Gate device

Abstract

The invention discloses a gate device which can monitor the state of the gate device even if no shop assistant is arranged near the gate device. The gate device comprises a gate mechanism, a luminous body, a switching part and a control part. And a gate mechanism disposed along the passage through which the customer passes. And the luminous body is arranged above the gate mechanism. And a switching unit that switches between a first mode, which is an operation mode of the gate mechanism, and a second mode, which is an operation mode for performing notification when a person passing through the tunnel is detected by a detector that detects a person passing through the tunnel. The second mode is an operation mode in which no notification is made even if a person passing through the channel is detected by the detector. And a control unit that changes the light emission state of the light emitting body between the first mode and the second mode.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from a Japanese application with an application date of January 26, 2024 and an application number of JP2024-010071, and incorporates the content of the above application by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a gate device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, a store system has been developed in which customers operate a mobile terminal by themselves in a sales floor where goods are displayed to register for the purchase of goods, and the customers also operate a checkout machine by themselves in a checkout area provided separately from the sales floor to check out the purchased goods. By introducing such a store system in large retail stores such as supermarkets, it is possible to alleviate the congestion in the checkout area. In addition, since the number of clerks (staff) responsible for checkout can be reduced, labor costs can also be cut.

[0004] However, since the clerks do not participate in the settlement, there is a concern that improper behavior such as customers leaving the store without settling the bill may easily occur. Therefore, it is being considered to install a gate device that allows customers to pass through at the exit passage leading to the checkout area. However, when a gate device is installed, clerks need to respond when customers cannot pass through, etc. The clerks must wait near the gate device to monitor the state of the gate device, which results in low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gate device that can monitor the state of the device without arranging a clerk near the device.

[0006] To solve the above problems, in an embodiment, the gate device includes a gate mechanism, a light emitter, a switching unit, and a control unit. The gate mechanism is arranged along a passage through which customers pass. The light emitter is provided above the gate mechanism. The switching unit switches between a first mode and a second mode as the operation mode of the gate mechanism. The first mode is an operation mode in which a detector that detects a person passing through the passage notifies when a person passing through the passage is detected. The second mode is an operation mode in which no notification is made even when a person passing through the passage is detected by the detector. The control unit changes the light emission state of the light emitter when it is in the first mode and when it is in the second mode.

[0007] According to the above gate device, the clerk can identify the state of the gate device based on the light emission state of the light emitter.

[0008] In the above-mentioned gate device, it further includes: a settlement unit that settles the transaction with the customer upstream of the passage. Among them, when the settlement is performed by the settlement unit, the control unit further changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned gate device, it is possible to identify the state where settlement is being performed by the settlement unit based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0010] In the above-mentioned gate device, when an event of calling a store clerk occurs during settlement by the settlement unit, the control unit further changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned gate device, it is possible to identify the state where an event of calling a store clerk has occurred based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0012] In the above-mentioned gate device, the event of calling a store clerk includes an error occurring in the settlement unit. The control unit further changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body according to the level of the error.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned gate device, it is possible to identify the level of the error occurring in the settlement unit based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0014] In the above-mentioned gate device, when in the first mode, when a person passing through the passage is detected by the detector, the control unit further changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned gate device, it is possible to identify the situation of illegal passage based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body.

[0016] In the above-mentioned gate device, the light-emitting body is a warning light provided at the top of the column, and the column is vertically arranged in a direction perpendicular to the road surface of the passage.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned gate device, it is possible to identify the state of the gate device based on the light-emitting state of the warning light.

[0018] In the above-mentioned gate device, when it is determined that settlement is completed by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device, the switching unit switches the operation mode to the second mode.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned gate device, it is possible to allow a person who has settled by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device to pass through.

[0020] In the above gate device, when it is determined that settlement is completed by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device, it is determined whether the payment method is non-cash settlement. In the case of non-cash settlement, the switching unit does not switch the operation mode to the second mode, and the control unit changes the state of the light emitter to a state of calling a store clerk. In the case of non-non-cash settlement, the switching unit switches the operation mode to the second mode.

[0021] According to the above gate device, it is possible to identify from the light emission state of the light emitter that the payment method using a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device is non-cash settlement.

[0022] In the above gate device, when settlement processing is completed by the settlement unit, the switching unit switches the operation mode to the second mode without determining whether the payment method is non-cash settlement.

[0023] According to the above gate device, in the case where settlement is completed by the settlement unit of the gate device, it is possible to pass through the gate device without calling a store clerk.

[0024] In the above gate device, multiple checkout machines are connected to one said gate device via a network. The control unit, when in the first mode, when a person passing through the passage is detected by the detector, sends instruction information to all the checkout machines in the store to cause the light emitters of the checkout machines to change in the same way as the change in the light emission state of the light emitter of the gate device.

[0025] According to the above gate device, store clerks in the store can easily notice improper behavior and go to the gate device to respond. Even if no store clerk is arranged near the gate device, the state of the device can be monitored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the schematic structure of the store system according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the main data recorded in the transaction document.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the main circuit structure of the gate device.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of the gate mechanism.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the main functional structure of the processor of the gate device.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing the sequence of the main information processing executed by the processor of the gate device.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing the order of main information processing executed by the processor of the gate device.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing the order of main information processing executed by the processor of the gate device.

[0034] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the non-passable image and the warning light.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the warning image and the warning light.

[0036] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the confirmation-in-progress image and the warning light.

[0037] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the store clerk call image and the warning light.

[0038] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the permission-to-pass image and the warning light.

[0039] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the passage error image and the warning light.

[0040] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing an example of the states of the checkout-in-progress image and the warning light.

[0041] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram of the state transition of the warning light in this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram of the state transition of the warning light in other embodiments.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals

[0044] 10 Store system 11 Mobile terminal 12 Mobile server

[0045] 14 Access point 16 Transaction file

[0046] 21 Checkout machine 21-1 First checkout machine 21-2 Second checkout machine

[0047] 22 Store server 23 Attendant terminal

[0048] 40 Gate mechanism 41 Person detection sensor 42 Warning light

[0049] 43 LED 44 Speaker 45 Display

[0050] 51 Processor, 56 Touch panel, 57 Fixed scanner

[0051] 58 Printer, 511 Settlement department, 512 Switching department

[0052] 513 Control department Detailed implementation mode

[0053] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gate device that can monitor the state of the device without arranging a store clerk near the device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0054] In addition, this embodiment illustrates a gate device of a store system, in which a customer as a person to be traded operates a mobile terminal by himself / herself to register purchased goods, and the customer also operates a cash register by himself / herself to settle the purchased goods. First, the store system will be described.

[0055] [Summary description of the store system]

[0056] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the schematic structure of a store system 100 according to an embodiment. The store system 100 includes a store system 10 built in a sales floor where goods are displayed and a checkout area system 20 built in a checkout area separated from the sales floor.

[0057] The store system 10 includes a plurality of mobile terminals 11 and a mobile server 12. The store system 10 wirelessly connects the plurality of mobile terminals 11 and the mobile server 12 via an access point 14 of a communication network 13.

[0058] The mobile terminal 11 is a portable information terminal including input / output devices such as a touch panel and a camera and a wireless communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the access point 14. The mobile terminal 11 can be, for example, a smart phone held by a customer, a handheld terminal lent by a store, a tablet terminal installed on a shopping cart, etc. For example, in the case of a smart phone, by installing an application software (so-called shopping application program) for supporting a customer to shop in a store introducing the store system 10, it serves as the mobile terminal 11.

[0059] The operator of the mobile terminal 11 is a customer who collects purchased goods while moving in the sales floor. Each time the customer picks up a purchased good, the customer operates the mobile terminal 11 and inputs data related to the purchased good. For example, the customer scans the barcode of the purchased good through the camera of the mobile terminal 11, thereby inputting the product code of the purchased good. For example, the customer inputs the product code, purchase quantity, etc. of the purchased good by operating the touch panel of the mobile terminal 11. The data related to the purchased good input into the mobile terminal 11 is wirelessly transmitted and received by the mobile server 12 via the access point 14.

