Product collation device and program thereof

Abstract

To provide a product collation device to check for missing product registrations without reducing service or increasing employee workload, and a program thereof.SOLUTION: A product collation device includes acquisition means, capture means, collation means, and notification means. The acquisition means acquires a list of products for which a customer completed self-checkout. The capture means captures identification codes of products selected from groups of products taken away by the customer who completed self-checkout. The collation means determines whether the goods identified by the identification codes captured by the capture means are included in the acquired list. The notification means notifies the result of collation by the collation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product matching device and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, self-checkout systems that allow customers to perform all accounting operations themselves, from registering the products they wish to purchase to paying, have become widespread in supermarkets and other mass retailers. The introduction of self-checkout systems has the advantage of reducing the number of accounting staff, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0003] However, because customers register products themselves, there is a possibility that products may be overlooked, and the store's checking system is an issue. For example, it is possible to eliminate registration oversights by having employees check each product registered by self-operation against the products that customers take away after completing payment. However, for customers who purchase many items at once, checking each product one by one takes time, which raises concerns that customer service may deteriorate and lead to a decline in service. It also places a heavy burden on the employees in charge of checking, making it an inappropriate measure to prevent registration oversights. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-041354 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 product verification device that can check for missed product registrations without reducing service quality or increasing the burden on employees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the product matching device includes an acquisition means, a capture means, a matching means, and a notification means. The acquisition means acquires a list of products for which a customer has completed a self-checkout process. The capture means captures the identification codes of products selected from the group of products taken away by the customer who has completed a self-checkout process. The matching means verifies whether a product identified by the identification code captured by the capture means is included in the list acquired by the acquisition means. The notification means notifies the matching result by the matching means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the self-checkout machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of product data stored in a product file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of receipt data stored in a receipt file. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an example of a receipt issued from a self-checkout machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the verification terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram used to explain the operation of the self-checkout system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor of the verification terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor of the verification terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of an initial image displayed on the touch panel of the verification terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of a query standby image displayed on the touch panel of the verification terminal. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a display example of the first notification image displayed on the touch panel of the verification terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a display example of the second notification image displayed on the touch panel of the verification terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment illustrates a supermarket or other mass retailer that has installed a self-checkout machine, a self-service checkout machine, where customers can perform all checkout operations themselves, from registering the products they wish to purchase to paying for them. In other words, in this embodiment, a product is deemed to have been omitted from registration if it is found that a product purchased by a customer has not been registered in the self-checkout machine 10. An omitted registration may be intentional on the part of the customer, or may occur due to a customer's misunderstanding or operational error. This embodiment provides a product verification device that can easily check for such omitted registrations without reducing service quality or increasing the burden on employees.

[0009] [Explanation of the self-checkout system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a self-checkout system 100 according to this embodiment. The self-checkout system 100 includes multiple (eight in FIG. 1) self-checkout machines 10, an attendant terminal 20, and a store server 30. The self-checkout system 100 connects the multiple self-checkout machines 10, the attendant terminal 20, and the store server 30 via a communication network 40. The communication network 40 is, for example, a local area network (LAN). A communication server may be connected to the communication network 40, and the communication server and the store server 30 may be connected via a wide area network such as the Internet, so that the store server 30 functions as a cloud server that utilizes cloud computing technology.

[0010] The communication network 40 includes an access point 41. The access point 41 performs wireless data communication with the verification terminal 50. In other words, the access point 41 functions as a repeater for data communication between the verification terminal 50 and the store server 30.

[0011] The verification terminal 50 is an electronic device that has the function of verifying a list of products for which a customer has completed self-checkout operations against products selected from a group of products that the customer has taken away, and notifying the verification results. The verification terminal 50 is operated by an employee waiting at the exit (OUT) of the checkout area R. The verification terminal 50 may be a portable terminal carried by an employee, or may be a stationary terminal. The verification terminal 50 is an example of a product verification device.

[0012] The multiple self-checkout machines 10 are installed in a checkout area R that is separate from the sales floor where the store's products are displayed. The self-checkout machine 10 is operated by a customer who has finished shopping in the sales floor. A customer places the products they want to purchase in a shopping basket or the like and enters the checkout area R through the entrance (IN) from the sales floor, where they perform all checkout operations themselves, from product registration to payment, on the self-checkout machine 10. After completing the operations, the customer leaves the checkout area R through the exit (OUT). At this time, an employee uses the verification terminal 50 to check for any missed registrations.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the self-checkout machine 10. The self-checkout machine 10 comprises a main body 101, and a first product placement table 102 and a second product placement table 103, which are arranged on the left and right sides of the main body 101. The first product placement table 102, which is arranged on the right side as you face the main body 101, is a place where customers can place products before they are registered. Products before they are registered are usually placed in a shopping basket and placed on the first product placement table 102. Products before they are registered may also be placed in a shopping cart and placed above the first product placement table 102.

[0014] The second product placement table 103, located on the left side as viewed from the main body 101, is a place where customers can place registered products. After registration, the products are placed in a container placed on the second product placement table 103, such as a shopping basket, a plastic bag, or a personal bag. After registration, the products may be placed directly on the second product placement table 103. In FIG. 2, the second product placement table 103 has a temporary placement table 104 attached to its upper portion via a support pillar. The temporary placement table 104 is, for example, a table on which products can be temporarily placed before being placed in a plastic bag or the like. The temporary placement table 104 has two holding arms 105 spaced apart on the left and right. Customers can use these holding arms 105 to place an open plastic bag, personal bag, or the like on the second product placement table 103.

