Commodity registration device, control method and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for supporting user's decision making when a user selects a payment device in a designation manner.SOLUTION: There is provided a commodity registration device of a system that includes the commodity registration device and a plurality of payment devices, and the commodity registration device has processing means for transmitting payment information generated with commodity information on a commodity registered as an object to be paid for to a payment device, and display control means which displays a selection screen where the payment device as the transmission destination of the payment information can be selected from among the plurality of payment devices. The commodity registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the commodity registration device is previously related to the plurality of payment devices using information showing the association, and the display control means specifies a plurality of payment devices using the information showing the association, wherein one of a standby state and an in-use state of each of the plurality of payment devices is displayed on the selection screen, and information related to a fault of a payment device unable to perform payment processing is displayed as the one of the states.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for selectively using an apparatus for settling a product.

Background Art

[0002] At a cash register terminal in a store such as a supermarket, two processes are performed: (1) a process of registering products to be settled (such as barcode reading) and (2) a process of settling the registered products (such as receiving payment and returning change).

[0003] And there is an operation method in which the functions of such a cash register terminal are separated into two apparatuses, and the processes (1) and (2) are performed by different apparatuses. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sales management system in which a registration apparatus used for the process (1) and an accounting apparatus used for the process (2) are separately provided. A store clerk registers products using the registration apparatus. Then, when the registration of the products is completed, the registration apparatus issues a registration receipt. The customer moves to the accounting apparatus with the registration receipt and has the accounting apparatus read the registration receipt. Then, since an accounting process based on the content of the registration receipt can be performed, the customer operates the accounting apparatus (such as inserting payment) to perform accounting. Hereinafter, a method of performing a settlement process using information read from a portable medium such as a registration receipt by an accounting apparatus is referred to as a sheet method. Also, hereinafter, the accounting apparatus is also referred to as a settlement apparatus.

[0004] In addition, there is also a method (hereinafter, referred to as a designation method) in which a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for products registered by a certain product registration apparatus is designated from the product registration apparatus without using a registration receipt or the like as described above. In the case of this method, the customer asks the store clerk which settlement apparatus is designated, and moves to the settlement apparatus to perform settlement.

[0005] Generally, in the designated method, a settlement device corresponding to each merchandise registration device is placed near the merchandise registration device. Then, a certain merchandise registration device designates the settlement device corresponding to that merchandise registration device as the settlement device for performing the settlement process of the registered merchandise.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The designated method has advantages such as allowing a user such as a store clerk to cause a customer to use a settlement device intended by the user. When the user determines "which settlement device should be selected" in the designated method, a technology for assisting that decision-making is required.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technology for assisting the decision-making of a user when the user selects a settlement device in the designated method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a system including a merchandise registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, the merchandise registration device, a processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from merchandise information of merchandise registered as a settlement target to a settlement device; a display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; having, the merchandise registration device and the plurality of settlement devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is pre-associated with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association, The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, and on the selection screen, for each of the plurality of settlement devices, either one of the states of waiting or in use as the state of the settlement device is displayed, and for a settlement device for which settlement processing cannot be performed, information regarding the failure of the settlement device is displayed instead of the either one, and a product registration device is provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control method executed by the product registration device in a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, including a step of transmitting settlement information generated from product information of a product registered as a settlement target to a settlement device, a step of displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to be a transmission destination of the settlement information among the plurality of settlement devices can be selected, and having the product registration device and the plurality of settlement devices are installed in a store, the product registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating an association, in the step of displaying the selection screen, the plurality of settlement devices are identified using the information indicating the association, and on the selection screen, for each of the plurality of settlement devices, either one of the states of waiting or in use as the state of the settlement device is displayed, and for a settlement device for which settlement processing cannot be performed, information regarding the failure of the settlement device is displayed instead of the either one, and a control method is provided.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the product registration device in a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, a processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of a product registered as a settlement target to a settlement device, a display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to be a transmission destination of the settlement information among the plurality of settlement devices can be selected, A program that functions as The merchandise registration device and the plurality of settlement devices are installed in the store, The merchandise registration device is pre-associated with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association, The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, On the selection screen, for each of the plurality of settlement devices, one of either standby or in use is displayed as the state of the settlement device, and for a settlement device for which settlement processing cannot be performed, information regarding the failure of the settlement device is displayed instead of the one of either standby or in use. A program is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a technique for assisting the user's decision-making when the user selects a settlement device in a designated manner is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The above-described object, as well as other objects, features, and advantages, will become even more apparent from the following preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings below.

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 1, each block represents a configuration in terms of functional units, not hardware units.

[0017] The information processing system 2000 includes a product registration device 3000, a first settlement device 4020, and a second settlement device 4040. In a store that uses the information processing system 2000, product settlement is performed using the product registration device 3000, the first settlement device 4020, and the second settlement device 4040. Here, the number of installations of the product registration device 3000, the first settlement device 4020, and the second settlement device 4040 is 1 or more respectively.

[0018] The product registration device 3000 is used for the process of registering products to be settled. A store clerk operates the product registration device 3000 to register each product purchased by a customer as a settlement target. As a result, settlement information is generated. The settlement information is information regarding the settlement process of the products registered as settlement targets.

[0019] Each settlement device is used for the settlement (such as payment of the price) of the products registered as settlement targets. After the registration of products in the product registration device 3000 is completed, the customer goes to the settlement device. The settlement device performs a settlement process using the settlement information generated as a result of the registration process by the product registration device 3000. Specifically, the settlement device presents the price to the customer, counts the money inserted, and returns the change, etc.

[0020] The information processing system 2000 further includes a first processing unit 2020, a second processing unit 2040, and a control unit 2060. The first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device. When the settlement information is associated with the first settlement device 4020, the customer performs a settlement process at the first settlement device 4020 with which the settlement information is associated.

[0021] The second processing unit 2040 associates the settlement information with the identification information read from a portable medium in the second settlement device 4040, or outputs the settlement information to the portable medium. In this case, the customer takes the above-mentioned portable medium and goes to any second settlement device 4040, and performs a settlement process by having the second settlement device 4040 read the above-mentioned portable medium.

[0022] The control unit 2060 controls whether to cause the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information.

