Exit assistance system and program

Abstract

To provide an exit assistance system and a program that can prevent fraudulent customers from running away with articles without a settlement process, without putting the customers to trouble.SOLUTION: An exit assistance system includes: a self-service POS terminal that allows customers to register articles to be purchased and to make a payment for the registered articles through their own operations; and an exit gate through which customers pass when they exit from a settlement area where the self-service POS terminal is installed. The self-service POS terminal has an identification information reader (first reader) that reads identification information identifying the customers after the settlement process is completed. The exit gate has an identification information reader (second reader) that reads the identification information identifying the customers, and a door opening / closing control unit (exit unit) that allows the customers to exit the settlement area on the condition that the identification information read by the second reader and the first reader match.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an exit support system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to prevent customers from absconding with un-settled goods, a POS system has been introduced that issues a receipt with a barcode indicating that the settlement has been completed and allows the customer to exit by reading the barcode at the exit gate (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, in such a conventional system, the customer has to carry the receipt from the completion of the settlement until exiting, which is troublesome. There is also a risk of losing the receipt.

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 exit support system and a program that can prevent the fraud of absconding with goods without performing settlement processing without causing trouble to the customer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The exit support system according to the embodiment includes a self-POS terminal that causes a customer to perform a registration process of registering goods purchased by the customer and a settlement process of settling the registered goods by the customer's own operation, and a customer who has completed the settlement at the self-POS terminal, and an exit gate through which the customer passes when exiting from the settlement area where the self-POS terminal is installed. The self-POS terminal includes a first reading unit that reads identification information for identifying the customer after the settlement process is completed. The exit gate includes a second reading unit that reads identification information for identifying the customer, and an exit unit that allows the customer to exit from the settlement area on the condition that the identification information read by the second reading unit matches the identification information read by the first reading unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the exit support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Schematic Configuration of Exit Support System) The schematic configuration of the exit support system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the exit support system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] The exit support system 1 includes a self-POS terminal 10, an exit gate 40, and a server device 60. The self-POS terminal 10, the exit gate 40, and the server device 60 are communicably connected to each other via an in-store network 2 such as a LAN.

[0011] The self-POS terminal 10 performs a registration process of registering the products purchased by the customer and generating a product registration file 122 (see FIG. 5), and a settlement process of performing settlement (which may also be referred to as accounting, payment, or settlement) related to the product registration file 122 generated by the registration process, by the operation of the customer himself / herself.

[0012] The exit gate 40 is an exit through which a customer who has completed settlement at the self-POS terminal 10 passes when exiting from the settlement area where the self-POS terminal 10 is installed. A plurality of self-POS terminals 10 are installed in the settlement area. Note that there may be a plurality of settlement areas in the store.

[0013] The server device 60 acquires sales data from all the self-POS terminals 10 in the store and manages the store's sales. Further, the server device 60 acquires and stores the identification information read by the self-POS terminal 10 by a customer who has completed the settlement at the self-POS terminal 10, in association with the time ta when the identification information was read. The identification information is registered, for example, in a code symbol such as a barcode pre-printed on a paid shopping bag purchased by the customer.

[0014] To prevent a customer from exiting through the exit gate 40 in an unsettled state, the exit support system 1 of the present embodiment permits only a customer who has completed the settlement to exit from the exit gate 40.

[0015] For this purpose, the customer causes the same identification information as that read by the self-POS terminal 10 to be read by the scanner 404 (see FIG. 3) provided in the exit gate 40.

[0016] The exit gate 40 compares the read identification information and the time tb when the identification information was read, with the identification information and the time ta stored in the server device 60. As a result of the comparison, when both identification numbers match and the time tb has elapsed within a predetermined time (for example, within 3 minutes) from the time ta, the door 403 (see FIG. 3) is opened to allow the customer to exit.

[0017] Since the self-POS terminal 10 reads the identification information after the settlement process is completed, if the above-described conditions are satisfied, only the customers who have completed the settlement process can be surely allowed to exit. It is determined that the elapsed time from the time ta to the time tb is within the predetermined time because it is not normal for a customer to stay in the settlement area where the self-POS terminal 10 is installed for a long time after finishing the settlement. In such a case, the store clerk asks the corresponding customer if there is any problem.

[0018] (Schematic configuration of the self-POS terminal) Using FIG. 2, the schematic configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the self-POS terminal.

[0019] The self-POS terminal 10 generates product registration information for the product by allowing the customer to read the identification information of the product to be purchased through their own operation. The identification information of the product is, for example, a product code such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code that uniquely identifies the product. The product code is registered in a code symbol such as a barcode printed or affixed to the outer box or packaging of the product.

