Gate device and program thereof

Abstract

To make it possible to cause a customer who has completed a settlement to pass through even if communication between the customer and a server is offline.SOLUTION: A gate device comprises a gate mechanism that prevents passing of a passage, reading means, inquiry means, releasing means, and processing means. The reading means reads the identification information of a transaction with a customer when the customer is in front of the entrance to a passage. The inquiry means inquires of a server whether the transaction identified by the identification information read by the reading means has completed a settlement. The releasing means releases a situation where passing is blocked by the gate mechanism when the server responds that the settlement has been completed. The processing means executes a process for allowing the customer to pass the passage when the inquiry to the server is not possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gate device and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, store systems have been developed that allow customers to register their purchases using a mobile device in a sales area where products are displayed, and then pay for those purchases by operating a cash register in a separate cash register. Introducing this type of store system in supermarkets and other mass retailers can alleviate congestion at cash registers. It also reduces the number of cashiers (employees) required, thereby reducing labor costs. However, because no cashier is involved in the payment process, there are concerns that fraudulent practices such as customers leaving the store without paying are more likely to occur.

[0003] To address this issue, a gate device has been proposed that installs a gate mechanism in the passageway leading to the exit of the cashier area to prevent unauthorized passage through the passageway. This type of gate device can maintain or release the gate mechanism's blocked state by communicating with a server. However, there is a concern that this type of gate device will not release the blocked state if communication with the server goes offline. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-153157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a gate device that can allow customers who have completed payment to pass through even when communication with the server is offline. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the gate device comprises a gate mechanism that blocks passage through the passage, a reading means, an inquiry means, a release means, and a processing means. The reading means reads identification information of a transaction with a customer before the entrance to the passage. The inquiry means inquires of a server whether the transaction identified by the identification information read by the reading means has been settled. The release means releases the gate mechanism from blocking passage when the server responds that the settlement has been completed. The processing means performs processing to allow the customer to pass through the passage when it is unable to inquire of the server. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a store system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data described in a transaction file. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first accounting machine and gate mechanism that constitute the gate device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a gate mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor of the gate device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the gate device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the gate device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the gate device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of state transition of the gate device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a gate device that allows customers who have completed payment to pass through even when communication with the server is offline will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a gate device of a store system is illustrated in which a customer, who is a transaction target, operates a mobile terminal to register purchased items and then operates a cash register to pay for the purchased items. First, the store system will be described.

[0009] [Outline of store system] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a store system 100 according to one embodiment. The store system 100 comprises a sales floor system 10 established in a sales floor where products are displayed, and a checkout area system 20 established in a checkout area separated from the sales floor.

[0010] The sales floor system 10 includes a plurality of mobile terminals 11 and a mobile server 12. The sales floor system 10 wirelessly connects the plurality of mobile terminals 11 and the mobile server 12 via an access point 14 of a communication network 13.

[0011] The mobile terminal 11 is a portable information terminal equipped with input / output devices such as a touch panel and a camera, and a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication with the access point 14. For example, the mobile terminal 11 can be a smartphone owned by a customer, a handheld terminal or a loaned smartphone loaned by a store, or a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart. For example, a smartphone can become the mobile terminal 11 by installing application software, a so-called shopping app, that supports customers' shopping in a store where the sales floor system 10 has been installed.

[0012] Mobile terminal 11 is operated by a customer who moves around the sales floor and collects items for purchase. Each time a customer acquires an item, they operate mobile terminal 11 to input data related to that item. For example, a customer may input the item code of a purchased item by scanning the barcode of the purchased item with the camera of mobile terminal 11. For example, a customer may input the item code, purchase quantity, etc. of the purchased item by operating the touch panel of mobile terminal 11. The data related to the purchased items input to mobile terminal 11 is wirelessly transmitted and received by mobile server 12 via access point 14.

[0013] The mobile server 12 is a computer that supports transactions with customers who register items for purchase using the mobile terminal 11. The mobile server 12 has a memory area for storing multiple transaction files 16. The transaction files 16 are data files that are created for each transaction with a customer who uses the mobile terminal 11.

[0014] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data described in the transaction file 16. As shown in the figure, the transaction file 16 describes the transaction number, transaction date and time, one or more product sales data, total data, payment data, a settlement completion flag Fa, a passing flag Fb, etc.

[0015] The transaction number is a unique number that is issued to individually identify a transaction using the mobile terminal 11. For example, the transaction number is a sequential number that increments by "1" each time a transaction using the mobile terminal 11 is initiated. The transaction number may also be a sequential number that increments by "1" each time a payment instruction is issued for a transaction using the mobile terminal 11. The transaction number may also be a unique number based on another algorithm.

[0016] The transaction date and time is the date and time when the transaction was made. The time may be the time when the transaction was initiated or the time when the transaction was instructed to be paid for.

[0017] The product sales data is created based on data related to the purchased products entered into the mobile terminal 11. The product sales data includes the product code, price, number of items purchased, purchase amount, etc. of the purchased product. The product code is an identification code of the purchased product entered into the mobile terminal 11. The price is a price obtained from a PLU (Price Look Up) file in which the price of each product is set in association with the product code of that product. The number of items purchased is the number of items entered into the mobile terminal 11 if the number of items purchased has been entered, and is "1" if the number of items purchased has not been entered. The purchase amount is calculated by multiplying the price by the number of items purchased.

