Information processor and multiple settlement determination method

Abstract

To provide an information processor capable of performing appropriate payment procedures when the same article code is read multiple times consecutively.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: an article detection unit that detects when an article is removed from a first article placement tray where articles are placed before their article codes are scanned; and a duplicate payment determination unit that determines whether duplicate payment has occurred based on the number of times the same article code has been scanned consecutively and the number of articles detected by the article detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a method for determining multiple payments. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, self-checkout systems have become increasingly popular in retail stores to reduce the number of staff members working at the stores. At self-checkout systems, customers themselves scan product codes (barcodes attached to products) to purchase products.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device having a self-scanning function that enables customers to purchase products by scanning product codes themselves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-141569 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when scanning product codes, customers may accidentally scan the same product code multiple times. In such cases, the information processing device may perform accounting processing according to the number of times the product code was scanned, which may result in excessive billing of the customer.

[0006] Hereinafter, this excessive billing will be referred to as "multiple payments occurring." Unless otherwise specified, "multiple payments occurring" refers to both cases where excessive billing is actually processed through accounting procedures and cases where excessive billing would be processed if the accounting procedures were not confirmed or corrected.

[0007] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing an information processing device and a multiple payment determination method that can perform appropriate accounting processing when the same product code is read multiple times in succession. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a product detection unit that detects that a product has been removed from a first product placement table on which the product is placed before its product code is scanned, and a multiple payment determination unit that determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively and the number of products detected by the product detection unit.

[0009] In a multiple payment determination method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a product detection unit detects that a product has been removed from a first product placement table on which the product before its product code was scanned is placed, and a multiple payment determination unit determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively and the number of products detected by the product detection unit.

[0010] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, appropriate accounting processing can be performed.

[0012] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a self-checkout system including an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating operation timing of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a multiple payment determination process of an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a multiple payment determination process of an information processing device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the multiple payment determination process of the information processing device according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] First Embodiment (System Configuration) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a self-checkout system including an information processing device 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the self-checkout system has an information processing device 1, scanners 2a and 2b, a camera 3, weight sensors 4a and 4b, and a display 5. In addition to the self-checkout system, Fig. 1 also shows product stands A1a and A1b and a stand A2.

[0017] The product stand A1a (first product stand) is a stand on which products are placed before being scanned by the scanners 2a and 2b. The products placed on the product stand A1a before being scanned may also include a shopping basket B1 from the store containing the products before being scanned.

[0018] The product stand A1b (second product stand) is a stand on which scanned products are placed after being scanned by the scanners 2a and 2b. The scanned products placed on the product stand A1b may include a customer's shopping basket B2 into which the scanned products are placed.

[0019] The information processing device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a personal computer or a server. In Fig. 1, the information processing device 1 is placed outside the counter A2, but it may be placed inside the counter A2 or in the store office. The information processing device 1 performs, for example, a transaction process for merchandise and a shoplifting monitoring process.

[0020] Scanner 2a (first scanner) is a handheld scanner. Scanner 2b (second scanner) is a fixed scanner fixed to stand A2. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between scanners 2a and 2b, they will simply be referred to as scanner 2.

[0021] The scanner 2 is connected to the information processing device 1. The scanner 2 scans (reads) the product code attached to the product. The scanner 2 transmits the scanned product code to the information processing device 1. The product code is, for example, a barcode such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code. The scanner 2 may also be referred to as a barcode reader or a reader.

[0022] The camera 3 is connected to the information processing device 1. The camera 3 transmits image data of a captured image to the information processing device 1.

[0023] Camera 3 is installed so as to capture the area around where customers scan products with scanner 2 (see dotted frame A3 in FIG. 1). For example, camera 3 is installed above display 5 or above stand A2, and the angle of view is set so as to include the area between product stand A1a and product stand A1b, that is, the area around where customers scan products with scanner 2.

[0024] The weight sensor 4a is connected to the information processing device 1. The weight sensor 4a is installed, for example, inside the product stand A1a, and transmits a signal to the information processing device 1 according to the weight of the product placed on the product stand A1a (or the store's shopping basket B1 containing the product).

[0025] The weight sensor 4b is connected to the information processing device 1. The weight sensor 4b is installed, for example, inside the product stand A1b, and transmits to the information processing device 1 a signal corresponding to the weight of the product placed on the product stand A1b (or the customer's shopping basket B2 containing the product).

[0026] The display 5 (notification unit) is connected to the information processing device 1. The display 5 displays, for example, product information of a product scanned by a customer using the scanner 2. The product information may be, for example, the name, price, and quantity of the product.

[0027] The display 5 may have a touch panel on the screen surface. The touch panel accepts operations by customers. For example, customers input information about products that do not have product codes, such as vegetables and fruits, via the touch panel and register the products as purchased items.