[0020] In addition, the self-POS terminal 10 makes payment for the price related to the registered product registration information. The self-POS terminal 10 performs cash settlement and cashless settlement. Cash settlement is a settlement method carried out using banknotes and coins. Cashless settlement is to make payment for the price related to the product registration information registered by the self-POS terminal 10 without using cash. Cashless settlement includes credit settlement, code settlement, electronic money settlement, etc.

[0021] Cash settlement is a settlement method carried out using banknotes and coins. The customer inserts banknotes or coins into the change machine 104 shown in FIG. 2 and receives banknotes or coins as change.

[0022] Credit settlement is a settlement method carried out using the credit card held by the customer. When performing credit settlement, the customer inserts the credit card they hold into the settlement terminal 109 shown in FIG. 2 and causes the settlement to be made by reading the personal information and debit account information registered on the credit card.

[0023] Code settlement is a settlement method in which payment is made, for example, by a settlement application pre-installed on the customer's mobile terminal (such as a smartphone). When performing code settlement, the customer causes the settlement to be made by displaying a code symbol on their mobile terminal and having the displayed code symbol read by the fixed scanner 107 or the handy scanner 108 shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] Electronic money settlement is a settlement method in which payment is made using, for example, electronic money charged on an IC card. When performing electronic money settlement, the customer presents the electronic money card they possess to the settlement terminal 109 shown in FIG. 2, and by performing short-range wireless communication with the settlement terminal 109, the remaining balance charged on the electronic money card is read, and settlement is performed within the range of the remaining balance.

[0025] The self-POS terminal 10 is equipped with various devices for product registration and settlement at the upper part of the housing 101.

[0026] On the left and right sides of the housing 101, a product placement table 102 and a product placement table 103 are formed. The customer places a shopping basket containing unregistered products on the product placement table 102 (or product placement table 103). Then, the customer places the registered products on the opposite product placement table 103 (or product placement table 102).

[0027] At the upper part of the housing 101, a change machine 104, a display device 105, an operation device 106, a fixed scanner 107, a handy scanner 108, a settlement terminal 109, a receipt printer 110, and a warning light 115 are provided.

[0028] The change machine 104 pays out change, in the form of paper money or coins, obtained by subtracting the total amount including tax registered in the product registration information from the total amount paid by the customer in paper money or coins. The customer inserts coins through the coin insertion slot 1041. Also, the customer inserts paper money through the paper money insertion slot 1043. The change machine 104 pays out coins as change through the coin payout slot 1042. Also, the change machine 104 pays out paper money as change through the paper money payout slot 1044.

[0029] The display device 105 displays various information related to product registration processing and settlement processing to the customer. Various information related to product registration processing includes, for example, registered product information, total amount, settlement method options, etc. Various information related to settlement processing includes, for example, product registration information related to settlement, settlement method options, guidance on operation methods, etc. The display device 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor.

[0030] The operation device 106 acquires various operation information related to the product registration process and the settlement process from the customer. The various operation information related to the product registration process includes, for example, an instruction to complete registration, a selection result of a payment method, etc. The various operation information related to the settlement process includes, for example, a selection result of a payment method, etc. The operation device 106 is, for example, a touch panel laminated on the display device 105.

[0031] The fixed scanner 107 reads a code symbol (for example, a barcode) on which a product code is registered, which is printed or pasted on the product and blocked by the reading window 1071. In addition, when the customer performs code settlement, the fixed scanner 107 reads the code information displayed on its own mobile terminal. Further, after the settlement process is completed, the fixed scanner 107 reads the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or pasted on the cash register bag 30 (see FIG. 4) purchased by the customer.

[0032] The handy scanner 108 reads a code symbol (for example, a barcode) on which a product code is registered, which is printed or pasted on the product. In particular, for products (heavy or large products such as rice and boxed beverages) for which it is difficult for the customer to block the code symbol by the reading window 1071 of the fixed scanner 107, the customer reads the code symbol on which the product code is registered by performing a reading operation by himself / herself. In addition, when the customer performs code settlement, the handy scanner 108 reads the code information displayed on its own mobile terminal. Further, after the settlement process is completed, the handy scanner 108 reads the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or pasted on the cash register bag 30 (see FIG. 4) purchased by the customer.

[0033] Since the fixed scanner 107 and the handy scanner 108 have the same functions, the customer may use either scanner to read the code symbol.

[0034] The payment terminal 109 performs various cashless payments. The payment terminal 109 includes a display unit 1091, a numeric keypad 1092, and a card insertion slot 1093. The payment terminal 109 also includes a reader (not shown) that performs short-range wireless communication with an electronic money card or the like.

[0035] When performing various cashless payments, the display unit 1091 displays various information such as operation guidance. The display unit 1091 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor.

