Information processing device, program, and benefit granting system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a program, and a benefit-granting system that can improve the utilization rate of a shopping cart-type self-checkout register.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes registration means, acquisition means, and output means. The registration means registers a weight value. The acquisition means acquires the total weight of one or more products placed on a cart. The output means outputs the details of a benefit to be granted to a customer in accordance with the difference between the weight value and the total weight.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, a program, and a privilege granting system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a shopping cart type self-checkout is known. In such a shopping cart type self-checkout, registered products to be purchased are placed on a loading platform. Further, the shopping cart type self-checkout has a weighing unit that weighs the products placed on the loading platform. For example, the shopping cart type self-checkout detects fraud such as whether an unregistered product is placed on the loading platform based on the weight measured by the weighing unit.

[0003] However, since it is monitored whether fraud is being committed by the shopping cart type self-checkout, customers feel suspected of fraud and the utilization rate decreases.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a program, and a privilege granting system capable of improving the utilization rate of a shopping cart type self-checkout.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a registration unit, an acquisition unit, and an output unit. The registration unit registers a weight value. The acquisition unit acquires the total weight of one or more products placed on the cart. The output unit outputs the privilege content to be given to the customer according to the difference between the weight value and the total weight.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the information processing apparatus, program, and privilege granting system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, program, and privilege granting system, and do not limit the configuration, specifications, etc.

[0008] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a self-checkout system 1 according to the first embodiment. The self-checkout system 1 includes a management server 10, a cart terminal 20, a product registration display device 30, a checkout device 40, and a gate device 50. The management server 10, the cart terminal 20, the product registration display device 30, the checkout device 40, and the gate device 50 are communicably connected via a network.

[0009] Also, the self-checkout system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes one each of the management server 10, the cart terminal 20, the product registration display device 30, the checkout device 40, and the gate device 50. However, the self-checkout system 1 may have a plurality of each device.

[0010] The management server 10 is an information processing device such as a server device that manages the self-checkout system 1. The management server 10 executes various processes based on the information received from each device of the self-checkout system 1. Then, the management server 10 causes each device of the self-checkout system 1 to execute various processes.

[0011] The cart terminal 20 is a shopping cart type self-checkout. That is, the cart terminal 20 is a shopping cart that registers purchased items and loads the registered items in a retail store such as a supermarket. When a customer finds an item to be purchased in the product sales area of the retail store, the customer causes the cart terminal 20 to read a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the item. Then, the customer places the item for which the code symbol has been read on the loading platform 22.

[0012] More specifically, the cart terminal 20 is a shopping cart having a registration device 21 and a loading platform 22. The loading platform 22 is where the customer places the items to be purchased. The registration device 21 is a device that registers the items collected by the customer as items to be purchased. For example, the registration device 21 is realized by an information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0013] In addition, the cart terminal 20 has a weighing unit 24 (see FIG. 7) that weighs the articles placed on the loading platform 22. The cart terminal 20 notifies of irregularities based on the weight value weighed by the weighing unit 24. For example, the cart terminal 20 notifies when an unregistered product is placed on the loading platform 22.

[0014] The product registration display device 30 is a device that displays the products registered by the cart terminal 20. For example, the product registration display device 30 is realized by a personal computer.

[0015] More specifically, the product registration display device 30 is installed in the accounting area where the accounting device 40 is installed. The product registration display device 30 acquires a list of the products registered by the cart terminal 20. Then, the product registration display device 30 displays the list of the registered products. The store clerk checks that there is no irregularity by comparing the list of products displayed on the product registration display device 30 with the products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20.

[0016] Here, when another product having substantially the same weight as the product placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 is registered, it is difficult to determine whether there is an irregularity by weight monitoring. Therefore, the store clerk compares the list of products registered by the cart terminal 20 with the products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 to suppress the remaining of irregularities.

[0017] The accounting device 40 is a device that executes an accounting process for paying the price of the products registered by the cart terminal 20. The accounting device 40 acquires a list of the products registered by the cart terminal 20. In addition, the product registration display device 30 accepts the input of the total amount of the registered products. Then, when the accounting process is completed, the product registration display device 30 issues identification information indicating that the accounting process is completed. For example, the product registration display device 30 issues a code symbol such as a barcode.

[0018] The gate device 50 is a device that notifies when a customer who has not completed checkout leaves the store. The gate device 50 is installed at the exit of the checkout area where the checkout device 40 is installed. For example, the gate device 50 detects the passage of a customer between two poles. The gate device 50 does not notify even if it detects a person passing through the exit when the identification information issued by the checkout device 40 at the time of completed checkout is input. On the other hand, the gate device 50 notifies when it detects a person passing through the exit when the identification information issued by the checkout device 40 at the time of completed checkout is not input. Thereby, the gate device 50 reduces the possibility that a customer who has not completed checkout will leave the store.

[0019] In this way, the self-checkout system 1 registers the purchased items when collecting the items to be purchased. Thereby, since the self-checkout system 1 does not need to register the items by the store clerk, it becomes possible to eliminate the waiting time for item registration by the store clerk.

[0020] However, since various processes such as item registration are executed by the customer's own operation, the self-checkout system 1 detects fraud by monitoring the weight of the registered items. However, since the weight is monitored, the customer may feel that they are suspected by the store clerk of committing fraud. Therefore, the utilization rate of the cart terminal 20 may decline.

[0021] Therefore, the self-checkout system 1 provides a service of granting a privilege according to the difference between a preset set weight and the weight of the items placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. In this way, the self-checkout system 1 can improve the utilization rate of the cart terminal 20 while reducing the customer's discomfort caused by weight monitoring and the like by improving the game nature.

[0022] Next, the shopping flow of the customer in the self-checkout system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the shopping flow according to the first embodiment.

[0023] When a customer enters a retail store, the customer goes through the entry procedure (step S1). More specifically, the customer inputs a membership code for identifying the customer into the cart terminal 20. Alternatively, the customer may have the membership code for identifying the customer read by a scanner provided in the cart terminal 20. In other words, the cart terminal 20 acquires the membership code.

[0024] The customer collects the products to be purchased in the product sales area (step S2). More specifically, the customer inputs a product code for identifying the product into the cart terminal 20 and then places it on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. And when the customer has completed the collection of the products, the customer inputs the completion of the collection of the products into the cart terminal 20.

[0025] The customer requests the store clerk to perform a product registration confirmation procedure in the checkout area where the checkout device 40 is installed (step S3). More specifically, the customer presents the transaction code displayed on the cart terminal 20. The store clerk inputs the transaction code into the product registration display device 30. And the store clerk confirms that there are no unregistered products by comparing the list of registered products displayed on the product registration display device 30 with the products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20.

[0026] The customer performs a checkout procedure using the checkout device 40 (step S4). More specifically, the customer inputs the transaction code displayed on the cart terminal 20 into the checkout device 40. The checkout device 40 acquires the checkout information specified by the transaction code. The checkout information has information such as the name of the registered product and the price of the product. And the customer deposits the payment for the registered products into the checkout device 40.

[0027] The customer goes through the store exit procedure using the gate device 50 (step S5). More specifically, when the checkout is completed, the customer has a code symbol such as a barcode issued by the checkout device 40 read by the gate device 50. Thereby, the gate device 50 is prevented from notifying when the customer passes through the exit.

[0028] The customer packs the purchased items in a bag and leaves the store (step S6).

