Guide system, management device, and program

Abstract

To be made possible to introduce an appropriate checkout apparatus to a customer who uses a payment place where different types of checkout apparatuses for settlement are set.SOLUTION: A guide system includes a plurality of first checkout apparatuses, at least one second checkout apparatus, a guide device, and a management device. The first checkout apparatuses can accept a payment by a first settlement method and a second settlement method. The second checkout apparatus can accept a settlement with the second settlement method. The guide device introduces an available checkout apparatus. The management device determines a first checkout apparatus available for the first settlement method and a first checkout apparatus and a second checkout apparatus available for the second settlement method on the basis of the vacancy situation of the first checkout apparatuses and the second checkout apparatus and a preset priority, and makes the guide device introduce the available checkout apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a guidance system, a management device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, self-checkout machines that allow customers to checkout themselves have been increasingly introduced in supermarkets and other mass retailers. In response to this, various techniques have been proposed for guiding and directing customers who are checking out to available checkout machines at such self-checkout machines (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, due to the increase in the proportion of cashless payments in recent years, the installation of cashless self-payment devices is increasing.

[0004] However, if the layout of the same cash register includes both cashless payment self-checkout devices and self-checkout devices that also accept cash payments, personnel are needed to manage and guide customers according to the payment method they wish to use, resulting in a decrease in the store's labor productivity.

[0005] If it is not possible to allocate such personnel, it is necessary to have separate accounting layouts for the cashless payment self-checkout machines and the cash payment self-checkout machines.However, when such a separate layout is adopted, the machines cannot be used effectively due to the ever-changing utilization rate of each payment device, which tends to reduce ROI (Return On Investment). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-173751 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a guidance system, management device, and program that enable a customer using a checkout facility where multiple settlement devices with different types of payment options are installed to be guided to the appropriate settlement device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the guidance system includes a plurality of first settlement devices, one or more second settlement devices, a guidance device, and a management device. The first settlement device is a settlement device capable of accepting payments by the first payment method and the second payment method. The second settlement device is a settlement device capable of accepting payments by the second payment method. The guidance device guides users to available settlement devices. The management device determines the first settlement device available for the first payment method and the first and second settlement devices available for the second payment method based on the availability of each of the first and second settlement devices and a preset priority order, and causes the guidance device to guide users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a guidance system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout booth to which the guidance system is applied. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a store server serving as a management device according to the first embodiment included in the guidance system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the guidance setting table provided in the store server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the terminal status table provided in the store server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a self-service terminal included in the guidance system. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera-captured image acquired by a camera included in the self-terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image captured by a camera. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image captured by a camera. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of an operation relating to guidance of an empty register in the guidance system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the store server. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the terminal status table provided in the store server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a first display screen in a display device included in the guidance system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of the second display surface of the display device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout booth to which the guidance system according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the first and second display surfaces of a display device included in the guidance system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the guidance setting table provided in the store server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the settlement device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a guidance system according to a first embodiment. The guidance system according to the first embodiment is applied to a self-service checkout system. The checkout system includes a store server SS as a management device according to the first embodiment, a plurality of checkout devices, and an attendant terminal AT, and is configured by connecting each checkout device, the store server SS, and the attendant terminal AT via a communication network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The checkout devices include a self-service terminal SE and a cashless payment self-service terminal CL. The self-service terminal SE is an example of a cash-payment-enabled self-service checkout device. The cashless payment self-service terminal CL is an example of a cashless payment self-service checkout device. The guidance system is configured by connecting one or more display devices DD to the communication network NW in such a checkout system.

[0012] The store server SS provides various services related to the settlement system to each settlement device connected via the communication network NW. The store server SS also transmits display information indicating the contents to be displayed on each display device DD connected via the communication network NW.

[0013] In this embodiment, the settlement system includes a plurality of self-service terminals SE and one or more cashless payment self-service terminals CL as settlement devices. The self-service terminal SE is a settlement device having a settlement function that allows both cash and cashless payment without using cash. The self-service terminal SE is an example of a first settlement device that can accept a first payment method, which is cash, and a second payment method, which is cashless payment. Cashless payment includes credit card payment, electronic money payment, point payment, code payment, etc. The cashless payment self-service terminal CL is a settlement device having a settlement function that allows cashless payment without using cash. The cashless payment self-service terminal CL is an example of a second settlement device that can accept a second payment method, which is cashless payment. Cashless payment includes credit card payment, electronic money payment, point payment, code payment, etc.

[0014] These self-service terminals SE and cashless payment self-service terminals CL are installed at the checkout area, which is the checkout area of ​​the store, and are operated by customers who have finished shopping. Customers who move to the checkout area after placing their purchased items in a shopping basket or shopping cart in a sales area where items are displayed operate the self-service terminal SE or cashless payment self-service terminal CL to register the purchased items and settle the transaction data for the registered purchased items, i.e., to make a payment. In this way, shoppers make payments for the transaction themselves, from registering the items to making the payment.

[0015] Furthermore, the self-service terminal SE or the cashless payment self-service terminal CL does not necessarily have to have a function for registering purchased items. In this case, while the shopper is shopping around the sales floor of the store, the shopper registers the items he or she will purchase in advance using a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart or a mobile terminal held by the shopper. Then, the self-service terminal SE that does not have a function for registering purchased items executes a settlement process for the transaction data of the purchased items that the shopper has registered by the shopper himself or herself using either cash or cashless payment. Furthermore, the cashless payment self-service terminal CL that does not have a function for registering purchased items executes a settlement process for the transaction data of the purchased items that the shopper has registered by the shopper himself or herself using the cashless payment method.

[0016] The settlement device may be referred to as a payment terminal, accounting device, accounting terminal, etc. Also, a normal POS terminal having a product registration function and a settlement function may be used as the settlement device in this settlement system.

[0017] The attendant terminal AT is a terminal operated by a store attendant. The attendant terminal AT displays a list of purchased items registered for each settlement device on a display device. In addition, the attendant terminal AT notifies error information if an error occurs in any of the settlement devices. The attendant monitors each settlement device based on the information displayed and notified on the attendant terminal AT. The attendant terminal AT may also have a function as a settlement device operated by the attendant. The attendant terminal AT allows for cash and cashless payments, and can also handle payments that require human intervention, such as payments using coupons and gift certificates that cannot be read by machines, returns, and refunds.