[0036] The numeric keypad 1092 is an operation key for inputting a PIN number or the like related to cashless payment.

[0037] The card insertion slot 1093 is an insertion slot for inserting an IC card such as a credit card when performing cashless payment.

[0038] The receipt printer 110 issues a receipt on which the result of the payment is printed.

[0039] The warning light 115 is installed at the tip of a pole extending upward from the housing 101 and emits light or blinks in a color such as blue or red. The warning light 115 emits light or blinks with a changed color or blinking pattern according to the operating state of the self-POS terminal 10 to prompt the surrounding store clerks to pay attention. Also, the warning light 115 emits light or blinks when a customer calls a store clerk.

[0040] (Schematic configuration of the exit gate) Using FIG. 3, the schematic configuration of the exit gate 40 will be described. FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the exit gate.

[0041] The exit gate 40 includes a pair of doors 403 that can be opened and closed between a pair of left and right pillar members 401 and 402.

[0042] The pillar member 401 and the pillar member 402 support the door 403, respectively.

[0043] A warning light 405 is installed at the upper part of the column member 401, and a warning light 406 is installed at the upper part of the column member 402. The warning lights 405 and 406 light up in blue or green when the customer is to be made to exit according to the identification information read by the scanner 404 described later, and light up or flash in red when the customer is not to be made to exit. When the warning lights 405 and 406 light up or flash in red, the store clerk who notices this rushes to the exit gate 40, explains to the customer the reason why they cannot exit, and then checks the situation.

[0044] The door 403 is driven by, for example, a motor and rotates approximately 90 degrees around the Z-axis when a customer exits the settlement area, forming an exit path for the customer. The door 403 that has been opened once closes after a predetermined time has elapsed to prevent the next customer from exiting. The door 403 forms a so-called flapper gate.

[0045] A scanner 404 is installed above the warning light 406 on either one of the column members 401 and 402. The scanner 404 has a reading window 4041 and reads the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or pasted on the shopping bag 30 that obscures the reading window 4041. The scanner 404 is installed in a state along the Z-axis so that it is easy to obscure the shopping bag 30.

[0046] The exit gate 40 opens the door 403 and allows the customer to exit the settlement area when the identification information read by the scanner 404 matches the identification information read by the customer using the fixed scanner 107 or the handheld scanner 108 at the self-POS terminal 10, and the time from when the fixed scanner 107 or the handheld scanner 108 reads the identification information to when the scanner 404 reads the identification information is within a predetermined time.

[0047] Also, the exit gate 40 does not open the door 403 when the identification information read by the scanner 404 does not match the identification information read by the customer using the fixed scanner 107 or the handheld scanner 108 at the self-POS terminal 10, or when the time from when the fixed scanner 107 or the handheld scanner 108 reads the identification information to when the scanner 404 reads the identification information is longer than a predetermined time.

[0048] Note that the exit gate 40 may be a simple gate that does not include a door 403 and only performs notification.

[0049] (Cash register bag printed with identification information) Using FIG. 4, the cash register bag 30 used in the exit support system 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is an external view showing an example of a cash register bag.

[0050] The cash register bag 30 is a paid cash register bag that can be purchased at a store. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the customer purchases the cash register bag 30 to accommodate the purchased goods.

[0051] A barcode 31 in which identification information is registered in advance is printed or pasted on the cash register bag 30. Note that the barcode 31 may be a two-dimensional code or a dedicated code symbol prepared independently by the store.

[0052] Numbers and alphabets that do not overlap as much as possible are registered in the barcode 31 as identification information. In order to minimize the duplication of identification numbers, the identification information may be, for example, a combination of multiple characters of alphabets and multiple digits of numbers. Also, the customer who purchases the cash register bag 30 may reuse the cash register bag 30 during the next shopping.

[0053] Note that customers who carry their own bags do not purchase the cash register bag 30. An example of applying this disclosure to such customers will be described in another embodiment described later.

[0054] (Hardware configuration of self-POS terminal) Using FIG. 5, the hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal.

[0055] The self-POS terminal 10 has a configuration in which a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a peripheral device controller 14, and a communication controller 15 are connected to each other by an internal bus 13.

[0056] The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the self-POS terminal 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. The CPU 111 is connected to the ROM 112 and the RAM 113 via an internal bus such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 111 expands various programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage unit 12 into the RAM 113. The CPU 111 controls the operation of the self-POS terminal 10 by operating according to the various programs expanded in the RAM 113. That is, the control unit 11 has the configuration of a general computer.

[0057] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. Further, the storage unit 12 may be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 12 stores a control program 121, a product registration file 122, and a settlement file 123.