[0015] The main body 101 is equipped with a touch panel 11, a card reader 12, a printer 13, a scanner 14, a hand scanner 15, a cash processing machine 16, a speaker 17, a patrol lamp 18, and the like as input / output devices.

[0016] The touch panel 11 includes a display as a display device and a touch sensor as an input device. The display displays various screen information such as a payment start screen, a product registration screen, a payment method selection screen, and a checkout screen. The payment start screen is a screen that accepts the start of a transaction payment. A start key is located on the payment start screen to command the start of a transaction payment. A customer who wants to start registering a product touches the start key. When the touch sensor detects that the start key has been touched, the controller of the self-checkout machine 10 switches the display screen from the payment start screen to the product registration screen.

[0017] The product registration screen displays detailed information such as the product name, price, and total amount of registered products. A checkout key is provided on the product registration screen to instruct the customer to proceed to payment for the registered product. After registering the products, the customer touches the checkout key. When the touch sensor detects that the checkout key has been touched, the controller of the self-checkout machine 10 switches the display screen from the product registration screen to a payment method selection screen.

[0018] The payment method selection screen is a screen that accepts input of a payment method selection, such as cash payment, credit card payment, or electronic money payment. The payment method selection screen is arranged with a cash key for instructing cash payment, a credit key for instructing credit card payment, and an electronic money key for instructing electronic money payment. For example, a customer wishing to pay in cash touches the cash key. When the touch sensor detects that the cash key has been touched, the controller of the self-checkout machine 10 switches the display screen from the payment method selection screen to the checkout screen. The checkout screen displays the total amount of the transaction, the amount of cash received, the amount of change, etc.

[0019] The card reader 12 is a device that reads data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card, electronic money card, or point card. If the card medium is a magnetic card, the card reader 12 is a magnetic card reader. If the card medium is an IC card, the card reader 12 is an IC card reader. The self-checkout machine 10 may be equipped with either a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader, or both, as the card reader 12. The card reader 12 may also be a card reader / writer with a function for writing data to a card. Note that while the example in Figure 2 shows the card reader built into the main body of the self-checkout machine 10, it may also be configured to be connected to an external payment terminal.

[0020] The printer 13 is a device that prints data related to purchase receipts, credit card slips, etc. onto receipt paper. The receipt paper on which various data has been printed by the printer 13 is cut by a cutter and issued from the receipt issuing slot. The printer 13 may be implemented as, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0021] Scanner 14 and hand scanner 15 read barcodes attached to products as information identifying the products, or codes for code payment displayed on a smartphone carried by a consumer. Scanner 14 optically reads the barcode of a product held up to a reading window (glass window) so that the barcode on the product faces the scanner. Hand scanner 15 is handheld and operated by a customer, and optically reads the barcode when brought close to the barcode on the product. Scanner 14 and hand scanner 15 may be any device that reads information to identify a product, and may also read information other than barcodes, such as two-dimensional codes.

[0022] The cash processing machine 16 processes cash. The cash processing machine 16 has a banknote input port 161, a banknote discharge port 162, a coin input port 163, and a coin discharge port 164. The cash processing machine 16 processes banknotes inserted into the banknote input port 161. The cash processing machine 16 discharges banknotes as change from the banknote discharge port 162. The cash processing machine 16 accepts and processes coins inserted into the coin input port 163. The cash processing machine 16 discharges coins as change from the coin discharge port 164.

[0023] The speaker 17 outputs sounds such as a warning sound as an alert or a voice message.

[0024] The patrol lamp 18 is used to indicate the status of the self-checkout machine 10 and is attached to the tip of a vertically extending pole. The patrol lamp 18 includes a light-emitting member and a cylinder. The light-emitting member is attached inside the cylinder so that it can rotate coaxially with the cylinder. When the patrol lamp 18 is activated, it can rotate while emitting light from the light-emitting member. For example, the patrol lamp 18 illuminates the light-emitting member blue when a product is registered, and illuminates the light-emitting member red when an error occurs, thereby informing an employee in the checkout area R, known as an attendant, of the status of the self-checkout machine 10.

[0025] The attendant terminal 20 is installed at an attendant counter within the checkout area R, where an employee known as an attendant is stationed. The attendant terminal 20 is equipped with a display device and is used by the attendant to monitor inputs to each self-checkout machine 10. Specifically, the attendant terminal 20 displays information being processed by each self-checkout machine 10 in real time on the display device. The information displayed on the display device includes product sales data for transactions settled at the self-checkout machine 10, such as product name, price, and quantity. The display device also displays the total transaction amount (payment amount), the payment amount by payment method, and other information. Note that while FIG. 1 shows only one attendant terminal 20, two or more attendant terminals 20 may be connected to the communication network 40 to share the monitoring of the status of multiple self-checkout machines 10.

[0026] The store server 30 is a computer that manages information such as store sales and inventory at the time of product sales by collecting and aggregating transaction data from each self-checkout machine 10 via the communication network 40. A self-checkout system 100 equipped with such a store server 30 and multiple self-checkout machines 10 can be referred to as a self-POS (Point Of Sales) system.

[0027] The store server 30 has a product file 31 and a receipt file 32. The store server 30 may use a built-in storage device as the storage area for the product file 31 and receipt file 32, or an external storage device as the storage area for the product file 31 and receipt file 32. Alternatively, the built-in storage device may be used as the storage area for one of the files (product file 31 or receipt file 32) and the external storage device may be used as the storage area for the other file (receipt file 32 or product file 31).

[0028] The product file 31 is a collection of product data 311 (see Figure 3) created for each product. An example of the main data items that make up the product data 311 is shown in Figure 3. As shown in the figure, the product data includes data items such as product code, product name, price, tax status, and registration failure counter N.