[0018] The display device DD is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display device DD displays display information transmitted from the store server SS for displaying information to a shopper attempting to make a payment about currently available payment devices included in the payment system. The display device DD is an example of a guidance device that provides information about available payment devices. In other words, the guidance device displays display information for displaying information about available payment devices. It may also be said that the guidance device provides a display showing available cash registers (devices that are not being used, i.e., available devices) according to the payment method.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout location CE to which the guidance system is applied. In the example of Fig. 2, five self-service terminals SE, three cashless payment self-service terminals CL, and one attendant terminal AT are installed as payment devices at the checkout location CE. Although not limited to this, the following description will explain the configuration and operation based on the number of payment devices and their installation layout at this checkout location CE.

[0020] The checkout area CE has separate entrances for cash-paying shoppers and cashless-paying shoppers, with a common exit for both types of shoppers. At the entrance for cash-paying shoppers, there is a first entrance lane AL1 where cash-paying shoppers SC line up to wait at the register. The first entrance lane AL1 is an example of a first waiting lane for a first payment method. At the entrance for cashless-paying shoppers SC, there is a second entrance lane AL2 where cashless-paying shoppers SC line up to wait at the register. The second entrance lane AL2 is an example of a second waiting lane for a second payment method. At the exit, there is an exit lane EL through which shoppers SC pass after completing their payment.

[0021] In addition, in the checkout area CE, one display device DD is installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1, and one display device DD is installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2. It can also be said that one display device DD is provided at the entrance for cash paying customers and one at the entrance for cashless paying customers. That is, Fig. 2 shows an example in which each display device DD is a guide device that guides customers to available payment devices.

[0022] Each of the nine payment terminals, including the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, is assigned a register number R1 to R9 to uniquely identify the payment terminal. These register numbers R1 to R9 can be assigned arbitrarily by the administrator of the store server SS.

[0023] A store clerk SP is assigned to the attendant terminal AT.

[0024] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server SS. The store server SS includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, an input / output device 14, a communication interface 15, and a system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 16 connects the processor 11 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage device 13 are connected by the system transmission path 16 to form a computer of the store server SS.

[0025] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server SS according to an operating system or a control program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0026] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a control program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0027] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned control program.

[0028] The input / output device 14 is a user interface including input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The store server SS does not necessarily have to have the input / output device 14. In this case, the user interface can be a management terminal (not shown) that can communicate via the communication network NW using the communication interface 15. The management terminal can include, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc.

[0029] The communication interface 15 performs data communication according to a preset communication protocol with external devices connected via the communication network NW. The external devices are, for example, a self-service terminal SE, a cashless payment self-service terminal CL, an attendant terminal AT, a display device DD, etc.

[0030] The store server SS includes, in the auxiliary storage device 13, a product master database 131, a store member master database 132, a sales data database 133, a guide setting table 134, and a terminal status table 135. In Fig. 3, database is abbreviated as DB.

[0031] The product master database 131 stores data on each product sold in the store. The product master database 131 stores data such as product ID, product name, price, and category name, with each product as one record. The product ID is a unique code set for each product to identify each product individually.

[0032] The store member master database 132 stores data on customers who have registered as point members or the like, that is, members. The store member master database 132 stores, for example, data on a member ID, with one member as one record. It may also store personal information such as the member's gender, age, name, address, and contact information. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to identify each member individually. The member owns a recording medium on which the member ID is recorded. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic card, a contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a contactless IC card, a smartphone, or the like. A purchaser can enjoy the benefits of being a member by inputting the member code into the settlement device at any time before making a payment, i.e., settlement, at the settlement device. There is no particular restriction on the method of inputting the member code, and the shopper SC may use a scanner or reader provided in the settlement device to read the member code from the medium.

[0033] The sales data database 133 stores sales data generated in each transaction, which is transmitted from each settlement device when the settlement is completed, that is, when the transaction is finished. The sales data database 133 stores transaction data indicating the transaction details of the product to be settled and payment data related to the settlement of the transaction, with each transaction being one record. The transaction data includes the product name (product code) of the product to be settled and its amount, the total amount of each product, etc. If the payment is made in cash, the payment data includes the deposit amount paid by the purchaser and the amount of change, etc., and if the payment is made cashless, the payment data includes information on the payment method. The sales data may include elements such as a membership code, a company code (company name) indicating the company that operates the store, a store code (store name), the store's telephone number, address, transaction date and time, transaction number (receipt number), register number, and the name of the person in charge. Note that the elements included in the sales data are not limited to these examples, and may include other elements, or elements such as the telephone number and address may be removed. The settlement device, for example, reads a code symbol printed or affixed to a product using a scanner to obtain a product code, reads product data for the product identified by the product code from a product data file held by the settlement device, and registers the product data in the transaction data, thereby updating and storing sales data including transaction data and settlement data. The product data file may be a copy of the product master database 131. When a membership code is obtained from a recording medium using a scanner, the settlement device checks whether the membership code is registered in a store member data file held by the settlement device, and if registered, adds the membership code as a store member code to the transaction data, thereby updating and storing the sales data. When the settlement process is completed, that is, when one transaction is finished, the settlement device prints the sales data on paper to issue a paper receipt for one transaction, and transmits the sales data for one transaction to the store server SS. The sales data database 133 stores the sales data transmitted from each settlement device in this manner.

[0034] The guidance setting table 134 stores various settings related to the display of information about vacant registers that have been input in advance by the manager. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the guidance setting table 134. Note that the data structure shown in Fig. 4 is only one example. As long as the information required by the processor 11 can be obtained, the format is not particularly limited.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the guidance setting table 134 stores, for example, for each payment device type, the display surface, the register number, the priority order for each type, the priority order for the cash register guidance, and the setting for when each type of cash register is full. The payment device type indicates the type of payment device. In the example of Fig. 4, the payment device types include the self-service terminal SE, the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, and the attendant terminal AT.