[0058] The control program 121 is a program that controls the overall operation of the self-POS terminal 10. The control program 121 may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 12, or may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD in a file in an installable format or an executable format. Further, the control program 121 may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network and downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the control program 121 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0059] The product registration file 122 is a file that stores product information (product name, unit price, quantity, etc.) corresponding to the product codes of the products registered in the self-POS terminal 10. The self-POS terminal 10 obtains the product information corresponding to the product code from a product master (not shown) stored in the storage unit 12. The product master is a master file that stores product information corresponding to the product code.

[0060] The settlement file 123 is a file that stores the settlement details performed by the settlement terminal 109 and the change dispenser 104 provided in the self-POS terminal 10. In addition to the content stored in the product registration file 122, the settlement file 123 stores the settlement date and time, settlement method, etc.

[0061] The control unit 11 is connected to a display device 105, an operation device 106, a fixed scanner 107, a handy scanner 108, a settlement terminal 109, a change dispenser 104, a receipt printer 110, and a warning lamp 115 via a peripheral device controller 14 to perform input and output of various information. The overview of each input / output device is as described above. The peripheral device controller 14 controls the operations of these peripheral devices according to instructions from the control unit 11.

[0062] Also, the control unit 11 communicates with the server device 60 via a communication controller 15. The self-POS terminal 10 periodically transmits the settlement file 123 to the server device 60 in order to manage the sales in the store. In addition, the self-POS terminal 10 transmits the identification information read from the register bag 30 and the time ta when the identification number was read in association with the server device 60.

[0063] (Hardware Configuration of the Exit Gate) Using FIG. 6, the hardware configuration of the exit gate 40 will be described. FIG. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the exit gate.

[0064] The exit gate 40 has a configuration in which a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a peripheral device controller 44, and a communication controller 45 are connected to each other via an internal bus 43.

[0065] The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the exit gate 40. The control unit 41 includes a CPU 411, a ROM 412, and a RAM 413. The CPU 411 is connected to the ROM 412 and the RAM 413 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 411 expands various programs stored in the ROM 412 and the storage unit 42 into the RAM 413. The CPU 411 controls the operation of the exit gate 40 by operating according to the various programs expanded in the RAM 413. That is, the control unit 41 has a configuration of a general computer.

[0066] The storage unit 42 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. Also, the storage unit 42 may be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 42 stores a control program 421.

[0067] The control program 421 is a program that controls the overall operation of the exit gate 40. The control program 421 may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 42, or may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD in an installable format or an executable format file. Also, the control program 421 may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network and downloaded via the network. Further, the control program 421 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0068] The control unit 41 is connected to a scanner 404, a gate controller 407, and warning lights 405 and 406 that perform input / output of various types of information via a peripheral device controller 44. The functions of the scanner 404 and the warning lights 405 and 406 are as described above. The gate controller 407 is, for example, a motor driver that opens and closes the door 403 according to an instruction from the control unit 41.

[0069] In addition, the control unit 41 communicates with a server device 60 via a communication controller 45. The exit gate 40 acquires a time ta associated with the same identification information as the identification information read by the scanner 404 from among the identification information acquired by the server device 60 from the self-POS terminal 10.

[0070] (Functional configuration of self-POS terminal and exit gate) The functional configurations of the self-POS terminal 10 and the exit gate 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configurations of the self-POS terminal and the exit gate.

[0071] The control unit 11 of the self-POS terminal 10 realizes, as functional units, a product code reading unit 21, a product registration unit 22, a payment method reception unit 23, a settlement processing unit 24, an identification information reading unit 25, and an identification information output unit 26 shown in FIG. 7 by expanding and operating a control program 121 in the RAM 113. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0072] The product code reading unit 21 reads a product code registered in a code symbol covered by the fixed scanner 107 or a product code registered in a code symbol brought close to the handy scanner 108.

[0073] The product registration unit 22 generates a product registration file 122 in which the product code read by the product code reading unit 21 is registered.

[0074] After the generation of the product registration file 122 by the product registration unit 22 is completed, the payment method reception unit 23 receives information indicating whether to perform settlement related to the product registration information in cash or non-cash based on the customer's operation. In addition, when the customer selects non-cash settlement, the payment method reception unit 23 receives information indicating a specific settlement method.

[0075] The settlement processing unit 24 performs settlement processing (also referred to as payment processing) using the settlement method selected by the customer. In addition, the settlement processing unit 24 generates a settlement file 123 storing the result of the settlement and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0076] After the settlement processing unit 24 completes the settlement processing, the identification information reading unit 25 reads the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or attached to the shopping bag 30. In addition, the identification information reading unit 25 stores the time ta when the identification information is read. The identification information reading unit 25 is the first reading unit in the present disclosure.

