Monitoring device, settlement device, and program

Abstract

To provide an efficient monitoring.SOLUTION: A monitoring device monitors a plurality of settlement devices capable of executing at least settlement processing. The monitoring device includes: display control means; reception means; and execution means. The display control means causes a plurality of display areas to be displayed, the plurality of display areas including: a first display area for displaying the respective settlement states of the plurality of settlement devices; and a second display area for displaying an abnormality image corresponding to a settlement device in which an abnormality has occurred among the plurality of settlement devices. The reception means receives an operation on the abnormality image displayed in the second display area. The execution means executes processing in accordance with the operation received by the reception means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device, a settlement device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] So-called self-checkout registers, which customers operate to register products and pay for them, have become commonplace in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other stores. At self-checkout registers, customers are monitored remotely by a supervisory store clerk. For example, a technology has been proposed that displays on a remote management computer the same image as that displayed on the display of the device operated by the customer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-67457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology has a problem in that the monitoring staff may not be able to monitor efficiently.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient monitoring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a monitoring device that monitors at least a plurality of settlement devices that are capable of performing settlement processing, and is characterized by comprising: a display control means for displaying a plurality of display areas including a first display area that displays the settlement status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, and a second display area that displays an abnormal image corresponding to a settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in which an abnormality has occurred; a reception means for accepting operations regarding the abnormal image displayed in the second display area; and an execution means for executing processing in accordance with the operation accepted by the reception means.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a settlement device that is monitored by the monitoring device described above, and is equipped with an abnormality display means that displays a screen indicating an abnormality when an abnormality occurs, and is characterized in that when processing is performed in the monitoring device in response to an operation on an abnormal image, the abnormality display means displays a screen based on the processing.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a monitoring device that monitors at least a plurality of settlement devices capable of performing settlement processing to function as a display control means that displays a plurality of display areas including a first display area that displays the settlement status of each of the plurality of settlement devices and a second display area that displays an abnormal image corresponding to a settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in which an abnormality has occurred, a reception means that accepts operations regarding the abnormal image displayed in the second display area, and an execution means that executes processing in accordance with the operation accepted by the reception means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a transaction status management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a registration and settlement device. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a sales data processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen displayed on the display unit of the transaction status management device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of types of notification icons. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged display mode in the first display area. [Figure 9] A figure showing an example of a screen displayed on the customer side display unit of the registration and settlement device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring control process performed by a transaction status management device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an error control process performed by the registration and settlement device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment) (Network configuration of sales data processing system St) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the network configuration of a sales data processing system St according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sales data processing system St is installed in various stores. The various stores include, for example, retail stores and restaurants. The retail stores include, for example, supermarkets, drug stores, discount stores, department stores, and various supply stores. The restaurants include, for example, restaurants, izakayas, coffee shops, and cafeterias.

[0011] The sales data processing system St shown in Fig. 1 includes a store controller 10, a transaction status management device 11, and a registration and settlement device 20. Each device is communicatively connected via a LAN 55. Each device is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

[0012] The store controller 10 stores various types of information necessary for transactions. This information includes a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, and sales price for each product. The product master also includes product identification information, product name, and unit price of products that require weighing (products to be weighed). In addition to the product master, the store controller 10 also stores various types of information such as inventory status, sales history, deposit and withdrawal records, information about special sales, and member information.

[0013] The transaction status management device 11 is an example of a monitoring device. It displays the processing status of the registered settlement devices 20 and controls the registered settlement devices 20. For example, a store clerk (monitoring store clerk) is stationed at the transaction status management device 11, and the registered settlement devices 20 are monitored by the monitoring store clerk. The transaction status management device 11 displays the status of each of the multiple registered settlement devices 20. Specifically, the transaction status management device 11 displays a split screen showing each registered settlement device 20, and displays the status of each registered settlement device 20. The monitoring store clerk supports customers who operate the registered settlement devices 20, and when an age verification product is registered at the registered settlement device 20, verifies the age of the customer.

[0014] The registration and settlement devices 20 (20-1 to 20-n (n≧1)) are examples of settlement devices. In this embodiment, for example, eight (n=8) settlement devices are installed in the store. The registration and settlement devices 20 are cash register devices that can register products and settle payments through customer operation. The registration and settlement device 20 includes a registration unit and a settlement unit. The registration unit executes a registration process to register products. In the registration process, registration information for products purchased by customers is generated. The settlement unit executes a settlement process based on the registration information generated in the registration process.

[0015] The registered settlement device 20 is an example of a settlement device. The registered settlement device 20 is operated by a customer. The registered settlement device 20 can operate in one of a plurality of operating modes. The operating modes here are a full self-service mode and a checkout-only mode.

[0016] The full self-service mode is a mode in which a customer registers products on the device (self-registration) and then settles the bill on the device (self-checkout). The checkout-only mode is a mode in which a store clerk obtains the settlement information for registered products on the registration device where the products are registered, and then settles the bill. In the following, the registration and settlement device 20 is assumed to operate in the full self-service mode.

[0017] The sales data processing system St may include a clerk terminal carried by a clerk. The clerk terminal may be capable of displaying, for example, a screen similar to that displayed on the transaction status management device 11. The clerk terminal may also notify a clerk when a customer calls the clerk at the registration settlement device 20 or when fraud by a customer is detected.

[0018] (Configuration example of transaction status management device 11) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transaction status management device 11. As shown in Fig. 2, the transaction status management device 11 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a hard disk 114, a display unit 115, a scanner unit 116, an audio output unit 117, and a communication unit 118. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0019] The CPU 111 is a central processing unit that reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 112 to control the operation of the transaction status management device 11. The various programs include a monitoring and control processing program according to this embodiment. The ROM 112 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 111, including programs.

[0020] The RAM 113 is a readable and writable memory that stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 113 and the hard disk 114 store information acquired from the outside and information generated in various processes.

[0021] The hard disk 114 stores various information such as registration information and settlement information acquired from the registration and settlement device 20. The hard disk 114 may store various programs executed by the CPU 111 instead of the ROM 112, for example.

[0022] The display unit 115 is a touch display for the monitoring clerk. The display unit 115 displays various information and accepts various inputs from the monitoring clerk. For example, when an age verification product is registered at a certain registered settlement device 20, the display unit 115 displays that fact. Furthermore, the display unit 115 accepts inputs related to age verification after the clerk visually checks the customer. The display unit 115 can also accept changes to the operating mode of each registered settlement device 20.

[0023] The scanner unit 116 is a scanner unit for the monitoring clerk, and optically reads various types of information. For example, the scanner unit 116 optically reads the clerk code attached to the clerk's name tag. The audio output unit 117 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 117 outputs an alarm sound indicating that a store clerk is calling. The communication unit 118 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices (the store controller 10 and the registration and settlement device 20).

[0024] The transaction status management device 11 may also include a card payment unit, a change dispenser, and a printing unit. In other words, the transaction status management device 11 may be configured to register products and settle payments in the same way as the registration and settlement device 20.

[0025] (Configuration example of registration and settlement device 20) Next, an example of the configuration of the registration and settlement device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the registration and settlement device 20. As shown in FIG. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registration and settlement device 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, an upstream counter 231 and a work support system 240 including a downstream counter 232 are located on both sides of the registration and settlement device 20. Products before registration and shopping baskets containing the products are placed on the upstream counter 231. Products that have been registered and shopping bags for storing the products are placed on the downstream counter 232.

[0027] In addition to the downstream counter 232, the work support system 240 includes a scale 210, a work support rack 241, and a coupon storage unit 242. The scale 210 is placed on the downstream counter 232. The work support rack 241 is a rack placed on the scale 210 and supports bagging work for registered products. The coupon storage unit 242 is located below the downstream counter 232 and collects used coupons.

[0028] A spare parts storage section 243 is disposed at the bottom of the device housing 20a of the registration and settlement device 20. The spare parts storage section 243 stores spare parts such as receipt paper.

