Information processing device, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program that guide users to available transaction processing devices among a plurality of transaction processing devices.SOLUTION: In an information processing system in which a guide terminal and a plurality of POS terminals are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network, a guide terminal 1, which is an information processing device, includes: a status processing unit 102 that sets a status of each of a plurality of transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices and a result of presence or absence of a user at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; and a guidance processing unit 103 that performs processing to guide users to available transaction processing devices among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in an effort to reduce labor costs, the introduction of self-checkout registers, where customers can do everything from registering items to paying, has been increasing. Some mass retailers, such as supermarkets, have concentrated all of their self-checkout registers in one area to create a checkout area. In the checkout area, customers must search for an available self-checkout register themselves from among multiple self-checkout registers. Therefore, during busy times, such as peak times, customers spend a lot of time searching for an available self-checkout register. This reduces the efficiency of checkout turnover in the store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-173751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables guidance to an available transaction processing device among a plurality of transaction processing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes a status processor and a guidance processor. The status processor sets a status for each of the transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the transaction processing devices and a user presence / absence result at each of the transaction processing devices. The guidance processor processes the transaction processing devices to guide users to available transaction processing devices based on the status at each of the transaction processing devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a guide terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of status data stored in the auxiliary storage device of the guide terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the processing circuit of the guide terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen displayed on a display device of the guidance terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an input information selection screen displayed on a display device of the guidance terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a language selection screen displayed on a display device of the guidance terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a pay bag purchase necessity selection screen displayed on a display device of the guidance terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a number input screen displayed on a display device of the guidance terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a server according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0008] [First embodiment] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system SA. The information processing system SA is a system that communicates between multiple devices and supports transactions in a store. For example, a store may be, but is not limited to, a supermarket or other mass retailer. A transaction is the transfer of payment from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the purchase of a product. Products include not only objects but also non-tangible objects such as services or tickets. Unless otherwise specified, the term "transaction" refers to the same transaction. A customer includes a user.

[0009] The information processing system SA includes one guide terminal 1 and multiple POS (Point of Sales) terminals 2. The guide terminal 1 and multiple POS terminals 2 are installed in a store. The guide terminal 1 and multiple POS terminals 2 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW is a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0010] The guide terminal 1 is a device for guiding a customer to an available POS terminal 2 among multiple POS terminals 2. The guide terminal 1 may be a device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer), or may be a dedicated device. The guide terminal 1 is an example of an information processing device.

[0011] The POS terminal 2 is a device that processes transactions in a store. Here, the POS terminal 2 is assumed to have product registration and accounting functions, and to be a POS terminal that allows customers to register products and make payments without the intervention of a store clerk. The POS terminal 2 is an example of a transaction processing device.

[0012] Product registration is the registration of the product to be traded before the transaction is paid for. Registered products are also called registered products. Payment is payment for a transaction. Payment includes the meaning of settlement. Payment methods for transaction payment include offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is payment in which the POS terminal 2 does not require connection with other devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, offline payment is payment using cash and gift certificates. Gift certificates are certificates that are circulated in a form similar to cash currency. Examples of gift certificates include, but are not limited to, gift certificates, gift certificates, shareholder coupons, and coupons. Online payment is payment in which the POS terminal 2 connects with other devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, online payment is payment using credit card, electronic money, debit card, and code payment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an application example of the information processing system SA. Here, it is assumed that six POS terminals 2 are installed as the multiple POS terminals 2 in the checkout area A of the store. Each of the numbers No. 1 to No. 6 is terminal identification information assigned to the POS terminal 2 and capable of uniquely identifying the POS terminal 2. Each of the six customers CA uses one of the six POS terminals 2.

[0014] An information terminal 1 is installed at the entrance of the checkout area A. If there is no available POS terminal 2 among the six POS terminals 2, one or more customers CB wait in line near the information terminal 1 for one of the POS terminals 2 to become available.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the guide terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The information terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, a communication interface 13, an input device 14, and a display device 15. In Fig. 3, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0016] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the guidance terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the guidance terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit is, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor is, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 10 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute processes by each unit described below. The processing circuit 10 executes the program loaded into the main memory 11, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0017] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the information terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 is an example of a storage unit of the information terminal 1.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the guidance terminal 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices may be, but are not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 to perform various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of a storage portion of the guidance terminal 1.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a status data storage area 121. The status data storage area 121 stores status data for each of the multiple POS terminals 2. The status data is data relating to the status of the POS terminal 2. The status of the POS terminal 2 is the usage status of the POS terminal 2. The usage status is either in use or free.

[0020] In use is a situation in which a customer is using the POS terminal 2. The expression "in use" implies that the POS terminal 2 cannot be used by customers waiting for any POS terminal 2 to become free, or that the POS terminal 2 is not free. A POS terminal 2 with a status of in use is a POS terminal 2 that is not available or is not free, and cannot be used by customers waiting for any POS terminal 2 to become free. When the status of a POS terminal 2 is in use, customers waiting for any POS terminal 2 to become free cannot use this POS terminal 2.

[0021] Available is a situation in which a customer is not using a POS terminal 2. The notation "available" implies that a POS terminal 2 is available for use by customers waiting for a POS terminal 2 to become available, or that the POS terminal 2 is not in use. A POS terminal 2 with a status of available is an available POS terminal 2. An available POS terminal 2 is a POS terminal 2 that is available for use by customers waiting for a POS terminal 2 to become available, or is a POS terminal 2 that is not in use. When the status of a POS terminal 2 is available, customers waiting for a POS terminal 2 to become available can use this POS terminal 2.

[0022] Here, an example will be described in which the auxiliary storage device 12 stores the status data of each of the multiple POS terminals 2, but this is not limiting. The main memory 11 may also store the status data of each of the multiple POS terminals 2.

[0023] The communication interface 13 includes various interfaces that connect the guide terminal 1 to other devices via the network NW in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that the guide terminal 1 can communicate with them. The communication interface 13 is an example of a communication unit of the guide terminal 1.

[0024] The input device 14 is a device that can input instructions or information to the guidance terminal 1. The input device 14 may include a keyboard. The input device 14 may form a touch screen together with the display device 15. The input device 14 is an example of an input unit of the guidance terminal 1.

[0025] Display device 15 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of processing circuit 10. For example, display device 15 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. Display device 15 is an example of a display unit of guidance terminal 1.

[0026] The hardware configuration of the guide terminal 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the guide terminal 1 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0027] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described. The processing circuit 10 realizes a communication processing unit 101, a status processing unit 102, a guidance processing unit 103, and an acquisition unit 104. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be said to be a function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be said to be realized by a control unit including the processing circuit 10 and a main memory 11.

[0028] The communication processing unit 101 communicates with other devices via the communication interface 13 .

[0029] The status processing unit 102 sets the status of each of the multiple POS terminals 2. Setting the status includes setting the status to in use. Setting the status to in use includes changing the status from unused to in use. Setting the status includes setting the status to unused. Setting the status to unused includes changing the status from in use to unused.

[0030] The guidance processing unit 103 executes processing related to guidance of an available POS terminal 2 among the plurality of POS terminals 2.