[0029] As described above, the customer shops using the self-checkout system 1.

[0030] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the self-checkout system 1 will be described.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10. The management server 10 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage unit 103, a communication unit 104, a display unit 105, and an operation unit 106. These units are connected via an internal bus 107.

[0032] The processor 101 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the management server 10 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 101 uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute the control program 111 and the like stored in the storage unit 103.

[0033] The storage unit 103 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 103 stores a control program 111, a product master 112, a member master 113, a transaction table 114, and a privilege table 115. Note that the product master 112, the member master 113, the transaction table 114, and the privilege table 115 are not limited to the storage unit 103 and may be stored in the storage media of other devices. In this case, the management server 10 may appropriately acquire information from other devices.

[0034] The control program 111 is an operating system and a program for enabling the management server 10 to exhibit its functions. The control program 111 includes a program for enabling the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment.

[0035] The product master 112 is an information master that has various information about products sold in a retail store. For example, in the product master 112, a product code and product information are associated. The product code is identification information for specifying a product. The product information is information about the product, such as the name of the product, the price of the product, and the weight of the product.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the member master 113. The member master 113 is an information master that has various information about members who use the self-checkout system 1. In the member master 113, a member code, customer information, a purchase history, a delivery history, and terminal information are associated. The member code is identification information for specifying a customer who is a member. The customer information has information about the customer who is a member. For example, the customer information is information such as name, age, and gender. The purchase history is a record of purchases such as the date and time of purchase by the customer and the products. The delivery history is a record of deliveries such as the date and time of delivery of the products purchased by the customer. The terminal information is information about the customer terminal that the customer has. For example, the terminal information is information indicating the destination of messages such as an email address and an account in an SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the transaction table 114. The transaction table 114 is an information table having information for each transaction. In the transaction table 114, a transaction code, a member code, a cart terminal code, a predicted weight, a product registration list, and a completion flag are associated with each other. The transaction code is identification information for specifying a transaction. The member code is a member code indicating a member who is a transaction partner. The cart terminal code is information indicating the cart terminal 20 used in the transaction. The predicted weight is the total weight predicted by the customer before collecting the products, and is the total weight of one or more products purchased in the transaction. The product registration list is product information of one or more products registered in the transaction. For example, the product information includes the name of the product registered in the transaction, the price of the product, the weight of the product, and the like. The completion flag is information indicating whether the transaction has been completed. For example, the completion flag is information indicating whether the accounting process for paying the price of the product in the transaction has been completed. In the initial state, the completion flag indicates that the accounting has not been performed.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the privilege table 115. The privilege table 115 is an information table in which privileges given to a customer are registered according to the difference between the predicted weight predicted by the customer and the total weight of one or more products sold in a transaction. In the privilege table 115, a difference value is associated with the privilege content. The difference value is a weight value indicating the difference between the predicted weight predicted by the customer and the total weight of one or more products sold in a transaction. The privilege content is information indicating the content of the privilege given to the customer in the case of the associated difference value. Privileges include things, services, rights, etc. given to the customer. For example, the privilege may be a coupon for discounting the price of a specific product or service, a exchange coupon exchangeable for a specific product or service, a coupon for discounting the total amount of a transaction, points given according to the accounting amount, or other products or services. Also, the privilege may be the right for the customer to receive a preferential service (for example, the right to free delivery of a product, the right to apply for a predetermined campaign, etc.). Note that these privileges are just examples and may have other contents.

[0039] The communication unit 104 is an interface that performs communication with an external device via a network. For example, the communication unit 104 is a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0040] The display unit 105 is a display device that displays various images. For example, the display unit 105 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0041] The operation unit 106 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 106 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cart terminal 20. The cart terminal 20 includes a registration device 21, a scanner 23, and a weighing unit 24. The registration device 21 includes a processor 211, a RAM 212, a storage unit 213, a communication unit 214, a display unit 215, an operation unit 216, a first connection unit 217, and a second connection unit 218. These units are connected via an internal bus 219.

[0043] The processor 211 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the cart terminal 20 such as a CPU. The RAM 212 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 211 uses the RAM 212 as a work area to execute the control program 221 and the like stored in the storage unit 213.

[0044] The storage unit 213 is a storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 213 stores the control program 221. The control program 221 is an operating system and a program for causing the cart terminal 20 to exhibit its functions. The control program 221 includes a program for causing the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment to be exhibited.

[0045] The communication unit 214 is an interface that executes communication with an external device via a network. For example, the communication unit 214 is a NIC.

[0046] The display unit 215 is a display device that displays various images. For example, the display unit 215 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0047] The operation unit 216 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 216 is a hardware button or a touch panel provided on the display unit 215.

[0048] The first connection part 217 is an interface that connects the registration device 21 and the scanner 23. The scanner 23 is a device that reads code symbols such as barcodes. For example, the scanner 23 reads a code symbol obtained by encoding a product code or a code symbol obtained by encoding a membership code.

[0049] The second connection part 218 is an interface that connects the registration device 21 and the weighing part 24. The weighing part 24 is a device that weighs the articles placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product registration display device 30. The product registration display device 30 includes a processor 301, a RAM 302, a storage part 303, a communication part 304, a display part 305, an operation part 306, and a scanner 307. These parts are connected via an internal bus 308.

[0051] The processor 301 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the product registration display device 30 such as a CPU. The RAM 302 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area (working area) and executes a control program 311 and the like stored in the storage part 303.

[0052] The storage part 303 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage part 303 stores the control program 311. The control program 311 is an operating system and a program for causing the product registration display device 30 to exhibit its functions. The control program 311 includes a program for causing the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment to be exhibited.

[0053] The communication part 304 is an interface that executes communication with an external device via a network. For example, the communication part 304 is a NIC.

[0054] The display part 305 is a display device that displays various images. For example, the display part 305 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0055] The operation unit 306 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 306 is a hardware button or a touch panel provided on the display unit 305.

[0056] The scanner 307 is a device that reads code symbols such as barcodes. For example, the scanner 307 reads a code symbol in which a transaction code is encoded.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the accounting device 40. The accounting device 40 includes a processor 401, a RAM 402, a storage unit 403, a communication unit 404, a display unit 405, an operation unit 406, a deposit / withdrawal unit 407, a settlement unit 408, a scanner 409, and a printer 410. These units are connected via an internal bus 411.

[0058] The processor 401 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the accounting device 40 such as a CPU. The RAM 402 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 401 uses the RAM 402 as a work area (working area) to execute the control program 421 and the like stored in the storage unit 403.

[0059] The storage unit 403 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 403 stores the control program 421. The control program 421 is an operating system and a program for enabling the accounting device 40 to exhibit its functions. The control program 421 includes a program for enabling the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment.

[0060] The communication unit 404 is an interface that executes communication with an external device via a network. For example, the communication unit 404 is a NIC.

[0061] The display unit 405 is a display device that displays various images. For example, the display unit 405 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0062] The operation unit 406 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 406 is a hardware button or a touch panel provided on the display unit 405.

[0063] The deposit / withdrawal unit 407 is a device that executes the deposit and withdrawal of currency such as change and banknotes. More specifically, when the deposit / withdrawal unit 407 accepts the input of currency, it counts the total amount of the input currency. Then, the deposit / withdrawal unit 407 dispenses change.

[0064] The settlement unit 408 is a device that executes settlements using credit cards or electronic money. More specifically, the settlement unit 408 executes the settlement by reading information from a credit card or electronic money.