[0029] A product code is a unique code assigned to each product to identify it individually. Generally, each product is affixed with a barcode indicating the product code assigned to that product. A barcode is a machine-readable code that can be read by a scanner 14 or a hand scanner 15. A two-dimensional code can also be used instead of a barcode.

[0030] The product name is the item name of the product identified by the product code, the price is the price per item, i.e., the unit price, and the tax status is the type of consumption tax levied on the consumption (purchase) of the product. There are three types of tax: inclusive tax, where the price includes the consumption tax amount; exclusive tax, where the price does not include the consumption tax amount; and tax-exempt, where no consumption tax is levied. A tax status indicating inclusive tax is set in the product data 311 of products subject to inclusive tax. A tax status indicating exclusive tax is set in the product data 311 of products subject to exclusive tax. A tax status indicating exemption is set in the product data 311 of products subject to exempt tax.

[0031] The registration omission counter N counts the number of times that registration omission is detected by checking using the verification terminal 50. That is, the registration omission counter N counts up by "1" each time a registration omission of a product identified by the product code in the product data 311 is detected.

[0032] The receipt file 32 is a collection of receipt data 321 (see Figure 4) consisting of information about receipts issued by each self-checkout machine 10. An example of the main data items that make up the receipt data 321 is shown in Figure 4. As shown in the figure, the receipt data 321 includes data items such as the receipt number, transaction date and time, checkout machine number, transaction serial number, one or more purchased item data, total quantity, total amount, payment classification, payment data, and registration failure flag F.

[0033] The receipt number is a unique number generated for each receipt issued by each self-checkout machine 10. Specifically, the receipt number is a 16-digit number generated by sequentially combining an 8-digit transaction date, a 4-digit checkout machine number, and a 4-digit transaction sequence number.

[0034] The transaction date and time is the date and time the receipt was issued. Specifically, the transaction date and time consists of a four-digit number YYYY representing the year, a two-digit number MM representing the month, a two-digit number DD representing the date, and a four-digit number hhmm representing the time (hours and minutes). In other words, the transaction date and time is a 12-digit number: YYYYMMDDhhmm.

[0035] The accounting machine number is a four-digit number KKKK that identifies the self-checkout machine 10 that issued the receipt. All self-checkout machines 10 installed in the accounting area R are set to have unique four-digit accounting machine numbers KKKK.

[0036] The transaction sequence number is a four-digit consecutive number (sequence number) NNNN that is incremented by one each time a receipt is issued on the same day from a self-checkout machine 10 identified by the machine number. Therefore, the transaction sequence number NNNN of a receipt issued on the same day from one self-checkout machine 10 will always be a new number. However, most of the transaction sequence numbers NNNN of receipts issued on the same day from other self-checkout machines 10 will overlap. However, the machine number KKKK of each self-checkout machine 10 is different for each machine 10. As a result, the 16-digit receipt number generated from the transaction date YYYYMMDD, machine number KKKK, and transaction sequence number NNNN is a unique number that does not overlap with other receipt numbers.

[0037] Purchased product data is data on products registered in the self-checkout machine 10. Purchased product data includes product code, product name, price, tax status, tax amount, sales quantity, and sales amount. The tax amount is the amount of consumption tax included in the price if the tax type specified by the tax status is tax-inclusive, and is the amount of consumption tax calculated from the price and the consumption tax rate if the tax type is tax-exclusive. If the tax type specified by the tax status is tax-exempt, the tax amount is 0 yen. The sales quantity is the quantity of the same product registered as one transaction. The sales amount is the amount calculated by multiplying the price by the sales quantity.

[0038] The total quantity is the sum of the sales quantities of each purchased item data. The total amount is the sum of the sales price of each purchased item and the amount excluding tax. The payment category is information that specifies the payment method for the total amount. Payment methods include cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, etc. The payment category is pre-set information for identifying these payment methods. The payment data is payment data for the payment method identified by the payment category. For example, if the payment category indicates cash payment, the payment data consists of the cash deposit amount and the change amount. If the payment category indicates credit card payment, the payment data consists of the credit card payment amount and the payment method (lump sum, installment payment, bonus payment, etc.). If the payment category indicates electronic money payment, the payment data consists of the electronic money payment amount.

[0039] The registration omission flag F is one-bit data used to identify whether or not a product was not registered in a transaction settled at the self-checkout machine 10 that issued the receipt in the receipt data 321. In this embodiment, the registration omission flag F is set to "0" to indicate that no registration omission occurred, and the registration omission flag F is set to "1" to indicate that a registration omission occurred.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of a receipt 60 issued by the self-checkout machine 10. As shown in the figure, transaction detail data 61 is printed on the receipt 60, including the purchased product data's product name, sales quantity, sales price, total number of items, total price, payment category, and payment data (payment amount). Also printed on the receipt 60 are the transaction date and time 62, the checkout machine number (register number) 63, a transaction serial number 64, and a receipt number 65. Furthermore, a barcode 66 is printed on the receipt 60 as a machine-readable code indicating the receipt number. The machine-readable code indicating the receipt number may be a two-dimensional code.

[0041] [Verification terminal configuration explanation] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the verification terminal 50. The verification terminal 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a clock 54, a wireless unit 55, a touch panel 56, a scanner 57, a speaker 58, and a system transmission path 59. The system transmission path 59 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 59 connects the processor 51 to each of the other components and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0042] The verification terminal 50 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a clock 54, and a wireless unit 55 via a system transmission path 59. Input / output devices such as a touch panel 56, a scanner 57, and a speaker 58 are connected to the system transmission path 59 and controlled by a computer, thereby realizing the functions of the verification terminal 50. Note that the input / output devices connected to the system transmission path 59 are not limited to those mentioned above. For example, other input / output devices such as a keyboard and a camera may also be connected.

