setting module 2043 may determine the conditions for the above-mentioned specific payment device at the store based on the actual purchase history of each store accumulated in the POS operation history database 286 .

For example, the POS setting module 2043 refers to the cart update history database 285 and the POS operation history database 286 to determine whether or not one or more POS terminals 10 have been designated as a specific payment device at each store, and A learned model is generated by performing learning based on information on the product for which payment has been received from the user and the date and time. The POS setting module 2043, for example, based on the learned model and the number of users expected to visit the store at a certain date and time, sets one or more POS terminals 10 installed in the store as specific payment devices. may be determined.

The cart management module 2044 manages information on products that the user intends to purchase (products that the user has selected for purchase before payment, products that the user has selected but decided not to purchase, etc.). The cart management module 2044 updates the cart update history database 285 in response to the user's product selection operation.

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

The POS terminal management module 2046 manages one or more POS terminals 10 installed in the store, performs processing such as whether to operate each POS terminal 10 and displays information on each POS terminal 10 . For example, when the POS terminal 10 is set as a specific payment device, the POS terminal management module 2046 changes the settings of the POS terminal 10 that is the specific payment device and instructs the POS terminal 10 to be the specific payment device. It is caused to perform processing such as displaying that

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

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

<1.3 Functional Configuration of Terminal Device 40 of User>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 40. As shown in FIG.

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

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

The antenna 412 radiates the signal emitted by the terminal device 40 as radio waves. Also, the antenna 412 receives radio waves from space and gives the received signal to the second communication unit 421 .

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

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

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

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

The position information sensor 450 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 40, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. The satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites, and detects the current position of the terminal device 40 equipped with a GPS module based on the received signals. For example, in the system 1 , if the user permits the server 20 to refer to the user's position, the terminal device 40 transmits the position information to the server 20 . The server 20 determines whether or not the user is inside the store based on the location information of the terminal device 40 and the location information of the store.

The camera 460 is a device for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting it as a captured image. The camera 460 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 460 to the subject.

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

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

The game program 481 is a program for executing a game that runs on the terminal device 40. The game program 481 is, for example, a game in which the user acquires and battles various game characters. Game program 481 includes the program and the user's game data. The game data includes information that identifies the user in the game, the name of the user, the level of the user in the game based on the game program, game objects owned by the user (including game characters and game items), This includes the amount of virtual currency held, the identification information of other users registered as friends with the user, and the like.

The store application 482 is an application provided by a company that operates a store. The store application 482, for example, provides the user with the following various types of information.
・Information on products offered at stores or EC sites ・Information on store locations ・Information on campaigns implemented at stores or EC sites If there is, information on the game program (including, for example, the game program 481 that runs on the terminal device 40, the game program that runs on the game machine, etc.) associated with the game, manga, movie, etc. in which the character appears

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

The operation reception unit 491 performs processing for receiving user's input operations to the input device such as the touch sensitive device 431 . The operation reception unit 491 determines whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information on coordinates at which the user touches the touch-sensitive device 431 with a finger or the like. The type of operation such as whether or not is determined.

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

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

The notification control unit 494 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 432, processing for outputting sound to the speaker 442, and processing for generating vibration.

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

<2 Data structure>
5 to 9 are diagrams showing the data structure of the database stored by the server 20. FIG. It should be noted that FIGS. 5 to 9 are examples and do not exclude data that are not described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the customer information database 281. FIG. Each record in the customer information database 281 includes the item “customer ID”, the item “name”, the item “age”, the item “address”, the item “date of birth”, and the item “e-mail address”. , the item "registration date", the item "last visit date", the item "visit reservation date", and the item "other account".

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

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

The item "Age" indicates the age or age group set by the user. Specifically, the item "age" is information set by the user in the store application 482, and is information on the age or age group of the user himself/herself or the user's family (children). Among the products or services provided by a business operator who operates a store, there may be products that can be used by a certain age group. For example, an appropriate age can be set for an educational toy. Here, the information about the age of the user may be input by the user after obtaining the consent of the user.

The item "address" indicates the address set by the user. Specifically, the item “address” is information on the address set by the user in the store application 482 . There may be products or services available in a certain area among the products or services provided by a business operator who operates a store. For example, it is possible to offer campaigns on a region-by-region basis. Here, the information about the user's address may be input from the user after obtaining the consent of the user.

The item "date of birth" indicates the date of birth set by the user. Specifically, the item “date of birth” is the date of birth set by the user in store application 482 . A store may provide a service to a user according to the user's birthday or birth month. Here, the information on the date of birth of the user may be input by the user after obtaining the consent of the user.

The item "E-mail address" indicates the user's contact information. Specifically, the item “e-mail address” is the e-mail address set by the user in the store application 482 .

The item "registration date" indicates the timing when the user registered for the membership service. Specifically, the item “date of registration” is the date and time when the user registered for the membership service through the storefront or the store application 482 . For example, the user may be able to use the privilege within a certain period of time after the registration is completed.

The item "date of last visit" indicates the last timing when the user visited the store. Specifically, the item "date of last visit" is the timing at which the user entered the store and the timing at which payment was made. For example, in the system 1, when the user enters the store, the member number is acquired by a device installed in the store (for example, in the store application 482, a two-dimensional code representing the member number is displayed, and the store system reading), the server 20 acquires the timing of the user's visit. Further, the server 20 may update the item “date of last visit” of the customer information database 281 based on the timing when the user makes a payment at the POS terminal 10 .

The server 20 may notify the user of a campaign that benefits can be obtained based on the timing of the user's last visit to the store.

The item "visit reservation date and time" indicates information indicating the timing when the user reserves the timing for payment at the store. Specifically, the item "visit reservation date and time" can include store information, timing of payment at the store, and information on the POS terminal 10 for payment. For example, regardless of whether the user is inside the store or outside the store, the server 20 may accept from the user a reservation for the timing of payment at the POS terminal 10 of the store.