[0031] The acquisition unit 104 acquires instructions or information input in response to the customer's operation on the input device 14 .

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 2 includes a processing circuit 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a communication interface 23, a scanner 24, an input device 25, a display device 26, a lamp 27, a printing device 28, and a sensor 29. The processing circuit 20, the main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, the communication interface 23, the scanner 24, the input device 25, the display device 26, the lamp 27, the printing device 28, and the sensor 29 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 4, the interface is indicated as "I / F."

[0033] The processing circuit 20 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. Like the processing circuit 10, the processing circuit 20 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes using multiple functions. The processing circuit 20 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22 into the main memory 21. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 20 to execute processes by each unit described below. The processing circuit 20 executes the program loaded into the main memory 21, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0034] The main memory 21 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 may be configured in the same manner as the main memory 11. The main memory 21 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. Like the auxiliary storage device 12, the auxiliary storage device 22 includes one or more storage devices. The auxiliary storage device 22 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 22 can store product master data. The product master data includes product information for each product sold in the store. The product information can include a product code, product name, and price. The product code is identification information that can uniquely identify a product. The product name is the name of the product. The price is the unit price that indicates the amount per unit of the product. The product information may include information other than these.

[0037] The communication interface 23 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 2 to other devices via the network NW in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that the POS terminal 2 can communicate with them. The communication interface 23 is an example of a communication unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0038] The scanner 24 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from them. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include a code symbol of a product that records a product code. The product code symbol is an image attached to the product. The code symbols may include a code symbol that records a membership code. The code symbol that records a membership code may be an image attached to a membership card or an image that can be displayed on a terminal. The code symbols may include a code symbol for code payment. The scanner 24 is an example of a reading unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0039] The input device 25 is a device that can input instructions or information to the POS terminal 2. The input device 25 may include a keyboard. The input device 25 may form a touch screen together with the display device 26. The input device 25 is an example of an input unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0040] The display device 26 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 20. The display device 26 may be configured similarly to the display device 15. The display device 26 is an example of a display unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0041] The lamp 27 is a device that can visually notify by lighting up or blinking under the control of the processing circuit 20. The lamp 27 is an example of a notifying unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0042] The printing device 28 is a device for producing printed matter by printing on a medium, for example, paper, and is, for example, a thermal printer or an inkjet printer.

[0043] The sensor 29 detects a person present within the detection range of the sensor 29. If a person is present within the detection range, the sensor 29 detects the person and therefore reacts. In this case, the sensor 29 outputs a signal indicating the detection of a person. If no person is present within the detection range, the sensor 29 does not detect a person and therefore does not react. In this case, the sensor 29 does not output a signal indicating the detection of a person. For example, the detection range of the sensor 29 is in front of the POS terminal 2. A person present within the detection range may be a customer using the POS terminal 2. For example, the sensor 29 may be a human presence sensor or a heat source sensor, etc., but is not limited to these. The sensor 29 is an example of a sensing device for detecting a person.

[0044] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 2 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0045] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 20 will be described. The processing circuit 20 realizes a communication processing unit 201, a registration processing unit 202, an accounting processing unit 203, a first detection unit 204, a second detection unit 205, a notification processing unit 206, an acquisition unit 207, and a setting unit 208. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 20 can also be referred to as a function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 20 can also be referred to as being realized by a control unit including the processing circuit 20 and the main memory 21.

[0046] The communication processing unit 201 communicates with other devices via the communication interface 23 .

[0047] The registration processing unit 202 processes product registration. For example, processing product registration means updating the registration data. The registration data may include registered product information for each registered product. The registered product information may include all or part of the following information: product code, product name, price, quantity, and product price. The product code, product name, and price are as described above. The quantity is the number of products identified by the product code. The product price is the amount calculated by multiplying the price and the quantity. The registered product information may also include information other than these. The registration data may be stored in the main memory 21 or auxiliary storage device 22 of the POS terminal 2, or may be stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. Updating the registration data includes adding registered product information, increasing the quantity included in the registered product information, decreasing the quantity included in the registered product information, and deleting registered product information.

[0048] The transaction processing unit 203 executes the transaction based on the transaction amount. Transaction processing includes completing the transaction. Completion of the transaction by the POS terminal 2 signifies the completion of the transaction.

[0049] The first detection unit 204 detects an event in the POS terminal 2. An event is an occurrence that occurs in the POS terminal 2 in response to an input based on an operation of the input device 25 by a customer.

[0050] The event includes the start of a transaction. The start of a transaction is an event that occurs in the POS terminal 2 based on a first instruction input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25. The start of a transaction is the start of product registration in the POS terminal 2. The first instruction is an instruction to start product registration in the POS terminal 2. For example, the first instruction is an instruction that can be input in response to pressing a product registration start button displayed on the display device 26. For example, the first detection unit 204 can detect the start of a transaction in the POS terminal 2 based on the input first instruction. The start of a transaction is an example of starting processing related to a transaction in the POS terminal 2. Starting processing related to a transaction in the POS terminal 2 is an example of a first event. The first instruction is an example of an instruction to start processing related to a transaction in the POS terminal 2. The instruction to start processing related to a transaction in the POS terminal 2 includes the first instruction input for processing related to a transaction in the POS terminal 2.

[0051] The event includes the completion of a transaction. The completion of a transaction is an event that occurs in the POS terminal 2 based on a second instruction input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25. The completion of a transaction is the completion of a transaction after the transaction has started at the POS terminal 2. The second instruction is an instruction to start a transaction at the POS terminal 2. For example, the second instruction is an instruction that can be input in response to pressing the checkout button displayed on the display device 26. For example, the first detection unit 204 can detect the completion of a transaction at the POS terminal 2 after the transaction based on the input second instruction is completed and a receipt is issued by the printing device 28. The completion of a transaction is an example of the completion of processing related to a transaction at the POS terminal 2. The completion of processing related to a transaction at the POS terminal 2 is an example of a second event. The second event is an event that occurs chronologically later than the first event. The second instruction is an example of an instruction to end processing related to a transaction at the POS terminal 2. The instruction to end processing related to a transaction at the POS terminal 2 includes the meaning of the last instruction input for processing related to a transaction at the POS terminal 2.

[0052] The second detection unit 205 uses the sensor 29 to detect the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2. The presence or absence result is the presence or absence of a customer. A customer at the POS terminal 2 is a customer who is using the POS terminal 2. The presence of a customer means that the customer is in front of the POS terminal 2. The front of the POS terminal 2 is an example of the vicinity of the POS terminal 2. The absence of a customer means that the customer is not in front of the POS terminal 2. The second detection unit 205 detects the presence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 based on the detection of a person by the sensor 29. The second detection unit 205 may set a flag indicating that the customer is in front of the POS terminal 2 based on the detection of the presence of a customer. The second detection unit 205 detects the absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 based on the non-detection of a person by the sensor 29. The second detection unit 205 may set a flag indicating that the customer is not in front of the POS terminal 2 based on the detection of the absence of a customer.

[0053] The notification processor 206 controls the visual notification by the lamp 27 .

[0054] The acquisition unit 207 acquires instructions or information input in response to the customer's operation on the input device 25.