[0028] The device for accepting customer operations is not limited to a touch panel, and may be, for example, a key input device separate from the display 5.

[0029] When the information processing device 1 detects that a multiple payment has occurred, the display 5 displays a guidance screen. The guidance screen includes information indicating that a multiple payment may have occurred and prompts the customer to check for any scanning errors. Note that the guidance screen does not necessarily have to directly notify the customer that there is a payment error; it may indirectly notify the customer that a multiple payment may have occurred. For example, the display 5 may notify the customer that the same product has been scanned repeatedly and display a message prompting the customer to check.

[0030] (Operation timing) Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device 1. First, the flags shown in Fig. 2 will be described, and then the operation timing will be described.

[0031] Product code scan flag When the scanner 2 scans a product code, the information processing device 1 changes the product code scan flag from L (Low) to H (High) for a certain period of time. The number of times the product code scan flag changes to H corresponds to the number of times the product code is scanned by the scanner 2.

[0032] Product detection flag The information processing device 1 sets the product detection flag to H state for a certain period of time while the image of the image data acquired by the camera 3 includes an image of a product. The information processing device 1 detects products removed from the product stand A1a (for example, products removed by a customer from a shopping basket B1 of a store) based on the image data of the camera 3. The number of times the product detection flag is set to H state corresponds to the number of products removed from the product stand A1a. Note that when the information processing device 1 detects a product, it does not need to identify which product has been detected, as long as it can detect that any product is included in the image of the image data.

[0033] Multiple payment detection flag When the information processing device 1 detects the occurrence of multiple payments, it sets the multiple payment detection flag to H for a certain period of time. For example, when the same product code is scanned consecutively, the information processing device 1 determines whether multiple payments have occurred.

[0034] Although each flag described above is a positive logic (active high), it may be a negative logic (active low). For example, the information processing device 1 may set the commodity detection flag to the L state while the image data received from the camera 3 includes an image of a commodity.

[0035] The operation timing will be explained below: A customer takes out one product from the product stand A1a and scans the product code of the taken-out product with the scanner 2.

[0036] The information processing device 1 detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data of the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state once.

[0037] The information processing device 1 receives a signal from the scanner 2 and sets the product code scan flag to H state twice. At this time, for example, a customer may accidentally scan the same product code twice for some reason.

[0038] At time T11 when the second product code scan flag becomes H, the information processing device 1 sets the multiple payment detection flag to H. At time T11, the information processing device 1 detects the occurrence of multiple payments.

[0039] Since the number of times the same product code is successively scanned is greater than the number of detected products, the information processing device 1 detects the occurrence of multiple payments at time T11.

[0040] When detecting the occurrence of multiple payments, the information processing device 1 may display a guidance screen (continuous scan confirmation screen) on the display 5 to inform the customer that the same product code has been scanned consecutively. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may display the guidance screen on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the customer, or may display the guidance screen on both the display 5 and the mobile terminal carried by the customer.

[0041] Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may notify a mobile terminal carried by a store clerk that multiple payments have been detected.

[0042] At this time, the information processing device 1 may stop accepting new product code scans until the customer performs a confirmation operation (for example, an operation on a touch panel provided on the display 5).

[0043] Next, the customer takes out one product from the product stand A1a and scans the product code of the taken-out product with the scanner 2.

[0044] The information processing device 1 detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data of the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state once.

[0045] The information processing device 1 receives a signal from the scanner 2 and sets the product code scan flag to the H state once.

[0046] The information processing device 1 does not set the multiple payment detection flag to the H state at time T12 when the product code scan flag is set to the H state.

[0047] Because the number of scanned product codes is the same as the number of detected products, the information processing device 1 does not detect the occurrence of multiple payments. The information processing device 1 then performs normal transaction operations.

[0048] If the information processing device 1 does not detect the occurrence of multiple payments, it continues to accept scans of the product code. Furthermore, if the scan of the product code is the last scan of the product code, the information processing device 1 may perform the transaction process.

[0049] (Block diagram) 3 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0050] The control unit 11 controls the entire information processing device 1. The control unit 11 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), for example.

[0051] The control unit 11 includes a product detection unit 11a, a product movement monitoring unit 11b, a multiple payment determination unit 11c, and a guidance generation unit 11d. The control unit 11 may realize the functions of each of the above-mentioned units according to a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0052] The commodity detection unit 11a detects whether or not an image of a commodity is included in the image captured by the camera 3 based on the image data of the camera 3. If an image of a commodity is included in the image captured by the camera 3, for example, the commodity detection unit 11a outputs a commodity detection flag in the H state to the multiple payment determination unit 11c.

[0053] The commodity detection unit 11a may use technology such as an existing image recognition service to detect whether or not an image of a commodity is included in the image captured by the camera 3. The commodity detection unit 11a is only required to detect whether or not a commodity is included in the image of the image data received from the camera 3, and does not need to detect commodity information such as the name and price of the commodity.