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

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information database 282. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, each record of the product information database 282 includes an item "product ID", an item "product name", an item "selling price", an item "product category", an item "version", It includes information on the item "sale date", the item "sale end date", and the item "product description".

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

The item "product name" indicates the name of the product. Specifically, the item "product name" includes the name given by the business operator who operates the store. As the name of the product, for example, information for making the user perceive the category of the product, the title name of the character or the content, or the like can be set. Product categories include card games, stuffed animals, stationery, sundries, accessories, video media such as DVDs, tickets, and the like.

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

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

The item "version" indicates the version information when the product is continuously sold. Specifically, the item "version" can include the version of the battle rules as version information in the case of a game such as a card game in which the battle rules are revised. In the item "version", if the product is updated like game software, the updated version information can be included.

The item "release date" indicates the date and time when the business launched the product. Specifically, the item “release date” may include information on the date and time when the customer can purchase and obtain the product at the storefront or EC site, or the date and time when the reservation for purchasing the product is accepted.

The item "sale end date" indicates the date and time when the business ended the sale of the product. Specifically, the item "sale end date" may include information on the date and time when the sale ends, which is set in advance as a product that is sold for a limited time. The item "sale end date" may include information on the date and time when sales of the product will end due to circumstances such as the end of production of the product.

The item "Product description" indicates content such as text, images, and audio that describes the details of the product. Specifically, the item "description of product" can include information such as the age at which the product can be used, the method of using the product, safety precautions when using the product, etc., as the description of the product.

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

Each record of the store inventory database 283 has an item “product ID”, an item “inventory quantity”, an item “standard price”, an item “specified cash register usage conditions”, an item “specific cash register correspondence history”, and an item “ It contains the information of "Inventory replenishment date" and the item "Replenishment quantity".

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

The item "inventory quantity" indicates information on the quantity of inventory held by the store for the product.

Specifically, the item "inventory quantity" is information that is updated when the product is sold at the store (settled at the POS terminal 10).

For example, when a user purchases a product at a store, the POS terminal 10 is used for payment. The server 20 reduces the quantity of the item "inventory quantity" by the quantity of the information on the product for which payment has been made.

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

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

The item "Specific cash register usage conditions" indicates the conditions when the store is set to enable payment at a specific POS terminal 10 out of a plurality of POS terminals 10.

Specifically, in the item "specific cashier use conditions", the following conditions can be set as conditions for enabling use of a specific POS terminal 10 for each product in the store.
- The user's cart information must include specific products. - The user's cart information must include only specific products. - The user's cart information must include a certain number of specific products. The information contains products with a certain number of points or more, regardless of whether or not they are specific products. ・The products included in the user's cart information are in a predetermined combination.

The item "Conditions for using a specific cash register" may include a condition that a specific POS terminal 10 may not be used (impossible) for each product. For example, when a business operator operates a plurality of stores, while entrusting each store to decide whether or not to allow payment at the POS terminal 10 for some products, for other products, It is also possible to uniformly disallow payment using the POS terminal 10 at each store (or allow payment using the POS terminal 10 to be uniformly available at each store).

The item "history of specific cashiers" indicates the history of making it possible to pay for products at a specific POS terminal 10 at a store.

Specifically, the item "specific cashier correspondence history" can include the following aspects as history.
- A history of operating as a specific POS terminal 10 by the server 20 when the conditions set for making the specific POS terminal 10 available in the store are satisfied - In the store regardless of the predetermined conditions History of settings made by staff to enable use of specific POS terminals 10

For example, a store staff member may check the following information and operate some of the plurality of POS terminals 10 as a specific POS terminal 10 based on the staff member's judgment.
・Number of customers visiting the store ・Purchasing behavior of customers ・Queue of customers waiting for payment at the POS terminal 10

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

Specifically, the item "stock replenishment date" can include the following information as date and time.
・ The date and time when the store placed an order to replenish the inventory of the product ・ The date and time when the inventory arrived at the store in line with the order

For example, store staff read information on products that have arrived at the store with a reading device such as a reader. As a result, the server 20 updates the information on the date and time when the product stock was replenished and the replenished quantity.

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

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

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

Each record of the EC site inventory database 284 includes the item “product ID”, the item “stock quantity”, the item “selling price”, the item “campaign period”, the item “campaign quantity”, and the item “stock replenishment day" and the item "replenishment quantity".

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

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

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

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

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

The item "Campaign implementation period" indicates information on the period during which the product campaign is implemented on the EC site.

Specifically, the item "campaign period" may include information on the period for providing the user with the following benefits as a campaign for each product on the EC site.
・ The right to receive discounts on EC sites, etc. (providing coupon data)
・ The right to participate in lotteries at EC sites or stores ・ The right to acquire other goods or services with the purchase of products by users

The item "Campaign quantity" indicates information on the number of products targeted for the campaign on the EC site.

Specifically, the item "campaign quantity" may include the following information as quantity information on the EC site.
- The number in the case of a campaign that provides benefits to users on a first-come, first-served basis - The number of winners in the case of a campaign that provides benefits to users by lottery

Here, products offered to users through campaigns may include the following products.
・ Products to be sold to users ・ Products that are not sold directly to users, but are provided by users purchasing products

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

Specifically, the item "stock replenishment date" may include the following information as the timing of restocking the warehouse operated by the EC site.
・Timing when the product to be in stock arrives ・Timing when the product is shipped from the sender

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

The item "cart ID" indicates information identifying the cart for registering product information when the user makes a purchase.

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

Here are some examples of methods for reading product information when a user makes a purchase.