[0060] The mobile server 12 is a computer for supporting transactions with customers who use the mobile terminal 11 and register for the purchase of goods. The mobile server 12 has a storage area for storing a plurality of transaction files 16. The transaction file 16 is a data file created in each transaction with a customer who uses the mobile terminal 11.

[0061] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the main data recorded in the transaction file 16. As Figure 2 shown, the transaction file 16 records a transaction number, a transaction date and time, one or more product sales data, total data, payment data, a settlement completion flag Fa, etc.

[0062] The transaction number is a unique number issued for uniquely identifying a transaction using the mobile terminal 11. For example, the transaction number is a consecutive number incremented by "1" each time a transaction using the mobile terminal 11 starts. The transaction number can be a consecutive number incremented by "1" each time a checkout for instructing a transaction using the mobile terminal 11 is performed. The transaction number can be a unique number based on other algorithms.

[0063] The transaction date and time are the date and time when the transaction is carried out. The time can be either the start time of the transaction or the time for instructing the checkout of the transaction.

[0064] The product sales data is created based on data related to the purchased product input into the mobile terminal 11. The product sales data includes the product code of the purchased product, the price, the purchased quantity, the purchase amount, etc. The product code is the identification code of the purchased product input into the mobile terminal 11. The price is obtained from a PLU (Price LookUp) file, and the PLU is associated with the product code of each product and sets the price of the product. The purchased quantity is the quantity when the purchased quantity is input into the mobile terminal 11, and is "1" when the purchased quantity is not input. The purchase amount is the amount calculated by multiplying the price by the purchased quantity.

[0065] The total data consists of data on the total quantity and the total amount. The total quantity is the sum of the purchased quantities of the product sales data included in the transaction file 16. The total amount is the sum of the purchase amounts of the product sales data included in the transaction file 16.

[0066] Payment data includes a payment type for identifying a payment method (a payment method used in settlement) for the purchase price and an amount to be paid through the payment method. The payment type includes non-cash settlements such as electronic money settlement, credit card settlement, code settlement, etc. and cash-based settlement. It may also include settlement based on gift vouchers. When settling a transaction specified by a transaction number in the checkout machine 21 and the mobile terminal 11 described later, the mobile server 12 receives the payment type, the payment amount, and information indicating that the settlement has been completed from the checkout machine 21 and the mobile terminal 11. The mobile server 12 records the payment data in the transaction file 16.

[0067] The settlement completion flag Fa is 1-bit data for identifying whether the settlement of the transaction managed by the transaction file 16 has been completed. In this embodiment, the settlement completion flag Fa indicating that the settlement is not completed is set to "0", and the settlement completion flag Fa indicating that the settlement has been completed is set to "1". When the mobile server 12 receives information indicating that the settlement has been completed from the checkout machine 21 and the mobile terminal 11, it sets the settlement completion flag Fa to 1.

[0068] Return to Figure 1 the description of

[0069] The customer who has finished shopping operates the mobile terminal 11 to indicate checkout. By performing the operation of indicating checkout, a machine-readable code for checkout is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 11. The machine-readable code is, for example, a bar code or a QR code. In this embodiment, the machine-readable code is a bar code. Hereinafter, the machine-readable code (bar code) for checkout is referred to as a checkout bar code. The checkout bar code includes information for identifying the transaction file 16. The information is, for example, a transaction number. The customer can use the checkout machine 21 for checkout by using the scanner of the checkout machine 21 to read the checkout bar code. The payment method for settlement in the checkout machine 21 can select cash-based settlement in addition to non-cash settlements such as electronic money settlement, credit card settlement, code settlement, etc. And settlement based on gift vouchers such as commodity vouchers can also be selected.

[0070] In addition, when an application software for non-cash settlement, that is, a settlement application program, is installed on the mobile terminal 11, the mobile terminal 11 can be used for settlement. The settlement is a non-cash settlement such as electronic money settlement, credit card settlement, code settlement, etc. When the customer performs an operation for non-cash settlement on the mobile terminal 11, payment data is wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal 11. The payment data includes a payment type indicating the payment method for the purchase price and a payment amount. For example, when a consumer uses electronic money for non-cash settlement, payment data including information indicating the payment type of electronic money and the payment amount based on electronic money is wirelessly transmitted. The wirelessly transmitted payment data is received by the mobile server 12 via the access point 14.

[0071] When the checkout machine 21 and the mobile terminal 11 complete the settlement, they send payment data and information indicating that the settlement has been completed to the mobile server 12.

[0072] The checkout area system 20 includes multiple checkout machines 21, a store server 22, and a staff terminal 23. The checkout area system 20 connects the multiple checkout machines 21, the store server 22, and the staff terminal 23 through a communication network 24. The communication network 24 is, for example, a LAN. Additionally, although only one staff terminal 23 is shown in Figure 1 the checkout area system 20 can be configured by connecting two or more staff terminals 23 to the communication network 24.

[0073] The checkout area system 20 connects a communication server 31 to the communication network 24. The sales floor system 10 connects a communication server 32 to the communication network 13. The store system 100 connects the communication server 31 and the communication server 32 through an inter-server network 30. Through this connection, data can be sent and received between each checkout machine 21 and the store server 22 in the checkout area system 20, and between each mobile terminal 11 and the mobile server 12 in the sales floor system 10.

[0074] The checkout machine 21 includes a first checkout machine 21-1 provided with a gate mechanism 40 and multiple second checkout machines 21-2 not provided with the gate mechanism 40. The first checkout machine 21-1 provided with the gate mechanism 40 is an example of a gate device. The gate device, that is, the first checkout machine 21-1 provided with the gate mechanism 40, will be described in detail later. The first checkout machine 21-1 and the second checkout machines 21-2 can send and receive data to and from each other via the communication network. The number of the first checkout machine 21-1 and the second checkout machines 21-2 can be changed according to the application of the store. For example, in the case of a shopping mall with multiple floors, one first checkout machine 21-1 and multiple second checkout machines 21-2 can be provided on each floor. In the case of a small-scale store, it is preferable to have one gate device so that the state of the gate device can be monitored without arranging a store clerk near the gate device.

[0075] The second checkout machine 21-2 is a device for settling transactions made by customers who operate the mobile terminal 11 and self-register the purchased goods. The second checkout machine 21-2 can directly apply known checkout machines collectively referred to as POS (Point Of Sales) terminals, settlement terminals, etc. A typical second checkout machine 21-2 is a self-service checkout machine in which customers themselves perform operations for settling transactions. The second checkout machine 21-2 can also be a face-to-face checkout machine in which a store clerk performs operations for settling transactions.

[0076] The hardware structure of the second checkout machine 21-2 is the same as the structure obtained by removing the gate mechanism 40 from the hardware structure of the first checkout machine. Additionally, the second checkout machine 21-2 may also have a warning light 42 that is part of the structure of the gate mechanism 40. That is to say, the second checkout machine 21-2 can add a warning light to the hardware structure of the first checkout machine. The processor of the second checkout machine 21-2 controls the warning light.

[0077] The second checkout machine 21-2 includes a scanner for reading checkout barcodes. By reading the checkout barcode with the scanner, the second checkout machine 21-2 obtains the transaction document 16 identified by the information of the checkout barcode from the mobile server 12. Then, the second checkout machine 21-2 settles the transaction based on the data in the transaction document 16. In addition to the non-cash settlements such as electronic money settlement, credit card settlement, and code settlement as described above, the payment method for settlement can also select cash-based settlement. And it is possible to select settlement based on gift vouchers such as merchandise vouchers.

[0078] Each time a transaction is settled, the second checkout machine 21-2 issues a receipt recording details of the transaction such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, merchandise sales data, total data, payment data, etc. Then, the second checkout machine 21-2 prints the checkout barcode read by the scanner on the receipt.

[0079] The receipt can be displayed in the form of an electronic receipt on the mobile terminal 11 held by the customer. The electronic receipt is the same as the paper-based receipt and includes information recording details of the transaction such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, merchandise sales data, total data, payment data, etc. Then, the checkout barcode is also displayed on the electronic receipt. Additionally, only the checkout barcode can be displayed on the mobile terminal 11 without displaying the information recording the details of the transaction.