[0018] The total data consists of data on the total number of items and the total price. The total number of items is the total number of items purchased in the product sales data included in the transaction file 16. The total price is the total price of the product sales data included in the transaction file 16.

[0019] The payment data includes a payment type to identify the payment method and the payment amount for that payment method. When a transaction identified by a transaction number is settled at the accounting machine 21 (described later), the payment data is written to the transaction file 16.

[0020] The settlement completion flag Fa is one-bit data for identifying whether or not the settlement of the transaction managed in the transaction file 16 has been completed. In this embodiment, the settlement completion flag Fa indicating that the settlement has not been completed is set to "0," and the settlement completion flag Fa indicating that the settlement has been completed is set to "1."

[0021] The passing flag Fb is one-bit data for identifying whether or not a customer who is the subject of a transaction managed in the transaction file 16 has passed through the passage leading to the exit. In this embodiment, the passing flag Fb indicating that the customer has not passed through the passage is set to "0," and the passing flag Fb indicating that the customer has passed through the passage is set to "1."

[0022] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. After completing their shopping, the customer operates the mobile terminal 11 to instruct the checkout. When this operation is performed, a machine-readable code for the checkout is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 11. The machine-readable code is, for example, a barcode or two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, the machine-readable code is referred to as a barcode. Hereinafter, the machine-readable code for the checkout (barcode) will be referred to as the checkout barcode. The checkout barcode contains information for identifying the transaction file 16. This information is, for example, a transaction number. The customer can make a payment at the checkout machine 21 by having the scanner of the checkout machine 21 read the checkout barcode. Payment at the checkout machine 21 may be cashless payment such as electronic money payment, credit card payment, or code payment, or may be payment by cash or a voucher such as a gift certificate.

[0023] If application software for cashless payment, a so-called payment app, is installed on the mobile terminal 11, payment can be made using the mobile terminal 11. Payment can be made using cashless methods such as electronic money, credit card, or code payment. When a customer operates the mobile terminal 11 for cashless payment, payment data is wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal 11. The payment data includes a payment type indicating the payment method and a payment amount. For example, if a consumer makes a cashless payment using electronic money, payment data including information on the payment type indicating the electronic money and the payment amount using electronic money is wirelessly transmitted. The wirelessly transmitted payment data is received by the mobile server 12 via the access point 14.

[0024] The checkout site system 20 includes multiple payment machines 21, a store server 22, and an attendant terminal 23. The checkout site system 20 connects the multiple payment machines 21, the store server 22, and the attendant terminal 23 via a communications network 24. The communications network 24 is, for example, a LAN. Note that while only one attendant terminal 23 is shown in FIG. 1, two or more attendant terminals 23 may be connected to the communications network 24 to configure the checkout site system 20.

[0025] The checkout system 20 connects a communication server 31 to the communication network 24. The sales floor system 10 connects a communication server 32 to the communication network 13. The store system 100 connects the communication servers 31 and 32 via an inter-server network 30. This connection enables data to be sent and received between the checkout machines 21 and store server 22 in the checkout system 20 and the mobile terminals 11 and mobile server 12 in the sales floor system 10.

[0026] The payment machines 21 include a first payment machine 21-1 equipped with a gate mechanism 40 and a second payment machine 21-2 not equipped with a gate mechanism 40. The first payment machine 21-1 equipped with the gate mechanism 40 is an example of a gate device. The gate device, i.e., the first payment machine 21-1 equipped with the gate mechanism 40, will be described in detail later.

[0027] The second payment machine 21-2 is a device for settling transactions with customers who have registered their purchases by themselves using the mobile terminal 11. The second payment machine 21-2 can be a well-known payment machine also known as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, payment terminal, etc. The second payment machine 21-2 is typically a self-service type in which the customer performs the operations to settle the transaction themselves. The second payment machine 21-2 may also be a face-to-face type in which the operations to settle the transaction are performed by a store clerk.

[0028] The second payment device 21-2 is equipped with a scanner for reading the payment barcode. By reading the payment barcode with the scanner, the second payment device 21-2 obtains the transaction file 16 identified by the information in the payment barcode from the mobile server 12. The second payment device 21-2 then settles the transaction based on the data in the transaction file 16. As mentioned above, the payment may be cashless, such as electronic money, credit card, or code payment, or it may be cash or a gift certificate.

[0029] Each time a transaction is settled, the second payment device 21-2 issues a receipt that records transaction details such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, product sales data, total data, and payment data. The second payment device 21-2 then prints a machine-readable code, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, on the receipt. The machine-readable code includes the transaction number and transaction date and time recorded on the receipt. In this embodiment, the machine-readable code is referred to as a barcode. Hereinafter, the machine-readable code (barcode) printed on the receipt will be referred to as the receipt barcode.

[0030] The receipt may be displayed in the form of an electronic receipt on the mobile terminal 11 held by the customer. Similar to a paper receipt, the electronic receipt includes information recording transaction details such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, product sales data, total data, and payment data. The electronic receipt also displays a receipt barcode. However, the information recording the transaction details may not be displayed, and only the receipt barcode may be displayed on the mobile terminal 11.