(1) Read product information in a real shopping basket prepared at a store.
(1-1) For example, an actual shopping basket is provided with a reading device for optically reading product information. For example, the reading device is equipped with a scanner for optically reading product information, and by reading a two-dimensional code such as a barcode attached to the product with the scanner, the product information in the shopping basket is read. .
(1-2) For example, an actual shopping basket is provided with a reading device for electromagnetically reading product information. For example, an actual shopping basket is provided with a reading device for reading information on an IC tag. When the IC tag is attached to the product, the information of the product in the shopping basket is read by the user causing the reading device of the shopping basket to read the IC tag of the product.
(1-3) The server 20 acquires product information read from the actual shopping basket.
(1-3-1) The actual shopping basket is, for example, wireless with the user's terminal device 40 (for example, the terminal device 40 and the shopping basket communicate by short-range wireless communication) or wired (for example, the actual shopping basket , there is a mounting portion for mounting the terminal device 40 of the user). The terminal device 40 receives product information read from the actual shopping basket and transmits the information to the server 20 .
(1-3-2) The actual shopping basket can communicate with, for example, the POS terminal 10 of the store. The actual shopping cart acquires information that identifies the user (for example, information that identifies the user displayed on the terminal device 40, or a two-dimensional code that the user acquires when entering the store, etc.) read), and transmits information identifying the user and product information to the POS terminal 10 . The POS terminal 10 receives these information and transmits them to the server 20 .

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

(3) In addition, information on products purchased by the user may be read by a reading device installed in the store's payment device and registered in the cart.

A “cart” is virtual cart information for accepting product registration before a user makes a payment.
The timing at which the server 20 issues the cart identifying information to the user may include the following timings.
The timing at which the server 20 issues cart identification information in advance regardless of whether each user visits the store (for example, when each user registers for a service provided by the server 20, the server 20 issue cart identification to each user)
- When the user operates the store application 482 to newly register product information from a state in which no product information has been registered, the terminal device 40 transmits the user's registered content to the server 20, and the server Timing when the server 20 issues the cart identification information in association with the user When the user makes a payment on the terminal device 40, the server 20 reads the product to be purchased by the user through the terminal device 40, and the server 20 issues the cart identification information. is associated with the user and issued

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

The item "store ID" indicates information that identifies each store.

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

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

The item "Quantity" shows information on the quantity of products registered in the cart.

The item "cart addition timing" indicates the timing when the user registers the product in the cart.

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

The item "Cart deletion timing" indicates the timing when the user deleted the product registered in the cart.

Specifically, the item "cart deletion timing" may include the following information in association with the information identifying the product.
・ Timing when the product registered in the cart was deleted by the user ・ The number of products deleted from the cart

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

The item "transaction ID" indicates information identifying each transaction for which payment processing was performed at the POS terminal 10.

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

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

The item "order of payment" indicates information on the order in which payment was made at each POS terminal 10.

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

In the illustrated example, the payment apparatus with the payment apparatus ID "#P001" accepts the payment with the transaction ID "#T187" in the order of payment "87". After that, the payment device with the same payment device ID “#P001” accepts the payment with the transaction ID “#T188” in the order of payment “88”.

The item "Cart ID" indicates information that identifies the cart.

The information that identifies the cart is associated with the information that identifies the user ("customer ID"), as explained in the example of the cart update history database 285 in FIG.

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

Specifically, the item "payment timing" includes the following information.
- The timing at which the user completes the payment process at the POS terminal 10. - The timing at which the user makes a payment at the POS terminal 10 in the store.

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

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

In addition, the store application 482 receives from the user the timing for making payments at the POS terminal 10, either inside or outside the store. In other words, the user can shop at the store at the timing of making the payment at the POS terminal 10 .

The item "specific cashier notification" indicates the timing at which the POS terminal 10 is designated as a specific payment device.

Specifically, the item "specific cash register notification" includes the following timings.
・ The server 20 compares the cart update history database 285 of each user with the conditions for setting the POS terminal 10 as a specific payment device, thereby determining the timing at which the POS terminal 10 is set as a specific payment device. Regardless of the conditions, the timing at which the POS terminal 10 is set as the specific payment device as a result of observing the situation in the store and determining that the setting of the specific payment device is necessary.

The item "notified user ID" indicates the identification information of the user who has been notified that payment can be used with a specific payment device.

For example, the server 20 refers to the "cart ID" information and the cart update history database 285, and by accepting payment processing from the user, updates the information of the item "notified user ID". For example, the server 20 can tally up the actual usage of a specific payment device by users who have been notified that they can use a specific payment device.

The item "inside/outside the store" indicates information on whether the user is inside the store or outside the store.

Specifically, the item "inside/outside the store" includes information on whether the reservation was received inside or outside the store for the user who made a reservation for the timing of payment at the POS terminal 10 .

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

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

Specifically, the item "settlement method" includes the following information.
・ Payment method (prepaid payment method, post-pay payment method, or cash payment)
・ Information on businesses that provide payment methods (for example, businesses that provide prepaid payment services, businesses that provide credit card services, etc.)

For example, it is possible that a business operator who operates a store provides payment methods to customers using the store application 482 or the like. The server 20 analyzes the settlement means when the customer makes a settlement, thereby determining what settlement means are frequently used, the rate at which the settlement means provided by the business operator of the store is used, etc. can be aggregated.

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

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

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

A waiting mark MK1, a waiting mark MK2, and a waiting mark MK3 for the user to stand in line waiting for payment at the POS terminal 10 are arranged in association with the cash register R1, the cash register R2, and the cash register R3. Hereinafter, each waiting mark may be collectively referred to as a waiting mark MK.

