Guide system, management device, and program

Abstract

To be made possible to guide, in the mixed flow payment of the self use customers and the pre-registration customers, the customers to an appropriate checkout apparatuses without requiring personnel.SOLUTION: In a guide system having a plurality of checkout apparatuses which can use a first settlement method for registering and a settlement for a purchased item and a second settlement method for performing a settlement of a purchased item registered in advance, a management device changes a checkout apparatus available for the settlement methods on the basis of the assignment of the first settlement method and the second settlement method to a method used in each of the checkout apparatuses set in advance, a predetermined priority, the vacancy situation of the checkout apparatuses, and the checkout waiting situation in the first settlement method and the second settlement method, and makes a 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] Self-checkout machines, where customers register products and make payments themselves, are increasingly being introduced in supermarkets and other mass retailers. In response to this, various techniques have been proposed for guiding and directing customers who register products and make payments themselves to available checkout machines at such self-checkout machines (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, pre-registration systems have become widespread in which customers register purchased items before paying at the register using information terminals capable of reading product codes attached to shopping carts or information terminals equipped with a scanning function that allows customers to read products while shopping around the store. In these pre-registration systems, customers can register purchased items by using information terminals such as tablet terminals attached to shopping carts or smartphones carried by customers themselves to scan code symbols attached to products, so-called product barcodes, with a scanner on the tablet terminal or a camera on the smartphone.

[0004] As such pre-registration systems become more widespread, there are also increasing cases of customers who have pre-registered (hereinafter referred to as pre-registered customers) using the same payment machines as customers who use self-service payment machines (hereinafter referred to as self-service customers), i.e., mixed payment between pre-registered customers and self-service customers.

[0005] In such a mixed checkout, pre-registered customers, even though they have already registered their products, must stand in the same line as self-service customers who have not yet registered their products, which causes stress while waiting at the register. In order to reduce the stress of pre-registered customers waiting at the register, it is possible to provide a checkout device exclusively for pre-registered customers and to have a separate checkout area layout that separates the checkout device for self-service customers from the checkout device exclusively for pre-registered customers. However, if such a separate layout is adopted, when the utilization rate of the pre-registration system is low, the checkout device exclusively for pre-registered customers will not be used much, resulting in a decrease in ROI (Return On Investment). In addition, the separate checkout area layout requires the deployment of more personnel to manage and guide customers, which causes a problem of a decrease in the store's labor productivity. [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 makes it possible to guide each customer to the appropriate payment device without the need for personnel in a mixed transaction involving self-service customers and pre-registered customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the guidance system includes a plurality of settlement devices, a guidance device, and a management device. The settlement devices can use a first payment method for registering purchased items and paying for the purchased items, and a second payment method for paying for the purchased items that have been preregistered. The guidance device guides available settlement devices. The management device manages the guidance of available settlement devices by the guidance device. In particular, the management device determines available settlement devices for the first and second payment methods based on an assignment of which of the first and second payment methods to be used for each of a plurality of preset settlement devices, a preset priority order, availability of the settlement devices, and a waiting status for payment for each of the first and second payment methods, and has the guidance device guide the settlement devices. [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 fare adjustment device included in the guidance system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera image acquired by a camera provided in the settlement device. [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 schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the information terminal table provided in the information terminal server included in the guidance system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of an operation relating to guidance of an empty register in the guidance system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a first portion of a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the store server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a second part of a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the store server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the terminal status table provided in the store server. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a first display screen of a display device included in the guidance system. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the second display surface of the display device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout booth to which the guidance system according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of the first and second display surfaces of a display device included in a guidance system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a guidance system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout booth to which the guidance system according to the third embodiment is applied. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structures of the first to third setting tables stored in a guidance setting table provided in a store server according to the third embodiment, which serves as a management device included in the guidance system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a processor of a store server in the third embodiment. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 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 the 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 CT, a plurality of information terminals IT, an access point AP, an information terminal server IS, and an attendant terminal AT, and is configured by connecting the store server SS, each checkout device CT, the access point AP, the information terminal server IS, and the attendant terminal AT via a communication network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Each information terminal IT is connected to the communication network NW via the access point AP. The guidance system is configured by connecting a first lane camera CM1, a second lane camera CM2, and 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] The information terminal IT includes an information processing terminal that is attached to the shopping cart and functions as a user interface for operations related to registering purchased items, and a smartphone that the customer carries. The information processing terminal is equipped with a wireless unit. The information terminal IT wirelessly communicates with the access point AP.

[0014] The access point AP relays communications between each device connected to the communication network NW, i.e., the store server SS, the information terminal server IS, and the payment device CT, and the information terminal IT. Although only one access point AP is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more depending on the size of the store.

[0015] Each settlement device CT is installed in a checkout area, which is a checkout area of ​​a store, and may be a self-checkout device operated by a customer who has finished shopping. A shopper who moves to the checkout area by placing purchased items in a shopping basket or a shopping cart in a sales area where items are displayed operates the settlement device CT to register the purchased items and settle the transaction data of the registered purchased items, i.e., to settle the transaction. A shopper includes a self-use customer who performs the settlement related to the transaction from registration to payment by himself / herself in this way. A shopper also includes a pre-registered customer who uses an information terminal IT to register the items he / she will purchase in advance when placing the purchased items in a shopping basket or a shopping cart, and only pays for the transaction data of the purchased items at the settlement device CT. The settlement device may be referred to as a payment terminal, a checkout device, a checkout terminal, or the like.

[0016] The information terminal server IS receives the product scan results sent from each information terminal IT of the pre-registered customer via the access point AP, registers the purchased products, and manages the pre-registered contents of the purchased products for each information terminal IT.

[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 CT on a display device. In addition, if an error occurs in any of the settlement devices CT, the attendant terminal AT notifies the error information. The attendant monitors each settlement device CT based on the information displayed and notified on the attendant terminal AT.

[0018] The first lane camera CM1 and the second lane camera CM2 may be video cameras that capture moving images, or may be still cameras that capture still images. If they are still cameras, the first lane camera CM1 and the second lane camera CM2 capture images at regular intervals. The first lane camera CM1 and the second lane camera CM2 transmit the captured camera images to the store server SS via the communication network NW.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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, nine self-checkout devices are installed as checkout devices CT at the checkout location CE. Although not limited to this, the following description will explain the configuration and operation based on the number of checkout devices CT and their installation layout at this checkout location CE.

[0021] The checkout area CE has separate entrances for self-service customers and pre-registered customers, with a common exit for both types of customers. At the entrance for self-service customers, there is a first entrance lane AL1 where self-service customers, who are 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 in which the customer operates to register purchased items and to pay for the purchased items. At the entrance for pre-registered customers, there is a second entrance lane AL2 where pre-registered customers, who are 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 in which the customer operates an information terminal to pay for purchased items that have been pre-registered. At the exit, there is an exit lane EL where shoppers SC who have completed payment pass through.