[0023] <Flow of processing> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1. The control unit 2060 determines whether to cause the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information (S102). When causing the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information (S104: first processing unit), the processing in FIG. 2 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, when causing the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information (S104: second processing unit), the processing in FIG. 2 proceeds to step S110.

[0024] In step S106, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with any one of the first settlement devices 4020. The settlement processing based on the settlement information is performed by the first settlement device 4020 with which the settlement information is associated (S108).

[0025] On the other hand, in step S110, the second processing unit 2040 associates the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium in the second settlement device 4040, or outputs the settlement information to the portable medium. The settlement processing based on the settlement information is performed by the second settlement device 4040 that reads the portable medium (S112).

[0026] As described above, the information processing system 2000 of the present embodiment controls whether to cause the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 to perform the settlement processing based on the settlement information. When causing the first settlement device 4020 to perform the settlement processing, for example, there is an advantage that a specific settlement device can be used by the customer. On the other hand, when using the second settlement device 4040, for example, there is an advantage that the customer can freely select which second settlement device 4040 to use. According to the information processing system 2000 of the present embodiment, by causing the control unit 2060 to perform control in consideration of these advantages, the settlement devices can be appropriately used separately.

[0027] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in further detail.

[0028] <Implementation Method of Information Processing System 2000> The first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060 are implemented by one or more information processing devices. For example, all of these functional components are implemented inside the product registration device 3000 (Figure 3).

[0029] Also, assume that the information processing system 2000 includes a product registration device 3000, a first settlement device 4020, and a server device 5000 that is communicably connected to the first settlement device 4020 respectively. In this case, the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060 may be implemented inside the server device 5000 (Figure 4). Also, a part of these functional components may be implemented inside the product registration device 3000, and the remaining functional components may be implemented inside the server device 5000 (not shown).

[0030] <Product Registration Process by Product Registration Device 3000> Various known techniques can be used for the process of registering products to be settled using the product registration device 3000. For example, the product registration device 3000 reads a symbol such as a barcode attached to a product and registers the product as an object to be settled.

[0031] The objects to be settled in one settlement process may include multiple products. For example, after receiving an operation instructing the start of the registration process for objects to be settled, the product registration device 3000 registers one or more products registered during the period until it receives an operation instructing the end of the registration process for objects to be settled as objects to be settled in one settlement process. The settlement information regarding a certain settlement process indicates the ID (Identifier) of each product registered as the object of that settlement process, etc. Also, the settlement information may further indicate a transaction number, the amount of each product, and the total amount, etc.

[0032] <Regarding Settlement Information> For example, the settlement information is generated by a product registration device 3000 that has registered the product included in the settlement information as a settlement target. In this case, the product registration device 3000 transmits the generated settlement information to the server device 5000 or stores it in a storage device accessible from the product registration device 3000. The server device 5000 that has received the settlement information stores the settlement information in a storage device accessible from the server device 5000.

[0033] Also, for example, the settlement information may be generated by the server device 5000. In this case, for example, the server device 5000 acquires information about the product registered as a settlement target from the product registration device 3000 and generates settlement information using that information. Then, the server device 5000 stores the generated settlement information in a storage device accessible from the server device 5000.

[0034] Also, the product registration device 3000 or the server device 5000 may store the settlement information in a storage device accessible from the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040.

[0035] Note that since various known techniques can be used for the specific method of generating the settlement information, the description is omitted.

[0036] For example, in order to acquire the settlement information, the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 transmit a request indicating the ID of the settlement information to the server device 5000 or the product registration device 3000. The server device 5000 or the product registration device 3000 transmits the settlement information associated with the received ID of the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040.

[0037] Also, the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 may acquire the settlement information stored in a storage device accessible from themselves.

[0038] <Details of the First Processing Unit 2020> There are various ways for the first processing unit 2020 to associate the first settlement device 4020 with the settlement information. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the first settlement device 4020 with the settlement information by associating the ID of the first settlement device 4020 with the ID of the settlement information. Specifically, the first processing unit 2020 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020 targeted for association. The first settlement device 4020 acquires the settlement information associated with the received ID of the settlement information from a server device 5000 or the like.

[0039] Also, for example, the first processing unit 2020 may associate the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 by transmitting the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020 targeted for association.

[0040] Here, when the first processing unit 2020 is implemented inside the server device 5000, the first processing unit 2020 acquires the ID of the settlement information or the settlement information targeted for association from the product registration device 3000.

[0041] The first settlement device 4020 that the first processing unit 2020 associates with the settlement information may be the first settlement device 4020 specified by the user, or may be the first settlement device 4020 determined by the first processing unit 2020 based on preset conditions. Here, the user is a customer, a store clerk, or the like. The method of associating the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 specified by the user will be described in Embodiment 2.

[0042] There are various ways for the first calculation unit 2020 to determine the first calculation device 4020 to be associated with the calculation information. For example, the first processing unit 2020 determines the first calculation device 4020 to be associated with the calculation information based on the state of each first calculation device 4020. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the calculation information with a first calculation device 4020 that can perform a calculation process based on the newly associated calculation information. Here, the first calculation device 4020 that can perform a calculation process based on the newly associated calculation information is, for example, a first calculation device 4020 that is not currently being used by a customer. Details regarding the first calculation device 4020 that can perform a calculation process based on the newly associated calculation information will be described in Embodiment 3.

[0043] Also, for example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the calculation information with a first calculation device 4020 that is pre-associated with a product registration device 3000 that has registered the product indicated by the calculation information. The first calculation device 4020 pre-associated with a certain product registration device 3000 is, for example, a first calculation device 4020 near the flow line of a customer who uses that product registration device 3000. Here, the flow line of a customer who uses the product registration device 3000 is the path through which the customer who uses the product registration device 3000 passes. The first processing unit 2020 grasps the correspondence between the product registration device 3000 and the first calculation device 4020 by acquiring information indicating the correspondence between the product registration device 3000 and the first calculation device 4020 from a storage device stored inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0044] In addition, when there are a plurality of first settlement devices 4020 that customers can start using immediately, or when there are a plurality of first settlement devices 4020 associated with the product registration device 3000 that has registered the product indicated by the settlement information, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with one of the plurality of first settlement devices 4020. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 that is installed at the position closest to the product registration device 3000 among the plurality of first settlement devices 4020. Also, for example, the first processing unit 2020 may randomly select one from the plurality of first settlement devices 4020 and associate the settlement information with the selected first settlement device 4020.