[0043] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 51 controls each part to realize various functions of the verification terminal 50 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 is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The wireless unit 55 is an interface that performs wireless communication using a predetermined wireless communication method with the access point 41. The verification terminal 50 can transmit data to the store server 30 and receive data from the store server 30 via the wireless unit 55.

[0048] The touch panel 56 includes a display that functions as a display device for the verification terminal 50 and a touch sensor that functions as an input device. The touch panel 56 displays various information on the display for the operator of the verification terminal 50. The touch panel 56 detects touch operations on the display screen with the touch sensor and accepts input according to the touch position.

[0049] The scanner 57 is an input device for optically reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 57 is used to read the receipt number barcode 66 printed on the receipt 60 or the product code barcode attached to the product.

[0050] The speaker 58 outputs sounds such as a warning sound as an alert or a voice message.

[0051] In the verification terminal 50 having such a configuration, the processor 51 has the functions of an input means 511 , an acquisition means 512 , a display means 513 , a capture means 514 , a verification means 515 and a notification means 516 .

[0052] The input means 511 has a function for inputting receipt-specific information displayed on a receipt 60 issued by a customer's self-service operation of the self-checkout machine 10. The receipt-specific information is a receipt number 65. The input means 511 inputs the receipt number 65 obtained by analyzing a barcode 66 displayed on the receipt 60 when the barcode 66 is scanned by the scanner 57, as the receipt-specific information. Alternatively, the input means 511 inputs the receipt number 65 as the receipt-specific information when the receipt number 65 is entered by operating the numeric software keys displayed on the touch panel 56.

[0053] The acquisition means 512 has a function for acquiring a list of items for which a customer has completed a transaction by self-operation. The list of items for which a transaction has been completed is created from receipt data 321 saved in the receipt file 32. Specifically, the list of items for which a transaction has been completed is created by extracting and listing the product codes, product names, etc. of all purchased product data included in the receipt data 321. The acquisition means 512 receives receipt identification information input via the input means 511, that is, receipt data 321 identified by the receipt number 65, from the store server 30. The acquisition means 512 then acquires the list of items for which a transaction has been completed from the receipt data 321. Note that the acquisition means 512 may acquire the list from the store server 30 by configuring the store server 30 to create a list of items for which a transaction has been completed based on the receipt data 321 and send it to the verification terminal 50.

[0054] The display means 513 has a function of displaying a list of products acquired by the acquisition means 512. The display means 513 displays the names of the acquired products in list format on the touch panel 56. The display means 513 may display the names of the acquired products on the touch panel 56 together with the sales quantity or sales price, etc.

[0055] The capture means 514 has a function of capturing the identification code of a product selected from the group of products taken away by a customer who has completed the checkout process by self-operation. The product identification code is a product code. The product code is attached to the product in the form of a barcode. The product is selected by an employee. The employee selects a product from the group of products taken away by the customer who has completed the checkout process, and scans the barcode of that product with the scanner 57 of the verification terminal 50. The capture means 514 analyzes the barcode scanned by the scanner 57, and captures the product code represented by the barcode as the identification code of the selected product.

[0056] The matching means 515 has a function of matching whether a product identified by the identification code imported by the importing means 514 is included in the list acquired by the acquiring means 512. The list acquired by the acquiring means 512 is a list of products based on the purchased product data in the receipt data 321. The matching means 515 searches the receipt data 321 for purchased product data including the identification code imported by the importing means 514, i.e., the product code. If the corresponding purchased product data is present in the receipt data 321, the matching means 515 determines that the selected product is included in the list. If the corresponding purchased product data is not present in the receipt data 321, the matching means 515 determines that the selected product is not included in the list.

[0057] The notification means 516 has a function of notifying the result of the matching by the matching means 515. For example, the notification means 516 notifies by displaying information indicating the result of the matching by the matching means 515 on the touch panel 56. Specifically, if a product identified by the product code imported by the import means 514 is included in the list, the notification means 516 notifies the result of the matching by displaying the product identified by the product code in the list displayed on the touch panel 56 so that the product can be distinguished from other products. If the product identified by the product code imported by the import means 514 is not included in the list, the notification means 516 notifies the result of the matching by adding the product code to the list displayed on the touch panel 56.

[0058] The functions of the input means 511, acquisition means 512, display means 513, import means 514, verification means 515, and notification means 516 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 verification program. The verification program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 52 or the auxiliary storage device 53. The method for installing the verification program in the main memory 52 or the auxiliary storage device 53 is not particularly limited. The verification 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.

[0059] [Explanation of the operation of the self-checkout system and verification terminal] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the self-checkout system 100 and the verification terminal 50 configured as described above. First, the operation of the self-checkout system 100 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0060] After finishing shopping in the sales area, a customer places the items they wish to purchase in a shopping basket or the like and enters the checkout area R through the entrance (IN). The customer then begins self-operation at an available self-checkout machine 10. First, the customer touches the start key on the touch panel 11 of the self-checkout machine 10, which displays a payment start screen. When the start key is touched, the screen on the touch panel 11 transitions from the payment start screen to a product registration screen, and the customer then has the scanner 14 read the barcode of the product they wish to purchase.

