Program, method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To further improve a purchase experience of a user who is a store customer, while considering public health.SOLUTION: A program for operating a computer comprising a processor is provided. The program causes the processor to execute a step of acquiring information on a commodity selected by a user as an object to be purchased in a store. A plurality of settlement devices are installed in the store, and the settlement device receives settlement made by the user of the store. When the information on the selected commodity satisfies a predetermined condition, the program causes the processor to execute a step of allowing the user to use settlement in a specific settlement device of the plurality of settlement devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] When making a payment for a purchase at a store such as a supermarket, a customer may look at the length of the queue at the cash register and consider which queue to join. JP 2015-200514 A (Patent Document 1 below) describes a technology for guiding a purchaser to a destination without delay even when the store is crowded. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for guiding a shopping cart to a cash register with the shortest waiting time based on the position of the display shelf where the products are displayed, the congestion at the cash register, and the speed at which the cashier registers the products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-200514 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the technology in Patent Document 1, shopping carts are guided based on the congestion at the cash registers and the speed at which the cashier registers items, so customers do not have to worry about which part of the crowded cash register line to join.

[0005] In recent years, stores have placed increasing emphasis on taking measures against infectious diseases. For example, measures are being implemented to encourage customers to keep a certain distance between themselves when waiting in line at the register. From the customer's perspective, it is thought that they understand the importance of taking measures against infectious diseases. On the other hand, as the line at the register gets longer, where customers are waiting with distance between themselves, it becomes difficult for customers to see the entire line, making it difficult to gauge how long they will have to wait until they can pay at the register, and this may lead to customers abandoning their purchase.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides technology that further improves the shopping experience of customers in a store while taking into consideration public health, such as taking measures against infectious diseases in stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a program for operating a computer including a processor is provided. The program causes the processor to execute a step of acquiring information on a product selected by a user as a purchase target at a store. A plurality of payment devices are installed at the store, and the payment devices accept payments from the user of the store. The program further causes the processor to execute a step of enabling the user to use a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices for payment when the information on the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to further improve the shopping experience of users who are customers of a store while taking into consideration public health. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 10 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 40. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the customer information database 281. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information database 282. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store inventory database 283 and the data structure of the EC site inventory database 284. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the cart update history database 285. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the POS operation history database 286. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a situation in which each user makes a payment at the POS terminal 10 in a store. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process by which a store manager performs settings to enable a specific cash register to be used. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process for notifying a user that a particular register is available for use. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen that is displayed when a user is notified that a particular cash register is available for use. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen that notifies a user that a particular cash register is available while the user is in the process of selecting an item to purchase. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in which, when users are waiting in line at the cash register, benefits are given according to the order in which they wait in line. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen displayed when accepting an operation to reserve a timing for making a payment at a store from a user who is inside or outside the store. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Outline of the first embodiment> The system according to the first embodiment is configured as follows to further improve the purchasing experience of users who are customers in a store. A store operates multiple payment devices (Point of Sale (POS) terminals installed in the store). Each payment device processes payments when a user, who is a customer, purchases a product. The system obtains information about the product that the user selected to purchase at the store. For example, a store operator provides an application that runs on the user's terminal device. The application reads the information about the product that the user selected at the store and updates the information in the virtual shopping basket (cart information). For some of the multiple payment devices (specific payment devices), if certain conditions are not satisfied, the payment device is not allowed to be used for payments by the user, and if the certain conditions are satisfied, the payment device is allowed to be used for payments by the user. Among the multiple payment devices, there are some that are used for payments by users without any particular conditions.

[0012] As described above, when a certain condition is satisfied, some of the multiple payment devices accept the payment. This allows a specific payment device to be used depending on the information of the product the user is trying to purchase, which can change the experience of waiting in line at the cash register when making a purchase.

[0013] (1) Notifying the user that payment will be made at a specific payment device based on information about a product that the user has selected to purchase at the store Here, the portion of the payment devices satisfies a predetermined condition and accepts a user's payment in the following examples in regard to the information of a product selected by the user as a target for purchase at a store. (i) The number of items the user wishes to purchase is below a certain number, (ii) The inclusion of specific products (for example, products that are associated with time period information, such as products that are being promoted in stores); (iii) The combination of products satisfies certain conditions (for example, the products to be purchased are of a specific type (one or more types). For example, the user is trying to purchase only cards that can be used in a card game, etc.); (iv) The total weight of the products meets certain conditions (being less than or equal to a certain weight. For example, if the total weight of the products exceeds a certain weight, the number of store staff available to pack the products may be limited, and delivery or other procedures that differ from the usual procedures may be required), or the product contains a certain weight or more. (v) The size of the products must meet certain conditions (below or above a certain volume. For example, if the total volume of the products is above a certain volume, there may be a limit to the store staff available to pack the products, and different delivery and other procedures may be required).

[0014] This allows the user to make payment at a specific payment device among the multiple payment devices when the product the user wishes to purchase satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0015] As described above, when a user selects a product as a purchase target in a store, the server 20 or the like of the system 1 determines whether or not the product satisfies a predetermined condition based on information about the product selected by the user.

[0016] (2) Predicting which products the user will select as purchase targets in the store, and notifying the user to make payment at a specific payment device based on the result of the prediction. In addition, the server 20, etc. may determine that a certain condition is met depending on whether or not a user is attempting to select a product as an object of purchase at a store, and may accept payment at some of the above-mentioned payment devices.

[0017] The server 20 can obtain the location or range where the user is in the store by using various sensing means installed in the store. For example, a camera may be installed in the store for the purpose of measuring the user's body temperature, or a camera may be installed on the ceiling of the store for the purpose of determining the degree of congestion in the store.

[0018] In this case, without identifying each user in the store, the server 20 can determine how many users are staying in each area where product shelves are installed in the store, their staying time, etc. Also, by communication between beacon transmitters installed on product shelves in the store and the user's terminal device 40, the server 20 can determine the user's position in the store.

[0019] Here, some payment devices may accept a user's payment based on information about the location or range where the user is attempting to select a product to purchase in a store, for example in the following cases: (i) When the user is at a shelf where a particular product is displayed, (ii) When a user stays around a shelf where a particular product is displayed for a predetermined period of time (the user may be examining the product to be purchased), (iii) When the combination of products on the product shelf where the user is located satisfies a certain condition (for example, the product to be purchased is only a specific type (one or more types). For example, the user is only trying to purchase cards that can be used in a card game), (iv) If the weight of the goods displayed on the shelves of the goods meets certain conditions, (v) The size of the goods displayed on the shelves meets certain requirements.

[0020] This allows the user to recognize that a particular payment device is available at the stage of considering the product to be purchased, further improving the user's purchasing experience.

[0021] <1 Overall system configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. The system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of POS (Point of Sale) terminals 10 as payment devices, a server 20, a plurality of display devices 30, and a terminal device 40 of a user who is a customer user who uses a store.

[0022] In the example of Fig. 1, a "store area" is shown as the devices in the store. As shown in the figure, the "store area" includes a user's terminal device 40A located in the store, and a POS terminal 10 and a display device 30 that constitute a "store system." A user's terminal device 40B is shown to be located outside the store.

[0023] The POS terminal 10 and the display device 30 are configured as a pair. A plurality of display devices 30 may be installed for the POS terminal 10. Also, one display device 30 may be installed for a plurality of POS terminals 10.

[0024] In the illustrated example, a plurality of POS terminals are shown, namely, POS terminals 10A, 10B, .... Hereinafter, the plurality of POS terminals may be collectively referred to as "POS terminal 10".

[0025] Similarly, the illustrated example shows a plurality of display devices, namely, display devices 30A, 30B, .... Hereinafter, the plurality of display devices may be collectively referred to as "display device 30".

[0026] The POS terminal 10, the server 20, and the display device 30 are communicatively connected via a network 80. The display device 30 may be directly connected to the POS terminal 10, not via the network 80, by wire or wirelessly.

[0027] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30, but the number of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30 included in the system 1 is not limited to a plurality of units. The number of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30 may be one.

[0028] For example, a plurality of sensing means (cameras, etc.) are arranged in a store to track information on products that a user holds in the store. When the user enters the store, the user performs an operation for authenticating the user. For example, information for authenticating the user is registered in advance in the user's terminal device 40. When the user enters the store, the information for authenticating the user, which is held in the terminal device 40, is presented to the system 1. For example, a method of presenting information for authenticating the user to the system 1 may include having a reading device such as an IC reader installed in the store read information for authentication when the user enters the store, or photographing the user's face to authenticate the user. As a result, when the user picks up a product in the store and leaves the store, the user can make a payment without going through a payment by the POS terminal 10.

[0029] On the other hand, when a user satisfies a predetermined condition, such as holding a specific product in a store, a notification is sent to the user in the store by the user's terminal device 40 or the store's notification means (speaker, display) to encourage the user to use the POS terminal 10 installed in the store. This allows the user to use the specific POS terminal 10 when purchasing a specific product, etc.

[0030] For example, when a product needs to be packed for a user at the specific POS terminal 10, the user may be able to make the payment and pack the product at the specific POS terminal 10 together with a store staff member.

[0031] Notification items for the user may be displayed on the display device 30 attached to the POS terminal 10. Such notification items include, for example, notifying the user of campaign information as a benefit for the user, that the product purchased by the user fulfills the application requirements for the campaign, that the product purchased by the user can be used to obtain another product, etc.

[0032] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be regarded as an information processing device. That is, a collection of the devices can be regarded as one "information processing device", and the system 1 may be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The method of allocating multiple functions required to realize the system 1 according to this embodiment to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be appropriately determined in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for the system 1.

[0033] The POS terminal 10 is, for example, a device operated by a store clerk when making a payment. The POS terminal 10 may also be a device (a so-called self-checkout) that is operated by the user himself, not by a store clerk. The POS terminal 10 may also be a device that makes a payment without the operation of a user or a store clerk (for example, when the user passes through a gate to leave the store, the payment is made for a commodity that the user holds in the store). The POS terminal 10 may be a dedicated terminal for payment, or may be an information processing device on which a payment application is installed. The information processing device may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or may be a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC.