[0055] The setting unit 208 changes the settings of the POS terminal 2 .

[0056] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of status data stored in auxiliary storage device 12 of guide terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

[0057] The status data includes terminal identification information, event information, presence / absence result information, and status information. The terminal identification information is information that can uniquely identify the POS terminal 2, as described above.

[0058] The event information is information indicating an event at the POS terminal 2. Here, the event information is information indicating the start of a transaction or information indicating the end of a transaction. The presence / absence result information is information indicating the result of whether a customer is present or absent at the POS terminal 2, detected using the sensor 29. The presence / absence result information is information indicating the presence or absence of a customer. The presence / absence result information may be information indicating the presence or absence of a customer using a flag. The status information is information indicating the status at the POS terminal 2.

[0059] In the status data of the POS terminal 2, if the event is blank and the presence / absence result is blank, the status is "vacant." If the event is blank and the presence / absence result indicates the presence of a customer, the status is "vacant." The reason why the status is not set to "in use" based on the presence / absence result alone is that there remains the possibility that the sensor 29 detected a person simply passing in front of the POS terminal 2. If the event is the start of a transaction and the presence / absence result indicates the presence of a customer, the status is "in use." When both conditions are met, it can be said that a customer has arrived in front of the POS terminal 2 and has started using the POS terminal 2. If the event is the end of a transaction and the presence / absence result indicates the presence of a customer, the status is "in use." The reason why the status is not set to "vacant" based on the event alone is that there is a possibility that a customer will not move away from in front of the POS terminal 2 for a while after the transaction, for example, to put away their wallet. If the event is the end of a transaction and the presence / absence result indicates the absence of a customer, the status is "vacant." When both conditions are met, it can be said that a customer has finished using the POS terminal 2 and has moved away from in front of the POS terminal 2.

[0060] (Example of operation) The processing performed by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system SA will now be described. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system SA. Here, an example will be described in which the guide terminal 1 collects information from each of a plurality of POS terminals 2.

[0062] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits information to the guide terminal 1 (ACT21). ACT21 may be processing by the communication processing unit 201. In ACT21, for example, the processing circuit 20, based on the detection of an event in the POS terminal 2, transmits event information indicating the detected event to the guide terminal 1. The processing circuit 20 may add information indicating the time the event was detected in the POS terminal 2 to the event information. For example, the processing circuit 20, based on the detection of a customer presence / absence result in the POS terminal 2, transmits presence / absence result information indicating the detected presence / absence result to the guide terminal 1. The processing circuit 20 may add information indicating the time the customer presence / absence result in the POS terminal 2 was detected to the presence / absence result information.

[0063] The processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 receives information from each of the multiple POS terminals 2 (ACT11). The processing of ACT11 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 receives event information from each of the multiple POS terminals 2. The processing circuit 10 updates the event information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to the event information received from the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 10 receives presence / absence result information from each of the multiple POS terminals 2. The processing circuit 10 updates the presence / absence result information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to the presence / absence result information received from the POS terminal 2.

[0064] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 sets a status based on the event information and presence / absence result information received from each of the multiple POS terminals 2 (ACT12). ACT12 may be processed by the status processing unit 102. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 10 sets a status for each of the multiple POS terminals 2 based on the event for each of the multiple POS terminals 2 and the presence / absence result for each of the multiple POS terminals 2. Here, an example will be described using any one of the multiple POS terminals 2.

[0065] A case will be described in which the event indicated by the event information is the start of a transaction, and the presence / absence result indicated by the presence / absence result information is the presence of a customer. In this case, the processing circuit 10 sets the status of the POS terminal 2 to "in use" based on the detection of the start of a transaction and the detection of the presence of a customer. When a customer uses the POS terminal 2, the customer typically starts registering products after arriving in front of the POS terminal 2. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 can set the status of the POS terminal 2 to "in use" based on the chronological relationship between the detection timing of the start of a transaction and the detection timing of the presence of a customer. For example, if the detection timing of the start of a transaction is later than the detection timing of the presence of a customer, the processing circuit 10 sets the status of the POS terminal 2 to "in use." The processing circuit 10 may determine the chronological relationship between the detection timing of the start of a transaction and the detection timing of the presence / absence result based on the detection time of the event and the detection time of the presence / absence result.

[0066] A case will be described in which the event indicated by the event information is the end of a transaction, and the presence / absence result indicated by the presence / absence result information is the absence of a customer. In this case, the processing circuit 10 sets the status of the POS terminal 2 to "vacant" based on the detection of the end of the transaction and the detection of the absence of a customer. When a customer finishes using the POS terminal 2, the customer usually moves away from the front of the POS terminal 2 after completing the transaction. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 can set the status of the POS terminal 2 to "vacant" based on the timing of the detection of the end of the transaction and the timing of the detection of the absence of a customer. For example, if the detection of the absence of a customer is later than the detection of the end of the transaction, the processing circuit 10 sets the status of the POS terminal 2 to "vacant." The processing circuit 10 may determine the timing of the detection of the end of the transaction and the timing of the detection of the absence of a customer based on the detection time of the event and the detection time of the presence / absence result.

[0067] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 performs processing to guide an available POS terminal 2 from among the plurality of POS terminals 2 based on the status of each of the plurality of POS terminals 2 (ACT13). ACT13 may be processing by the guide processing unit 103. In ACT13, for example, the processing circuit 10 searches for an available POS terminal 2 based on status information included in the status data of each of the plurality of POS terminals 2. The processing circuit 10 performs processing to guide an available POS terminal 2 based on the search for an available POS terminal 2.

[0068] Guiding a customer to an available POS terminal 2 may be any mode as long as it guides the customer waiting for a POS terminal 2 to the available POS terminal 2. Guiding a customer to an available POS terminal 2 may include displaying information that allows the customer to identify the available POS terminal 2 on the display device 15. In this case, for example, the processing circuit 10 processes the display device 15 to display a guidance screen including information that allows the customer to identify the available POS terminal 2. Guiding a customer to an available POS terminal 2 may also include outputting information that allows the customer to identify the available POS terminal 2 by voice using the voice output device of the guidance terminal 1. For example, the information that allows the customer to identify the available POS terminal 2 is a number assigned to the available POS terminal 2. Note that guidance to an available POS terminal 2 is not limited to displaying or outputting information that allows the customer to identify the available POS terminal 2 by voice. Guiding a customer to an available POS terminal 2 may also include displaying or outputting voice information that indicates the presence of an available POS terminal 2. This allows the guidance terminal 1 to guide the customer waiting for a POS terminal 2 to the available POS terminal 2.

[0069] The processing circuit 10 may also perform processing to end the guidance to an available POS terminal 2 based on the detection of the start of a transaction after detecting the presence of a customer. The processing circuit 10 performs processing in this manner because there remains the possibility that the sensor 29 detected a person who simply passed in front of the POS terminal 2. By performing processing based on the detection of the start of a transaction, the processing circuit 10 can perform processing to end the guidance after the customer arrives in front of the POS terminal 2 and starts using the POS terminal 2.