[0045] Here, there are various methods for the first processing unit 2020 to identify the first settlement device 4020 installed at the position closest to the product registration device 3000. For example, the first processing unit 2020 acquires the position information of the product registration device 3000 and the first settlement device 4020 to identify the first settlement device 4020 installed at the position closest to the product registration device 3000. Also, for example, the first processing unit 2020 acquires the information associating the product registration device 3000 with the first settlement device 4020 installed closest to the product registration device 3000 to identify the first settlement device 4020 installed at the position closest to the product registration device 3000. The position information of each device and the information associating the product registration device 3000 with the first settlement device 4020 are stored in advance in a storage unit inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0046] Also, the first settlement device 4020 may randomly select one from all the first settlement devices 4020 and associate the settlement information with the selected first settlement device 4020.

[0047] <Details of the second processing unit 2040> As described above, the second processing unit 2040 associates the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium in the second settlement device 4040, or outputs the settlement information to the portable medium. Here, there are various types of information that can be read by the second settlement device 4040. The information that can be read by the second settlement device 4040 varies depending on the configuration and functions of the second settlement device 4040. Therefore, the operation of the second processing unit 2040 also varies depending on the configuration and functions of the second settlement device 4040. Hereinafter, the operation of the first processing unit 2020 will be described in correspondence with the information read by the second processing unit 2040 from the portable medium.

[0048] <<When the second settlement device 4040 reads the ID of the settlement information>> When the second settlement device 4040 reads the ID of the settlement information from the portable medium, the second processing unit 2040 acquires the ID of the settlement information to be associated, and outputs the acquired ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. Thereby, the settlement information is associated with the identification information (ID of the settlement information) read from the portable medium. Hereinafter, a method for the second processing unit 2040 to output the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium will be described.

[0049] For example, the second processing unit 2040 outputs the portable medium read by the second settlement device 4040. This portable medium is, for example, a sheet such as paper or plastic. At this time, the second processing unit 2040 outputs (prints or records, etc.) the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. When printing the ID of the settlement information on the sheet, the ID of the settlement information is printed using, for example, various codes (character strings, barcodes, or two-dimensional codes, etc.). The customer takes the sheet output by the second processing unit 2040 to the second settlement device 4040 and causes the second settlement device 4040 to read the ID of the settlement information printed on the sheet. Thereby, the second settlement device 4040 acquires the ID of the settlement information. Note that the above sheet may be disposable or may be a reusable rewriteable card or the like.

[0050] Further, the second processing unit 2040 may output the ID of the settlement information to a portable medium that the customer already has, instead of outputting to a portable medium. For example, the second processing unit 2040 records the ID of the settlement information on the customer's membership card. Also, for example, the second processing unit 2040 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the customer's mobile terminal. In this case, the customer's mobile terminal has a function of receiving the ID of the settlement information transmitted by the second processing unit 2040 and displaying the ID on the display screen.

[0051] There are various methods for the second processing unit 2040 to specify the destination for transmitting the ID of the settlement information. For example, when a customer registers as a member in a store, the member information is set to include an email address. In this case, for example, the second processing unit 2040 reads the membership card etc. presented by the customer, and acquires the email address included in the member information of that customer. Then, the second processing unit 2040 transmits the ID of the settlement information with the acquired email address as the destination.

[0052] Also, for example, the customer installs in advance on the mobile terminal a dedicated application provided by the store etc. This application has a function of establishing a wireless communication connection with the merchandise registration device 3000. Then, the merchandise registration device 3000 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the application for which the connection has been established.

[0053] <<When the second settlement device 4040 reads settlement information>> When the second settlement device 4040 reads the settlement information itself from a portable medium, the second processing unit 2040 outputs this settlement information to the portable medium in the same way as the method of acquiring the settlement information and outputting the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. In this case, the second settlement device 4040 acquires the settlement information by reading the settlement information from the portable medium.

[0054] <<When the second settlement device 4040 reads identification information other than the ID of the settlement information>> Suppose the second payment device 4040 reads identification information other than the ID of the payment information from a portable medium. In this case, the second processing unit 2040 reads this identification information from a portable medium (such as a membership card or a mobile terminal) that the customer already has. For example, if this portable medium is a membership card, this identification information is a membership ID or the like. The second processing unit 2040 acquires the ID of the payment information to be associated, and associates this ID of the payment information with the identification information read from the portable medium. Then, the second processing unit 2040 transmits the associated ID of the payment information and the identification information read from the portable medium to the server device 5000.

[0055] In this case, the second payment device 4040 reads identification information from a portable medium and acquires payment information based on this identification information. For example, the second payment device 4040 transmits a request indicating this identification information to the server device 5000. The server device 5000 determines the ID of the payment information associated with the identification information indicated in the acquired request, and transmits the payment information specified by this ID of the payment information to the second payment device 4040.

[0056] In addition, when the second processing unit 2040 is implemented inside the server device 5000, the second processing unit 2040 acquires the ID of the payment information to be associated and the payment information from the product registration device 3000.

[0057] <Details of the control unit 2060> The control unit 2060 controls which of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 processes the payment information. Here, there are various methods for the control unit 2060 to control which of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 processes the payment information. These specific methods will be described in each of the following embodiments.

[0058] The timing at which the control unit 2060 operates varies. For example, the control unit 2060 operates at the timing when the registration of a product by the product registration device 3000 is completed. Also, for example, the control unit 2060 may operate before the registration of a product by the product registration device 3000 starts, or at the timing when it receives an operation to determine a settlement device for processing settlement information from a store clerk.

[0059] <Details of the settlement device> The settlement device acquires settlement information and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information. Known methods can be used for the method of performing settlement processing based on the information (settlement information) used by the settlement device for product settlement processing. Details of this known method are omitted.

[0060] The second settlement device 4040 reads settlement information, the ID of the settlement information, or identification information other than the ID of the settlement information from a portable medium. When the information read from the portable medium is settlement information, the second settlement device 4040 acquires the settlement information by reading the settlement information from the portable medium. When the settlement information is printed on the portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second settlement device 4040 decodes the read information to determine the settlement information.