[0077] The identification information output unit 26 associates the identification information read by the identification information reading unit 25 with the time ta when the identification information is read and outputs it to the server device 60.

[0078] In addition, the control unit 41 of the exit gate 40 realizes the identification information reading unit 51, the identification information reading unit 52, the identification information comparison unit 53, the door opening / closing control unit 54, and the notification unit 55 shown in FIG. 7 as functional units by expanding and operating the control program 421 in the RAM 413. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0079] The identification information reading unit 51 reads the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or attached to the shopping bag 30. In addition, the identification information reading unit 51 stores the time tb when the identification information is read. The identification information reading unit 51 is the second reading unit in the present disclosure.

[0080] The identification information reading unit 52 determines whether the server device 60 stores the same identification information as that read by the identification information reading unit 51. Further, the identification information reading unit 52 reads out from the server device 60 the time ta at which the same identification information as that read by the identification information reading unit 51 is read.

[0081] The identification information comparison unit 53 compares the time tb and the time ta, and determines whether the elapsed time from the time ta to the time tb is within a predetermined time.

[0082] The door opening / closing control unit 54 opens the door 403 and allows the customer to exit from the settlement area on the condition that the identification information read by the identification information reading unit 51 matches the identification information read by the identification information reading unit 25. Further, the door opening / closing control unit 54 may open the door 403 and allow the customer to exit from the settlement area on the condition that the elapsed time from the time ta to the time tb is within a predetermined time. The door opening / closing control unit 54 is an example of the exit unit in the present disclosure.

[0083] When the server device 60 does not store the same identification information as that read by the identification information reading unit 51, or when the elapsed time from the time ta to the time tb is equal to or more than the predetermined time, the notification unit 55 performs notification by lighting the warning lights 405 and 406 in a predetermined color or pattern. Further, the notification unit 55 may perform notification by outputting sound or voice from a speaker (not shown in FIG. 6).

[0084] (Flow of processing performed by the self-POS terminal) With reference to FIG. 8, the flow of processing performed by the self-POS terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the self-POS terminal included in the exit support system according to the first embodiment.

[0085] When starting product registration on the self-POS terminal 10, the customer presses, for example, the accounting start button displayed on the display device 105. Thereafter, the self-POS terminal 10 executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0086] The product code reading unit 21 determines whether the fixed scanner 107 or the handheld scanner 108 has read the product code registered in the code symbol attached to the product (step S11). If it is determined that the product code has been read (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product code has not been read (step S11: No), step S11 is repeated.

[0087] In step S11, when it is determined that the product code has been read, the product registration unit 22 updates the product registration file 122 by storing the product code read in step S11 in the product registration file 122 (step S12).

[0088] The settlement processing unit 24 determines whether the accounting button displayed on the display device 105 has been pressed (step S13). The accounting button is a button that instructs to start settlement after the registration of the product is completed. If it is determined that the accounting button has been pressed (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the accounting button has not been pressed (step S13: No), the process returns to step S11.

[0089] In step S13, when it is determined that the accounting button has been pressed, the payment method reception unit 23 receives the payment method desired by the customer according to the selection result of the options related to the payment method displayed on the display device 105 (step S14).

[0090] Subsequently, the settlement processing unit 24 performs settlement processing (payment processing) using the settlement method received in step S14 (step S15).

[0091] After the settlement processing is completed, the identification information reading unit 25 guides the display device 105 to read the barcode 31 printed or attached to the cash register bag 30 with the fixed scanner 107 or the handheld scanner 108 (step S16).

[0092] The identification information reading unit 25 determines whether the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or attached to the cash register bag 30 has been read (step S17). If it is determined that the identification information has been read (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information has not been read (step S17: No), step S17 is repeated.

[0093] In step S17, when it is determined that the identification information has been read, the identification information reading unit 25 acquires the time ta (step S18). Note that the identification information reading unit 25 acquires the time ta from the CPU 111.

[0094] The identification information output unit 26 associates the identification information read in step S17 with the time ta acquired in step S18 and outputs it to the server device 60 (step S19). After that, the self-POS terminal 10 ends the process. Note that the server device 60 acquires and stores the information output by the self-POS terminal 10.

[0095] (Flow of processing performed by the exit gate) Using FIG. 9, the flow of processing performed by the exit gate 40 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the exit gate included in the exit support system of the first embodiment.

[0096] The identification information reading unit 51 determines whether the scanner 404 has read the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or attached to the cash register bag 30 (step S21). If it is determined that the scanner 404 has read the identification information (step S21: Yes), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that the scanner 404 has not read the identification information (step S21: No), step S21 is repeated.

[0097] In step S21, when it is determined that the scanner 404 has read the identification information, the identification information reading unit 51 acquires the time tb (step S22). Note that the identification information reading unit 51 acquires the time tb from the CPU 411.