[0070] In addition, when the status of each of the multiple POS terminals 2 is "busy," the processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 may process to notify a customer that a POS terminal 2 will be available before introducing the customer to an available POS terminal 2. The notification may include a message that a POS terminal 2 will be available soon. The notification may include information that enables the customer to identify the soon-to-be-available POS terminal 2, such as a number assigned to the POS terminal 2. This process may be performed by the guidance processing unit 103. In this example, the processing circuit 10 can process to notify a customer that a POS terminal 2 will be available based on detection of the completion of a transaction at one of the multiple POS terminals 2. Notifying the customer of the notification may include displaying the notification on the display device 15. Notifying the customer of the notification may include outputting the notification by voice from an audio output device of the guidance terminal 1. In this way, the guidance terminal 1 can notify a customer waiting for a POS terminal 2 to become available that the POS terminal 2 will be available before introducing the customer to an available POS terminal 2. By receiving the advance notice, when a customer is guided to an available POS terminal 2, the customer can immediately head to the available POS terminal 2. Therefore, the guidance terminal 1 can support the store so that the transaction turnover efficiency does not decrease even during peak times.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system SA. Here, the processing of the guide terminal 1 and the processing of the POS terminal 2 that is introduced by the guide terminal 1 as an available POS terminal 2 will be described.

[0072] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 performs processing to guide the user to an available POS terminal 2 among the plurality of POS terminals 2 (ACT101). The processing in ACT101 is the same as that in ACT13.

[0073] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 transmits a notification to the POS terminal 2 that has been guided as an available POS terminal 2 (ACT102). ACT102 may be processed by the communication processing unit 101. The notification is a notification to prompt the POS terminal 2 to visually notify by the lamp 27 that it is the guided POS terminal 2. The notification may be a notification indicating that it has been guided as an available POS terminal 2, or a notification instructing the lamp 27 to make the notification.

[0074] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 receives the notification from the guide terminal 1 (ACT201). ACT201 may be processing by the communication processing unit 201.

[0075] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 controls the visual notification by the lamp 27 based on the received notification (ACT202). ACT202 may be processing by the notification processing unit 206. In ACT202, for example, the processing circuit 20 controls the lamp 27 to light up or blink, etc., to visually notify that the POS terminal 2 is available. This allows the POS terminal 2 to assist the customer waiting for a POS terminal 2 to become available so that the customer does not lose sight of the POS terminal 2 to which the customer is directed.

[0076] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the presence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 using the sensor 29 (ACT203). ACT203 may be processing by the second detection unit 205. When a customer arrives in front of the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 10 detects the presence of the customer at the POS terminal 2 based on the detection of the person by the sensor 29.

[0077] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits presence / absence result information indicating the detected presence of the customer to the guide terminal 1 based on the detection of the presence of the customer at the POS terminal 2 (ACT204). ACT204 may be processed by the communication processing unit 201.

[0078] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives presence / absence result information indicating the presence of a customer from the POS terminal 2 (ACT103). The processing of ACT103 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101. In ACT103, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the presence / absence result information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to the presence / absence result information received from the POS terminal 2 indicating the presence of a customer.

[0079] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the start of a transaction at the POS terminal 2 (ACT205). ACT205 may be processing by the first detection unit 204. In ACT205, for example, the processing circuit 20 detects the start of a transaction at the POS terminal 2 based on a first instruction input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25.

[0080] Upon detecting the start of a transaction at the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits event information indicating the detected start of a transaction to the guide terminal 1 (ACT206). ACT206 may be processing by the communication processing unit 201.

[0081] The processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 receives event information indicating the start of a transaction from the POS terminal 2 (ACT104). The processing of ACT104 may be performed by the communication processing unit 101. In ACT104, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the event information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to the event information indicating the start of a transaction received from the POS terminal 2.

[0082] The processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 changes the status of the POS terminal 2 from "unavailable" to "in use" to set the status to "in use" (ACT105). ACT105 may be processed by the status processing unit 102. In ACT105, for example, the processing circuit 10 sets the status to "in use" based on the received presence / absence result information indicating the presence of a customer and event information indicating the start of a transaction. The processing circuit 10 updates the status information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to status information indicating "in use."

[0083] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 processes product registration (ACT207). ACT207 may be processing by the registration processing unit 202. In ACT207, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires the product code of the product to be transacted based on the scanner 24 reading the code symbol of the product. The processing circuit 20 may also acquire the product code of the product to be transacted based on the selection of the product using the input device 25. The processing circuit 20 can process product registration based on the acquired product code by referring to the product master data stored in the auxiliary storage device 22. If the registration data is stored in the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 20 updates the registration data stored in the POS terminal 2 based on the acquired product code. If the registration data is stored in the transaction management server, the processing circuit 20 outputs a registration request including the product code to the transaction management server. The registration request is a request to have the transaction management server process the product registration. The transaction management server can process the product registration based on the product code included in the registration request. The transaction management server may reference data similar to the product master data stored in the POS terminal 2. Outputting a registration request including a product code to the transaction management server is an example of processing product registration. ACT207 may also be a process of reading a membership card held by the customer. In this case, the processing circuit 20 obtains membership information from the membership card by using the scanner 24 to read the barcode on the membership card.

[0084] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 executes the transaction accounting based on the transaction amount (ACT 208). ACT 208 may be processing by the accounting processing unit 203.

[0085] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the completion of the transaction at the POS terminal 2 (ACT209). ACT209 may be processing by the first detection unit 204. In ACT209, for example, the processing circuit 20 detects the completion of the transaction at the POS terminal 2 based on a second instruction input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25.

[0086] Upon detecting the completion of the transaction at the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits event information indicating the detected completion of the transaction to the guide terminal 1 (ACT210). ACT210 may be processing by the communication processing unit 201.

[0087] The processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 receives event information indicating the completion of the transaction from the POS terminal 2 (ACT106). The processing of ACT106 may be performed by the communication processing unit 101. In ACT106, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the event information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to the event information received from the POS terminal 2 indicating the completion of the transaction.

[0088] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 using the sensor 29 (ACT211). ACT211 may be processing by the second detection unit 205. When the customer finishes packing the purchased items into a bag and moves away from the front of the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 10 detects the absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 based on the absence of a person detected by the sensor 29.

[0089] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits presence / absence result information indicating the detected absence of a customer to the guide terminal 1 based on the detection of the absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 (ACT212). ACT212 may be processed by the communication processing unit 201.

[0090] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives presence / absence result information indicating the absence of a customer from the POS terminal 2 (ACT107). The processing of ACT107 may be performed by the communication processing unit 101. In ACT107, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the presence / absence result information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to the presence / absence result information received from the POS terminal 2 indicating the absence of a customer.

[0091] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 changes the status of the POS terminal 2 from in use to available, thereby setting the status to available (ACT108). ACT108 may be processed by the status processing unit 102. In ACT108, for example, the processing circuit 10 sets the status to available based on the received presence / absence result information indicating the absence of a customer and event information indicating the completion of the transaction. The processing circuit 10 updates the status information included in the status data of the POS terminal 2 to status information indicating available.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the processing circuits of the devices included in the information processing system SA. Here, it is assumed that a customer waiting for a POS terminal 2 to become available inputs information into the guide terminal 1 by operating the input device 14. The processing of the guide terminal 1 and the processing of the POS terminal 2 that has been introduced by the guide terminal 1 as an available POS terminal 2 will be described.