[0022] Additionally, a first lane camera CM1 is installed in the checkout area CE corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1. The first lane camera CM1 photographs self-service customers waiting at the register. The store server SS can detect the number of self-service customers waiting at the register based on the camera image captured by the first lane camera CM1. The first lane camera CM1 is an example of a first sensor for detecting the number of people waiting to make a payment using the first payment method.

[0023] Similarly, a second lane camera CM2 is installed in the checkout area CE corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2. The second lane camera CM2 captures images of pre-registered customers waiting at the register. The store server SS can detect the number of pre-registered customers waiting at the register based on the camera image captured by the second lane camera CM2. The second lane camera CM2 is an example of a second sensor for detecting the number of people waiting to make a payment using the second payment method.

[0024] In addition, in the cash register 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 self-service customers and one at the entrance for pre-registered 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.

[0025] The nine payment terminals CT are assigned register numbers R1 to R9 for uniquely identifying each payment terminal CT. These register numbers R1 to R9 can be assigned arbitrarily by the administrator of the store server SS.

[0026] A store clerk SP is assigned to the attendant terminal AT.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The communication interface 15 performs data communication according to a preset communication protocol with external devices connected via the communication network NW and the access point AP. The external devices are, for example, the settlement device CT, the information terminal IT, the information terminal server IS, the attendant terminal AT, the first and second lane cameras CM1 and CM2, the display device DD, etc.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The product master database 131 stores data on each product sold in the store. The product master database 131 stores product data such as product code, product name, unit price, and category name, with each product being treated as one record. The product code is a unique code set for each product in order to identify each product individually.

[0035] 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. The purchaser can enjoy the benefits of being a member by inputting the member code into the settlement device CT at any time before making a payment, i.e., settlement, at the settlement device CT. There are no particular limitations on the method of inputting the member code, and it can be read from the medium by the shopper SC using a scanner or reader provided in the settlement device CT or the information terminal IT, or received information stored in the smartphone, which is the information terminal IT, by the shopper SC.

[0036] The sales data database 133 stores sales data generated in each transaction, which is transmitted from each settlement device CT at the time of settlement completion, that is, at the end of the transaction. The sales data database 133 stores transaction data indicating the transaction details of the product to be settled and settlement data related to the settlement of the transaction, with one transaction as 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 settlement data includes the deposit amount paid by the purchaser and the amount of change, etc., and if the payment is made cashless, the settlement data includes information on the payment method. In addition, the sales data can 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 other elements may be included, or elements such as the telephone number and address may be removed.

[0037] The settlement device CT, 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 CT, and registers the product data in the transaction data, thereby updating and storing the sales data including the transaction data and the payment data. The product data file may be a copy of the product master database 131. Alternatively, the settlement device CT identifies the information terminal IT, for example, by short-distance communication with the information terminal IT or by acquiring a membership code from a recording medium using a scanner, and uses the information terminal IT to request the information terminal server IS to transmit the pre-registered product data. The settlement device CT then receives the pre-registered product data transmitted from the information terminal server IS, and registers the received product data in the transaction data, thereby updating and storing the sales data including the transaction data and the payment data.

[0038] Furthermore, when a membership code is obtained from the recording medium by the scanner, the settlement device CT checks whether the membership code is registered in the store member data file held by the settlement device CT, and if so, adds the membership code as a store member code to the transaction data, thereby updating and storing the sales data. When the payment process is completed, that is, when one transaction is finished, the settlement device CT prints the sales data on paper to issue a paper receipt for that transaction, and also sends the sales data for that transaction to the store server SS. The sales data database 133 stores the sales data sent from each settlement device CT in this manner.

[0039] 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.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the guidance setting table 134 stores, for example, for each type of checkout device, the display surface, register number, priority order for each type, register guidance priority order, and settings for when each type of register is full. The checkout device type indicates the assigned type of checkout device CT. The checkout device type is an example of an assignment of whether the first or second payment method is to be used for each of multiple pre-set checkout devices CT. In the example of FIG. 4, the checkout device types include self-service, information terminal, and manned register.

[0041] 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 self-service customers 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 pre-registered customers line up to wait at the register is set as the second display surface DS2.

[0042] In Fig. 4, three display screens 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 the third display screen DS3, as described below. Of course, it is also possible to add one more display device DD and apply the setting for the third display screen DS3 to the added display device DD.

[0043] The register number is an identifier assigned to a payment device CT for each type of payment device. The example in Fig. 4 corresponds to the installation layout of the checkout area CE as shown in Fig. 2. That is, the register numbers of the payment devices CT assigned for self-use are R1 to R5, the register numbers of the payment devices CT assigned for information terminals are R6 to R9, and no payment devices CT are assigned to manned registers, and no register numbers are set.

[0044] The priority order by type indicates the priority order regarding the type of settlement device CT. The priority order by type is an example of the priority order of the payment method. FIG. 4 shows a case where the priority order by type is specified in the order of self-service, information terminal, and manned register.

[0045] The register guidance priority indicates the priority of the payment device CT, i.e., which register is to be guided first when there are multiple vacant registers. The register guidance priority is an example of a priority within a preset allocation. In the example of FIG. 4, in the payment device CT assigned for self-use, the register guidance priority order is set to register number R1, register number R2, register number R3, register number R4, and register number R5. In addition, in the payment device CT assigned for information terminal use, the register guidance priority order is set to register number R6, register number R7, register number R8, and register number R9. Note that since there is no payment device CT assigned for manned registers, the register guidance priority order is not set.

[0046] The setting for when the cash registers are full for each type of payment device indicates the order of the cash registers to be newly assigned when the cash registers assigned to each type of payment device are full and the number of people waiting for the cash register of the type is equal to or exceeds a prescribed number. When the cash registers assigned to each type of payment device are full, that is, when there are no more free cash registers. In other words, when all the assigned payment devices are in use. The setting for when the cash registers are full for each type of payment device is an example of a preset priority order when full. In the example of FIG. 4, the order of cash register number R5, cash register number R4, cash register number R3, cash register number R2, and cash register number R1, which are the payment devices CT assigned for self-use, is set as the setting when the payment device CT assigned for information terminals, which has the highest priority order for each type, is full. In addition, in the example of FIG. 4, the order of cash register number R6, cash register number R7, cash register number R8, and cash register number R9, which are the payment devices CT assigned for information terminals, is set as the setting when the payment device CT assigned for self-use, which has the next priority order, is full. In addition, since there is no settlement device CT assigned to a manned register, the setting for when each type of register is full is also not set.

[0047] The terminal status table 135 stores the current usage status of each settlement device CT. 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 an example. As long as the information required by the processor 11 can be obtained, the format is not particularly limited.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, terminal status table 135 stores, for example, an allocation type and a usage status for each register number.

[0049] The allocation type indicates the type in which the settlement device CT of the corresponding register number is currently operating.