In the waiting mark MK, for example, a distance that is understood as a so-called social distance may be provided, and the following aspects may be adopted.
・ Add a pattern to the floor ・ Install a member (pole, etc.) on the floor to mark the position

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

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

In the illustrated example, the following information is notified to the user in the store by displaying the information on the display device 30C at the third register R3.
・The timing of payment at the cash register can be reserved ・Information of the user who reserved the timing of payment at the cash register (information that the user can recognize as a notification to himself, such as a nickname)
・ The timing of the reserved payment ・ The arrival of the reserved payment timing

The illustrated example shows an example in which the display device 30 is installed at each cash register. In addition, instead of the display devices 30 provided at each of a plurality of cash registers, a display device 30 that presents information to the users waiting in line at the plurality of cash registers may be installed. For example, a display device 30 having a screen size that allows information to be recognized by users in the front row of a plurality of cashiers waiting in line (for example, users up to a certain order including the front row) is placed at a predetermined position in the store (for example, It may be installed above a plurality of cash registers). Also, the display device 30 may be arranged at any position in the store regardless of the positions of the multiple cash registers.

In the illustrated example, the first camera 161 can capture an image of a user waiting in line for payment. As a result, the POS terminal 10 can determine the length of the waiting line and the number of people in line at each register R based on the photographed result of the first camera 161 .

<Operation of First Embodiment>
Next, the operation of each device constituting the system 1 will be described.

<Processing in which the store sets the conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register>
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a process of setting a store operator to enable use of a specific cash register.

In step S1101, the control unit 190 receives an operation by the operator of the store to set the conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register and the expiration date. Such conditions include:
For example, the conditions include the following conditions.
・ "User purchases only a specific product (first product)"
・ "The cart contains a specific item (second item)"
・ "The number of product types in the cart meets the conditions"
・ "The number of items in the cart is less than a certain amount"

In step S1123, the control unit 203 receives from the POS terminal 10 the conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register set by the store operator. Control unit 203 updates the database (store inventory database 283) based on the received information.

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

<Process of notifying users in the store that a specific cash register is available>
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the process of notifying the user that a particular cash register is available.

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

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

In step S1223, the control unit 203 compares the cart update history database 285 with the conditions set by the operator (conditions for making a specific cash register (payment device) available). Based on the user's cart information, the control unit 203 identifies, among the users who are about to make a payment, users who satisfy a condition that a specific cash register can be used as a predetermined condition.

In step S1225, when there is a user in the store whose cart information satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 203 determines that the user can use a specific cash register (payment can be made at a specific cash register). to notify you.

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

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

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

In step S1227, the control unit 203 notifies the store staff that there is a user who can use the specific cash register (notification via the POS terminal, notification via the staff terminal).

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

<Screen example>
FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen for notifying the user of the availability of a specific cash register.

Screen example (A) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which information on products selected by the user for purchase is presented to the user as the contents of the cart. In the following example, the terminal device 40 of the user displays the information of the products registered in the cart. However, the display is not limited to the terminal device 40 owned by the user. For example, assume that a terminal device (such as a tablet-type terminal) is rented out for a user's purchase in a store. By having the terminal device rented out at the store read the information that identifies the user (for example, the information that identifies the user (membership card information, etc.) is read into the terminal device at the store) to make a purchase at the store. The function may be provided to the user.

On the display 432, the control unit 490 displays information on the products that the user has registered in the cart and UI (User Interface) components for accepting an operation to start payment.

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

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

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

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

The control unit 490 receives an input operation from the user in the operation reception unit 132C.

Specifically, control unit 490 displays the following information on operation accepting unit 132C.
・Accept input operations to start payment processing for products registered in the cart ・In the illustrated example, no products are registered in the cart, so the operation to start payment processing is not possible. (Do not enable UI parts)

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

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

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

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

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

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the operation reception unit 132C when the user adds the product to the cart.
- It is possible to proceed to payment at the cash register. - The operation reception unit 132C must accept an operation for proceeding to payment.

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

Screen example (C) in FIG. 13 shows a situation in which the user is notified that a specific cash register is available. In the illustrated example, in the state of the screen example (B), the control unit 490 instructs the user to perform a specific cash register operation in response to receiving an operation (settlement) from the user to the operation receiving unit 132C. is available. It will be explained that when the user operates the operation reception unit 132C, the control unit 490 confirms the contents of the product registered in the cart (information on the product selected by the user as a purchase target).

Control unit 490 displays the following information on notification unit 132B.
・ The user can use a specific cash register ・ Which of the multiple cash registers is the specific cash register ・ The reason why the user can use the specific cash register meet the conditions)
For example, it corresponds to the processing of step S1243 in FIG.

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

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the register designation unit 132D.
・ Type of cash register (Which cash register is a specific cash register among multiple cash registers?)
・ Information on the degree of congestion of each cash register (for example, the length of the queue waiting for the cash register can be determined by the camera 161 installed at each cash register)
・ It is possible for the user to specify which cash register to use for payment (specify whether to make payment at a specific cash register).
・ Content that prompts the user to select which cash register to use for payment among multiple cash registers It recommends a specific cash register to the user rather than a cash register)
- It is possible to make a reservation to make a payment at the cash register.

Screen example (D) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which the user designates payment at a specific cash register when the cash register is available. The control unit 490 causes the state of the example screen (C) to transition to the state of the example screen (D) when the user designates a specific register using the register designation unit 132D.

Control unit 490 displays the following information on notification unit 132B.
・ Information on the cash register reserved when the user makes a payment ・ Timing when the user makes a payment at the cash register (in the illustrated example, the cash register can be used immediately after making a reservation)

Control unit 490 displays the following information on operation reception unit 132C.
- The reservation for payment at the register can be canceled. - The operation for canceling can be accepted by the operation accepting unit 132C.

The control unit 490 displays the information of the cash register designated by the user to be used for payment ("dedicated cash register A" in the illustrated example) in the cash register designation unit 132D.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a situation in which the user is notified that a specific cash register is available while the user is selecting an item for purchase.