[0061] As shown in ACT11 of Figure 7, when the self-checkout machine 10 scans a product barcode with the scanner 14, it sends a product inquiry command COa containing the product code obtained by analyzing the barcode to the store server 30. As shown in ACT21, the store server 30 searches the product file 31 to obtain product data 311 containing the product code in the product inquiry command COa, and sends this to the self-checkout machine 10. As shown in ACT12, the self-checkout machine 10 registers the product based on the product data 311 and generates purchased product data.

[0062] Each time a customer has the scanner 14 read the barcode of each product, the self-checkout machine 10 repeats the operations in ACT11 and ACT12, and the store server 30 repeats the operation in ACT21. Some products, such as perishable foods sold individually, do not have barcodes. For products without barcodes, the customer selects the product to purchase from a list of products without barcodes displayed on the touch panel 11. By doing so, the product code of the product to be purchased is entered into the self-checkout machine 10, causing the self-checkout machine 10 to perform the operations in ACT11 and ACT12, and the store server 30 to perform the operation in ACT21. In this way, the self-checkout machine 10 registers the product to be purchased by the customer, and generates purchased product data related to that product.

[0063] After registering the product, the customer touches the checkout key. When the checkout key is touched, the screen on the touch panel 11 changes from the product registration screen to a payment method selection screen, and the customer selects the desired payment method. The customer then pays the price at the self-checkout machine 10 according to the selected payment method.

[0064] Once the payment method is selected, the self-checkout machine 10 settles the transaction with the customer, as shown in ACT 13. For example, if cash payment is selected, the self-checkout machine 10 settles the transaction using the cash inserted into the cash processing machine 16. If credit card payment is selected, the self-checkout machine 10 settles the transaction using the credit card data read by the card reader 12. If electronic money payment is selected, the self-checkout machine 10 settles the transaction using the electronic money data read by the scanner 14 or the card reader 12. These settlement processes are all well known, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0065] When the self-checkout machine 10 completes the payment process, it generates receipt data 321 as shown in ACT 14 and issues a receipt 60 based on the receipt data 321 from the printer 13. The receipt data 321 includes a receipt number created from the transaction date and time, the accounting machine number, and the transaction serial number. A barcode 66 of the receipt number is printed on the receipt 60. The self-checkout machine 10 sends the receipt data 321 to the store server 30. The store server 30 saves the receipt data 321 in the receipt file 32 as shown in ACT 22.

[0066] In this way, in the self-checkout system 100, when a customer performs the accounting operations from registering the items to be purchased to paying for them at each self-checkout machine 10, the receipt data 321 of the receipt 60 issued to that customer is saved in the receipt file 32.

[0067] Now, after completing the payment, the customer heads to the exit (OUT). At the exit (OUT), an employee is waiting to perform verification work using the verification terminal 50, and the employee asks the customer to present the receipt 60. The employee then has the scanner 57 of the verification terminal 50 read the barcode 66 printed on the receipt 60 that the customer presents.

[0068] Here, the detailed operation of the verification terminal 50 will be explained using the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the screen examples of FIGS. 10 to 13. 8 and 9 are flow charts showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 in accordance with the verification program. FIGS. 10 to 13 are examples of main images displayed on the touch panel 56 of the verification terminal 50. The information processing procedures shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are examples. The procedures can be changed as appropriate as long as similar effects can be obtained. The images shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 are also examples. The displayed content or layout can be changed as appropriate as long as similar effects can be obtained.

[0069] When the verification program is started, the processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 9. First, in ACT31, the processor 51 sets the screen of the touch panel 56 to the initial image SCa (see Figure 10).

[0070] FIG. 10 is an example of the display of the initial image SCa. As shown in the figure, the initial image SCa has the title "Random Check" and the date "2024 / 01 / 16" on the clock 54 at the top of the screen, and an end button BTa and a scan button BTb at the bottom of the screen. The end button BTa and scan button BTb are software keys. The end button BTa is an operator that accepts an instruction to end the verification process. The scan button BTb is an operator that accepts an instruction to scan the barcode. The employee touches the scan button BTb on the initial image SCa and then has the scanner 57 read the barcode 66 on the receipt 60 presented by the customer.

[0071] The initial image SCa has a receipt number display field ARa and a query result display field ARb in the center of the screen. The initial image SCa also has a display section for the accounting machine number near display field ARa, and a display section for the query date and time, total quantity, and number of confirmed receipts near display field ARb. In the initial image SCa, display fields ARa and ARb are blank. The accounting machine number and query date and time are not displayed, and the total quantity is "0." The number of confirmed receipts is initially "0" and increases by "1" thereafter.

[0072] The processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 that has displayed the initial image SCa proceeds to ACT 32. In ACT 32, the processor 51 waits for the scan button BTb to be pressed. When the scan button BTb is pressed by the employee's touch operation, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 33. In ACT 33, the processor 51 reads the barcode with the scanner 57. In ACT 34, the processor 51 checks whether the barcode read by the scanner 57 is the receipt number barcode 66 printed on the receipt 60. For example, if the type data of the read barcode does not indicate the receipt number barcode 66, the processor 51 returns to ACT 32. The processor 51 waits for the next barcode to be read.

[0073] If the type data of the read barcode indicates the receipt number barcode 66, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 35. In ACT 35, the processor 51 controls the wireless unit 55 to send a receipt inquiry command COb to the store server 30. This control causes the receipt inquiry command COb to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless unit 55. As shown in FIG. 7, the receipt inquiry command COb is received by the access point 41 and transmitted to the store server 30 via the communications network 40. The receipt inquiry command COb includes the receipt number obtained by analyzing the barcode 66 read by the scanner 57.