[0050] The usage status indicates whether the settlement device CT of the relevant register number 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. FIG. 5 shows the status of the checkout counter CE shown in FIG. 2. That is, the example of the terminal status table 135 in FIG. 5 shows a situation in which, for the settlement devices CT assigned for self-use, the settlement devices CT of register numbers R2 and R3 are in use, and the settlement devices CT of register numbers R1, R4, and R5 are free. Also, for the settlement devices CT assigned for information terminal use, the example of the terminal status table 135 in FIG. 5 shows a situation in which the settlement devices CT of register numbers R6, R7, and R8 are in use, and the settlement device CT of register number R9 is free.

[0051] 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, a waiting status detecting unit 114, an allocation changing unit 115, and a guidance unit 116. 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.

[0052] The sales data receiving unit 111 receives sales data for one transaction transmitted from the settlement device CT 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The usage status detection unit 113 detects the usage status of each settlement device CT. The usage status detection unit 113 is an example of a first detection means for detecting the availability of each of the settlement devices CT that can use a first payment method for registering purchased items and paying for the purchased items by a customer's operation, and a second payment method for paying for purchased items preregistered by the customer's operation of the information terminal IT. For example, in this embodiment, as described later, the settlement device CT is configured to transmit a human detection notification when there is a person within its operation range. Therefore, the usage status detection unit 113 can detect whether each settlement device CT is in use or not depending on whether the communication interface 15 receives the human detection notification or not. The usage status detection unit 113 stores the detected usage status in the terminal status table 135.

[0055] The waiting status detection unit 114 detects the number of self-service customers waiting to register in the first entrance lane AL1 based on the camera image from the first lane camera CM1, and detects the waiting status for the self-service settlement device CT based on the detected number of waiting customers. Similarly, the waiting status detection unit 114 detects the number of pre-registered customers waiting to register in the second entrance lane AL2 based on the camera image from the second lane camera CM2, and detects the waiting status for the information terminal settlement device CT based on the detected number of waiting customers. In addition to or instead of the waiting status for the information terminal settlement device CT, the waiting status detection unit 114 may inquire the information terminal server IS about the number of information terminals IT that have declared that they have completed registration and will settle, and detect the waiting status based on the number of people. The waiting status detection unit 114 is an example of a second detection means that detects the waiting status for payment in each of the first and second payment methods based on the number of people waiting to settle with the first payment method and the number of people waiting to settle with the second payment method.

[0056] The allocation change unit 115 changes the allocation type of each settlement device based on the usage status of each settlement device stored in the terminal status table 135, various settings related to the guide display of the vacant register stored in the guide setting table 134, and the waiting status of the settlement device CT for self-service and the information terminal detected by the waiting status detection unit 114. Details of the change of the allocation type will be described later. The allocation change unit 115 is an example of an allocation means that determines the settlement device CT that can be used for the first and second payment methods based on the allocation of which of the first and second payment methods is to be used for each of the multiple settlement devices CT that have been set in advance, the priority order within the preset allocation, the priority order when the device is full that has been set in advance, the availability of the settlement device CT detected by the first detection means, and the waiting status of the first and second payment methods detected by the second detection means. The allocation change unit 115 updates the allocation type in the terminal status table 135 based on the changed allocation type.

[0057] The guidance unit 116 generates display information for guidance displays to be displayed on the display surfaces 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 indicating the register number of a settlement device CT available to a self-service customer, and second guidance information indicating the register number of a settlement device CT available to a pre-registered customer. A specific example of the display information for the guidance displays will be described later. The guidance unit 116 is an example of an output means that outputs the first guidance information indicating a settlement device CT available for the first payment method and the second guidance information indicating a settlement device CT available for the second payment method, which are determined by the allocation means, to the display device DD, which is an external device.

[0058] 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.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the settlement device CT. The settlement device CT 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 machine 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 by the system transmission path 32 to form a computer of the settlement device CT.

[0060] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the settlement device CT 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.

[0061] 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 settlement device CT. 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The touch panel 25 is composed of a display for displaying various screens to the shopper SC who operates the settlement device CT, and a touch sensor for detecting touch input to the screen by the shopper SC.

[0065] The camera 26 captures an image of the terminal operation range where the shopper SC, who is a self-service customer, 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 payment device CT.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The communication interface 31 performs data communication in accordance with a preset communication protocol with external devices connected via the communication network NW. The external devices are, for example, a store server SS, an information terminal server IS, an information terminal IT, an attendant terminal AT, etc.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The operator detection unit 211 detects the presence or absence of a shopper SC who is an operator operating the settlement device CT from camera captured images acquired at regular time intervals by the camera 26. The operator detection unit 211 detects the presence or absence of a person by using, for example, a human recognition technique such as a well-known face detection method.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of this camera-captured image 261. As shown in Fig. 7, when a camera-captured image 261 in which a person is captured 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 usage status detection unit 113 of the store server SS can detect that the settlement device CT is in use from this person detection notification, and can store the status in the terminal status table 135.

[0074] 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 settlement device CT 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 settlement device CT 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.

[0075] Like the store server SS, the information terminal server IS may also be equipped with a processor, main memory, auxiliary storage device, input / output device, communication interface, and system transmission path. Like the store server SS, the information terminal server IS may not have an input / output device. The auxiliary storage device may store a product data file and a store member data file. The main memory is equipped with an information terminal table that stores information about registered purchased products for each information terminal IT. The processor 11 communicates with each information terminal IT via the communication network NW and the access point AP through the communication interface, acquires the product code read by the information terminal IT, reads product data from the product data file for the product identified by the product code, and registers the product data in the information terminal table.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the information terminal table 40 for each information terminal IT provided in the information terminal server IS. The information terminal table 40 has a terminal ID area 41, a membership code area 42, one or more purchased item data areas 43, a subtotal amount area 44, and a registration end flag area 45. The terminal ID area 41 stores a terminal ID, which is a code such as a terminal number for uniquely identifying the information terminal IT corresponding to the information terminal table 40. The membership code area 42 stores a membership code. The purchased item data area 43 stores item data for the item each time the shopper SC registers an item to be purchased in the information terminal IT. The item data includes the item code, unit price, sales points (number of items), item name, sales amount, tax amount, etc. of the purchased item purchased by the shopper SC. The subtotal amount area 44 is amount data indicating the total amount of the sales amount and tax amount for all purchased items purchased by the shopper SC, calculated based on the item data stored in the purchased item data area 43. This can be updated each time the shopper SC performs the registration operation for the product he or she wishes to purchase. The registration completion flag area 45 stores a registration completion flag. The registration completion flag is a flag that is set in response to receipt of a billing instruction sent from the information terminal IT when the shopper SC declares that he or she has finished registering all of the purchased products and that he or she will proceed with the settlement. The declaration of the intention to settle the bill can be made, for example, by the shopper SC operating a "checkout" key displayed on the display screen of the touch panel equipped on the information terminal IT or a physical button.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Fig. 11 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. 11, each settlement device CT performs an operator detection process to detect the presence or absence of a shopper SC who is the 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.