[0029] An example of the configuration of registration and settlement device 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Registration and settlement device 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card settlement unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a weighing device 210, an audio output unit 211, a communication unit 212, a printing unit 213, a camera 214, a surveillance monitor 215, and a sign pole 216. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0030] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 202 to control the operation of the registration and settlement apparatus 20. The various programs include an error control processing program according to this embodiment. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0031] The RAM 203 is a readable and writable memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated in various processes. The information generated in various processes specifically includes registration information generated in a registration process for registering products and settlement information generated in a settlement process for settling the registered products (registered products).

[0032] Hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, hard disk 204 stores imaging results (e.g., video) captured by camera 214. Hard disk 204 may store various programs executed by CPU 201, instead of ROM 202. Furthermore, hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing, instead of RAM 203.

[0033] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer-side display unit 205 displays various information related to registration and settlement to the customer, and accepts various inputs related to registration and settlement from the customer. For example, the customer-side display unit 205 displays preset keys corresponding to products and accepts pressing of the preset keys. This causes the registration and settlement device 20 to register the products. The customer-side display unit 205 also displays multiple payment type selection buttons corresponding to multiple payment types and accepts selection of one button (one payment type) from the multiple payment type selection buttons. This causes the registration and settlement device 20 to perform production using that one payment type. The customer-side display unit 205 also accepts changes to the operating mode on a maintenance screen dedicated to store clerks. The customer-side display unit 205 is arranged to fit within the width of the device housing 20a.

[0034] The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers. Specifically, the customer-side scanner unit 206 includes an imaging unit. The imaging unit is an image sensor having an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit reads (images) the product. When the operator holds the product over the customer-side scanner unit 206, the imaging unit captures an image of the product. The imaging unit optically captures a code symbol (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product) held over the imaging window, or the whole or part of the product (object).

[0035] The code symbol includes a barcode attached to the product and a store clerk code attached to the store clerk's name tag. The barcode attached to the product is a code for identifying the product, such as a JAN code, a PLU (Price Look Up) code, or an in-store code. The customer-side scanner unit 206 reads the barcode attached to the product, and the registration and settlement device 20 registers the product. Note that the reading method used by the customer-side scanner unit 206 is not limited to CCD or CMOS, and laser or pen methods are also possible.

[0036] The card payment unit 208 performs payments based on information stored in various media such as various cards and mobile terminals. Various cards include credit cards, prepaid cards such as electronic money, and point cards. Electronic money is charged to charging media such as transportation IC cards and mobile terminals. The card payment unit 208 can read various cards using contact and contactless methods.

[0037] The change machine 209 is a cash settlement mechanism, and has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins. The change machine 209 calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The change machine 209 faces the customer side and accepts various operations and cash insertions from customers. The change machine 209 also has a sensor that detects banknotes and coins inserted into the input port. The sensor detects that banknotes and coins have been inserted into the input port, and detects the number of each denomination.

[0038] Weighing device 210 is placed above downstream counter 232 and detects the weight of registered products. Scale pan 210a is placed on weighing device 210. Scale pan 210a is provided with stopper 210b. Stopper 210b prevents products and shopping baskets placed on scale pan 210a from falling off scale pan 210a. Scale guard 232a is also provided on the customer side of downstream counter 232 to prevent the operator (customer) from accidentally measuring the weight by touching the scale guard.

[0039] The weighing device 210 measures the weight excluding the weight of the scale pan 210a and the weight of the work support rack 241. Furthermore, when a shopping bag is hung on the work support rack 241 or when a shopping basket is placed on the scale pan 210a, the weighing device 210 measures the weight excluding these (the shopping bag and the shopping basket). In the illustration, the downstream counter 232 and the scale pan 210a are sized to be able to place a shopping bag or the like that is large enough to fit one shopping basket. However, these sizes may also be large enough to place a shopping bag or the like that is large enough to fit two or more shopping baskets. Furthermore, a plurality of downstream counters 232 may be lined up and a plurality of weighing devices 210 may be arranged.

[0040] When the registration and settlement device 20 registers an item, it inquires of the store controller 10 about the weight of the item. The registration and settlement device 20 performs a weighing determination to determine whether the inquired weight matches the increased weight measured by the scale 210. If the weighing determination results in a match, it determines that the registration was performed normally and the item was placed on the downstream counter 232. On the other hand, if the weighing determination results in a mismatch, the registration and settlement device 20 determines that a weighing error has occurred. Weighing errors also include an event in which the weight of the scale 210 increases even though the item is not registered, or an event in which the weight of the scale 210 does not increase even though the item is registered.

[0041] The audio output unit 211 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 211 outputs audio guidance, warning sounds, etc. The audio guidance and warning sounds relate to, for example, product registration and payment. The communication unit 212 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices (the store controller 10, the transaction status management device 11, and other registration settlement devices 20). The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various media (receipts, bills, etc.) The printing unit 213 is capable of changing the direction of the media issuing port.

[0042] Camera 214 is attached to the top of customer-side display unit 205. Camera 214 captures moving or still images. Camera 214 is an image sensor having an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS. Camera 214 also has a fisheye lens or a wide-angle lens, and captures images of customers over a wide range.

[0043] Camera 214 captures an image of the customer's operations when registering products. For example, camera 214 captures an image of the inside (products) of a shopping basket on the counters provided on both sides of registration and settlement device 20, and an image of the customer's operations when registering. Camera 214 also captures an image of the customer's operations when settling. Specifically, camera 214 captures images of bills and coins held by the customer, as well as the change dispenser 209 and hand movements.

[0044] Camera 214 may be positioned in any position that allows it to capture good images of customer operations. For example, camera 214 may be provided so as to protrude from customer-side display unit 205 toward the customer (nearby side). Furthermore, from the viewpoint of capturing good images of operations during payment, camera 214 may be positioned facing change machine 209 and capture images centered on change machine 209 (cash insertion slot).

[0045] The camera 214 captures images continuously while it is running. Images captured by the camera 214 are stored as recordings on the hard disk 204. The recording period is, for example, the period from when the start of product registration is detected until the customer leaves the registered settlement device 20 after completing the settlement. Whether or not a customer is in front of the registered settlement device 20 may be determined by, for example, a human presence sensor (not shown). Note that the camera 214 may record the period during which a customer is in front of the registered settlement device 20.

[0046] Furthermore, captured images may be continuously recorded. That is, captured images may be continuously recorded regardless of whether a transaction has occurred or whether a customer is in front of the registration settlement device 20. When continuously recording, the registration settlement device 20 may have a function to store only the necessary portions and delete unnecessary portions. For example, the period to be stored is the period from 5 seconds before the start of product registration is accepted until 5 seconds have passed since the receipt was removed. On the other hand, the unnecessary portions are portions that represent periods other than those to be stored.

[0047] The captured image captured by the camera 214 can be used as a surveillance image to monitor a customer making a payment. The captured image can be used, for example, to verify the actual amount deposited or as evidence. For example, suppose a customer tells a monitoring clerk, "I inserted a 10,000 yen bill, but I don't have enough change." In this case, the clerk can verify the denomination actually inserted by the customer by examining the captured image. Specifically, if the captured image confirms the insertion of a 10,000 yen bill, the monitoring clerk can determine that the change dispenser 209 is malfunctioning. On the other hand, if the captured image does not confirm the insertion of a 10,000 yen bill (for example, if the captured image confirms the insertion of a 1,000 yen bill), the monitoring clerk can determine that the customer is making a false statement. The captured image can also be presented to the customer as evidence, and can be displayed, for example, on the monitoring monitor 215 or the transaction status management device 11.

[0048] Surveillance monitor 215 is attached to the top of customer-side display unit 205. Surveillance monitor 215 is positioned higher than camera 214. Specifically, surveillance monitor 215 is positioned at approximately the same height as sign pole 216. This allows the monitoring store clerk to check surveillance monitor 215 and sign pole 216 at the same time. Furthermore, surveillance monitor 215 and camera 214 are positioned to fit within the width of device housing 20a.

