Data processing system

Abstract

A data processing system includes a storage processing unit and a determination unit. The storage processing unit stores data relating to a transaction registered on the basis of a commodity in a registration device in the registration device or a storage unit of an electronic device different from the registration device. The determination unit determines a checkout device which is an output destination of data relating to the one transaction on the basis of an operation of a user of the registration device based on the sensed data. When the checkout device of the output destination is determined by the determination unit, the storage processing unit stores information indicating the checkout device of the output destination in the storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing system. Background Art

[0002] In the retail industry, a settlement method that separates the product registration operation and the checkout operation to different devices has become common. As such settlement methods, there are known: a semi-self-service method; a method using a mobile registration terminal equipped with a terminal having a product registration function in a shopping cart; and a method of registering products using a mobile terminal held by a consumer or a mobile terminal owned by a store. In such a settlement method, the product registration operation is performed by a store clerk or a customer, and the checkout operation is performed by the customer.

[0003] In the semi-self-service method, the commodity registration operation is performed by the store clerk, but after the store clerk completes the commodity registration operation on the registration device, he / she performs an operation for specifying the checkout device for the customer to check out.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-096074

[0007] However, the store clerk must check the status of the plurality of checkout devices visually, etc., and then perform an operation to specify the checkout device for the customer to check out. This series of work places a heavy burden on the store clerk. Summary of the invention

[0008] A problem to be solved by an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the burden on a user who operates a registration device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system of an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a store to which the data processing system of the embodiment is applied.

[0011] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a server of an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a registration device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of a checkout device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a photographing device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a data structure of device association data stored in the imaging device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining a first operation example of the data processing system according to the embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps executed by a processor of a registration device in a first operation example of the embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps executed by a processor of the imaging device in the first operation example of the embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps executed by a processor of a server in a first operation example of the embodiment.

[0020] Fig.12 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps executed by the processor of the checkout device in the first operation example of the embodiment.

[0021] Fig.13 It is a diagram for explaining a second operation example of the data processing system according to the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.14 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps executed by the processor of the registration device in the second operation example of the embodiment.

[0023] Fig.15 It is a diagram for explaining a third operation example of the data processing system according to the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.16 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps executed by a processor of the imaging device in the third operation example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In one embodiment, the data processing system includes a storage processing unit and a determination unit. The storage processing unit stores data related to a transaction based on a commodity registration in a registration device in a storage unit of the registration device or an electronic device different from the registration device. The determination unit determines a checkout device of an output destination of the data related to the transaction based on a movement of a user of the registration device based on sensing data. When the checkout device of the output destination is determined by the determination unit, the storage processing unit stores information indicating the checkout device of the output destination in the storage unit.

[0026] (Example)

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described using the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0028] (Structure example)

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system S of an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] The data processing system S is a system for processing data in the store. The data processing system S implements a semi-self-service checkout method that separates the commodity registration operation and the checkout operation into different devices.

[0031] The data processing system S includes a server 1, a plurality of registration devices 2, a plurality of checkout devices 3, and a plurality of photographing devices 4. The server 1, the plurality of registration devices 2, the plurality of checkout devices 3, and the plurality of photographing devices 4 are connected to each other via a network NW so as to be able to communicate freely with each other. For example, the network NW is a LAN (local area network) or the like. The network NW may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0032] although Figure 1 Although the server 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the data processing system S may not include the server 1. Figure 1 Although a plurality of registration devices 2 are illustrated in FIG. 1 , the data processing system S may include one registration device 2. Figure 1 Although a plurality of photographing devices 4 are illustrated in FIG. 1 , the data processing system S may include one photographing device 4. The data processing system S is not limited to include all the electronic devices described above. The data processing system S may also refer to a system including at least one electronic device.

[0033] The server 1 is an electronic device that can process data. The server 1 is an example of an electronic device different from the registration device 2. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. A structural example of the server 1 will be described later.

[0034] The registration device 2 is an electronic device capable of registering the goods of each transaction. A transaction refers to a group of commercial transactions used to complete the delivery of goods between a customer and a store. The process of registering goods by the registration device 2 is also called commodity registration. Goods registered by the registration device 2 are also called registered goods. Goods that are not registered by the registration device 2 are also called unregistered goods. The registration device 2 generates first checkout data based on the registration of goods for a transaction. The first checkout data is an example of checkout data used to check out a transaction. The first checkout data can be data that the checkout device 3 can use to check out a transaction, and the content of the first checkout data is not limited. The first checkout data is transaction data including the commodity data of each registered commodity in a transaction and the bill amount data of a transaction. The commodity data may include various data related to the commodity, such as the commodity name and price. The first checkout data may include a transaction number that identifies a transaction. The first checkout data is an example of data about a transaction. A structural example of the registration device 2 will be described later.

[0035] The checkout device 3 is an electronic device capable of processing the checkout of a transaction based on the commodity registration in the registration device 2. A transaction based on the commodity registration in the registration device 2 refers to a transaction in which the commodity is registered in the registration device 2. Checkout includes payment for a transaction. Checkout includes the meaning of settlement. A structural example of the checkout device 3 will be described later.

[0036] The photographing device 4 is an electronic device that can obtain photographing data based on photographing. For example, the photographing data is video data. The photographing device 4 is an example of a sensing device. The photographing data is an example of sensing data. The photographing device 4 is an example of an electronic device different from the registration device 2. A structural example of the photographing device 4 will be described later.

[0037] The layout of a store to which the data processing system S is applied will be described.

[0038] Figure 2 The diagram exemplifies the layout of a store to which the data processing system S is applied.

[0039] The registration device 2-1 is provided on the stand 5. The registration device 2-1 is one of the plurality of registration devices 2. The registration device 2-1 is a device operated by the store clerk UA. The store clerk UA uses the registration device 2-1 to register the commodity of a transaction of the customer UB. The store clerk UA is an example of a user of the registration device 2-1.

[0040] The stand 5 includes an area 51 for placing an unregistered commodity 91 for a transaction. Figure 2 Although one unregistered commodity 91 is shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of unregistered commodities 91 may be placed in the region 51. The region 51 is also a region where the basket 6 is placed. The basket 6 is a basket for placing the unregistered commodities 91 of one transaction. Figure 2 One basket 6 is shown in the figure, but a plurality of baskets 6 may be placed in the area 51. The stand 5 includes an area 52 for placing the registered goods 92 for a transaction. Figure 2 Although one registered commodity 92 is shown in the figure, a plurality of registered commodities 92 may be placed in the area 52. The area 52 is also an area for placing the basket 7. The basket 7 is a basket for placing the registered commodities 92 for one transaction. It should be noted that the area 52 may use an area on the pedestal 5 on the clerk UA side of the registration device 2-1 (in front of the clerk UA). Figure 2 One basket 7 is shown, but multiple baskets 7 may be used to settle a transaction.