[0061] When the information read from the portable medium is identification information, the second settlement device 4040 acquires the settlement information associated with the read identification information. Here, when the identification information is printed on the portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second settlement device 4040 decodes the read information to determine the identification information. The method by which the second settlement device 4040 acquires settlement information based on the identification information is as described above.

[0062] <Example of hardware configuration> Each functional component of the information processing apparatus that implements the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060 may be implemented by hardware (e.g., a hard-wired electronic circuit, etc.) that implements each functional component, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.).

[0063] The information processing apparatus is implemented as various computers such as a PC (Personal Computer), a portable terminal, or a server machine. Here, the information processing system 2000 may be implemented in a dedicated computer for implementing the information processing system 2000, or may be implemented in a general-purpose computer that also includes other applications, etc.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1000. The information processing apparatus 1000 includes a bus 1020, a processor 1040, a memory 1060, a storage 1080, an input / output interface 1100, and a network interface 1120. The bus 1020 is a data transmission path for the processor 1040, the memory 1060, the storage 1080, the input / output interface 1100, and the network interface 1120 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1040, etc. to each other is not limited to bus connection. The processor 1040 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), for example. The memory 1060 is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example. The storage 1080 is a storage device such as a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a memory card, for example. Also, the storage 1080 may be a memory such as a RAM or a ROM.

[0065] The input / output interface 1100 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 1000 and an input / output device. The input / output device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a display. When the information processing apparatus 1000 is the product registration apparatus 3000, the input / output device further includes a barcode reader or the like used for registering products.

[0066] The network interface 1120 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 1000 to an external device (such as a settlement apparatus). The network interface 1120 may be a network interface for connecting to a wired line or a network interface for connecting to a wireless line.

[0067] The storage 1080 stores programs for realizing the functions of the information processing apparatus 1000. Specifically, it stores program modules for realizing the functions of the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060. By executing these program modules, the processor 1040 realizes the functions of the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060, respectively. Here, when executing the above-mentioned respective modules, the processor 1040 may read these modules onto the memory 1060 and then execute them, or may execute them without reading them onto the memory 1060.

[0068] The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1000 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5. For example, each program module may be stored in the memory 1060. In this case, the information processing apparatus 1000 may not include the storage 1080.

[0069] Also, the functions of the information processing system 2000 may be realized by a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1000 (such as the product registration apparatus 3000 and the server apparatus 5000).

[0070] <Example> The following will illustrate the process of settling accounts for products using the information processing system 2000 with the specific layout of each device. The operation of the information processing system 2000 described below is an example of the operation of the information processing system 2000 described above.

[0071] <<Regarding the layout>> FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the layout of the product registration device 3000, the first settlement device 4020, and the second settlement device 4040 included in the information processing system 2000 of the embodiment. Each of the first settlement devices 4020 is installed near the product registration device 3000 along the flow line of the customer 10. On the other hand, the second settlement device 4040 is installed at a location slightly away from the product registration device 3000. According to this layout, the distance between the first settlement device 4020 closest to the product registration device 3000 and the product registration device 3000 is shorter than the distance between the second settlement device 4040 closest to the product registration device 3000 and the product registration device 3000.

[0072] As described above, the first settlement device 4020 acquires the settlement information associated with the first settlement device 4020 by the first processing unit 2020. Therefore, unlike the second settlement device 4040 that acquires settlement information based on information read from a portable medium, the first settlement device 4020 can acquire settlement information without reading identification information or the like from a portable medium. Thus, it can be said that the operation of the first settlement device 4020 is more convenient for the customer. By installing the first settlement device 4020 with such a simple operation near the product registration device 3000, there are advantages such as allowing customers who are not used to operating the settlement device (such as children and the elderly) to use a settlement device with a simple operation, and enabling the store clerk operating the product registration device 3000 to support such customers.

[0073] However, the layouts of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 are not limited to the layout of FIG. 6. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the positions of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 may be reversed compared to the case of FIG. 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, a layout in which both the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 are installed along the flow line of customer 10 may be used.

[0074] <<Regarding the settlement process>> Hereinafter, the settlement process of products in the store with the layout shown in FIG. 6 will be exemplified. The store clerk 20 operating the product registration device 3000 receives the product from customer 10 and registers the product as a settlement target. At this time, the control unit 2060 determines whether to process the settlement information in the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040. For example, the control unit 2060 receives an input from the store clerk 20 indicating which of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 should process the settlement information.

[0075] Assume that the store clerk 20 designates that the first settlement device 4020-1 should process the settlement information. In this case, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. The first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020-1. Specifically, the first processing unit 2020 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020-1. The first settlement device 4020-1 acquires the settlement information associated with the received ID of the settlement information from the server device 5000 (not shown).

[0076] The store clerk 20 tells customer 10 to use the first settlement device 4020-1. Customer 10 goes to the first settlement device 4020-1 to perform the settlement process. Specifically, the first settlement device 4020-1 presents the total amount of the products to customer 10. Then, when customer 10 makes a payment or the like, the settlement process is completed.

[0077] Suppose that on one hand, a store clerk 20 designates the second settlement device 4040 to process settlement information. In this case, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information. The second processing unit 2040 outputs a portable medium with the ID of the settlement information printed thereon. The customer 10 receives the output portable medium and goes to an arbitrary second settlement device 4040. Then, the customer 10 causes the second settlement device 4040 to read the portable medium. The second settlement device 4040 that has read the ID of the settlement information from this portable medium acquires the settlement information associated with this ID of the settlement information from the server device 5000 and presents the total amount of the goods and the like to the customer 10. Then, when the customer 10 makes a payment or the like, the settlement process is completed.

[0078] Note that the above-described embodiments show examples where each of the first settlement devices 4020 and the second settlement devices 4040 are implemented inside one information device. However, both the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 may be implemented inside one information processing device. That is, one information processing device is provided with both the function of operating as the first settlement device 4020 and the function of operating as the second settlement device 4040.

[0079] In this case, for example, this information processing device receives a setting indicating whether it operates as the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040. Also, for example, this information processing device automatically determines whether it operates as the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 based on the type of information acquired. Specifically, this information processing device operates as the first settlement device 4020, for example, when it receives settlement information or the ID of the settlement information from the first processing unit 2020. On the other hand, this information processing device operates as the second settlement device 4040, for example, when it reads identification information or settlement information from a portable medium.