[0031] The store server 22 is a computer that provides services such as managing information such as store sales and inventory at the time of product sales by collecting and aggregating transaction data settled at each accounting machine 21 via the communication network 24.

[0032] The attendant terminal 23 is installed at the attendant counter where a store clerk known as an attendant is stationed. The attendant terminal 23 is equipped with a display device and is used by the attendant to monitor the input contents at each payment machine 21. Specifically, the attendant terminal 23 displays information being processed at each payment machine 21 in real time on the display device. The information displayed on the display device includes product sales data for transactions settled at the payment machine 21, such as product name, price, and quantity. The total amount of the transaction (payment amount), the amount paid by payment method, and the like are also displayed on the display device. The attendant terminal 23 may be a handheld terminal carried by the store clerk.

[0033] [Gate device configuration explanation] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first payment machine 21-1 and gate mechanism 40 that make up the gate device. The first payment machine 21-1 includes a processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, clock 54, communication interface 55, touch panel 56, fixed scanner 57, printer 58, scanner interface 59, card reader interface 60, change dispenser interface 61, gate mechanism interface 62, and system transmission path 63. The system transmission path 63 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines. The system transmission path 63 connects the processor 51 to the other components and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0034] The first accounting machine 21-1 is configured as a computer by connecting a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a clock 54, and a communication interface 55 via a system transmission path 63. Input / output devices such as a touch panel 56, a fixed scanner 57, and a printer 58, as well as device interfaces such as a scanner interface 59, a card reader interface 60, a change dispenser interface 61, and a gate mechanism interface 62, are connected to the system transmission path 63 and controlled by a computer, thereby realizing the functions of the first accounting machine 21-1. Note that the input / output devices and device interfaces connected to the system transmission path 63 are not limited to those described above. For example, other input / output devices such as a keyboard may be connected, or a cashless payment terminal interface may be connected.

[0035] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 51 controls each part to realize various functions of the gate device in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 51 is preferably a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and can execute multiple processes in parallel.

[0036] The main memory 52 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 52 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 52 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 52 may store data required for the processor 51 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 51 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0037] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 51, etc. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0038] The clock 54 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 51 processes the date and time kept by the clock 54 as the current date and time.

[0039] The communication interface 55 is an interface for performing data communication with the store server 22, the attendant terminal 23, the communication server 31, etc., which are connected to the communication network 24.

[0040] The touch panel 56 includes a display that functions as a display device for the first payment device 21-1 and a touch sensor that functions as an input device. The touch panel 56 displays various information on the display for the customer or store clerk who is the user of the first payment device 21-1. The touch panel 56 detects touch operations on the display screen with the touch sensor and accepts input according to the touch position.

[0041] The fixed scanner 57 is an input device that scans and reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The fixed scanner 57 can read receipt barcodes printed on receipts, accounting barcodes or receipt barcodes displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 11, etc. The fixed scanner 57 can also read machine-readable codes printed on ID cards carried by store clerks. The ID cards carried by store clerks have a machine-readable code printed on them that indicates the clerk's unique identification code, or so-called clerk code.

[0042] Printer 58 is a printing device for printing and issuing receipts. A receipt is a paper medium on which transaction details such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, product sales data, total data, and payment data are recorded.

[0043] The scanner interface 59 is an interface capable of performing data communication with a handheld scanner 71 (see FIG. 4). The handheld scanner 71 is a portable scanner, and is an input device that scans and reads machine-readable codes, similar to the fixed scanner 57.

[0044] The card reader interface 60 is an interface capable of performing data communication with a card reader. A card reader is an input device that reads data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card, electronic money card, or point card. The card reader may be an IC card reader that reads data from an IC card, or a magnetic card reader that reads data from a magnetic card. The IC card reader may be a contact type IC card reader or a contactless type IC card reader.

[0045] The change machine interface 61 is an interface capable of performing data communication with an automatic change machine that can receive deposits and dispense change.

[0046] The gate mechanism interface 62 is an interface capable of performing data communication with each of the devices included in the gate mechanism 40, such as the human sensor 41, the patrol lamp 42, the LED 43, the speaker 44, the display 45, and the like.

[0047] [Gate mechanism configuration explanation] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a gate mechanism 40 that is associated one-to-one with the first payment machine 21-1. The gate mechanism 40 has a housing 400 that is roughly rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 400 is arranged along an aisle PA along which customers proceed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. The side of the aisle PA where customers proceed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure is the entrance, and the side where customers proceed out is the exit. Customers who enter through the entrance can exit, for example, from inside the store to outside the store by passing through the aisle PA and exiting through the exit. Alternatively, customers can move from one location within the store to another.

[0048] Of the four faces of the housing 400 extending upward from the four sides of the face that contacts the floor of the aisle PA, the face that is arranged along the aisle PA is called side face 401, the face that faces the inside of the store is called front face 402, and the face that faces the face that contacts the floor of the aisle PA is called top face 403. The joint between front face 402 and top face 403 is called folder 404 of first payment machine 21-1.