[0041] Checkout device 3-1 and checkout device 3-2 are two checkout devices 3 among multiple checkout devices 3 that can process the checkout of a transaction based on the commodity registration in registration device 2-1. Checkout device 3-1 and checkout device 3-2 are examples of multiple checkout devices 3 that can process the checkout of a transaction based on the commodity registration in registration device 2-1. Multiple checkout devices 3 that can process the checkout of a transaction based on the commodity registration in registration device 2-1 can be three or more checkout devices 3. It should be noted that the number of checkout devices 3 that can process the checkout of a transaction based on the commodity registration in registration device 2-1 does not necessarily have to be multiple, and can also be one.

[0042] The stand 8-1 is a stand on which a customer UB places a part or all of the registered commodities 92 of a transaction in order to settle a transaction using the checkout device 3-1. The stand 8-1 is also a stand on which a basket 7 containing a part or all of the registered commodities 92 of a transaction by the customer UB is placed. The stand 8-2 is a stand on which a customer UB places a part or all of the registered commodities 92 of a transaction in order to settle a transaction using the checkout device 3-2. The stand 8-2 is also a stand on which a basket 7 containing a part or all of the registered commodities 92 of a transaction by the customer UB is placed.

[0043] The imaging device 4-1 captures an image of the store clerk UA. The imaging device 4-1 is one imaging device 4 associated with the registration device 2-1 among the plurality of registration devices 2. The imaging range A of the imaging device 4-1 may be any range as long as it can capture an image of the store clerk UA.

[0044] If used Figure 2 As described above, one registration device 2 , a plurality of checkout devices 3 , and one imaging device 4 that are related to each other constitute a group in the data processing system S. The data processing system S includes groups whose number corresponds to the number of registration devices 2 .

[0045] A configuration example of the server 1 will be described.

[0046] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the server 1 .

[0047] The server 1 is an electronic device including a processor 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, and a communication interface 13. The components constituting the server 1 are connected in a manner capable of inputting and outputting signals to each other. Figure 3 In the example, the interface is recorded as "I / F".

[0048] The processor 10 is equivalent to the central part of the server 1. The processor 10 is an element of the computer constituting the server 1. For example, the processor 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 10 can be composed of various circuits. The processor 10 is an example of a processing circuit of the server 1. The processor 10 expands the program pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that enables the processor 10 to execute the processing of each unit described later implemented by the processor 10. The processor 10 executes various processes by executing the program expanded in the main memory 11.

[0049] The main memory 11 is equivalent to the main storage part of the server 1. The main memory 11 is an element of the computer constituting the server 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile storage area and a volatile storage area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile storage area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile storage area as a work area for the processor 10 to rewrite data as appropriate. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile storage area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile storage area. The main memory 11 is an example of the storage unit of the server 1.

[0050] The auxiliary storage device 12 is equivalent to the auxiliary storage part of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an element of the computer constituting the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned program, data used when the processor 10 performs various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of the storage unit of the server 1.

[0051] The auxiliary storage device 12 may include a checkout data storage area 121. The checkout data storage area 121 may store second checkout data about each registration device 2. The second checkout data is an example of checkout data used for checkout of a transaction. The second checkout data may be data that can process the checkout of a transaction in the checkout device 3, and the content of the second checkout data is not limited. The second checkout data is data based on the commodity registration in the registration device 2. Therefore, the second checkout data is data based on the first checkout data obtained by the server 1 from the registration device 2. Obtaining includes the meaning of receiving. The second checkout data is an example of data related to a transaction.

[0052] In one example, the second transaction data is the same data as the first transaction data generated by the registration device 2. In this example, the first transaction data and the second transaction data may be transaction data.

[0053] In other examples, the second checkout data is data generated based on the first checkout data. In this example, the first checkout data is transaction data, and the second checkout data may also be data of a code that uniquely indicates a transaction. Data of a code that uniquely indicates a transaction is data associated with transaction data. The server 1 generates data of a code that uniquely indicates a transaction based on the transaction data obtained from the registration device 2.

[0054] The checkout data storage area 121 can store output destination information for each second checkout data. The output destination information is information indicating the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the checkout data. The checkout device 3 of the output destination is one of the multiple checkout devices 3 that can process the checkout of one transaction based on the commodity registration in the registration device 2. The checkout device 3 of the output destination can be determined by the camera 4. The second checkout data and the output destination information are associated with each other.

[0055] The communication interface 13 includes various interfaces for connecting the server 1 to other electronic devices in a communicable manner via the network NW according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 13 is an example of a communication unit of the server 1 .

[0056] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above configuration. The server 1 can appropriately omit or change the above components and add new components.

[0057] Each unit implemented by the processor 10 will be described.

[0058] The processor 10 realizes a communication processing unit 101 and a storage processing unit 102. Each unit realized by the processor 10 may also be referred to as a function. Each unit realized by the processor 10 may also be realized by a control unit including the processor 10 and the main memory 11.

[0059] The communication processing unit 101 processes the communication between the server 1 and other electronic devices via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 obtains data, information or signals from other electronic devices via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 outputs data, information or signals from the server 1 to other electronic devices via the communication interface 13. Output includes the meaning of sending. In the description of the communication processing unit 101 obtaining or outputting data, information or signals, the communication processing unit 101 may also be replaced by the communication interface 13.

[0060] The storage processing unit 102 stores data or information in the auxiliary storage device 12. The storage processing unit 102 may store data or information in the main memory 11.

[0061] A configuration example of the registration device 2 will be described.

[0062] Figure 4 It is a block diagram illustrating the registration device 2.

[0063] The registration device 2 is an electronic device including a processor 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a communication interface 23, a scanner 24, an input device 25, and a display device 26. The processor 20, the main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, the communication interface 23, the scanner 24, the input device 25, and the display device 26 are connected in a manner capable of inputting and outputting signals to each other. Figure 4 In the example, the interface is recorded as "I / F".

[0064] The processor 20 is equivalent to the central part of the registration device 2. The processor 20 may also have the same hardware structure as the above-mentioned processor 10. The processor 20 is an example of a processing circuit of the registration device 2. The processor 20 expands the program pre-stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22 into the main memory 21. The program is a program that enables the processor 20 to execute the processing of each unit described later implemented by the processor 20. The processor 20 executes various processes by executing the program expanded in the main memory 21.

[0065] The main memory 21 corresponds to the main storage part of the registration device 2. The main memory 21 may also be the same hardware structure as the above-mentioned main memory 11. The main memory 21 stores a program. The main memory 21 is an example of a storage unit of the registration device 2.

[0066] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the registration device 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 may also have the same hardware structure as the auxiliary storage device 12 described above. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the above-mentioned program, data used when the processor 20 performs various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 20. The auxiliary storage device 22 is an example of the storage unit of the registration device 2.

[0067] The auxiliary storage device 22 may include a checkout data storage area 221. The checkout data storage area 221 may store first checkout data based on a commodity registration of a transaction in the registration device 2. The checkout data storage area 221 may store output destination information for the first checkout data. The first checkout data and the output destination information are associated with each other.