[0074] Upon receiving the receipt inquiry command COb, the store server 30 searches the receipt file 32 and obtains receipt data 321 including the receipt number of the receipt inquiry command COb, as shown in ACT23 in Figure 7. The store server 30 then sends this receipt data 321 to the verification terminal 50. The receipt data 321 sent from the store server 30 is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 41 and received by the wireless unit 55 of the verification terminal 50, as shown in Figure 7.

[0075] The processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 that sent the receipt inquiry command COb proceeds to ACT36. In ACT36, the processor 51 waits to receive receipt data 321. If the receipt data 321 is not received within a predetermined time in this standby state, the processor 51 determines that an error has occurred. The processor 51 displays guidance on the touch panel 56 to notify the operator that the receipt data could not be obtained. For example, an error can occur if an abnormality occurs in the wireless communication with the access point 41.

[0076] If the receipt data 321 is received within a predetermined time after sending the receipt inquiry command COb, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 37. The processor 51 stores the receipt data 321 in ACT 37. The receipt data 321 is stored in the volatile memory area of the main memory 52. The receipt data 321 may also be stored in the auxiliary storage device 53.

[0077] After storing the receipt data 321, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 38. In ACT 38, the processor 51 increments the counter for the number of receipt confirmations by "1." The counter is reset to "0" when the verification program is started. After that, the counter is incremented by "1" each time the barcode 66 on the receipt 60 is scanned, a receipt inquiry command COb is sent to the store server 330, and receipt data 321 is received from the store server 330 in response.

[0078] After incrementing the counter for the number of receipt confirmations by "1", the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 39. The processor 51 switches the screen of the touch panel 56 from the initial image SCa to the inquiry standby image SCb (see FIG. 11).

[0079] FIG. 11 shows an example of the display of the inquiry standby image SCb. The inquiry standby image SCb shares the same display item layout as the initial image SCa. The inquiry standby image SCb displays the receipt number of the receipt data 321 received from the store server 30 in the display field ARa. The inquiry standby image SCb also displays a product list ARc created from the purchased product data of the receipt data 321 below the display field ARb. The product list ARc lists the product names, sales quantities, and sales prices of all purchased product data. Due to screen size limitations, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the product list ARc displays the product names, sales quantities, and sales prices of up to four items. The sales price may be either the tax-inclusive amount or the unit price excluding tax. The information displayed in the product list ARc can be changed as needed by changing the settings. The remaining items can be displayed by scrolling the list up or down. The inquiry standby image SCb also displays the checkout machine number and total quantity of the receipt data 321. The inquiry standby image SCb also displays the date and time (inquiry date and time) of the clock 54 at the time the barcode 66 is scanned by the scanner 57, and the number of receipt confirmations counted by the counter.

[0080] Here, the processor 51 functions as an input means 511 by executing the processes of ACT32 to ACT34 in cooperation with the scanner 57, functions as an acquisition means 512 by executing the processes of ACT35 to ACT37, and functions as a display means 513 by executing the processes of ACT39 in cooperation with the touch panel 56.

[0081] The employee checks the inquiry standby image SCb, selects an appropriate product from the products the customer is taking away, and then touches the scan button BTb on the inquiry standby image SCb, after which the barcode of the selected product is read by the scanner 57.

[0082] Here, which products to select and how many to select are at the discretion of the employee. Preferably, the employee selects products that are likely to be overlooked. For example, if statistical results show that heavy products, such as a case of six 2-liter bottles of drinking water, are likely to be overlooked because they are placed at the bottom of shopping carts, the employee will actively select heavy products. For example, if statistical results show that expensive products are likely to be overlooked because of customer fraud, the employee will actively select expensive products.

[0083] On the other hand, it is preferable to select a small number of products from the viewpoint of not making customers wait while the check for missed registrations is being performed. However, if the total quantity is large, the possibility of missed registrations increases. Therefore, as an example, if the total quantity is 10 or less, one item is selected, if it is 11 to 20, two items are selected, and if it is 21 or more, three items are selected. In this way, it is desirable to determine the number of selected products in proportion to the total quantity. The total quantity is displayed in the inquiry standby image SCb.

[0084] The processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 that has displayed the inquiry standby image SCb proceeds to ACT40. The processor 51 sets the non-registration flag F to "0" in ACT40. The processor 51 then proceeds to ACT41 in FIG. 9. The processor 51 checks whether the end button BTa has been pressed in ACT41. If the end button BTa has not been pressed, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT42. The processor 51 checks whether the scan button BTb has been pressed in ACT42. If the scan button BTb has not been pressed, the processor 51 returns to ACT41. In this way, the processor 51 waits in ACT41 and ACT42 for the end button BTa or the scan button BTb to be pressed.

[0085] When the scan button BTb is pressed while the processor 51 is in the standby state of ACT41 and ACT42, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT43. In ACT43, the processor 51 reads a barcode with the scanner 57. In ACT44, the processor 51 checks whether the barcode read by the scanner 57 is the barcode of the product code attached to the product. For example, if the type data of the read barcode does not indicate a product code barcode, the processor 51 returns to ACT41. Before returning to the processing of ACT41, the processor 51 may display a notification image on the inquiry standby image SCb informing the employee that the type data of the read barcode does not indicate a product code barcode, and return to ACT41 when it receives input from the employee indicating that it has confirmed the notification image. The processor 51 waits for the end button BTa or the scan button BTb to be pressed.

[0086] In ACT 44, if the type data of the barcode read by the scanner 57 indicates a barcode of a product code, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 45. The processor 51 executes a matching process in ACT 45. That is, the processor 51 matches the product code indicated by the barcode read in the process of ACT 43 with the product code included in the purchased product data of the receipt data 321 stored in the process of ACT 37. The processor 51 then determines whether or not purchased product data including a product code that matches the product code of the barcode read in ACT 46 exists in the receipt data 321.