[0049] The surveillance monitor 215 displays images captured by the camera 214. These images are real-time captured images (video). By constantly displaying real-time video on the surveillance monitor 215, customers using the registered settlement device 20 can be made aware that they are being photographed, which can enhance the deterrent effect against fraud. The surveillance monitor 215 can also display captured images (recorded images) stored on the hard disk 204.

[0050] The monitoring monitor 215 is disposed above the camera 214. The orientation of the display screen of the monitoring monitor 215 can be changed to any direction, including up, down, left, and right. Therefore, the monitoring monitor 215 is oriented toward the transaction status management device 11 (monitoring clerk). Because the monitoring monitor 215 is disposed above and oriented toward the transaction status management device 11, even a clerk far from the registration and settlement device 20 (a monitoring clerk in front of the transaction status management device 11) can monitor the series of operations performed by the customer. Furthermore, if an error occurs, the monitoring monitor 215 can also display a recording of the series of operations performed by the customer or a recording of the time the error occurred. The monitoring monitor 215 may have a larger screen than the customer-side display unit 205. This improves visibility for a monitoring clerk at a distance and further enhances the deterrent effect of surveillance.

[0051] The sign pole 216 is attached to the device housing 20a. The sign pole 216 is located above the customer-side display unit 205 so as not to interfere with the monitoring monitor 215. The sign pole 216 has a light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit of the sign pole 216 is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The light-emitting unit can be illuminated in a predetermined color or a predetermined lighting pattern. The predetermined lighting patterns include a lighting pattern indicating standby (e.g., lit green), a lighting pattern indicating in use (e.g., flashing green), a lighting pattern to call a store clerk when change or receipt paper is near the end (e.g., flashing yellow), and a lighting pattern indicating insufficient change or an abnormality (e.g., flashing red). Note that the lighting pattern indicating in use may be more detailed. For example, a lighting pattern indicating a settlement in progress and a lighting pattern indicating a product being registered may be different lighting patterns. Furthermore, because the sign pole 216 is located above the customer-side display unit 205, the lighting pattern can be recognized even by store clerks who are not near the registration settlement device 20.

[0052] A number tag 216a is provided at the bottom of the sign pole 216. The number tag 216a indicates the number assigned to each registered settlement device 20. The display medium on which the number is displayed may be an electronic medium or a non-electronic medium such as a plate.

[0053] The sign pole 216 and the number tag 216a are integrated and can be rotated as needed. Even if the orientation of the sign pole 216 and the monitoring monitor 215 are changed, they are configured not to interfere with each other. The registration and settlement device 20 can also be configured to include a store clerk's display unit in addition to the customer's display unit 205. Even in such a configuration, the sign pole 216 and the monitoring monitor 215 are configured not to interfere with each other or with the store clerk's display unit.

[0054] (Functional configuration of the sales data processing system St) In this embodiment, the operability of the transaction status management device 11 is significantly improved. This will be described together with the functional configuration of the sales data processing system St according to this embodiment, using FIG.

[0055] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sales data processing system St. As shown in Fig. 5, the transaction status management device 11 includes a display control unit 501, a reception unit 502, and an execution unit 503. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU 111. That is, the CPU 111 realizes each functional unit by executing the monitoring control processing program according to this embodiment. Each functional unit will be described below with reference to the screen example in Fig. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen displayed on the display unit 115 of the transaction status management device 11. As shown in FIG.

[0056] The display control unit 501 causes the display unit 115 to display a monitoring screen 600 shown in Fig. 6. The monitoring screen 600 includes a first display area 610 and a second display area 650. The first display area 610 is an area that displays the status (registration status and settlement status) of each of the multiple registered settlement devices 20. Specifically, the first display area 610 includes monitoring images G (G-1 to G-8) that respectively correspond to each registered settlement device 20.

[0057] The monitoring image G includes a normal display mode and an abnormality display mode. Monitoring images G(T)-1, G(T)-3, G(T)-5, G(T)-6, and G(T)-8 show the normal display mode. Monitoring images G(I)-2, G(I)-4, and G(I)-7 show the abnormality display mode. Hereinafter, the monitoring image G in the normal display mode may be referred to as the "normal monitoring image G(T)." Furthermore, the monitoring image G in the abnormality display mode displayed in the first display area 610 may be referred to as the "first abnormality monitoring image G(I)." The monitoring image G in the abnormality display mode displayed in the second display area 650 may be referred to as the "second abnormality monitoring image G(i)."

[0058] (Normal surveillance image G(T)) The normal monitoring image G(T) (G(T)-1, G(T)-3, G(T)-5, G(T)-6, G(T)-8) includes a machine number 621, a status 622, a registered number 623, a total amount 624, transaction details 625, and a menu button 626. The machine number 621 is a number assigned to the registered settlement device 20, and indicates, for example, any one of 1 to 8. The status 622 indicates the current state (status) of the registration and settlement device 20, such as, for example, registration in progress, settlement in progress, waiting, or maintenance in progress. The number of registered items 623 indicates the total number of registered items. The total price 624 indicates the total price of the registered products. The transaction details 625 indicate the details of the registered product and the details of the operation.

[0059] The menu button 626 accepts the display of detailed information about each registered settlement device 20. The menu button 626 includes a change information button 626a, a log search button 626b, a details screen button 626c, and an other button 626d. The screen that appears when the menu button 626 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. The menu button 626 is always displayed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the menu button 626 may be displayed when a predetermined operation (for example, a tap operation on a specific area of ​​the monitoring image G) is received. In addition, in the illustration, the menu buttons 626 (multiple buttons) are arranged horizontally, but this is not limited to this and they may also be arranged vertically.

[0060] (First abnormality monitoring image G(I)) The first abnormality monitoring images G(I) (G(I)-2, G(I)-4, G(I)-7) include a notification icon 631 instead of the transaction content 625. The first abnormality monitoring images G(I)-4 and G(I)-7 further include detailed content 632. The notification icon 631 indicates the content of the error and a mark corresponding to the content of the error. The detailed content 632 indicates the details of the error.

[0061] (Notification icon 631) Here, the types of notification icons 631 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the types of notification icons 631. As shown in the list in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, eight types of notification icons 631a to 631h can be displayed.

[0062] The notification icon 631a is an icon indicating a general error (general error). A general error occurs, for example, when a specific product is registered, when the change counter is nearly full (when the change counter is nearly full), or when the change counter is nearly out (when the change counter is nearly out). A specific product is a product that requires the intervention of a store clerk, such as medicines or products with security tags. In the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-7 in FIG. 6, the detailed content 632 indicates a near-end state as a detailed error.

[0063] The notification icon 631b is an icon indicating a store clerk call error. A store clerk call error occurs, for example, when the store clerk call button is pressed on the registered settlement device 20, when the change is full (when the change is full), or when the change is exhausted (when the change is exhausted). In the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-4 in FIG. 6, the detailed content 632 indicates the exhausted state as details of the error.

[0064] The notification icon 631c is an icon indicating an absence error, which occurs when a customer leaves the registration and settlement device 20 during product registration or payment.

[0065] Notification icon 631d is an icon indicating a weight skip error. A weight skip error is an error related to weighing, and occurs, for example, when the weight of a registered product does not match the weight of a product placed on scale 210, when a registered product is not placed on scale 210, or when an unregistered product is placed on scale 210.

[0066] The notification icon 631e is an icon indicating a time-up error, which occurs when, for example, a customer is confused about the operation during product registration or payment operation and does not perform any operation for a certain period of time.

[0067] The notification icon 631f is an icon indicating a forget-to-take-change error, which occurs when a customer forgets to take the change from the change dispenser 209.

[0068] The notification icon 631g indicates an age verification error, which occurs when a product that requires age verification, such as alcohol, is registered.