[0068] The communication interface 23 includes various interfaces for connecting the registration device 2 to other electronic devices in a communicable manner via the network NW according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 23 is an example of a communication unit of the registration device 2 .

[0069] The scanner 24 is a device that reads various code symbols and obtains data from the code symbols. The scanner 24 may include a scanner using a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or other imaging element, or a laser scanner. For example, the code symbol is a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol. The code symbol may also include a code symbol of a commodity that records a code that can identify the commodity. The code symbol of the commodity is an image attached to the commodity. The code symbol may also include a code symbol that records the membership code of the store. The member's code symbol may be an image attached to the card or an image that can be displayed on the terminal.

[0070] The input device 25 is a device capable of inputting instructions for the registration apparatus 2. For example, the input device 25 may include a keyboard. The input device 25 may include a touch screen configured together with the display device 26.

[0071] The display device 26 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processor 20. For example, the display device 26 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. The display device 26 is an example of a display unit of the registration apparatus 2.

[0072] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the registration device 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. The registration device 2 can appropriately omit or change the above-described components and add new components.

[0073] Each unit implemented by the processor 20 will be described.

[0074] The processor 20 implements a communication processing unit 201, a registration processing unit 202, and a storage processing unit 203. Each unit implemented by the processor 20 may also be referred to as a function. Each unit implemented by the processor 20 may also be implemented by a control unit including the processor 20 and the main memory 21.

[0075] The communication processing unit 201 processes the communication between the registration device 2 and other electronic devices via the communication interface 23. The communication processing unit 201 obtains data, information, or signals from other electronic devices via the communication interface 23. The communication processing unit 201 outputs data, information, or signals from the registration device 2 to other electronic devices via the communication interface 23. In the description of the communication processing unit 201 obtaining or outputting data, information, or signals, the communication processing unit 201 may be replaced with the communication interface 23.

[0076] The registration processing unit 202 registers commodities based on a commodity registration operation of each commodity in one transaction by a store clerk using the scanner 24 or the input device 25 .

[0077] The storage processing unit 203 stores data or information in the auxiliary storage device 22. The storage processing unit 203 may store data or information in the main memory 21.

[0078] An example of the structure of the checkout device 3 will be described.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the checkout device 3 .

[0080] The checkout device 3 is an electronic device including a processor 30, a main memory 31, an auxiliary storage device 32, a communication interface 33, an input / output interface 34, a scanner 35, a change machine 36, a printing device 37, an input device 38, and a display device 39. The processor 30, the main memory 31, the auxiliary storage device 32, the communication interface 33, the input / output interface 34, the scanner 35, the change machine 36, the printing device 37, the input device 38, and the display device 39 are connected in a manner that signals can be input and output to each other. Figure 5 In the example, the interface is recorded as "I / F".

[0081] The processor 30 is equivalent to the core part of the checkout device 3. The processor 30 may also have the same hardware structure as the processor 10 described above. The processor 30 is an example of a processing circuit of the checkout device 3. The processor 30 expands a program pre-stored in the main memory 31 or the auxiliary storage device 32 into the main memory 31. The program is a program that enables the processor 30 to execute the processing of each unit described later implemented by the processor 30. The processor 30 executes various processes by executing the program expanded in the main memory 31.

[0082] The main memory 31 corresponds to the main storage part of the checkout device 3. The main memory 31 may have the same hardware structure as the above-mentioned main memory 31. The main memory 31 stores a program. The main memory 31 is an example of a storage unit of the checkout device 3.

[0083] The auxiliary storage device 32 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the checkout device 3. The auxiliary storage device 32 may also have the same hardware structure as the auxiliary storage device 12 described above. The auxiliary storage device 32 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor 30 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 20. The auxiliary storage device 32 is an example of a storage unit of the checkout device 3.

[0084] The auxiliary storage device 32 may include a communication destination storage area 321. The communication destination storage area 321 may store communication destination information. The communication destination information is information indicating an electronic device with which the checkout device 3 communicates. The communication destination information includes information indicating a registration device 2 with which the checkout device 3 communicates among the plurality of registration devices 2 included in the data processing system S. The communication destination information includes information indicating a camera 4 with which the checkout device 3 communicates among the plurality of camera devices 4 included in the data processing system S.

[0085] For communication destination information, Figure 2 The description will be made by taking the registration device 2-1, checkout device 3-1, checkout device 3-2 and camera 4-1 as examples. The communication destination information stored in the checkout device 3-1 includes information indicating the registration device 2-1 with which the checkout device 3-1 among the multiple registration devices 2 included in the data processing system S communicates. The communication destination information stored in the checkout device 3-1 includes information indicating the camera 4-1 with which the checkout device 3-1 among the multiple camera 4 included in the data processing system S communicates. The communication destination information stored in the checkout device 3-2 includes information indicating the registration device 2-1 with which the checkout device 3-2 among the multiple registration devices 2 included in the data processing system S communicates. The communication destination information stored in the checkout device 3-2 includes information indicating the camera 4-1 with which the checkout device 3-2 among the multiple camera 4 included in the data processing system S communicates.

[0086] The communication interface 33 includes various interfaces that connect the checkout device 3 to other electronic devices in a communicable manner via the network NW according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 33 is an example of a communication unit of the checkout device 3 .

[0087] The input / output interface 34 includes various interfaces that can be communicatively connected by directly connecting the checkout device 3 to other electronic devices by wire or wirelessly. For example, the input / output interface 34 connects the checkout device 3 to a card reader. The card reader is a device that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe or IC (Integrated Circuit) chip of a card medium. The card medium may include a credit card.

[0088] The scanner 35 is a device that reads various code symbols and obtains data from the code symbols. The scanner 35 may also have the same hardware structure as the above-mentioned scanner 24. For example, the code symbols may also include code symbols for code settlement.

[0089] The change machine 36 is a device that pays out banknotes or coins corresponding to the amount of change.

[0090] The printing device 37 is a device for printing on a ticket. For example, the printing device 37 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer.

[0091] The input device 38 is a device that can input instructions to the checkout apparatus 3. The input device 38 may have the same hardware configuration as the input device 25 described above.

[0092] The display device 39 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processor 30. The display device 39 may have the same hardware configuration as the display device 26 described above.

[0093] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the checkout device 3 is not limited to the configuration described above. The checkout device 3 can omit or change the above-described components and add new components as appropriate.

[0094] Each unit implemented by the processor 30 will be described.

[0095] The processor 30 implements the communication processing unit 301 and the transaction processing unit 302. Each unit implemented by the processor 30 may also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented by the processor 30 may also be implemented by a control unit including the processor 30 and the main memory 31.