[0049] The folder 404 holds the printer 58, fixed scanner 57, and touch panel 56 of the first payment device 21-1. Specifically, the folder 404 holds the printer 58 so that the receipt issuing slot 581 faces the front 402. The folder 404 holds the fixed scanner 57 above the printer 58 so that the reading window 571 faces the front 402. The folder 404 holds the touch panel 56 above the fixed scanner 57 so that the screen 561 faces the front 402. This arrangement allows a customer standing in front of the gate mechanism 40 to easily receive a receipt issued from, for example, the issuing slot 581. The customer can also easily hold a receipt barcode, payment barcode, or the like over the reading window 571 of the fixed scanner 57. The customer can also view and touch the image displayed on the touch panel 56.

[0050] A handheld scanner, a so-called handheld scanner 71, connected to a scanner interface 59 is attached to the side of folder 404 opposite side 401. Although not shown, a card reader connected to a card reader interface 60, an automatic change machine connected to a change machine interface 61, and the like are also arranged near housing 400. For example, the card reader may be arranged on top surface 403 of housing 400.

[0051] A patrol lamp 42 and a display 45 are attached to the top surface 403 of the housing 400. The patrol lamp 42 is provided on the top of a pole 421 attached vertically to the floor on the surface opposite the front surface 402 of the housing 400, i.e., on the top surface 403 closer to the back surface. A display 45 is disposed in front of the pole 421, with a screen 451 facing the front surface 402. The display 45 may be a display device with a screen smaller than that of the touch panel 56.

[0052] The human presence sensor 41, LED 43, and speaker 44 are built into a housing 400. The housing 400 has a slit 405 for the human presence sensor 41 and a slit 406 for the LED 43 formed on a side surface 401 along the aisle PA. The human presence sensor 41 is an infrared sensor that detects the movement or heat of a person passing through the position of the slit 405. The human presence sensor 41 may also detect a person passing through the position of the slit 405 by a method other than infrared. The LED 43 lights up or flashes in a predetermined color and pattern so that light leaks out from the slit 406 to guide customers to proceed along the aisle PA in the direction of the arrow.

[0053] In the following, in the passage PA, the entrance side where customers enter, i.e., the side where the touch panel 56, fixed scanner 57, etc. are installed, will be referred to as the upstream side, and the opposite exit side, i.e., the side where the display 45, patrol lamp 42, etc. are installed, will be referred to as the downstream side.

[0054] The first payment machine 21-1, which is mounted in the housing 400 in a one-to-one correspondence with the gate mechanism 40 having such a configuration, is an example of a payment device capable of settling transactions with customers upstream of the passage PA along which customers proceed in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Note that the positional relationship of the touch panel 56, fixed scanner 57, printer 58, etc. that make up the first payment machine 21-1 relative to the housing 400 is not limited to that shown in Figure 4. The key point is that the touch panel 56, fixed scanner 57, printer 58, etc. should be positioned in a location that is easy for customers located upstream of the passage PA to operate.

[0055] [Gate device function explanation] As shown in Figure 3, the processor 51 of the first payment machine 21-1 also controls the gate mechanism 40 connected via the gate mechanism interface 62. In other words, the processor 51 of the first payment machine 21-1 is the processor 51 of the gate device.

[0056] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 51 of the gate device. As shown in the figure, the processor 51 has the functions of a reading means 511, an inquiry means 512, a cancellation means 513, a settlement means 514, and a processing means 515.

[0057] The reading means 511 has the function of reading the identification information of the transaction with the customer in front of the entrance to the passage. The identification information is a machine-readable code, i.e., a receipt barcode, that includes the transaction number and transaction date and time recorded on the receipt. The reading means 511 reads the receipt barcode when it is held over the reading window 571 of the fixed scanner 57.

[0058] The query means 512 has a function of querying the server whether the transaction identified by the identification information read by the reading means 511, i.e., the transaction number and transaction date and time included in the receipt barcode, has been completed. The server is the mobile server 12. The mobile server 12 stores a transaction file 16. The payment completion flag Fa in this transaction file 16 becomes "1" when the transaction is settled at the second accounting machine 21-2. When the payment completion flag Fa in the transaction file 16, which describes the transaction number and transaction date and time included in the receipt barcode, is "1," the mobile server 12 responds to the gate device that the transaction has been completed.

[0059] The release means 513 has a function to temporarily release the passage-blocking state of the gate mechanism 40 when it receives a response from the mobile server 12 indicating that the transaction has been settled. Specifically, the release means 513 prevents an alarm from being issued even when the human sensor 41 detects the passage of a person. The release means 513 also displays an image on the display 45 to guide the customer to proceed along the aisle PA in the direction of the arrow. The release means 513 also controls the LED 43 so that light guiding the customer to proceed along the aisle PA in the direction of the arrow leaks through the slit 406. In this way, the passage-blocking state of the gate mechanism 40 is released. The gate mechanism 40 returns to the passage-blocking state after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0060] The payment means 514 has a function of settling transactions with a customer upstream of the passage PA through which the customer passes. The payment means 514 reads an accounting barcode with the fixed scanner 57 and obtains the transaction file 16 identified by the information in the accounting barcode from the mobile server 12. The payment means 514 then settles the transaction based on the data in the transaction file 16. For example, when a machine-readable code for code payment is read by the fixed scanner 57, the payment means 514 executes code payment processing to pay the transaction price with the balance for code payment. For example, when an electronic money card is read by the card reader, the payment means 514 executes electronic money payment processing to pay the transaction price with electronic money. For example, when a credit card is read by the card reader, the payment means 514 executes credit card payment processing to pay the transaction price with the balance in the account. For example, when cash is inserted into an automatic change dispenser, the payment means 514 executes cash payment processing to pay the transaction price with the inserted amount.