[0036] The display surface is a guide display surface of the display device DD for guiding shoppers to vacant registers at the checkout counter CE. In this embodiment, the display surfaces DS1 to DS3 shown in FIG. 4 are identification information for identifying the display surface of the display device DD. The display device DD and the display surface may have a one-to-one relationship, or one display device DD may correspond to multiple display surfaces by adopting a display method in which the display screen is divided into multiple parts. In this embodiment, the display device DD and the guide display surface have a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, the display surface can be rephrased as a display device. In the example of FIG. 4, the display device DD installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1 where cash-paying shoppers SC line up to wait at the register is set as the first display surface DS1, and the display device DD installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2 where cashless-paying shoppers SC line up to wait at the register is set as the second display surface DS2.

[0037] In Fig. 4, three display surfaces DS1 to DS3 are set, but since there are two display devices DD installed at the checkout counter CE as shown in Fig. 2, the processor 11 ignores the setting for this display surface DS3, as described later. Of course, it is also possible to add one more display device DD and apply the setting for the display surface DS3 to the added display device DD.

[0038] The register number is an identifier assigned to each payment device for each type of payment device. The example in Fig. 4 corresponds to the installation layout of the checkout counter CE as shown in Fig. 2. That is, the register numbers of the self-service terminal SE are R1 to R5, the register numbers of the cashless payment self-service terminal CL are R6 to R8, and the register number of the attendant terminal AT is R9.

[0039] The priority order by type indicates the priority order regarding the type of settlement device. The priority order by type is an example of the priority order of payment methods. Figure 4 shows a case where the priority order by type is specified in the order of cashless payment self-service terminal CL, self-service terminal SE, and attendant terminal AT.

[0040] The register guidance priority indicates the priority of the payment device, i.e., which register is guided first when there are multiple empty registers. In the example of Fig. 4, the register guidance priority order is set for the self-service terminal SE as register number R1, register number R2, register number R3, register number R4, and register number R5. Also, the cashless payment self-service terminal CL has the register guidance priority order set as register number R6, register number R7, and register number R8. Note that the attendant terminal AT has only one register assigned to it, so the register guidance priority order has not been set.

[0041] The setting for when cash registers are full for each type indicates the order of cash registers to be assigned when a cash register assigned to a payment device type becomes full and a cash register assigned to another type is used as the cash register for that type. When a cash register assigned to a payment device type becomes full, that is, when there are no free cash registers. In other words, when all of the assigned payment devices are in use. The setting for when cash registers are full for each type is an example of a priority order when assigning a payment device belonging to a payment method with a lower priority to a payment method with a higher priority. In the example of Figure 4, the order set for when the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, which has the highest priority for each type, becomes full is as follows: cash register number R5, which is a self-service terminal SE, cash register number R4, cash register number R3, cash register number R2, and cash register number R1.

[0042] In the example of Fig. 4, the next priority setting, which is what happens when the self-service terminal SE becomes full, is not set. This is because the cashless payment self-service terminal CL cannot accept cash payments and therefore cannot be a substitute for the self-service terminal SE. Also, although cash payments are possible at the attendant terminal AT, the means for registering products that the attendant terminal AT has is located on the store clerk SP side, and shoppers are not allowed to operate the SC. Furthermore, the store clerk SP located at the attendant terminal AT needs to give priority to his or her original duties as an attendant, so it is not desirable for him or her to be a substitute for the self-service terminal SE.

[0043] In addition, in the example of Fig. 4, the setting for when the attendant terminal AT becomes full is also not set. This is because the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL do not have the function of the attendant terminal AT and therefore cannot be a substitute for the attendant terminal AT.

[0044] Terminal status table 135 stores the current usage status of each settlement device. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in this terminal status table 135. Note that the data structure shown in Fig. 5 is only an example. As long as the information required by processor 11 can be obtained, the format is not particularly limited.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, terminal status table 135 stores, for example, an allocation type and a usage status for each register number.

[0046] The assigned type indicates what type of settlement device the cash register is currently operating as.

[0047] The usage status indicates whether the cash register in question is currently in use or not. In this usage status, a circle indicates that it is not in use, i.e., free, and a cross indicates that it is in use. A hyphen indicates that it is not included. Figure 5 shows the status of the checkout counter CE shown in Figure 2. That is, the example of terminal status table 135 in Figure 5 shows a situation where the self-service terminals SE with register numbers R2 and R3 are in use, the self-service terminals SE with register numbers R1, R4, and R5 are free, the cashless payment self-service terminals CL with register numbers R7 and R8 are in use, and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL with register number R6 is free.

[0048] Next, each unit implemented in the processor 11 of the store server SS will be described. The processor 11 implements, for example, a sales data receiving unit 111, a setting unit 112, a usage status detecting unit 113, an allocation changing unit 114, and a guidance unit 115. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0049] The sales data receiving unit 111 receives sales data for one transaction transmitted from the settlement device at the end of one transaction via the communication interface 15. The sales data receiving unit 111 stores the received sales data in the sales data database 133.

[0050] The setting unit 112 receives various setting information for each setting item in the guidance setting table 134, which is generated by an operation of an administrator of the store server SS using the input / output device 14. The setting unit 112 stores the received various setting information in the guidance setting table 134.

[0051] The usage status detection unit 113 detects the usage status of the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL. The usage status detection unit 113 is an example of a detection means for detecting the availability of the self-service terminal SE as the first settlement device and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL as the second settlement device. For example, in this embodiment, as described later, the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL are configured to transmit a human detection notification when a person is present within their operation range. Therefore, the usage status detection unit 113 can detect whether each settlement device is in use or not based on whether the human detection notification is received by the communication interface 15. The usage status detection unit 113 stores the detected usage status in the terminal status table 135.

[0052] The allocation change unit 114 changes the allocation type of each settlement device based on the usage status of each settlement device stored in the terminal status table 135 and various settings related to the guidance display of vacant registers stored in the guidance setting table 134. Details of this change of allocation type will be described later. The allocation change unit 114 is an example of an allocation means that determines a first settlement device that can be used for a first payment method and a first and second settlement device that can be used for a second payment method based on the availability status of each of the first and second settlement devices detected by the detection means and a preset priority order. The allocation change unit 114 updates the allocation type in the terminal status table 135 with the changed allocation type.