[0080] [Embodiment 2] The information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 2 is represented, for example, by FIG. 1 in the same manner as the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 1. Except for the points described below, the functions of the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 1.

[0081] The control unit 2060 of Embodiment 2 receives an input from the user. Then, based on the received input, the control unit 2060 determines which of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 will process the settlement information.

[0082] For example, the control unit 2060 displays a selection screen on a display screen connected to the product registration device 3000. FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the selection screen 30 displayed by the control unit 2060.

[0083] The selection screen 30 in FIG. 9 has a button 40 and a button 50. When the button 40 is pressed, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. On the other hand, when the button 50 is pressed, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information.

[0084] When there are multiple first settlement devices 4020 and the button 40 is pressed, for example, the first processing unit 2020 selects one first settlement device 4020 from among the multiple first settlement devices 4020 and associates the settlement information with that first settlement device 4020. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 installed at the position closest to the product registration device 3000 where the customer registered the purchased product. Here, the method by which the first processing unit 2020 grasps the first settlement device 4020 closest to a certain product registration device 3000 is as described in Embodiment 1.

[0085] Also, when the button 40 is pressed when there are multiple first settlement devices 4020, for example, the first processing unit 2020 may further display a screen for selecting one from the multiple first settlement devices 4020. In this case, the control unit 2060 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 selected on that screen.

[0086] Here, in FIG. 9, the name of the button 50 is "ticket issuance", but this name is merely an example. As described in Embodiment 1, the processing performed by the second processing unit 2040 is not limited to the output (ticket issuance) of the portable medium. The names of the button 40 and the button 50 can be set arbitrarily. For example, when different names are given to the installation locations of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040, the name of the button 40 and the name of the button 50 are set to the installation locations of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040, respectively.

[0087] The selection screen 30 in FIG. 10 has a button 50 and a button 60. The button 60 is a button for designating the first settlement device 4020. For example, when the button 60-1 is pressed, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. Specifically, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 named "settlement device 1".

[0088] For example, when the store clerk causes the first settlement device 4020 to process settlement information, the clerk looks at the information about each first settlement device 4020 displayed on the selection screen 30 and determines the first settlement device 4020 for which to process the settlement information. In FIG. 10, for each first settlement device 4020, (1) the state of the settlement device (such as standby or in use), (2) the number of waiting customers (the number of customers lined up at the settlement device), the transmission time when the most recent settlement information was transmitted, (3) the number of items registered as settlement targets in the most recent settlement information, (4) the settlement amount in the settlement process, (5) the state of payment to the settlement device, and (6) the attributes of the customer currently using the settlement device are displayed. The settlement amount represents the amount that the customer should pay. The state of payment indicates how much money has currently been paid to the settlement device or the remaining amount to be inserted into the settlement device. The attributes of the customer represent the customer's age and characteristics (such as agility of movement).

[0089] There are various ways for the user to press each button displayed on the selection screen 30. For example, when the display that displays the selection screen 30 has a touch panel, the user presses each button with a finger or the like. Also, for example, the user may press each button by operating various input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0090] Note that the methods of performing the various selection operations exemplified above are not limited to the methods performed through the selection screen. For example, in order to realize the same function as the selection screen 30 in FIG. 9, physical buttons corresponding to the buttons 40 and 50 may be provided on the merchandise registration device 3000 or its periphery. Also, for example, in order to realize the same function as the selection screen 30 in FIG. 10, physical buttons corresponding to the buttons 50 and 60 may be provided on the merchandise registration device 3000 or its periphery. Further, both a button on the selection screen and a physical button may be used, such as the button 50 being realized by a physical button and the button 60 being realized by a button on the selection screen.

[0091] <Flow of processing> FIG. 11 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 2. The control unit 2060 receives an input from the user (S202). If the input from the user is an input designating the first settlement device 4020 (S204: first settlement device), the processing in FIG. 11 proceeds to step S206. If the input from the user is an input designating the second settlement device 4040 (S204: second settlement device), the processing in FIG. 11 proceeds to step S110.

[0092] In step S206, the first processing unit 2020 causes the first settlement device 4020 designated by the user to process the settlement information. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 11 proceeds to step S108.

[0093] Note that the flow after step S108 and the flow after step S110 are the same as those in the case of FIG. 2.

[0094] <Hardware Configuration Example> For example, the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 2 is realized using one or more information processing apparatuses 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program for realizing each function described in the present embodiment.

[0095] According to the present embodiment, based on an input by a customer or a store clerk, it is determined which of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 performs the settlement process. Therefore, an appropriate settlement device can be used according to the judgment of the customer or the store clerk.

[0096] [Embodiment 3] The information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 3 is represented by FIG. 1, similar to the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1, for example. The information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 3 has the same functions as the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1, except for the points described below.

[0097] The control unit 2060 of Embodiment 3 determines which of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 processes the settlement information according to the state of the settlement device. Specifically, when the first settlement device 4020 can perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. On the other hand, when the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information.

[0098] <Regarding the "state of the settlement device"> As specific situations representing "when the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020", various situations can be considered. For example, this situation is (1) a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is performing a settlement process based on other settlement information. In other words, it is a situation where another customer is using the first settlement device 4020. Hereinafter, the situation of (1) is referred to as "in use".

[0099] Also, for example, the situation representing "when the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020" is (2) a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is not performing a settlement process based on other settlement information and cannot process new settlement information. Specifically, it is a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is malfunctioning, or a situation where the communication line between the first settlement device 4020 and the outside is malfunctioning. When the communication line with the outside is malfunctioning, the first settlement device 4020 cannot acquire settlement information and thus cannot perform a settlement process based on the settlement information. Hereinafter, the situation of (2) is referred to as "offline".

[0100] The information processing system 2000 sets the case where "the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020" as during use or offline, or both. However, the information processing system 2000 may handle situations other than during use and offline as "the case where the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020".

[0101] The definition of "the case where the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020" is set in the control unit 2060 in advance, for example. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain the setting information representing this definition from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0102] Note that the first settlement device 4020 that can perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020 is a first settlement device 4020 other than the first settlement device 4020 that cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020.