[0034] The POS terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12 , an input device 13 , an output device 14 , a memory 15 , a storage 16 , and a processor 19 .

[0035] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the POS terminal 10 can communicate with external devices.

[0036] The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from a store clerk (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) The input device 13 is also a reader for reading information about products.

[0037] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a store clerk.

[0038] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0039] The storage 16 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0040] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0041] The server 20 is a device that manages, for example, information on products sold in a store and information on registered users. The server 20 also manages information on images to be displayed on the display device 30.

[0042] The server 20 includes a communication IF 22 , an input / output IF 23 , a memory 25 , a storage 26 , and a processor 29 .

[0043] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

[0044] The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving an input operation from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0045] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0046] The storage 26 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0047] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0048] The display device 30 displays an image based on the control from the POS terminal 10 or the server 20 .

[0049] <1.1 Configuration of POS terminal> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a first camera 161, a second camera 162, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the POS terminal 10 are electrically connected to each other, for example, by a bus or the like.

[0050] The communication unit 120 performs processes such as modulation and demodulation for the POS terminal 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on a signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits the signal to the outside (for example, the server 20 or the display device 30). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on a signal received from the outside and outputs the signal to the control unit 190.

[0051] The input device 13 is a device for a store clerk operating the POS terminal 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 is realized by, for example, a reader 131, a keyboard 132, and a touch-sensitive device 133 in which instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input device 13 converts the instructions or information input by the store clerk into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may include, for example, a receiving port that receives an electric signal input from an external input device. The input device 13 may also include a switching button (not shown) for switching the display content of the display device 30.

[0052] The reader 131 is a device for reading information attached to a product. The reader 131 optically reads, for example, an optical code attached to the product. The reader 131 may also read the information attached to the product using short-range wireless communication. At this time, a wireless tag on which information about the product is written is attached to the product. The reader 131 irradiates radio waves to the product to which the wireless tag is attached and receives the radio waves reflected from the wireless tag, thereby reading the information from the wireless tag.

[0053] Reader 131 is a device for reading identification information assigned to a user, such as a user ID. Reader 131 reads, for example, an image related to the identification information displayed on a mobile terminal owned by the user (for example, a two-dimensional code including the user's identification information is displayed in a payment application). Reader 131 also reads, for example, identification information stored in an IC card or a magnetic card.

[0054] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a store clerk operating the POS terminal 10. The output device 14 is realized, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data related to the transaction process according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is realized, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0055] The voice processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-analog conversion processing of a voice signal. The voice processing unit 17 converts a signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The voice processing unit 17 also provides the voice signal to the speaker 172. The voice processing unit 17 is realized, for example, by a processor for voice processing. The microphone 171 accepts voice input and provides a voice signal corresponding to the voice input to the voice processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the voice signal provided from the voice processing unit 17 into voice and outputs the voice to the outside of the POS terminal 10.

[0056] The first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are devices that receive light with a light receiving element and output it as a photographing signal. The first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are placed in positions where they can photograph users or store clerks inside or outside the store. For example, the first camera 161 and the second camera 162 are placed in positions where they can photograph the actions of a user at the time of payment, or in positions where they can photograph users waiting in line to pay at the POS terminal 10.

[0057] The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, the memory 15 and the storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the POS terminal 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, product information 181, specific customer information 182, and employee information 183.

[0058] Product information 181 is information about products sold in a store. Product information includes, for example, information identifying the product, the product name, the product price, the product release date, the next expected arrival date, the number of items in stock, and information on whether the product is a campaign item that is being promoted for a certain period of time.

[0059] The specific customer information 182 indicates information on users who can use specific payment devices in a store. For example, the server 20 distributes information on users who can use specific payment devices to the POS terminal 10.

[0060] The employee information 183 is information about an employee who uses the POS terminal 10. The information about an employee includes, for example, information for identifying the employee, the name of the employee, a character registered for the employee, and the like.

[0061] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the POS terminal 10. The control unit 190 operates according to the program to fulfill the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, an accounting processing unit 193, a display control unit 194, and a storage control unit 195.

[0062] The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives information based on instructions input from the keyboard 132, the touch-sensitive device 133, or the like. The instructions input via the keyboard 132, the touch-sensitive device 133, or the like are, for example, information about products, information about accounting, information about the user, information about control of the display device 30, or the like. In addition, the operation reception unit 191 receives information read from the products by the reader 131, or information about the user read by the reader 131.

[0063] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 191 receives operations of a user in the store captured by the first camera 161, the second camera 162, etc. The POS terminal 10 may receive operations of a user in the store by, for example, detecting a predetermined action such as a user raising his / her hand in the store. The POS terminal 10 receives user operations such as an operation to proceed to a checkout process after finishing product selection.

[0064] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives a voice signal input from the microphone 171 and converted into a digital signal by the voice processing unit 17. For example, the operation reception unit 191 analyzes the received voice signal and extracts a predetermined noun, thereby acquiring an instruction from a user or a store clerk.

[0065] The transmission / reception unit 192 performs processing for the POS terminal 10 to transmit and receive data to and from external devices such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0066] The accounting processing unit 193 performs processing related to the transaction in response to instructions input by a store clerk. For example, the accounting processing unit 193 acquires product information from the product information 181 based on information input from the keyboard 132 or the touch-sensitive device 133, or information read by the reader 131. The accounting processing unit 193 stores in the POS operation history database 286, which will be described later, that the acquired product has been purchased by the user. Furthermore, the accounting processing unit 193 performs processing such as updating the product information 181 in response to the purchase of a product and transmitting information on the user's purchase history to the server 20.

[0067] The display control unit 194 controls the output device 14 to present information related to the transaction to the store clerk. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display product information read from product information 181 by the transaction processing unit 193. The display control unit 194 also causes the display 141 to display information related to the transaction process performed by the transaction processing unit 193.

[0068] The display control unit 194 also controls the display device 30 to present transaction-related information to the user. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display information about the products purchased by the user, product prices, and the like, as transaction-related information. The display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display images that enhance the user's experience during payment, or images that improve the payment operation of the store clerk.

[0069] The image with the effect of improving the user's experience during payment represents, for example, a highly entertaining image that allows the user to enjoy shopping even during the payment. The display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display the following image. Character images related to the user Images of store clerks and related characters ·Images of POS terminal 10 and related characters - Images related to the situation at checkout ·Images of characters related to the product

[0070] When allowing a user to use a specific payment device, the display control unit 194 may cause the display 141 or the display device 30 to display information for identifying the location of the specific payment device.

[0071] This makes it easier for the user to find a specific payment device without getting lost, when the user has access to the specific payment device.

[0072] In addition, the store clerk may be informed that the user can use a specific payment device, and information about the product that the user has selected to purchase may be displayed on display 141 or display device 30.

[0073] This makes it easier for store staff to guide a user to make a payment using a specific payment device when the user is able to use the specific payment device.

[0074] In addition, in order to facilitate a store clerk informing a user about the use of a specific payment device, the POS terminal 10 or the server 20 may notify the store clerk's terminal that a user who can use a specific payment device is present in the store. For example, the server 20 obtains information on a product selected by the user as a target for purchase, and determines whether the specific payment device is available. Depending on the result of the determination, the server 20 may notify the store clerk's terminal that the user can use the specific payment device and information on the product selected by the user as a target for purchase.

[0075] The storage control unit 195 controls the storage of data in the storage unit 180. For example, the storage control unit 195 updates the product information 181, the specific customer information 182, or the employee information 183 based on the data provided by the server 20.

[0076] <1.2 Functional configuration of the server> 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 fulfills the functions of a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0077] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0078] The storage unit 202 stores various databases such as a customer information database 281, a product information database 282, a store inventory database 283, an EC site inventory database 284, a cart update history database 285, and a POS operation history database 286.

[0079] The customer information database 281 is a database for storing information on users who use products or services provided by businesses that operate stores. Details will be described later.

[0080] The product information database 282 is a database for a store operator to store information about products sold in the store or on the EC site. Details will be described later.

[0081] The store inventory database 283 is a database for managing the inventory of products in the store, as will be described in detail later.

[0082] The EC site inventory database 284 is a database for managing the inventory of products at the EC site, as will be described in detail later.

[0083] The cart update history database 285 is a database for holding information on products selected by the user as items to be purchased at a store. When the user selects an item to be purchased, the server 20 reads the information on the item by the user using the terminal device 40 or the like, and adds the information on the item to the cart associated with the user. Details will be described later.

[0084] The POS operation history database 286 is a database for holding a history of user payments accepted by the POS terminal 10 installed in the store, as will be described in detail later.

[0085] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 203 performs functions shown as a reception control module 2041, a transmission control module 2042, a POS setting module 2043, a cart management module 2044, an inventory management module 2045, a POS terminal management module 2046, a value determination module 2047, and a reservation processing module 2048 by operating in accordance with the program.

[0086] The reception control module 2041 controls the process in which the server 20 receives a signal from an external device in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0087] The transmission control module 2042 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0088] The POS setting module 2043 receives an operation for setting the POS terminal 10 installed in the store from a store operator. For example, the POS setting module 2043 receives from the store operator a setting as to whether or not one or more POS terminals 10 installed in the store are to be used as a specific payment device that is available to users when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a condition for applying the setting (e.g., date and time, sales, etc.).

[0089] The POS setting module 2043 may determine the conditions for the specific payment device in a store based on the purchase history of each store accumulated in the POS operation history database 286.

[0090] For example, the POS setting module 2043 generates a trained model by performing training based on the track record of whether one or more POS terminals 10 in each store are designated as specific payment devices and information on the products and date and time for which payments are accepted from each user, with reference to the cart update history database 285 and the POS operation history database 286. The POS setting module 2043 may determine the conditions for designating one or more POS terminals 10 installed in a store as specific payment devices, for example, based on the trained model and the number of users predicted to visit the store on a certain date and time.