[0096] The communication processing unit 301 processes the communication between the checkout device 3 and other electronic devices via the communication interface 33. The communication processing unit 301 obtains data, information, or signals from other electronic devices via the communication interface 33. The communication processing unit 301 outputs data, information, or signals from the checkout device 3 to other electronic devices via the communication interface 33. In the description of the communication processing unit 301 obtaining or outputting data, information, or signals, the communication processing unit 301 may be replaced with the communication interface 33.

[0097] The checkout processing unit 302 processes the checkout of a transaction based on the checkout data. The checkout processing unit 302 processes the checkout of a transaction according to the customer's selection of the checkout method. The checkout methods include offline checkout and online checkout. Offline checkout is a checkout in which the checkout device 3 does not need to cooperate with other electronic devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, offline checkout is a checkout based on cash. Online checkout is a checkout performed by the checkout device 3 via a network such as the Internet in cooperation with other electronic devices. For example, online checkout is a checkout such as credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, debit card settlement, and code settlement.

[0098] A configuration example of the imaging device 4 will be described.

[0099] Figure 6 It is a block diagram illustrating the imaging device 4 .

[0100] The photographing device 4 is an electronic device including a processor 40, a main memory 41, an auxiliary storage device 42, a communication interface 43, a camera 44, and a microphone 45. The processor 40, the main memory 41, the auxiliary storage device 42, the communication interface 43, the camera 44, and the microphone 45 are connected in a manner capable of inputting and outputting signals to each other. Figure 6 In the example, the interface is recorded as "I / F".

[0101] The processor 40 is equivalent to the central part of the imaging device 4. The processor 40 may also have the same hardware structure as the processor 10 described above. The processor 40 is an example of a processing circuit of the imaging device 4. The processor 40 expands a program pre-stored in the main memory 41 or the auxiliary storage device 42 into the main memory 41. The program is a program that enables the processor 40 to execute the processing of each unit described later implemented by the processor 40. The processor 40 executes various processes by executing the program expanded in the main memory 41.

[0102] The main memory 41 corresponds to the main storage part of the imaging device 4. The main memory 41 may have the same hardware structure as the above-mentioned main memory 41. The main memory 41 stores a program. The main memory 41 is an example of a storage unit of the imaging device 4.

[0103] The auxiliary storage device 42 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the imaging device 4. The auxiliary storage device 42 may also have the same hardware structure as the auxiliary storage device 12 described above. The auxiliary storage device 42 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor 20 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 40. The auxiliary storage device 42 is an example of the storage unit of the imaging device 4.

[0104] The auxiliary storage device 42 may include a checkout data storage area 421. The checkout data storage area 421 may store third checkout data related to the registration device 2 operated by the store clerk captured by the camera 4. The third checkout data is an example of checkout data used for checkout of a transaction. The third checkout data can be data that can process the checkout of a transaction in the checkout device 3, and the content of the third checkout data is not limited. The third checkout data is data based on the commodity registration in the registration device 2. Therefore, the third checkout data is data based on the first checkout data obtained from the registration device 2 by the camera 4. The third checkout data is an example of data related to a transaction. For example, the third checkout data is the same data as the first checkout data generated by the registration device 2. In this example, the first checkout data and the third checkout data may be transaction data. The checkout data storage area 421 can output destination information for the third checkout data. The third checkout data and the output destination information are associated with each other.

[0105] The auxiliary storage device 42 may include a device association storage area 422. The device association storage area 422 may store device association data. The device association data is data that associates one registration device 2 associated with the photographing device 4 with multiple checkout devices 3 that can process the checkout of a transaction based on the product registration in the registration device 2. The device association data includes data representing clerk actions that are respectively associated with the multiple checkout devices 3. The clerk action is an action representing each of the multiple checkout devices 3 associated with one registration device. Therefore, the clerk action is different in the multiple checkout devices 3 associated with one registration device. For example, the clerk action is a gesture such as waving or hand movement, but is not limited to this.

[0106] Regarding device association data, Figure 2 The illustrated registration device 2-1, checkout device 3-1 and checkout device 3-2 are used as examples for explanation. The device association data includes data associating one registration device 2-1 associated with the photographing device 4-1, and two checkout devices 3-1 and checkout device 3-2 that can process the checkout of a transaction based on the commodity registration in the registration device 2-1. The device association data includes data representing the actions of the clerk UA associated with the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2, respectively. The actions of the clerk UA associated with the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2 are different from each other. The action of the clerk UA associated with the checkout device 3-1 can be an action of extending the right hand. The action of the clerk UA associated with the checkout device 3-2 can be an action of extending the left hand.

[0107] The communication interface 43 includes various interfaces for connecting the imaging device 4 to other electronic devices in a communicable manner via the network NW according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 43 is an example of a communication unit of the imaging device 4 .

[0108] The camera 44 is a device that acquires photographic data by photographing.

[0109] The microphone 45 is a device for acquiring audio data by collecting sound.

[0110] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the imaging device 4 is not limited to the above configuration. The imaging device 4 can appropriately omit or change the above components and add new components.

[0111] Each unit implemented by the processor 40 will be described.

[0112] The processor 40 implements a communication processing unit 401, a storage processing unit 402, a detection unit 403, and a determination unit 404. Each unit implemented by the processor 40 may also be referred to as a function. Each unit implemented by the processor 40 may also be implemented by a control unit including the processor 40 and the main memory 41.

[0113] The communication processing unit 401 processes the communication between the camera 4 and other electronic devices via the communication interface 43. The communication processing unit 401 obtains data, information, or signals from other electronic devices via the communication interface 43. The communication processing unit 401 outputs data, information, or signals from the camera 4 to other electronic devices via the communication interface 43. In the description of the communication processing unit 401 obtaining or outputting data, information, or signals, the communication processing unit 401 may be replaced with the communication interface 43.

[0114] The storage processing unit 402 stores data or information in the auxiliary storage device 42. The storage processing unit 402 may store data or information in the main memory 41.

[0115] The detection unit 403 detects the actions of the store clerk based on the captured data.

[0116] The identification unit 404 identifies the checkout device 3 to which the checkout data is to be output based on the employee's actions based on the imaged data.

[0117] The device-related data will be described.

[0118] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the device association data stored in the imaging device 4 .

[0119] One registration device 2 is associated with two checkout devices 3. The two checkout devices 3 are respectively associated with action X or action Y. Action X and action Y are different actions of the store clerk.

[0120] (Working Example)

[0121] An operation example of the data processing system S configured as above will be described.

[0122] Here, server 1 and Figure 2 The registration device 2 - 1 , the checkout device 3 - 1 , the checkout device 3 - 2 , and the imaging device 4 - 1 are described as examples.

[0123] It should be noted that the processing steps described below are only examples, and each process can be changed as much as possible. In addition, regarding the processing steps described below, steps can be appropriately omitted, replaced, and added according to the embodiment.

[0124] (First working example)

[0125] A first working example is described.

[0126] The first working example is an example in which the server 1 stores checkout data and outputs destination information.

[0127] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for explaining a first operation example of the data processing system S.