Screen example (A) in FIG. 14 notifies the user that a specific cash register can be used by satisfying the conditions for using the specific cash register in the process in which the user is selecting an item for purchase. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a situation where

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・ At the stage when the user selects products (before confirming the contents of the cart), the conditions for using a specific cash register must be met. product)
・ Conditions for using a specific cash register (in the illustrated example, purchasing the product "card pack" and purchasing other specific products)

Screen example (B) in FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a situation in which the condition for using a specific cash register is no longer satisfied as a result of the user registering more products in the cart in contrast to the screen example (A). As shown in the figure, the user has added to the cart the products with the product classifications of "clothes" and "plush toy" in addition to the product type of "card".

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・ At the stage when the user is selecting products (before confirming the contents of the cart), the conditions for using a specific cash register are not met ・ Conditions for using a specific cash register (in the illustrated example, the As a condition, we are notifying you of the conditions regarding the product)
・ Which of the multiple cash registers is the specific cash register?

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

Control unit 490 displays the following information on notification unit 132B.
・Any of the multiple registers has newly started operation as a specific cash register ・Which of the multiple registers is the specific cash register ・The user can use the specific cash register Reason for this (meeting the conditions to be able to use a specific cash register)
・ Conditions for using a specific cash register

Screen example (D) in FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a situation in which a user is notified when a new store staff opens a specific cash register.

Control unit 490 displays the following information on notification unit 132B.
・Among multiple cash registers, one of them has newly started operation as a specific cash register. ・It is possible to refer to the conditions under which a specific cash register can be used.

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

<Summary of First Embodiment>
As described above, the user is notified that a specific cash register is available, depending on the product that the user chooses to purchase at the store.

When the user is notified that a specific cash register is available at the timing when the user proceeds to checkout at the cash register (FIG. 13, etc.), the user can concentrate on selecting a product and, depending on the contents of the selected product, choose a specific cash register. Since the user receives a notification as to whether or not to use the cash register, it is possible to easily check the information on the cash register to be used.

When notifying that a specific cash register is available while the user is selecting products and adding them to the cart, the user can add to the cart while confirming the checkout queue during purchase. You can confirm that a particular cash register is available depending on the content of the product you are purchasing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the customer from abandoning the purchase in the first place by looking at the line waiting for the checkout, and the purchase experience can be further improved.

<Modified example of the first embodiment>
In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration is such that the user is notified whether or not a specific payment device among a plurality of payment devices can be used, based on the information on the product selected by the user for purchase. and The user can use a specific payment device, or use a payment device other than the specific payment device.

On the other hand, if the user has selected the above-described product based on the information on the product selected by the user as the target of purchase, the user is asked to select only a specific payment device among a plurality of payment devices. can be used, and settlement with other settlement devices other than the specified settlement device cannot be used. The system 1 may notify the user through the terminal device 40 or the display device 30 of the user that the user cannot use the other payment device and can only pay with the specific payment device.

For example, when a store launches a new product, if the user selects the new product, only a specific payment device out of multiple payment devices will accept payment. In this case, the terminal device 40, the display device 30, or the like notifies the user that the payment will be accepted only by a specific payment device. It becomes hard to get lost whether it is good or not. In addition, store staff and the like can easily grasp how many new products have been purchased, based on the usage status of a specific payment device and the length of the cash register waiting line.

<Second Embodiment>
A system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, while the user is waiting for his or her turn at the cash register, a privilege is given to the user according to the order in which they line up. This can further improve the user's purchasing experience.

<Operation of each device of system 1 in the second embodiment>
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of each device of system 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 15 shows an example in which benefits are given based on the inventory of the EC site to users who are waiting in line for checkout and users who have finished selecting products and performed operations to wait in line for checkout. there is

In step S1543, the control unit 490 receives an operation from the user to start payment at the store for the products included in the cart.

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

For example, the control unit 203 performs the following processing in order to determine that users are lined up in a queue waiting for a cash register and the number of users lined up in a queue waiting for a cash register.
- Refers to the history (POS operation history database 286) of each user accepting an operation to reserve payment at the cash register - A camera (for example, camera 161A, etc.) that can detect users lined up at each cash register as a sensor in the store Determine the number of users lined up at each checkout based on the results of

In step S1545, the control unit 490 receives an input for using a specific service (first service: store application, EC site, website of the store operator, etc.) while the user is waiting for the checkout. Accepts operations from the user.

For example, the control unit 490 receives, from a user who is waiting for a checkout, an operation for the user to use a specific service as follows.
・Accept input operation to the store application 482 (in which the user's identification information is registered) ・A two-dimensional code available to the user waiting for the cash register Accepts an operation to read a two-dimensional code placed on a waiting mark (MK, etc.), a two-dimensional code distributed by store staff, etc.)

In step S1525, the control unit 203 accepts the user's operation for using the first service, and, based on the user's cart information (cart update history database 285), determines the value to be provided to the user from the EC site Identify the product to be provided to the user from among the products provided in the .

For example, the value provided to users includes:
・Among products of the same type as those included in the user's cart information, products that are not in store inventory but are in inventory on EC sites

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

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

In step S1529, the control unit 203 gives the user the value determined to be provided to the user.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the operation of each device of system 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 16 shows an example in which a user waiting in line at a cash register is given a privilege in another service (for example, a game based on a game program) used by the user.

In step S1625, the control unit 203 determines the value to be provided to the user according to the order in which the users are lined up in the queue waiting for payment.
For example, the control unit 203 determines parameters for the lottery process according to the order in which the people are lined up in the queue waiting for payment. The control unit 203 determines the following information according to the determined parameters.
・ Game objects that can be used in games of game accounts owned by users ・ Values (products, etc.) that can be given to users on EC sites or stores
・ Types of purchase benefits given by the store clerk at the time of purchase

For example, the server 20 transmits the determined parameters to a game server that provides the game program. As a result, the game server may perform the following processing.
・ Based on parameters, one of a plurality of lottery tables for lottery processing is selected and a lottery is held.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of each device of system 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 shows an example in which, when the user is a repeater of the store, a privilege is given when the user stands in line for the turn.