[0091] The cart management module 2044 manages information on products that the user intends to purchase (products that the user selected as items to purchase before making payment, products that the user selected but did not purchase, etc.). The cart management module 2044 updates the cart update history database 285 in response to the user's operation to select a product.

[0092] The inventory management module 2045 manages inventory of products at a store or an EC site according to the user's product purchase history. The inventory management module 2045 refers to the cart update history database 285 and the POS operation history database 286, and updates the store inventory database 283 or the EC site inventory database 284 in response to the user's operation of selecting a product as a purchase target or the acceptance of a payment process for purchasing the product.

[0093] The POS terminal management module 2046 manages one or more POS terminals 10 installed in a store, and performs processes such as determining whether to operate each POS terminal 10 and displaying information on each POS terminal 10. For example, when a POS terminal 10 is designated as a specific payment device, the POS terminal management module 2046 changes the settings of the POS terminal 10 that is to be the specific payment device, and causes the POS terminal 10 to perform processes such as displaying that it is a specific payment device.

[0094] The value determination module 2047 determines the content of the value to be provided to a user when the user is waiting in line in a store to make a payment at the POS terminal 10. Details will be described later.

[0095] The reservation processing module 2048 accepts, from the user, a reservation for the timing at which the user will make a payment at the POS terminal 10 of the store. Details will be described later.

[0096] <1.3 Functional configuration of the user's terminal device 40> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 40. As shown in FIG.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 40 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 411, antenna 412), communication units (first communication unit 420, second communication unit 421) corresponding to the respective antennas, an input device 430 (including a touch-sensitive device 431), a display 432, a voice processing unit 440, a microphone 441, a speaker 442, a position information sensor 450, a camera 460, a motion sensor 470, a storage unit 480, and a control unit 490. The terminal device 40 also has functions and configurations (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.) that are not particularly shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, each block included in the terminal device 40 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0098] The antenna 411 emits a signal generated by the terminal device 40 as a radio wave. The antenna 411 also receives the radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first communication unit 420.

[0099] The antenna 412 radiates a signal generated by the terminal device 40 as a radio wave. The antenna 412 also receives the radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second communication unit 421.

[0100] The first communication unit 420 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 411 so that the terminal device 40 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second communication unit 421 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 412 so that the terminal device 40 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first communication unit 420 and the second communication unit 421 are communication modules including a tuner, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) calculation circuit, a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The first communication unit 420 and the second communication unit 421 perform modulation and demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 40, and provide the received signals to the control unit 490.

[0101] The input device 430 has a mechanism for accepting an input operation by a user. Specifically, the input device 430 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch-sensitive device 431. The touch-sensitive device 431 accepts an input operation by a user of the terminal device 40. The touch-sensitive device 431 detects a touch position of the user on the touch panel by using, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 431 outputs a signal indicating the touch position of the user detected by the touch panel to the control unit 490 as an input operation.

[0102] Display 432 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of control unit 490. Display 432 is realized by, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0103] The audio processing unit 440 modulates and demodulates an audio signal. The audio processing unit 440 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 441 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 490. The audio processing unit 440 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 442. The audio processing unit 440 is realized by, for example, a processor for audio processing. The microphone 441 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 440. The speaker 442 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 440 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 40.

[0104] The position information sensor 450 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 40, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 40 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. For example, in the system 1, if a user permits the server 20 to refer to the user's position, the terminal device 40 transmits position information to the server 20. The server 20 determines whether the user is in the store based on the position information of the terminal device 40 and the position information of the store.

[0105] The camera 460 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 460 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 460 to a subject being photographed.

[0106] The motion sensor 470 includes an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc., and detects the movement of the terminal device 40.

[0107] The storage unit 480 is configured with, for example, a flash memory, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 40. In one aspect, the storage unit 480 stores a game program 481 and a shop application 482.

[0108] The game program 481 is a program for executing a game that runs on the terminal device 40. The game program 481 is, for example, a game in which the user competes against one another while acquiring various game characters. The game program 481 includes a program and game data of the user. The game data includes information for identifying the user in the game, the name of the user, the level of the user in the game based on the game program, game objects (including game characters and game items) owned by the user, the amount of virtual currency owned by the user, identification information of other users who are registered as friends of the user, and the like.

[0109] The store application 482 is an application provided by a business operator that operates a store. The store application 482 provides the user with various types of information, such as the following: Information about products offered in stores or on e-commerce websites Store location information Information about campaigns held in stores or on e-commerce sites Information on game programs (including, for example, the game program 481 that runs on the terminal device 40, game programs that run on game consoles, etc.) associated with the content related to the products handled at the store (for example, if the products are related to characters, the content includes games, comics, movies, etc. in which the characters appear)

[0110] The control unit 490 reads a program stored in the storage unit 480 and executes instructions included in the program to control the operation of the terminal device 40. The control unit 490 is, for example, an application processor. The control unit 490 operates according to the program to fulfill the functions of an operation reception unit 491, a transmission / reception unit 492, a data processing unit 493, a notification control unit 494, and a storage control unit 495.

[0111] The operation reception unit 491 performs a process of receiving a user's input operation to an input device such as the touch-sensitive device 431. The operation reception unit 491 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information on the coordinates where the user touches the touch-sensitive device 431 with a finger or the like.

[0112] The transmission / reception unit 492 performs processing for the terminal device 40 to transmit and receive data to and from external devices such as the server 20 and the POS terminal 10 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0113] The data processing unit 493 performs calculations on the data input by the terminal device 40 according to a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0114] The notification control unit 494 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 432, processing for outputting sound to the speaker 442, and processing for generating vibrations.

[0115] The storage control unit 495 controls the storage of data in the storage unit 480. For example, the storage control unit 495 stores various data in the storage unit 480 based on the operation of the game program 481 and the store application 482.

[0116] <2 Data Structure> Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams showing data structures of databases stored in the server 20. Note that Figures 5 to 9 are merely examples, and do not exclude data that is not shown.

[0117] 5 is a diagram showing customer information database 281. Each record in customer information database 281 includes information on the following items: "customer ID", "name", "age", "address", "date of birth", "email address", "date of registration", "date of last visit", "date and time of visit reservation", and "other accounts".

[0118] The item "customer ID" indicates information for identifying each user. Specifically, the item "customer ID" is a membership number or the like for a membership service provided by a business operator that operates a store.

[0119] The item "Name" indicates the name or nickname set by each user. Specifically, the item "Name" is the real name registered by the user or a name arbitrarily set by the user. The server 20 accepts a setting from the user as to whether or not to disclose the real name to other users.

[0120] The item "age" indicates the age or age group set by the user. Specifically, the item "age" is information set by the user in the store application 482, and is information on the age or age group of the user himself / herself or the user's family (children), etc. Some products or services provided by businesses operating stores may be available for a certain age group. For example, for educational toys, an appropriate age may be set. Here, information regarding the user's age may be input by the user with the user's consent.

[0121] The item "Address" indicates an address set by the user. Specifically, the item "Address" is address information set by the user in the store application 482. Products or services provided by businesses that operate stores may be available in certain areas. For example, a campaign may be offered for each area. Here, information regarding the user's address may be input by the user with the user's consent.

[0122] The item "Date of Birth" indicates the date of birth set by the user. Specifically, the item "Date of Birth" is the date of birth set by the user in the store application 482. A store may provide services to a user according to the user's birthday or month of birth. Here, information related to the user's date of birth may be input by the user with the user's consent.

[0123] The item "E-mail address" indicates contact information of the user. Specifically, the item "E-mail address" is the e-mail address set by the user in the store application 482.

[0124] The item "registration date" indicates the timing when the user registered for the membership service. Specifically, the item "registration date" is the date and time when the user registered for the membership service at a store or through the store application 482. For example, the user may be able to use benefits within a certain period of time after the registration is completed.

[0125] The item "Last Visit Date" indicates the last time the user visited the store. Specifically, the item "Last Visit Date" is the time when the user entered the store and made the payment. For example, in the system 1, when the user enters the store, the server 20 obtains the time when the user visited the store by acquiring the membership number using a device installed in the store (for example, the store application 482 displays a two-dimensional code representing the membership number and reads it with the store's system). In addition, the server 20 may update the item "Last Visit Date" in the customer information database 281 based on the time when the user made the payment at the POS terminal 10.

[0126] The server 20 may notify the user of a campaign in which the user can obtain a benefit based on the timing of the user's last visit to the store.

[0127] The item "store reservation date and time" indicates information indicating the timing when a user reserves the timing to make a payment at a store. Specifically, the item "store reservation date and time" may include store information, the timing to make a payment at the store, and information on the POS terminal 10 for making the payment. For example, regardless of whether the user is inside or outside the store, the server 20 may accept a reservation from the user for the timing to make a payment at the POS terminal 10 of the store.

[0128] The item "Other Account" is account information, and indicates information on an account issued to a user for a service other than the membership service. Specifically, when a business operator who operates a store provides a game program, etc., the item "Other Account" may include a player's ID (information that uniquely identifies a player) in the game program, etc. For example, the server 20 may receive an operation from a user to link game account information with a user's account for the store's membership service.

[0129] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information database 282. As shown in Fig. 6, each record of the product information database 282 includes information on the following items: "product ID", "product name", "sales price", "product category", "version", "release date", "end of sale date", and "product description".

[0130] The item "product ID" indicates information for identifying a product. Specifically, the item "product ID" may include information that is uniquely assigned to each product by a store operator.

[0131] The item "product name" indicates the name of a product. Specifically, the item "product name" includes a name given by a business operator who operates a store. For example, the product name may be set with information that allows a user to recognize the product category, the title of a character or content, etc. Product categories may include card games, stuffed toys, stationery, miscellaneous goods, accessories, video media such as DVDs, tickets, etc.

[0132] The item "Sales Price" indicates the price set when selling the product. Specifically, the item "Sales Price" may include the standard price set by the business operator and the price set when selling the product in the store (e.g., a discounted price for a promotion).