[0054] The product movement monitor 11b calculates the weight of the product on the product stand A1a based on the signal from the weight sensor 4a. Based on the calculated weight, the product movement monitor 11b monitors whether the product has been removed from the product stand A1a and returned to the product stand A1a.

[0055] Furthermore, the product movement monitor 11b calculates the weight of the product on the product stand A1b based on the signal from the weight sensor 4b. Based on the calculated weight, the product movement monitor 11b monitors whether the product has been placed on the product stand A1b.

[0056] The multiple payment determination unit 11c determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the product code scan flag and the product detection flag.

[0057] For example, if the same product code is scanned repeatedly by the scanner 2, the number of times the same product code is scanned repeatedly is compared with the number of products detected by the product detection unit 11a to determine whether multiple payments have occurred.

[0058] For example, the multiple payment determination unit 11c compares the number of times the product code scan flag is in the H state with the number of times the product detection flag is in the H state to determine whether multiple payments have occurred.

[0059] For example, if the number of times the product code scan flag is in the H state is the same as the number of times the product detection flag is in the H state, the multiple payment determination unit 11c determines that multiple payments have not occurred (does not detect the occurrence of multiple payments).

[0060] For example, if the number of times the product code scan flag is in the H state is greater than the number of times the product detection flag is in the H state, the multiple payment determination unit 11c determines that multiple payments have occurred (detects the occurrence of multiple payments).

[0061] If the number of times the product code scan flag is set to H is less than the number of times the product detection flag is set to H, the multiple payment determination unit 11c may determine that a multiple payment has not occurred (does not detect the occurrence of a multiple payment). However, in this case, since an unscanned product has been detected, the multiple payment determination unit 11c may treat this as a problem other than multiple payments, such as shoplifting.

[0062] The guidance generating unit 11d generates a guidance signal. For example, the guidance generating unit 11d generates image data of an image including text. The image data is transmitted to the display 5 via the communication unit 13.

[0063] For example, the guidance image displayed on the display 5 may be a message informing the customer that the same product code has been scanned consecutively and urging them to confirm, such as "The barcode of the same product has been scanned twice in succession. Are you sure you want to purchase two of this product?". The guidance image may also be an image that simultaneously displays the scanned products.

[0064] For example, when the guidance generator 11d detects the occurrence of multiple payments, it generates an alarm signal. The alarm signal is sent to a mobile terminal carried by the store clerk via the communication unit 13. The mobile terminal that receives the alarm signal notifies the store clerk of the occurrence of multiple payments, for example, by sound.

[0065] The storage unit 12 stores an operating system (OS) program and application programs to be executed by the control unit 11. For example, the storage unit 12 stores an application program that performs checkout processing at self-checkout registers and shoplifting monitoring processing.

[0066] The storage unit 12 also stores various data necessary for processing by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 may be, for example, an SSD (solid state drive), a RAM (random access memory), a flash memory, a ROM (read only memory), and / or an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0067] The communication unit 13 communicates, by wire or wirelessly, with the scanner 2, camera 3, weight sensors 4a and 4b, and display 5. The communication unit 13 also communicates wirelessly with a mobile terminal carried by a store clerk.

[0068] (Operation flow) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 1.

[0069] The information processing device 1 determines whether the product codes of all products placed on the product stand A1a (all products in the store's shopping basket B1) have been scanned (read) (S1). The information processing device 1 may determine whether the product codes of all products placed on the product stand A1a have been scanned based on a signal from the weight sensor 4a, for example.

[0070] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product codes of all products have been scanned (Yes in S1), it carries out the transaction process (S2).

[0071] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product codes of all the products have not been scanned (No in S1), the information processing device 1 determines whether the product codes have been scanned (S3).

[0072] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product code has not been scanned (No in S3), the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0073] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product code has been scanned (Yes in S3), the information processing device 1 determines whether the product code scanned this time is the same as the product code scanned previously (S4).

[0074] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product code scanned this time is not the same as the product code scanned last time (No in S4), the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0075] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product code scanned this time is the same as the product code scanned last time (Yes in S4), the information processing device 1 determines whether a new product has been detected based on the signal from the camera 3 (S5).

[0076] If the information processing device 1 determines that a new product has been detected (Yes in S5), the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0077] If the information processing device 1 determines that no new merchandise has been detected (No in S5), the information processing device 1 executes a multiple payment determination process (S6).

[0078] In the multiple payment determination process of S6, the number of times the same product code has been scanned consecutively is greater than the number of detected products, so the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred.

[0079] Here, the number of times the same product code was scanned consecutively is 2, and the number of detected products is 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 displays a guidance screen on the display 5, and the flow returns to the processing of S1.