[0065] The scanner 409 is a device that reads code symbols such as barcodes. For example, the scanner 409 reads a code symbol that encodes an accounting completion code indicating that the accounting has been completed.

[0066] The printer 410 is a printing device that prints various information on a printing medium. For example, when the accounting is completed, the printer 410 prints a receipt having transaction details such as the traded goods and the total amount. Also, when the accounting is completed, the printer 410 prints a certificate having an accounting completion code indicating that the accounting has been completed. The accounting completion code is a code symbol such as a barcode indicating that the accounting of the corresponding transaction has been completed.

[0067] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the gate device 50. The gate device 50 includes a processor 501, a RAM 502, a storage unit 503, a communication unit 504, a scanner 505, a detection unit 506, and a notification unit 507. These units are connected via an internal bus 508.

[0068] The processor 501 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the gate device 50 such as a CPU. The RAM 502 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 501 uses the RAM 502 as a work area to execute the control program 511 and the like stored in the storage unit 503.

[0069] The storage unit 503 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 503 stores the control program 511. The control program 511 is an operating system and a program for causing the gate device 50 to exhibit its functions. The control program 511 includes a program for causing the characteristic functions according to the present embodiment to be exhibited.

[0070] The communication unit 504 is an interface that executes communication with an external device via a network. For example, the communication unit 504 is a NIC.

[0071] The scanner 505 is a device that reads a code symbol such as a barcode. For example, the scanner 505 reads a code symbol obtained by coding an accounting completion code.

[0072] The detection unit 506 is a sensor that detects the passage of a customer. For example, the detection unit 506 may be realized by an infrared sensor or a weight sensor.

[0073] The notification unit 507 is a device such as an indicator light or a speaker. The notification unit 507 notifies when the passage of a customer is detected by the detection unit 506 before reading the accounting completion code.

[0074] Next, the functions of each device of the self-checkout system 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device of the self-checkout system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] The processor 211 of the cart terminal 20 expands the control program 221 stored in the storage unit 213 in the RAM 212 and operates according to the control program 221 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 212. Thereby, the processor 211 of the cart terminal 20 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 2001, a member code input unit 2002, a product registration unit 2003, a predicted weight input unit 2004, a weighing control unit 2005, a notification control unit 2006, and a display control unit 2007.

[0076] The communication control unit 2001 controls the communication unit 214 to execute communication with the management server 10.

[0077] The member code input unit 2002 receives a member code. More specifically, the member code input unit 2002 receives a member code during the store entry procedure. For example, the member code input unit 2002 receives a member code by having a code symbol obtained by encoding the member code read by the scanner 23. Further, the member code input unit 2002 may receive the input of the member code not only by reading by the scanner 23 but also by an operation received by the operation unit 216.

[0078] The communication control unit 2001 transmits use start information having the member code received by the member code input unit 2002 and a cart terminal code, which is identification information for specifying the cart terminal 20 and indicating the own device, to the management server 10. Further, the communication control unit 2001 receives a transaction code indicating a transaction with the member specified by the member code as a customer.

[0079] The product registration unit 2003 executes product registration for registering products to be sold. More specifically, the product registration unit 2003 receives a product code by having a code symbol obtained by encoding the product code read by the scanner 23. Note that the product registration unit 2003 may receive the input of the product code not only by reading by the scanner 23 but also by an operation received by the operation unit 216.

[0080] The communication control unit 2001 transmits to the management server 10 the product registration information associating the product code received by the product registration unit 2003 with the transaction code.

[0081] The predicted weight input unit 2004 receives the predicted weight. More specifically, the predicted weight input unit 2004 receives the predicted weight during the store entry procedure. For example, the predicted weight input unit 2004 receives the predicted weight by the operation received by the operation unit 216. The communication control unit 2001 transmits to the management server 10 the predicted weight registration information associating the predicted weight received by the predicted weight input unit 2004 with the transaction code.

[0082] The weighing control unit 2005 controls the weighing unit 24 to obtain the weight of the product placed on the loading platform 22. That is, the weighing control unit 2005 obtains the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22. The communication control unit 2001 transmits to the management server 10 the weighing result information associating the weighing value indicating the total weight weighed by the weighing control unit 2005 with the transaction code. The communication control unit 2001 may transmit the weighing result information each time there is a change in the weighing value, may transmit the weighing result information each time a certain period of time elapses, or may transmit the weighing result information in response to a request from the management server 10.

[0083] The notification control unit 2006 notifies when it is determined that there is a possibility of fraud based on the weighing value weighed by the weighing control unit 2005. More specifically, the notification control unit 2006 notifies when it receives, by the communication control unit 2001, the fraud detection information indicating that it is determined that there is a possibility of fraud. For example, the notification control unit 2006 displays on the display unit 215 an image indicating that there is a possibility that the product registration has not been performed or that the weights do not match. Thereby, the notification control unit 2006 notifies of the possibility of fraud.

[0084] Here, the communication control unit 2001 transmits the product registration information to the management server 10. The management server 10 calculates the theoretical total weight of the products registered in the product registration list of the transaction table 114 based on the product master 112. Also, the communication control unit 2001 transmits the weighing result information to the management server 10. When there is a difference greater than or equal to the threshold between the theoretical total weight and the measured value included in the weighing result information, the management server 10 transmits a notification request to the cart terminal 20. The notification control unit 2006 gives a notification when a notification request is received by the communication control unit 2001.

[0085] The display control unit 2007 displays various images on the display unit 215.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the standby image G1. The display control unit 2007 displays the standby image G1 on the display unit 215. The standby image G1 notifies that the cart terminal 20 is where a customer places a product on the loading platform 22 when the customer registers a product. Further, the standby image G1 is an image that prompts touching of the display unit 215 when starting to use the cart terminal 20.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the member code input image G2. The display control unit 2007 displays the member code input image G2 on the display unit 215. The member code input image G2 is an image that prompts the input of a member code. For example, the member code input image G2 has an image that prompts the code symbol obtained by encoding the member code to be read by the scanner 23 or the input of a numerical value indicating the member code.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the predicted weight input image G3. The display control unit 2007 displays the predicted weight input image G3 on the display unit 215. The predicted weight input image G3 is an image that accepts a predicted weight. The predicted weight input image G3 has a predicted weight input field G31 for inputting the predicted weight. The predicted weight input field G31 displays the numerical value specified by the operation received by the operation unit 216.

[0089] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image G4 waiting for registration. The display control unit 2007 displays the image G4 waiting for registration on the display unit 215. The image G4 waiting for registration is an image displayed during the waiting period until product registration is performed, and is an image showing a method of operating for performing product registration. For example, the image G4 waiting for registration has an image prompting the code symbol attached to the product to be read by the scanner 23.

[0090] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration image G5. The display control unit 2007 displays the product registration image G5 on the display unit 215. The product registration image G5 is an image showing a list of products registered as products to be purchased in product collection. The product registration image G5 has a list display area G51, a total display area G52, and a checkout button G53. The list display area G51 is an area for displaying a list of products registered as products to be purchased. That is, the list display area G51 displays the name of the product for which product registration has been performed, the number of purchases, the price including tax, and a cancel button G511 for canceling the product registration. The total display area G52 is an area for displaying the total number of products registered as products to be purchased and the total amount. The checkout button G53 is a button for accepting an operation to end product registration and perform checkout for the products registered as products to be purchased.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a checkout guidance image G6. The display control unit 2007 displays the checkout guidance image G6 on the display unit 215. The checkout guidance image G6 is an image prompting checkout by the checkout device 40. The checkout guidance image G6 has a transaction code image G61 and a total display area G62. The transaction code image G61 is an image having a code symbol obtained by coding a transaction code. The transaction code image G61 is used to cause the product registration display device 30 and the checkout device 40 to identify a transaction to be processed. The total display area G62 is an area for displaying the total number of products registered as products to be purchased and the total amount.