[0133] The item "product category" indicates a classification of a product. Specifically, the item "product category" may include information such as product categories, such as (1) products that can be used in a match between multiple users, such as card games or game programs, (2) everyday items, such as stuffed toys, toys, and stationery, and (3) rights to participate in events offered in the real world or online, such as tickets.

[0134] The item "version" indicates information about the version of a product that is continuously sold. Specifically, the item "version" may include, as version information, the version of the battle rules if the battle rules are revised, such as in a card game. If the product is updated, such as in a video game software, the item "version" may include information about the updated version.

[0135] The item "release date" indicates the date and time when a business entity releases a product. Specifically, the item "release date" may include information on the date and time when a customer can purchase and obtain the product at a store or an EC site, or the date and time when a reservation for purchasing the product can be accepted.

[0136] The item "End of Sale Date" indicates the date and time when the business stops selling the product. Specifically, the item "End of Sale Date" may include information on the date and time when sales will end, which is set in advance for a product that is sold for a limited time. The item "End of Sale Date" may include information on the date and time when sales will end due to reasons such as ceasing production of the product.

[0137] The item "Product Description" indicates content such as text, images, and audio that describes the contents of the product. Specifically, the item "Product Description" may include, as a description of the product, information such as the age at which the product can be used, how to use the product, and safety precautions when using the product.

[0138] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store inventory database 283 and the data structure of the EC site inventory database 284. As shown in FIG.

[0139] Each record in the store inventory database 283 includes the following information: “Product ID”, “Quantity in stock”, “Standard price”, “Conditions for using specific register”, “History of specific register operation”, “Stock replenishment date”, and “Quantity in stock”.

[0140] The item "product ID" indicates the name of the product.

[0141] The item "stock quantity" indicates information on the quantity of stock of the product held in the store.

[0142] Specifically, the item "stock quantity" is information that is updated when a product is sold in a store (when payment is made at the POS terminal 10).

[0143] For example, when a user purchases a product at a store, payment is made through the POS terminal 10. The server 20 reduces the quantity in the item "in stock quantity" by the number of items for which payment has been made.

[0144] The item "sale price" indicates the price set when selling the product.

[0145] Specifically, the item "sales price" may include the standard price set by the business operator and the price set when selling in the store (for example, a discounted price for a promotion).

[0146] The item "specific register use conditions" indicates the conditions under which a payment can be made at a specific POS terminal 10 among multiple POS terminals 10 in a store.

[0147] Specifically, in the item "specific register use conditions", the following conditions can be set as conditions for enabling the use of a specific POS terminal 10 for each product in a store. The user's cart contains a particular product The user's cart contains only certain products The user's cart contains a certain number of specific products The user's cart contains a certain number of items, regardless of whether they are specific products or not. The products included in the user's cart are a predetermined combination.

[0148] The item "Conditions for using a specific cash register" may include a condition that a specific POS terminal 10 cannot be used (is not allowed) for each product. For example, if a business operator operates multiple stores, the business operator may leave it up to each store to decide whether or not to allow payment at the POS terminal 10 for some products, while uniformly disallowing payment at the POS terminal 10 for other products at all stores (or allowing payment at the POS terminal 10 at all stores).

[0149] The item "specific register transaction history" indicates the history of when a product can be paid for at a specific POS terminal 10 in a store.

[0150] Specifically, the item "specific register handling history" may include the following forms of history. A history of the specific POS terminal 10 being operated by the server 20 when the conditions set for enabling the specific POS terminal 10 to be used in the store are satisfied. History of settings made by staff at a store to enable use of a specific POS terminal 10 without following predefined conditions

[0151] For example, a store staff member may check the following information and, at his / her discretion, operate some of the multiple POS terminals 10 as specific POS terminals 10. Number of customers visiting the store Customer purchasing behavior A line of customers waiting to make a payment at the POS terminal 10

[0152] The item "Stock replenishment date" indicates the date and time when the stock of the product was replenished at the store.

[0153] Specifically, the item "Stock replenishment date" may include the following information as date and time: The date and time when the store placed an order to replenish the stock of the product The date and time when the stock associated with the order arrived at the store

[0154] For example, a store staff member reads information on products that have arrived at the store using a reading device such as a reader, etc. In response, the server 20 updates information on the date and time when the product inventory was replenished and the amount of the product replenished.

[0155] The item "replenishment quantity" indicates information on the quantity when inventory of a product is replenished in a store.

[0156] Specifically, the item "replenishment quantity" holds information on the number of items when stock arrives at the store (for example, by a store staff member reading the ordered item).

[0157] For example, in response to the restocking of a product in a store, the server 20 updates the information in the item "in stock quantity" by the restocked quantity.

[0158] Each record in the EC site inventory database 284 includes the following items: “Product ID”, “Inventory quantity”, “Sales price”, “Campaign implementation period”, “Campaign quantity”, “Inventory replenishment date”, and “Replenishment quantity”.

[0159] The item "product ID" indicates the name of the product.

[0160] The item "stock quantity" indicates information about the quantity of stock held for the product on the EC site.

[0161] Specifically, the item "inventory quantity" is information that is updated when a product is sold on the EC site (for example, when the server 20 accepts payment processing for the product).

[0162] The item "sale price" indicates the price set when selling the product.

[0163] Specifically, the item "sales price" may include a standard price set by the business operator and a price set when selling on the EC site.

[0164] The item "campaign period" indicates information about the period during which a product campaign is carried out on the EC site.

[0165] Specifically, the item "campaign implementation period" may include information on the period during which the following benefits are offered to users as part of a campaign for each product on the EC site. The right to receive discounts on EC sites, etc. (providing coupon data) Right to participate in a lottery on the EC site or in-store The right to acquire other goods or services in connection with your purchase

[0166] The item "campaign quantity" indicates information on the number of products that are the subject of a campaign on an EC site.

[0167] Specifically, the item "campaign quantity" may include the following information on the quantity on the EC site: Number of items in the case of a campaign in which rewards are offered to users on a first-come, first-served basis The number of prizes awarded in the case of a campaign that offers prizes to users by lottery

[0168] Here, the products offered to users through the campaign may include the following products: Products offered for sale to users Products that are not sold directly to you, but are provided to you through your purchase of a product

[0169] The item "Stock replenishment date" indicates the date and time when the stock of the product was replenished on the EC site.

[0170] Specifically, the item "Stock replenishment date" may include the following information as the timing for replenishing stock in the warehouse operated by the EC site. When the stock items arrive When the product was shipped from the sender

[0171] 8 is a diagram showing the cart update history database 285. Each record in the cart update history database 285 includes an item "cart ID", an item "customer ID", an item "store ID", an item "product ID", an item "quantity", an item "timing of addition to cart", and an item "timing of removal from cart".

[0172] The item "cart ID" indicates information for identifying a cart for registering product information when a user makes a purchase.

[0173] Specifically, the item "cart ID" includes cart identification information generated by the server 20 in accordance with the purchasing behavior of each user.

[0174] Here, examples of methods for reading product information when a user makes a purchase include the following.

[0175] (1) Read product information from a real shopping cart provided in a store. (1-1) For example, a reading device for optically reading product information is provided in an actual shopping basket. For example, the reading device includes a scanner for optically reading product information, and the scanner reads two-dimensional codes such as bar codes attached to the products, thereby reading the product information in the shopping basket. (1-2) For example, a real shopping basket is provided with a reading device for electromagnetically reading product information. For example, a real shopping basket is provided with a reading device for reading information from an IC tag. If an IC tag is attached to a product, the user causes the reading device of the shopping basket to read the IC tag of the product, thereby reading the product information in the shopping basket. (1-3) The server 20 acquires information about the products read from the real shopping cart. (1-3-1) The real shopping basket can communicate with the user's terminal device 40, for example, wirelessly (for example, the terminal device 40 and the shopping basket communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication) or wired (for example, the real shopping basket has a mounting part for mounting the user's terminal device 40). The terminal device 40 accepts product information read by the real shopping basket and transmits it to the server 20. (1-3-2) The real shopping cart can communicate with, for example, the POS terminal 10 in the store. The real shopping cart acquires information identifying the user (for example, the real shopping cart reads information identifying the user displayed on the terminal device 40, or a two-dimensional code acquired by the user when entering the store), and transmits the information identifying the user and product information to the POS terminal 10. The POS terminal 10 receives this information and transmits it to the server 20.

[0176] (2) Product information is read on the user's terminal device 40. (2-1) For example, the terminal device 40 optically reads product information using the store application 482 or the like. For example, the camera 460 of the terminal device 40 reads a two-dimensional code attached to the product, thereby reading the product information in the terminal device 40. (2-2) For example, the terminal device 40 is provided with a reading device for electromagnetically reading product information.

[0177] (3) Alternatively, a reading device attached to the payment device in the store may read information about the product that the user wishes to purchase and register the product in the cart.

[0178] The "cart" is information about a virtual cart for accepting product registrations before a user makes a payment. The server 20 may issue the information for identifying the cart to the user at the following times. The timing when the server 20 issues cart identification information to each user in advance, regardless of whether or not the user visits the store (for example, the server 20 issues cart identification information to each user when the user registers for a service provided by the server 20). When a user operates the store application 482 to register new product information when product information has not been registered, the terminal device 40 transmits the user's registration details to the server 20, and the server 20 issues cart identification information in association with the user. When the user makes a payment on the terminal device 40, the terminal device 40 reads the product to be purchased by the user, and the server 20 issues cart identification information in association with the user.

[0179] The item "customer ID" indicates information for identifying each user.

[0180] The item "store ID" indicates information for identifying each store.

[0181] Specifically, the item "store ID" may include the following information to identify each store: Information that identifies a physical store Information that identifies the e-commerce site Here, for example, a unique store code may be assigned to each store in advance.

[0182] The item "product ID" indicates information for identifying a product registered in the cart.

[0183] The item "quantity" indicates information on the quantity of a product registered in the cart.

[0184] The item "Timing of addition to cart" indicates the timing at which the user added a product to the cart.