[0061] The processing means 515 has a function of performing offline processing to allow customers to pass through the passage when it is not possible to make an inquiry to the server by the inquiry means 512. The processing means 515 includes functions as a matching means 5151, a permission means 5152, and a calling means 5153.

[0062] The verification means 5151 has a function of verifying whether the transaction date included in the receipt barcode matches the current date kept by the clock 54. The permission means 5152 has a function of permitting passage through the aisle when the transaction date matches the current date. Specifically, like the release means 513, the permission means 5152 prevents a warning from being issued even when the human sensor 41 detects the passage of a person. The permission means 5152 also displays an image on the display 45 to guide the customer to proceed along the aisle PA in the direction of the arrow, and controls the LED 43 so that light guiding the customer to proceed along the aisle PA in the direction of the arrow leaks out from the slit 406.

[0063] The calling means 5153 performs processing to call a store clerk. Specifically, the calling means 5153 sends a store clerk call signal to the attendant terminal 23. It also displays an image on the touch panel 56 and the display 45 to notify the customer that a store clerk is being called. By calling a store clerk, the customer can pass through the aisle PA. That is, the store clerk checks the customer's receipt and confirms that the payment has been completed, and then manually temporarily releases the gate mechanism 40 from blocking the customer's passage. This allows the customer who has completed the payment to pass through the aisle PA and exit through the exit, even when offline. As another example of processing to call a store clerk, the processor 51 of the gate device may output a voice message to call a store clerk through the speaker 44. Alternatively, the gate device may output a signal to turn on or flash the patrol lamp 42 to call a store clerk.

[0064] The functions of the reading means 511, inquiry means 512, release means 513, settlement means 514, and processing means 515 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 51 in accordance with a predetermined program. Hereinafter, this program will be referred to as a gate device program. The gate device program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 52 or the auxiliary storage device 53. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the gate device program in the main memory 52 or the auxiliary storage device 53. The gate device program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed via communication via a network and installed in the main memory 52 or the auxiliary storage device 53. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0065] [Gate device operation explanation] 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 51 of the gate device in accordance with the gate device program. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of state transitions of the gate device based on these procedures. Below, the main operations of the gate device will be explained using FIGS. 6 to 9. Note that the information processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 8 are examples. The state transitions of the gate device shown in FIG. 9 are also examples. The procedures can be modified as appropriate as long as they can achieve the same effects as those of this embodiment.

[0066] The processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode as ACT1 in Fig. 6. By setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode, a no-passage image is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45 (Fig. 9: Sa).

[0067] For example, a text is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 instructing a customer approaching the entrance side of the passage PA to have the barcode scanned by the fixed scanner 57. An illustration of a person holding a barcode over the fixed scanner 57 may be displayed together with the text. A text indicating that passage PA is not permitted and an image of a flashing "x" mark are displayed on the screen 451 of the display 45. In this state, if the human presence sensor 43 detects the passage of a person, a warning is issued. For example, an alarm sound is emitted from the speaker 44 and the patrol lamp 42 lights up, for example, in red.

[0068] Customers who have confirmed the no-entry image have the barcode scanned by the fixed scanner 57. Specifically, customers who have completed payment at the second payment machine 21-2 have the receipt barcode on the receipt issued by the second payment machine 21-2 scanned by the fixed scanner 57. Customers who have not yet completed payment have the fixed scanner 57 scan the payment barcode displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 11.

[0069] After setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode, processor 51 waits for a barcode to be scanned in ACT2. When a barcode is scanned by fixed scanner 57, processor 51 proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, processor 51 checks whether an accounting barcode has been scanned. If an accounting barcode has not been scanned, processor 51 checks whether a receipt barcode has been scanned in ACT4. If a barcode other than an accounting barcode or a receipt barcode has been scanned, processor 51 executes processing according to the type of barcode. For example, if a barcode printed on an ID card carried by a store clerk is scanned, store clerk mode processing is executed. Store clerk mode processing is, for example, processing for performing equipment maintenance.

[0070] In the standby state of ACT2, when the receipt barcode is scanned by the fixed scanner 57, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 51 analyzes the receipt barcode and obtains the transaction number and transaction date and time. Then, in ACT6, the processor 51 controls the communication interface 55 to output a transaction file request command. This control causes the transaction file request command to be output from the gate device to the mobile server 12 (FIG. 9: Sb).

[0071] The transaction file request command is sent from communication server 31 to mobile server 12 via inter-server network 30. The transaction file request command includes the transaction number and transaction date and time obtained from the receipt barcode. Mobile server 12 searches transaction file 16 and obtains transaction file 16 that contains the transaction number and transaction date and time included in the transaction file request command. Mobile server 12 then transmits the transaction file 16 to the gate device that sent the transaction file request command (Figure 9: Sc).