[0128] The registration device 2 - 1 generates first transaction data based on the registration of the commodity in one transaction of the customer UB and outputs the first transaction data to the server 1 .

[0129] The camera 4-1 detects the action of the store clerk UA based on the captured data. The camera 4-1 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the second checkout data based on the action of the store clerk UA. Here, assuming that the store clerk UA makes a motion of extending his right hand, the camera 4-1 determines the checkout device 3-1 as the output destination among the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2. The camera 4-1 outputs the output destination information indicating that the checkout device 3-1 is the output destination to the server 1.

[0130] The server 1 obtains the first transaction data from the registration device 2-1. Based on the acquisition of the first transaction data, the server 1 stores the second transaction data based on the first transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12. The server 1 obtains the output destination information from the imaging device 4-1. Based on the acquisition of the output destination information, the server 1 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 12.

[0131] The server 1 periodically and repeatedly obtains inquiries from the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2. The inquiry is a signal for confirming whether there is checkout data with the checkout device as the output destination. The inquiry may also be a signal requesting that the checkout data with the checkout device as the output destination exist. Based on the inquiry from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination to the server 1, the server 1 outputs the second checkout data to the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination. It should be noted that in this case, even if the server 1 obtains an inquiry from the checkout device 3-2 to the server 1, the second checkout data will not be output to the checkout device 3-2.

[0132] The processing of the registration device 2 - 1 in the first working example will be described.

[0133] Fig. 9 : is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the processor 20 of the registration device 2 - 1 in the first working example.

[0134] The registration processing unit 202 registers a commodity based on a commodity registration operation of a transaction commodity using the scanner 24 or the input device 25 performed by the store clerk UA (ACT 1). In ACT 1, for example, the registration processing unit 202 obtains commodity data from the auxiliary storage device 22 or the server 1 based on a code that can identify the commodity input using the scanner 24 or the input device 25. The registration processing unit 202 registers the commodity data in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0135] The registration processing unit 202 detects that the clerk UA presses the subtotal key using the input device 25 (ACT 2). The subtotal key is a key for inputting an instruction related to the end of the commodity registration of one transaction in order to calculate the requested amount of one transaction. Pressing the subtotal key is an example of inputting an instruction related to the end of the commodity registration of one transaction. In the case where the subtotal key is not pressed in the registration device 2-1 (ACT 2, No), the registration processing unit 202 continues the processing of ACT 1. In the case where the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1 (ACT 2, Yes), the processing is transferred from ACT 2 to ACT 3.

[0136] When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the communication processing unit 201 outputs a registration end notification (ACT3) from the registration device 2-1 to the camera 4-1. The registration end notification is a notification related to the end of the registration of a commodity for a transaction in the registration device 2-1. For example, the registration end notification is a notification indicating that the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1. The notification may also be replaced by a signal.

[0137] When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the registration processing unit 202 generates first transaction data based on the product registration of one transaction by the customer UB (ACT 4). In ACT 4, for example, the registration processing unit 202 generates first transaction data based on the product data of each registered product 92 of one transaction.

[0138] When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2 - 1 , the communication processing unit 201 outputs the first transaction data from the registration device 2 - 1 to the server 1 ( ACT 5 ).

[0139] The processing of the imaging device 4 - 1 in the first working example is described.

[0140] Fig.10 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of processing performed by the processor 40 of the imaging device 4 - 1 in the first working example.

[0141] The communication processing unit 401 acquires a registration completion notification from the registration device 2 - 1 (ACT 11 ).

[0142] The detection unit 403 detects the action of the clerk UA based on the captured data (ACT 12). In ACT 12, for example, the detection unit 403 detects the action of the clerk UA based on the acquisition of the registration completion notification by the communication processing unit 401. Therefore, the detection unit 403 detects the action of the clerk UA based on the captured data after the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1. It is assumed that the clerk UA makes a motion of extending his right hand.

[0143] The determination unit 404 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the second checkout data based on the action of the store clerk UA based on the captured data detected by the detection unit 403 (ACT 13). In ACT 13, for example, the determination unit 404 determines the checkout device 3 associated with the store clerk UA detected by the detection unit 403 in the device association data as the checkout device 3 of the output destination. The determination unit 404 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination based on the acquisition of the registration completion notification by the communication processing unit 401. Therefore, the determination unit 404 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination based on the action of the store clerk UA after pressing the subtotal key in the registration device 2-1. The checkout device 3 of the output destination of the second checkout data is the checkout device 3-1.

[0144] When the identification unit 404 identifies the transaction device 3 as the output destination, the communication processing unit 401 outputs the output destination information indicating that the transaction device 3 - 1 is the output destination from the imaging device 4 - 1 to the server 1 (ACT 14 ).

[0145] The processing of the server 1 in the first working example is described.

[0146] Fig.11: is a flowchart illustrating the steps of processing performed by processor 10 of server 1 in the first working example.

[0147] The communication processing unit 101 obtains the first transaction data from the registration device 2 - 1 (ACT 21 ).

[0148] The storage processing unit 102 stores the second transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12 of the server 1 (ACT 22). In ACT 22, for example, the storage processing unit 102 stores the second transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12 based on the first transaction data. The storage processing unit 102 may store the second transaction data, which is the same data as the first transaction data, in the auxiliary storage device 12. The storage processing unit 102 may store the second transaction data generated based on the first transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12.

[0149] It should be noted that, as described above, when the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the registration device 2-1 outputs the first transaction data to the server 1. The storage processing unit 102 stores the second transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12 based on the acquisition of the first transaction data by the communication processing unit 101. Therefore, when the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the storage processing unit 102 stores the second transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12. The storage processing unit 102 may also store the second transaction data in the main memory 11.

[0150] The communication processing unit 101 obtains output destination information from the imaging device 4 - 1 ( ACT 23 ).

[0151] The storage processing unit 102 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 12 (ACT 24). It should be noted that, as described above, when the checkout device 3 as the output destination is determined by the determination unit 404, the image capture device 4-1 outputs the output destination information to the server 1. The storage processing unit 102 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 12 based on the acquisition of the output destination information by the communication processing unit 101. Therefore, when the checkout device 3 as the output destination is determined by the determination unit 404, the storage processing unit 102 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 12. The storage processing unit 102 may also store the output destination information in the main memory 11.

[0152] The communication processing unit 101 receives inquiries to the server 1 from each of the transaction device 3 - 1 and the transaction device 3 - 2 (ACT 25 ).

[0153] The communication processing unit 101 determines whether the inquiry comes from the output destination based on the output destination information (ACT 26). If the inquiry does not come from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination (ACT 26, No), the communication processing unit 101 continues the process of ACT 25. If the inquiry comes from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination (ACT 26, Yes), the process moves from ACT 26 to ACT 27.

[0154] The communication processing unit 101 outputs the second transaction data from the server 1 to the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination based on the inquiry from the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination to the server 1 (ACT 27). It should be noted that the second transaction data is output after the output destination information is saved. Therefore, the communication processing unit 101 outputs the second transaction data from the server 1 to the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination after the output destination information is saved in the auxiliary storage device 12 by the storage processing unit 102.