[0069] The notification icon 631h is an icon indicating a maintenance error. A maintenance error occurs when the registration and settlement device 20 is operating in maintenance mode. In maintenance mode, a store clerk performs work, and when the work is completed, the mode is switched from maintenance mode to full self-service mode. Here, the store clerk may forget to switch modes. In this case, the registration and settlement device 20 continues to remain in maintenance mode. Therefore, by notifying a maintenance error when operating in maintenance mode, the store clerk can be notified that they forgot to switch modes.

[0070] When an error occurs, the registration and settlement device 20 sends an error occurrence notification indicating the details of the error to the transaction status management device 11. The registration and settlement device 20 also displays an error screen according to the details of the error, and temporarily disables operations until the error is resolved.

[0071] The first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-2 in Fig. 6 includes a notification icon 631g indicating an age verification error. That is, it indicates that an age verification error has occurred in the second registration settlement device 20. Furthermore, when an age verification error occurs, the registration settlement device 20 displays an age verification error screen indicating this, and operation is temporarily disabled until the age verification error is resolved.

[0072] The first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-4 also includes a notification icon 631b indicating an error other than an age verification error (for example, a store clerk call error). In other words, this indicates that a store clerk call error has occurred at the fourth registered settlement device 20. When a store clerk call error occurs, the registered settlement device 20 displays a store clerk call error screen indicating this, and operation is temporarily disabled until the store clerk call error is resolved.

[0073] The first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-7 also includes a notification icon 631a indicating an error other than an age verification error (for example, a general error). In other words, this indicates that a general error has occurred in the seventh registered settlement device 20. When a general error occurs, the registered settlement device 20 displays a general error screen indicating this, and operation is temporarily disabled until the general error is resolved.

[0074] (Second abnormality monitoring image G(i) displayed in the second display area) The second display area 650 is an area that displays a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to a registered settlement device 20 in which an abnormality (error) has occurred, among the multiple registered settlement devices 20. In the illustration, the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) includes a second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2 indicating an age verification error, a second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-4 indicating a store clerk call error, and a second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-7 indicating a general error.

[0075] The second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2 indicating an age verification error is the same image as the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-2. The second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-4 indicating a store clerk call error is the same image as the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-4. The second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-7 indicating a general error is the same image as the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-7. In other words, the second display area 650 is an area where the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), which is the same as the first abnormality monitoring image G(I), is displayed.

[0076] (Reception unit 502) The reception unit 502 receives operations for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) displayed in the second display area 650. Specifically, the reception unit 502 receives operations for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) (G(i)-2, G(i)-4, G(i)-7). For example, the display area portion of the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2 is capable of receiving operations from the monitoring clerk. Similarly, the display area portions of the second abnormality monitoring images G(i)-4 and G(i)-7 are also capable of receiving operations from the monitoring clerk.

[0077] (Executing Unit 503) The execution unit 503 executes processing according to the operation received by the reception unit 502. The processing includes processing to erase the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) and processing to send an instruction to change the screen displayed on the registered settlement device 20.

[0078] For example, when the reception unit 502 receives an operation on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2 (specifically, when a store clerk visually confirms the customer's age and presses the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2), the execution unit 503 executes a process to resolve the age verification error. Specifically, upon receiving the operation, the execution unit 503 erases the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2 from the second display area 650 and outputs an instruction (screen change instruction) to the registration and settlement device 20 to switch from the age verification error screen to the registration screen. The screen change instruction is output, for example, by transmission from the transaction status management device 11 to the registration and settlement device 20. The transmission may be direct transmission from the transaction status management device 11 to the registration and settlement device 20, or indirect transmission from the transaction status management device 11 via another device (for example, an external server device).

[0079] Furthermore, for example, when the reception unit 502 receives each operation on the second abnormality monitoring images G(i)-4 and G(i)-7, the execution unit 503 outputs an instruction (display content change instruction) to change the display content of the error screen (store clerk call error screen or general error screen) to the registered settlement device 20. The change in display content is, for example, a change from display content indicating that a store clerk is being called to display content indicating that a store clerk is on his way to the customer.

[0080] When an operation on the second abnormality monitoring images G(i)-4 and G(i)-7 (the second abnormality monitoring images G(i) in the case of an error other than an age verification error) is accepted, the second abnormality monitoring images G(i)-4 and G(i)-7 are not erased from the second display area 650. The second abnormality monitoring images G(i)-4 and G(i)-7 are erased when the respective errors are cleared in the registered settlement device 20.

[0081] (Acceptance of operation on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)) As described above, the display control unit 501 displays the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) in the first display area 610 and the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. In this embodiment, the reception unit 502 receives operations for the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) in addition to the second abnormality monitoring image G(i). Specifically, in the drawing, the reception unit 502 receives operations for the first abnormality monitoring images G(I)-2, G(I)-4, and G(I)-7. For example, the display area for the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)-2 can receive operations from the monitoring staff. Similarly, the display area for each of the first abnormality monitoring images G(I)-4 and G(I)-7 can receive operations from the monitoring staff.

[0082] When the receiving unit 502 receives an operation on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) displayed in the first display area 610, the execution unit 503 executes processing similar to that performed when the receiving unit 502 receives an operation on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) displayed in the second display area 650.

[0083] (Enlarged display mode of the first display area 610) The display control unit 501 makes it possible to switch the display mode of the first display area 610. Specifically, the display control unit 501 makes it possible to switch the display mode of the first display area between a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a display mode that displays all information (monitoring image G) of the multiple registered settlement devices 20, as shown in the first display area 610 of FIG. 6. On the other hand, the second display mode is a display mode that displays information of some of the multiple registered settlement devices 20. Hereinafter, the first display mode will be referred to as the "split display mode," and the second display mode will be referred to as the "enlarged display mode."

[0084] Specifically, the display control unit 501 can display the screen in an enlarged display mode in response to the operation of each button included in the menu button 626. For example, when the change information button 626a for the first registered settlement device 20 is pressed on the monitoring screen 600 in Fig. 6, the screen transitions to the change information screen 810 shown in Fig. 8(A).

[0085] (Change Information Screen 810) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged display mode in the first display area 610. As shown in FIG. 8(A), a change information screen 810 is displayed in the first display area 610 in an enlarged display mode. The change information screen 810 shows the remaining number and surplus number of each denomination as change information. This allows the monitoring clerk to easily grasp the remaining number of change at each registered settlement device 20 and to prepare for change-related maintenance. The exit button 811 is a button that accepts closing of the change information screen 810, that is, a button that accepts switching from the enlarged display mode to the split display mode.

[0086] Furthermore, when the log search button 626b for the registered settlement device 20 No. 1 is pressed on the monitoring screen 600 of FIG. 6, for example, the screen transitions to a log search screen 820 shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0087] (Log search screen 820) As shown in FIG. 8(B), a log search screen 820 is displayed in an enlarged display mode in the first display area 610. The log search screen 820 is a screen that allows a search for a transaction information log (history). For example, by entering a date and time, it is possible to search for and display the log for that date and time. This allows the monitoring clerk to check the log for each registered settlement device 20.

[0088] Furthermore, when the details screen button 626c for the registered settlement device 20 No. 1 is pressed on the monitoring screen 600 in FIG. 6, for example, the screen transitions to a details screen 830 shown in FIG. 8(C).

[0089] (Details screen 830) As shown in Fig. 8(C), a details screen 830 is displayed in an enlarged display mode in the first display area 610. The details screen 830 is a screen that shows details of the screen displayed on the registered settlement device 20. This allows the monitoring clerk to grasp the details of the transaction content for each registered settlement device 20.

[0090] (When the Other button 626d is pressed) 6, for example, when the Other button 626d is pressed for the first registered settlement device 20, the selection buttons 627 shown in FIG. 8(D) are displayed below the Other button 626d. The selection buttons 627 include a cash register stop button 627a, a stop release button 627b, and a start screen button 627c.