[0092] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the accounting standby image G7. The display control unit 2007 displays the accounting standby image G7 on the display unit 215. The accounting standby image G7 is an image that requests the customer to wait because information used for accounting is being transferred to the accounting device 40. Note that the accounting device 40 acquires information (transaction code) used for accounting by causing the scanner 409 to read a code symbol such as a barcode displayed on the cart terminal 20.

[0093] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the prediction result image G8. The display control unit 2007 displays the prediction result image G8 on the display unit 215. The prediction result image G8 is an image that displays the result of the predicted product weight in the store entry procedure. The prediction result image G8 includes a predicted value display area G81, a measured value display area G82, and a privilege display area G83. The predicted value display area G81 is an area that displays the predicted value of the product weight predicted in the store entry procedure. The measured value display area G82 is an area that displays the measured value of the weight of the purchased product. The privilege display area G83 is an area that displays the privilege content given according to the difference between the predicted value and the measured value.

[0094] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the accounting completion image G9. The display control unit 2007 displays the accounting completion image G9 on the display unit 215. The accounting completion image G9 is an image indicating that the accounting has been completed. For example, the accounting completion image G9 prompts the customer to return the cart terminal 20 to a predetermined position and leave the store.

[0095] The processor 101 of the management server 10 expands the control program 111 stored in the storage unit 213 into the RAM 102 and operates according to the control program 111 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 102. As a result, the processor 101 of the management server 10 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 1001, a transaction registration unit 1002, a weight monitoring unit 1003, an accounting control unit 1004, and a privilege control unit 1005.

[0096] The communication control unit 1001 controls the communication unit 104 to execute communication with each device of the self-checkout system 1.

[0097] The transaction registration unit 1002 registers each piece of information in the transaction table 114. When the usage start information is received by the communication control unit 1001, the transaction registration unit 1002 acquires the transaction code. Then, the transaction registration unit 1002 associates the transaction code, the member code included in the usage start information, and the cart terminal code included in the usage start information, and registers them in the transaction table 114.

[0098] When the predicted weight registration information is received by the communication control unit 1001, the transaction registration unit 1002 associates the predicted weight included in the predicted weight registration information with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the predicted weight registration information, and registers it in the transaction table 114. That is, the transaction registration unit 1002 registers the weight value predicted as the weight of the product purchased by the customer. The transaction registration unit 1002 is an example of a registration means.

[0099] When the product registration information is received by the communication control unit 1001, the transaction registration unit 1002 acquires the product information specified by the product code included in the product registration information from the product master 112. Then, the transaction registration unit 1002 associates the acquired product information with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the product registration information, and registers it in the transaction table 114.

[0100] When the accounting completion notification is received by the communication control unit 1001, the transaction registration unit 1002 changes the completion flag associated with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the accounting completion notification to accounting completed.

[0101] Also, when the communication control unit 1001 receives an accounting confirmation request for requesting confirmation of whether the accounting of the transaction has been completed, the communication control unit 1001 transmits the completion flag to the gate device 50 that has transmitted the accounting confirmation request. That is, the communication control unit 1001 transmits information indicating whether the accounting has been completed.

[0102] The weight monitoring unit 1003 monitors whether any fraud has occurred based on the measured values acquired by the weighing control unit 2005 of the cart terminal 20. More specifically, the weight monitoring unit 1003 determines whether the difference between the measured value included in the weighing result information and the theoretical total weight of the products included in the product registration list associated with the transaction code included in the weighing result information is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the difference is less than the threshold value, the weight monitoring unit 1003 determines that no fraud has occurred.

[0103] If the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the weight monitoring unit 1003 determines that there may be a fraud. When the communication control unit 1001 determines that there may be a fraud based on the determination by the weight monitoring unit 1003, the communication control unit 1001 transmits fraud detection information indicating that there may be a fraud. Here, the destination to which the communication control unit 1001 transmits the fraud detection information is arbitrary. For example, the communication control unit 1001 may transmit it to the cart terminal 20 to notify the customer and request confirmation regarding product registration, or may transmit it to the mobile terminal held by the store clerk to notify the store clerk and request confirmation regarding product registration.

[0104] The accounting control unit 1004 controls the accounting for each transaction. More specifically, when the communication control unit 1001 receives an accounting information request, the accounting control unit 1004 acquires the product registration list associated with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the accounting information request. The accounting control unit 1004 calculates the total amount of the products registered in the acquired product registration list. For example, the accounting control unit 1004 calculates the total amount by adding the prices included in the product information registered in the product registration list. The communication control unit 1001 transmits the accounting information having the calculated total amount to the accounting device 40 that transmitted the accounting information request.

[0105] The privilege control unit 1005 determines a service for granting a privilege to a customer according to the difference between the predicted weight predicted by the customer and the total weight of one or more products purchased by the customer in the transaction. More specifically, when the communication control unit 1001 receives an accounting completion notification, the privilege control unit 1005 acquires the total weight of one or more products purchased by the customer in the transaction.

[0106] For example, the communication control unit 1001 acquires, in the transaction table 114, the cart terminal code associated with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the accounting completion notification. The communication control unit 1001 transmits a weighing value request for requesting transmission of a weighing value to the cart terminal 20 specified by the acquired cart terminal code. As a response to the weighing value request, the communication control unit 1001 receives weighing result information having the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. Thereby, the privilege control unit 1005 acquires the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. Note that the privilege control unit 1005 may acquire the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 by adding the weights included in the product information registered in the product registration list of the transaction table 114. The privilege control unit 1005 is an example of an acquisition means.

[0107] Further, the privilege control unit 1005 calculates the difference between the obtained total weight and the predicted weight in the transaction table 114. The privilege control unit 1005 acquires the privilege content corresponding to the difference from the privilege table 115. The communication control unit 1001 transmits the prediction result information in which the obtained total weight, the predicted weight in the transaction table 114, and the obtained privilege content are associated, to the cart terminal 20 specified by the cart terminal code associated with the transaction code indicating the transaction for which accounting has been completed. The cart terminal 20 displays the prediction result image G8 on the display unit 215 based on the prediction result information. In other words, by transmitting the prediction result information, the privilege control unit 1005 causes the prediction result image G8 having the weight value predicted by the customer, the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20, and the privilege content to be given to the customer to be displayed on the display unit 215 of the cart terminal 20. The privilege control unit 1005 is an example of the first display control means.

[0108] Also, when the privilege control unit 1005 acquires the privilege content from the privilege table 115, it gives the privilege content. That is, the privilege control unit 1005 outputs the privilege content to be given to the customer according to the difference between the weight value predicted by the customer and the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. The privilege control unit 1005 is an example of the output means. The privilege control unit 1005 may give the privilege content by any method.