[0155] The processing of the checkout device 3 - 1 in the first working example will be described.

[0156] Fig.12 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the processor 30 of the checkout device 3 - 1 in the first working example.

[0157] The communication processing unit 301 periodically outputs a repeated inquiry from the transaction device 3 - 1 to the server 1 (ACT 31 ).

[0158] The communication processing unit 301 obtains the second transaction data from the server 1 as a response to the inquiry (ACT 32). If the communication processing unit 301 does not obtain the second transaction data from the server 1 (ACT 32, No), the communication processing unit 301 continues the process of ACT 31. If the communication processing unit 301 obtains the second transaction data from the server 1 (ACT 32, Yes), the process moves from ACT 32 to ACT 33.

[0159] The checkout processing unit 302 processes the checkout of a transaction based on the second checkout data (ACT 33). In ACT 33, for example, the checkout processing unit 302 processes the checkout of a transaction based on the second checkout data according to the checkout method selected by the customer UB using the input device 38. It should be noted that, when the second checkout data is code data that uniquely represents a transaction, the communication processing unit 301 obtains data required for checkout from the server 1 via the network NW based on the second checkout data.

[0160] It should be noted that the processing of the checkout device 3 - 2 in the first working example is the same as the processing of the checkout device 3 - 1 in the first working example, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0161] In the first operation example, the processor 10 of the server 1 may also realize the same detection unit and determination unit as the detection unit 403 and determination unit 404. In this example, the communication processing unit 101 may also acquire the image data from the image capture device 4-1.

[0162] In the first working example, the data processing system S can include a server 1 having at least a communication processing unit 101 and a storage processing unit 102, and a photographing device 4-1 having at least a determination unit 404. The data processing system S can include a server 1 including at least a communication processing unit 101, a storage processing unit 102, and a determination unit.

[0163] (Second working example)

[0164] A second working example is described.

[0165] The second working example is an example in which the registration device 2 - 1 stores checkout data and outputs destination information. Fig.13 2 is a diagram for explaining a second working example of the data processing system S.

[0166] The camera 4-1 detects the action of the store clerk UA based on the captured data. The camera 4-1 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the first checkout data based on the action of the store clerk UA. Here, assuming that the store clerk UA extends his right hand, the camera 4-1 determines the checkout device 3-1 as the output destination among the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2. The camera 4-1 outputs the output destination information indicating that the checkout device 3-1 is the output destination to the registration device 2-1.

[0167] The registration device 2-1 generates first transaction data based on the commodity registration of a transaction of the customer UB. The registration device 2-1 stores the first transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 22. The registration device 2-1 obtains the output destination information from the imaging device 4-1. The registration device 2-1 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 22 based on the obtained output destination information.

[0168] The registration device 2-1 periodically and repeatedly receives inquiries from the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2. The registration device 2-1 outputs the first checkout data to the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination based on the inquiries from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination. It should be noted that in this case, even if the registration device 2-1 receives the inquiry from the checkout device 3-2 to the registration device 2-1, the first checkout data is not output to the checkout device 3-2.

[0169] The processing of the registration device 2 - 1 in the second working example will be described.

[0170] Fig.14 2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the processor 20 of the registration device 2 - 1 in the second working example.

[0171] The registration processing unit 202 registers the commodity based on the commodity registration operation of the commodity for one transaction by the clerk UA using the scanner 24 or the input device 25 (ACT 41). The processing of ACT 41 is the same as the processing of ACT 1 described above.

[0172] The registration processing unit 202 detects that the clerk UA presses the subtotal key using the input device 25 (ACT 42). The processing of ACT 42 is the same as the processing of ACT 2 described above. When the subtotal key is not pressed in the registration device 2-1 (ACT 42, No), the registration processing unit 202 continues the processing of ACT 41. When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1 (ACT 42, Yes), the processing is transferred from ACT 42 to ACT 43.

[0173] When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the communication processing unit 201 outputs a registration completion notification from the registration device 2-1 to the imaging device 4-1 (ACT 43). The processing in ACT 43 is the same as the processing in ACT 3.

[0174] When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2 - 1 , the registration processing unit 202 generates first transaction data based on the registration of products for one transaction by the customer UB (ACT 44 ). The processing of ACT 44 is the same as the processing of ACT 4 described above.

[0175] When the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2 - 1 , the storage processing unit 203 stores the first transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 22 (ACT 45 ). The storage processing unit 203 may store the first transaction data in the main memory 21 .

[0176] The communication processing unit 201 obtains output destination information from the imaging device 4 - 1 ( ACT 46 ).

[0177] The storage processing unit 203 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 22 (ACT 47). It should be noted that, when the checkout device 3 of the output destination is determined by the determination unit 404, the imaging device 4-1 outputs the output destination information to the registration device 2-1. The storage processing unit 203 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 22 based on the acquisition of the output destination information by the communication processing unit 201. Therefore, when the checkout device 3 of the output destination is determined by the determination unit 404, the storage processing unit 203 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 22. The storage processing unit 203 may also store the output destination information in the main memory 21.

[0178] The communication processing unit 201 receives inquiries to the registration device 2 - 1 from each of the transaction device 3 - 1 and the transaction device 3 - 2 (ACT 48 ).

[0179] The communication processing unit 201 determines whether the inquiry comes from the output destination based on the output destination information (ACT 49). If the inquiry does not come from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination (ACT 49, No), the communication processing unit 201 continues the process of ACT 48. If the inquiry comes from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination (ACT 49, Yes), the process moves from ACT 49 to ACT 50.

[0180] The communication processing unit 201 outputs the first transaction data from the registration device 2-1 to the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination based on the inquiry from the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination to the registration device 2-1 (ACT 50). It should be noted that the output of the first transaction data is after the storage of the output destination information. Therefore, the communication processing unit 201 outputs the first transaction data from the registration device 2-1 to the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination based on the inquiry from the transaction device 3-1 at the output destination to the registration device 2-1 after the storage processing unit 203 has stored the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0181] The processing of the imaging device 4 - 1 in the second working example is described.

[0182] The processing performed by the image pickup device 4-1 in the second working example is the same as that performed by the image pickup device 4-1 in the second working example except for the following points: Fig.10 The processing performed by the imaging device 4-1 in the first working example described in the illustrated flowchart is the same. In ACT 13, the determination unit 404 determines the checkout device 3 as the output destination of the second checkout data in the first working example, but determines the checkout device 3 as the output destination of the first checkout data in the second working example. In ACT 14, the communication processing unit 401 outputs the output destination information to the server 1 in the first working example, but outputs the output destination information to the registration device 2-1 in the second working example.

[0183] The processing of the checkout device 3 - 1 in the second working example will be described.