[0072] The processor 51 of the gate device that sent the transaction file request command proceeds to ACT 7. In ACT 7, the processor 51 checks whether the communication line with the mobile server 12 is offline. If it is not offline, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 8. In ACT 8, the processor 51 waits to receive the transaction file 16.

[0073] When the transaction file is received, processor 51 proceeds to ACT9. Processor 51 checks the payment completion flag Fa written in the transaction file in ACT9. If the payment completion flag Fa is "1", processor 51 proceeds to ACT10. Processor 51 sets the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the pass-permit mode in ACT10. By setting the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the pass-permit mode, no warning is issued even if a person is detected by human sensor 41. In addition, a pass-permit image is displayed on screen 561 of touch panel 56 and screen 451 of display 45 (Figure 9: Sd).

[0074] For example, screen 561 of touch panel 56 displays an image and text indicating that passage through passage PA is permitted. Screen 451 of display 45 displays text indicating that passage through passage PA is permitted and an image of a blinking "o" mark. The remaining time for passage may be displayed instead of the "o" mark. Furthermore, LED 43 emits light so that light leaks from slit 406 to guide customers to proceed along passage PA in the direction of the arrow.

[0075] After setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the passage permission mode, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 51 waits for the passage permission time to elapse. The passage permission time is a sufficient time required for a person who has entered through the entrance to pass through the passage PA and exit through the exit. The passage permission time is an arbitrary time, for example, about 5 to 10 seconds. Note that the length of the passage permission time is not particularly limited.

[0076] While waiting for the passage permission time to elapse, the processor 51 monitors the human presence sensor 41 in ACT 12. When the human presence sensor 41 detects the passage of a person, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 13. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 55 to output a passage notification command in ACT 13. By this control, the passage notification command is output from the gate device to the mobile server 12 (Se in FIG. 9).

[0077] The passing notification command is sent from the communication server 31 to the mobile server 12 via the inter-server network 30. The passing notification command includes the transaction number and transaction date and time obtained from the receipt barcode. The mobile server 12 changes the passing flag Fb of the transaction file 16 identified by the transaction number and transaction date and time included in the passing notification command to "1" (FIG. 9: Sf).

[0078] When the passage permission time has elapsed, processor 51 returns to ACT1. That is, processor 51 sets the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode. By setting the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode, the no-passage image is again displayed on screen 561 of touch panel 56 and screen 451 of display 45 (FIG. 9: Sg). Thereafter, processor 51 executes the processes from ACT2 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0079] Here, the processor 51 realizes the function of reading means 511 by processing ACT2 to ACT4. The processor 51 realizes the function of inquiry means 512 by processing ACT5 and ACT6. The processor 51 realizes the function of release means 513 by processing ACT8 to ACT11.

[0080] The transaction file 16 identified by the receipt barcode is a data file of a transaction for which payment was completed at the second accounting device 21-2. Therefore, if the transaction file 16 cannot be received in ACT8, or if a transaction file 16 with a payment completion flag Fa set to "0" is received in ACT9, it is considered that a system error has occurred. In this case, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT14.

[0081] The processor 51 executes a store clerk call process as ACT 14. That is, the processor 51 transmits a store clerk call signal to the attendant terminal 23. The processor 51 also controls the display of a store clerk call image on the touch panel 56 and the display 45. By this control, the store clerk call image is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45, respectively.

[0082] The attendant terminal 23 that receives the store clerk call signal notifies the attendant that a call has been made. Upon receiving this notification, the attendant, who is the store clerk, can take action to deal with the system error.

[0083] Incidentally, although a transaction file request command is sent in ACT6, a communication failure may occur in the inter-server network 30, for example, and the communication line with the mobile server 12 may go offline (FIG. 9: Sh). In this case, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 7.

[0084] In ACT 21, processor 51 obtains transaction date Da from the receipt barcode. In ACT 22, processor 51 also obtains the current date Db measured by clock 54. Then, in ACT 23, processor 51 compares transaction date Da with the current date Db to confirm whether the two dates match (Figure 9: Si).

[0085] If the transaction date Da matches the current date Db, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the pass-permit mode. By setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the pass-permit mode, no warning is issued even if a person is detected by the human sensor 41. In addition, the above-mentioned pass-permit image is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45 (FIG. 9: Sj).

[0086] Thus, even if the communication line with the mobile server 12 goes offline, the customer can still pass through the aisle PA and exit the store, provided that the transaction date on the receipt is today's date.

[0087] After setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the passage permission mode, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 25. In ACT 25, the processor 51 waits for the passage permission time to elapse. The passage permission time is the same as the passage permission time described in ACT 11. While waiting for the passage permission time to elapse, the processor 51 monitors the human presence sensor 41 in ACT 26. When the human presence sensor 41 detects the passage of a person, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, the processor 51 stores the passage history data (Fig. 9: Sk).

[0088] The passing history data includes the transaction number of the receipt barcode and the transaction date and time. The passing history data is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 53. When the line to the mobile server 12 is restored, the passing history data is sent to the mobile server 12. The mobile server 12 changes the passing flag Fb of the transaction file 16 identified by the transaction number and transaction date and time included in the passing history data to "1."