[0098] The identification information reading unit 52 determines whether the same identification information as that read in step S21 is stored in the server device 60 (step S23). If it is determined that the same identification information is stored in the server device 60 (step S23: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that the same identification information is not stored in the server device 60 (step S23: No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0099] In step S23, when it is determined that the same identification information is stored in the server device 60, the identification information comparison unit 53 determines whether the difference between the time ta and the time tb stored in the server device 60 is within a predetermined time (step S24). If it is determined that the difference between the time ta and the time tb is within a predetermined time (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference between the time ta and the time tb is not within a predetermined time (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0100] In step S24, when it is determined that the difference between the time ta and the time tb is within a predetermined time, the door opening / closing control unit 54 opens the door 403 (step S25). Then, the exit gate 40 ends the process. Note that the door opening / closing control unit 54 closes the opened door 403 when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0101] In the case where it is determined in step S23 that the same identification information is not stored in the server device 60, and in the case where it is determined in step S24 that the difference between the time ta and the time tb is not within a predetermined time, the notification unit 55 performs notification by lighting the warning lights 405 and 406 in a predetermined color or pattern. At this time, the door opening / closing control unit 54 keeps the door 403 closed. Then, the exit gate 40 ends the process. Note that the store clerk who notices the notification checks the goods purchased by the customer.

[0102] (Operational effects of the first embodiment) As described above, the checkout assistance system 1 of the first embodiment includes a self-POS terminal 10 that causes a customer to perform a registration process of registering a product to be purchased by the customer and a checkout process of performing checkout for the registered product by the customer's own operation, and an exit gate 40 through which a customer who has completed checkout at the self-POS terminal 10 passes when exiting from the checkout area where the self-POS terminal 10 is installed. The self-POS terminal 10 includes an identification information reading unit 25 (first reading unit) that reads identification information for identifying the customer after the checkout process is completed. The exit gate 40 includes an identification information reading unit 51 (second reading unit) that reads identification information for identifying the customer, and a door opening / closing control unit 54 (exit unit) that allows the customer to exit from the checkout area on the condition that the identification information read by the identification information reading unit 51 matches the identification information read by the identification information reading unit 25. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud in which a customer takes away a product without performing the checkout process without having the customer carry a receipt or the like in addition to the shopping bag after checkout.

[0103] Further, in the checkout assistance system 1 of the first embodiment, the identification information is registered in a barcode 31 (code symbol) printed or attached to the shopping bag 30 purchased by the customer. Therefore, a customer who has completed checkout can exit from the exit gate 40 by having the barcode 31 printed or attached to the shopping bag 30 read at the exit gate 40. Therefore, the customer does not need to carry a receipt or the like that allows the exit gate 40 to read that the checkout has been completed, other than the shopping bag 30 in which the product is stored, until exiting from the exit gate 40.

[0104] Also, in the exit support system 1 of the first embodiment, the identification information reading unit 25 (first reading unit) further stores the time ta when the identification information is read, and the identification information reading unit 51 (second reading unit) exits the customer from the exit gate 40 on the condition that the same identification information is read within a predetermined time from the time ta when the first reading unit reads the identification information. By restricting the time range in which the same identification number is read in this way, duplication of the identification information registered on the barcode 31 can be allowed. That is, it can be considered that the probability that there are customers having the same identification number in the same settlement area within the same time range is very small. As a result, the customer can reuse the shopping bag 30 with the barcode 31 printed or pasted thereon any number of times. Further, since it is possible to identify a customer who has stayed in the settlement area for an unnecessarily long time after the settlement is completed, the store clerk can detain the customer and ask if there is any problem or the like.

[0105] In this embodiment, an example in which the barcode 31 with the identification number registered thereon is printed or pasted on the shopping bag 30 has been described. However, the type of medium on which the identification information is registered is not limited to this. The same system can be realized by attaching an electronic tag such as an RFID to the shopping bag 30.

[0106] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example in which the barcode 31 with the identification information registered thereon is printed or pasted on the shopping bag 30 purchased by the customer has been described. However, the type of medium on which the identification information is registered is not limited to this.

[0107] In the exit support system 1 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a plate 33 with a barcode 34 on which the identification information is registered is installed in the store-provided shopping basket 32. A different system identification number from that registered on the barcode 31 of the shopping bag 30 is registered on the barcode 34. For example, an identification number of 3 alphabetic characters + 5 digits is registered on the shopping bag 30, and an identification number of 4 alphabetic characters + 5 digits is registered on the shopping basket 32. Thereby, the exit support system 1 allows coexistence of the shopping bag 30 and the shopping basket 32.