[0184] The processing of the checkout device 3-1 in the second working example is the same as that of the user except for the following points: Fig.12The processing of the checkout device 3-1 in the first working example described in the illustrated flowchart is the same. In ACT31, the communication processing unit 301 outputs an inquiry to the server 1 in the first working example, but outputs an inquiry to the registration device 2-1 in the second working example. It should be noted that in the second working example, the communication processing unit 301 can determine the registration device 2-1 as the registration device 2 with which the checkout device 3-1 among the multiple registration devices 2 communicates based on the communication destination information stored in the auxiliary storage device 32. In ACT32, the communication processing unit 301 obtains the second checkout data from the server 1 in the first working example, but obtains the first checkout data from the registration device 2-1 in the second working example. In ACT33, the checkout processing unit 302 processes the checkout of a transaction based on the second checkout data in the first working example, but processes the checkout of a transaction based on the first checkout data in the second working example.

[0185] It should be noted that the processing of the checkout device 3 - 2 in the second working example is the same as the processing of the checkout device 3 - 1 in the second working example, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0186] It should be noted that in the second operation example, the processor 20 of the registration device 2-1 may also implement the same detection unit and determination unit as the detection unit 403 and determination unit 404. In this example, the communication processing unit 201 may also obtain the image data from the image capture device 4-1.

[0187] In the second working example, the data processing system S may include a registration device 2-1 having at least a communication processing unit 201 and a storage processing unit 203, and a photographing device 4-1 having at least a determination unit 404. The data processing system S may include a registration device 2-1 having at least a communication processing unit 201, a storage processing unit 203, and a determination unit.

[0188] (Third working example)

[0189] The third working example is described.

[0190] The third working example is an example in which the photographing device 4 - 1 stores checkout data and outputs destination information. Fig.15 3 is a diagram for explaining a third working example of the data processing system S.

[0191] The registration device 2-1 generates first transaction data based on the registration of a commodity in a transaction by the customer UB. The registration device 2-1 outputs the first transaction data to the imaging device 4-1.

[0192] The camera 4-1 obtains the first checkout data from the registration device 2-1. Based on the acquisition of the first checkout data, the camera 4-1 stores the third checkout data based on the first checkout data in the auxiliary storage device 32. The camera 4-1 detects the action of the clerk UA based on the captured data. The camera 4-1 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the third checkout data based on the action of the clerk UA. The camera 4-1 stores the output destination information in the auxiliary storage device 42.

[0193] The camera 4-1 periodically and repeatedly obtains inquiries from the checkout device 3-1 and the checkout device 3-2. Based on the inquiry from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination, the camera 4-1 outputs the third checkout data to the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination. It should be noted that in this case, even if the camera 4-1 obtains an inquiry from the checkout device 3-2 to the camera 4-1, the third checkout data is not output to the checkout device 3-2.

[0194] The processing of the registration device 2 - 1 in the third working example is described.

[0195] The processing performed by the registration device 2-1 in the third working example is the same as that performed by the user except for the following points: Fig. 9 The processing performed by the registration device 2-1 in the first operation example described in the flowchart is the same. In ACT 5, the communication processing unit 201 outputs the first transaction data to the server 1 in the first operation example, but outputs the first transaction data to the imaging device 4-1 in the third operation example.

[0196] The processing of the imaging device 4 - 1 in the third working example is described.

[0197] Fig.16 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the processor 40 of the imaging device 4 - 1 in the third working example.

[0198] The communication processing unit 401 obtains a registration completion notification from the registration device 2-1 (ACT 51). The process of ACT 51 is the same as the process of ACT 11 described above.

[0199] The communication processing unit 401 obtains the first transaction data from the registration device 2 - 1 (ACT 52 ).

[0200] The storage processing unit 402 stores the third transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 42 of the image capture device 4-1 (ACT 53). In ACT 53, for example, the storage processing unit 402 stores the third transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 42 based on the second transaction data. The storage processing unit 402 may store the third transaction data, which is the same data as the first transaction data, in the auxiliary storage device 42.

[0201] It should be noted that, as described above, when the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the registration device 2-1 outputs the first transaction data to the imaging device 4-1. The storage processing unit 402 stores the third transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 42 based on the acquisition of the first transaction data by the communication processing unit 401. Therefore, when the subtotal key is pressed in the registration device 2-1, the storage processing unit 402 stores the third transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 42. The storage processing unit 402 may also store the third transaction data in the main memory 41.

[0202] The detection unit 403 detects the action of the store clerk UA based on the captured data (ACT 54 ).

[0203] The identification unit 404 identifies the checkout device 3 to which the second checkout data is to be output based on the action of the store clerk UA based on the captured data detected by the detection unit 403 (ACT 55 ). The process of ACT 55 is the same as the process of ACT 13 described above.

[0204] When the identification unit 404 identifies the transaction device 3 as the output destination, the storage processing unit 402 stores the output destination information indicating that the transaction device 3 - 1 is the output destination in the auxiliary storage device 42 (ACT 56 ). The storage processing unit 402 may store the output destination information in the main memory 41 .

[0205] The communication processing unit 401 receives inquiries to the imaging device 4 - 1 from each of the transaction device 3 - 1 and the transaction device 3 - 2 (ACT 57 ).

[0206] The communication processing unit 401 determines whether the inquiry comes from the output destination based on the output destination information (ACT 58). If the inquiry does not come from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination (ACT 58, No), the communication processing unit 401 continues the process of ACT 57. If the inquiry comes from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination (ACT 58, Yes), the process moves from ACT 58 to ACT 59.

[0207] The communication processing unit 401 outputs the third checkout data from the camera 4-1 to the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination based on the inquiry from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination to the camera 4-1 (ACT 59). It should be noted that the output of the third checkout data is after the output destination information is saved. Therefore, the communication processing unit 401 outputs the third checkout data from the camera 4-1 to the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination based on the inquiry from the checkout device 3-1 at the output destination after the output destination information is saved in the auxiliary storage device 42 by the storage processing unit 402.

[0208] The processing of the checkout device 3 - 1 in the third working example will be described.

[0209] The processing of the checkout device 3-1 in the third working example is the same as that of the method using Fig.12 The processing of the checkout device 3-1 in the first working example described in the illustrated flowchart is the same. In ACT31, the communication processing unit 301 outputs an inquiry to the server 1 in the first working example, but outputs an inquiry to the camera 4-1 in the third working example. It should be noted that in the third working example, the communication processing unit 301 can determine the camera 4-1 as the camera 4 with which the checkout device 3-1 among the multiple cameras 4 communicates based on the communication destination information stored in the auxiliary storage device 32. In ACT32, the communication processing unit 301 obtains the second checkout data from the server 1 in the first working example, but obtains the third checkout data from the camera 4-1 in the third working example. In ACT33, the checkout processing unit 302 processes the checkout of a transaction based on the second checkout data in the first working example, but processes the checkout of a transaction based on the third checkout data in the third working example.