[0103] Here, regarding the determination of whether the first settlement device 4020 can perform the settlement process based on the newly associated settlement information, the first settlement device 4020 to be determined by the control unit 2060 may be all the first settlement devices 4020 installed in the store, or may be some of the first settlement devices 4020.

[0104] When only a part of the first settlement devices 4020 is to be the determination target as described above, there are various methods for the control unit 2060 to determine the first settlement device 4020 to be the determination target. For example, the control unit 2060 sets the first settlement device 4020 that is pre-associated with the product registration device 3000 used for registering the products purchased by the customer as the determination target described above. In this case, the control unit 2060 acquires information indicating the association between the product registration device 3000 and the first settlement device 4020 from a storage unit provided inside or outside the information processing system 2000. The first settlement device 4020 associated with the product registration device 3000 is, for example, the first settlement device 4020 installed near the flow line of the customer who uses the product registration device 3000.

[0105] Also, for example, the control unit 2060 may determine the first settlement device 4020 to be the determination target described above by using the position information of the first settlement device 4020. Specifically, first, information indicating the area within the store is associated with the product registration device 3000 in advance. This area is, for example, an area representing the vicinity of the flow line of the customer who uses the product registration device 3000. The control unit 2060 acquires the area associated with the product registration device 3000 used for registering the products purchased by the customer and the position information of each first settlement device 4020. Then, the control unit 2060 sets only the first settlement device 4020 whose position information indicates within this area as the determination target described above.

[0106] <Method for Obtaining <Status of Settlement Device>> For example, the control unit 2060 acquires information representing the state of each first settlement device 4020 from each first settlement device 4020. Also, for example, the state of each first settlement device 4020 may be monitored by the server device 5000. For example, the server device 5000 confirms the state of each first settlement device 4020 by sending a message or the like to each first settlement device 4020 regularly or irregularly. Also, for example, the server device 5000 may receive a message or the like representing the state of the first settlement device 4020 from each first settlement device 4020 regularly or irregularly. When the control unit 2060 is implemented inside the product registration device 3000, the control unit 2060 acquires the state of each first settlement device 4020 from the server device 5000.

[0107] <Flow of processing> FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 3. The control unit 2060 determines whether the first settlement device 4020 is in use or offline (S302). If the first settlement device 4020 is in use or offline (S302: YES), the processing in FIG. 12 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the first settlement device 4020 is neither in use nor offline (S302: NO), the processing in FIG. 12 proceeds to step S304.

[0108] In step S304, the first processing unit 2020 determines which first settlement device 4020 to associate the settlement information with. Here, the method for the first processing unit 2020 to determine the first settlement device 4020 to associate with the settlement information is as described in Embodiment 1. The first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the determined first settlement device 4020 (S306). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 12 proceeds to step S108.

[0109] The flow after step S108 and the flow after step S110 are the same as those in the case of FIG. 2.

[0110] According to this embodiment, whether to perform the settlement process on the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 is automatically determined based on the state of the settlement device. Specifically, when the first settlement device 4020 can be used, the first settlement device 4020 is made to perform the settlement process, and when the second settlement device 4040 cannot be used, the second settlement device 4040 is made to perform the settlement process. Thereby, for example, an operation is possible in which the default of the settlement device to be used by the customer is set to the first settlement device 4020, and the second settlement device 4040 is used when the first settlement device 4020 cannot be used.

[0111] <Modification Example> The control unit 2060 may perform control so that the default of the settlement device to be used by the customer is set to the second settlement device 4040, and the first settlement device 4020 is used when the second settlement device 4040 cannot be used. In this case, the handling of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 is reversed from the above case. Specifically, when the second settlement device 4040 cannot perform the settlement process based on the new settlement information, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information (causes the first settlement device 4020 to perform the settlement process). Here, the control unit 2060 acquires the state of the second settlement device 4040 in the same manner as the method for acquiring the state of the first settlement device 4020.

[0112] Which of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 is to be the default settlement device is determined, for example, by the layout of the store. For example, when the first settlement device 4020 is installed near the merchandise registration device 3000 as shown in FIG. 6, the administrator of the information processing system 2000 sets the control unit 2060 so that the first settlement device 4020 is the default settlement device. On the other hand, when the second settlement device 4040 is installed near the merchandise registration device 3000 as shown in FIG. 7, the administrator of the information processing system 2000 sets the control unit 2060 so that the second settlement device 4040 is the default settlement device. Further, the control unit 2060 may acquire information indicating the layout of the store and automatically determine which settlement device is to be the default based on that information. For example, the control unit 2060 discriminates the type of the settlement device closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 and sets the settlement device of that type as the default settlement device.

[0113] <Hardware Configuration Example> For example, the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 3 is realized using one or more information processing devices 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program for realizing each function described in the present embodiment.

[0114] [Embodiment 4] The information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 4 is represented, for example, as in FIG. 1, similar to the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 1. The information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 4 has the same functions as the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 1, except for the points described below.

[0115] The control unit 2060 of Embodiment 4 determines which of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 processes the settlement information according to the attributes of the customer using the settlement device. The attributes of the customer represent the customer's age and characteristics (such as the agility of movement).

[0116] <Control Based on Customer Age> Children and the elderly are likely to prefer to use the payment device 3000 that is as close as possible to the merchandise registration device 3000 because they are physically inferior to young adults, for example. Also, children and the elderly are likely to ask the store clerk about how to operate the payment device because they are less familiar with operating devices compared to young adults. Therefore, it is more convenient for both the customer and the store clerk to use the payment device located near the merchandise registration device 3000 where there is a store clerk.

[0117] Furthermore, it is considered that children and the elderly take longer to move to the payment device compared to young adults. Therefore, using the payment device closer to the merchandise registration device 3000 will shorten the total time required for merchandise payment. The total time is the sum of the time for registering the merchandise at the merchandise registration device 3000, the time for moving from the merchandise registration device 3000 to the payment device, and the time for performing the payment process at the payment device. It is considered that the shorter this total time is, the higher the utilization efficiency of the store and the higher the customer satisfaction.