[0080] The store server 22 is a computer for services such as managing information on store sales, inventory, etc. at the time of merchandise sales by collecting and aggregating data of transactions settled in each checkout machine 21 via the communication network 24.

[0081] The attendant terminal 23 is installed at the attendant counter which is part of the checkout area, so that a store clerk called an attendant can be stationed there. The attendant terminal 23 includes a display device for the clerk to monitor the content input to each checkout machine 21, etc. Specifically, the attendant terminal 23 displays in real time on the display device the information processed by each checkout machine 21 corresponding to each checkout machine 21. The information displayed on the display device includes the merchandise sales data of the transactions settled by the checkout machine 21, such as the merchandise name, price, quantity, etc. In addition, the total amount of the transaction (settlement amount), the amount of payment for the goods corresponding to each payment method, etc. are displayed on the display device. The attendant terminal 23 can be a handheld terminal carried by the clerk. By using the attendant terminal 23 as a handheld terminal, the clerk does not need to be stationed at the attendant counter.

[0082] [Structural description of the gate device]

[0083] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the main circuit structure of the first checkout machine 21-1 and the gate mechanism 40 that make up the gate device. The first checkout machine 21-1 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a clock 54, a communication interface 55, a touch panel 56, a fixed scanner 57, a printer 58, a scanner interface 59, a card reader interface 60, a change dispenser interface 61, a gate mechanism interface 62, and a system transmission line 63, etc. The system transmission line 63 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission line 63 connects the processor 51 and other parts, and transmits the data signals exchanged between them.

[0084] The first checkout machine 21-1 forms a computer by connecting the processor 51 to the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, the clock 54, and the communication interface 55 with the system transmission line 63. Then, input / output devices such as the touch panel 56, the fixed scanner 57, and the printer 58, and device interfaces such as the scanner interface 59, the card reader interface 60, the change dispenser interface 61, and the gate mechanism interface 62 are connected to the system transmission line 63 and controlled by the computer to realize the functions of the first checkout machine 21-1. In addition, the input / output devices or device interfaces connected to the system transmission line 63 are not limited to the above-mentioned input / output devices or device interfaces. For example, other input / output devices such as a keyboard can be connected, or an interface for a non-cash settlement terminal can be connected.

[0085] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 51 controls each part according to the operating system or application program to realize various functions as a gate device. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 51 is preferably a multi-core processor including multiple processor cores and capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0086] The main memory 52 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 52 includes a non-volatile storage area and a volatile storage area. The main memory 52 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile storage area. The main memory 52 sometimes stores data required for the processor 51 to execute processing for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile storage area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile storage area as a work area where data can be appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. The non-volatile storage area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile storage area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0087] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used as the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 in executing various processes, data created by the processes of the processor 51, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 53 sometimes also stores the above application programs.

[0088] The clock 54 measures the date and time. The processor 51 processes the date and time measured by the clock 54 as the current date and time.

[0089] The communication interface 55 is an interface for data communication with the store server 22, the attendant terminal 23, the communication server 31, the second checkout machine 21-2, etc. connected to the communication network 24.

[0090] The touch panel 56 includes a display that functions as a display device of the first checkout machine 21-1 and a touch sensor that functions as an input device. The touch panel 56 displays various information on the display for a customer or a store clerk who is a user of the first checkout machine 21-1. The touch panel 56 uses the touch sensor to detect a touch operation on the screen of the display and accepts an input based on the touch position.

[0091] The fixed scanner 57 is an input device that scans and reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes or QR codes. The fixed scanner 57 is capable of reading checkout barcodes etc. printed on the receipts issued by the second checkout machine 12-2 or displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 11. The fixed scanner 57 can also read the machine-readable code printed on the ID card carried by the store clerk. A machine-readable code representing the unique identification code of the store clerk, i.e., the store clerk code, is printed on the ID card carried by the store clerk.

[0092] The printer 58 is a printing device for printing and issuing receipts. The receipt is a paper medium that records transaction details such as transaction number, transaction date and time, merchandise sales data, total data, payment data, etc.

[0093] The scanner interface 59 is an interface capable of data communication with the handheld scanner 71 (refer to Figure 4 ). The handheld scanner 71 is a portable scanner and an input device that scans and reads machine-readable codes in the same manner as the fixed scanner 57.

[0094] The card reader interface 60 is an interface capable of data communication with a card reader. The card reader is, for example, an input device that reads data stored in card media such as credit cards, electronic money cards, and point cards. The card reader can be either an IC card reader that reads data of an IC card or a magnetic card reader that reads data of a magnetic card. The IC card reader can be either a contact-type IC card reader or a non-contact-type IC card reader.

[0095] The change machine interface 61 is an interface capable of data communication with an automatic change machine that can perform prepaid payments and dispense change.

[0096] The gate mechanism interface 62 is an interface capable of data communication with the devices included in the gate mechanism 40, such as the human presence sensor 41, warning light 42, LED 43, speaker 44, display 45, etc., respectively.

[0097] [Structural description of the gate mechanism]

[0098] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the gate mechanism 40 corresponding one-to-one to the first checkout machine 21-1. The gate mechanism 40 has a housing 400 in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 400 is arranged along the passage PA, and customers proceed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure in the passage. In the passage PA, the side where the customer advances in the direction of the arrow in the figure is taken as the entrance, and the side where the customer exits is taken as the exit. Customers enter from the entrance, pass through the passage PA and exit from the exit, so that they can exit from the store to the outside of the store. Or, customers can move from one place in the store to another place.

[0099] In the housing 400, one surface arranged along the passage PA among the four surfaces extending upward from the four sides of the surface in contact with the ground of the passage PA is defined as the side surface 401, one surface arranged toward the inside of the store is defined as the front surface 402, and one surface opposite to the surface in contact with the ground of the passage PA is defined as the upper surface 403. Then, the joint portion between the front surface 402 and the upper surface 403 is defined as the folding portion 404 of the first checkout machine 21-1.

[0100] The folding portion 404 holds the printer 58, the fixed scanner 57, and the touch panel 56 of the first checkout machine 21-1. Specifically, the folding portion 404 holds the printer 58 with the ticket issuing port 581 on the front surface 402 side. The folding portion 404 holds the fixed scanner 57 above the printer 58 such that the reading window 571 is on the front surface 402 side. The folding portion 404 holds the touch panel 56 above the fixed scanner 57 such that the screen 561 is on the front surface 402 side. With this configuration, a customer standing in front of the gate mechanism 40 can easily receive a ticket issued from, for example, the issuing port 581. In addition, the customer can easily align a checkout barcode or the like with the reading window 571 of the fixed scanner 57. In addition, the customer can perform a touch operation while looking at the image displayed on the touch panel 56.

[0101] The handheld scanner, that is, the handheld scanner 71 connected to the scanner interface 59 is engaged with the side surface opposite to the side surface 401 of the folding portion 404. In addition, although not shown, a card reader connected to the card reader interface 60, an automatic change dispenser connected to the change dispenser interface 61, etc. are also arranged near the housing 400. For example, the card reader can be arranged on the upper surface 403 of the housing 400.

[0102] The warning light 42 and the display 45 are installed on the upper surface 403 of the housing 400. The warning light 42 is an example of a light-emitting body. The warning light 42 is provided on the upper surface 403 near the surface opposite to the front surface 402 of the housing 400, that is, on the back side, and at the top of the column 421 installed in the direction perpendicular to the ground. Then, the screen 451 of the display 45 is arranged facing the front surface 402 side in front of the column 421. The display 45 can be a display device with a smaller screen than the touch panel 56.