[0079] The first and second lane cameras CM1 and CM2 also transmit camera images to the store server SS at fixed time intervals different from the fixed time at the settlement device CT. The timing of transmitting camera images between the two cameras does not need to be synchronized. The fixed time intervals may be the same length as the fixed time intervals at the settlement device CT.

[0080] The store server SS detects the usage status of each payment device CT based on the human detection notification sent from each payment device CT at regular intervals separate from the regular time intervals at the payment device CT and the first and second lane cameras CM1, CM2 (step S4).

[0081] In addition, the store server SS detects the waiting status of the self-service settlement device CT and the information terminal settlement device CT based on the camera images transmitted from the first and second lane cameras CM1, CM2 (step S5).

[0082] Alternatively, the store server SS may detect the waiting status of the settlement device CT for the information terminal by sending a request for registration end terminal information to the information terminal server IS, receiving the registration end terminal information returned from the information terminal server IS in response to the request (step S6), and detecting the waiting status based on the registration end terminal information (step S5). The registration end terminal information is information indicating the number of information terminals IT for which a registration end flag indicating that product registration has been completed is set. In other words, the store server SS can detect the waiting status for payment of the second payment method by regarding the number of pre-registered customers who have completed pre-registration by operating the information terminal IT as the number of people waiting for payment with the second payment method.

[0083] In this way, either the camera image or the registered terminal information may be used to determine the waiting status of the settlement device CT for the information terminal. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the dashed line indicates that either the camera image or the registered terminal information is optional. Of course, by using both of them, the accuracy of the waiting status of the settlement device CT for the information terminal can be improved.

[0084] The store server SS determines an available register that can be used as a self-service checkout device CT and an available register that can be used as a information terminal checkout device CT (step S7) based on the waiting status of the detected self-service checkout device CT and the information terminal checkout device CT, the availability of each of the detected checkout devices CT, and information previously stored in the guidance setting table 134. Then, the store server SS transmits guidance information indicating the determined available register to the display device DD (step S8).

[0085] The display device DD receives this guidance information and displays it (step S9).

[0086] The operation of the store server SS in steps S4 to S8 will now be described in detail.

[0087] 12 and 13 are a series of flow charts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the store server SS. The processor 11 executes this processing 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 FIGS. 12 and 13 are merely examples. There are no particular limitations on the steps as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0088] As ACT1, the usage status detection unit 113 implemented in the processor 11 receives a human detection notification transmitted from each settlement device CT via the communication interface 15.

[0089] In ACT2, the usage status detection unit 113 judges whether or not there is a settlement device CT that has not received a human detection notification, that is, 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 judges that the register has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. If the usage status is already in an empty state, the usage status detection unit 113 judges that the register has not transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. If there is a settlement device CT that has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state, the usage status detection unit 113 judges YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT20. If there is no settlement device CT that has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state, the usage status detection unit 113 judges NO in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The waiting state detection unit 114 implemented in the processor 11 as ACT4 receives, via the communication interface 15, the camera images transmitted from the first and second lane cameras CM1, CM2.

[0092] As ACT5, the waiting status detection unit 114 acquires the registration completed terminal information from the information terminal server IS. That is, the waiting status detection unit 114 transmits a request for the registration completed terminal information to the information terminal server IS via the communication interface 15. Then, the waiting status detection unit 114 receives, via the communication interface 15, the registration completed terminal information returned from the information terminal server IS in response to the request for the registration completed terminal information.

[0093] As ACT6, the waiting status detection unit 114 detects the number of people waiting based on the received camera images and the acquired registration end terminal information. There is no particular limitation on the method by which the waiting status detection unit 114 detects the number of people from each camera image. For example, the number of people appearing in the camera image can be detected by performing a well-known motion detection process or pattern recognition process on the camera image. The waiting status detection unit 114 stores each detected number of people waiting in a temporary storage unit provided in the main memory 12, and can hold it for subsequent processing.

[0094] As ACT7, the allocation change unit 115 implemented in the processor initializes the value of an internal counter n to "1." This value of the internal counter n is used to specify the priority order of the priority order by type in the guidance setting table 134. That is, the allocation change unit 115 selects the settlement device type of the priority order by type in the guidance setting table 134 indicated by the value of this internal counter n as the processing target.

[0095] In ACT8, the allocation change unit 115 determines whether there is an empty register for the settlement device type with the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n. Specifically, the allocation change unit 115 obtains the settlement device type with the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n from the guidance setting table 134. The allocation change unit 115 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 115 determines NO in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT15. If there is an empty register, the allocation change unit 115 determines YES in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT9.

[0096] In ACT 9, the allocation change unit 115 determines whether there are multiple empty registers. If there is only one empty register, the allocation change unit 115 determines NO in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 15. If there are multiple empty registers, the allocation change unit 115 determines YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 10.

[0097] In ACT10, the allocation change unit 115 judges whether or not 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 115 judges YES in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT13. If determination has not yet been performed for all types, the allocation change unit 115 judges NO in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT11.

[0098] In ACT11, the allocation change unit 115 increments the value of the internal counter n by 1. As a result, the allocation change unit 115 selects, as a processing target, the settlement device type with the next priority order by type in the guidance setting table 134, which is indicated by the value of the internal counter n.

[0099] In ACT 12, the allocation change unit 115 determines whether or not a register number is set for the payment device type of the priority order indicated by the value of the internal counter n in the guidance setting table 134. If a register number is not set, the allocation change unit 115 determines NO in ACT 12 and proceeds to ACT 10. If a register number is set, the allocation change unit 115 determines YES in ACT 12 and proceeds to ACT 8.

[0100] In this manner, allocation change unit 115 determines available registers in the order of priority for each payment device type in guidance setting table 134, starting from the type with the highest priority, until it has determined the available register status for all types in guidance setting table 134.

[0101] As ACT13, the guidance unit 116 implemented in the processor 11 determines the display order of available registers to be displayed on each display device DD. Specifically, the guidance unit 116 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 order and the register full time setting for each type preset in the guidance setting table 134.

[0102] As ACT14, the guidance unit 116 causes each display device DD to display a guidance indicating an available register. Specifically, the guidance unit 116 generates display information indicating 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] In addition, in ACT15, the allocation change unit 115 implemented in the processor 11 judges whether or not a specified number of people are waiting for the settlement device CT of the settlement device type of the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n, that is, whether or not they are waiting at the register. That is, the allocation change unit 115 judges whether or not the number of people waiting for the corresponding settlement device CT among the waiting numbers detected in ACT6 is a specified number or more. If the specified number of people or more are not waiting, the allocation change unit 115 judges NO in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT10. If the specified number of people or more are waiting, the allocation change unit 115 judges YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT16.