[0053] The guidance unit 115 generates display information for guidance displays to be displayed on the display surface for each type set in the guidance setting table 134 according to the allocation type stored in the terminal status table 135, and transmits the display information to each display device DD via the communication interface 15. The display information for the guidance displays includes first guidance information representing a self-service terminal SE that can be used for cash payment, and second guidance information representing a cashless payment self-service terminal CL that can be used for cashless payment and, in some cases, a self-service terminal SE. Specific examples of the display information for the guidance displays will be described later. The guidance unit 115 is an example of an output means that outputs, to the display device DD, which is an external device, first guidance information representing a first settlement device that can be used for the first payment method and second guidance information representing a first and second settlement devices that can be used for the second payment method, which are determined by the allocation means.

[0054] The store server SS can be realized, for example, by using a general-purpose computer device for servers as hardware and writing the control program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The control program may be stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 when the store server SS is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the general-purpose computer device. In the latter case, the control program is transferred in a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or via a network.

[0055] Next, the configuration of the settlement device will be described. First, the self-service terminal SE will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service terminal SE. The self-service terminal SE includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a scanner 24, a touch panel 25, a camera 26, an automatic change dispenser 27, a card reader 28, a reader / writer 29, a printer 30, a communication interface 31, and a system transmission path 32. The system transmission path 32 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 32 connects the processor 21 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The processor 21, the main memory 22, and the auxiliary storage device 23 are connected via the system transmission path 32 to form a computer of the self-service terminal SE.

[0056] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions as the self-terminal SE according to an operating system or a control program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 may be, for example, an MPU, an SoC, a DSP, a GPU, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. Alternatively, the processor 21 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0057] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or a control program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 22 may store data required for the processor 21 to execute processing for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 22 stores a transaction file 221. The transaction file 221 is a data file for storing sales data for one transaction processed by the self-service terminal SE. The main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0058] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 21, etc. For example, the auxiliary storage device 23 can store the above-mentioned product data file and store member data file. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the above-mentioned control program.

[0059] The scanner 24 reads a code symbol from a product. Each product sold in a store is provided with a code symbol that encodes a product ID or the like to identify the product. The code symbol is, for example, a barcode. The code symbol may also be, for example, a two-dimensional data code. The scanner 24 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with a laser beam, or of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0060] The touch panel 25 is composed of a display for displaying various screens to the shopper SC who operates the self-service terminal SE, and a touch sensor for detecting touch input to the screen by the shopper SC.

[0061] The camera 26 captures an image of the terminal operation range where the shopper SC is likely to be when the shopper SC removes purchased items from a shopping basket or shopping cart and has the scanner 24 scan the barcodes of the purchased items, places the purchased items in a shopping bag or the like, and makes payments with cash, credit card, etc. This allows the camera 26 to capture an image of the shopper SC operating the self-service terminal SE.

[0062] The automatic change machine 27 includes a coin unit 271 and a bill unit 272. The coin unit 271 sorts coins inserted into a coin slot one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in a safe according to the denomination. The coin unit 271 takes out coins of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on, for example, the change data, and dispenses them to a coin dispensing outlet. The bill unit 272 sorts bills inserted into a bill slot one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in the safe according to the denomination. The bill unit 272 takes out bills of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on, for example, the change data, and dispenses them to a bill dispensing outlet.

[0063] Card reader 28 reads card data recorded on card media such as credit cards, point cards, etc. Card reader 28 pulls the card medium inserted into the card insertion slot into the main body, reads the card data, and then ejects the card from the card insertion slot.

[0064] The reader / writer 29 reads and rewrites electronic money recorded on an electronic money medium. The electronic money medium is, for example, a contactless IC card. The electronic money medium may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0065] The printer 30 prints receipt data showing the details of the commercial transaction on receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is discharged from an issuing port, cut by a cutter, and issued as a receipt or receipt certificate.

[0066] The communication interface 31 performs data communication in accordance with a preset communication protocol with an external device connected via the communication network NW. The external device is, for example, a store server SS, an attendant terminal AT, etc.

[0067] The processor 11 implements, in addition to well-known processing units related to product registration and settlement, for example, an operator detection unit 211. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0068] The operator detection unit 211 detects the presence or absence of a shopper SC who is an operator operating the self-service terminal SE from camera images captured at regular time intervals by the camera 26. The operator detection unit 211 detects the presence or absence of a person by using a human recognition technique such as a well-known face detection technique, for example.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the camera-captured image 261. As shown in Fig. 7, when the camera-captured image 261 showing a person is acquired, if the operator detection unit 211 detects the presence of a person, it transmits a person detection notification to the store server SS via the communication interface 31. As described above, the use status detection unit 113 of the store server SS can detect that the self-terminal SE is in use from this person detection notification, and can store the status in the terminal status table 135.

[0070] 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing examples of camera-captured images. The operator detection unit 211 cannot detect a person from a camera-captured image 262 in which no person is captured as shown in FIG. 8, or a camera-captured image 263 in which a person passing in front of the self-service terminal SE is captured as shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, in this case, the operator detection unit 211 does not transmit a person detection notification to the store server SS. Therefore, the usage status detection unit 113 of the store server SS can detect that the self-service terminal SE for which there is no person detection notification is not in use, that is, is in an available status, and can store the status in the terminal status table 135.

[0071] The cashless payment self-service terminal CL does not handle cash, and therefore does not have an automatic change machine 27. Except for the absence of the automatic change machine 27, the cashless payment self-service terminal CL has the same configuration as the self-service terminal SE.

[0072] The attendant terminal AT has the same configuration as the self-service terminal SE shown in Fig. 6. The attendant terminal AT stores the status of each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL in the main memory 22. For example, the attendant terminal AT can store a list of purchased items registered in each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL, error occurrence status, etc. in the main memory 22. The attendant terminal AT displays the status of each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL stored in the main memory 22 on the display of the touch panel 25.

[0073] The operation of the guidance system applied to the settlement system having such a configuration will be described below. The operations related to settlement in the settlement system are the same as those in known settlement systems, so their explanation will be omitted. Also, the operations related to the settings in the guidance setting table 134 in the guidance system are also omitted, because they are simply set for each setting item. Therefore, the operations related to the guidance of vacant registers will be described here.