[0103] The human perception sensor 41, the LED 43, and the speaker 44 are built into the housing 400. The housing 400 is formed with a slit 405 for the human perception sensor 41 and a slit 406 for the LED 43 on the side surface 401 along the passage PA. The human perception sensor 41 is an infrared sensor that senses the movement or heat of a person passing through the slit 405. The human perception sensor 41 can use methods other than infrared rays to detect a person at the position passing through the slit 405. The human perception sensor 41 is an example of a detector that detects a person passing through the passage PA. The LED 43 lights up or blinks in a predetermined color and pattern so that light leaks out from the slit 406 to guide a customer to move forward in the passage PA along the arrow direction. Additionally, the detector does not necessarily need to be built into the housing 400 and can be separately provided from the gate mechanism 40. For example, it can be installed on a device different from the gate mechanism 40 to detect a person passing through the passage PA. For example, when the detector is a camera, a person passing through the passage PA is detected by image recognition, and the detection result detected by the camera is sent to the gate mechanism 40 or the first checkout machine 21-1. The gate mechanism 40 detects a person passing through the passage PA by receiving the detection result from the camera.

[0104] Hereinafter, the entrance side where a customer enters in the passage PA, that is, the side where the touch panel 56, the fixed scanner 57, etc. are provided, is referred to as the upstream, and the opposite exit side, that is, the side where the display 45, the warning light 42, etc. are provided, is referred to as the downstream. Additionally, the position where the warning light 42 is provided is not limited to the downstream side of the passage PA. The warning light 42 can be provided at the center or upstream side of the passage PA.

[0105] The first checkout machine 21-1 is provided in the housing 400 in a one-to-one correspondence with the related gate mechanism 40 and is an example of a settlement device that can settle a transaction with a customer upstream in the passage PA where the customer moves forward along the arrow shown in the figure. Additionally, the positional relationship of the touch panel 56, the fixed scanner 57, the printer 58, etc. that constitute the first checkout machine 21-1 with respect to the housing 400 is not limited to Figure 4 the positional relationship shown. In short, the touch panel 56, the fixed scanner 57, the printer 58, etc. only need to be arranged at a position upstream of the passage PA and easily operable by the customer.

[0106] [Function description of the gate device]

[0107] As Figure 3 shown, the processor 51 of the first checkout machine 21-1 also controls the gate mechanism 40 connected via the gate mechanism interface 62. That is, the processor 51 of the first checkout machine 21-1 can also be said to be the processor 51 of the gate device.

[0108] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram showing the main functional structure of the processor 51 of the gate device. The processor 51 has functions as a settlement unit 511, a switching unit 512, and a control unit 513.

[0109] The settlement unit 511 has a function of controlling the first cash register 21-1 and settling the transaction with the customer upstream of the passage PA through which the customer as the transaction target passes. When a machine-readable code for code settlement is read by, for example, a fixed scanner 57, the settlement unit 511 executes a code settlement process of paying the purchase price of the transaction with the balance for code settlement. When an electronic money card is read by, for example, a card reader, the settlement unit 511 executes an electronic money settlement process of paying the purchase price of the transaction with electronic money. When a credit card is read by, for example, a card reader, the settlement unit 511 executes a credit card settlement process of paying the purchase price of the transaction with the account balance. When cash is inserted into, for example, a change dispenser, the settlement unit 511 executes a cash settlement process of paying the purchase price of the transaction with the inserted amount. Since these settlement processes are all known processes, detailed descriptions will be omitted here.

[0110] The switching unit 512 has a function of switching the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which a person detection sensor 41 as a detector notifies when a person passing through the passage PA is detected. The second mode is an operation mode in which no notification is made even when the person detection sensor 41 detects a person passing through the passage PA. When the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 is the first mode, passage through the passage PA is not allowed. When the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 is the second mode, passage through the passage PA is possible.

[0111] The control unit 513 has a function of changing the lighting state of the warning light 42 as a light emitter when in the first mode and when in the second mode. For example, the control unit 513 turns off the warning light 42 when in the first mode and makes the warning light 42 blink blue when in the second mode.

[0112] In addition, the control unit 513 includes a function of further changing the lighting state of the warning light 42 when settlement is performed by the settlement unit 511. For example, when settlement is performed by the settlement unit 511, the control unit 513 makes the warning light 42 light blue.

[0113] In addition, the control unit 513 includes a function of further changing the lighting state of the warning light 42 when an event of calling a store clerk occurs during settlement by the settlement unit 511. The event of calling a store clerk is, for example, a situation where the goods purchased by a customer include goods that require age confirmation such as liquor and cigarettes. In addition, for example, it is a situation where the bill paper mounted in the printer 58 is about to run out, or a situation where the change coins or banknotes stored in the automatic change dispenser are in short supply. For example, when an event of calling a store clerk occurs, the control unit 513 changes the lighting state of the warning light 42 from the blue lighting state to the yellow lighting state. In addition, in the case where the warning light 42 can be lit in multiple colors, for example, when an event of calling a store clerk occurs, the control unit 513 controls the warning light 42 so as to perform yellow lighting in addition to blue lighting. That is, the control unit 513 performs control so that the lighting state of the warning light 42 is a lighting state of two colors, blue and yellow.

[0114] In addition, the control unit 513 includes a function of further changing the lighting state of the warning light 42 when a person passing through the passage PA is detected by the human sensor 41 in the first mode. For example, when a person passing through the passage PA is detected in the first mode, the control unit 513 causes the warning light 42 to flash red.

[0115]

Explanation of the operation of the gate device

[0116] Figures 6 to 8 is a flowchart showing the order of the main information processing executed by the processor 51 of the gate device according to the gate device program. In addition, Figures 9 to 15 is an example of the images displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45 and the lighting state of the warning light 42 in this information processing. Hereinafter, the main operations of the gate device will be described using the respective figures. In addition, Figures 6 to 8 The order of the information processing shown in the flowchart of [] is an example. The order can be appropriately changed as long as the same effects as those of the present embodiment can be obtained. In addition, Figures 9 to 15 The images and lighting states shown are also examples. The contents of the images and lighting states can be appropriately changed as long as the same functions and effects as those of the present embodiment can be achieved.

[0117] When the gate device program is started, the processor 51 of the gate device starts Figures 6 to 8 the information processing in the order shown in the flowchart of []. First, as Figure 6 ACT1 of [], the processor 51 sets the lighting state of the warning light 42 to off. In addition, as ACT2, the processor 51 turns on the human sensor 41 by energizing the human sensor 41. The turned-on human sensor 41 starts an operation for detecting a person passing through the passage PA, such as emitting infrared rays.

[0118] After the human sensor 41 is turned on, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT3. As ACT3, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display an impassable image. Through this control, the impassable image shown below is respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. That is, text instructing customers coming to the entrance side of the passage PA to scan the checkout bar code using the fixed scanner 57 is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56. For example, an illustration of a person aligning the bar code with the fixed scanner 57 can be displayed together with the text. On the screen 451 of the display 45, text indicating that passage through the passage PA is not possible and an image with a flashing "×" mark are displayed. At this time, the warning light 42 is turned off. Figure 9 According to these displays, most customers scan the checkout bar code using the fixed scanner 57 before entering the PA passage. The checkout bar code is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 11. Alternatively, for customers who complete the settlement with the second checkout machine 21-2, the checkout bar code can sometimes be printed on the receipt.

[0119] The processor 51 that controls the display of the impassable image proceeds to ACT4. As ACT4, the processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the first mode Ma. That is, the processor 51 sets a mode in which a notification is made when a person passing through the passage PA is detected by the human sensor 41. Then, as ACT5, the processor 51 confirms whether a person passing through the passage PA is detected by the human sensor 41. When the signal of the human sensor 41 is a disconnection signal and no person is detected, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT6. As ACT6, the processor 51 confirms whether the start of the transaction has been instructed. When the settlement bar code is scanned using the fixed scanner 57, the processor 51 determines that the start of the transaction has been instructed. In the case where the checkout bar code has not been scanned, that is, in the case where the start of the transaction has not been instructed, the processor 51 returns to ACT5. In ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 51 that sets the operation mode to the first mode Ma waits for a person passing through the passage PA to be detected or waits for the instruction to start the transaction to be received.