[0091] The cash register stop button 627a is a button for accepting a stop (forced stop) of use of the registered settlement device 20 (registered settlement device 20 No. 1). When the cash register stop button 627a is pressed, the screen transitions to a confirmation screen 840 shown in FIG. 8(D).

[0092] The confirmation screen 840 includes a message 841, a notification symbol 842, and a confirmation button 843. The message 841 indicates that the use of the first registered settlement device 20 will be stopped. The notification symbol 842 shows a form ("!" in the illustration) according to the content of the message 841. The "!" form is displayed not only in conjunction with the message 841, but also in conjunction with a message indicating the cancellation of the stop, and in conjunction with a message indicating the transition to the start screen. The confirmation button 843 includes a confirmation button (yes button) and a no button. When the confirmation button is pressed, the stop of use of the registered settlement device 20 is confirmed.

[0093] In addition to the above-mentioned form ("!"), the notification symbol 842 can also take the form of "x" or "i." The "x" form is displayed, for example, in conjunction with an urgent message (for example, a message indicating an error). The "i" form is displayed, for example, in conjunction with a message indicating logout when a monitoring clerk logs out of the transaction status management device 11.

[0094] The suspension release button 627b is a button for accepting the release of suspension of use (restart of operation) of the registered settlement apparatus 20 (registered settlement apparatus 20 No. 1) whose use has been suspended. The start screen button 627c is a button that resets the registration details and display details for the target registered settlement device 20 (registered settlement device 20 No. 1) and accepts transition to the start screen. If a customer were to leave during a transaction, other customers would be unable to use the registered settlement device 20 if the situation remained as it was. Therefore, by pressing the start screen button 627c, the registered settlement device 20 would return to the start screen, making it possible to use the registered settlement device 20.

[0095] (If an abnormality occurs in another registered settlement device 20 in the enlarged display mode) When an abnormality occurs in a registered settlement device 20 that is not the display target in the enlarged display mode, the display control unit 501 displays the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to that registered settlement device 20 in the second display area 650. Similarly, when an abnormality occurs in a registered settlement device 20 that is the display target in the enlarged display mode, the display control unit 501 displays the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to that registered settlement device 20 in the second display area 650. In other words, when an abnormality occurs in a registered settlement device 20, regardless of whether it is the display target in the enlarged display mode, the display control unit 501 displays the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to that registered settlement device 20 in the second display area 650.

[0096] 8(A) to (D) show an enlarged display mode showing the registered settlement device 20 No. 1. In this enlarged display mode, if an abnormality occurs in a registered settlement device 20 other than No. 1 (for example, the registered settlement device 20 No. 5), the display control unit 501 changes the normal monitoring image G(T)-5 corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 No. 5 to a first abnormality monitoring image G(I), and further adds a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 No. 5 to the second display area 650.

[0097] (Regarding the registration settlement device 20) As shown in Fig. 5, the registration and settlement device 20 includes an abnormality display unit 511. The abnormality display unit 511 is realized by the CPU 201. That is, the CPU 201 executes the error control processing program according to this embodiment to realize the function of the abnormality display unit 511. Below, the abnormality display unit 511 will be described with reference to the example screen of Fig. 9.

[0098] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the registration and settlement device 20. When an abnormality occurs, the abnormality display unit 511 displays a screen indicating the abnormality on the customer display unit 205. For example, when an age verification error occurs, the abnormality display unit 511 displays an age verification error screen. Figure 9(A) shows an age verification error screen 910. The age verification error screen 910 is a screen that is displayed when alcoholic beverages or the like are registered. When an age verification error occurs, the registration and settlement device 20 sends an error occurrence notification indicating the age verification error to the transaction status management device 11.

[0099] When the execution unit 503 (transaction status management device 11) executes processing in response to an operation on the monitoring image G indicating an abnormality, the abnormality display unit 511 displays a screen based on the processing. When the abnormality display unit 511 receives a screen change instruction from the transaction status management device 11 while the age verification error screen 910 is displayed, the abnormality display unit 511 switches to the registration screen 920 (FIG. 9(B)). This allows the customer to resume product registration.

[0100] Furthermore, if an error other than an age verification error (for example, a store clerk call error) occurs, the abnormality display unit 511 displays a store clerk call error screen. Figure 9(C) shows a store clerk call error screen 930. The store clerk call error screen 930 indicates that a store clerk is being called. If the abnormality display unit 511 receives an instruction to change the display content from the transaction status management device 11 while the store clerk call error screen 930 is being displayed, it changes the display content. Figure 9(D) shows a display content change screen 940. The display content change screen 940 indicates that a store clerk is on the way. This allows the customer to know that a store clerk will be there shortly.

[0101] (Monitoring and control processing performed by the transaction status management device 11) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the monitoring and control process performed by the transaction status management device 11. The process shown in Fig. 10 is a process that is constantly performed depending on the processing capacity of the CPU 111 while the transaction status management device 11 is running.

[0102] 10, the transaction status management device 11 determines whether or not it has received a command to switch the display mode (split display mode or enlarged display mode) of the first display area 610 (by pressing the menu button 626 or the end button 811) (step S1001). If it has not received a command to switch the display mode of the first display area 610 (step S1001: NO), the transaction status management device 11 proceeds to step S1003.

[0103] On the other hand, if the transaction status management device 11 receives a command to switch the display mode of the first display area 610 (step S1001: YES), it switches the display mode of the first display area 610 (step S1002).Then, the transaction status management device 11 determines whether or not an error occurrence notification has been received from the registration settlement device 20 (step S1003).

[0104] If an error occurrence notification is not received from the registration and settlement device 20 (step S1003: NO), the transaction status management device 11 proceeds to step S1008. On the other hand, if an error occurrence notification is received from the registration and settlement device 20 (step S1003: YES), the transaction status management device 11 identifies a notification icon 631 according to the content of the error indicated by the error occurrence notification (step S1004).

[0105] Then, the transaction status management device 11 determines whether the display mode of the first display area 610 is the split display mode (step S1005). If the display mode of the first display area 610 is the split display mode (step S1005: YES), the transaction status management device 11 changes the normal monitoring image G(T) corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 that sent the error occurrence notification to a first abnormality monitoring image G(I) including the notification icon 631 identified in step S1004 (step S1006). Furthermore, the transaction status management device 11 adds a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) including the notification icon 631 identified in step S1004 to the second display area 650 for that registered settlement device 20 (step S1007).

[0106] On the other hand, in step S1005, if the display mode of the first display area 610 is not the split display mode (step S1005: NO), that is, if the display mode of the first display area 610 is the enlarged display mode, the transaction status management device 11 proceeds to step S1007 and adds the second abnormality monitoring image G(i).

[0107] Next, if a monitoring image G indicating an abnormality (first abnormality monitoring image G(I) or second abnormality monitoring image G(i)) is displayed, the transaction status management device 11 determines whether the monitoring image G indicating an abnormality has been pressed (step S1008). If the monitoring image G indicating an abnormality has not been pressed (step S1008: NO), or if the monitoring image G indicating an abnormality is not displayed, the transaction status management device 11 proceeds to step S1014.

[0108] On the other hand, if a monitoring image G indicating an abnormal condition is pressed (step S1008: YES), the transaction status management device 11 determines whether the pressed monitoring image G is a monitoring image G indicating an age verification error (first abnormal monitoring image G(I) or second abnormal monitoring image G(i)) (step S1009).

[0109] If the pressed monitoring image G is a monitoring image G indicating an age verification error (step S1009: YES), the transaction status management device 11 erases the second abnormal monitoring image G(i) indicating the age verification error from the second display area 650 (step S1010).Then, the transaction status management device 11 changes the first abnormal monitoring image G(I) indicating the age verification error to a normal monitoring image G(T) (step S1011).