[0185] Specifically, the item "Timing of adding to cart" may include the following information in association with information identifying the product. When a user adds an item to their cart · Number of items added to cart

[0186] The item "cart deletion timing" indicates the timing at which a user deleted a product registered in the cart.

[0187] Specifically, the item "Timing of Cart Deletion" may include the following information in association with information identifying a product. When a user deletes an item from their cart Number of items removed from cart

[0188] 9 is a diagram showing the POS operation history database 286. Each record of the POS operation history database 285 includes an item "transaction ID", an item "payment device ID", an item "payment order", an item "cart ID", an item "payment timing", an item "specific register notification", an item "notification target user ID", an item "inside / outside store", and an item "payment method".

[0189] The item “transaction ID” indicates information for identifying each transaction for which payment processing has been performed at the POS terminal 10 .

[0190] The item “payment device ID” indicates information for identifying the POS terminal 10.

[0191] When each POS terminal 10 performs a payment process, the server 20 adds a record to the POS operation history database 286 .

[0192] The item “payment order” indicates information on the order in which payments were made at each POS terminal 10.

[0193] Specifically, the item "payment order" is associated with the identification information of the POS terminal 10 and includes information that is changed (for example, increased) each time a payment process is performed.

[0194] In the illustrated example, a payment device with a payment device ID of "#P001" accepts a payment with a transaction ID of "#T187" in payment order "87." After that, the same payment device with the payment device ID of "#P001" accepts a payment with a transaction ID of "#T188" in payment order "88."

[0195] The item "cart ID" indicates information for identifying a cart.

[0196] The information for identifying the cart is associated with information for identifying the user ("customer ID"), as described in the example of the cart update history database 285 in FIG.

[0197] The item “payment timing” indicates the timing at which the POS terminal 10 accepts the payment.

[0198] Specifically, the item "payment timing" includes the following information: The timing when the user completes the payment process at the POS terminal 10 The user has reserved the timing for making a payment at the store's POS terminal 10

[0199] The POS terminal 10 updates the POS operation history database 286 of the server 20 in response to completing a payment process (for example, completing a withdrawal process in a cashless payment, accepting the insertion of cash and accepting a confirmation operation from the user, etc.).

[0200] As shown in the figure, the POS terminal 10 may read information about the product to be purchased by the user (for example, read information about the cart) and may be in a state of waiting for an operation to complete the payment process ("waiting for payment").

[0201] Furthermore, the store application 482 accepts from the user the timing of making a payment at the POS terminal 10, either inside or outside the store. That is, the user can shop at the store in accordance with the timing of making a payment at the POS terminal 10.

[0202] The item "specific register notification" indicates the timing at which the POS terminal 10 was designated as a specific payment device.

[0203] Specifically, the item "specific register notification" includes the following timing: The timing when the server 20 sets the POS terminal 10 as a specific payment device by comparing the cart update history database 285 of each user with the conditions for setting the POS terminal 10 as a specific payment device. When a staff member in the store observes the situation in the store, regardless of the conditions, and determines that a specific payment device needs to be set, and sets the POS terminal 10 as the specific payment device.

[0204] The item "notified user ID" indicates identification information of a user who has been notified that a specific payment device can be used for payment.

[0205] For example, the server 20 refers to the information of the "cart ID" and the cart update history database 285, and updates the information of the item "notification target user ID" by accepting a payment process from a user. For example, the server 20 may tally up the results of a user who has been notified that he or she can use a specific payment device actually using the specific payment device.

[0206] The item "inside / outside store" indicates information on whether the user is inside or outside the store.

[0207] Specifically, the item "inside / outside store" includes information regarding a user who has reserved the timing of making a payment at the POS terminal 10, as to whether the reservation was accepted inside or outside the store.

[0208] When the server 20 determines that the user who made the reservation is in the store, the server 20 updates the POS operation history database 286 to indicate that the user is in the store, together with information on the timing at which the user was determined to be in the store.

[0209] The item "payment method" indicates information on the payment method (credit card payment, post-pay payment, etc.) used by the user.

[0210] Specifically, the item "payment method" includes the following information: Payment method (prepaid, postpaid, cash) Information about businesses that provide payment methods (for example, businesses that provide prepaid payment services, businesses that provide credit card services, etc.)

[0211] For example, a store operator may provide a payment method to customers through the store application 482, etc. The server 20 may analyze the payment method used when a customer makes a payment, thereby tallying up information such as which payment methods are frequently used and the percentage of payment methods provided by the store operator that are used.

[0212] 10 is a diagram showing a situation in which each user in a store makes a payment at a POS terminal 10. As shown in the figure, the store is equipped with multiple POS terminals 10 (showing an example in which three payment devices, POS terminal 10A, POS terminal 10B, and POS terminal 10C, are arranged).

[0213] In the illustrated example, the following three cash registers are shown. First cash register R1 (POS terminal 10A and display device 30A) Second cash register R2 (POS terminal 10B and display device 30B) A third cash register R3 (a POS terminal 10C and a display device 30C) Each cash register is sometimes collectively referred to as Cash Register R.

[0214] Each POS terminal 10 has a camera 161. In the illustrated example, a first camera 161A of the POS terminal 10A, a first camera 161B of the POS terminal 10B, and a first camera 161C of the POS terminal 10C are shown.

[0215] Corresponding to the registers R1, R2, and R3, waiting markers MK1, MK2, and MK3 are arranged to guide users to line up for payment at the POS terminal 10. Hereinafter, the waiting markers may be collectively referred to as waiting markers MK.

[0216] The waiting list marker MK may be configured as follows, for example, by providing a distance that can be understood as so-called social distancing. · Adding patterns to the floor Place a mark (such as a pole) on the floor to indicate where to stand.

[0217] In the illustrated example, the first register R1 displays information on the display device 30A to notify users in the store of the following information: The first cash register R1 is a specific payment device. The conditions under which the first register R1 can be used for payment (for example, only certain products can be purchased) Information on users who can use the first cash register R1

[0218] In the illustrated example, the second register R2 notifies users in the store of the following information by displaying the information on the display device 30B. Offer rewards to users who are waiting in line at the register The rewards offered to users waiting in line at the register

[0219] In the illustrated example, the third register R3 displays information on the display device 30C to notify users in the store of the following information: · Ability to schedule payment at the register Information about the user who reserved the payment timing at the register (nickname, etc., information that the user can recognize as a notification to himself / herself) - Timing of scheduled payments The scheduled payment time arrives.

[0220] In the illustrated example, a display device 30 is installed at each cash register. Alternatively, instead of a display device 30 provided at each of the multiple cash registers, a display device 30 that presents information to users waiting in line at the multiple cash registers may be installed. For example, a display device 30 with a screen size that allows users in the front row of the multiple cash registers (e.g., users up to a certain line up including the front row) to recognize information may be installed at a predetermined position in the store (e.g., above the multiple cash registers). Furthermore, the display device 30 may be placed at any position in the store regardless of the positions of the multiple cash registers.

[0221] In the illustrated example, the first camera 161 can capture an image of users waiting in line to make a payment. This allows the POS terminal 10 to determine the length of the line and the number of people waiting in line at each register R based on the image captured by the first camera 161.

[0222] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of each device constituting the system 1 will be described.

[0223] <Processing by the store to set conditions for using a specific cash register> FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process by which a store manager performs settings to enable a specific cash register to be used.

[0224] In step S1101, the control unit 190 accepts an operation by the store manager to set the conditions and expiration date for using a specific cash register. The conditions include the following: For example, the conditions include the following: "The user purchases only a specific product (the first product)" "The cart contains a specific product (a second product)" "The number of different items in the cart meets the criteria" "The number of items in the cart is below a certain level"

[0225] In step S1123, the control unit 203 receives the conditions for enabling the specific register, which are set by the store manager, from the POS terminal 10. The control unit 203 updates the database (store inventory database 283) based on the received information.

[0226] In step S1103, the control unit 190 displays information about the conditions set by the store manager for enabling use of a particular cash register and the expiration date of the conditions.

[0227] <Process to notify users in a store that a specific cash register is available> FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process for notifying a user that a particular register is available for use.

[0228] In step S1241, the control unit 190 accepts registration of information (cart information) of a product selected by the user as a target for purchase at a store via the store application 482 etc. The control unit 190 reads the cart information and transmits it to the server 20.

[0229] In step S1221, the control unit 203 receives information on the product selected as a purchase target by the user from the terminal device 40. The control unit 203 updates the cart update history database 285 based on the received information.

[0230] In step S1223, the control unit 203 compares the cart update history database 285 with the conditions set by the business (conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register (payment device)). Based on the information on the user's cart, the control unit 203 identifies users who will make a payment and who meet the conditions for enabling the use of a specific cash register as a predetermined condition.

[0231] In step S1225, if there is a user in the store whose cart information satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 203 notifies the user that a specific register is available (that payment can be made at a specific register).

[0232] For example, the control unit 203 identifies the identification information of a user who can use a specific cash register by referring to the cart information. The control unit 203 notifies the terminal device 40 of the identified user's identification information that the specific cash register can be used through the store application 482 or the like (for example, by sending a push notification).

[0233] In step S1243, control unit 190 displays that a specific register is available based on the cart information.

[0234] In step S1245, if a specific cash register is available, control unit 190 accepts an operation to reserve the use of that cash register, and transmits reservation information in response to the user's operation.

[0235] In step S1227, the control unit 203 notifies the store staff (by the POS terminal, or by notifying the staff terminal) that there is a user who can use the specific register.

[0236] In step S1229, the control unit 203 accepts an operation by the user requesting to reserve the use of the cash register, and updates the database (the POS operation history database 286).

[0237] <Screen example> FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen that is displayed when a user is notified that a particular cash register is available for use.

[0238] The screen example (A) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation where information on a product selected by the user as a purchase target is presented to the user as the contents of the cart. In the following example, an example is shown in which information on a product registered in a cart is displayed on the user's terminal device 40, but the display is not limited to the case where the information is displayed on the terminal device 40 owned by the user. For example, a terminal device (such as a tablet terminal) is lent out to a store for a user to make a purchase. The terminal device lent out at the store may be made to read information identifying the user (for example, information identifying the user (such as information on a membership card) may be read into the store's terminal device), thereby providing the user with a function for making a purchase at the store.