[0081] (Summary of the first embodiment) When the same product code is scanned consecutively, the information processing device 1 compares the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively with the number of products detected by the product detection unit 11a to determine whether multiple payments have occurred.

[0082] If the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively is the same as the number of detected products, the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have not occurred and carries out normal transaction processing.

[0083] If the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively is greater than the number of detected products, the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred.

[0084] In this case, the information processing device 1 displays a guidance screen on the display 5 to notify the customer that the same product code has been scanned repeatedly and confirm the customer's intention, allowing the information processing device 1 to carry out appropriate transaction processing.

[0085] For example, even if a customer accidentally rescans a product that has already been scanned, the information processing device 1 confirms the customer's intention by displaying a guidance screen on the display 5. This allows the information processing device 1 to carry out appropriate transaction processing.

[0086] For example, even if a customer who wants to purchase two of the same product scans the same product code twice in succession, the information processing device 1 can confirm the customer's intention by displaying a guidance screen on the display 5. This allows the information processing device 1 to perform appropriate transaction processing.

[0087] <Second embodiment> In the second embodiment, when the same product code is scanned consecutively, the information processing device 1 determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of products removed from the product stand A1a (shopping basket B1 of the store) and the number of products detected by the product detection unit 11a.

[0088] The self-checkout system according to the second embodiment is the same as the self-checkout system according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] (Operation timing) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0090] Product removal flag When a product is removed from the product stand A1a, the information processing device 1 sets the product removal flag to the H state for a certain period of time.

[0091] The information processing device 1 detects that the product has been removed from the product stand A1a based on the signal from the weight sensor 4a.

[0092] For example, when the weight calculated based on the signal from the weight sensor 4a decreases, the information processing device 1 detects that the product has been removed from the product stand A1a.

[0093] The number of times the product removal flag is set to the H state corresponds to the number of products removed from the product stand A1a.

[0094] The operation timing will be described below: Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0095] The information processing device 1 detects that one product has been removed from the product stand A1a based on the signal from the weight sensor 4a, and sets the product removal flag to the H state once.

[0096] The information processing device 1 detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data from the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0097] Based on the signal from the scanner 2, the information processing device 1 sets the product code scan flag to the H state.

[0098] The information processing device 1 again detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data of the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0099] The information processing device 1 again sets the product code scan flag to the H state based on the signal from the scanner 2.

[0100] The information processing device 1 sets the multiple payment detection flag to the H state at time T21 when the second product code scan flag becomes the H state.

[0101] In this case, the number of products removed from the product stand A1a is less than the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively and the number of products detected, so the information processing device 1 detects that multiple payments have occurred.

[0102] The information processing device 1 detects that one product has been removed from the product stand A1a based on the signal from the weight sensor 4a, and sets the product removal flag to the H state once.

[0103] The information processing device 1 detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data from the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0104] Based on the signal from the scanner 2, the information processing device 1 sets the product code scan flag to the H state.

[0105] At time T22 when the product code scan flag is set to H, the information processing device 1 does not set the multiple payment detection flag to H. The information processing device 1 performs normal transaction operations.

[0106] In this case, the number of products removed from the product stand A1a is the same as the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively and the number of products detected, so the information processing device 1 does not detect the occurrence of multiple payments.

[0107] (Operation flow) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment. The processes of S1 to S4 and S6 are the same as those in Fig. 4, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Compared to the flow in Fig. 4, the flow in Fig. 6 executes processes of S21 and S22 instead of the process of S5.

[0108] If the answer is Yes in S4, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a new product has been detected (S21).

[0109] If the information processing device 1 determines that no new products have been detected (No in S21), the number of times the product code has been scanned consecutively is greater than the number of products detected, so the information processing device 1 executes a multiple payment determination process (S6) and the flow returns to the process of S1.

[0110] When the information processing device 1 determines that a new product has been detected (Yes in S21), the information processing device 1 determines whether a new product has been removed from the shopping basket B1 of the store (S22).

[0111] If the information processing device 1 determines that a new product has been removed from the store's shopping basket B1 (Yes in S22), for example, if the weight of the store's shopping basket B1 has decreased, the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0112] If the information processing device 1 determines that no new items have been removed from the store shopping basket B1 (No in S22), for example, if the weight of the store shopping basket B1 has not changed, the number of items removed from the store shopping basket B1 is less than the number of items detected by the camera 3, so the information processing device 1 executes a multiple payment determination process (S6) and the flow returns to the process of S1.

[0113] (Summary of the second embodiment) When the same product code is scanned repeatedly, the information processing device 1 compares the number of products removed from the product stand A1a (shopping basket B1 of the store) with the number of products detected by the product detection unit 11a to determine whether multiple payments have occurred.

[0114] If the number of items removed from the store's shopping basket B1 is the same as the detected number of items, the information processing device 1 determines that a multiple payment has not occurred and carries out normal transaction processing.