[0108] FIG. 10 is an external view showing an example of a shopping basket used in the exit support system of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, a plate 33 with a barcode 31 printed or attached is installed on the side surface of the shopping basket 32. The installation position of the plate 33 is not limited, but it is preferably installed at a position where it can be easily read by the fixed scanner 107 or the handy scanner 108 of the self-POS terminal 10, and the scanner 404 of the exit gate 40.

[0109] In addition, a plate with a barcode to which an identification number is similarly registered may be installed in the product storage section of the shopping cart. However, when installing a barcode on the shopping cart, it is difficult to read the barcode with the fixed scanner 107 of the self-POS terminal 10, so the barcode is read with the handy scanner 108. Also, since the scanner 404 shown in FIG. 3 is installed at a high position, it cannot read the barcode of the shopping cart. Therefore, when installing a barcode on the shopping cart, it is desirable to install the scanner 404 at a position substantially equal to the height of the barcode installed on the shopping cart on the column member 401 or the column member 402.

[0110] As described above, in the exit support system 1 of the second embodiment, the identification information is registered in a barcode 34 (code symbol) attached to the store-provided shopping basket 32 used by the customer. Therefore, the customer who has completed the settlement can exit from the exit gate 40 by having the barcode 34 attached to the shopping basket 32 read at the exit gate 40. Therefore, until the customer exits from the exit gate 40, there is no need to carry around a receipt or the like that indicates that the settlement has been completed at the exit gate 40, other than the shopping basket 32 in which the products are stored.

[0111] (Third Embodiment) Among customers, there are many who store the purchased goods in their own tote bags. There are also customers who purchase large items that cannot be accommodated in a plastic bag or tote bag. The exit support system 1 of the third embodiment is assumed for such customers. In the self-POS terminal 10 of the third embodiment, a label 35 that can be attached to a tote bag or a product, as shown in FIG. 11, is issued. The back side of the label 35 has adhesiveness and can be attached to a tote bag or a large item purchased by the customer. And a barcode 36 in which the above-described identification number is registered is printed on the front side of the label 35.

[0112] (Hardware Configuration of Self-POS Terminal in the Third Embodiment) Using FIG. 12, the hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal included in the exit support system of the third embodiment.

[0113] The hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 of the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the self-POS terminal 10 of the first embodiment. The self-POS terminal 10 of the third embodiment is different from the self-POS terminal 10 of the first embodiment only in that it includes a label printer 114 shown in FIG. 12 as a peripheral device.

[0114] The label printer 114 issues the label 35 shown in FIG. 11 in response to an instruction from the customer by the operation device 106. The label 35 is a so-called linerless type label without a release paper. An adhesive is applied to the back side of the label 35 and has adhesiveness. A barcode 36 in which an identification number is registered is printed on the front side of the label 35. The identification numbers registered in the barcode 36 are managed so as to have as few number duplicates as possible. Also, the identification numbers registered in the barcode 36 printed on the label 35 are registered as a different system of identification numbers from those registered in the barcode 31 of the plastic bag 30 described in the first embodiment and the barcode 34 of the plate 33 installed on the shopping basket 32 described in the second embodiment.

[0115] (Functional Configuration of Self-POS Terminal in the Third Embodiment) Using FIG. 13, the functional configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 included in the exit support system 1 of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-POS terminal included in the exit support system of the third embodiment.

[0116] Since the functional configuration of the exit gate 40 is as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 13 shows only the functional configuration of the self-POS terminal 10.

[0117] The functional configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 included in the exit support system 1 of the third embodiment includes an identification label issuing unit 27 in addition to the functional configuration of the self-POS terminal 10 described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 7).

[0118] Upon receiving an instruction to issue the label 35, the identification label issuing unit 27 issues the label 35 with the barcode 36 printed thereon from the label printer 114. Note that the identification label issuing unit 27 is an example of the issuing unit in the present disclosure.

[0119] Note that the self-POS terminal 10 of the third embodiment may issue the label 35 and read the identification number registered in the barcode 36 printed on the label 35, or may read the identification information registered in the barcode 31 printed or attached to the shopping bag 30 described in the first embodiment without issuing the label 35. That is, the self-POS terminal 10 of the third embodiment can obtain information indicating that the settlement has been completed by reading the identification information in the same manner for both customers with a personal bag and customers without a personal bag.

[0120] (Flow of Processing Performed by the Self-POS Terminal in the Third Embodiment) Using FIG. 14, the flow of processing performed by the self-POS terminal 10 included in the exit support system 1 of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the self-POS terminal included in the exit support system of the third embodiment.