In step S1725, the control unit 203 controls the user's information in the customer information database 281, the information in the POS operation history database 286 (user's purchase result), and the cart update history database 285 (user's shopping behavior at the store). , determines the value provided to the user.
- For example, the value is determined according to whether the user is a repeater who visits the store repeatedly. Specifically, the control unit 203 refers to the history of payments made by the user at the store, and determines whether the number of payments made within a certain period of time satisfies a certain condition, or whether the payment was made within the campaign period. The value is determined by whether or not.
- For example, determine the value according to the user's past purchase history. Specifically, the control unit 203 ensures that the product that the user intends to purchase in line waiting for the checkout and the product that the user has purchased in the past satisfy a certain condition (for example, the product "card" has been purchased in the past). If the type of product purchased in the past is related to the type of product you are currently trying to purchase, such as when you purchase a product, wait for the checkout, and then try to purchase a different version of the product "card" you are currently trying to purchase. , to give the user a value associated with the product type.

<Screen example of the second embodiment>
FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen when a privilege is given according to the order of waiting for a user to wait in line for a checkout.

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

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・ The same type of product is in stock on the EC site as a product related to the product included in the user's cart information ・ There is a product with a different version of the same type on the EC site Users can be given benefits by accessing the EC site based on

For example, the control unit 490 detects that there is a product (different version, different color, different size, etc.) related to the product that the user puts in the cart, which is not in the store but is in the EC site. present to the user.

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

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・Information on the cash register where the user is lined up among multiple cash registers ・The order of waiting for payment at the cash register (what order can be settled at the cash register?)
・ The content of the benefits may change depending on the order of waiting at the cash register.・ Specifically, the content that allows users to receive benefits in the game changes in the possibility that the user can acquire game objects that appear in the game (changes in the appearance rate of specific game objects).

The control unit 490 displays the following information to the user in the register designation unit 132D.
・Information about the cash register that the user is waiting for ("Register B" in the illustrated example)
・ Information on the order of waiting in line at the cash register

Screen example (C) in FIG. 18 shows a situation in which values provided to users based on cart information are displayed to users waiting in line for checkout, as in screen example (B). This corresponds to the processing of step S1625 in FIG.

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・Information about the cash register where the user is lined up among multiple cash registers. Contents that can receive benefits at the store

Specifically, control unit 490 causes notification unit 132B to display the following information as the content of benefits that can be received at the store.
・ Users can receive benefits through equipment or goods installed at the store ・ Multiple lottery boxes are prepared at the store as an example of goods installed at the store ・ Users participate in lottery What can be done ・Which one of the multiple lottery boxes can receive the privilege according to the user's waiting line ("lottery box G" in the illustrated example)?
・ Validity period during which the user can receive benefits (in the illustrated example, the user can participate in the lottery) Also, at the store, depending on the result of the lottery in the lottery box, the user is provided with items (character goods, etc.) in the store. You can do it.

Screen example (D) in FIG. 18 shows a situation in which a user who has visited the store again is notified that a privilege will be given when waiting in line for the checkout.

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・ The user has visited the store again (be a repeater)
・ A repeater user can use benefits while waiting for a cash register ・ Present the details of the benefits to the user

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

<Summary of Second Embodiment>
(1) In the second embodiment, the following example has been described as shown in screen example (A) of FIGS. 15 and 18 .
・ Even if the store does not have an item in stock, the user can recognize that another store, such as an e-commerce site, has the item in stock. , information provided from the server 20 can be provided and the user can be made aware of it. By accepting the user's operation (purchasing, product browsing, etc.) for the inventory of other stores such as EC sites, the user can receive benefits. This may improve the user's experience while waiting in line.

(2) In the second embodiment, the following examples have been described as shown in screen example (B) and screen example (C) in FIGS. 16 and 18 .
- The value received at other services (game programs, e-commerce sites) or stores may change depending on the order in which the user waits for the checkout. This may improve the user's experience while waiting in line.

(3) In the second embodiment, the following example has been described as shown in screen example (D) of FIGS. 17 and 18 .
・Benefits are given while the user is waiting in line at the register according to the number of times the user visits the store or the history of purchases made by the user at the store (the number of purchases made). User experience may be improved.

<Third Embodiment>
A system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which it is possible to reserve the timing of payment at the cash register regardless of whether the user is inside the store or outside the store. Here, an example will be described in which the user inside the store is given priority over the user outside the store to reserve the timing of payment at the cash register. This can further improve the purchasing experience of users in the store.

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

In step S1941, the control unit 490 accepts an operation for reserving the timing of payment at the cash register of the store, regardless of whether the user is inside the store or outside the store.

In step S1943, the control unit 490 transmits to the server the contents of the reservation made by the user (including store information and information on the timing of payment at the register) and information on whether or not the user is inside the store. For example, the control unit 490 determines whether or not the user is in the store by doing the following.
Acquiring the position information of the terminal device 40 and comparing it with the position information of the store (if the position of the terminal device 40 and the position of the store are within a certain distance, it is determined that the user is inside the store).
・Communicate between the terminal device 40 and a communication device installed in the store (it is determined that the user is in the store by communicating between the terminal device 40 and the communication device by short-range wireless communication or the like)
・ Receiving user authentication when entering a store

As a method for accepting user authentication at a store, there are possible methods as follows.
・ A method of authenticating a user based on the recognition result of the user's face while measuring the user's body temperature with a thermo camera installed at the store (for example, the entrance) when a pre-registered user can enter the store ・ Store, etc. A ticket purchaser can be specified for tickets (paper tickets, etc., electronic tickets) for entering areas where When information (for example, a two-dimensional code) is distributed, a method for reading the identifiable information with a reading device in the area , an application that accepts user registration based on a phone number), and a method of having a reading device in a store read information that can identify a user (for example, a two-dimensional code).