[0120]

[0121] ​In the standby states of ACT5 and ACT6, when the signal of the human sensor 41 is an on-signal before indicating the start of a transaction, the processor 51 determines that a person who illegally passes through the passage PA has been detected. The processor 51 proceeds to ACT7. As ACT7, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 blink red. In addition, as ACT8, the processor 51 performs a notification process. The notification process is a process of sending a notification signal to the waiter terminal 23. The notification signal may include the gate mechanism identification information of the gate mechanism 40 that has sent the notification signal. That is, the gate mechanism identification information of the detected improper behavior is displayed on the display of the waiter terminal 23. Accordingly, the waiter can identify the gate mechanism 40 that has detected the improper behavior with the display of the waiter terminal 23. In the following description, the gate mechanism identification information may also be included in the signal sent to the waiter terminal 23. In the case where there is only one gate device, the gate mechanism identification information is not required. In addition, the notification process includes a process of causing the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display a warning image. Through this process, Figure 10 The warning images shown are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. That is, text or illustrations indicating that the transaction has not been completed for checkout are displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56. On the screen 451 of the display 45, the image of a blinking "×" mark is lit. At this time, the warning light 42 blinks red. A warning sound can be emitted from the speaker 44. In addition, in the case where the first checkout machine 21-1 (gate device) is one, the control unit may also perform the following process. The notification process sends, via the communication interface 55 of the first checkout machine 21-1, instruction information to all the second checkout machines 21-2 in the store to make the warning lights of the second checkout machines 21-2 blink red (the same change as the change in the lighting state of the warning light 42 of the first checkout machine 21-1). Since the warning lights of all the second checkout machines 21-2 in the store are in a state indicating the detection of improper behavior (blinking red), clerks other than the waiter can also easily discover the improper behavior and go to the location of the one gate mechanism 40. Because dealing with improper behavior needs to be executed promptly, it is a special notification process performed when it is determined that a person who illegally passes through the passage PA has been detected.

[0122] The waiter terminal 23 that has received the notification signal notifies that the gate device is issuing a warning of illegal passage. When the gate mechanism identification information is received, the received gate mechanism identification information is displayed on the display. After receiving this notification, the store clerk who is a waiter goes to the location of the gate mechanism 40 where the warning light 42 is flashing red and disposes of the illegal passage. For example, the store clerk designates the person who has passed illegally and takes corresponding measures. After that, the store clerk uses the handheld scanner 71 to read the clerk code printed on the ID card in the form of a machine-readable code. When the clerk code is read, the operation mode of the gate device is temporarily switched to the clerk mode. By switching to the clerk mode, the gate device can cancel the notification process, and the store clerk operates, for example, the touch panel 56 to cancel the notification process. When the notification process is canceled, the operation mode of the gate device returns to the first mode Ma.

[0123] In ACT8, the processor 51 that has performed the notification process proceeds to ACT9. As ACT9, the processor 51 waits for the notification process to be canceled. The cancellation of the notification process is, for example, an input for instructing the cancellation of the notification process via the display 45 of the gate mechanism 40 or the touch panel 56 of the first checkout machine 21-1. For example, the store clerk can use the fixed scanner 57 of the first checkout machine 21-1 to read the barcode held by the store clerk and transition the first checkout machine 21-1 to the clerk mode. In this clerk mode, the notification process is canceled by touching the notification cancellation icon displayed on the display 45 or the touch panel 56. In addition, the cancellation of the notification process is not limited to this. When the notification process is canceled, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 51 turns off the lighting state of the warning light 42. In addition, the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45 return to Figure 9 the display state of the non-passable image shown. After that, the processor 51 returns to the waiting acceptance state of ACT5 and ACT6.

[0124] In the waiting acceptance state of ACT5 and ACT6, when the checkout barcode is scanned using the fixed scanner 57, the processor 51 determines that the start of the transaction has been instructed. The processor 51 proceeds to ACT11. As ACT11, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 light blue. In addition, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 to display the confirming image. Through this control, the Figure 11 confirming image shown is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56. The confirming image is an image such as text or an illustration indicating that the transaction result is being confirmed. In addition, on the screen 451 of the display 45, the image of the "×" mark keeps flashing. The warning light 42 lights blue.

[0125] As ACT12, the processor 51 obtains the transaction number from the checkout barcode. As described above, the checkout barcode can be displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 11 or printed on the receipt. After obtaining the transaction number, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT13. As ACT13, the processor 51 obtains the transaction document 16. That is, the processor 51 outputs a request command for the transaction document 16 to the mobile server 12 as the current destination. The request command includes the transaction number obtained in ACT12. The mobile server 12 that receives the request command detects the transaction document 16 that records the transaction number included in the command and sends it to the gate device that is the source of the request command. In this way, the processor 51 can obtain the transaction document 16.

[0126] The processor 51 that has obtained the transaction document 16 proceeds to ACT14. As ACT14, the processor 51 analyzes the transaction document 16 and retrieves the merchandise sales data. As ACT15, the processor 51 confirms whether the merchandise sales data of the merchandise that requires calling a store clerk is recorded. Merchandise that requires calling a store clerk includes, for example, merchandise that requires age confirmation such as alcohol and cigarettes. Merchandise that requires calling a store clerk can also be merchandise other than merchandise that requires age confirmation.

[0127] In the case where the merchandise sales data of the merchandise that requires calling a store clerk is not recorded in the transaction document 16, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT20. The processing of ACT20 will be described later.

[0128] On the other hand, in the case where the merchandise sales data of the merchandise that requires calling a store clerk is recorded in the transaction document 16, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT16. As ACT16, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 emit a yellow light. In addition, as ACT17, the processor 51 executes the store clerk call processing. The store clerk call processing is the processing of sending a store clerk call signal to the waiter terminal 23. In addition, the store clerk call processing includes the processing of making the touch panel 56 and the display 45 display a store clerk call image. Through this processing, Figure 12 The shown store clerk call images are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. That is, text or an illustration indicating that a store clerk is being called is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56. On the screen 451 of the display 45, the image of a flashing "×" mark is in the lit state. At this time, the warning light 42 emits a yellow light. A sound for attracting attention can be emitted from the speaker 44. The sound for attracting attention can be the same as or different from the alarm sound. For example, the alarm sound can be a continuous sound of "beep beep", but the sound for attracting attention can be an intermittent sound of "beep, beep".

[0129] The attendant terminal 23 that has received the store clerk call signal notifies that there is a call for the attendant. For example, in response to receiving the store clerk call signal, the attendant terminal 23 notifies by displaying a message indicating that a store clerk call is in progress at the gate device on the display of the attendant terminal 23. After receiving this notification, the store clerk, as an attendant, goes to the place of the gate mechanism 40 where the warning light 42 is lit yellow and performs age confirmation, etc. Thereafter, the store clerk uses the handheld scanner 71 to read the store clerk code printed on the ID card in the form of a machine-readable code. When the store clerk code is read, the operation mode of the gate device is temporarily switched to the store clerk mode. By switching to the store clerk mode, the gate device can cancel the store clerk call process, so the store clerk operates, for example, the touch panel 56 to cancel the store clerk call process. When the store clerk call process is cancelled, the operation mode of the gate device returns to the first mode Ma.

[0130] After performing the store clerk call process in ACT17, the processor 51 advances to ACT18. As ACT18, the processor 51 waits for the store clerk call process to be cancelled. When the store clerk call process is cancelled, the processor 51 advances to ACT19. As ACT19, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 emit blue light. In addition, the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45 return to Figure 11 the state of the image in the display confirmation shown. Then, the processor 51 advances to ACT20.

[0131] In this way, as a result of analyzing the transaction document 16, the merchandise sales data that does not include merchandise requiring a store clerk call, or the merchandise sales data that includes merchandise requiring a store clerk call and thus performs the store clerk call process, and when the store clerk call process is cancelled, the processor 51 advances to ACT20.

[0132] As ACT20, the processor 51 confirms whether the settlement is completed. That is, the processor 51 retrieves the settlement completion flag Fa recorded in the transaction document 16. When using the mobile terminal 11 or the second checkout machine 21-2 as other settlement means to complete the settlement of the transaction managed by this transaction document 16, the settlement completion flag Fa is "1", and in the case of not being completed, it is "0". In the case where the settlement completion flag Fa is "0", the processor 51 determines that the settlement is not completed. In the case where the settlement completion flag Fa is "1", the processor 51 determines that the settlement is completed.