[0115] If the number of products removed from the shopping basket B1 of the store is less than the number of detected products, the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred.

[0116] In this case, the information processing device 1 displays a guidance screen on the display 5 to notify the customer that the same product code has been scanned repeatedly and confirm the customer's intention, allowing the information processing device 1 to carry out appropriate transaction processing.

[0117] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, the information processing device 1 determines that a multiple payment has occurred if a scanned product is not stored in the product stand A1b (customer's shopping basket B2) and a product code identical to the product code of the scanned product is scanned again.

[0118] The self-checkout system according to the third embodiment is the same as the self-checkout system according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] (Operation timing) ·Scanned product storage flag When the scanned product is stored (placed) on the product stand A1b, the information processing device 1 sets the scanned product storage flag to the H state for a certain period of time.

[0120] The information processing device 1 detects that a product has been stored on the product stand A1b based on a signal from the weight sensor 4b. For example, the information processing device 1 detects that a scanned product has been stored on the product stand A1b when the weight calculated based on the signal from the weight sensor 4b increases. The information processing device 1 sets the scanned product storage flag to the H state.

[0121] For example, if the weight calculated based on the signal from the weight sensor 4b does not change, the information processing device 1 detects that the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b, and keeps the scanned product storage flag in the L state.

[0122] The number of times the scanned product storage flag is set to H state corresponds to the number of times the scanned product is stored on the product stand A1b.

[0123] ·Unstored product code flag If the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b after a predetermined time t has elapsed, the information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to H state until the scanned product storage flag becomes H state.

[0124] While the unstored product code flag is in the H state, the information processing device 1 stores the product code. During this time, if the product code stored in the information processing device 1 is scanned, the information processing device 1 sets the multiple detection flag to the H state.

[0125] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0126] The information processing device 1 detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data from the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0127] Based on the signal from the scanner 2, the information processing device 1 sets the product code scan flag to the H state.

[0128] Since the scanned product storage flag is in the L state from time T31 when the product code scan flag changes from the H state to the L state until a predetermined time t has elapsed, the information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to the H state after the predetermined time t has elapsed from time T31. The information processing device 1 also stores the product code. For example, the information processing device 1 stores the product code in the storage unit 12.

[0129] At time T32, the information processing device 1 detects that the product has been stored on the product stand A1b based on a signal from the weight sensor 4b, and sets the scanned product storage flag to H. The information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to L, and erases the stored product code. For example, the information processing device 1 deletes the product code stored in the memory unit 12.

[0130] The information processing device 1 again detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data of the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0131] The information processing device 1 again sets the product code scan flag to the H state based on the signal from the scanner 2.

[0132] Since the scanned product storage flag is in the L state from time T34 when the product code scan flag changes from the H state to the L state until a predetermined time t has elapsed, the information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to the H state. In addition, the information processing device 1 stores the product code.

[0133] At time T35, the information processing device 1 sets the product code scan flag to H state based on the signal from the scanner 2. At this time, since the unstored product code flag is H state, the information processing device 1 sets the multiple payment detection flag to H state.

[0134] In this case, the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b (before it is stored), and the same product code as the scanned product is scanned again, so the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred.

[0135] (Operation flow) Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the third embodiment. The processes of S1 to S3 and S6 are the same as those in Fig. 4, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Compared to the flow in Fig. 4, the flow in Fig. 8 executes processes of S31 and S32 instead of the processes of S4 and S5.

[0136] If the answer to S3 is Yes, the information processing device 1 determines whether the scanned product has been placed on the product stand A1b (customer's shopping basket B2) (S31).

[0137] When the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product has been stored on the product stand A1b (Yes in S31), the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0138] If the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b (No in S31), the information processing device 1 determines whether a product code identical to the product code of the scanned product has been scanned (S32).

[0139] If the information processing device 1 determines that the same product code has not been scanned (No in S32), the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0140] If the information processing device 1 determines that the same product code has been scanned (Yes in S32), the information processing device 1 executes a multiple payment determination process (S6).

[0141] (Summary of the third embodiment) The information processing device 1 determines that a multiple payment has occurred if a scanned product is not stored in the product stand A1b (customer's shopping basket B2) (before being stored) and a product code identical to the product code of the scanned product is scanned again.

[0142] If the scanned product is not stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 even after a predetermined time t has elapsed since the product code was scanned, the information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to H. If the product code of the scanned product is scanned before the scanned product storage flag is set to H, the information processing device 1 determines that a multiple payment has occurred.

[0143] The information processing device 1 determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of consecutive scans, the number of detected items, and the number of items removed from the store's shopping basket B1, as well as the movement of scanned items, thereby enabling more appropriate accounting processing.