[0089] When the passage permission time has elapsed, processor 51 returns to ACT1 in Fig. 6. That is, processor 51 sets the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode. By setting the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode, the no-passage image is again displayed on screen 561 of touch panel 56 and screen 451 of display 45 (Fig. 9: Sm). Thereafter, processor 51 executes the processes from ACT2 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0090] On the other hand, if the transaction date Da does not match the current date Db in ACT23, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT28. The processor 51 executes a store clerk call process in ACT28. That is, the processor 51 transmits a store clerk call signal to the attendant terminal 23. The processor 51 also controls the display of a store clerk call image on the touch panel 56 and the display 45. As a result of this control, the store clerk call image is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45, respectively (FIG. 9: Sn).

[0091] Upon receiving the clerk call signal, the attendant terminal 23 notifies the attendant that a call is being made. Upon receiving this notification, the attendant proceeds to the gate device and checks the receipt held by the customer. This situation may occur, for example, if a customer who makes a transaction at the second payment device 21-2 before midnight has the receipt barcode read by the fixed scanner 57 after midnight. The clerk checks the authenticity of the receipt held by the customer. Once the clerk confirms that the receipt is a valid receipt that has completed the transaction, the clerk manually temporarily releases the gate mechanism 40 from blocking passage. Thus, the customer who has completed the transaction can pass through the aisle PA and exit the store through the exit, even when offline.

[0092] Here, the processor 51 realizes the function of processing means 515 by processing ACT21 to ACT28. Specifically, the processor 51 realizes the function of matching means 5151 by processing ACT21 to ACT23, realizes the function of permission means 5152 by processing ACT24 and ACT25, and realizes the function of calling means 5153 by processing ACT28.

[0093] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. If the accounting barcode is scanned during the standby state of ACT2, processor 51 proceeds to ACT31 in Figure 8. Processor 51 controls communication interface 55 to output a transaction file request command in ACT31. This control causes the transaction file request command to be output. The transaction file request command includes information for identifying the transaction file 16 obtained from the accounting barcode, such as a transaction number.

[0094] The transaction file request command is sent from communication server 31 to mobile server 12 via inter-server network 30. Mobile server 12 searches transaction file 16 and obtains transaction file 16 that describes the transaction number included in the transaction file request command. Mobile server 12 then transmits the transaction file 16 to the gate device that sent the transaction file request command.

[0095] The processor 51 of the gate device that sent the transaction file request command proceeds to ACT 32. In ACT 32, the processor 51 checks whether the communication line with the mobile server 12 is offline. If it is not offline, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 33. In ACT 33, the processor 51 waits to receive the transaction file 16.

[0096] Upon receiving the transaction file 16, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT34. The processor 51 analyzes the transaction file 16 in ACT34. If the customer has not made a payment at the second payment machine 21-2, the payment completion flag Fa in the transaction file 16 is "0." The processor 51 checks the payment completion flag Fa in ACT35. If the payment completion flag Fa is "0," the processor 51 proceeds to ACT36. The processor 51 executes payment processing based on the data in the transaction file 16 in ACT36. For example, when a machine-readable code for code payment is read by the fixed scanner 57, the processor 51 executes code payment processing to pay the transaction price with the balance for code payment. For example, when an electronic money card is read by a card reader, the processor 51 executes electronic money payment processing to pay the transaction price with electronic money. For example, when a credit card is read by a card reader, the processor 51 executes credit card payment processing to pay the transaction price with the balance in the account. For example, when cash is inserted into an automatic change dispenser, the processor 51 executes a cash settlement process in which the price of the transaction is paid in the amount inserted.

[0097] When the payment process is completed, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 37. On the other hand, if the payment completion flag Fa is "1" in ACT 35, the processor 51 skips the process of ACT 36 and proceeds to ACT 37.

[0098] The processor 51 sets the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the passage permission mode as ACT37. By setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the passage permission mode, no warning is issued even if a person is detected by the human presence sensor 41. In addition, the above-mentioned passage permission image is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45.

[0099] After setting the operation mode of the gate mechanism 40 to the pass permission mode, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT38. In ACT38, the processor 51 waits for the pass permission time to elapse. The pass permission time is the same as the pass permission time described in ACT11 or ACT25. While waiting for the pass permission time to elapse, the processor 51 monitors the human presence sensor 41 in ACT39. When the human presence sensor 41 detects the passage of a person, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT40. In ACT40, the processor 51 controls the communication interface 55 to output a passage notification command. This control causes the passage notification command to be output from the gate device to the mobile server 12. The passage notification command is also the same command as the passage notification command described in ACT13. Therefore, the mobile server 12 changes the passage flag Fb of the transaction file 16 identified by the transaction number and transaction date and time included in the passage notification command to "1."

[0100] When the passage permission time has elapsed, processor 51 returns to ACT1 in Fig. 6. That is, processor 51 sets the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode. By setting the operation mode of gate mechanism 40 to the no-passage mode, the no-passage image is again displayed on screen 561 of touch panel 56 and screen 451 of display 45. Thereafter, processor 51 executes the processes from ACT2 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0101] On the other hand, if the communication line with the mobile server 12 is offline in ACT 32, or if the transaction file 16 identified by the transaction barcode cannot be obtained in ACT 33, the processor 51 cannot determine whether the customer has completed payment. The processor 51 executes a store clerk call process in ACT 41. That is, the processor 51 sends a store clerk call signal to the attendant terminal 23. The processor 51 also controls the display of a store clerk call image on the touch panel 56 and the display 45. As a result of this control, the store clerk call image is displayed on the screen 561 of the touch panel 56 and the screen 451 of the display 45, respectively.