[0110] Then, the transaction status management device 11 transmits a screen change instruction to the registered settlement device 20 corresponding to the pressed monitoring image G (step S1012), and proceeds to step S1014. On the other hand, in step S1009, if the pressed monitoring image G is not a monitoring image G indicating an age verification error (step S1009: NO), that is, if the pressed monitoring image G is a monitoring image G indicating an error other than an age verification error, the transaction status management device 11 transmits a display content change instruction to the registered settlement device 20 corresponding to the pressed monitoring image G (step S1013).

[0111] Next, the transaction status management device 11 determines whether or not it has received an error cancellation notification sent from the registration settlement device 20 when the registration settlement device 20 accepts an error cancellation operation (step S1014). If it has not received an error cancellation notification from the registration settlement device 20 (step S1014: NO), the transaction status management device 11 ends the series of processes.

[0112] On the other hand, if an error release notification is received from the registered settlement device 20 (step S1014: YES), the transaction status management device 11 erases the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to that registered settlement device 20 (step S1015).Then, the transaction status management device 11 changes the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) corresponding to that registered settlement device 20 to the normal monitoring image G(T) (step S1016), and ends the series of processes.

[0113] (Error control process performed by the registration and settlement device 20) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of error control processing performed by the registration and settlement apparatus 20. The processing shown in Fig. 11 is processing that is constantly performed during startup of the registration and settlement apparatus 20 in accordance with the processing capacity of the CPU 201.

[0114] 11, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether an error has occurred (step S1101). If no error has occurred (step S1101: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S1104. On the other hand, if an error has occurred (step S1101: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 sends an error occurrence notification to the transaction status management device 11 (step S1102).

[0115] Then, the registration and settlement device 20 displays an error screen corresponding to the content of the error on the customer side display unit 205 (step S1103). Next, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether or not it has received a screen change instruction that can be received during an age verification error from the transaction status management device 11 (step S1104). If it has received a screen change instruction (step S1104: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 switches from the age verification error screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)) to the registration screen 920 (FIG. 9(B)) (step S1105) and proceeds to step S1108.

[0116] On the other hand, if no screen change instruction is received in step S1104 (step S1104: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether or not a display content change instruction that can be received during an error other than an age verification error has been received from the transaction status management device 11 (step S1106).

[0117] If the display content change instruction is not received (step S1106: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S1108. On the other hand, if the display change instruction is received (step S1106: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 switches to the display content change screen 940 (FIG. 9(D)), for example, by changing the display content of the store clerk call error screen 930 (FIG. 9(C)) (step S1107).

[0118] If an error has occurred, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether the error has been cleared in response to an operation by a store clerk (step S1108). If the error has not been cleared (step S1108: NO), or if an error is not occurring, the registration and settlement device 20 ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if the error has been cleared (step S1108: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 sends an error clearance notification to the transaction status management device 11 (step S1109), and ends the series of processes.

[0119] As described above, the transaction status management device 11 according to this embodiment displays, in the first display area 610, a monitoring image G showing the settlement status (and registration status) of each of the multiple registered settlement devices 20, and displays, in the second display area 650, a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to a registered settlement device 20 in which an abnormality has occurred. The transaction status management device 11 then accepts an operation on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) and executes processing according to the accepted operation. This allows the monitoring clerk to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the registered settlement device 20 and what the abnormality is, simply by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. Furthermore, the transaction status management device 11 executes the operations received in response to the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), thereby improving operability for the clerk. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the registered settlement device 20, the monitoring clerk can take prompt action. Therefore, the transaction status management device 11 according to this embodiment allows the monitoring clerk to efficiently monitor customers.

[0120] The transaction status management device 11 according to this embodiment also displays the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) in the first display area 610, and accepts operations on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I). This allows the monitoring clerk to perform operations received not only on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) but also on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I). Therefore, the clerk only needs to operate either the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) or the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), further improving operability.

[0121] In addition, when an abnormality occurs in a registered settlement device 20 that is not the display target in the enlarged display mode in the first display area 610, the transaction status management device 11 of this embodiment displays a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to that registered settlement device 20 in the second display area. As a result, even when a monitoring clerk is monitoring another registered settlement device 20 in detail using the enlarged display mode, the monitoring clerk can ascertain the registered settlement device 20 in which an abnormality has occurred and the details of the abnormality by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. Furthermore, even when the enlarged display mode is being displayed, operations accepted for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) can be executed, thereby improving operability for the clerk.

[0122] In addition, when an abnormality occurs, the registration settlement device 20 of this embodiment displays a screen (error screen) indicating the abnormality, and when processing is performed in the transaction status management device 11 in response to an operation on the abnormality content (monitoring image G), a screen based on that processing is displayed. This allows the registration and settlement device 20 to display an optimal screen in response to the prompt response of the monitoring clerk at the transaction status management device 11, even if an abnormality occurs. For example, it is possible to quickly switch from the age verification error screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)) to the registration screen 920 (FIG. 9(B)). This allows the customer to quickly complete registration and settlement.

[0123] (Modification of the embodiment) Next, modified examples of the embodiment will be described. Note that in the following modified examples, the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the respective configurations of the following modified examples and the embodiments.

[0124] (Modification 1-1: Example in which the display target in the enlarged display mode is a plurality of registered settlement devices 20) First, modified example 1-1 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the display target in the enlarged display mode of the first display area 610 (FIG. 6) is one registered settlement device 20. In modified example 1-1, an example will be described in which the display target in the enlarged display mode is multiple (e.g., three) registered settlement devices 20.

[0125] In Modification 1-1, the display control unit 501 can, for example, display three change information screens 810 (FIG. 8(A)) for the three registered settlement devices 20, numbered 1, 3, and 5, side by side in the first display area 610. Furthermore, the screens displayed side by side in the enlarged display mode may have different content. For example, the display control unit 501 may display the change information screen 810 for the registered settlement device 20, the log search screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)) for the registered settlement device 20, and the details screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)) for the registered settlement device 20.

[0126] In the enlarged display mode, the content of the screen to be displayed may be determined according to the operation of the monitoring clerk. The number of registered settlement devices 20 to be displayed side by side may be any number according to the operation of the monitoring clerk.

[0127] According to the first modification, the monitoring clerk can grasp the details of each of the multiple registered settlement devices 20 at the same time.

[0128] (Modification 1-2: Example of changing the number of display objects in the split display mode) Next, modified example 1-2 will be described. In the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the number of registered settlement devices 20 displayed in the split display mode of the first display area 610 is eight, as shown in Fig. 6. In modified example 1-2, the number of registered settlement devices 20 displayed in the split display mode may be changeable.

[0129] For example, the number of units to be changed may be the number received from the monitoring clerk, or may be a preset number. Furthermore, the registered settlement devices 20 to be displayed may be the registered settlement devices 20 with the unit numbers received from the monitoring clerk, or may be the registered settlement devices 20 with preset unit numbers. According to variant example 1-2, in the split display mode, the registered settlement devices 20 desired by the monitoring clerk can be displayed, allowing for efficient monitoring.

[0130] (Modification 2-1: Example in which multiple registered settlement devices 20 operate in different operation modes) Next, we will explain variant 2-1. In the above-mentioned embodiment, we have explained an example in which multiple registered settlement devices 20 all operate in full self-service mode. In variant 2-1, we will explain an example in which some of the multiple registered settlement devices 20 operate in accounting-only mode. Specifically, in variant 2-1, we will explain an example in which some of the multiple registered settlement devices 20 operate in full self-service mode and some operate in accounting-only mode.

[0131] In Modification 2-1, the display control unit 501 may display the monitoring image G with the operation mode of each registered settlement device 20. The display control unit 501 may display at least one of the monitoring image G in the first display area 610 and the monitoring image G in the second display area 650 with the operation mode. For example, the display control unit 501 may not display the operation mode on the monitoring image G displayed in the first display area 610, but may display the operation mode on the monitoring image G (second abnormality monitoring image G(i)) displayed in the second display area 650.

[0132] Furthermore, when an operation mode is assigned to the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), the display control unit 501 may display the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in separate display areas according to the operation mode within the second display area 650. For example, the display control unit 501 may display the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to a registered settlement device 20 in full self-time mode in the left region of the second display area 650, and on the other hand, display the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to a registered settlement device 20 in checkout-only mode in the right region of the second display area 650.