[0144] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the information processing device 1 determines that a multiple payment has occurred even if the same product code is scanned consecutively by different scanners. This situation can occur, for example, when a group of customers, such as a parent and child, visits the store and different people scan the same product code with different scanners. More specifically, it is possible that a child scans a product with a nearby scanner before handing it to their parent, and the parent then scans it again without noticing the child's behavior.

[0145] The self-checkout system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the self-checkout system according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] (Operation timing) The operation timing according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0147] (Operation flow) Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The processes of S1 to S3, S31, and S32 are the same as those in Fig. 8, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. Compared to the flow in Fig. 8, the flow in Fig. 9 executes the process of S40 instead of the process of S6.

[0148] If the answer to S32 is Yes, the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred and executes multiple payment determination processing (S40).

[0149] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the multiple payment determination process (S40).

[0150] The information processing device 1 determines whether or not the product code was previously scanned by the handy scanner 2a (S41).

[0151] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product code was previously scanned with the handheld scanner 2a (Yes in S41), the first guidance is performed (S42), and this flow ends.

[0152] The first guidance informs the customer that the product code has already been scanned with the handheld scanner 2a.

[0153] For example, the information processing device 1 may display on the display 5 a confirmation screen urging the customer to confirm, such as, "It appears that the product you just scanned has already been scanned with a handheld scanner. Please check." The information processing device 1 may also display on the display 5 a confirmation screen informing the customer that a companion may have already been scanned with a handheld scanner. This companion may be, for example, a child when a parent and child visit the store. Here, the information processing device 1 may register attribute information in advance at a cash register or the like, or may analyze customer behavior using a camera installed in the store, as a method of detecting that a parent and child have visited the store.

[0154] If the information processing device 1 determines that the product code was previously scanned by the fixed type scanner 2b (No in S41), the second guidance is performed (S43), and this flow ends.

[0155] The second guidance informs the customer that the scan has already been performed by the fixed type scanner 2b.

[0156] For example, the information processing device 1 may display on the display 5 a confirmation screen urging the customer to confirm, such as, "It appears that the product you just scanned has already been scanned by the scanner in the cash register itself. Please confirm." The information processing device 1 may also display a confirmation screen informing the customer that a companion may have already been scanned by the scanner in the cash register itself. This companion may be, for example, a child when a parent and child visit the store. Here, the information processing device 1 may detect that a parent and child have visited the store by registering attribute information in advance in the cash register or by analyzing customer behavior using a camera installed in the store.

[0157] (Summary of the fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred when the same product code is scanned consecutively by different scanners.

[0158] For example, even when multiple customers use different scanners to process transactions, the information processing device 1 can perform appropriate transaction processing while maintaining convenience for the customers.

[0159] <Fifth embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, the information processing device 1 performs guidance processing when the scanned product is not stored in the product stand A1b (customer's shopping basket B2). This situation occurs, for example, when a customer temporarily places the product in another location after scanning the product code. In this case, although a multiple payment has not occurred, the customer may accidentally scan the product again, which could lead to an erroneous determination of shoplifting or multiple payments when scanning the product code of a subsequent product. Therefore, the information processing device 1 performs guidance processing to encourage the customer to store the scanned product on the product stand A1b.

[0160] The self-checkout system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the self-checkout system according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0161] (Operation timing) Guidance Flag If the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b, the information processing device 1 goes into the H state for a certain period of time.

[0162] If the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b after a predetermined time t has elapsed since it was scanned, the unstored product code flag becomes H. At this time, the information processing device 1 sets the guidance flag to H.

[0163] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation timing of the information processing device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0164] The information processing device 1 detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data from the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0165] Based on the signal from the scanner 2, the information processing device 1 sets the product code scan flag to the H state.

[0166] Since the scanned product storage flag is in the L state from time T51 when the product code flag changes from the H state to the L state until a predetermined time t has elapsed, the information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to the H state at time T52, which is the predetermined time t after time T51.

[0167] Also, at time T52, the guidance flag becomes H. At time T52, the information processing device 1 may execute guidance to urge the customer to store the scanned product on the product stand A1b.

[0168] At time T53, the information processing device 1 detects that the product has been stored on the product stand A1b based on the signal from the weight sensor 4b, and sets the scanned product storage flag to H. The information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to L.

[0169] The information processing device 1 again detects the product removed from the product stand A1a based on the image data of the camera 3, and sets the product detection flag to the H state.

[0170] The information processing device 1 again sets the product code scan flag to the H state based on the signal from the scanner 2.

[0171] Since the scanned product storage flag is in the L state from time T54 when the product code scan flag changes from the H state to the L state until a predetermined time t has elapsed, the information processing device 1 sets the unstored product code flag to the H state at time T55, which is the predetermined time t after time T54.

[0172] At time T56, the information processing device 1 sets the product code scan flag to H state based on the signal from the scanner 2. At this time, since the unstored product code flag is H state, the information processing device 1 sets the multiple payment detection flag to H state.