[0087] If it is determined in ACT 46 that the image exists, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 47. In ACT 47, the processor 51 switches the screen of the touch panel 56 from the inquiry standby image SCb to the first notification image SCc (see FIG. 12). At this time, an alert sound or voice may be emitted from the speaker 58 to notify the employee that the registration has not been omitted.

[0088] FIG. 12 shows an example of the first notification image SCc. The first notification image SCc is an image used to notify the employee that the purchase data for the selected item exists in the receipt data 321 and has not been overlooked. The first notification image SCc shares the same display item layout as the inquiry standby image SCb. Furthermore, the information on the accounting machine number, receipt number, inquiry date and time, total quantity, and number of receipt confirmations remains unchanged from the inquiry standby image SCb. However, the end button BTa has changed to a back button BDd.

[0089] The first notification image SCc displays the product name of the product identified by the barcode read by the scanner 57, i.e., the product selected by the employee, in the query result display field ARb. The data in the product list ARc is sorted so that the product name, sales quantity, and sales price of the product selected by the employee are displayed in one line of the product list ARc. The background color of that line is made different from the background colors of the other lines, making it possible to distinguish the product selected by the employee from other products. Instead of using different background colors, the product name may be made distinguishable by, for example, blinking. Incidentally, in FIG. 12, because product EEE, registered next to product DDD, was selected, the product data in the product list ARc is scrolled upward by one item from the state in FIG. 11, and information about product EEE is displayed on the fourth line.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined in ACT 46 that the receipt data 321 does not contain purchased product data containing a product code that matches the product code of the read barcode, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 48. In ACT 48, the processor 51 sets the registration failure flag F to "1." In ACT 49, the processor 51 stores the product code obtained by analyzing the barcode read by the scanner 57. The product code is stored in the volatile memory area of the main memory 52. The product code may also be stored in the auxiliary storage device 53. In ACT 50, the processor 51 switches the screen of the touch panel 56 from the inquiry standby image SCb to the second notification image SCd (see FIG. 13). At this time, an alert sound or voice may be emitted from the speaker 58 to notify the employee that the product has not been registered.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a display example of the second notification image SCd. The second notification image SCd is an image used to notify the employee that the purchase product data for the selected product does not exist in the receipt data 321 and has therefore been omitted from registration. The second notification image SCd shares the same display item layout as the inquiry standby image SCb. Furthermore, the information on the accounting machine number, receipt number, inquiry date and time, total quantity, and number of receipt confirmations remains unchanged from the inquiry standby image SCb. However, the exit button BTa has changed to a back button BDd.

[0092] The second notification image SCd displays text such as "Not Found" in the inquiry result display field ARb, which shows the inquiry results, to indicate that the product is an unregistered product. The product code obtained from the barcode read by the scanner 57 is displayed in the product name field of one of the product lists ARc rows. The sales quantity and sales price are both set to "0." The background color of this row is made different from the background colors of the other rows, making it possible to distinguish the information on the unregistered product code from the information on other products. Instead of using different background colors, the product code may be made distinguishable by, for example, blinking. Incidentally, FIG. 13 shows an example in which the product code of the unregistered product is displayed before the product AAA registered as the first item. Displaying the unregistered product code in the first row of the product list ARc in this way makes it easier for employees to see the unregistered product code.

[0093] Here, the processor 51 functions as an acquisition means 514 by executing the processes of ACT42 to ACT44 in cooperation with the scanner 57, functions as a matching means 515 by executing the processes of ACT45 and ACT46, and functions as an alarm means 516 by executing the processes of ACT47 and ACT50 in cooperation with the touch panel 56.

[0094] The processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 that has displayed the first annunciation image SCc or the second annunciation image SCd proceeds to ACT51. The processor 51 checks whether the scan button BTb has been pressed in ACT51. If the scan button BTb has not been pressed, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT52. The processor 51 checks whether the back button BTc has been pressed in ACT52. If the back button BTc has not been pressed, the processor 51 returns to ACT51. In this way, the processor 51 waits for the scan button BTb or the back button BTc to be pressed in ACT51 and ACT52.

[0095] When the scan button BTb is pressed in the standby state of ACT51 and ACT52, the processor 51 returns to ACT43. The processor 51 executes the processes from ACT43 onwards in the same manner as described above. That is, as shown in Fig. 7, in response to scanning of the product code (ACT44), the processor 51 executes a matching process (ACT45) and displays a first alert image SCc or a second alert image SCd to notify the matching result (ACT47, 50).

[0096] If the back button BTc is pressed in the standby state of ACT51 and ACT52, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT53. In ACT53, the processor 51 returns the screen of the touch panel 56 from the first annunciation image SCc or the second annunciation image SCd to the inquiry standby image SCb. Then, the processor 51 returns to ACT41. That is, the processor 51 waits for the end button BTa or the scan button BTb to be pressed.

[0097] When the end button BTa is pressed while in the standby state of ACT41 and ACT42, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT55. In ACT55, the processor 51 controls the wireless unit 55 to send a result notification command COc to the store server 30. This control causes the wireless unit 55 to wirelessly transmit the result notification command COc. As shown in FIG. 7, the result notification command COc is received by the access point 41 and transmitted to the store server 30 via the communication network 40. The result notification command COc contains data indicating the result of the matching process. Specifically, if the registration omission flag F is "0", that is, if it is determined that no registration omission has occurred, the receipt number of the receipt data 321 and the registration omission flag F are included in the result notification command COc. If the registration omission flag F is "1", that is, if it is determined that a registration omission has occurred, the receipt number of the receipt data 321, the product code stored in the processing of ACT49, and the registration omission flag F are included in the result notification command COc.