[0105] In ACT16, the allocation change unit 115 determines whether or not there is a setting for when the register is full. Specifically, the allocation change unit 115 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 115 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 115 determines NO in ACT16 and proceeds to ACT10. If there is a setting for when the register is full, the allocation change unit 115 determines YES in ACT16 and proceeds to ACT17.

[0106] In ACT17, the allocation change unit 115 determines whether any of the settlement devices CT of the register numbers set in the register-full setting for each type are available. Specifically, the allocation change unit 115 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 115 determines NO in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT10. If there are available registers, the allocation change unit 115 determines YES in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT18.

[0107] In ACT18, the allocation change unit 115 checks the guidance setting table 134 and determines whether the vacant register is a settlement device CT that belongs to a type with a lower priority order by type. If the vacant register is not a vacant register with a lower priority order by type, the allocation change unit 115 determines NO in ACT18 and proceeds to ACT10. If the vacant register is a vacant register with a lower priority order by type, the allocation change unit 115 determines YES in ACT18 and proceeds to ACT19.

[0108] In ACT19, allocation change unit 115 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 setting for each type in guidance setting table 134. After that, allocation change unit 115 proceeds to ACT8.

[0109] By executing the processes of ACT8 to ACT19 using the terminal status table 135 thus modified, if there are no vacant cash registers of each type of settlement device CT and there is a waiting list of more than the specified number of people, display information is generated to provide guidance using an vacant cash register of a lower type as an vacant cash register of that type, in accordance with the cash register guidance priority order and the settings for when each type of cash 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.

[0110] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 12, in ACT20, the allocation change unit 115 judges whether the allocation type of the settlement device CT that has transitioned from an in-use state to an available state has been changed. Specifically, the allocation change unit 115 checks whether the allocation type of the register number of the settlement device CT 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 115 judges that the allocation type has been changed. If the allocation type has not been changed, the allocation change unit 115 judges NO in ACT20 and proceeds to ACT3. If the allocation type has been changed, the allocation change unit 115 judges YES in ACT20 and proceeds to ACT21.

[0111] In ACT21, the allocation change unit 115 restores the changed allocation type to the initial allocation. Specifically, the allocation change unit 115 returns the allocation type of the settlement device CT 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 115 proceeds to ACT3.

[0112] A specific example of the vacant register notification will be described below. For example, in ACT3, the usage status of each cash register is as shown in the terminal status table 135 in FIG. 5. This is the situation shown in FIG. 2. First, the number of people waiting to register for each settlement device type is detected by the processing in ACT4 to ACT6. Then, in ACT8, it is determined whether there is an empty cash register for the settlement device CT assigned to the information terminal with the highest priority for each type. In this case, since the settlement device CT with register number R6 is present as an empty cash register, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9. Then, since there is one empty cash register in ACT9, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT9 to ACT15.

[0113] In ACT15, the number of people waiting for the settlement device CT for this information terminal is determined. If the number of people waiting is equal to or greater than the prescribed number, the process proceeds from ACT15 to ACT16. In ACT16, the guidance setting table 134 is set with a setting for when the register is full for each type of settlement device CT for the information terminal, so the process proceeds from ACT16 to ACT17. In ACT17, it can be determined from the terminal status table 135 that the register numbers R1, R4, and R5 are vacant among the register numbers R1 to R5 set in the guidance setting table 134, so the process proceeds from ACT17 to ACT18. Then, in ACT18, it is determined that those vacant registers are settlement devices CT with a lower priority than the priority for each type, and the process proceeds from ACT18 to ACT19. Therefore, in ACT19, a process of changing the allocation type is executed to allocate the settlement device CT with the register number R5 to the information terminal according to the setting for when the register is full for each type in the guidance setting table 134.

[0114] As a result, the stored contents of terminal status table 135 are rewritten from the state shown in Fig. 5 to that shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in terminal status table 135. As shown in Fig. 14, the allocation type of register number R5 is changed from self-use to information terminal use.

[0115] Thereafter, when the processing procedure proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9, the settlement devices with register numbers R6 and R5 are vacant, and therefore it is determined that there are multiple vacant registers, and the processing procedure proceeds from ACT9 to ACT10. Then, in ACT10, there is a settlement device type that has not yet been determined, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT11, and the counter value is incremented by "+1", and the settlement device CT whose priority by type in the guidance setting table 134 is set to "2", in the example of Fig. 4, the settlement device CT assigned for self-use, is selected as the next processing target.

[0116] In this case, in ACT12, it is determined that the register number is set for the settlement device type of the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n in the guidance setting table 134, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT8, and an empty register whose assigned type in the terminal status table 135 is for self-use is determined. In the example of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined that the register numbers R1 and R4 are empty registers. The settlement device CT of register number R5 is used as a substitute for the settlement device CT for the information terminal, so it is not included in the empty registers here. Since there are two empty registers, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT8 to ACT10 via ACT9. In ACT10, there is a settlement device type that has not yet been determined, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT11, and the counter value is incremented by "+1", and the settlement device CT for a manned register whose priority by type in the guidance setting table 134 is set to "3" is selected as the next processing target.

[0117] In this case, in ACT12, it is determined that no register number is set for the payment device type of the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n in the guidance setting table 134, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT10. Then, in ACT10, it is determined that there is no payment device type that has not yet been determined, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT13.

[0118] In ACT13, for register numbers R1 and R4, which are vacant registers in the settlement device CT assigned for self-use, 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 R9, which are vacant registers in the settlement device CT assigned for information terminal use, the display order is determined to be register number R9, register number R5, in accordance with the register guidance priority order and the setting for when registers are full by type in the guidance setting table 134. Then, in ACT14, display information for the vacant registers in the settlement device CT assigned for self-use and display information for the settlement device CT assigned for information terminal use 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.

[0119] This results in guidance displays such as those shown in Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a first display surface DS1 of a display device DD installed corresponding to a first entrance lane AL1 where shoppers SC, who are self-service customers, line up to wait at the register. Also, Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a second display surface DS2 of a display device DD installed corresponding to a second entrance lane AL2 where shoppers SC, who are pre-registered customers, line up to wait at the register.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 15, two vacant register number displays FN11 and FN12, which are first display information representing a settlement machine CT allocated for available self-use, are displayed side by side on the first display surface DS1. In this way, the display device DD installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1, which is the first waiting lane for the first payment method in which the purchased goods are registered and the purchased goods are paid for by the customer's operation, 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, respectively. The vacant register number displays FN11 and FN12 are an example of first guidance information representing the settlement machine CT as the first settlement machine available for the first payment method.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 16, the second display surface DS2 displays two vacant register number displays FN21, FN22, which are second display information representing a settlement machine CT assigned to an available information terminal. In this manner, the display device DD installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2, which is a second waiting lane for a second payment method for making payment for purchased items preregistered by a customer operating the information terminal IT, 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, FN22 are an example of second guidance information representing the settlement machine CT as a second settlement machine available for the second payment method.