[0118] Therefore, when the customer is a child or an elderly person, the control unit 2060 controls the customer to use the payment device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 where the customer registered the merchandise to be purchased. Here, "when the customer is a child" means, for example, when the customer's age is below a certain predetermined value. Also, "when the customer is an elderly person" means, for example, when the customer's age is above a certain predetermined value. These predetermined values are, for example, set in advance in the control unit 2060. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain these predetermined values from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0119] The process of "controlling to cause the customer to use a payment device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise purchased by the customer" is, for example, as follows. First, assume that the payment device closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise is the first payment device 4020. In this case, when the customer is a child or an elderly person, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the payment information. As a result, the customer will use the first payment device 4020. On the other hand, assume that the payment device closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise is the second payment device 4040. In this case, when the customer is a child or an elderly person, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the payment information. As a result, the customer will use the second payment device 4040.

[0120] <Control Based on Customer's Agility of Movement> Customers with less agile movements can be expected to take a long time to move from the merchandise registration device 3000 to the payment device. As described above, it is preferable for customers who take a long time to move to the payment device to use a payment device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise purchased by the customer.

[0121] Therefore, when the customer's movement is not agile, the control unit 2060 controls to cause the customer to use a payment device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise purchased by the customer. Here, "when the customer's movement is not agile" is, for example, when an index value representing the agility of the customer's movement is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The index value representing the agility of the customer's movement is, for example, a value representing the agility of the customer's movement in five levels. The above-mentioned predetermined value is, for example, set in advance in the control unit 2060. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain the above-mentioned predetermined value from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0122] Here, the specific process of the process of "controlling to cause the customer to use a payment device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise purchased by the customer" is the same as that described when controlling based on the customer's age.

[0123] The above customer attributes may be manually input to the information processing system 2000, or may be automatically acquired by the information processing system 2000. In the former case, for example, the customer attributes are input by a store clerk who operates the product registration device 3000 to register the products purchased by the customer. For example, the store clerk estimates the age from the customer's face or the like and inputs it, and inputs the customer's agility of movement from the actions when the customer presents a shopping basket to the store clerk.

[0124] When the information processing system 2000 automatically acquires the customer attributes, for example, the customer attributes are stored in advance in a storage unit inside or outside the information processing system 2000 in a state associated with the customer ID (such as a membership ID). In this case, the store clerk uses the product registration device 3000 to read the customer's membership card or the like. The information processing system 2000 acquires the customer ID read by the product registration device 3000 and acquires the customer attributes associated with the acquired customer ID.

[0125] <Processing Flow 1> FIG. 13 is a first flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed by the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 4. In this example, the control unit 2060 performs control based on the customer's age. Here, it is assumed that the first settlement device closest to the product registration device 3000 that has performed product registration is the first settlement device 4020.

[0126] The control unit 2060 determines whether the customer's age is less than or equal to a first predetermined value or greater than or equal to a second predetermined value (S402). If the customer's age is less than or equal to the first predetermined value or greater than or equal to the second predetermined value (S402: YES), the process in FIG. 13 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the customer's age is greater than the first predetermined value and less than the second predetermined value (S402: NO), the process in FIG. 13 proceeds to step S110.

[0127] The flow after step S304 and the flow after step S110 are the same as those in the case of FIG. 12.

[0128] <Processing Flow 2> Figure 14 is a second flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed by the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 4. In this example, the control unit 2060 performs control based on the responsiveness of the customer's actions. Here, it is assumed that the closest payment device to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered a product is the first payment device 4020.

[0129] The control unit 2060 determines whether or not an index value representing the responsiveness of the customer's actions is less than or equal to a predetermined value (S502). If the index value is less than or equal to the predetermined value (S504: YES), the processing in FIG. 14 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the index value is greater than the predetermined value (S504: NO), the processing in FIG. 14 proceeds to step S110.

[0130] The flow after step S304 and the flow after step S110 are the same as in the case of FIG. 12.

[0131] <Hardware Configuration Example> For example, the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 4 is realized using one or more information processing devices 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program for realizing each function described in the present embodiment.

[0132] According to the present embodiment, whether to perform the payment process on the first payment device 4020 or the second payment device 4040 is automatically determined based on the customer's attributes. Thereby, each customer can be made to use an appropriate payment device according to the customer's attributes, and it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the payment device and the customer satisfaction.

[0133] [Embodiment 5] The information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 5 is represented by FIG. 1, for example, similar to the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1. The information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 5 has the same functions as the information processing system 2000 according to Embodiment 1, except for the points described below.

[0134] The control unit 2060 in Embodiment 5 determines which of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 processes the settlement information according to the settlement target registered in the merchandise registration device 3000.

[0135] When the number of merchandise to be settled is large or the weight of the merchandise to be settled is heavy, it is considered that the customer hopes to use a settlement device close to the merchandise registration device 3000. Also, in these cases, since it is considered that the time required for the customer to move to the settlement device is long, the total time required for settling the merchandise is considered long.

[0136] Therefore, when the number of merchandise to be settled is large or the weight of the merchandise to be settled is heavy, the control unit 2060 controls the customer to use a settlement device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 where the merchandise purchased by the customer is registered. Here, "when the number of merchandise is large" means, for example, when the number of merchandise is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Also, "when the weight of the merchandise is heavy" means, for example, when the weight of the merchandise is equal to or more than a predetermined value. When there are a plurality of merchandise registered as settlement targets, "the weight of the merchandise" means the total value of the weights of each merchandise. Here, the control unit 2060 acquires, for example, the weight of each merchandise from a database or the like that manages information regarding each merchandise. Each of the above predetermined values is set in the control unit 2060 in advance, for example. However, the control unit 2060 may acquire these predetermined values from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0137] Here, the specific process of "controlling the customer to use a settlement device close to the merchandise registration device 3000 where the merchandise purchased by the customer is registered" is the same as the process described in Embodiment 4.

[0138] <Flow of Process> FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process executed by the information processing system 2000 in Embodiment 5. Here, it is assumed that the first settlement device 4020 is the settlement device closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 where the merchandise is registered.

[0139] The control unit 2060 determines whether the number of items is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value or the weight of the items is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value (S602). If the number of items is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value or the weight of the items is greater than or equal to the second predetermined value (S602: YES), the process in FIG. 15 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the number of items is less than the first predetermined value and the weight of the items is less than the second predetermined value (S602: NO), the process in FIG. 15 proceeds to step S110.