[0093] The processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 acquires input information input in response to a customer's operation of the input device 14 (ACT301). ACT301 may be processing by the acquisition unit 104. The input information is information relating to the settings of the POS terminal 2 that was input to the guidance terminal 1 before the operation of the POS terminal 2. The input information includes at least either language information or pay bag information as information relating to the settings of the POS terminal 2. This allows the customer to input, in advance, information relating to the settings that is normally input at the POS terminal 2 at the guidance terminal 1.

[0094] The language information is information about the language used in the POS terminal 2. The language information includes information indicating the language used in the POS terminal 2. The language used in the POS terminal 2 is the language displayed on the display device 26 of the POS terminal 2. The language used in the POS terminal 2 may also be the language output as audio by the audio output device of the POS terminal 2.

[0095] The paid bag information is information about the purchase of paid bags. Paid bags are plastic bags that are charged for putting purchased items in. The paid bag information includes information indicating the number of paid bags to purchase when purchasing paid bags.

[0096] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 performs processing to guide the user to an available POS terminal 2 among the plurality of POS terminals 2 (ACT302). The processing in ACT302 is the same as that in ACT101.

[0097] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 transmits a notification to the POS terminal 2 that has been guided as an available POS terminal 2 (ACT303). The processing in ACT303 is the same as that in ACT102.

[0098] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 receives the notification from the guide terminal 1 (ACT401). The processing in ACT401 is the same as ACT201.

[0099] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 controls the visual notification by the lamp 27 based on the received notification (ACT402). The processing in ACT402 is similar to ACT202.

[0100] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 transmits the acquired input information to the POS terminal 2 that has been guided as an available POS terminal 2 (ACT304). ACT304 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101.

[0101] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 receives the input information from the guide terminal 1 (ACT403). ACT403 may be processing by the communication processing unit 201.

[0102] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 changes the settings of the POS terminal 2 based on the received input information (ACT404). ACT404 may be processing by the setting unit 208. In ACT404, for example, the processing circuit 20 changes the setting of the language used in the POS terminal 2 from the default Japanese to the language indicated by the language information based on the language information included in the input information. The processing circuit 20 changes the setting of the number of pay bags to be purchased from the default 0 to the number indicated in the pay bag information based on the pay bag information included in the input information.

[0103] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the presence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 using the sensor 29 (ACT405). The processing in ACT405 is similar to that in ACT203.

[0104] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits presence / absence result information indicating the detected presence of the customer to the guide terminal 1 based on the detection of the presence of the customer at the POS terminal 2 (ACT406). The processing in ACT406 is the same as ACT204.

[0105] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives the presence / absence result information indicating the presence of the customer from the POS terminal 2 (ACT305). The processing in ACT305 is the same as in ACT103.

[0106] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the start of a transaction at the POS terminal 2 (ACT407). The processing in ACT407 is the same as in ACT205.

[0107] Upon detecting the start of a transaction at the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits event information indicating the detected start of a transaction to the guide terminal 1 (ACT408). The processing in ACT408 is the same as ACT206.

[0108] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives event information indicating the start of the transaction from the POS terminal 2 (ACT306). The processing in ACT306 is the same as in ACT104.

[0109] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 changes the status of the POS terminal 2 from "free" to "in use" to set the status to "in use" (ACT307). The processing in ACT307 is the same as that in ACT105.

[0110] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 processes the product registration (ACT409). The processing in ACT409 is the same as that in ACT207.

[0111] If the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 acquires an instruction to purchase a pay bag input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25 (ACT410, YES), the process transitions from ACT410 to ACT411. If the processing circuit 20 does not acquire an instruction to purchase a pay bag (ACT410, NO), the process transitions from ACT410 to ACT412. ACT410 may be processed by the acquisition unit 207. An instruction to purchase a pay bag is an instruction to purchase a pay bag. For example, an instruction to purchase a pay bag is an instruction that can be input in response to pressing the pay bag purchase button displayed on the display device 26. This allows a customer to purchase additional pay bags if they need more pay bags while registering products.

[0112] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 acquires the number information input in response to the customer's operation on the input device 25 (ACT411). ACT411 may be processing by the acquisition unit 207. The number information includes information indicating the number of paid bags purchased.

[0113] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 executes the transaction accounting based on the transaction amount (ACT412). The processing in ACT412 is the same as in ACT208. Note that if the customer purchases paid bags, the transaction amount includes an amount corresponding to the number of paid bags purchased.

[0114] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the completion of the transaction at the POS terminal 2 (ACT413). The processing in ACT413 is the same as in ACT209.

[0115] Upon detecting the completion of the transaction at the POS terminal 2, the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits event information indicating the detected completion of the transaction to the guide terminal 1 (ACT414). The processing in ACT414 is the same as in ACT210.

[0116] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives event information indicating the completion of the transaction from the POS terminal 2 (ACT308). The processing in ACT308 is the same as in ACT106.

[0117] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 using the sensor 29 (ACT415). The processing in ACT415 is similar to that in ACT211.

[0118] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits presence / absence result information indicating the detected absence of the customer to the guide terminal 1 based on the detection of the absence of the customer at the POS terminal 2 (ACT416). The processing in ACT416 is the same as that in ACT212.

[0119] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives the presence / absence result information indicating the absence of the customer from the POS terminal 2 (ACT309). The processing in ACT309 is the same as that in ACT107.

[0120] The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 changes the status of the POS terminal 2 from in use to free, thereby setting the status to free (AC310). ACT310 is the same as the processing of ACT108.

[0121] After transmitting the presence / absence result information indicating the absence of a customer, the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 changes the settings of the POS terminal 2 to the default (ACT417). ACT417 may be processed by the setting unit 208. In ACT417, for example, the processing circuit 20 changes the setting of the language used in the POS terminal 2 to the default Japanese. The processing circuit 20 also changes the setting of the number of paid bags to be purchased to the default 0. This causes the POS terminal 2 to transition to a standby state.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1. Here, a description will be given of the process in ACT 301 in which the processing circuit 10 acquires input information. ACTs 3011 to 3015 may be processes performed by the acquiring unit 104.

[0123] The processing circuit 10 acquires a start instruction input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 14 (ACT3011). The start instruction is an instruction to start inputting information into the guidance terminal 1. For example, the start instruction is an instruction that can be input in response to pressing a start button displayed on the display device 15. Based on the start instruction, the processing circuit 10 performs processing to display an input information selection screen on the display device 15. The input information selection screen is a screen for selecting whether to input language information or paid bag information. The input information selection screen may include a language selection button for selecting to input language information and a paid bag purchase button for selecting to input paid bag information. The language selection button allows input of a selection instruction for inputting language information. The paid bag purchase button allows input of a selection instruction for inputting paid bag information.

[0124] The processing circuit 10 determines whether the instruction input in response to the customer's operation on the input device 14 is an instruction to select input of linguistic information (ACT3012).