[0109] For example, the privilege control unit 1005 may give the privilege content by transmitting it to the cart terminal 20. Alternatively, the privilege control unit 1005 may give the privilege content by transmitting it to the destination specified by the terminal information registered in the member master 113. Alternatively, the privilege control unit 1005 transmits the privilege content in association with the transaction code to the accounting device 40. Then, when the corresponding transaction code is input, the accounting device 40 prints the privilege content associated with the input transaction code. In this way, the privilege control unit 1005 may give the privilege content.

[0110] In addition, the privilege control unit 1005 may set the granting conditions for granting privileges. When the granting conditions for granting privileges are set, the privilege control unit 1005 grants the privilege content on the condition that the granting conditions are satisfied.

[0111] For example, the granting conditions are set according to the content of the product registration list in the transaction table 114 in which one or more products purchased by the customer are registered. Specifically, the granting conditions are set such as the lower limit of the points of the products purchased by the customer, the lower limit of the total amount of the products purchased by the customer, and the lower limit of the total weight of one or more products purchased by the customer. That is, when the content of the product registration list in the transaction table 114 in which one or more products purchased by the customer are registered satisfies the granting conditions for granting privileges, the privilege control unit 1005 outputs the privilege content.

[0112] For example, when the granting conditions are not set and 1000 g is specified as the predicted weight, if the customer purchases one product of 1000 g, the difference between the predicted weight and the total weight of one or more products purchased by the customer can be made approximately zero. Therefore, by setting the granting conditions such as the number of products purchased by the customer being 3 or more, the total amount being 1000 yen or more, and the total weight being 2000 g or more, the privilege control unit 1005 can improve the difficulty of making the difference between the predicted weight and the weight of the purchased products approximately zero.

[0113] The processor 301 of the product registration display device 30 expands the control program 311 stored in the storage unit 303 to the RAM 302 and operates according to the control program 311 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 302. As a result, the processor 301 of the product registration display device 30 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 3001, a transaction code input unit 3002, and a product list display unit 3003.

[0114] The communication control unit 3001 controls the communication unit 304 to execute communication with the management server 10.

[0115] The transaction code input unit 3002 receives a transaction code. More specifically, in accounting procedures, the transaction code input unit 3002 receives a transaction code. For example, the transaction code input unit 3002 receives a transaction code by having a scanner 307 read a code symbol encoded with the transaction code. Also, the transaction code input unit 3002 may receive the input of a transaction code not only by reading by the scanner 307, but also by receiving the operation received by the operation unit 306.

[0116] The communication control unit 3001 transmits a transmission request having the transaction code received by the transaction code input unit 3002, which is a transmission request for a product registration list. Also, the communication control unit 3001 receives a product registration list having product information of products registered for the transaction specified by the transaction code.

[0117] The product list display unit 3003 displays a product registration list image on the display unit 305. The product registration list image is an image of a list of products for which product registration has been performed. For example, the product registration list image has the names and quantities of the products for which product registration has been performed. More specifically, the product list display unit 3003 displays on the display unit 305 a product registration list image having a list of products included in the received product registration list based on the received product registration list.

[0118] The processor 401 of the accounting device 40 expands the control program 421 stored in the storage unit 403 into the RAM 402 and operates according to the control program 421 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 402. Thereby, the processor 401 of the accounting device 40 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 4001, a transaction code input unit 4002, and an accounting processing unit 4003.

[0119] The communication control unit 4001 controls the communication unit 404 to execute communication with the management server 10.

[0120] The transaction code input unit 4002 receives a transaction code. More specifically, in the accounting procedure, the transaction code input unit 4002 receives a transaction code. For example, the transaction code input unit 4002 receives a transaction code by having a scanner 409 read a code symbol obtained by coding the transaction code. Further, the transaction code input unit 4002 may receive the input of a transaction code not only by being read by the scanner 409, but also by receiving the operation received by the operation unit 406.

[0121] The communication control unit 4001 transmits an accounting information request having the transaction code received by the transaction code input unit 4002. Further, the communication control unit 4001 receives accounting information having the total amount of goods registered for the transaction specified by the transaction code.

[0122] The accounting processing unit 4003 controls the deposit / withdrawal unit 407 or the settlement unit 408 to execute accounting processing. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 4003 receives the deposit of the total amount included in the accounting information received by the communication control unit 4001. When there is a deposit equal to or greater than the total amount, the accounting processing unit 4003 makes change.

[0123] When the accounting processing is completed, the accounting processing unit 4003 issues an accounting completion code indicating that the accounting processing has been completed. For example, the accounting processing unit 4003 generates an accounting completion code including the transaction code based on the transaction code. For example, the accounting processing unit 4003 causes a printer 410 to print a code symbol obtained by coding the accounting completion code. Thereby, the accounting processing unit 4003 issues an accounting completion code.

[0124] The processor 501 included in the gate device 50 expands the control program 511 stored in the storage unit 503 to the RAM 502 and operates according to the control program 511 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 502. Thereby, the processor 501 included in the gate device 50 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 5001, an accounting completion code input unit 5002, and a passage authentication unit 5003.

[0125] The communication control unit 5001 controls the communication unit 504 to execute communication with the management server 10.

[0126] The accounting completion code input unit 5002 receives the accounting completion code. More specifically, the accounting completion code input unit 5002 receives the accounting completion code in the checkout procedure. For example, the accounting completion code input unit 5002 receives the accounting completion code by having the scanner 505 read the code symbol obtained by coding the accounting completion code.

[0127] When the detection unit 506 detects the passage of a customer, the passage authentication unit 5003 notifies the notification unit 507. On the other hand, when the detection unit 506 detects the passage of a customer, the passage authentication unit 5003 does not notify if the accounting completion code input unit 5002 has received the accounting completion code.

[0128] More specifically, when the accounting completion code input unit 5002 receives the accounting completion code, the communication control unit 5001 transmits an accounting confirmation request to the management server 10 that requests the completion flag specified by the transaction code included in the accounting completion code. The communication control unit 5001 receives an accounting flag indicating whether the accounting of the transaction specified by the transaction code included in the accounting completion code has been completed.

[0129] When the accounting flag indicates that the accounting of the transaction has been completed, the passage authentication unit 5003 cancels the notification. In other words, even if the detection unit 506 detects the passage of a customer, the passage authentication unit 5003 does not notify.

[0130] When the accounting flag does not indicate that the accounting of the transaction has been completed, the passage authentication unit 5003 does not cancel the notification. In other words, when the detection unit 506 detects the passage of a customer, the passage authentication unit 5003 notifies the notification unit 507.

[0131] Next, the processing executed by each device of the self-checkout system 1 will be described.

[0132] FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the entry process in the entry procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0133] The display control unit 2007 of the cart terminal 20 displays the standby image G1 on the display unit 215 (step S11).

[0134] The display control unit 2007 determines whether an operation has been received in the standby image G1 (step S12). If no operation has been received (step S12; No), the display control unit 2007 waits.

[0135] If an operation has been received (step S12; Yes), the display control unit 2007 displays the member code input image G2 on the display unit 215 (step S13).

[0136] The member code input unit 2002 determines whether a member code has been acquired (step S14). If the member code has not been acquired (step S14; No), the member code input unit 2002 waits.

[0137] When the member code has been acquired (step S14; Yes), the communication control unit 2001 transmits use start information including the acquired member code and the cart terminal code indicating the own device (step S15).

[0138] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives the use start information (step S16). The transaction registration unit 1002 registers the transaction code, the member code included in the use start information, and the cart terminal code included in the use start information in the transaction table 114 in association with each other (step S17). The communication control unit 1001 transmits the transaction code registered in the transaction table 114 (step S18).