[0102] Upon receiving the store clerk call signal, attendant terminal 23 notifies the attendant that a call has been made. Upon receiving this notification, the attendant proceeds to the gate device. If the customer has not yet completed payment, the attendant instructs the customer to complete the payment, for example, at second payment device 21-2. On the other hand, if the customer has completed payment, the attendant manually temporarily releases the gate mechanism 40 from blocking passage. In this way, the customer who has completed payment can pass through passage PA and exit the store.

[0103] Here, the processor 51 realizes the function of the payment means 514 by processing ACT36.

[0104] As described above in detail, the gate device of this embodiment is provided with fixed scanner 57 located just before the entrance to passage PA. After a customer has completed a transaction at second payment device 21-2, the customer has fixed scanner 57 read the barcode printed on the receipt issued by second payment device 21-2. Having read the barcode, fixed scanner 57 makes an inquiry to mobile server 12. The scanner that reads the barcode may also be handheld scanner 71. The mobile server 12 checks whether the receipt identified from the barcode is a valid receipt issued to a customer who has completed their transaction at the second payment machine 21-2. If the receipt is found to be valid, the gate device releases the gate mechanism 40 from its blocked state. Thus, only customers who have completed their transaction can exit the payment area through the passage PA. However, with this type of gate device, there is a concern that the gate mechanism 40 will not be released from its blocked state if communication with the mobile server 12 goes offline. In response to this issue, the gate device of this embodiment compares the date on the receipt with the current date when communication with the mobile server 12 goes offline. If the date on the receipt matches the current date, the gate mechanism 40 is released from its blocked state. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gate device that allows customers who have completed payment to pass through even when communication with the mobile server 12 goes offline.

[0105] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the server to which the inquiry means inquires as to whether the transaction has been settled is the mobile server 12, but this is not necessarily limited to the mobile server 12. For example, the store server 22 may be configured to be able to import the transaction file 16 stored in the mobile server 12, so that the store server 22 is the server to which the inquiry is made.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the offline processing means 515 includes the checking means 5151 and the permission means 5152. In another embodiment, the offline processing means 515 may include only the calling means 5153. In other words, when the line to the server is offline, a store clerk may always be called. By calling a store clerk, the customer can pass through the aisle PA, thereby solving the problem.

[0107] The information to be collated by the collation means 5151 may also include the time of transaction. By including the time of transaction, if the time that has elapsed since the customer completed payment at the second accounting machine 21-2 is within a predetermined time, the permission means 5152 can permit the customer to pass through the passageway.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the gate device is equipped with payment means 514. In other embodiments, the gate device may not be equipped with payment means 514. That is, the functions of reading means 511, inquiry means 512, release means 513, and processing means 515 may be implemented in a gate device installed in a passageway through which only customers who have completed payment at second payment machine 21-2 pass.

[0109] Although several 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 embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10...Sales floor system, 11...Mobile terminal, 12...Mobile server, 16...Transaction file, 20...Checkout system, 21...Checkout machine, 21-1...First checkout machine, 21-2...Second checkout machine, 22...Store server, 23...Attendant terminal, 40...Gate mechanism, 51...Processor, 511...Reading means, 512...Inquiry means, 513...Release means, 514...Payment means, 515...Processing means, 5151...Matching means, 5152...Permission means, 5153...Calling means.

Claims

1. a gate mechanism for blocking passage through the passage; a reading means for reading identification information of a transaction with a customer in front of an entrance to the passage; an inquiry means for inquiring of a server whether the transaction identified by the identification information read by the reading means has been settled; a release means for releasing the state of the gate mechanism preventing passage when a response indicating that the payment has been completed is received from the server; a processing means for performing a process to allow the customer to pass through the passage when the inquiry to the server is not possible; A gate device comprising:

2. The gate apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing includes a processing for calling a store attendant.

3. 3. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein the reading means is means for reading the identification information recorded on a receipt issued when a transaction is settled at the settlement device.

4. the identification information includes a date when the transaction was settled at the settlement device; 4. The gate device according to claim 3, wherein said processing means cancels the state of blocking passage by said gate mechanism on the condition that the date included in said identification information matches the current date.

5. a payment means for effecting settlement of a transaction prior to an entrance to said passageway; Further comprising:

2. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein the release means releases the gate mechanism from its state of blocking passage when the transaction is settled by the settlement means.

6. a gate mechanism for blocking passage through the passage, a reading means for reading identification information of a transaction with a customer in front of an entrance to the passage; an inquiry means for inquiring of a server whether the transaction identified by the identification information read by the reading means has been settled; a release means for releasing the state of the gate mechanism preventing passage when a response indicating that the payment has been completed is received from the server; and a processing means for performing a process to allow the customer to pass through the passage when the inquiry to the server is not possible; A program to function as a

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