[0173] In this case, the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b (before it is stored), and the same product code as the scanned product is scanned again, so the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred.

[0174] (Operation flow) Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the fifth embodiment. The processes of S1 to S3 are the same as those in Fig. 4, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Compared to the flow in Fig. 4, the flow in Fig. 12 executes processes of S51 and S52 instead of the processes of S4 to S6.

[0175] If the answer to S3 is Yes, the information processing device 1 determines whether the scanned product has been stored on the product stand A1b (S51).

[0176] When the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product has been stored on the product stand A1b (Yes in S51), the flow returns to the processing in S1.

[0177] When the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product is not stored on the product stand A1b (No in S51), the information processing device 1 executes a multiple payment determination process (S52).

[0178] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the multiple payment determination process (S52) of the information processing device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0179] The information processing device 1 executes the third guidance (S501). For example, the information processing device 1 notifies the customer to place the scanned products on the product stand A1b. For example, the information processing device 1 displays on the display 5 a message urging the customer to take action, such as "Please place the scanned products on the scanned tray."

[0180] The information processing device 1 determines whether the scanned product has been placed in the customer's shopping basket B2 (S502).

[0181] If the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product has been stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 (Yes in S502), this flow ends.

[0182] If the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product is not stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 (No in S502), the information processing device 1 determines whether the same product code has been scanned (S503).

[0183] If the information processing device 1 determines that the same product code has not been scanned (No in S503), this flow ends.

[0184] If the information processing device 1 determines that the same product has been scanned (Yes in S503), the information processing device 1 performs the fourth guidance (S504), and this flow ends.

[0185] The information processing device 1 may display a message such as, "The barcode of the same product has been scanned twice in succession. Are you sure you want to purchase two of this product?" to inform the customer that the same product code has been scanned twice in succession and to urge them to confirm.

[0186] (Summary of the fifth embodiment) If the scanned product is not stored in the product stand A1b (customer's shopping basket B2), the information processing device 1 provides guidance to the customer to encourage them to store the scanned product in the customer's shopping basket B2. If the scanned product is not stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 and the same product code is scanned repeatedly, the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred and performs guidance processing.

[0187] If the scanned product is not moved to the appropriate location, the information processing device 1 does not determine that a duplicate payment has occurred, but instead displays a message on the display 5 to prompt the customer to move the scanned product. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can notify the customer of the occurrence of a duplicate payment as many times as necessary.

[0188] Sixth Embodiment If the scanned product is not placed on the product stand A1b (customer's shopping basket B2), the information processing device 1 performs a shoplifting determination process. In such a situation, the customer may be attempting to shoplift a product, so the information processing device 1 of the sixth embodiment performs a shoplifting determination process in addition to multiple payment detection. As an example of shoplifting that occurs when the scanned product is not placed on the product stand A1b, a customer attempting to shoplift may be wary of being detected by the weight sensor 4b mounted on the product stand A1b, or may scan an inexpensive product and then place a different, more expensive product on the product stand A1b.

[0189] In the sixth embodiment, it is assumed that a product different from the scanned product may be scanned, and therefore it is desirable for the information processing device 1 to be able to identify which product has been detected. However, even if the information processing device 1 cannot accurately identify individual products, it can determine whether the products are clearly different as long as it can identify a group of products, so the product detection in this embodiment does not necessarily require accurate identification of individual products.

[0190] The self-checkout system according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the self-checkout system according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0191] (Operation flow) Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 1 according to the sixth embodiment. The processes of S1 to S3 and S51 are the same as those in Fig. 12, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Compared to the flow in Fig. 12, the flow in Fig. 14 executes the process of S60 instead of the process of S52.

[0192] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the multiple payment determination process (S60) of the information processing device 1 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0193] The information processing device 1 executes the fifth guidance (S61). For example, the information processing device 1 notifies the customer to place the scanned items in the customer's shopping basket B2. For example, the information processing device 1 displays a message on the display 5 urging the customer to take action, such as "Please place the scanned items in your shopping basket." The information processing device 1 may also display a message on the display 5 indicating that the scanned items and the items stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 are different. In this case, the information processing device 1 may display images of both the scanned items and the items stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 on the display 5.

[0194] The information processing device 1 determines whether the scanned product has been placed in the customer's shopping basket B2 (S62).

[0195] If the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product has been stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 (Yes in S62), this flow ends.

[0196] If the information processing device 1 determines that the scanned product is not stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 (No in S62), the information processing device 1 determines whether a product different from the scanned product is stored on the product stand A1b (S63).

[0197] If the information processing device 1 determines that a product different from the scanned product has been placed in the customer's shopping basket B2 (Yes in S63), the information processing device 1 executes shoplifting determination processing (S64).