[0125] If the input instruction is a selection instruction for inputting language information (ACT3012, YES), the processing transitions from ACT3012 to ACT3013. In this case, the processing circuit 10 processes to display a language selection screen on the display device 15 based on the selection instruction for inputting language information. The language selection screen is a screen for selecting a language. The language selection screen may include a plurality of language buttons for selecting a language and a language confirmation button for confirming the selected language. The language buttons can be used to input an instruction to select a language. The language confirmation button can be used to input an instruction to confirm the selected language.

[0126] If the input instruction is not an instruction to select input of language information (ACT3012, NO), the process transitions from ACT3012 to ACT3015. If the input instruction is not an instruction to select input of language information, the input instruction is an instruction to select input of paid bag information. In this case, the language used in the POS terminal 2 remains the default. Based on the instruction to select input of paid bag information, the processing circuit 10 processes to display a number input screen on the display device 15. The number input screen can include an input field for inputting the number of paid bags to purchase and a number confirmation button for confirming the input number of paid bags to purchase. The number confirmation button can be used to input an instruction to confirm the input number of paid bags to purchase.

[0127] The processing circuit 10 acquires language information input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 14 (ACT 3013). In ACT 3013, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires language information indicating a selected language based on an instruction to confirm the language input after an instruction to select a language. Based on the instruction to confirm the language, the processing circuit 10 performs processing to display a paid bag purchase necessity selection screen on the display device 15. The paid bag purchase necessity selection screen is a screen for selecting whether or not to input paid bag information after inputting language information. The paid bag purchase necessity selection screen can include a first selection button for selecting whether or not to input paid bag information and a second selection button for selecting not to input paid bag information. The first selection button can be used to input a selection instruction to input paid bag information. The second selection button can be used to input a selection instruction to not input paid bag information.

[0128] The processing circuit 10 determines whether the instruction input in response to the customer's operation of the input device 14 is a selection instruction to input paid bag information (ACT3014).

[0129] If the input instruction is a selection instruction to input paid bag information (ACT3014, YES), the process transitions from ACT3014 to ACT3015. In this case, the processing circuit 10 processes to display the above-mentioned number input screen on the display device 15 based on the selection instruction to input paid bag information.

[0130] If the input instruction is not a selection instruction to input paid bag information (ACT3014, NO), the processing ends. If the input instruction is not a selection instruction to input paid bag information, the input instruction is a selection instruction to not input paid bag information.

[0131] The processing circuit 10 acquires paid bag information input in response to the customer's operation of the input device 14 (ACT3015). In ACT3015, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires paid bag information indicating the input number of paid bags to be purchased based on an instruction to confirm the number of paid bags to be purchased input after the number of paid bags to be purchased has been input. The processing circuit 10 ends the processing based on the instruction to confirm the number of purchased bags.

[0132] (Display example) Some display examples on the display device 15 of the information terminal 1 will be described.

[0133] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen displayed on the display device 15 of the guidance terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The guidance screen includes the notation "No. 4" as the number assigned to the available POS terminal 2.

[0134] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an input information selection screen displayed on display device 15 of guide terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The input information selection screen includes a language selection button BAA for selecting input of language information and a paid bag purchase button BAB for selecting input of paid bag information.

[0135] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a language selection screen displayed on display device 15 of guide terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The language selection screen is a screen transitioned from the input information selection screen in response to pressing of a language selection button BAA on the input information selection screen illustrated in FIG. The language selection screen includes a plurality of language buttons BBA for selecting a language and a next button BBB. The next button BBB is a language confirmation button for confirming the selected language.

[0136] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting whether or not to purchase a pay bag, which is displayed on the display device 15 of the information terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The pay-for-purchase bag purchase selection screen includes a YES button BCA and a NO button BCB. The YES button BCA corresponds to the first selection button for selecting whether to enter pay-for-purchase bag information. The NO button BCB corresponds to the second selection button for selecting not to enter pay-for-purchase bag information.

[0137] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a number input screen displayed on display device 15 of information terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The number input screen includes an input field R for inputting the number of paid bags to be purchased and a confirm button BDA. The confirm button BDA corresponds to a number confirmation button for confirming the input number of paid bags to be purchased.

[0138] According to the first embodiment, the guide terminal 1 can set the status of each of the plurality of POS terminals 2 based on the event and presence / absence result of each of the plurality of POS terminals 2.

[0139] This allows the guidance terminal 1 to guide customers to an available POS terminal 2 out of multiple POS terminals 2. The guidance terminal 1 can guide customers who are waiting for a POS terminal 2 to an available POS terminal 2 by providing guidance. Customers simply follow the guidance to an available POS terminal 2 and do not need to search for an available POS terminal 2 themselves. In this way, the guidance terminal 1 can help prevent a drop in the efficiency of checkout turnover at the store, even during peak times. As a result, store attendants no longer need to be constantly available in the checkout area R, which also leads to reduced labor costs.

[0140] When the event is the start of a transaction and the presence / absence result in the POS terminal 2 indicates the presence of a customer, the guide terminal 1 can set the status in the POS terminal 2 to in use. This allows the guide terminal 1 to set the status to "in use" when a customer arrives in front of the POS terminal 2 and starts using the POS terminal 2. Therefore, the guide terminal 1 can set the status of the POS terminal 2 to "in use" with greater accuracy than when only the sensor 29 is used.

[0141] When the event is the end of a transaction and the presence / absence result in the POS terminal 2 indicates that a customer is not present, the guide terminal 1 can set the status in the POS terminal 2 to vacant. This allows the guide terminal 1 to set the status to "vacant" when the customer has finished using the POS terminal 2 and is away from the front of the POS terminal 2. Therefore, the guide terminal 1 can set the status of the POS terminal 2 to "vacant" more accurately than when only the sensor 29 is used.

[0142] The guide terminal 1 can transmit input information input in response to an operation to the guided POS terminal 2. This allows the customer to input information regarding the settings of the POS terminal 2 in advance at the guidance terminal 1. This reduces the time the customer spends inputting the settings of the POS terminal 2 at the POS terminal 2. In this way, the guidance terminal 1 can help prevent a drop in the efficiency of checkout turnover in the store even during peak times.

[0143] The input information includes at least one of language information and paid bag information. This allows the customer to omit inputting the language setting into the POS terminal 2. The customer can omit inputting the number of pay bags into the POS terminal 2. In recent years, the number of foreign tourists has been increasing, and foreign tourists may not know how to use the cashier area R and may become confused when it is crowded. Even if a foreign tourist finds an available POS terminal 2 and starts to use it, the POS terminal 2 displays information in Japanese. As a result, foreign tourists may not know how to operate the POS terminal 2 and may become confused. If foreign tourists input their language preference into the information terminal 1 in advance, the frequency with which store attendants assist foreign tourists in the cashier area R will decrease.

[0144] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, the processes executed by the guide terminal described in the first embodiment are executed by a server instead of the guide terminal. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate configurations that may be similar to those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0145] (Configuration example) FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system SB. The information processing system SB is a system that supports transactions in a store by communicating between multiple devices. The information processing system SB includes one guide terminal 1, multiple POS terminals 2, and a server 3. The guide terminal 1, multiple POS terminals 2, and server 3 are installed in a store. The guide terminal 1, multiple POS terminals 2, and server 3 are connected to each other via a network NW so that they can communicate with each other.