[0122] It should be noted that the information processing procedures shown in Figs. 12 and 13 are performed at fixed intervals, but this fixed 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 the shopper SC who is a self-use customer of the checkout area CE and the entrance for the shopper SC who is a pre-registered customer, which are the exits of the first entrance lane AL1 and the second entrance lane AL2, to the farthest checkout device CT among the checkout devices CT 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 procedures shown in Figs. 12 and 13 are 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.

[0123] 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 register number R1 or R9 displayed. If the information display as shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. 16 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 R9, the display may be updated so that the empty register number display FN11 or FN21 is erased and the empty register number display FN12 or FN22 is displayed on the left edge. The shopper SC may start moving by, for example, placing a sensor or the like at each entrance of the checkout area CE, which is the exit 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.

[0124] When the checkout by the customer SC is completed in the checkout device CT with register number R5 that was used as a substitute for the checkout device CT assigned to an information terminal despite being assigned to self-use, and the customer SC leaves the checkout device CT, the checkout device CT becomes an empty register, and this is detected in ACT2. As a result, the process proceeds from ACT2 to ACT20, where it is determined that the allocation has been changed, and in ACT21, the checkout device CT with register number R5 becomes available for self-use, which is the initial allocation. Of course, depending on the status of the empty registers at that time, the checkout device CT with register number R5 may be used again as a substitute for the checkout device CT for the information terminal in the processing procedure after proceeding from ACT21 to ACT3.

[0125] As described above, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, in a checkout area CE, a plurality of settlement devices CT are installed which can use a first payment method, for example, a first payment method in which a self-service customer operates the device to register purchased items and pay for the purchased items, and a second payment method in which a pre-registered customer operates an information terminal IT to pay for purchased items that have been pre-registered, for example, in a checkout area CE. The system is equipped with a display device DD which is a guidance device that guides customers to the available settlement devices, and a store server SS which is a management device that manages the guidance of the available settlement devices CT by the display device DD. The store server SS determines the settlement device CT which can be used for the first and second payment methods based on the settlement device type, which is a pre-set allocation of whether the first or second payment method should be used for each of the plurality of settlement devices CT, pre-set priorities, for example, the register guidance priority which is a priority within the allocation and the register full setting for each type which is a priority when full, the availability of the settlement device CT, and the waiting status for payment for each of the first and second payment methods, and causes the display device DD to guide the payment device CT. Therefore, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, for example, in a mixed transaction involving self-service customers and pre-registered customers, it is possible to guide each customer to the appropriate payment device as an available cash register, making it possible to guide each customer to the appropriate payment device without the need for personnel.

[0126] The settlement system further includes a first lane camera CM1 as a first sensor for detecting the number of people waiting to make payment using the first payment method, and a second lane camera CM2 as a second sensor for detecting the number of people waiting to make payment using the second payment method, and the store server SS detects the payment waiting status for each of the first and second payment methods based on the detection results of the first and second lane cameras CM1, CM2. Therefore, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, the number of customers attempting to use the settlement device CT using each payment method can be detected from images captured by the camera, making it easy to detect the payment waiting status.

[0127] Alternatively, in the settlement system according to the first embodiment, the store server SS detects the waiting status for payment using the second payment method by considering the number of people who have completed pre-registration by operating the information terminal IT by customers as the number of people waiting to make payment using the second payment method. Therefore, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, it is possible to easily detect the number of customers who are about to use the settlement device CT with the second payment method without using a camera.

[0128] In addition, the guidance system in the first embodiment includes first and second display screens DS1 and DS2 as guidance devices, and the store server SS displays, for example, available register number displays FN11 and FN12 on the first display screen DS1 as first display information representing the settlement device CT for an available first payment method, and also displays, for example, available register number displays FN21 and FN22 on the second display screen DS2 as second display information representing the settlement device for an available second payment method. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, it is possible to guide customers to available registers according to each payment method.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The store server SS as a management device according to the first embodiment includes a usage status detection unit 113 as first detection means for detecting availability of each of a plurality of settlement devices CT that can use a first payment method, for example, for registering purchased goods and paying for the purchased goods by operation of a self-service customer, and a second payment method, for example, for paying for purchased goods pre-registered by operation of an information terminal IT by a pre-registered customer; a waiting status detection unit 114 as second detection means for detecting a waiting status for payment with each of the first and second payment methods based on the number of people waiting to make payment with the first payment method and the number of people waiting to make payment with the second payment method; and a settlement device allocation unit 115 as a preset allocation of whether the first payment method or the second payment method is to be used for each of the plurality of settlement devices CT. The system is equipped with an allocation change unit 115 as an allocation means that determines the settlement device CT that can be used for the first and second payment methods based on the type, a preset priority order, for example, a register guide priority order that is a priority order within the allocation and a register full time setting for each type that is a priority order when full, the availability of the settlement device CT detected by a usage status detection unit 113, and the payment waiting status for each of the first and second payment methods detected by a waiting status detection unit 114, and a guidance unit 116 as an output means that outputs first guidance information indicating a settlement device CT that can be used for the first payment method and second guidance information indicating a settlement device CT that can be used for the second payment method, determined by the allocation change unit 115, to a display device DD that is an external device. Therefore, according to the store server SS in the first embodiment, for example, in a mixed transaction involving self-service customers and pre-registered customers, it is possible to guide each customer to the appropriate checkout device as an available cash register, making it possible to guide each customer to the appropriate checkout device without the need for personnel.

[0131] [Second embodiment] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout facility CE to which a guidance system according to a second embodiment is applied. In the first embodiment, separate entrances were set up for self-service customers and pre-registered customers, each of which was provided with an entrance lane. The second embodiment is an example in which a single entrance is provided with two entrance lanes, first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2.

[0132] 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, AL2. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 17, a single display device DD can be used. In this case, the single display device DD has first and second display screens DS1, DS2.

[0133] Fig. 18 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. 18, the display screen of the display device DD is divided, and the two display screens DS1 and DS2 are displayed side by side.

[0134] 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.

[0135] [Third embodiment] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a guidance system according to the third embodiment. In the guidance system according to the third embodiment, a cashless payment device CL is included as the payment device CT. That is, the types of the payment device CT include a cashless payment self-payment device and a self-payment device having a payment function that allows both cash and cashless payment without using cash. The cashless payment device CL corresponds to the cashless payment self-payment device among them. The self-payment device is an example of a first payment device included in the payment device CT that can accept both cash and cashless payment. The cashless payment device CL is an example of a second payment device included in the payment device CT that can accept only cashless payment. The cashless payment includes credit card payment, electronic money payment, point payment, code payment, etc.

[0136] The configuration of the settlement device CT shown in Fig. 6 corresponds to a self-service settlement device that also allows settlement with cash. The cashless settlement device CL does not handle cash, so does not have the automatic change machine 27 in this configuration.