[0239] The control unit 490 displays, on the display 432, information on the products that the user has registered in the cart, and UI (User Interface) components for accepting an operation to start payment.

[0240] Each time the user registers a product in the cart, control unit 490 displays information about the registered product in cart display unit 132A.

[0241] Specifically, control unit 490 displays information such as "item type," "item details," "quantity," and "price" of the product registered by the user in cart display unit 132A.

[0242] Control unit 490 causes notification unit 132B to display the contents of the notification to the user.

[0243] Specifically, control unit 490 displays in notification unit 132B that no products are registered in the cart.

[0244] Control unit 490 receives an input operation from the user at operation receiving unit 132C.

[0245] Specifically, control unit 490 displays the following information in operation receiving unit 132C. Accepting input operations to initiate the payment process for products added to your cart In the example shown, there are no products registered in the cart, so it is not possible to start the payment process (the UI widget is not enabled).

[0246] Control unit 490 displays user information, information indicating whether the user is inside or outside the store, and the current time in login information display area 132E.

[0247] Specifically, the control unit 490 displays the following information in the login information display portion 132E: "User B" is logged in to the store application 482 "User B" is in "Store A"

[0248] 13B is a diagram showing a state in which the user has registered a product in the cart in the state of the screen example (A) As shown in the figure, the user has added the product "card" to the cart.

[0249] Control unit 490 displays in cart display section 132A that the user has added the quantity "5" of the product "card pack" to the cart.

[0250] Control unit 490 notifies, via notification unit 132B, that the product content "card pack" has been added to the cart as the content of the operation performed by the user.

[0251] Control unit 490 displays the following information in operation reception unit 132C in response to the user adding a product to the cart. · You can proceed to checkout at the register. The operation reception unit 132C receives an operation for proceeding to payment.

[0252] As described above, the control unit 490 may enable the operation receiving unit 132C in response to the product being registered in the cart information.

[0253] 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which a user is notified that a specific cash register is available. In the illustrated example, in response to receiving an operation (to make a payment) from the user to operation receiving unit 132C in the state of screen example (B), control unit 490 notifies the user that a specific cash register is available. When the user performs an operation to operation receiving unit 132C, it will be described that control unit 490 finalizes the contents of the products registered in the cart (information on the products selected by the user as the purchase target).

[0254] Control unit 490 displays the following information in notification unit 132B. · The user can use a specific cash register. Which of multiple cash registers is a specific cash register? The reason why a user can use a particular register (the user must meet the conditions that allow the user to use a particular register) For example, this corresponds to the process of step S1243 in FIG.

[0255] Control unit 490 receives, in operation receiving unit 132C, an operation from the user for returning to a state in which the user can add or delete products (the state of example screen (B)) without finalizing the contents of the cart.

[0256] Control unit 490 displays the following information in register designation section 132D. Cash register type (which cash register is a specific cash register among multiple cash registers) Information on the degree of congestion at each cash register (for example, the length of the queue can be determined by cameras 161 installed at each cash register) The user must be able to specify which register to use for payment (specify which register to use for payment) Prompting the user to choose which of several registers to use for payment (in the example shown, an arrow icon is associated with a specific register, "dedicated register A," to recommend that particular register over the others) · Ability to schedule a payment at the register For example, this corresponds to the process of step S1245 in FIG.

[0257] 13 shows a screen example (D) in which the user designates a specific cash register to be used for payment when that specific cash register is available. When the user designates a specific cash register in the cash register designation unit 132D in the state of screen example (C), the control unit 490 transitions to the state of screen example (D).

[0258] Control unit 490 displays the following information in notification unit 132B. When the user makes a payment, the reserved register information The timing when the user makes a payment at the register (in the example shown, the register can be used immediately after making a reservation)

[0259] Control unit 490 displays the following information in operation reception unit 132C. · Ability to cancel reservations to make payments at the register The operation to cancel is accepted by the operation accepting unit 132C.

[0260] Control unit 490 displays, in register designation unit 132D, information on the register designated by the user to be used for payment ("dedicated register A" in the illustrated example).

[0261] FIG. 14 illustrates a situation in which a user is notified that a particular cash register is available while the user is in the process of selecting an item to purchase.

[0262] The example screen (A) in Figure 14 shows a situation in which, while the user is selecting a product to purchase, the conditions for using a specific cash register are met and the user is notified that a specific cash register is available.

[0263] Control unit 490 causes notification unit 132B to display the following information as the contents of the notification to the user. The conditions for using a particular checkout machine must be met while the user is selecting products (before finalizing the cart contents). Information about the products that users have selected to purchase (items added to cart) The conditions under which a particular register can be used (in the illustrated example, purchasing the product "card pack" and purchasing other specific products)

[0264] 14B shows a situation in which the user has added more products to the cart than in the state of screen example (A), and as a result the conditions for using a specific cash register are no longer met. As shown in the figure, the user has added products of the product type "cards" and the product categories "clothing" and "plush toys" to the cart.

[0265] Control unit 490 causes notification unit 132B to display the following information as the contents of the notification to the user. The user does not meet the conditions for using a particular cash register when selecting products (before finalizing the contents of the cart) Conditions under which a particular register can be used (in the illustrated example, the conditions are notified in relation to products) Which is the specific cash register among multiple cash registers?

[0266] 14C is a diagram showing a situation in which a user is notified that a specific cash register has become available for use. For example, a store staff member sets one of multiple cash registers as the specific cash register on a store terminal.

[0267] Control unit 490 displays the following information in notification unit 132B. Among multiple cash registers, one of them has started operating as a new specific cash register. Which of multiple cash registers is a specific cash register? The reason why a user can use a particular register (the user must meet the conditions that allow the user to use a particular register) Conditions for using a particular cash register

[0268] The example screen (D) in FIG. 14 shows a situation in which a user is notified when a particular cash register is newly opened by a store staff member.

[0269] Control unit 490 displays the following information in notification unit 132B. Among multiple cash registers, one of them has started operating as a new specific cash register. · Ability to refer to the conditions under which a particular register can be used

[0270] In response to a user's input operation to notification unit 132B, control unit 490 presents the user with the conditions under which a specific cash register can be used.

[0271] <Summary of the First Embodiment> As described above, the user is notified that a particular register is available depending on the item that the user selects to purchase at the store.

[0272] If the user is notified that a specific cash register is available when he or she proceeds to pay at the cash register (e.g., FIG. 13), the user can concentrate on selecting the product and be notified as to whether or not to use a specific cash register depending on the content of the selected product, so the user can easily check the information about the cash register to be used.

[0273] If a user is notified that a specific register is available when they are selecting products and adding them to their cart, the user can check the queue while making a purchase and confirm that a specific register is available depending on the contents of the products they have added to their cart. This can prevent users from abandoning their purchase in the first place because of the queue, further improving the purchasing experience.

[0274] <Modification of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the system is configured to notify the user whether a specific payment device among multiple payment devices is available for use based on information about a product selected by the user as a purchase target. The user can use the specific payment device or a payment device other than the specific payment device.

[0275] On the other hand, when the user selects the above-described product based on the information of the product selected by the user as the purchase target, the user may be allowed to use only a specific payment device among multiple payment devices, and may not use any other payment device for payment. The system 1 may notify the user through the user's terminal device 40, the display device 30, etc. that the user cannot use any other payment device for payment, and may only use the specific payment device for payment.

[0276] For example, when a new product is released in a store, if the user selects the new product, payment is accepted only at a specific payment device among multiple payment devices. In this case, by notifying the user via the terminal device 40 or the display device 30, etc. that payment is accepted only at a specific payment device, the user who purchases the new product will not be confused about which payment device to use. In addition, store staff, etc. can easily grasp how many new products have been purchased based on the usage status of a specific payment device and the length of the queue at the cash register.

[0277] <Second embodiment> The system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, while a user is waiting in line at a cash register, a benefit is given to the user according to the order in which the user is lined up. This can further improve the user's purchasing experience.

[0278] <Operations of Devices in System 1 in the Second Embodiment> Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. Fig. 15 shows an example in which a privilege is given based on the inventory of the EC site to a user who is waiting in line at the register and a user who has finished selecting a product and performed an operation to join the line at the register.

[0279] In step S1543, control unit 490 accepts an operation from the user to start payment at the store for the products included in the cart.

[0280] In step S1523, the control unit 203 detects that the user is waiting in line at the cash register, based on information received from the user's terminal device 40 or the detection result of a sensor in the store.

[0281] For example, the control unit 203 performs the following process to determine whether users are waiting in line at the register and the number of users waiting in line at the register. Refer to the history of operations for reserving payments at the register by each user (POS operation history database 286) The number of users waiting in line at each cash register is determined based on the results of photography by a camera (e.g., camera 161A, etc.) capable of detecting users waiting in line at each cash register as a sensor in the store.

[0282] In step S1545, control unit 490 accepts an input operation from the user to use a specific service (first service, such as a store app, an EC site, or a website of the store operator) while the user is waiting in line at the register.

[0283] For example, the control unit 490 accepts an operation from a user waiting in line at the register to enable the user to use a specific service, as follows. Accepts input operations to the store application 482 (where user identification information is registered) Accepting an operation to read a two-dimensional code available to a user waiting in line at the register (for example, a two-dimensional code placed at a location where users are waiting in line at a store (such as a waiting marker MK), or a two-dimensional code distributed by store staff, etc.)

[0284] In step S1525, the control unit 203 accepts a user operation to use the first service, and based on the information in the user's cart (cart update history database 285), identifies a product to be provided to the user from among the products offered on the EC site as the value to be provided to the user.

[0285] For example, the value provided to users may include: - Products of the same type as the products included in the user's cart that are not in stock at the store but are in stock on the e-commerce site

[0286] In step S1527, the control unit 203 transmits information including the content identified as the value to be provided to the user to the terminal device 40 of the user waiting in line at the register. For example, the control unit 203 responds with the above information to the terminal device 40 that has communicated with the server 20 by the process of step S1545.