[0139] The communication control unit 2001 of the cart terminal 20 receives the transaction code (step S19).

[0140] The display control unit 2007 of the cart terminal 20 displays the predicted weight input image G3 on the display unit 215 (step S20). The predicted weight input unit 2004 determines whether the predicted weight has been acquired in the predicted weight input image G3 (step S21). If the predicted weight has not been acquired (step S21; No), the predicted weight input unit 2004 waits. If the predicted weight has been acquired (step S21; Yes), the communication control unit 2001 transmits the predicted weight registration information including the transaction code and the acquired predicted weight (step S22).

[0141] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives the predicted weight registration information (step S23). The transaction registration unit 1002 registers the predicted weight included in the predicted weight registration information in the transaction table 114 in association with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the predicted weight registration information (step S24).

[0142] Thus, the cart terminal 20 and the management server 10 end the store entry process.

[0143] FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a product collection process in product collection according to the first embodiment.

[0144] The display control unit 2007 of the cart terminal 20 displays the registration waiting image G4 on the display unit 215 (step S31).

[0145] The product registration unit 2003 determines whether the product code has been acquired (step S32). If the product code has not been acquired (step S32; No), the product registration unit 2003 waits. If the product code has been acquired (step S32; Yes), the communication control unit 2001 transmits the product registration information including the acquired product code and the transaction code (step S33).

[0146] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives product registration information (step S34). The transaction registration unit 1002 registers the product information of the product specified by the product code included in the product registration information in the product registration list of the transaction table 114 in association with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the product registration information (step S35). The communication control unit 1001 transmits the product registration list in which the product code has been registered (step S36).

[0147] The communication control unit 2001 of the cart terminal 20 receives the product registration list (step S37). The display control unit 2007 displays a list of products to be purchased in the list display area G51 of the product registration image G5 based on the product information included in the product registration list (step S38).

[0148] The product registration unit 2003 determines whether a product code has been acquired (step S39). If a product code has been acquired (step S39; Yes), the product registration unit 2003 proceeds to step S33.

[0149] If a product code has not been acquired (step S39; No), the product registration unit 2003 determines whether the accounting button G53 of the product registration image G5 has been pressed (step S40). If the accounting button G53 has not been pressed (step S40; No), the product registration unit 2003 proceeds to step S39.

[0150] If the accounting button G53 has been pressed (step S40; Yes), the cart terminal 20 ends the product collection process. Also, the management server 10 ends the product collection process.

[0151] FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of product confirmation processing in the product registration confirmation procedure in the accounting procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0152] The display control unit 2007 of the cart terminal 20 displays the accounting guidance image G6 on the display unit 215 (step S41).

[0153] The transaction code input unit 3002 of the product registration display device 30 acquires the transaction code by reading a code symbol obtained by encoding the transaction code included in the accounting guidance image G6 (step S42). The communication control unit 4001 transmits a transmission request for a product registration list of the transaction specified by the acquired transaction code (step S43).

[0154] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives the transmission request (step S44). The communication control unit 1001 transmits the product registration list associated with the same transaction code as the transaction code included in the received transmission request in the transaction table 114 (step S45).

[0155] The communication control unit 3001 of the product registration display device 30 receives the product registration list (step S46). The product list display unit 3003 displays a product registration list image on the display unit 305 based on the received product registration list (step S47). Then, the store clerk compares the product registration list image with the products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 to confirm that there is no omission in product registration.

[0156] As described above, the management server 10, the cart terminal 20, and the product registration display device 30 end the product confirmation process.

[0157] FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an accounting procedure process in the accounting procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0158] The display control unit 2007 of the cart terminal 20 displays the accounting guidance image G6 on the display unit 215 (step S51).

[0159] The transaction code input unit 4002 of the accounting device 40 acquires the transaction code by reading a code symbol obtained by encoding the transaction code included in the accounting guidance image G6 (step S52). The communication control unit 4001 transmits an accounting information request having the acquired transaction code (step S53).

[0160] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives an accounting information request (step S54). The accounting control unit 1004 calculates the total amount of the products registered in the product registration list specified by the transaction code included in the accounting information request in the transaction table 114 (step S55). The communication control unit 1001 transmits the accounting information having the calculated total amount (step S56).

[0161] The communication control unit 4001 of the accounting device 40 receives the accounting information (step S57).

[0162] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 transmits an accounting acquisition notice notifying that the accounting device 40 has acquired the accounting information (step S58).

[0163] The communication control unit 2001 of the cart terminal 20 receives the accounting acquisition notice (step S59). The display control unit 2007 displays the accounting standby image G7 on the display unit 215 (step S60).

[0164] The accounting processing unit 4003 of the accounting device 40 executes an accounting process for receiving payment of the total amount included in the accounting information (step S61). The communication control unit 4001 transmits an accounting completion notice notifying that the accounting process has been completed (step S62). The accounting processing unit 4003 issues an accounting completion code (step S63).

[0165] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives the accounting completion notice (step S64). The transaction registration unit 1002 registers the accounting completion in the completion flag specified by the transaction code included in the accounting completion notice in the transaction table 114 (step S65).

[0166] The communication control unit 1001 transmits a measurement value request to the cart terminal 20 with the cart terminal code specified by the transaction code included in the accounting completion notice in the transaction table 114 (step S66).

[0167] The communication control unit 2001 of the cart terminal 20 receives a metering value request (step S67). The communication control unit 2001 transmits metering result information having a transaction code and a metering value measured by the metering unit 24 (step S68).

[0168] The communication control unit 1001 of the management server 10 receives the metering result information (step S69). The communication control unit 1001 transmits prediction result information to the cart terminal 20 with the cart terminal code specified by the transaction code included in the metering result information (step S70). The prediction result information includes the metering value included in the metering result information, the predicted value registered in the transaction table 114, and the privilege content according to the difference between the metering value and the predicted value.

[0169] The privilege control unit 1005 grants the privilege content included in the transmitted prediction result information to the customer with the member code specified by the transaction code included in the metering result information in the transaction table 114 (step S71). For example, the privilege control unit 1005 may grant the privilege content by transmitting it to the cart terminal 20, or may grant the privilege content by transmitting it to the destination specified by the terminal information registered in the member master 113, or may grant the privilege content by causing the accounting device 40 to print the privilege content when the corresponding transaction code is input, or may grant the privilege content by other methods.

[0170] The communication control unit 2001 of the cart terminal 20 receives the prediction result information (step S72). The display control unit 2007 displays a prediction result image G8 on the display unit 215 based on the prediction result information (step S73). The display control unit 2007 displays an accounting completion image G9 on the display unit 215 (step S74).

[0171] As described above, the management server 10, the cart terminal 20, and the accounting device 40 end the accounting procedure process.

[0172] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a store exit process in the store exit procedure according to the first embodiment.

[0173] Based on the detection unit 506, the passage authentication unit 5003 determines whether the passage of the customer has been detected before obtaining the accounting completion code (step S81).

[0174] If the passage of the customer has been detected before obtaining the accounting completion code (step S81; Yes), the passage authentication unit 5003 notifies the passage of the customer (step S82).

[0175] If the passage of the customer has not been detected (step S81; No), the accounting completion code input unit 5002 determines whether the accounting completion code has been obtained (step S83). If the accounting completion code has not been obtained (step S83; No), the accounting completion code input unit 5002 proceeds to step S81.