[0133] <Actions for Customers Who Complete Settlement Using Other Settlement Means>

[0134] In ACT20, in the case where it is determined that the settlement is completed, the processor 51 advances to Figure 7ACT21. As ACT21, the processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the second mode Mb. That is, the processor 51 sets the mode to a mode in which no notification is made even if a person passing through the passage PA is detected by the human sensor 41. In addition, as ACT21, the processor 51 makes the lighting state of the warning lamp 42 blue flashing. That is, when it is determined that settlement has been completed by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device, the switching unit switches the operation mode to the second mode.

[0135] In addition, it is possible to determine the possibility of improper behavior during settlement when using the mobile terminal 11 or the second cash register 21-2 to complete the settlement of the transaction managed by the transaction document 16. Specifically, the following processing is performed. It is determined whether the payment method for the settlement of the received transaction document 16 is non-cash settlement. The possibility of improper behavior is higher in non-cash settlement than in cash settlement. For example, settlement is made using a credit card with stolen information. In the case where it is determined that settlement has been completed, if the payment method is non-cash settlement, the lighting state of the warning lamp 42 is set to yellow on. In addition, the processor 51 executes a clerk call process. If it is not non-cash settlement, it is a mode in which no notification is made even if a person passing through the passage PA is detected by the human sensor 41. That is, when it is determined that settlement has been made by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device, it is determined whether the payment method is non-cash settlement. In the case of non-cash settlement, the switching unit does not switch the operation mode to the second mode, and the control unit changes the state of the light-emitting body to a state of calling a clerk. In the case of non-non-cash settlement, the switching unit switches the operation mode to the second mode.

[0136] Accordingly, the waiter can confirm the presence or absence of improper behavior when the settlement made by a settlement means other than the first cash register 21-1 (gate device) is non-cash settlement.

[0137] In addition, when settlement is made using the first cash register 21-1, the determination of whether it is non-cash settlement is not performed. Accordingly, although the first cash register 21-1 does not detect improper behavior in non-cash settlement, it is possible to detect improper behavior when a person who repeatedly performs improper behavior uses the second cash register 21-2 or the mobile terminal 11 for improper non-cash settlement. It is possible to prevent disputes with customers caused by the clerk frequently confirming improper behavior for all customers who perform non-cash settlement.

[0138] After that, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT23. As ACT23, the processor 51 sets the time Tm as the first initial value for the timer T. The timer T is a subtraction counter that decrements the count value by "1" every second. The time Tm is the estimated time required for a customer who completes settlement using a device other than the gate device to pass through the passage PA. That is, it is the estimated specified time required for a customer who completes settlement using the settlement application installed on the mobile terminal 11 or a customer who completes settlement using the second checkout machine 21-2 to pass through the passage PA. The time Tm is an arbitrary time. In this embodiment, the time Tm is set to 10 seconds.

[0139] After setting the time Tm for the timer T, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT24. As ACT24, the processor 51 controls the display of the permission-to-pass image on the touch panel 56 and the display 45. Through this control, Figure 13 the permission-to-pass images shown are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. That is, text, illustrations, etc. indicating that the passage can be passed through are displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56. On the screen 451 of the display 45, text urging the customer to pass through the passage before the number representing the count value of the timer T reaches "0" is displayed together with the number representing the count value of the timer T. Also, the LED 43 emits light so that light leaks from the slit 406 to guide the customer to proceed in the direction of the arrow in the passage PA. At this time, the warning light 42 blinks in blue. According to these displays, the customer who has completed the transaction will pass through the passage PA before the count value of the timer T reaches "0".

[0140] The processor 51 that controls the display of the permission-to-pass image proceeds to ACT25. As ACT25, the processor 51 waits to accept the passage of one second counted by the clock 54. When one second has passed, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT26. As ACT26, the processor 51 decrements the timer T by "1". Then, as ACT27, the processor 51 confirms whether the timer T has reached "0". If the value of the timer T is greater than "0", the processor 51 returns to ACT25.

[0141] In this way, the processor 51 with the operation mode set to the second mode Mb waits in ACT25 to ACT27 for the timer T to become "0". Then, during this period, the processor 51 combines the subtraction of the timer T with the number displayed on the screen 451 of the display 45. In addition, even if the human presence sensor 41 detects a person passing through the passage PA, the processor 51 does not perform notification processing.

[0142] In the waiting acceptance state from ACT25 to ACT27, when the timer T becomes "0", the processor 51 proceeds to ACT28. As ACT28, the processor 51 determines whether a person has passed through the passage PA during the waiting acceptance state. During the waiting acceptance state, when a person is detected by the person detection sensor 41 and no person is detected thereafter, the processor 51 determines that the person has passed through the passage PA. Correspondingly, when no person is detected during the waiting acceptance state, the processor 51 determines that the person has not passed through the passage PA. In addition, even when a person is continuously detected by the person detection sensor 41 because the person stays in the middle of the passage PA, the processor 51 also determines that the person has not passed through the passage PA.

[0143] When the processor 51 determines that a person has passed through the passage PA during the waiting acceptance state, it proceeds to ACT29. As ACT29, the processor 51 turns off the lighting state of the warning light 42. In addition, as ACT30, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display an impassable image. Through this control, the impassable images shown in Figure 9 are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. In addition, the warning light 42 is turned off. After that, the processor 51 returns to Figure 6 ACT4. The processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the first mode Ma and enters the waiting acceptance state for ACT5 and ACT6.

[0144] On the other hand, if the timer T reaches "0" and the person has not passed through the passage PA, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT31. The situation where the timer T becomes "0" while the person has not passed through the passage PA is considered as an event that a customer who is allowed to pass through the passage PA encounters some obstacle and cannot pass through the passage PA. Therefore, as ACT31, the processor 51 turns on the warning light 42 in red. In addition, as ACT32, the processor 51 performs a passage error process. Through this passage error process, a passage error signal is sent to the waiter terminal 23. In addition, the passage error process includes a process of making the touch panel 56 and the display 45 display a passage error image. Through this process, the passage error images shown in Figure 14 are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. That is, on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56, texts, illustrations, etc. indicating that a passage error has occurred due to the passage time being exceeded are displayed. On the screen 451 of the display 45, an image of an "×" mark is displayed in a lit state. At this time, the warning light 42 is lit red. A passage error sound can be emitted from the speaker 44. The passage error sound can be the same as or different from the warning sound.

[0145] When the attendant terminal 23 that has received the passage error signal is informed by the gate device that a passage error has occurred. When receiving this notification, the store clerk who is the attendant goes to the location of the gate mechanism 40 where the warning light 42 is lit red and disposes of the passage error. For example, the store clerk confirms the cause of the passage error with the customer and tries to solve the problem. After that, the store clerk uses the handheld scanner 71 to read the clerk code printed on the ID card in the form of a machine-readable code. When the clerk code is read, the operation mode of the gate device is temporarily switched to the clerk mode. By switching to the clerk mode, the gate device can cancel the passage error process, so the store clerk can, for example, operate the touch panel 56 to cancel the notification process. When the passage error process is cancelled, the operation mode of the gate device returns to the first mode Ma.

[0146] After the processor 51 performs the passage error process, it advances to ACT33. As ACT33, the processor 51 waits for the passage error process to be cancelled. When the passage error process is cancelled, the processor 51 advances to ACT34. As ACT34, the processor 51 makes the lighting state of the warning light 42 turn off. In addition, as ACT35, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display the non-passable image. Through this control, the non-passable images shown in Figure 9 are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. In addition, the warning light 42 turns off. After that, the processor 51 returns to Figure 6 ACT4. The processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the first mode Ma and is in the waiting acceptance state for ACT5 and ACT6.