[0140] The flow after step S304 and the flow after step S110 are the same as those in the case of FIG. 12.

[0141] <Hardware Configuration Example> For example, the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 5 is realized using one or more information processing apparatuses 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 of Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program for realizing each function described in the present embodiment.

[0142] According to the present embodiment, whether to perform the settlement process on the first settlement apparatus 4020 or the second settlement apparatus 4040 is automatically determined based on the number of items purchased and the weight of the items. Thereby, each customer can be made to use an appropriate settlement apparatus according to the number of items and the weight of the items purchased by that customer, and improvements in the utilization efficiency of the settlement apparatus and customer satisfaction can be achieved.

[0143] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and combinations of the above embodiments and various configurations other than the above embodiments can also be adopted.

[0144] For example, in Embodiments 3 to 5, when causing the first settlement device 4020 to perform a settlement process, the first settlement device 4020 for performing the settlement process is automatically determined by the first processing unit 2020. However, in Embodiments 3 to 5, the user may be allowed to specify the first settlement device 4020 for performing the settlement process. In this case, for example, after the control unit 2060 determines to cause the first processing unit 2020 to process settlement information, the first processing unit 2020 displays a selection screen for selecting the first settlement device 4020 as described in Embodiment 2. This selection screen is, for example, the selection screen 30 in FIG. 10. In this case, the selection screen 30 may or may not display the button 50. When the button 50 is displayed, even when it is determined by the control unit 2060 to cause the first settlement device 4020 to perform the settlement process, the second settlement device 4040 can be caused to perform the settlement process based on the judgment of a store clerk or a customer. Therefore, a flexible store operation that can prioritize the judgment of a store clerk or a customer can be realized.

[0145] Examples of reference embodiments are appended below. 1. An information processing system including a product registration device, a first settlement device, and a second settlement device that respectively perform settlement processes using settlement information of products registered by the product registration device, first processing means for associating settlement information with the first settlement device; second processing means for associating the settlement information with identification information read from a portable medium in the second settlement device or outputting the settlement information to the portable medium; control means for controlling which of the first processing means and the second processing means processes the settlement information; An information processing system having the above. 2. The information processing system according to 1, wherein the control means controls which of the first processing means and the second processing means processes based on an input by a user. 3. The information processing system according to 1, wherein the control means controls which of the first processing means and the second processing means processes the settlement information according to the state of the settlement device, the attributes of the customer using the settlement device, or the settlement target registered by the product registration device. 4. If the first settlement device is unable to perform a settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing means, the control means causes the second processing means to process the settlement information. The information processing system according to 3. 5. The control means controls which of the first processing means and the second processing means processes the settlement information according to the attributes of the customers using the settlement device. The information processing system according to 3. 6. When the number of registered products is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, or when the weight of the registered products is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, the control means causes the first processing means to process the settlement information. The information processing system according to 3. 7. The distance between the product registration device and the first settlement device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second settlement device. The information processing system according to any one of 1. to 6. 8. An information processing apparatus having at least one of a first processing means, a second processing means, and a control means in the information processing system according to any one of 1. to 7. 9. A program for operating a computer as the information processing apparatus according to 8. 10. A control method executed by a computer that controls an information processing system including a product registration device, and a first settlement device and a second settlement device that each perform a settlement process using the settlement information of the products registered by the product registration device, A first processing step of associating settlement information with a first settlement device; A second processing step of associating the settlement information with identification information read from a portable medium in a second settlement device, or outputting the settlement information to a portable medium; A control step of controlling which of the first processing step and the second processing step processes the settlement information; And having a control method. 11. The control step controls which of the first processing step and the second processing step processes based on an input by a user. The control method according to 10. 12. The control step controls which of the first processing step and the second processing step processes the settlement information according to the state of the settlement device, the attributes of the customer using the settlement device, or the settlement target registered in the merchandise registration device. The control method according to 10. 13. The control step causes the second processing step to process the settlement information when the first settlement device cannot perform the settlement process based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing step. The control method according to 12. 14. The control step controls which of the first processing step and the second processing step processes the settlement information according to the attributes of the customer using the settlement device. The control method according to 12. 15. The control step causes the first processing step to process the settlement information when the number of registered merchandise is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, or when the weight of the registered merchandise is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. The control method according to 12. 16. The distance between the merchandise registration device and the first settlement device is shorter than the distance between the merchandise registration device and the second settlement device. The control method according to any one of 10. to 15.

[0146] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-039632 filed on February 27, 2015, and incorporates the entire disclosure thereof herein.

Claims

1. A product registration device in a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, A processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as a settlement target to a settlement device; A display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; having The product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, The product registration device is associated with the plurality of settlement devices in advance using information indicating the association, The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, A product registration device in which the selection screen displays, for each of the multiple settlement devices, either standby or in use as the status of the settlement device, and for settlement devices that are unable to perform settlement processing, information regarding a malfunction of the settlement device is displayed instead of the above status.

2. The merchandise registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the settlement device associated with the merchandise registration device has a predetermined positional relationship with the merchandise registration device.

3. The merchandise registration device of claim 2 , wherein the checkout device associated with the merchandise registration device is located in a region associated with the merchandise registration device.

4. The product registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the selection screen further displays, for each of the plurality of payment settlement devices, the number of people waiting to use the payment settlement device.

5. A control method executed by a product registration device in a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, comprising: transmitting settlement information generated based on product information of the product registered as a settlement target to a settlement device; displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; having The product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, The product registration device is associated with the plurality of settlement devices in advance using information indicating the association, In the step of displaying the selection screen, the plurality of settlement devices are identified using the information indicating the association, A control method in which the selection screen displays, for each of the multiple settlement devices, either standby or in use as the status of the settlement device, and for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, information regarding a malfunction of the settlement device is displayed instead of the one of the above.

6. In a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, the product registration device is A processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as the settlement target to the settlement device; A display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; A program that functions as The product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, The product registration device is associated with the plurality of settlement devices in advance using information indicating the association, The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, The selection screen displays, for each of the multiple settlement devices, either waiting or in use as the status of the settlement device, and, for a settlement device that cannot perform settlement processing, information regarding a malfunction of the settlement device is displayed instead of the above status.

Images