[0287] In step S1547, control unit 490 receives the content determined as the value to be provided to the user from server 20 and displays it on the screen. Control unit 490 accepts an operation to receive the value from the user.

[0288] In step S1529, the control unit 203 grants the user the value determined to be provided to the user.

[0289] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. Fig. 16 shows an example in which a user who is waiting in line at a cash register is given a benefit in another service (for example, a game based on a game program) that the user uses.

[0290] In step S1625, the control unit 203 determines the value to be provided to the users depending on the order in which the users are lined up in the payment queue. For example, the control unit 203 determines parameters for the lottery process according to the order in which the customers are lined up in the payment waiting queue. The control unit 203 determines the following information according to the determined parameters. Game objects that can be used in games held by the User's game account Value that can be given to users on an EC site or in a store (products, etc.) The type of purchase bonus given by the store clerk at the time of purchase

[0291] For example, the server 20 transmits the above-mentioned determined parameters to a game server that provides a game program. As a result, the following process may be performed in the game server. Select one of a number of lottery tables for carrying out lottery processing based on the parameters, and perform the lottery;

[0292] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the system 1 in the second embodiment. Fig. 17 shows an example in which, if a user is a repeat customer of a store, a special benefit is given to the user when the user waits in line for his / her turn.

[0293] In step S1725, the control unit 203 determines the value to be provided to the user based on the user information in the customer information database 281, the information in the POS operation history database 286 (the user's purchase results), and the cart update history database 285 (the user's shopping behavior in the store). For example, the value is determined depending on whether the user is a repeat customer who visits the store repeatedly. Specifically, the control unit 203 refers to the history of payments made by the user at the store, and determines the value depending on whether the number of payments made within a certain period of time meets certain conditions, whether the payment was made within a campaign period, etc. For example, the value is determined according to the user's past purchase history. Specifically, the control unit 203 may determine that if a product that a user waiting in line is trying to purchase and a product previously purchased by the user satisfy a certain condition (for example, if the type of product previously purchased and the type of product currently being purchased are related, such as when the user previously purchased a product "card" and is waiting in line to purchase a different version of the product "card" that the user is currently trying to purchase), the user is to be given a value related to the product type.

[0294] <Example of a screen in the second embodiment> FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in which, when users are waiting in line at the cash register, benefits are given according to the order in which they wait in line.

[0295] 18 shows a screen example (A) that displays a value to be provided to a user waiting in line at the register based on the cart information. Screen example (A) corresponds to each process in FIG.

[0296] Control unit 490 displays the following information as the contents of the notification to the user in notification unit 132B. The e-commerce site has in stock the same type of product as the product included in the user's cart. · Different versions of the same product are available on the e-commerce site By accessing the EC site based on the notified information, the user may be granted a special benefit.

[0297] For example, the control unit 490 may present to the user that there is a product (different version, color, size, etc.) that is not available in the store but is available on the EC site and is related to the product that the user has added to the cart.

[0298] 18 shows a screen example (B) that displays a value to be provided to a user waiting in line at the register based on the cart information. Screen example (B) corresponds to each process in FIG.

[0299] Control unit 490 causes notification unit 132B to display the following information as the contents of the notification to the user. Information about the register where the user is waiting in line among multiple registers Queueing at the register (how many people can be in line to pay) The rewards may change depending on the order in which you queue at the cash register. Depending on the order in which you queue at the cash register, you may receive special rewards in games for which you have an account. Specifically, the possibility that a user can obtain a game object that appears in the game may change as a result of receiving a bonus in the game (the appearance rate of a specific game object may change).

[0300] Control unit 490 displays the following information to the user in register designation unit 132D. Information about the register where the user is waiting (in the illustrated example, "Register B") Checkout queue information

[0301] 18, like screen example (B), shows a situation in which value to be provided to users waiting in line at the register is displayed based on the cart information. This corresponds to the process of step S1625 in FIG.

[0302] Control unit 490 causes notification unit 132B to display the following information as the contents of the notification to the user. Information about the register where the user is waiting in line among multiple registers Depending on the order in which users queue at the cash register, specific rewards may be available at the store where the user makes the purchase. In-store rewards available

[0303] Specifically, control unit 490 displays the following information in notification unit 132B as the contents of the benefit that can be received at the store. · Users can receive benefits through equipment or items installed in stores. As an example of items that may be placed in a storefront, multiple lottery boxes may be prepared in the storefront. · The user can participate in the lottery draw. Depending on the user's queue, which of multiple lottery boxes will be used to receive the prize (in the illustrated example, "Lottery Box G") The expiration date for which the user can receive the benefit (in the illustrated example, the user can participate in the lottery) Also, in a store, depending on the result of a lottery in a lottery box, an item (such as character goods) available in the store may be provided to the user.

[0304] The example screen (D) in FIG. 18 shows a situation in which a user who has returned to the store is notified that a special benefit will be given to the user when he or she waits in line at the cash register.

[0305] Control unit 490 displays the following information as the contents of the notification to the user in notification unit 132B. · The user has visited the store again (is a repeat customer) Repeat customers can use the rewards while waiting in line at the register. Present the contents of the relevant benefit to the user

[0306] In response to an input operation by the user to notification unit 132B, control unit 490 presents the contents of the benefit to the user.

[0307] <Summary of the second embodiment> (1) In the second embodiment, the following example has been described, as shown in the screen example (A) of FIG. 15 and FIG. Even if a product is out of stock at a store, users can recognize that it is in stock at other stores, such as an EC site. The server 20 can provide information to the user about products related to the product he or she is planning to purchase at the store while the user is waiting in line at the cash register, allowing the user to recognize the information. - Granting rewards to users by accepting user operations (purchasing, viewing products, etc.) in response to availability of products in other stores, such as EC sites This may improve the user's experience while waiting in line.

[0308] (2) In the second embodiment, the following example has been described, as shown in screen example (B) and screen example (C) of FIG. 16 and FIG. Depending on the order in which users wait in line at the register, the value they receive in other services (game programs, e-commerce sites) or in stores may change. This may improve the user's experience while waiting in line.

[0309] (3) In the second embodiment, the following example has been described, as shown in the screen example (D) of FIG. 17 and FIG. Give rewards to users while they are waiting in line at the cash register, based on the number of times they visit the store or their purchase history (number of purchases) at the store This may improve the user's experience while waiting in line.

[0310] <Third embodiment> The system 1 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the timing for making a payment at the register can be reserved whether the user is in the store or outside the store. Here, an example will be described in which the timing for making a payment at the register is reserved with priority given to users in the store over users outside the store. This can further improve the purchasing experience of users in the store.

[0311] <Operation of each device in the third embodiment> FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the system 1 in the third embodiment.

[0312] In step S1941, control unit 490 accepts an operation to reserve a timing for making a payment at a store's cash register, regardless of whether the user is inside or outside the store.

[0313] In step S1943, the control unit 490 transmits the details of the reservation made by the user (including store information and information on the timing of payment at the register) and information on whether the user is in the store to the server. For example, the control unit 490 determines whether the user is in the store by doing the following. Obtain location information of the terminal device 40 and compare it with information on the location of the store (if the location of the terminal device 40 and the location of the store are within a certain distance, it is determined that the user is inside the store). The terminal device 40 communicates with a communication device installed in the store (the terminal device 40 and the communication device communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication or the like to determine that the user is in the store). Authenticate users when they enter a store

[0314] The following methods may be used to authenticate a user in a store. When a pre-registered user is allowed to enter a store, a thermal camera installed in the store (e.g., at the entrance) measures the user's body temperature and authenticates the user based on the results of facial recognition. A method in which, when a ticket (paper ticket or electronic ticket) for entering an area where stores are located (for example, a mall with multiple stores, a theme park with attractions, etc.) has information that can identify the purchaser of the ticket (for example, a two-dimensional code) on the ticket, the information can be read by a reader in the area. A method of having a store reader read information capable of identifying a user (e.g., a two-dimensional code) displayed in an application for which user identity verification has been performed (e.g., an application that accepts user registration based on a telephone number) that is operated on the terminal device 40.

[0315] In step S1923, the control unit 203 receives the details of the cash register reservation made by the user and updates the POS operation history database. The control unit 203 reserves the timing when the user will use the cash register. The control unit 203 prioritizes reservations made by users within the store over reservations made by users outside the store.

[0316] Examples of when the control unit 203 prioritizes reservations made by users within the store over reservations made by users outside the store include the following. If an outside user and an in-store user make reservations for the same time period to use the cash register and the reservations are made at the same time within a certain period of time, the reservation by the in-store user will be given priority. - The time it takes to confirm a reservation from an off-premise user is longer than when a reservation is made from an in-premise user.

[0317] In step S1925, when the reservation for use of the cash register has been made, the control unit 203 notifies the user's terminal device 40 of information about the reserved cash register and the timing when it can be used.

[0318] In step S1945, control unit 490 accepts an operation to confirm the reservation of the cash register if the user is inside the store.

[0319] In step S1927, the control unit 203 confirms the cash register reservation made by the user.

[0320] <Example of a screen in the third embodiment> Fig. 20 shows an example of a screen when accepting an operation to reserve a timing for making a payment at a store from a user who is in or outside the store. In the example shown, when a user reserves the timing outside the store, it is a "tentative reservation", and the user can make a payment at the register by confirming the reservation.

[0321] The example screen (A) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which an operation for reserving a timing for making a payment at a store's cash register is accepted when the user is outside the store.

[0322] Control unit 490 displays the following information as the contents of the notification to the user in notification unit 132B. · Ability to reserve the time to use the cash register at the store Candidates for the timing

[0323] The server 20, for example, by referring to the cart update history database 285, the POS operation history database 286, etc., causes the terminal device 40 to present the following information as candidates for the timing when the user will use the cash register. Information about times when cash registers are expected to be less busy at the store, based on past purchase history at the store

[0324] Control unit 490 accepts, in operation acceptance unit 132C, an operation for reserving a time when the user will use the cash register, even when the user is outside the store.