[0121] Since the flow of the processes from step S31 to step S35 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is the same as the flow of the processes from step S11 to step S15 in the flowchart (see FIG. 8) described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0122] Subsequent to step S35, the identification label issuing unit 27 determines whether there is an instruction from the customer to issue label 35 (step S36). If it is determined that there is an instruction from the customer to issue label 35 (step S36: Yes), the process proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction from the customer to issue label 35 (step S36: No), the process proceeds to step S38.

[0123] In step S36, if it is determined that there is an instruction from the customer to issue label 35, the identification label issuing unit 27 causes the label printer 114 to issue label 35 with barcode 36 having the identification number printed thereon (step S37).

[0124] The identification information reading unit 25 guides the display device 105 to read the barcode with the identification number registered therein using the fixed scanner 107 or the handy scanner 108 (step S38). At this time, the customer who has issued label 35 causes label 35 with barcode 36 printed thereon to be read. Also, the customer who has not issued label 35 causes the barcode 31 of the shopping bag 30 (see FIG. 4) or the barcode 34 of the plate 33 installed in the shopping basket 32 (see FIG. 10) to be read.

[0125] Thereafter, the processes performed in steps S39 to S41 are the same as the flow of the processes from step S17 to step S19 in the flowchart (see FIG. 8) described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0126] As described above, in the exit support system 1 of the third embodiment, after the settlement process is completed, the self-POS terminal 10 further includes an identification label issuing unit 27 (issuing unit) that issues an attachable label 35 on which a code symbol including identification information is printed upon receiving a customer's instruction. The identification information reading unit 25 (first reading unit) and the identification information reading unit 51 (second reading unit) read the identification information registered in the code symbol printed on the label 35. Therefore, a customer who brings a my-bag or purchases a large item that cannot be accommodated in a plastic bag or my-bag can exit by having the barcode 36 printed on the issued label 35 read. Also, in subsequent shopping, the label 35 with the barcode 36 printed thereon can be reused.

[0127] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment 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 also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1 Exit support system 10 Self-POS terminal 104 Change dispenser 105 Display device 106 Operating device 107 Fixed scanner 108 Handheld scanner 109 Settlement terminal 110 Receipt printer 114 Label printer 115 Warning lamp 21 Product code reading unit 22 Product registration unit 23 Payment method reception unit 24 Settlement processing unit 25 Identification information reading unit (first reading unit) 26 Identification information output unit 27 Identification label issuing unit 30 Shopping bag 31 Barcode 32 Shopping basket 33 Plate 34 Barcode 35 Label 36 Barcode 40 Exit gate 401, 402 Column members 403 Door 404 Scanner 4041 Reading window 405, 406 Warning lights 51 Identification information reading unit (second reading unit) 52 Identification information reading out unit 53 Identification information comparison unit 54 Door opening / closing control unit 55 Notification unit 60 Server device ta, tb Times

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0129]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A self-POS terminal that allows a customer to perform a registration process for registering a product to be purchased and a settlement process for settling the registered product by the customer's own operation, An exit support system having an exit gate through which a customer who has completed settlement at the self-POS terminal passes when exiting from the settlement area where the self-POS terminal is installed, The self-POS terminal, After the settlement process is completed, it is provided with a first reading unit that reads identification information for identifying the customer, The exit gate, A second reading unit that reads identification information for identifying the customer, An exit unit that allows the customer to exit from the settlement area on the condition that the identification information read by the second reading unit matches the identification information read by the first reading unit, Exit support system.

2. The identification information is registered in a code symbol printed or pasted on a shopping bag provided by the store that the customer uses, The exit support system according to claim 1.

3. The identification information is registered in a code symbol pasted on a shopping basket provided by the store that the customer uses, The exit support system according to claim 1.

4. After the settlement process is completed, the self-POS terminal further includes an issuing unit that issues a pastable label printed with a code symbol including the identification information in response to a customer's instruction, The first reading unit and the second reading unit read the identification information registered in the code symbol printed on the label, The exit support system according to claim 2.

5. The first reading unit further stores the time when the identification information is read, The second reading unit causes the customer to exit from the exit gate on the condition that the same identification information is read within a predetermined time from the time when the first reading unit reads the identification information. An exit support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. For a computer that controls an exit support system including a self-POS terminal that allows a customer to perform a registration process for registering a product to be purchased by the customer and a settlement process for settling the registered product by the customer's own operation, and an exit gate through which a customer who has completed settlement at the self-POS terminal passes when exiting from the settlement area where the self-POS terminal is installed, The self-POS terminal is functioned as a first reading unit that reads identification information for identifying the customer after the settlement process is completed, The exit gate is a second reading unit that reads identification information for identifying the customer, and functioned as an exit unit that causes the customer to exit from the settlement area on the condition that the identification information read by the second reading unit matches the identification information read by the first reading unit. Program.

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