[0137] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout site CE to which the guidance system according to the third embodiment is applied. In the example of FIG. 20, a total of ten checkout devices CT, including two cashless checkout devices CL, are installed at the checkout site CE. Register numbers R1 to R10 are assigned to the ten checkout devices CT to uniquely identify each of the checkout devices CT. These register numbers R1 to R10 can be assigned arbitrarily by the administrator of the store server SS. Although not limited to this, the configuration and operation will be described below based on the number of checkout devices CT and their installation layout at this checkout site CE.

[0138] The checkout counter CE has an entrance for cashless customers who pay cashlessly. That is, in addition to the first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2 described in the first embodiment, the checkout counter CE is provided with a third entrance lane AL3 where cashless customers who pay cashlessly line up to wait at the register. Cashless customers who pay cashlessly can be either self-service customers or pre-registered customers, so in the example of FIG. 20, the third entrance lane AL3 is located between the first entrance lane AL1 and the second entrance lane AL2, but it does not have to be located in this position. The third entrance lane AL3 is also provided with a third lane camera CM3 and one display device DD, just like the first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2. In Figure 20, the settlement devices CT are indicated with the reference symbols CT(SE), CT(CL), and CT(PT) to make it possible to distinguish between self-payment devices assigned to customers who pay by cash, cashless settlement devices CL that do not have an automatic change machine 27, and self-payment devices assigned to pre-registered customers.

[0139] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure stored in the guidance setting table 134 provided in the store server SS as a management device according to the third embodiment. Although the guidance setting table 134 is not limited to this, in this embodiment, three setting tables, namely, first to third setting tables 1341, 1342, and 1343, are stored. Each setting table 1341 to 1343 has a data structure similar to that of the guidance setting table 134 described in the first embodiment. The store server SS selects and uses one of these setting tables 1341 to 1343 according to the payment waiting status for each of the first and second payment methods. Specifically, the store server SS detects the payment waiting status based on the first waiting number of people waiting for a payment by cash using the first payment method, the second waiting number of people waiting for a payment by cashless using the first payment method, and the third waiting number of people waiting for a payment by the second payment method, and selects one of the setting tables 1341 to 1343 based on the result. That is, one of these setting tables 1341 to 1343 is selected depending on the number of people waiting in line at each of the entrance lanes AL1 to AL3.

[0140] The first setting table 1341 is a table that is selected when the order of the number of people waiting at the register is pre-registered customers, cash customers, and cashless customers. Therefore, the priority order for each type is set in this order. As in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the display device DD and the display surface have a one-to-one relationship, and the display device DD installed corresponding to the third entrance lane AL3 where cashless customers line up to wait at the register is set as the third display surface DS3.

[0141] In this example of the first setting table 1341, for the settlement devices CT (SE) assigned for self-use, the register guidance priority order is set as follows: register number R1, register number R2, register number R3, register number R4, register number R5, and the order of register number R6, register number R7, register number R8, which are settlement devices CT (PT) assigned for information terminals, is set as the register full time setting for each type, which is the setting for when those settlement devices CT become full. Note that register numbers R9 and R10 assigned for cashless use are not set as the register full time setting for each type. This is because the cashless settlement device CL cannot accept cash payments, and therefore cannot be a substitute for the self-use settlement device CT, which may accept cash payments.

[0142] For the settlement devices CT assigned for information terminals, the register guidance priority order is set as register number R6, register number R7, and register number R8, and the order of register number R5, register number R4, register number R3, register number R2, and register number R1 is set as the setting for when registers are full by type, which are settlement devices CT assigned for self-use. Even in this setting for when registers are full by type, register numbers R9 and R10 assigned for cashless use are not set.

[0143] For the settlement device CT, which is a cashless settlement device CL assigned for cashless use, the register guidance priority order is set to register number R9, followed by register number R10, and for the setting for when a register is full for each type, the order is set to register number R1, followed by register number R2 for the settlement device CT assigned for self-use. Note that the reason why the setting for when a register is full for each type is assigned from the settlement device CT assigned for self-use is that the priority order for each type is lower than that for information terminals.

[0144] The second setting table 1342 is a table selected when the order of the number of people waiting at the register is cash customers, cashless customers, and pre-registered customers. The second setting table 1342 differs from the first setting table 1341 in the priority order for each type and the setting for when each type of register is full. As the setting for when each type of register is full, for the settlement device CT assigned for self-use, the order of register number R6, register number R7, and register number R8, which are settlement devices CT assigned for information terminals, is set, and for the settlement device CT assigned for information terminals, the order of register number R5 and register number R4, which are settlement devices CT assigned for self-use, is set. Also, for the settlement device CT that is the cashless settlement device CL assigned for cashless use, the order of register number R1, register number R2, and register number R3, which are settlement devices CT assigned for self-use, is set.

[0145] The third setting table 1343 is a table that is selected when the order of the number of people waiting at the register is cashless customers, cash customers, and pre-registered customers. The first and second setting tables 1341, 1342 differ in the priority order for each type and the settings for when each type of register is full. The settings for when each type of register is full are the same as those in the second setting table 1342 for the settlement device CT assigned to self-use and the settlement device CT assigned to information terminals. In addition, for the settlement device CT that is the cashless settlement device CL assigned to cashless use, the order of register number R1, register number R2, register number R3, and register number R4, which are settlement devices CT assigned to self-use, is set.

[0146] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the store server SS in the third embodiment. Only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, in ACT6, the waiting status detection unit 114 implemented in the processor 11 detects the number of people waiting in the first to third entrance lanes AL1 to AL3 based on the received camera image and the acquired registration end terminal information. Then, based on the detected number of people waiting, one of the first to third setting tables 1341 to 1343 of the guidance setting table 134 is selected as ACT31. The subsequent processing is as described in the first embodiment, except that the guidance setting table to be used is changed.

[0147] As described above, according to the guidance system of the third embodiment, the settlement device CT includes a self-payment device CT (SE) which is a first settlement device capable of accepting cash and cashless payment, and a cashless payment device CT (CL) which is a second settlement device capable of accepting only cashless payment, and the store server SS as a management device uses a preset allocation of which of the cash payment method, the cashless payment method, and the second payment method to be used for each of the multiple settlement devices CT, and detects the payment waiting status based on the first number of people waiting to pay by cash, the second number of people waiting to pay by cash, and the third number of people waiting to pay using the second payment method. Therefore, according to the store server SS in the third embodiment, even if a cashless payment device CL for cashless customers who pay cashlessly is introduced, the appropriate payment device can be guided to each customer as an available cash register, making it possible to guide each customer to the appropriate payment device without the need for personnel.

[0148] Of course, in this embodiment too, a plurality of entrance lanes AL1 to AL3 may be made to correspond to one entrance as in the second embodiment.

[0149] Although the embodiments of the guidance system and the management device have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0150] For example, the cashless payment apparatus CL may be allocated to a self-service customer and a pre-registered customer.