[0176] If the accounting completion code has been obtained (step S83; Yes), the communication control unit 5001 sends an accounting confirmation request to request the completion flag associated with the transaction code included in the accounting completion code (step S84).

[0177] The communication control unit 5001 receives the completion flag (step S85).

[0178] The passage authentication unit 5003 determines whether the completion flag indicates accounting completion (step S86). If it does not indicate accounting completion (step S86; No), the passage authentication unit 5003 proceeds to step S81.

[0179] If it indicates accounting completion (step S86; Yes), the passage authentication unit 5003 cancels the notification (step S87).

[0180] As described above, the gate device 50 ends the checkout process.

[0181] As described above, the management server 10 according to the first embodiment registers in the transaction table 114 a predicted weight that is the total weight of the products to be purchased that the customer will collect in the future. Further, the management server 10 acquires the total weight of the products to be purchased that the customer has actually collected, that is, the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. Then, the management server 10 outputs the details of the privilege to be given to the customer according to the difference between the predicted weight and the total weight.

[0182] In this way, the management server 10 gives a privilege according to the difference between the predicted weight and the actual weight. In other words, the management server 10 gives the customer a motivation to use the cart terminal 20. The management server 10 can improve the utilization rate of the shopping cart type self-checkout.

[0183] (Second Embodiment) The self-checkout system 1a according to the second embodiment displays a proposal image that proposes using a delivery service for delivering products.

[0184] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device of the self-checkout system 1a according to the second embodiment. The processor 101 of the management server 10a expands the control program 111 stored in the storage unit 103 into the RAM 102 and operates according to the control program 111 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 102. As a result, the processor 101 of the management server 10a includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 1001, a transaction registration unit 1002, a weight monitoring unit 1003, an accounting control unit 1004, a privilege control unit 1005, and a proposal control unit 1006.

[0185] The proposal control unit 1006 displays on the cart terminal 20 a proposal image that proposes using a delivery service for delivering products according to the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20.

[0186] More specifically, the proposal control unit 1006 determines whether the proposal conditions for displaying the proposal image are satisfied. For example, the proposal conditions are whether the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Here, the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 may be the measured value included in the measurement result information, or may be the theoretical value obtained by adding the weights of the products included in each product information of the product registration list.

[0187] When the proposal conditions are satisfied, the proposal control unit 1006 acquires proposal content information having the proposal content to be proposed to the customer. When the proposal conditions are satisfied, the communication control unit 1001 transmits the acquired proposal content information to the cart terminal 20. Then, the cart terminal 20 displays the proposal image included in the proposal content information on the display unit 215. In other words, the proposal control unit 1006 displays on the display unit 215 of the cart terminal 20 a proposal image that proposes to use the product delivery service according to the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. The proposal control unit 1006 is an example of the second display control means. Thereby, the proposal control unit 1006 proposes to use the delivery service for delivering the product.

[0188] Note that the communication control unit 1001 may transmit the proposal content information not only to the cart terminal 20 but also to other devices. For example, the communication control unit 1001 may transmit the proposal content information and the transaction code in association with each other to the accounting device 40. In this case, when the transaction code received by the transaction code input unit 4002 of the accounting device 40 matches the transaction code associated with the proposal content information, the accounting device 40 may display on the display unit 405 a proposal image indicating the proposal content indicated by the proposal content information. Further, when the proposal content information includes a coupon for discounting the price of the delivery service, the accounting device 40 may cause the printer 410 to print the coupon. Also, when the terminal information is registered in the member master 113, the communication control unit 1001 may transmit the proposal content information including the coupon to the destination specified by the terminal information.

[0189] Furthermore, the threshold value in the proposed conditions is not limited to one level and may have multiple levels. And the proposal control unit 1006 may obtain different proposal contents for each of the multiple levels. For example, when the total weight is 2000 g, the proposal control unit 1006 obtains proposal content that proposes the use of a delivery service. When the total weight is 4000 g, the proposal control unit 1006 obtains proposal content that includes a proposal to use a delivery service and a coupon for discounting the price of the delivery service. When the total weight is 6000 g, the proposal control unit 1006 may obtain proposal content that includes a proposal to use a delivery service and a coupon for making the delivery service free.

[0190] FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the first proposal process according to the second embodiment.

[0191] The proposal control unit 1006 of the management server 10a determines whether the proposed conditions proposed to the customer are satisfied (step S91). If the proposed conditions are not satisfied (step S91; No), the proposal control unit 1006 waits.

[0192] If the proposed conditions are satisfied (step S91; Yes), the proposal control unit 1006 obtains proposal content information having proposal content that proposes using a delivery service for delivering the product (step S92).

[0193] The communication control unit 1001 transmits the obtained proposal content information (step S93).

[0194] The communication control unit 2001 of the cart terminal 20 receives the proposal content information (step S94).

[0195] The display control unit 2007 displays a proposal image showing the proposal content included in the proposal content information on the display unit 215 (step S95).

[0196] As described above, the management server 10a and the cart terminal 20 end the first proposal process.

[0197] As described above, the management server 10a according to the second embodiment displays, on the display unit 215 of the cart terminal 20, a proposal image that proposes using a delivery service for products according to the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20. Therefore, the management server 10a can increase its revenue in order to promote the use of the delivery service.

[0198] (Third Embodiment) The self-checkout system 1b according to the third embodiment displays a proposal image that is proposed to customers who do not use a delivery service for delivering products.

[0199] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device of the self-checkout system 1b according to the third embodiment. The processor 101 of the management server 10b expands the control program 111 stored in the storage unit 103 into the RAM 102 and operates according to the control program 111 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 102. As a result, the processor 101 of the management server 10b includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 1001, a transaction registration unit 1002, a weight monitoring unit 1003, an accounting control unit 1004, a privilege control unit 1005, and a proposal control unit 1006b.

[0200] When the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the frequency of use of product delivery by the customer is less than a second threshold value, the proposal control unit 1006b displays, on the product registration display device 30, a proposal image that proposes using a delivery service for delivering products. Then, the store clerk who operates the product registration display device 30 proposes to the customer to use a delivery service for delivering products.

[0201] More specifically, the proposal control unit 1006b determines whether or not the proposal conditions for displaying the proposal image are satisfied. For example, the proposal conditions are whether or not the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the frequency of use of product delivery by the customer is less than a second threshold value.

[0202] Here, the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 may be the measured value included in the measurement result information, or may be the theoretical value obtained by adding the weights of the products included in each product information of the product registration list. Further, the proposal control unit 1006b calculates the usage frequency based on the purchase history and delivery history of the member master 113. That is, the proposal control unit 1006b calculates the usage frequency by dividing the number of delivery times indicated by the delivery history of the member master 113 by the number of purchase times indicated by the purchase history of the member master 113.

[0203] When the proposal conditions are satisfied, the proposal control unit 1006b acquires proposal content information having the proposal content to be proposed to the customer. When the proposal conditions are satisfied, the communication control unit 1001 transmits the acquired proposal content information to the product registration display device 30. Then, the product registration display device 30 displays the proposal content included in the proposal content information on the display unit 305. In other words, when the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the usage frequency of the product delivery service by the customer is less than the second threshold value, the proposal control unit 1006b displays a proposal image for proposing to use the product delivery on the display unit 215 of the cart terminal 20. Thereby, the proposal control unit 1006b proposes to use the delivery service for delivering the product.