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

Examples of the control unit 203 giving priority to reservations from users inside the store over reservations from users outside the store include the following.
・If a user outside the store and a user inside the store make reservations during the same time period as when using the cash register, and the operation for making a reservation overlaps within a certain period of time, the user inside the store may Prioritize reservations ・Make the time from accepting a reservation from a user outside the store to confirming it longer than when accepting a reservation from a user inside the store

In step S1925, when the reservation for use of the cash register is completed, the control unit 203 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user of the information of the reserved cash register and the available timing.

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

In step S1927, the control unit 203 confirms the registration of the cash register by the user.

<Screen example of the third embodiment>
FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen when accepting an operation for reserving the timing of payment at a store from a user inside or outside the store. In the illustrated example, the case where the user makes a reservation for the timing outside the store is referred to as "temporary reservation", and the user confirms the reservation, thereby allowing the payment to be made at the cash register.

Screen example (A) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which an operation for reserving the timing of payment at the cash register of the store is accepted when the user is outside the store.

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・Able to reserve the timing to use the cash register at the store ・Candidates for the timing

The server 20, for example, refers to the cart update history database 285, the POS operation history database 286, etc., and causes the terminal device 40 to present the following information as candidates for the timing at which the user uses the cash register.
・Information on the time period when it is estimated that the cash register at the store will not be crowded based on past purchase results at the store

The control unit 490 accepts the operation of reserving the timing for the user to use the cash register in the operation accepting unit 132C even when the user is outside the store.

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

Screen example (B) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which an operation for reserving the timing of using the cash register is accepted when the user is inside the store.

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・Information on cash registers that can be reserved for use ("Register B" in the illustrated example)
・ Candidates for when to reserve use of the cash register ・ Users inside the store should be able to reserve use of the cash register prior to users outside the store

The control unit 490 accepts the operation of reserving the timing for the user to use the cash register in the operation accepting unit 132C when the user is inside the store.

The control unit 490 displays the following information in the register designation unit 132D.
・ The number of users waiting in line at the cash register where users can reserve their use

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

Screen example (C) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which the user reserves the timing for using the cash register, and benefits are given for using the cash register according to the timing.

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・ Reserving the timing to use the cash register and making a payment according to the timing (for example, payment within a certain period including the reserved timing)
・ Giving a privilege to the user by making a payment according to the timing

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

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

Screen example (D) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which a user who has reserved a timing to use the cash register outside the store confirms the reservation by coming to the store.

Control unit 490 displays the following information as content of notification to the user in notification unit 132B.
・ The user has reserved the timing to use the cash register outside the store. ・ The user has arrived at the store by the timing.

Even if the user reserves the timing to use the cash register outside the store, if the user does not come to the store for a certain period of time before that timing, the purchase and the payment at the cash register will not be completed in time. Therefore, the server 20 cancels the reservation for the timing to use the cash register when it is determined that the user who has reserved the timing outside the store is unlikely to come to the store. In other words, when a reservation for the timing is made outside the store, it may be treated as a "provisional reservation" and an operation for confirming the reservation may be required.

In this case, the server 20 notifies the user who has reserved the timing to wait for the checkout in the store that the timing has been canceled, and receives the timing to use the checkout at that timing from the user in the store. good too. Compared to users outside the store, it is assumed that users inside the store are more likely to continue purchasing activities and make payments inside the store, thus further improving the shopping experience for users inside the store. can let

Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. It can be performed. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

<Appendix>
The items described in the above embodiments will be added below.

(Appendix 1)
A program for operating a computer (20) comprising a processor (29), the program causing the processor to acquire information (285) on a product selected by a user for purchase at a store, In the store, a plurality of payment devices (10) are installed, and the payment devices accept payments from users of the store. A program for executing a step (S1225, 132B) of enabling the user to use a specific payment device among a plurality of payment devices when the conditions are satisfied.

(Appendix 2)
The program according to (Supplementary Note 1), wherein in the enabling step, the user is allowed to use the payment at the specific payment device when the score of the product selected by the user satisfies a certain condition as a predetermined condition. .

(Appendix 3)
In the step of making available, as a predetermined condition, if the product selected by the user includes a specific product, or if at least one of the combination of products satisfies a certain condition, a specific product The program according to (Appendix 1 or 2), which enables a user to make a payment at a payment device.

(Appendix 4)
A program for operating a computer comprising a processor, wherein the program causes the processor to associate the information of the user waiting in line for payment at the store with the information of the user, instead of inputting information for registering for the first service. a step of receiving input of first information for using one service (S1525); and a step of determining value to be provided to the user in the first service according to the first information (S1525). The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, which is executed.

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

(Appendix 6)
The first service is an EC (electronic commerce) site related to a business operator that operates a store, and in the determining step, based on the information of the selected product, the product provided on the EC site is provided to the user. (S1525), the program according to (Appendix 5).

(Appendix 7)
The program according to any one of (S1625) and (Appendixes 4 to 6), wherein, in the determining step, the value is determined according to the order in which the user stands in a queue waiting for payment (S1625).

(Appendix 8)
In the first service, a plurality of characters are provided for use by the user, and in the step of determining, the character to be provided to the user out of the plurality of characters is selected as a value by performing a lottery process according to the order. Determine (S1625), the program described in (Appendix 7).

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

(Appendix 10)
In the step of determining, as the first information, the value is determined according to the information related to the user, and as the information related to the user, whether the user is a repeater who has used the store multiple times, or The program according to any one of (S1725) and (Appendixes 4 to 9), including at least one of history information of products purchased by the user in the past at the store.

(Appendix 11)
(Appendixes 1 to 10) further causing the processor to execute a step of reserving a timing for the user to make a payment at the store (S1923) and a step of notifying the user of information on the reserved timing. Program as described in any.

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

(Appendix 13)
(Appendix 12), wherein in the step of making a reservation, an operation for reserving the timing of payment at the store is accepted from the terminal of the user who is not at the store via the network, thereby reserving the timing for the user who is not at the store. program.