[0074] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation related to the guidance of vacant registers in the guidance system. As shown in Fig. 10, each of the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, i.e., each settlement device, performs an operator detection process to detect the presence or absence of a shopper SC who is an operator at regular time intervals (step S1). A settlement device that detects the presence of a person transmits a person detection notification to the store server SS (step S2). Note that the operator detection process between each settlement device does not need to be synchronized, and is performed at regular time intervals at each arbitrary timing.

[0075] The store server SS detects the usage status of each settlement device based on the human detection notification sent from each settlement device at regular intervals different from the regular intervals of the settlement devices (step S3). The store server SS determines which vacant registers can be used for cash payments and which vacant registers can be used for cashless payments based on the availability of each settlement device and a preset priority (step S4). The store server SS then transmits guidance information indicating the determined vacant registers to the display device DD (step S5).

[0076] The display device DD receives this guidance information and displays it (step S6).

[0077] The operations of the store server SS in steps S3 to S5 will now be described in detail.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the store server SS. The processor 11 executes this process at regular intervals, for example every few seconds, based on a control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. Here, an example will be described in which multiple vacant registers are displayed if possible. Unless otherwise specified, the processing operation of the processor 11 transitions from ACTx (x is a natural number) to ACT(x+1). The steps shown in FIG. 11 are just an example. There are no particular limitations on the steps as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0079] As ACT1, the usage status detection unit 113 implemented in the processor 11 receives a human detection notification transmitted from each settlement terminal, i.e., each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL, via the communication interface 15. Among the settlement terminals, the attendant terminal AT does not transmit a human detection notification, as described above.

[0080] In ACT2, the usage status detection unit 113 determines whether or not there is a settlement terminal that has not received a human detection notification, i.e., an empty register, that has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. Specifically, for each empty register that has not received a human detection notification, the usage status detection unit 113 checks the usage status of the corresponding register number in the terminal status table 135, and if the usage status indicates that the register is in use, it determines that the register has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. If the usage status is already empty, the usage status detection unit 113 determines that the register has not transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. If there is a settlement terminal that has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state, the usage status detection unit 113 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT14. If there is no settlement terminal that has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state, the usage status detection unit 113 determines NO in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0081] As ACT3, the use status detection unit 113 updates the use status in the terminal status table 135 based on the received human detection notification.

[0082] As ACT4, the allocation change unit 114 implemented in the processor initializes the value of an internal counter n to "1." The value of this internal counter n is used to specify the priority of the priority order for each type in the guidance setting table 134.

[0083] In ACT5, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether there is an empty register in the settlement device type of the priority order indicated by the value of the internal counter n. Specifically, the allocation change unit 114 obtains the settlement device type of the priority order indicated by the value of the internal counter n from the guidance setting table 134. The allocation change unit 114 then determines whether there is an empty register by determining whether there is an empty state in the usage status of the register number to which the allocation type corresponding to the settlement device type is assigned in the terminal status table 135. If there is no empty register, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT11. If there is an empty register, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6.

[0084] In ACT 6, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether there are multiple empty registers. If there is only one empty register, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 11. If there are multiple empty registers, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 7.

[0085] In ACT7, the allocation change unit 114 judges whether the status of vacant registers has been determined for all types in the guidance setting table 134. If all types have been determined, the allocation change unit 114 judges YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT9. If determination has not yet been performed for all types, the allocation change unit 114 judges NO in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8.

[0086] In ACT8, the allocation change unit 114 increments the value of the internal counter n by 1. After that, the allocation change unit 114 proceeds to ACT5.

[0087] In this manner, allocation change unit 114 determines available registers in order from the settlement device type with the highest priority order in guidance setting table 134 until it has determined the available register status for all types in guidance setting table 134 .

[0088] As ACT9, the guidance unit 115 implemented in the processor 11 determines the display order of available registers to be displayed on each display device DD. Specifically, the guidance unit 115 determines the display order for each payment device type according to the current status of available registers stored in the terminal status table 135, and the register guidance priority and the register full time setting for each type preset in the guidance setting table 134.

[0089] As ACT10, the guidance unit 115 causes each display device DD to display guidance indicating available registers. Specifically, the guidance unit 115 generates display information showing available registers arranged in the determined display order for each payment device type. Then, the communication interface 15 transmits each display information to each display device DD according to the display surface set in the guidance setting table 134.

[0090] In this way, when there are multiple vacant registers for each type of settlement device, display information is generated to guide the customer to the highest vacant register according to the register guidance priority order preset in the guidance setting table 134, and this information can be displayed as a guidance display on each of the display devices DD installed corresponding to the first and second entrance lanes AL1, AL2, respectively.

[0091] In addition, in ACT11, the allocation change unit 114 implemented in the processor 11 determines whether or not there is a setting for when the register is full. Specifically, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether or not a register number is set in the register full setting for each type of settlement device type of priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n in the guidance setting table 134. If a register number is set, the allocation change unit 114 can determine that there is a setting for when the register is full. If there is no setting for when the register is full, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT7. If there is a setting for when the register is full, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT12.

[0092] In ACT12, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether any of the settlement devices with register numbers set in the register-full setting for each type are available. Specifically, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether the usage status of the register number is available in the terminal status table 135. If there are no available registers, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT7. If there are available registers, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT13.

[0093] In ACT 13, the allocation change unit 114 checks the guidance setting table 134 and determines whether the available register is a payment device that belongs to a type with a lower priority order by type. If the available register is not a cash register with a lower priority order by type, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 7. If the available register is a cash register with a lower priority order by type, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 14.

[0094] In ACT14, allocation change unit 114 changes the allocation type of the register number of an empty register in terminal status table 135 to the payment device type, which is the priority indicated by the value of internal counter n, in accordance with the register full-time setting for each type in guidance setting table 134. After that, allocation change unit 114 proceeds to ACT5.

[0095] By executing the processes of ACT5 to ACT14 using the terminal status table 135 thus modified, when there are no available registers for each type of settlement device, display information is generated such that an available register of a lower type is used as an available register for that type, in accordance with the register guidance priority order and the settings for when each type of register is full, which are preset in the guidance setting table 134, and this information can be displayed as a guidance display on each of the display devices DD installed corresponding to the first and second entrance lanes AL1, AL2, respectively.