[0151] In addition, the number of people waiting at the register in each entrance lane is detected from the camera image, but the number of people may be detected using sensors other than cameras, such as optical sensors or temperature sensors. For example, such sensors can be placed at positions corresponding to a specified number of people in each entrance lane, and if the sensor detects a person, it can be determined that the number of people waiting at the register is the specified number.

[0152] In addition, the embodiment has been described with reference to a self-service checkout system in which a shopper registers products using a checkout device CT or an information terminal IT, but the checkout device CT may include a semi-self-service checkout device in which a store clerk registers products and a shopper performs checkout processing for transaction data of purchased products registered by the store clerk. Alternatively, a store clerk may register products using a registration device at a registration site provided separately from the checkout site CE, and the checkout device located at the checkout site CE may be a checkout device that only accepts checkouts by shoppers based on the transaction data. In this case, the checkout device CT may also be a checkout device CT assigned for an information terminal. In other words, the pre-registration of purchased products in the second payment method for making payment for pre-registered purchased products may include a registration device operated by a store clerk in addition to an information terminal IT operated by a shopper.

[0153] In addition, in the first and third embodiments, one display device DD is installed in each entrance lane, but multiple display devices DD may be installed in each entrance lane. Similarly, in the second embodiment, one display device DD is installed in a group of multiple lanes, but multiple display devices DD may be installed in a group of multiple lanes.

[0154] 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 terminal CT. 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 terminal).

[0155] In addition, the administrator does not necessarily have to specify the order of priority for each setting item of the register guidance priority and the setting when registers are full by type in the guidance setting table 134. As shown in FIG. 23, 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 is because, depending on the layout of the checkout area CE, there may be cases where it is not necessary to specify the priority order for each register. Also, by randomly determining the settlement device CT in this way, it is possible to prevent bias in the frequency of use of each settlement device CT, and to prevent wear and tear on a specific settlement device CT. This is particularly useful for reducing the risk of failure of mechanical moving parts in the automatic change machine 27, card reader 28, etc.

[0156] 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.

[0157] In addition, in each embodiment, the store server SS judges the usage status of each settlement device CT based on the presence or absence of a human detection notification transmitted from each settlement device, but instead of or in addition to that, other information may be used to make the judgment. For example, the attendant terminal AT collects statuses indicating the operation status and error status of each settlement device CT, so the store server SS can know the usage status of each settlement device by obtaining the status information of each settlement device from the attendant terminal AT.

[0158] 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]

[0159] 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 machine, 28...card reader, 29...reader / writer, 30...printer, 40...information terminal table, 41...terminal ID area, 42...membership code area, 43...purchased item data area, 44...subtotal amount area, 45...registration end flag area, 111...sales data receiving unit, 112...setting unit, 113...usage status detection unit, 114...waiting status detection unit, 115...allocation change unit, 116...guidance unit, 131...item master database, 132...store member master database, 133...sales data database, 134...guide setting table, 1341...first setting table, 1342...second setting table, 1343...third 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, AL3...third entrance lane, AP...access point, AT...attendant terminal, CE...accounting area, CL, CT(CL)...cashless settlement device, CM1...first lane camera, CM2...second lane camera, CM3...third lane camera, CT...settlement device, CT(SE)...self-settlement device, DD...display device, DS1 to DS3...display surface, EL...exit lane, FN11, FN12, FN21, FN22... cash register number display, IS... information terminal server, IT... information terminal, NW... communications network, SC... shopper, SP... store clerk, SS... store server.

Claims

1. a plurality of settlement devices capable of using a first payment method for registering merchandise and paying for the merchandise, and a second payment method for paying for pre-registered merchandise; a guidance device that guides the user to available payment devices; a management device that manages the guidance of the available settlement devices by the guidance device; Equipped with The management device includes: Assigning which of the first payment method and the second payment method is to be used for each of the plurality of settlement devices that are preset; and Pre-defined priorities, The availability of the settlement device; A payment waiting status for each of the first and second payment methods; The guidance system determines the settlement devices that can be used for the first and second payment methods based on the above information and has the guidance device guide the settlement devices.

2. a first sensor for detecting a number of people waiting to make a payment using the first payment method; a second sensor for detecting a number of people waiting to make a payment using the second payment method; Further comprising: the management device detects the payment waiting status for the first and second payment methods based on detection results of the first and second sensors, respectively; The guidance system according to claim 1 .

3. the management device regards the number of completed pre-registrations as the number of people waiting for payment using the second payment method, and detects the payment waiting status of the second payment method. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

4. the guidance device includes first and second display surfaces; The management device includes: displaying first display information representing the checkout device for the first available payment method on the first display surface; displaying second display information representing the checkout device for the second available payment method on the second display surface; A guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The settlement device usable for the first payment method includes a first settlement device capable of accepting cash and cashless payment, and a second settlement device capable of accepting only the cashless payment, The management device includes: As the preset allocation, an allocation of which of the cash payment method, the cashless payment method, and the second payment method is to be used for each of the plurality of settlement devices, The payment waiting status is detected based on a first number of people waiting for the cash payment, a second number of people waiting for the cashless payment, and a third number of people waiting for the second payment method. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

6. a first detection means for detecting availability of each of a plurality of settlement devices that can use a first payment method for registering merchandise to be purchased and for paying for the purchased merchandise through a customer operation and a second payment method for paying for the purchased merchandise that has been preregistered; a second detection means for detecting a waiting status of payment for each of the first and second payment methods based on a number of people waiting for payment using the first payment method and a number of people waiting for payment using the second payment method; an allocation means for determining which of the first and second payment methods is to be used for each of the plurality of settlement devices that are preset, based on a preset priority order, the availability of the settlement devices detected by the first detection means, and the waiting status of the first and second payment methods detected by the second detection means; and an output means for outputting, to an external device, a first guide message indicating the settlement device available for the first payment method and a second guide message indicating the settlement device available for the second payment method, both determined by the allocation means; and A management device comprising:

7. a computer including a processor and a memory, connected via a network to a plurality of settlement devices that can use a first payment method for registering merchandise and paying for the merchandise and a second payment method for paying for the preregistered merchandise, and a guidance device that guides the available settlement devices, and that controls a management device that manages the guidance provided by the guidance device; a first detection means for detecting availability of each of the plurality of settlement devices that can use a first payment method for registering the purchased goods and paying for the purchased goods and a second payment method for paying for the pre-registered purchased goods; a second detection means for detecting a waiting status of payment in each of the first and second payment methods based on a number of people waiting for payment in the first payment method and a number of people waiting for payment in the second payment method; an allocation means for determining the settlement devices available for the first and second payment methods based on an allocation of whether the first or second payment method is to be used for each of the plurality of settlement devices pre-stored in the memory, a priority order pre-stored in the memory, availability of the settlement devices detected by the first detection means, and the payment waiting status for each of the first and second payment methods detected by the second detection means; an output means for outputting, to the guidance device, first guidance information indicating the settlement device available for the first payment method and second guidance information indicating the settlement device available for the second payment method, both determined by the allocation means; A program to function as a

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