[0147] <Actions for customers who have not completed settlement by other settlement means>

[0148] In Figure 6 ACT20, when it is determined that the settlement has not been completed, the processor 51 advances to Figure 8 ACT41. As ACT41, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display the in-checkout image. Through this control, the in-checkout images shown in Figure 15 are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. That is, text instructing the customer who has come to the entrance side of the passage PA to pay the goods is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56. An illustration of a person putting cash into the automatic change machine can be displayed together with the text. An image showing text indicating that passage through the passage PA is not possible and a flashing "×" mark is displayed on the screen 451 of the display 45. At this time, the warning light 42 lights up in blue.

[0149] The processor 51 that controls the display of the in-checkout image proceeds to ACT42. As ACT42, the processor 51 performs a settlement process. The settlement process includes non-cash settlements such as the above-mentioned code settlement process, electronic money settlement process, or credit card settlement process. In the case of non-cash settlement, since it takes less time in the settlement process compared to cash settlement, it is preferred in this embodiment. Additionally, the settlement process can be a cash settlement process for paying the purchase price of the transaction with the amount input.

[0150] As ACT43, the processor 51 waits for the settlement process to complete. At this time, as ACT44, the processor 51 monitors whether an error occurs during the settlement process. For example, when an error such as the receipt paper of the printer 58 being about to run out or a coin jam occurring in the coin dispenser occurs, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT45. As ACT45, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 emit yellow light. In addition, as ACT46, the processor 51 performs a clerk call process. Through this clerk call process, a clerk call signal is sent to the waiter terminal 23. Additionally, Figure 12 The displayed clerk call images are respectively shown on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. At this time, the warning light 42 emits yellow light.

[0151] The waiter terminal 23 that receives the clerk call signal notifies the clerk (who is the waiter) of the call event. After receiving this notification, the clerk goes to the location of the gate mechanism 40 where the warning light 42 emits yellow light and responds to the error that occurred during the settlement. For example, the clerk replaces the receipt paper, replenishes the change coins, etc. Then, the clerk switches the operation mode of the gate device to the clerk mode and performs an operation for call cancellation.

[0152] The processor 51 that has performed the clerk call process proceeds to ACT47. As ACT47, the processor 51 waits to receive the cancellation of the clerk call process. When the clerk call process is cancelled, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT48. As ACT48, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 emit blue light. After that, the processor 51 returns to ACT41. That is, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display the in-checkout image. Then the processor 51 continues the settlement process.

[0153] When the settlement process is completed, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT49. As ACT49, the processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the second mode Mb. That is, the processor 51 sets a mode in which no notification is issued even if a person passing through the passage PA is detected by the human presence sensor 41. In addition, as ACT50, the processor 51 makes the warning light 42 emit blue and blink. No judgment is made on whether the payment method is non-cash settlement.

[0154] After that, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT51. As ACT51, the processor 51 sets the time Tn, which is the second initial value, in the timer T. The time Tn is the estimated time required for a customer who has completed settlement in the gate device to pass through the passage PA. That is, it is the estimated specified time required for a customer who has completed settlement in the gate device to pass through the passage PA. It is assumed that the customer who has completed settlement puts away the smartphone, credit card, wallet, etc. and then enters the passage PA. Therefore, the time Tn is also an arbitrary time like the time Tm, but preferably a time longer than the time Tm. In this embodiment, the time Tn is set to 15 seconds.

[0155] After setting the time Tn in the timer T, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT52. As ACT52, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display the permission-to-pass image. Through this control, Figure 13 the permission-to-pass image shown is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45, respectively. Also, the LED 43 emits light in such a way that light leaks from the slit 406 to guide the customer to proceed along the arrow direction in the passage PA. At this time, the warning lamp 42 lights up in blue.

[0156] Based on these displays, the customer who has completed the transaction and put away the smartphone, credit card, wallet, etc. will pass through the passage PA before the count value of the timer T reaches "0".

[0157] The processor 51 that controls the display of the permission-to-pass image proceeds to ACT53. After that, as ACT25 to ACT35, the processor 51 executes the same processing as the processing of ACT53 to ACT63 in Figure 7 . That is, when a person passes through the passage PA during the timing time Tm, the processor 51 turns off the lighting state of the warning lamp 42. In addition, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display the non-passable image. Through this control, the non-passable image shown is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45, respectively. Also, the warning lamp 42 turns off. After that, the processor 51 returns to Figure 9 ACT4 of Figure 6 . The processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the first mode Ma and changes to the waiting acceptance state of ACT5 and ACT6.

[0158] Correspondingly, when the elapsed time Tm has been counted while the person has not passed through the passage PA, the processor 51 causes the warning light 42 to emit red light and performs a passage error process. Thereafter, when the passage error process is canceled, the processor 51 causes the warning light 42 to turn off. In addition, the processor 51 controls the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to display an impassable image. By this control, the impassable images shown in Figure 9 are respectively displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45. In addition, the warning light 42 turns off. After that, the processor 51 returns to Figure 6 ACT4. The processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate device to the first mode Ma and changes to the waiting acceptance state of ACT5 and ACT6.

[0159] [Explanation of the state transition of the warning light]

[0160] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the state transition of the warning light 42. In addition, parts common to the operations described using Figures 6 to 8 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0161] The warning light 42 is off in the default standby state (ACT1). In this standby state, when a person passing through the passage PA is detected (Yes in ACT5), the warning light 42 flashes red (ACT7). Therefore, a store clerk who confirms that the warning light 42 is flashing red can learn that an illegal passage has been detected at the gate device where this warning light 42 is installed, that is, a customer has left the store without settlement. The store clerk disposes of the illegal passage. When the disposal is completed (ACT9), the warning light 42 turns off (ACT10). Therefore, other store clerks can recognize that the illegal passage has been disposed of by the fact that the warning light that was lit red has turned off.

[0162] In the standby state, when the checkout barcode is scanned by the fixed scanner 57 (Yes in ACT6), the warning light 42 lights up blue (ACT11). Therefore, when a store clerk confirms that the warning light 42 is lit blue, they can learn that the settlement has started at the gate device where the warning light 42 is installed.

[0163] If an event of calling a store clerk occurs during this settlement process (Yes in ACT15), the warning light 42 lights up yellow (ACT16). Therefore, a store clerk who confirms that the warning light 42 has changed from the blue-lit state to the yellow-lit state can learn that an event of calling a store clerk has occurred at the gate device where this warning light 42 is installed. For example, the store clerk will take measures such as confirming the age of the customer. When the disposal is completed (ACT18), the warning light 42 lights up blue again (ACT19). Therefore, other store clerks can recognize that the call state has been canceled based on the state that the warning light that was lit yellow has returned to the blue-lit state.

[0164] When the second checkout machine 21-2 completes payment for the transaction specified by the payment barcode scanned by the fixed scanner 57 ("YES" in ACT 20), the warning light 42 flashes blue (ACT 22). Therefore, the clerk can confirm that the customer has passed through the gate device equipped with the warning light 42 by confirming that the warning light 42 has changed from a bright blue state to a flashing blue state. Subsequently, if the customer passes through passage PA within the specified time ("YES" in ACT 28), the warning light 42 turns off (ACT 29). Therefore, when the clerk confirms that the flashing blue warning light 42 has turned off, they can confirm that the customer has completed payment and passed through the gate device.

[0165] If the customer fails to pass through channel PA within the specified time ("No" in ACT 28), warning light 42 illuminates red (ACT 31). Therefore, upon confirming that warning light 42 has changed from flashing blue to illuminating red, the employee can recognize that a wrong-way condition has occurred in the gate device. The employee then takes action to address the wrong-way condition. When the action is complete (ACT 33), warning light 42 turns off (ACT 34). Therefore, other employees can recognize that the wrong-way condition has been resolved by the extinguishing of the warning light that was previously illuminating red.