[0146] The server 3 is a device for guiding a customer to an available POS terminal 2 among the plurality of POS terminals 2. The server 3 is an example of an information processing device.

[0147] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the server 3. As shown in FIG. The server 3 includes a processing circuit 30, a main memory 31, an auxiliary storage device 32, and a communication interface 33. The processing circuit 30, the main memory 31, the auxiliary storage device 32, and the communication interface 33 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 16, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0148] The processing circuit 30 corresponds to the central part of the server 3. The processing circuit 30 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 3. Like the processing circuit 10, the processing circuit 30 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes using multiple functions. The processing circuit 30 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 31 or the auxiliary storage device 32 into the main memory 31. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 30 to execute processes by each unit described below. The processing circuit 30 executes the program loaded into the main memory 31, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0149] The main memory 31 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the server 3. The main memory 31 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 3. The main memory 31 may be configured in the same manner as the main memory 11. The main memory 31 is an example of a storage unit of the server 3.

[0150] The auxiliary storage device 32 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 3. Like the auxiliary storage device 12, the auxiliary storage device 32 includes one or more storage devices. The auxiliary storage device 32 is an example of a storage unit of the server 3.

[0151] The auxiliary storage device 32 includes a status data storage area 321. The status data storage area 321 stores the status data of each of the multiple POS terminals 2. Here, an example will be described in which the auxiliary storage device 32 stores the status data of each of the multiple POS terminals 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The main memory 31 may also store the status data of each of the multiple POS terminals 2.

[0152] The communication interface 33 includes various interfaces that connect the server 3 to other devices via the network NW in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that the server 3 can communicate with them. The communication interface 33 is an example of a communication unit of the server 3.

[0153] The hardware configuration of the server 3 is not limited to the above configuration, and the server 3 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0154] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 30 will be described below. The processing circuitry 30 realizes a communication processing unit 301, a status processing unit 302, a guidance processing unit 303, and an acquisition unit 304. Each unit realized by the processing circuitry 30 can also be said to be a function. Each unit realized by the processing circuitry 30 can also be said to be realized by a control unit including the processing circuitry 30 and the main memory 31.

[0155] The processing of the communication processing unit 301, the status processing unit 302, the guidance processing unit 303, and the acquisition unit 304 is similar to the processing of the communication processing unit 101, the status processing unit 102, the guidance processing unit 303, and the acquisition unit 304 described in the first embodiment.

[0156] (Example of operation) The processing of the processing circuit 30 is similar to the processing of the processing circuit 10 of the guidance terminal 1 described using Figures 6 to 9, except for the points described below. Therefore, in the description using Figures 6 to 9, "guidance terminal 1," "processing circuit 10," "communication processing unit 101," "status processing unit 102," "guidance processing unit 103," and "acquisition unit 104" may be read as "server 3," "processing circuit 30," "communication processing unit 301," "status processing unit 302," "guidance processing unit 303," and "acquisition unit 304."

[0157] In the explanation of ACT13 in FIG. 6 reinterpreted as above, the processing by the processing circuit 30 of the server 3 to guide the user to a POS terminal 2 means transmitting information to the guide terminal 1 for guidance of an available POS terminal 2. The information for guidance of an available POS terminal 2 at the guide terminal 1 may be information that enables the user to recognize the available POS terminal 2 and that is displayed on the display device 15 of the guide terminal 1. The information for guidance of an available POS terminal 2 at the guide terminal 1 may be information that indicates the presence of an available POS terminal 2 and that is displayed on the display device 15 of the guide terminal 1. The information for guidance of an available POS terminal 2 at the guide terminal 1 may be information that enables the user to recognize the available POS terminal 2 and that is output aloud by the audio output device of the guide terminal 1. The information for guidance of an available POS terminal 2 at the guide terminal 1 may be information that indicates the presence of an available POS terminal 2 and that is output aloud by the audio output device of the guide terminal 1. In this way, the processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 can guide the user to an available POS terminal 2 based on the information received from the server 3.

[0158] In the explanation of ACT301 in FIG. 8 reinterpreted as above, the processing circuit 30 of the server 3 acquiring the input information means receiving the input information from the guide terminal 1 via the network NW.

[0159] In the explanation of Fig. 9 reinterpreted as above, when the processing circuitry 30 of the server 3 obtains an instruction or information, it means that the processing circuitry 30 receives the instruction or information from the guide terminal 1 via the network NW. When the processing circuitry 30 of the server 3 processes the screen to display the screen on the display device 15, it means that the processing circuitry 30 transmits information for displaying the screen on the display device 15 to the guide terminal 1 via the network NW. This allows the processing circuitry 10 of the guide terminal 1 to process the screen to display the screen on the display device 15 based on the information received from the server 3.

[0160] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the sensor 29 is described as an example of a sensing device, but the sensing device is not limited to this. A camera may also be used as an example of a sensing device.

[0161] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the POS terminal 2 includes a sensing device, such as the sensor 29, but the POS terminal 2 and the sensing device may be separate entities.

[0162] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2, but this is not limiting. The processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 may implement a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 using a sensing device, similar to the second detection unit 205. In this example, the processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives the sensing result from the sensing device via the network NW. If the sensing device is a sensor 29, the sensing result is a signal indicating the detection of a person. If the sensing device is a camera, the sensing result is image data captured by the camera. The processing circuit 10 detects the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 based on the received sensing result.

[0163] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 detects the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2, but this is not limiting. The processing circuit 30 of the server 3 may implement a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 using a sensing device, similar to the second detection unit 205. In this example, the processing circuit 10 of the guide terminal 1 receives the sensing result from the sensing device via the network NW. The processing circuit 30 detects the presence or absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2 based on the received sensing result.

[0164] When the sensing device is a camera, one camera may be used to detect the presence / absence of a customer at one POS terminal 2. One camera may be used to detect the presence / absence of a customer at multiple POS terminals 2.

[0165] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing circuitry 20 of the POS terminal 2 transmits the event information and the presence / absence result information at different times, but this is not limited to this. The processing circuitry 20 may transmit the event information and the presence / absence result information at the same time. For example, the processing circuitry 20 may transmit presence / absence result information indicating the presence of a customer and event information indicating the start of a transaction based on detecting the start of a transaction after detecting the presence of a customer at the POS terminal 2. The processing circuitry 20 may transmit event information indicating the end of a transaction and presence / absence result information indicating the absence of a customer based on detecting the end of a transaction after detecting the absence of a customer at the POS terminal 2.

[0166] In the above-described embodiment, the start of a transaction has been described as an example of starting a transaction-related process in the POS terminal 2, but this is not limiting. Starting a transaction-related process in the POS terminal 2 may include inputting a first instruction to start product registration in the POS terminal 2. In this case, the first detection unit 204 can detect, based on the input first instruction, that the first instruction has been input as a first event. The end of a transaction has been described as an example of ending a transaction-related process in the POS terminal 2, but this is not limiting. Ending a transaction-related process in the POS terminal 2 may include inputting a second instruction to start a transaction in the POS terminal 2. In this case, the first detection unit 204 can detect, based on the input second instruction, that the second instruction has been input as a second event.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 2 is described as a POS terminal that allows a customer to register a product and make a payment without the intervention of a store clerk, but this is not limited to this. The POS terminal 2 may also be a POS terminal in which a store clerk intervenes in the product registration and payment. In this example, the store clerk operates the input device 25 of the POS terminal 2.