[0133] The display control unit 501 may also display the monitoring image G in a color according to the operation mode. For example, the display control unit 501 may display the monitoring image G corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 in the full self-time mode in blue, and the monitoring image G corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 in the checkout-only mode in green.

[0134] Furthermore, when the registration and settlement device 20 operates in the transaction-only mode, the product registration mode may be any of the registration modes. For example, two examples of registration modes include a registration mode in which a store clerk registers a product on a registration device installed in the store (store clerk registration mode), and a registration mode in which a customer registers a product on a mobile terminal carried by the customer (mobile registration mode).

[0135] (Modification 2-2: Another example of the registration and settlement device 20) Next, Modification 2-2 will be described. In the above-described embodiment and Modification 2-1, an example of the registration and settlement device 20 that can operate in a full self-service mode or a checkout-only mode has been described. In Modification 2-2, another example of the registration and settlement device 20 will be described.

[0136] In variant 2-2, the registration and settlement device 20 may have a registration function by a store clerk. Specifically, the registration and settlement device 20 may have a store clerk display unit, a store clerk scanner unit, etc. In this case, the registration and settlement device 20 may be operable, for example, in a full self-service mode, a checkout-only mode, and also in a store clerk registration mode. The store clerk registration mode is a mode in which a store clerk registers products and the customer meets the store clerk to settle the payment (face-to-face settlement). The transaction status management device 11 may display the monitoring image G with any of the operating modes, including the store clerk registration mode.

[0137] As another example of modified example 2-2, the registration settlement device 20 may be a device dedicated to settlement that does not have a registration function. As another example of modified example 2-2, the registration settlement device 20 may not have a weighing device 210.

[0138] (Variation 3: Example with Exit Terminal) Next, Modification 3 will be described. The sales data processing system St according to Modification 3 may include a store exit terminal. The store exit terminal is installed near the exit of the store. The store exit terminal includes a scanner unit and a gate unit. In Modification 3, a receipt is issued when the settlement is completed. The receipt may be a regular paper receipt or an electronic receipt displayed on an electronic device. A code (barcode or two-dimensional code) indicating that the transaction has been completed is displayed on the receipt. The customer has the scanner unit of the store exit terminal read this code. When the scanner unit reads the code, the store exit terminal opens the gate. This allows the customer to leave the store.

[0139] In Modification 3, the display control unit 501 displays a monitoring image G corresponding to the exit terminal. For example, if an error occurs in the exit terminal, the display control unit 501 displays a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) corresponding to the exit terminal. The monitoring image G corresponding to the exit terminal and the monitoring image G corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 may be displayed in different display modes or in different display areas. The transaction status management device 11 also enables an operation on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) for the exit terminal to be accepted, and further executes processing according to the accepted operation. This processing includes, for example, processing to erase the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-2 from the second display area 650. This processing may also include processing to send an instruction to the exit terminal to resolve the error.

[0140] According to the third modification, the monitoring clerk can ascertain whether or not there is an abnormality in the registered settlement device 20 and the exit terminal, and the nature of the abnormality, simply by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i). Furthermore, the transaction status management device 11 executes the operation received for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) of the exit terminal. This improves the operability of the clerk. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the exit terminal, the monitoring clerk can take prompt action.

[0141] (Modification 4: Example of not accepting operations on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I)) Next, a description will be given of Modification 4. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the reception unit 502 receives operations on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) in addition to the second abnormality monitoring image G(i). In Modification 4, the reception unit 502 may receive operations on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), while not receiving operations on the first abnormality monitoring image G(I).

[0142] Even in this way, the monitoring clerk can ascertain whether or not there is an abnormality in the registered settlement device 20 and the details of the abnormality simply by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. Furthermore, since the operation accepted on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is executed, the operability for the clerk can be improved.

[0143] (Modification 5: Example of enlarged display mode by pressing the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)) Next, a description will be given of Modification 5. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which, when an operation on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is accepted, the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is erased, or an instruction to change the screen is sent to the registered settlement device 20. In addition to this configuration, Modification 5 may be configured such that, when an operation on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is accepted, an enlarged display mode corresponding to the error indicated by the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is displayed in the first display area 610.

[0144] For example, suppose the first display area 610 is displayed in a split display mode, and the second display area 650 displays a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) relating to money (e.g., second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-4, G(i)-7). In this case, when the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-4 or G(i)-7 is pressed, the display control unit 501 may display the change information screen 810 ( FIG. 8(A) ) corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 indicated by the pressed number in the first display area 610 as an enlarged display mode relating to money. This allows the monitoring clerk to check the details of the remaining number of denominations.

[0145] Furthermore, when a registered settlement device 20 with a certain number is being displayed in an enlarged display mode, if an operation to enlarge the display mode for a registered settlement device 20 with another number is performed, the transaction status management device 11 can also display an enlarged display mode for the other registered settlement device 20 in addition to the previous enlarged display mode. For example, when the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-4 is pressed, the change information screen 810 corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 with number 4 is displayed, and when the second abnormality monitoring image G(i)-7 is subsequently pressed, the change information screen 810 corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 with number 7 is displayed in addition to the change information screen 810 corresponding to the previous (number 4) registered settlement device 20. This allows the monitoring clerk to view multiple enlarged display mode screens (e.g., multiple change information screens 810) side by side.

[0146] Also, for example, suppose the first display area 610 is displayed in a split display mode, and a second abnormality monitoring image G(i) indicating an error other than money is displayed in the second display area 650. In this case, when the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is pressed, the display control unit 501 may display a details screen 830 ( FIG. 8(C) ) corresponding to the registered settlement device 20 in an enlarged display mode in the first display area 610. This allows the monitoring clerk to check the details of the transaction at the registered settlement device 20. Therefore, the monitoring clerk can infer the nature of the error and take measures to resolve the error.

[0147] (Modification 6: Another display example related to the second display area 650) Next, Modification 6 will be described. In Modification 6, another display example related to the second display area 650 (FIG. 6) will be described. In Modification 6, the transaction status management device 11 may change (expand) the size of the second display area 650 depending on the number of second abnormality monitoring images G(i) (number of errors). Furthermore, when displaying multiple second abnormality monitoring images G(i) in the second display area 650, the transaction status management device 11 may display the second abnormality monitoring images G(i) in a predetermined order.

[0148] The predetermined order may be an order of preset priority, or an order received from the monitoring clerk (the order desired by the monitoring clerk). According to the sixth modification, the display area of ​​the second display area 650 can be changed, and the order of the second abnormality monitoring images G(i) can be changed, so that a screen that is easy for the clerk to understand can be displayed, and therefore a screen that is more effective in monitoring can be displayed.

[0149] (Variation 7: Displaying Video) Next, Modification 7 will be described. In Modification 7, an example in which a video is displayed will be described. For example, the transaction status management device 11 may display a video of a customer operating the registered settlement device 20 on the monitoring screen 600 shown in FIG. 6. The video includes real-time video and recordings going back a predetermined time. The area in which the video is displayed is, for example, a partial area in each of the normal monitoring image G(T), the first abnormality monitoring image G(I), and the second abnormality monitoring image G(i). Furthermore, the video may be displayed in an enlarged display mode (FIG. 8) by operating (for example, tapping) a predetermined area (for example, the area of ​​the video).

[0150] Furthermore, the video in each image may be able to be switched on or off depending on the operation of the store clerk. Also, the video may not be displayed in the normal monitoring image G(T), but may be displayed in at least one of the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) and the second abnormality monitoring image G(i). This allows the monitoring clerk to proactively check the video when an error occurs.