[0096] In ACT15, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether the allocation type of the settlement device that has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state has been changed. Specifically, the allocation change unit 114 checks whether the allocation type of the register number of the settlement device in the terminal status table 135 is the same as the setting of the settlement device type of the register number in the guidance setting table 134. If they do not match, the allocation change unit 114 determines that the allocation type has been changed. If the allocation type has not been changed, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT3. If the allocation type has been changed, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT16.

[0097] In ACT 16, the allocation change unit 114 restores the changed allocation type to the initial allocation. Specifically, the allocation change unit 114 returns the allocation type of the settlement device in the terminal status table 135 to the settlement device type of the corresponding register number set in the guidance setting table 134. After that, the allocation change unit 114 proceeds to ACT 3.

[0098] A specific example of the vacant register notification will be described below. For example, suppose that in ACT3, the usage status of each cash register is as shown in terminal status table 135 in Fig. 5. This is the situation shown in Fig. 2. First, in ACT5, a determination is made as to whether or not there is an available cash register for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, which has the highest priority by type. In this case, since the cashless payment self-service terminal CL with register number R6 is available as an available cash register, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6. Then, since there is one available cash register in ACT6, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT6 to ACT11.

[0099] In ACT11, the cash register full setting for each type of the cashless payment self-service terminal CL is set in the guidance setting table 134, so the process proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. In ACT12, it can be determined from the terminal status table 135 that among the cash register numbers R1 to R5 set in the guidance setting table 134, cash register numbers R1, R4, and R5 are available, so the process proceeds from ACT12 to ACT13. Then, in ACT13, it is determined that those available cash registers are self-service terminals SE, which have a lower priority than the type-by-type priority, so the process proceeds from ACT13 to ACT14. Therefore, in ACT14, an allocation type change process is executed to allocate the self-service terminal SE with cash register number R5 to the cashless payment self-service terminal in accordance with the cash register full setting for each type of the guidance setting table 134.

[0100] As a result, the contents stored in terminal status table 135 are rewritten from the state shown in Fig. 5 to that shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in terminal status table 135. As shown in Fig. 12, the allocation type of register number R5 is changed from self-service to cashless payment self-service.

[0101] Thereafter, when the processing procedure proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6, the settlement device with register number R6.R5 is an empty register, and therefore it is determined that there are multiple empty registers, and the processing procedure proceeds from ACT6 to ACT7. Then, in ACT7, there is a settlement device type that has not yet been determined, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT8, and the counter value is incremented by "+1", and processing is performed for the self-service terminal SE whose priority by type in the guidance setting table 134 is set to "2".

[0102] In this case, in ACT5, the empty registers whose allocation type in the terminal status table 135 is set to "self" are determined, and as shown in FIG. 12, register numbers R1 and R4 are determined to be empty. The self-service terminal SE with register number R5 is used as a substitute for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, so it is not included in the empty registers here. Since there are two empty registers, the process proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6 via ACT7. In ACT7, there is a settlement device type that has not yet been determined, so the process proceeds to ACT8, where the counter value is incremented by "+1," and processing is performed for the attendant terminal AT whose priority by type in the guidance setting table 134 is set to "3."

[0103] In this case, in ACT5, an empty register with an allocation type of attendant in the terminal status table 135 is determined, but as shown in Fig. 12, the usage status of attendant is not included. Therefore, ACT5 and ACT6 are unconditionally determined as YES, and the processing procedure proceeds to ACT7. Then, in ACT7, there is no settlement device type that has not yet been determined, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT9.

[0104] In ACT9, for register numbers R1 and R4, which are vacant registers of the self-service terminal SE, the display order is determined to be register number R1, register number R4 in accordance with the register guidance priority order in the guidance setting table 134. Also, for register numbers R5 and R6, which are vacant registers of the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, the display order is determined to be register number R6, register number R5 in accordance with the register guidance priority order and the settings for when each type of register is full in the guidance setting table 134. Then, in ACT10, display information for the vacant registers of the self-service terminal SE and display information for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL are generated, and each display information is transmitted to each display device DD in accordance with the display surface set in the guidance setting table 134.

[0105] This causes the guidance display to be displayed as shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the first display surface DS1 of a display device DD installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1 where cash-paying shoppers SC line up to wait at the register. Also, Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the second display surface DS2 of a display device DD installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2 where cashless-paying shoppers SC line up to wait at the register.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 13, two vacant register number displays FN11 and FN12, which are first display information representing available cash payment settlement devices, are displayed side by side on the first display surface DS1. In this case, the vacant register number display FN11 indicating the register number R1, which is an available cash register with a higher priority, is displayed large, and the vacant register number display FN12 indicating the register number R4, which is an available cash register with a lower priority, is displayed small next to it. In this way, the display device DD installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1, which is the first waiting lane for cash payment, which is the first payment method, has the first display surface DS1 and is an example of a first display device arranged in the first waiting lane for the first payment method among the first and second waiting lanes for customers to wait for payment, which are provided separately for the first and second payment methods. The vacant register number displays FN11 and FN12 are an example of first guidance information representing the self-service terminal SE, which is the first settlement device available for cash payment, which is the first payment method.

[0107] Also, as shown in FIG. 14, two vacant register number displays FN21 and FN22, which are second display information representing available cashless payment settlement devices, are displayed side by side on the second display surface DS2. In this case, the vacant register number display FN21 showing the register number R6, which is an vacant register with a higher priority, is displayed large, and the vacant register number display FN22 showing the register number R5, which is an vacant register with a lower priority, is displayed small next to it. In this way, the display device DD installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2, which is the second waiting lane for the second payment method, cashless payment, has the second display surface DS2 and is an example of a second display device arranged in the second waiting lane for the second payment method. The vacant register number displays FN21 and FN22 are an example of second guidance information representing the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL as second settlement devices available for the second payment method, cashless payment.

[0108] The information processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 is performed at regular intervals, but this regular interval can be set based on the time required for the shopper SC to move. This time is the time required for the shopper SC to move from the entrance for cash-paying shoppers and the entrance for cashless-paying shoppers of the checkout area CE, which are the exits of the first entrance lane AL1 and the second entrance lane AL2, to the farthest checkout device that may be displayed as an empty register. In the example of FIG. 2, if it is assumed that it takes 10 seconds for the shopper SC lined up in the second entrance lane AL2 to move to the farthest register number R2 at a normal moving speed, the information processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 is performed every 10 seconds. As a result, the guidance display on the first display surface DS1 and the second display surface DS2 based on the detection of a new empty register is updated every 10 seconds.