[0168] The POS terminal 2 may be a separate device from the terminal where the customer registers products, and may be a checkout device that allows the customer to perform the checkout themselves without the intervention of a store clerk. In this example, the first event may include starting a checkout at the POS terminal 2 as an example of starting a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The first event may include inputting a first instruction as an example of starting a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The first instruction may be reading, by the scanner 24, a code symbol that records a code used in the checkout associated with the transaction as an example of an instruction to start a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The first instruction may be inputting in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25 as an example of an instruction to start a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The second event may include ending a checkout at the POS terminal 2 as an example of ending a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The second event may include inputting a second instruction as an example of ending a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The second instruction may be an instruction to issue a receipt, as an example of an instruction to end processing related to a transaction at the POS terminal 2. In this case, the terminal where the customer registers the product may be a dedicated terminal installed in the shopping cart, a mobile terminal prepared in advance by the store, or a mobile terminal owned by the customer. It may also be a registration device in a system where the registration device where the customer registers the product and the checkout device where the customer processes the transaction are separate.

[0169] The POS terminal 2 may also be a registration device in a system in which a registration device where a customer registers products and a checkout device where the customer processes the transaction are separate. In this case, the terminal where the customer registers products may be a stationary device installed in the checkout area. In this example, the first event may include starting registration in the registration device (registration in the POS terminal 2) as an example of starting a transaction-related process in the registration device (POS terminal 2). The first event may include inputting a first instruction as an example of starting a transaction-related process in the registration device (POS terminal 2). The first instruction may be an instruction to start registration input in response to a customer's operation on the input device 25 as an example of an instruction to start a transaction-related process in the registration device (POS terminal 2). The second event may include ending registration in the registration device (POS terminal 2) as an example of ending a transaction-related process in the registration device (POS terminal 2). The second event may include inputting a second instruction as an example of ending a transaction-related process in the registration device (POS terminal 2). The second instruction may be an instruction to issue a transaction receipt as an example of an instruction to end the transaction processing in the registration device (POS terminal 2). Note that this transaction receipt may be a paper receipt or an electronic receipt (electronic receipt).

[0170] The POS terminal 2 may be a device where a store clerk registers products. In this case, the transaction is performed by the customer at a transaction device separate from the POS terminal 2, without the intervention of a store clerk. In this example, the first event may include starting product registration at the POS terminal 2, as an example of starting a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The first event may include inputting a first instruction, as an example of starting a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The first instruction may be an instruction to start product registration at the POS terminal 2, as an example of an instruction to start a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The second event may include ending product registration at the POS terminal 2, as an example of ending a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The second event may include inputting a second instruction, as an example of ending a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2. The second instruction may be an instruction to end product registration at the POS terminal 2, as an example of an instruction to end a transaction-related process at the POS terminal 2.

[0171] The information processing device may be realized by one device, as explained by taking the guide terminal 1 or the server 3 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0172] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by an apparatus, a program that can cause a computer of the apparatus to execute each function, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0173] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0174] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0175] 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0176] Some of the above-described embodiments may be expressed as follows. [C1] a status processing unit that sets a status for each of the transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the transaction processing devices and a result of whether a user is present at each of the transaction processing devices; a guidance processing unit that processes the system to guide the user to an available transaction processing device among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status of each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; An information processing device comprising: [C2] when the event at a transaction processing device included in the plurality of transaction processing devices is a first event and the presence / absence result at the transaction processing device indicates the presence of a user, the status processing unit sets the status at the transaction processing device to "in use"; If the event in the transaction processing device is a second event and the presence / absence result in the transaction processing device is that a user is not present, the status processing unit sets the status in the transaction processing device to "vacant." The information processing device according to [C1]. [C3] an acquisition unit that acquires input information input in response to an operation; a communication processing unit that transmits the input information to the transaction processing device that is guided; The information processing device according to [C1] further comprises: [C4] the input information includes at least one of information about a language used by the transaction processing device and information about the purchase of a paid bag; The information processing device according to [C3] further comprises: [C5] Multiple POS terminals and a status processing unit that sets a status for each of the plurality of transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices and a result of whether or not a user is present at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; a guidance processing unit that processes the system to guide the user to an available transaction processing device among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status of each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; an information processing device comprising: An information processing system comprising: [C6] On the computer, setting a status for each of the plurality of transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices and a result of whether or not a user is present at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; processing to guide the user to an available transaction processing device among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status of each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; A program that can be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1...information terminal, 2...POS terminal, 3...server, 10...processing circuit, 11...main memory, 12...auxiliary storage device, 13...communication interface, 14...input device, 15...display device, 20...processing circuit, 21...main memory, 22...auxiliary storage device, 23...communication interface, 24...scanner, 25...input device, 26...display device, 27...lamp, 28...printing device, 29...sensor, 30...processing circuit, 31...main memory, 32...auxiliary storage device, 33...communication interface, 101...communication processing unit, 102...status processing unit, 103...information processing unit, 104...acquisition unit, 121...status data data storage area, 201...communication processing unit, 202...registration processing unit, 203...accounting processing unit, 204...first detection unit, 205...second detection unit, 206...alarm processing unit, 207...acquisition unit, 208...setting unit, 301...communication processing unit, 302...status processing unit, 303...guidance processing unit, 304...acquisition unit, 321...status data storage area, A...accounting area, BAA...language selection button, BAB...paid bag purchase button, BBA...language button, BBB...next button, BCA...YES button, BCB...NO button, BDA...confirm button, CA...customer, CB...customer, NW...network, R...input field, SA...information processing system, SB...information processing system.

Claims

1. a status processing unit that sets a status for each of the transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the transaction processing devices and a result of whether a user is present at each of the transaction processing devices; a guidance processing unit that processes the system to guide the user to an available transaction processing device among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status of each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; An information processing device comprising:

2. when the event at a transaction processing device included in the plurality of transaction processing devices is a first event and the presence / absence result at the transaction processing device indicates the presence of a user, the status processing unit sets the status at the transaction processing device to "in use"; If the event in the transaction processing device is a second event and the presence / absence result in the transaction processing device is that a user is not present, the status processing unit sets the status in the transaction processing device to "vacant." The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. an acquisition unit that acquires input information input in response to an operation; a communication processing unit that transmits the input information to the transaction processing device that is guided; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. the input information includes at least one of information about a language used by the transaction processing device and information about the purchase of a paid bag; The information processing device according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. A plurality of POS terminals, a status processing unit that sets a status for each of the plurality of transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices and a result of whether or not a user is present at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; a guidance processing unit that processes the system to guide the user to an available transaction processing device among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status of each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; an information processing device comprising: An information processing system comprising:

6. On the computer, setting a status for each of the plurality of transaction processing devices based on an event at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices and a result of whether or not a user is present at each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; processing to guide the user to an available transaction processing device among the plurality of transaction processing devices based on the status of each of the plurality of transaction processing devices; A program that can be executed.

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