[0151] Furthermore, the video may be displayed on each screen in which the first display area 610 is in an enlarged display mode (FIG. 8). Specifically, the video may be displayed in a partial area of ​​each of the change information screen 810 (FIG. 8(A)), the log search screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)), and the details screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)). According to the seventh modification, since a video of each customer is displayed, the monitoring clerk can grasp the customer's operations more specifically, thereby improving the effectiveness of monitoring.

[0152] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Name of invention] Monitoring device, settlement device, and program [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a monitoring device, a settlement device, and a program. [Background technology] So-called self-checkout registers, which customers operate to register products and pay for them, have become commonplace in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other stores. At self-checkout registers, customers are monitored remotely by a supervisory store clerk. For example, a technology has been proposed that displays on a remote management computer the same image as that displayed on the display of the device operated by the customer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-67457 A [Summary of the Invention] However, the conventional technology has a problem in that the monitoring staff may not be able to monitor efficiently. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient monitoring.

[0153] [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a monitoring device that monitors at least a plurality of settlement devices that are capable of performing settlement processing, and is characterized by comprising: a display control means for displaying a plurality of display areas including a first display area that displays the settlement status of each of the plurality of settlement devices and a second display area that displays an abnormal image corresponding to a settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in which an abnormality has occurred; a reception means for receiving operations regarding the abnormal image displayed in the second display area; and an execution means for executing processing in accordance with the operation received by the reception means. According to the above configuration, the monitoring clerk can determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the registered settlement device 20 and what the abnormality is, simply by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. Furthermore, the transaction status management device 11 executes the operation received for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), thereby improving operability for the clerk. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the registered settlement device 20, the monitoring clerk can take prompt action. Therefore, according to the transaction status management device 11 of this embodiment, the monitoring clerk can efficiently monitor customers.

[0154] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the display control means may display an abnormality image corresponding to a settlement device in which an abnormality has occurred among the plurality of settlement devices in the first display area in addition to the second display area, and the reception means may be configured to receive operations regarding the abnormality image displayed in the first display area. With the above configuration, the monitoring clerk can execute operations received not only for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) but also for the first abnormality monitoring image G(I). Therefore, the clerk only needs to operate either the first abnormality monitoring image G(I) or the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), further improving operability.

[0155] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the display control means may be capable of switching the display mode of the first display area between a first display mode that displays all of the plurality of settlement devices and a second display mode that displays some of the plurality of settlement devices, and if an abnormality occurs in a settlement device that is not the display target in the second display mode, an abnormality image corresponding to that settlement device may be displayed in the second display area. According to the above configuration, even when a monitoring clerk is monitoring another registered settlement device 20 in detail using the enlarged display mode, the monitoring clerk can ascertain the registered settlement device 20 in which an abnormality has occurred and the details of the abnormality by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. Furthermore, even when the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) is displayed in the enlarged display mode, operations accepted for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) can be executed, thereby improving operability for the clerk.

[0156] (4) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a settlement device according to one aspect of the present invention is a settlement device monitored by the monitoring device described above, This settlement device is equipped with an abnormality display means that displays a screen indicating an abnormality when an abnormality occurs, and is characterized in that when processing is performed in the monitoring device in response to an operation on an abnormal image, the abnormality display means displays a screen based on the processing. With the above configuration, even if an abnormality occurs, the registration and settlement device 20 can display an optimal screen in response to the prompt response of the monitoring clerk at the transaction status management device 11. For example, it is possible to quickly switch from the age verification error screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)) to the registration screen 920 (FIG. 9(B)).

[0157] (5) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program, This program is characterized by causing a computer of a monitoring device that monitors at least a plurality of settlement devices capable of performing settlement processing to function as a display control means for displaying a plurality of display areas including a first display area that displays the settlement status of each of the plurality of settlement devices and a second display area that displays an abnormal image corresponding to a settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in which an abnormality has occurred, a reception means for accepting operations regarding the abnormal image displayed in the second display area, and an execution means for executing processing in accordance with the operation accepted by the reception means. According to the above configuration, the monitoring clerk can determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the registered settlement device 20 and what the abnormality is, simply by checking the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650. Furthermore, the transaction status management device 11 executes the operation received for the second abnormality monitoring image G(i), thereby improving operability for the clerk. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the registered settlement device 20, the monitoring clerk can take prompt action. Therefore, according to the transaction status management device 11 of this embodiment, the monitoring clerk can efficiently monitor customers.

[0158] In addition, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of each device described above (transaction status management device 11, registration settlement device 20, etc.) may be realized in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function.

[0159] For example, instead of the transaction status management device 11, the store controller 10 or a cloud server (not shown) may display the monitoring image G in the first display area 610, display the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) in the second display area 650, and further accept operations on the second abnormality monitoring image G(i) and perform processing according to the accepted operations.

[0160] In the above description, the transaction status management device 11 is configured to include the display control unit 501, the reception unit 502, and the execution unit 503, and the registration and settlement device 20 is configured to include the abnormality display unit 511. However, all or some of these functional units may be included in other computer devices. For example, all or some of these functional units may be included in the store controller 10, the cloud server, or other computer devices. Furthermore, the number of computer devices that include these functional units is not limited to multiple, and may be one. For example, all of these functional units may be included in a single computer device.

[0161] In relation to the above, the transaction status management device 11 and the registration and settlement device 20 may function as a so-called thin client specialized for the input / output interface. In other words, the transaction status management device 11 and the registration and settlement device 20 may accept various inputs (operation by an operator, detection by a device such as a scanner, captured images), transmit the input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to a cloud server, receive the processing results of the cloud server based on the input information (updated screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on a display unit, control of a device).

[0162] The programs for implementing the sales data processing system St, the transaction status management device 11, the registration and settlement device 20, etc., described above, may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for realizing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] St...Sales data processing system, G...Monitoring image, G(T)...Normal monitoring image, G(I)...First abnormal monitoring image, G(i)...Second abnormal monitoring image, 10...Store controller, 11...Transaction status management device, 20...Registration and settlement device, 111...CPU, 112...ROM, 113...RAM, 114...Hard disk, 115...Display unit, 116...Scanner unit, 117...Audio output unit, 118...Communication unit, 201...CPU, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...Hard disk, 205...Customer side display unit, 206...Customer side scanner unit, 210...Weighing scale, 214...Camera, 215...Monitoring monitor, 501...Display control unit, 502...Reception unit, 503...Execution unit, 511...Abnormal display unit, 610...First display area, 650...Second display area

Claims

1. A monitoring device that monitors a plurality of settlement devices that can perform at least settlement processing, a display control means for displaying a plurality of display areas including a first display area for displaying the settlement status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, and a second display area for displaying an abnormality image corresponding to a settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in which an abnormality has occurred; a receiving means for receiving an operation for the abnormal image displayed in the second display area; an execution means for executing a process according to the operation accepted by the acceptance means; A monitoring device comprising:

2. The display control means displays an abnormality image corresponding to a settlement device in which an abnormality has occurred among the plurality of settlement devices in the first display area in addition to the second display area, the accepting means accepts an operation for the abnormal image displayed in the first display area.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. The display control means is capable of switching the display mode of the first display area between a first display mode in which all of the plurality of settlement devices are displayed and a second display mode in which some of the plurality of settlement devices are displayed; When an abnormality occurs in a settlement device that is not a display target in the second display mode, an abnormality image corresponding to the settlement device is displayed in the second display area.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A settlement device monitored by the monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, an abnormality display means for displaying a screen indicating an abnormality when an abnormality occurs; When a process corresponding to an operation on an abnormal image is executed in the monitoring device, the abnormality display means displays a screen based on the process. A settlement device characterized by:

5. a monitoring device computer that monitors a plurality of settlement devices that can perform at least settlement processing; a display control means for displaying a plurality of display areas including a first display area for displaying the settlement status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, and a second display area for displaying an abnormality image corresponding to a settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in which an abnormality has occurred; a receiving means for receiving an operation for the abnormal image displayed in the second display area; an execution means for executing a process according to the operation accepted by the acceptance means; A program characterized by functioning as

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