[0210] In the third working example, the data processing system S can include an imaging device 4 - 1 including at least a communication processing unit 401 , a storage processing unit 402 , and a determination unit 404 .

[0211] (Effect)

[0212] The data processing system of the embodiment includes a storage processing unit that stores data related to a transaction based on a commodity registration in a registration device in a storage unit of the registration device or an electronic device different from the registration device. The data processing system includes a determination unit that determines a checkout device of an output destination of the data related to the transaction based on an action of a user of the registration device based on the sensing data. When the checkout device of the output destination is determined by the determination unit, the storage processing unit stores information indicating the checkout device of the output destination in the storage unit.

[0213] The data processing system can make the storage unit storing data related to a transaction store information of an output destination determined according to the actions of the store clerk without requiring the store clerk to operate the registration device for specifying the checkout device. The data processing system can appropriately manage the output destination of the data related to a transaction by storing the data related to a transaction and the information of the checkout device indicating the output destination in the storage unit. The store clerk can omit the operation of the checkout device for specifying the customer to check out after confirming the status of multiple checkout devices by visual inspection or the like. Therefore, the data processing system can reduce the burden of the store clerk operating the registration device.

[0214] The data processing system of the embodiment includes a communication processing unit that outputs data related to one transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination to the electronic device.

[0215] The data processing system outputs data related to a transaction based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination, and therefore does not output data related to a transaction to a checkout device that is not the output destination. Therefore, the data processing system can appropriately manage the movement of data related to a transaction from the registration device to the checkout device.

[0216] In the data processing system of the embodiment, the communication processing unit obtains inquiries to the electronic device from multiple checkout devices, and based on the inquiries from the checkout device at the output destination among the multiple checkout devices to the electronic device, outputs data related to a transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination.

[0217] Even if the data processing system receives inquiries from multiple checkout devices, it outputs data related to one transaction to the checkout device of the output destination among the multiple checkout devices. Therefore, the data processing system can appropriately manage the movement of data related to one transaction from the registration device to the checkout device.

[0218] In the data processing system of the embodiment, the communication processing unit outputs data related to a transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination to the electronic device after the storage processing unit stores information indicating the checkout device at the output destination in the storage unit. The data processing system does not output data related to a transaction before storing the information of the output destination in the storage unit. Therefore, the data processing system can appropriately manage the movement of data related to a transaction from the registration device to the checkout device.

[0219] In the data processing system of the embodiment, when an instruction related to the end of commodity registration of a transaction is inputted into the registration device, the storage processing unit stores data related to the transaction in the storage unit. The determination unit determines the checkout device of the output destination according to the action of the user after the instruction is inputted into the registration device.

[0220] Since the clerk performs an action to designate the checkout device of the output destination after inputting an instruction related to the completion of the commodity registration of a transaction, the data processing system determines the checkout device of the output destination based on the clerk's action after inputting the instruction, and is therefore able to appropriately determine the checkout device of the output destination.

[0221] The data processing system of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be expressed as follows.

[0222] (1) A data processing system comprising: a storage processing unit that stores data related to a transaction based on a commodity registration in a registration device in a storage unit of the registration device or an electronic device different from the registration device; and a determination unit that determines a checkout device as an output destination of the data related to the transaction based on an action of a user of the registration device based on sensing data, wherein, when the checkout device as the output destination is determined by the determination unit, the storage processing unit stores information indicating the checkout device as the output destination in the storage unit.

[0223] (2) The data processing system described in (1) further includes a communication processing unit that outputs the data related to the transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination to the electronic device.

[0224] (3) In the data processing system described in (1) or (2), the communication processing unit obtains inquiries to the electronic device from multiple checkout devices respectively, and based on the inquiries made to the electronic device by the checkout device at the output destination among the multiple checkout devices, outputs data related to the transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination.

[0225] (4) In the data processing system described in any one of (1) to (3), the communication processing unit outputs data related to the transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination to the electronic device after the storage processing unit saves information representing the checkout device at the output destination in the storage unit.

[0226] (5) In the data processing system described in any one of (1) to (4), when an instruction related to the end of the registration of the goods for the transaction is input into the registration device, the storage processing unit stores the data related to the transaction in the storage unit, and the determination unit determines the checkout device of the output destination based on the action of the user after the instruction is input into the registration device.

[0227] (Other embodiments)

[0228] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the determination unit 404 determines the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the checkout data based on the clerk's action based on the photographed data, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The determination unit 404 may also determine the checkout device 3 of the output destination of the checkout data based on the clerk's action based on the sensed data. The sensed data may also include sound data acquired by the microphone 45. In this example, the clerk's action may be the clerk's speech. The sound data may include sound data based on the clerk's speech.

[0229] In the above embodiment, an example in which the server 1 is implemented by one electronic device is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The server 1 may be implemented by a system in which functions are distributed among a plurality of electronic devices.

[0230] The above embodiments are not only applicable to data processing systems, but also to methods executed by data processing systems. The above embodiments are also applicable to programs that enable a computer to execute the processing of each part of a data processing system. The above embodiments are not only applicable to electronic devices such as servers, registration devices, checkout devices, and camera devices, but also to methods executed by electronic devices. The above embodiments are also applicable to programs that enable a computer to execute the processing of each part of an electronic device.

[0231] The data processing system may include one electronic device or multiple electronic devices. Therefore, each component included in the data processing system may be implemented by one electronic device or distributed across multiple electronic devices.

[0232] The program can be transferred in a state stored in an electronic device or in a state not stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network or in a state recorded in a recording medium. A recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. A recording medium is an electronic device readable medium. The recording medium can be any form of medium as long as it can store a program and can be read by an electronic device, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

[0233] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention are described, but the above embodiments are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the schemes recorded in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A data processing system comprising: a storage processing unit that stores data related to a transaction based on the commodity registration in the registration device in a storage unit of the registration device or an electronic device different from the registration device; and a determination unit that determines a checkout device as an output destination of data related to the transaction based on an action of a user of the registration device based on the sensing data, in, When the identification unit identifies the transaction device as the delivery destination, the storage processing unit stores information indicating the transaction device as the delivery destination in the storage unit.

2. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The device further includes a communication processing unit configured to output data related to the transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination to the electronic device.

3. The data processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The communication processing unit obtains inquiries to the electronic device from multiple checkout devices, and based on the inquiries from the checkout device at the output destination among the multiple checkout devices to the electronic device, outputs data related to the transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination.

4. The data processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The communication processing unit outputs data related to the transaction from the electronic device to the checkout device at the output destination based on an inquiry from the checkout device at the output destination to the electronic device after the storage processing unit saves information indicating the checkout device at the output destination in the storage unit.

5. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein: When an instruction related to the completion of the commodity registration of the one transaction is inputted into the registration device, the storage processing unit stores the data related to the one transaction in the storage unit, The specifying unit specifies the transaction device as the output destination based on an action of the user after inputting the instruction in the registration device.

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