[0109] Furthermore, when a shopper SC sees the information about an empty register on the first display surface DS1 or the second display surface DS2, he or she moves from the first entrance lane AL1 or the second entrance lane AL2 to the empty register with the large register number R1 or R6. If the information display as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 continues during this movement, the next shopper SC will also start moving to the same register. Therefore, when the shopper SC starts moving to the empty register with the register number R1 or R6, the display may be updated to erase the large displayed empty register number display FN11 or FN21 and display the small displayed empty register number display FN12 or FN22 in a large size. The shopper SC may start moving by, for example, placing a sensor or the like at the entrance for cash-paying shoppers and the entrance for cashless-paying shoppers of the checkout hall CE, which are the exits of the first entrance lane AL1 and the second entrance lane AL2, to detect the passage of the shopper SC. Furthermore, if a new shopper SC starts to move based on the updated guidance display, the vacant register number display FN12 or FN22 is also turned off, and a display is displayed indicating that a vacant register is being searched for.

[0110] When the checkout device with register number R5, which is a self-service terminal SE but has been used as a substitute for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, completes the checkout by the shopper SC and leaves the checkout device, causing the checkout device to become vacant, this is detected in ACT2. As a result, the process proceeds from ACT2 to ACT15, where it is determined that the allocation has changed, and in ACT16, the checkout device with register number R5 becomes available as the self-service terminal SE, which was initially allocated. Of course, depending on the status of vacant registers at that time, the checkout device with register number R5 may be used again as a substitute for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL in the processing procedure after proceeding from ACT16 to ACT3.

[0111] As described above, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, in a settlement system in which a checkout booth CE is provided with a plurality of self-service terminals SE as first settlement devices capable of accepting a first payment method, which is cash payment, and a second payment method, which is cashless payment, and one or more cashless payment self-service terminals CL as second settlement devices capable of accepting cashless payment, the system is equipped with a display device DD which is a guidance device that guides, for example, customers to available settlement devices, and a store server SS which is a management device that determines a self-service terminal SE which can be used for cash payment and a self-service terminal SE and a cashless payment self-service terminal CL which can be used for cash payment based on the availability of each of the self-service terminals SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL and the pre-set priorities stored in the guidance setting table 134, and causes the display device DD to guide the customer thereto. Therefore, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, an appropriate settlement device can be guided as an available cash register according to the availability status and priority of each settlement device, so that an appropriate settlement device can be guided to a customer using a checkout area CE where multiple settlement devices with different types of payments available are installed.

[0112] In addition, the preset priorities include priorities by type, which are the priorities of payment methods, and when a checkout device belonging to a payment method with a higher priority is full, the store server SS assigns a checkout device belonging to a payment method with a lower priority to the payment method with the higher priority. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, when there are no available registers, it is possible to guide a settlement device that belongs to a payment method with a lower priority than the payment method in question as an available register for that payment method.

[0113] Here, the preset priority further includes a setting for when the register for each type is full, which is a priority when allocating a payment device belonging to a payment method with a lower priority to a payment method with a higher priority. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, it is possible to determine in advance which settlement device should be used when guiding a settlement device belonging to a payment method with a lower priority as an available register for that payment method.

[0114] In addition, the guidance system in the first embodiment includes first and second display surfaces DS1 and DS2 as guidance devices, and the store server SS displays, on the first display surface DS1, for example, vacant register number displays FN11 and FN12 as first display information representing available cash payment settlement devices, arranged in a preset priority order, and also displays, on the second display surface DS2, for example, vacant register number displays FN21 and FN22 as second display information representing available cashless payment settlement devices, arranged in a preset priority order. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, it is possible to guide customers to available registers according to each payment method.

[0115] Here, the guidance system includes a first display device DD having a first display surface DS1 as a guidance device, and a second display device DD having a second display surface DS2, and the first display device DD is arranged in a first entrance lane AL1, which is the first waiting lane for cash payments, among waiting lanes for shoppers SC to wait for payment, which are provided separately for cash payments and cashless payments, and the second display device DD is arranged in a second entrance lane AL2, which is the second waiting lane for cashless payments. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, it is possible to display available registers for each payment method in each entrance lane provided for that payment method.

[0116] In addition, the store server SS as a management device in the first embodiment is equipped with a usage status detection unit 113 as a detection means for detecting the availability of each of a plurality of self-service terminals SE as first settlement devices capable of accepting payment by cash payment, which is a first payment method, and payment by cashless payment, which is a second payment method, and a cashless payment self-service terminal CL as one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payment by cashless payment, an allocation change unit 114 as an allocation means for determining a self-service terminal SE that can be used for cash payment and a self-service terminal SE and a cashless payment self-service terminal CL that can be used for cashless payment based on the availability of each of the self-service terminals SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL detected by the usage status detection unit 113 and a preset priority stored in a guidance setting table 134, and a guidance unit 115 as an output means for outputting first guidance information indicating the self-service terminal SE that can be used for cash payment and second guidance information indicating the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL that can be used for cashless payment, which are determined by the allocation change unit 114, to a display device DD, which is an external device. Therefore, according to the store server SS in the first embodiment, an appropriate settlement device can be guided as an available cash register according to the availability status and priority of each settlement device, so that an appropriate settlement device can be guided to a customer using a checkout area CE where multiple settlement devices with different types of payments available are installed.

[0117] [Second embodiment] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout area CE to which a guidance system according to a second embodiment is applied. In the first embodiment, separate entrances were set up for cash paying customers and cashless paying customers, each with its own entrance lane. The second embodiment is an example in which a single entrance has two entrance lanes, first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2.

[0118] In such an installation layout of the checkout area CE, a total of two display devices DD can be installed independently for the first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 15, a single display device DD can be used. In this case, the single display device DD has first and second display screens DS1 and DS2.

[0119] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the first and second display screens DS1 and DS2 of this display device DD. As shown in Fig. 16, the display screen of the display device DD is divided, and the two display screens DS1 and DS2 are displayed side by side.