[0098] After sending the result notification command COc, the processor 51 returns to ACT31 in Fig. 8. That is, the processor 51 returns the screen of the touch panel 56 to the initial image SCa. At this time, the number of receipt confirmations in the initial image SCa becomes the counter value incremented in the processing of ACT38.

[0099] By installing a verification terminal 50 that operates as described above in a supermarket or other facility where a self-checkout machine 10 is installed, it is possible to check for missed registrations by customers who have completed their checkout. This check method does not take much time, as it simply involves selecting one or two items from the group of items the customer is taking away and scanning their barcodes. It also does not place a burden on employees. Therefore, it is possible to easily check for missed registrations without reducing service quality or increasing the burden on employees. As a result, it is possible to provide a sufficient deterrent against fraud, such as someone pretending to register items at the self-checkout machine 10 and then taking them.

[0100] Upon receiving the result notification command COc, the store server 30 executes an update process for the receipt file 32, as shown in FIG. 7. That is, the store server 30 obtains the receipt data 321 for the receipt number included in the result notification command COc from the receipt file 32, and updates the registration omission flag F in that receipt file 32 to the value of the registration omission flag F included in the result notification command COc. This makes it possible to distinguish the receipt data 321 saved in the receipt file 32 into receipt data 321 that has been omitted from registration and receipt data that has not been omitted from registration. As a result, it is possible to analyze the time periods when registration omissions are likely to occur and which self-checkout machines 10 are most likely to have registration omissions.

[0101] Furthermore, if the result notification command COc contains a product code, the store server 30 acquires the product data 311 of the product code from the product file 31 and increments the registration omission counter N of the product data 311 by "1." As a result, it is possible to extract products that are likely to be omitted from registration.

[0102] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the processor 51 of the verification terminal 50 implements the function of the verification means 515. In another embodiment, the store server 30 may implement the function of the verification means 515 by verifying the receipt data 321 in the receipt file 32 with the product code read by the scanner 57 of the verification terminal 50. In this case, the product verification device is configured as a system consisting of the verification terminal 50 and the store server 30.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 512 acquires a list of products for which the transaction was completed by self-operation based on the receipt data 321. In another embodiment, the list of products may be acquired by applying character recognition technology to an image of the receipt 60 captured by a camera.

[0104] The receipt number 65, which is receipt-specific information, does not have to be a 16-digit number combining an 8-digit transaction date and time, a 4-digit accounting machine number, and a 4-digit transaction serial number. Essentially, any information that can identify each receipt 60 is sufficient. Furthermore, the receipt 60 is not limited to a paper receipt. For example, it could be an electronic receipt displayed on a smartphone held by a customer who has completed a self-service transaction. In this case, it goes without saying that a barcode 66 of the receipt number 65 is displayed as part of the electronic receipt. Specifically, for example, an image of the receipt shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the screen of the customer's smartphone. The store clerk performs product verification processing using the verification terminal 50 in the above-described embodiment. The verification terminal 50 can check for any missing product registrations by executing the processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0105] The self-checkout machine 10 is not limited to those with both registration and payment functions. For example, it may be a self-checkout terminal dedicated to checkouts that does not have a registration function but only has a payment function. In this case, customers register the products they wish to purchase by themselves using a smartphone or a cart terminal installed in a shopping cart. Even in cases where customers use a smartphone to self-register and pay for products, electronic receipts can be used, and customer flow can be determined to ensure that customers exit the checkout area R after completing their checkout, allowing for the checking of missed registrations.

[0106] 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]

[0107] 10...self-checkout machine, 20...attendant terminal, 30...store server, 31...product file, 32...receipt file, 40...communication network, 41...access point, 50...verification terminal, 60...receipt, 100...self-checkout system, 511...input means, 512...acquisition means, 513...display means, 514...capture means, 515...verification means, 516...alert means.

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring a list of products for which the customer has completed self-checkout; a receiving means for receiving an identification code of a product selected from a group of products taken away by a customer who has completed the checkout process by self-operation; a comparison means for comparing whether the product identified by the identification code acquired by the acquisition means is included in the list acquired by the acquisition means; a notification means for notifying a result of the matching by the matching means; A product matching device comprising:

2. an input means for inputting receipt-specific information displayed on the receipt issued by the self-service operation; Furthermore, The product collation device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires a list of products listed on a receipt identified by the receipt-specific information input via the input unit.

3. a display means for displaying a list of the products acquired by the acquisition means; Further comprising:

2. The product collation device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the collation result by displaying the list together with the result of the collation by the collation means.

4. 4. The product matching device according to claim 3, wherein, when a product identified by the identification code is included in the list, the notification means notifies the matching result by displaying the product identified by the identification code in the list displayed by the display means so as to be distinguishable from other products.

5. 4. The product matching device according to claim 3, wherein, when the product identified by the identification code is not included in the list, the notification means notifies the matching result by adding the identification code to the list displayed by the display means.

6. The computer of the product matching device an acquisition means for acquiring a list of products for which the customer has completed self-checkout; an acquisition means for acquiring an identification code of a product selected from the group of products taken away by a customer who has completed the checkout process by self-operation; a verification means for verifying whether the product identified by the identification code acquired by the acquisition means is included in the list acquired by the acquisition means; and a notification means for notifying a result of the matching by the matching means; A program to function as a

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