[0325] Control unit 490 displays information on whether the user is inside or outside the store in login information display area 132E (in the illustrated example, the user is "outside the store").

[0326] The example screen (B) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which an operation for reserving a time to use the cash register is accepted when the user is in a store.

[0327] Control unit 490 displays the following information as the contents of the notification to the user in notification unit 132B. Information about the cash register that can be reserved for use (in the illustrated example, "Cash Register B") Suggested times to reserve a cash register - Users who are in the store can reserve the use of the cash register, prioritizing it over users who are outside the store.

[0328] Control unit 490 accepts, in operation acceptance unit 132C, an operation for reserving a time when the user uses the cash register, when the user is inside the store.

[0329] Control unit 490 displays the following information in register designation section 132D. A cash register where users can reserve the use of the cash register Number of users waiting in line at the cash register

[0330] Control unit 490 displays on login information display area 132E that the user is inside the store.

[0331] The example screen (C) in FIG. 20 shows a situation in which a user reserves a time for using the cash register and is given a special benefit for using the cash register at that time.

[0332] Control unit 490 displays the following information as the contents of the notification to the user in notification unit 132B. - You have reserved a time to use the cash register and made a payment at that time (for example, making a payment within a certain period including the reserved time) - To provide rewards to users who make payments according to the timing.

[0333] The control unit 490 receives, in the operation receiving unit 132C, an input operation for receiving the privilege given to the user.

[0334] For example, the benefit may be content related to the information in the user's cart (products purchased by the user) (for example, if the product is the subject of a campaign, an image that can be obtained by participating in the campaign).

[0335] The example screen (D) in FIG. 20 shows a situation where a user who has made a reservation for a time to use a cash register outside a store has come to the store and confirmed the reservation.

[0336] Control unit 490 displays the following information as the contents of the notification to the user in notification unit 132B. The user has booked a time to use the cash register outside the store The user must have visited the store by that time Confirming a reservation for when to use the cash register when the user visits the store

[0337] If a user reserves a time to use the cash register outside the store, but does not arrive at the store a certain period of time before that time, the purchase and settlement at the cash register will not be completed in time. Therefore, when it is determined that the user who reserved the time outside the store is likely not to arrive at the store, the server 20 cancels the reservation of the time to use the cash register. In other words, when a reservation is made outside the store, it may be treated as a "provisional reservation" and an operation to confirm the reservation may be required.

[0338] In this case, the server 20 may notify the user who has reserved a time to wait in line at the register in the store of the time when the reservation was canceled, and may receive from the user in the store the time to use the register at that time. Since it is assumed that users who are in the store are more likely to continue purchasing activities and make payments in the store than users who are outside the store, the purchasing experience of users who are in the store may be further improved.

[0339] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0340] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0341] (Appendix 1) A program for operating a computer (20) having a processor (29), the program causing the processor to execute a step of acquiring information (285) of a product selected by a user as an object for purchase at a store, the store having a plurality of payment devices (10) installed and accepting payments from users of the store via the payment devices, the program further causing the processor to execute a step (S1225, 132B) of making a specific one of the plurality of payment devices available for payment for the user if the information of the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition (283).

[0342] (Appendix 2) A program as described in (Appendix 1), in which in the step of making available, the user is allowed to make payments at a specific payment device when the number of items selected by the user satisfies a certain condition as a specified condition.

[0343] (Appendix 3) A program as described in (Appendix 1 or 2), in which in the step of making available, the user is made available to make payments on a specific payment device when at least one of the following predetermined conditions is met: the products selected by the user include a specific product, or the combination of products satisfies certain conditions.

[0344] (Appendix 4) A program for operating a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to execute a step (S1525) of accepting input of first information for using the first service instead of input of information for registering for the first service, in association with information of a user waiting in line to make a payment at a store, and a step (S1525) of determining a value to be provided to the user in the first service based on the first information.

[0345] (Appendix 5) A program as described in (Appendix 4), in which in a receiving step, information on a product selected by the user as a target for purchase is received as first information (S1521), and in a determining step, a value is determined based on the information on the selected product (S1525).

[0346] (Appendix 6) A program as described in (Appendix 5), wherein the first service is an EC (electronic commerce) site related to a business operator that operates a store, and in the determination step, a product to be provided to the user from among the products offered on the EC site is determined as a value based on information of the selected product (S1525).

[0347] (Appendix 7) A program as described in any one of (Appendix 4 to 6), wherein in the determining step, the value is determined based on the order in which users line up in the payment queue (S1625).

[0348] (Appendix 8) A program as described in (Appendix 7), in which in the first service, a plurality of characters are provided for use by the user, and in the determination step, a lottery process is performed according to the order, and a character to be provided to the user from among the plurality of characters is determined as a value (S1625).

[0349] (Appendix 9) In the determining step, if the first service is a service related to a store, character goods offered at the store are provided to the user as value, and if the first service is a game based on a game program, a character that can be used in the game is provided to the user as value (S1625), (Appendix 8) of the program.

[0350] (Appendix 10) In the determining step, the value is determined based on information related to the user as the first information, and the information related to the user includes at least one of whether the user is a repeat customer who has used the store multiple times, or information on the history of products the user has previously purchased at the store (S1725), a program described in any of (Appendix 4 to 9).

[0351] (Appendix 11) A program described in any of (Appendix 1 to 10), further causing the processor to execute a step of reserving for the user a time when the user will make payment at the store (S1923) and a step of notifying the user of information about the reserved time.

[0352] (Appendix 12) The program described in (Appendix 11), in which in the reservation step, the timing is reserved by accepting an operation to reserve the timing for payment at the store from a terminal of a user at the store.

[0353] (Appendix 13) The program described in (Appendix 12) in which, in the reservation step, an operation to reserve the timing for payment at the store is accepted via the network from the terminal of a user who is not at the store, thereby reserving the timing for the user who is not at the store.

[0354] (Appendix 14) A program as described in (Appendix 13), in which, in the reservation step, when operations to reserve a timing are accepted from a user who is in the store and a user who is not in the store, the reservation is accepted with priority from the user who is in the store (S1923).

[0355] (Appendix 15) A method executed by a computer having a processor, the method comprising the steps of: the processor executing a step of acquiring information about a product selected by a user as an item to be purchased at a store; the store having a plurality of payment devices installed and accepting payments from users of the store using the payment devices; and the processor further executing a step of making a specific one of the plurality of payment devices available for the user if the information about the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0356] (Appendix 16) An information processing device having a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a step of acquiring information about a product selected by a user as an item to be purchased at a store, wherein a plurality of payment devices are installed in the store and payments from users of the store are accepted by the payment devices, and the control unit further executes a step of making a specific payment device among the plurality of payment devices available for the user when information about the selected product satisfies a predetermined condition. [Explanation of symbols]

[0357] 1: system, 10: POS terminal, 13: input device, 14: output device, 15: memory, 16: storage, 17: voice processing unit, 19: processor, 20: server, 25: memory, 26: storage, 29: processor, 30: display device, 40: terminal device, 80: network, 120: communication unit, 131: reader, 132: keyboard, 132A: cart display unit, 132B: notification unit, 132C: operation reception unit, 132D: register designation unit, 132E: login information display unit, 133: vice, 141: display, 161: camera, 161: first camera, 162: second camera, 171: microphone, 172: speaker, 180: memory unit, 181: product information, 182: specific customer information, 183: employee information, 190: control unit, 191: operation reception unit, 192: transmission / reception unit, 193: accounting processing unit, 194: display control unit, 195: memory control unit, 201: communication unit, 202: memory unit, 203: control unit, 281: customer information database, 282: product information database, 283: store 280: POS operation history database, 285: EC site inventory database, 286: POS operation history database, 411: antenna, 412: antenna, 420: first communication unit, 421: second communication unit, 430: input device, 431: device, 432: display, 440: audio processing unit, 441: microphone, 442: speaker, 450: position information sensor, 460: camera, 470: motion sensor, 480: record Memory unit, 481: game program, 482: store application, 490: control unit, 491: operation reception unit, 492: transmission / reception unit, 493: data processing unit, 494: notification control unit, 495: memory control unit, 2041: reception control module, 2042: transmission control module, 2043: POS setting module, 2044: cart management module, 2045: inventory management module, 2046: POS terminal management module, 2047: value determination module, 2048: reservation processing module.

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to: receiving a request to make a payment at a store from a user's terminal; When the request is accepted, acquiring information regarding an order in which the user will make a payment at the store; determining the content of a benefit to be given to the user based on information about the order; sending data of the determined benefit to the terminal; A program that executes the following.

2. The program described in claim 1, wherein the benefit is a game object that can be used in a game based on the game program.

3. A program as described in claim 2, wherein in the determining step, the content of the game object is determined by a lottery in which the lottery probability varies depending on the order.

4. The processor, When the request is received, acquiring information on a product selected by the user as a purchase target; presenting to the user information regarding a product selected by the user for purchase; The program according to claim 1 .

5. The program described in claim 1, wherein in the determining step, the content of the benefit is determined based on at least one of the user's store visit history and the user's purchasing history at the store.

6. A method implemented on a computer having a processor, the processor comprising: receiving a request to make a payment at a store from a user's terminal; When the request is accepted, acquiring information regarding an order in which the user will make a payment at the store; determining the content of a benefit to be given to the user based on information about the order; sending data of the determined benefit to the terminal; How to do it.

7. An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, the control unit: receiving a request to make a payment at a store from a user's terminal; When the request is accepted, acquiring information regarding an order in which the user will make a payment at the store; determining the content of a benefit to be given to the user based on information about the order; sending data of the determined benefit to the terminal; An information processing device that executes the above.

8. A means for receiving a request to make a payment at a store from a user's terminal; a means for acquiring information regarding the order in which the users will make payments at the store when the request is received; A means for determining the content of a benefit to be given to the user based on information about the order; A means for transmitting data of the determined benefit to the terminal; A system comprising:

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