[0166] On the other hand, if settlement of the transaction specified by the checkout barcode scanned by the fixed scanner 57 has not yet been completed at the second checkout machine 21-2 ("No" in ACT 20), settlement processing is executed at the first checkout machine 21-2 (ACT 42). If an error occurs during this settlement process ("Yes" in ACT 44), the warning light 42 illuminates yellow (ACT 45). Therefore, upon confirming that the warning light 42 has changed from blue to yellow, the store clerk recognizes that an error has occurred during the gate device settlement process. The store clerk then takes steps to resolve the error. After the steps are completed (ACT 47), the warning light 42 illuminates blue again (ACT 48). Therefore, when the warning light returns from yellow to blue, other store clerks can recognize that the error in the gate device settlement process has been resolved. Errors during the gate device settlement process include, for example, a currency jam in the change machine, a receipt jam in the printer, or the first checkout machine 21-1 going offline due to poor communication with other devices.

[0167] When the settlement process ends in the first checkout machine 21-1 (Yes in ACT43), the warning light 42 blinks blue (ACT50). Therefore, a store clerk who confirms that the warning light 42 has changed from the state of being a steady blue light to a blinking blue light can recognize that the customer can pass through the gate device where the warning light 42 is installed. Then, when the customer passes through the passage PA within the specified time (Yes in ACT56), the warning light 42 turns off (ACT57). Therefore, when the store clerk confirms that the blinking blue warning light 42 has turned off, the store clerk can recognize that the customer who has completed the settlement has passed through the gate device.

[0168] Correspondingly, if the customer does not pass through the passage PA within the specified time (No in ACT56), the warning light 42 turns on a red light (ACT59). Therefore, a store clerk who confirms that the warning light 42 has changed from the state of blinking blue to the state of turning on a red light can recognize that a passage error has occurred at the gate device. The store clerk disposes of the passage error. When the disposal ends (ACT61), the warning light 42 turns off (ACT62). Therefore, other store clerks can recognize that the passage error situation has been lifted by the turning off of the warning light with a red light on.

[0169] As described in detail above, the store clerk can recognize the state of the gate device based on the emission color of the warning light 42 and the emission state of being on or blinking. Specifically, when the warning light 42 blinks red, the store clerk can recognize that an illegal passage has been detected. When the warning light 42 turns on blue, the store clerk can recognize that the start of a transaction has been indicated. Thereafter, when the warning light 42 blinks blue, the store clerk can recognize that the customer who has completed the settlement can pass through. On the other hand, in the case where the warning light 42 changes from the state of being a steady blue light to the state of being a steady yellow light, the store clerk can recognize that an event such as a call for age confirmation to the store clerk has occurred, or an error has occurred in the first checkout machine 21-1. In addition, when the warning light 42 changes from the blinking state of blue to the state of turning on a red light, the store clerk can recognize that the customer who has completed the settlement has not passed through.

[0170] Here, as Figure 4 shown, the warning light 42 is installed at the top of a column that is vertically installed with respect to the road surface of the passage PA. Therefore, if there are no obstacles higher than the column around the gate device, the store clerk can confirm the emission state of the warning light 42 even from a relatively far place. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a gate device that can monitor the state of the device without arranging a store clerk near the device.

[0171] In addition, in this embodiment, in the notification process where the warning light 42 emits light in a red flashing state, a notification signal is sent to the attendant terminal 23. In the store clerk call process where the warning light 42 emits light in a bright yellow state, a store clerk call signal is sent to the attendant terminal 23. And in the passage error process where the warning light 42 emits light in a bright red state, a communication error signal is sent to the attendant terminal 23. Then, the attendant terminal 23 that has received the notification signal notifies that an illegal passage warning is being issued at the gate device. The attendant terminal 23 that has received the store clerk call signal notifies that there is a situation of calling the attendant. The attendant terminal 23 that has received the passage error signal notifies that a passage error has occurred at the gate device. Therefore, the store clerk monitoring the attendant terminal 23 does not need to watch the warning light 42 of the gate device before being notified. Thus, the work as an attendant can be carried out more effectively. Then, by using the terminal carried by the store clerk as the attendant terminal 23, this effect is enhanced.

[0172] [Other Embodiments]

[0173] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram of the state transition of the warning light 42 in other embodiments. In the Figure 16 above-described embodiment described, when the customer does not pass through the passage PA within the specified time ( "No" in ACT28 or ACT56), the warning light 42 emits bright red light (ACT31). In other embodiments, similar to the case of illegal passage, the warning light 42 flashes red (ACT31).

[0174] On the contrary, in other embodiments, the errors occurring during the settlement process are classified into major errors and simple errors. Major errors refer to errors such as communication errors that the store clerk cannot immediately handle. Simple errors refer to errors such as the receipt paper being about to run out or the change coins being insufficient, which the store clerk can easily handle.

[0175] When an error occurs during the settlement process ( "Yes" in ACT44), it is specified whether the error is a major error or a simple error (ACT71). Then, in the case of a simple error ( "No" in ACT71), the warning light 42 emits bright yellow light (ACT45). Correspondingly, in the case of a major error ( "Yes" in ACT71), the warning light 42 emits bright red light (ACT72).

[0176] According to other embodiments of this structure, when the warning light 42 changes from the blue lit state to the yellow lit state, it indicates a situation where a simple error that can be easily handled by the store staff occurs in the gate device. In the case of changing to the red lit state, it indicates a situation where a major error that cannot be easily handled by the store staff occurs. Therefore, even if the store staff is not near the gate mechanism 40, appropriate error countermeasures can be taken based on the lighting state of the warning light 42.

[0177] In addition, the lighting state of the warning light 42 is not limited to the states described in the above embodiments or other embodiments. Since there are warning lights that can emit other green or purple lights as the warning light 42, the lighting color can be appropriately changed so that the store staff can confirm the state of the gate device even at a relatively far position.

[0178] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the warning light 42 as a light-emitting body is provided at the top end of a column vertically provided in the vertical direction with respect to the road surface of the passage. As another embodiment, a light-emitting body having two or more lighting states is held by a holding device suspended from the ceiling portion above the gate mechanism 40 or the like, and the lighting state of the light-emitting body can be changed when it is in the first mode and when it is in the second mode.

[0179] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A gate device, characterized in that, Comprising: A gate mechanism arranged along the passage through which customers pass; A light-emitting body provided above the gate mechanism; A switching unit that switches between a first mode and a second mode, which are the operating modes of the gate mechanism. The first mode is an operating mode in which a notification is made when a detector that detects a person passing through the passage detects a person passing through the passage, and the second mode is an operating mode in which no notification is made even when the detector detects a person passing through the passage; And A control unit that causes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body to change when it is in the first mode and when it is in the second mode.

2. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: A settlement unit that settles the transaction with the customer upstream of the passage, wherein The control unit causes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body to change further when the settlement is performed by the settlement unit.

3. The gate device according to claim 2, wherein The control unit causes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body to change further when an event of calling a store clerk occurs during settlement by the settlement unit.

4. The gate device according to claim 3, wherein The event of calling a store clerk includes an error occurring in the settlement unit, The control unit causes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body to change further according to the level of the error.

5. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit causes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body to change further when the detector detects a person passing through the passage when it is in the first mode.

6. The gate device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The light-emitting body is a warning light provided at the top end of a column, and the column is vertically provided in a direction perpendicular to the road surface of the passage.

7. The gate device according to claim 2, wherein The switching unit switches the operating mode to the second mode when it is determined that settlement has been completed by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device.

8. The gate device according to claim 2, wherein When it is determined that settlement has been completed by a settlement means other than the settlement unit of the gate device, it is determined whether the payment method is non-cash settlement. In the case of non-cash settlement, the switching unit does not switch the operating mode to the second mode, and the control unit changes the state of the light-emitting body to a state of calling a store clerk. In the case of non-non-cash settlement, the switching unit switches the operating mode to the second mode.

9. The gate device according to claim 8, wherein When the settlement process is completed by the settlement unit, the switching unit switches the operating mode to the second mode without determining whether the payment method is non-cash settlement.

10. The gate device according to claim 5, wherein Multiple checkout machines are connected to one said gate device via a network, The control unit, when it is in the first mode and when the detector detects a person passing through the passage, sends instruction information to all the checkout machines in the store to cause the light-emitting bodies of the checkout machines to change in the same way as the change in the light-emitting state of the light-emitting body of the gate device.

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