[0120] In this way, even if a display method is adopted in which the display screen of the display device DD is divided into multiple parts so that one display device DD can be associated with multiple display surfaces, the guidance system and the management device configured as the store server SS can achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the guidance system and the management device have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0122] For example, the embodiment has been described taking as an example a self-service checkout system in which a shopper registers products, but the checkout system may also be one in which a store clerk registers products and the shopper performs checkout processing based on the transaction data of the purchased products for which the store clerk has registered the products. In other words, the checkout device located at the checkout area CE may be a semi-self-service checkout device in which a store clerk registers products and the shopper performs checkout. Alternatively, a store clerk may register products at a registration device in a registration area provided separately from the checkout area CE, and the checkout device located at the checkout area CE may be a checkout device that only accepts shopper payments based on the transaction data.

[0123] In addition, in the first embodiment, one display device DD was installed in each entrance lane, and in the second embodiment, one display device DD was installed in both lanes, but it is also possible to install multiple display devices DD in each lane.

[0124] Furthermore, a store clerk may be stationed at the entrance of the cash register CE, and the store clerk may orally guide customers to the payment device. In this case, the display device DD may be installed in a position where it can guide the store clerk, not the customer, to an available register (available device).

[0125] In the first embodiment, the display device DD for each entrance lane only displays information about available registers corresponding to that payment method, but it may also display information about available registers corresponding to other payment methods as in the second embodiment. In this way, a shopper SC waiting in line at the entrance lane can change their payment method and use an available register after confirming that a checkout device for another payment method is available.

[0126] Furthermore, the administrator does not necessarily have to specify the order of priority for each setting item in the guide setting table 134, such as the register guide priority order and the setting for when registers are full by type. As shown in Fig. 17, for example, the administrator may simply select whether to set a register number or not, and the processor 11 of the store server SS may randomly determine which of the available registers to select. This makes it possible to prevent bias in the frequency of use of each settlement device. This is particularly useful for reducing the risk of failure of mechanical moving parts in the automatic change dispenser 27, card reader 28, etc.

[0127] Alternatively, the processor 11 may randomly determine the priority order from the set register numbers. In this case, the processor 11 may periodically change the randomly set order. Since the higher the priority order, the more likely the settlement device is to be used, periodically changing the priority order in this manner can prevent bias in the frequency of use of each settlement device.

[0128] In the first and second embodiments, the store server SS determines the usage status of the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL based on the presence or absence of a human detection notification transmitted from them, but instead of or in addition to that, other information may be used to make the determination. For example, the attendant terminal AT collects statuses indicating the operation status and error status of each of the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, so the store server SS can know the usage status of each settlement device by obtaining status information of each settlement device from the attendant terminal AT.

[0129] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 11,21...processor, 12,22...main memory, 13,23...auxiliary storage device, 14...input / output device, 15,31...communication interface, 16,32...system transmission path, 24...scanner, 25...touch panel, 26...camera, 27...automatic change dispenser, 28...card reader, 29...reader / writer, 30...printer, 111...sales data receiving unit, 112...setting unit, 113...usage status detection unit, 114...allocation change unit, 115...guidance unit, 131...product master database, 132...store member master database, 133...sales data database, 134...guidance setting table, 135...terminal status table, 211...operator detection unit, 221...transaction file, 261,262,263...camera-captured image, 271...coin unit, 272...banknote unit, AL1...first entrance lane, AL2...second entrance lane, AT...attendant terminal, CE...checkout area, CL...cashless payment self-service terminal, DD...display device, DS1 to DS3...display surfaces, EL...exit lane, FN11, FN12, FN21, FN22...cash register number display, NW...communications network, SC...shopper, SE...self-service terminal, SP...store clerk, SS...store server.

Claims

1. a plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the first payment method and the second payment method; one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the second payment method; a guidance device that guides the user to available payment devices; a management device that determines the first settlement device available for the first payment method and the first and second settlement devices available for the second payment method based on availability of each of the first and second settlement devices and a preset priority order, and causes the guidance device to guide the first and second settlement devices; A guidance system comprising:

2. The preset priority order includes a priority order of the payment method, when a settlement device belonging to a payment method with a higher priority is full, the management device allocates a settlement device belonging to a payment method with a lower priority to the payment method with the higher priority. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

3. The preset priority order further includes a priority order for allocating a settlement device belonging to the payment method of the lower priority order to the payment method of the higher priority order. The guidance system according to claim 2 .

4. the guidance device includes first and second display surfaces; The management device includes: displaying, on a first display surface, first display information representing the settlement devices for the available first payment method, in accordance with the preset priority order; displaying second display information representing the settlement devices for the second available payment method on the second display surface in order of the predetermined priority order; A guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the guidance device includes a first display device having the first display surface and a second display device having the second display surface; The first display device is disposed in the first waiting lane for the first payment method among first and second waiting lanes for customers to wait for payment, which are provided separately for the first and second payment methods, respectively; the second display device is disposed in the second waiting lane for the second payment method; The guidance system according to claim 4.

6. a detection means for detecting availability of each of a plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by a first payment method and a second payment method and one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the second payment method; an allocation means for determining the first settlement device available for the first payment method and the first and second settlement devices available for the second payment method based on the availability of each of the first and second settlement devices detected by the detection means and a preset priority order; an output means for outputting, to an external device, a first guidance message indicating the first settlement device available for the first payment method and a second guidance message indicating the first and second settlement devices available for the second payment method, both determined by the allocation means; A management device comprising:

7. a computer that includes a processor and a memory, and is connected via a network to a plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by a first payment method and a second payment method, one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the second payment method, and a guidance device that guides available settlement devices, and that controls a management device that manages the guidance by the guidance device; A detection means for detecting availability of each of the plurality of first settlement devices and the one or more second settlement devices; an allocation means for determining the first settlement device available for the first payment method and the first and second settlement devices available for the second payment method based on availability of each of the first and second settlement devices detected by the detection means and the priority order pre-stored in the memory; an output means for outputting, to the guidance device, first guidance information indicating the first settlement device available for the first payment method and second guidance information indicating the first and second settlement devices available for the second payment method, which are determined by the allocation means; A program to function as a

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