[0204] Similar to the second embodiment, the communication control unit 1001 may transmit the proposal content information not only to the product registration display device 30 but also to other devices. Further, the threshold value in the proposal conditions is not limited to one level and may have a plurality of levels. And the proposal control unit 1006b may acquire different proposal contents for each of the plurality of levels.

[0205] FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the second proposal process according to the third embodiment.

[0206] The proposal control unit 1006b of the management server 10b determines whether the proposal conditions to be proposed to the customer are satisfied (step S101). When the proposal conditions are not satisfied (step S101; No), the proposal control unit 1006b waits.

[0207] When the proposal conditions are met (step S101; Yes), the proposal control unit 1006b acquires proposal content information having a proposal content for proposing to use a delivery service for delivering the product (step S102).

[0208] The communication control unit 1001 transmits the acquired proposal content information (step S103).

[0209] The communication control unit 3001 of the product registration display device 30 receives the proposal content information (step S104).

[0210] The display control unit 2007 displays a proposal image indicating the proposal content included in the proposal content information on the display unit 215 (step S105).

[0211] As described above, the management server 10b and the product registration display device 30 end the second proposal process.

[0212] As described above, when the total weight of one or more products placed on the loading platform 22 of the cart terminal 20 in the management server 10b according to the third embodiment is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the usage frequency of product delivery by the customer is less than the second threshold value, a proposal image for proposing to use a product delivery service is displayed on the display unit 215 of the cart terminal 20. Therefore, the management server 10b can increase revenue in order to promote the use of the delivery service.

[0213] (Modification Example 1) The predicted weight input unit 2004 included in the cart terminal 20 accepts an input for designating, as the predicted weight, the total weight predicted by the customer before collecting the products, which is the total weight of one or more products purchased in the transaction. Then, the privilege control unit 1005 outputs the privilege content to be given to the customer according to the difference between the predicted weight and the total weight of one or more products placed on the cart. However, the predicted weight is not limited to the weight value designated by the customer, and may be a weight value designated in advance by a retail store or the like. For example, the weight value may be the weight value of the products that the retail store wants the customer to purchase.

[0214] (Modification Example 2) The self-checkout systems 1, 1a, and 1b according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment have been described as having the gate device 50. However, the self-checkout systems 1, 1a, and 1b may not have the gate device 50. For example, when it is assumed that there is a store clerk in the checkout area where the accounting device 40 is installed, since the store clerk is monitoring, the self-checkout systems 1, 1a, and 1b may not have the gate device 50.

[0215] (Modification Example 3) The self-checkout systems 1, 1a, and 1b according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment have been described as having the product registration display device 30. However, the self-checkout systems 1, 1a, and 1b may not have the product registration display device 30. When it is possible to reduce product registration omissions by other methods, the self-checkout systems 1, 1a, and 1b may not have the gate device 50.

[0216] (Modification Example 4) The management servers 10, 10a, and 10b have been described as having the communication control unit 1001, the transaction registration unit 1002, the weight monitoring unit 1003, the accounting control unit 1004, the privilege control unit 1005, and the proposal control units 1006 and 1006b. However, some of these functions may be provided in the cart terminal 20, or may be provided in the product registration display device 30, or may be provided in the accounting device 40, or may be provided in the gate device 50. For example, the cart terminal 20 transmits the difference between the predicted value and the measured value to the management servers 10, 10a, and 10b. Then, the management servers 10, 10a, and 10b may transmit prediction result information having the content of the privilege to be given to the customer according to the difference between the predicted value and the measured value to the cart terminal 20.

[0217] Similarly, some of the functions of the cart terminal 20 may be provided in the management servers 10, 10a, and 10b, or may be provided in the product registration display device 30, or may be provided in the accounting device 40, or may be provided in the gate device 50.

[0218] Similarly, some of the functions of the product registration display device 30 may be possessed by the management servers 10, 10a, 10b, or may be possessed by the cart terminal 20, or may be possessed by the accounting device 40, or may be possessed by the gate device 50.

[0219] Similarly, some of the functions of the accounting device 40 may be possessed by the management servers 10, 10a, 10b, or may be possessed by the cart terminal 20, or may be possessed by the product registration display device 30, or may be possessed by the gate device 50.

[0220] Similarly, some of the functions of the gate device 50 may be possessed by the management servers 10, 10a, 10b, or may be possessed by the cart terminal 20, or may be possessed by the product registration display device 30, or may be possessed by the accounting device 40.

[0221] Although some 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0222] The programs executed by the respective devices in the above embodiments and modification examples are assumed to be provided by being pre-installed in the storage media (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but are not limited thereto. For example, they may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. in an installable format or an executable format. Furthermore, the storage media are not limited to media independent of the computer or the embedded system, and also include storage media that have downloaded, stored, or temporarily stored programs transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0223] Alternatively, the program executed by each device of the above embodiments and modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0224] 1, 1a, 1b Self-checkout system 10, 10a, 10b Management server 20 Cart terminal 22 Loading platform 21 Registration device 24 Measuring unit 30 Product registration display device 40 Accounting device 50 Gate device 112 Product master 113 Member master 114 Transaction table 115 Privilege table G1 Standby image G2 Member code input image G3 Predicted weight input image G31 Predicted weight input field G4 Registration waiting image G5 Product registration image G51 List display area G52 Total display area G53 Accounting button G511 Cancel button G6 Accounting guidance image G61 Transaction code image G62 Total display area G7 Accounting standby image G8 Prediction result image G81 Predicted value display area G82 Measured value display area G83 Privilege display area G9 Accounting completion image 1001 Communication control unit 1002 Transaction Registration Department 1003 Weight Monitoring Department 1004 Accounting Control Department 1005 Privilege Control Department 1006, 1006b Proposal Control Department 2001 Communication Control Department 2002 Member Code Input Department 2003 Product Registration Department 2004 Predicted Weight Input Department 2005 Measurement Control Department 2006 Notification Control Department 2007 Display Control Department 3001 Communication Control Department 3002 Transaction Code Input Department 3003 Product List Display Department 4001 Communication Control Department 4002 Transaction Code Input Department 4003 Accounting Processing Department 5001 Communication Control Department 5002 Accounting Completion Code Input Department 5003 Passage Authentication Department

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0225]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. registration means for registering a weight value; acquisition means for acquiring the total weight of one or more products placed on the cart; output means for outputting the content of a privilege to be granted to a customer according to the difference between the weight value and the total weight; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first display control means for displaying, on a display unit, an image having the weight value, the total weight, and the privilege content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second display control means for displaying, on a display unit, an image proposing to use product delivery according to the total weight. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The second display control means displays, on the display unit, an image proposing to use product delivery when the total weight is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the frequency of use of product delivery by the customer is less than a second threshold value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The output means outputs the privilege content when the content of a list in which one or more products purchased by the customer are registered satisfies a granting condition for granting a privilege. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A program for causing a computer to function as registration means for registering a weight value; acquisition means for acquiring the total weight of one or more products placed on the cart; output means for outputting the content of a privilege to be granted to a customer according to the difference between the weight value and the total weight.

7. A privilege granting system comprising registration means for registering a weight value; acquisition means for acquiring the total weight of one or more products placed on the cart; output means for outputting the content of a privilege to be granted to a customer according to the difference between the weight value and the total weight. ​

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