(Appendix 14)
In the step of making a reservation, if an operation for reserving a timing is received from a user who is in the store and a user who is not in the store, the user who is in the store is prioritized to receive the reservation (S1923), described in (Appendix 13) program.

(Appendix 15)
A computer-implemented method comprising a processor, wherein the processor performs the step of obtaining information about a product selected by a user for purchase at a store, wherein the store has a plurality of payment devices. and the payment device accepts the payment of the user of the store, and the method further comprises: when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition, the processor selects a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices A program for performing the steps of enabling payment at a payment device.

(Appendix 16)
An information processing device comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a step of acquiring information on a product selected by a user for purchase at a store, wherein a plurality of payment devices are installed at the store, and payment is performed at the store. Payment by a store user is accepted by the device, and the control unit uses payment by a specific payment device among a plurality of payment devices for the user when information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition. An information processing device that executes steps to enable.

1: System, 10: POS Terminal, 13: Input Device, 14: Output Device, 15: Memory, 16: Storage, 17: Audio Processing Unit, 19: Processor, 20: Server, 25: Memory, 26: Storage, 29 : processor, 30: display device, 40: terminal device, 80: network, 120: communication unit, 131: reader, 132: keyboard, 132A: cart display unit, 132B: notification unit, 132C: operation reception unit, 132D: cash register Designation unit 132E: login information display unit 133: device 141: display 161: camera 161: first camera 162: second camera 171: microphone 172: speaker 180: storage unit 181: product information, 182: specific customer information, 183: employee information, 190: control unit, 191: operation reception unit, 192: transmission/reception unit, 193: accounting processing unit, 194: display control unit, 195: storage control unit, 201: Communication unit 202: Storage unit 203: Control unit 281: Customer information database 282: Product information database 283: Store inventory database 284: EC site inventory database 285: Cart update history database 285: POS operation history database, 286: POS operation history database, 411: antenna, 412: antenna, 420: first communication unit, 421: second communication unit, 430: input device, 431: device, 432: display, 440: voice processing unit, 441: microphone, 442: speaker, 450: position information sensor, 460: camera, 470: motion sensor, 480: storage unit, 481: game program, 482: store application, 490: control unit, 491: operation reception unit, 492 : transmission/reception unit, 493: data processing unit, 494: notification control unit, 495: storage control unit, 2041: reception control module, 2042: transmission control module, 2043: POS setting module, 2044: cart management module, 2045: inventory management Modules 2046: POS terminal management module, 2047: value determination module, 2048: reservation processing module.

Claims

A program for operating a computer comprising a processor, the program causing the processor to:
cause the user to execute a step of acquiring information on the product selected as a purchase target at the store;
A plurality of payment devices are installed in the store, and the payment device accepts payment by the user of the store,
The program further causes the processor to:
A program for executing a step of allowing the user to use a particular payment device among the plurality of payment devices when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.
3. In the step of making available, the user is allowed to use the payment at the specific payment device when the number of points of the product selected by the user satisfies a predetermined condition as the predetermined condition. 1. The program according to 1.
In the step of making available, as the predetermined condition, when the product selected by the user includes a specific product, or when a combination of products satisfies a certain condition. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, further enabling said user to make a payment at said specific payment device.
A program for operating a computer comprising a processor, the program causing the processor to:
a step of accepting input of first information for using the first service rather than input of information for registering for the first service, in association with information of users lined up in a queue waiting for payment at the store;
4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, causing execution of a step of determining a value to be provided to said user in said first service according to said first information.
In the receiving step, as the first information, receiving information on a product selected by the user as a purchase target;
5. The program according to claim 4, wherein in said determining step, said value is determined based on information of said selected product.
the first service is an EC (electronic commerce) site related to a business operator that operates the store;
6. The program according to claim 5, wherein, in said determining step, a product to be provided to said user among products provided on said EC site is determined as said value based on said information on said selected product.
7. The program according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, in said determining step, said value is determined according to the order in which said user stands in line for payment.
In the first service, a plurality of characters are provided for use by the user,
8. The program according to claim 7, wherein, in said determining step, a character to be provided to said user among said plurality of characters is determined as said value by performing a lottery process according to said order.
In the determining step,
When the first service is a service related to the store, providing the user with character goods provided at the store as the value,
9. The program according to claim 8, wherein, when said first service is a game based on a game program, said value provides said user with a character that can be used in said game.
In the determining step, determining the value according to information related to the user as the first information;
The information related to the user includes at least one of whether or not the user is a repeater who has used the store multiple times, or information on the history of products purchased by the user in the store in the past. 10. The program according to any one of claims 4 to 9.
The processor further comprising:
a step of reserving a timing for the user to make a payment at the store;
11. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, causing execution of a step of notifying said user of said reserved timing information.
12. The program according to claim 11, wherein in the step of making a reservation, the timing is reserved by accepting an operation for reserving the timing of payment at the store from the terminal of the user at the store.
3. The timing is reserved for users who are not at the store by accepting an operation to reserve the timing for settlement at the store through a network in the step of making the reservation even from a terminal of a user who is not at the store. 12. The program according to 12.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein in the step of making a reservation, when an operation to reserve the timing is received from a user who is in the store and a user who is not in the store, the user who is in the store is preferentially accepted for the reservation. program.
A computer-implemented method comprising a processor, the method comprising:
Execute a step of acquiring information on the product selected by the user for purchase at the store,
A plurality of payment devices are installed in the store, and the payment device accepts payment by the user of the store,
The method further comprises:
A program for executing a step of allowing the user to use a particular payment device among the plurality of payment devices when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.
An information processing device comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit
Execute a step of acquiring information on the product selected by the user for purchase at the store,
A plurality of payment devices are installed in the store, and the payment device accepts payment by the user of the store,
The control unit further
An information processing device that executes a step of allowing the user to use a particular payment device among the plurality of payment devices when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.