[0198] For example, in the shoplifting determination process of S64, the information processing device 1 displays a message to discourage shoplifting, such as "Please scan the items before placing them in your shopping basket," on the display 5. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may notify a mobile terminal carried by a store clerk that an act of shoplifting is suspected.

[0199] Note that there are also products that do not have barcodes attached, such as vegetables and fruits sold individually. For products that do not have barcodes attached, customers generally operate a cash register screen or the like to manually input the items to be purchased and the quantity. Here, it is conceivable that an item different from the manually input item may be placed in the customer's shopping basket B2. In such cases, the information processing device 1 may similarly display on the display 5 a message to discourage shoplifting, such as "Please scan the item before placing it in the shopping basket," or may display on the display 5 a message indicating that the manually input item and the item placed in the customer's shopping basket B2 are different.

[0200] For example, the information processing device 1 may forcefully terminate the transaction process and display an alarm or the like on the display 5. In this case, the information processing device 1 may notify a terminal held by a store clerk or a base station that shoplifting has occurred.

[0201] For example, the information processing device 1 may execute the shoplifting determination process in accordance with the judgment of a store clerk who has confirmed the act of a customer suspected of shoplifting, as photographed by the camera 3.

[0202] If the information processing device 1 determines that no products different from the scanned product are stored in the customer's shopping basket B2 (No in S63), the information processing device 1 determines whether the same product code has been scanned (S65).

[0203] If the information processing device 1 determines that the same product code has not been scanned (No in S65), this flow ends.

[0204] If the information processing device 1 determines that the same product code has been scanned (Yes in S65), the information processing device 1 determines that multiple payments have occurred because the same product code has been scanned consecutively, and performs guidance processing (S66). For example, the information processing device 1 displays a guidance screen on the display 5.

[0205] (Summary of the sixth embodiment) When the same product code is scanned repeatedly, the information processing device 1 determines whether a multiple payment has occurred. In addition, when a product that has not been scanned is placed in the customer's shopping basket B2, the information processing device 1 executes shoplifting determination processing.

[0206] The information processing device 1 can perform appropriate transaction processing while also taking appropriate action against customers who engage in fraudulent behavior suspected of shoplifting. For example, the information processing device 1 can prevent shoplifting from occurring, and even if shoplifting does occur, it can take appropriate action, such as following the judgment of a store clerk or forcibly terminating the transaction processing.

[0207] (Other variations) In each of the above-described embodiments, when it is determined that a multiple payment has occurred, the information processing device 1 displays a guidance screen on the display 5. However, the notification given when it is determined that a multiple payment has occurred is not limited to displaying a guidance screen. The information processing device 1 may also provide guidance by voice or other means. Furthermore, the recipient of the notification does not have to be limited to the customer; the information processing device 1 may also provide notification by wireless communication or other means to a mobile terminal carried by a store clerk, security guard, or the like.

[0208] Furthermore, the content of the notification does not need to be limited to guidance, and any notification may be provided as long as it contains information at least indicating that a duplicate payment may have occurred. For example, the information processing device 1 may notify a store clerk to check the self-checkout where a duplicate payment may have occurred. In other words, when it determines that a duplicate payment has occurred, the information processing device 1 may notify the store clerk in some form of information indicating that a duplicate payment may have occurred, and the form of the notification does not matter.

[0209] In each of the above-described embodiments, the information processing device 1 determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively. However, the information processing device 1 may also determine whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is scanned non-consecutively.

[0210] For example, if a customer is holding product A and product B in each hand and scanning product codes, the customer may scan the product code of product A, then the product code of product B, and then accidentally scan the product code of product A. However, after scanning multiple identical product codes, the customer may also scan the same product codes non-sequentially.

[0211] Therefore, when the information processing device 1 determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is scanned non-consecutively, the information processing device 1 may be configured to determine whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is scanned within a specified time limit (e.g., within a few seconds).

[0212] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0213] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0214] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software linked to hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0215] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0216] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility. [Industrial Applicability]

[0217] The present disclosure is useful as an information processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 1. Information processing equipment 2, 2a, 2b scanner 3 Camera 4a, 4b Weight sensors 5. Display A1a, A1b Product stand

Claims

1. a product detection unit that detects that a product has been removed from a first product placement table on which the product has been placed before its product code is scanned; a multiple payment determination unit that determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code is continuously scanned and the number of products detected by the product detection unit; Equipped with Information processing device.

2. a notification unit that notifies information indicating that the multiple payments may have occurred when the multiple payment determination unit determines that the multiple payments have occurred, The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. If the number of times the same product code is continuously scanned is greater than the number of products detected by the product detection unit, The multiple payment determination unit determines that the multiple payments have occurred. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. If the number of the products removed from the first product stand is less than the number of times the same product code is scanned consecutively, The multiple payment determination unit determines that the multiple payments have occurred. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. a first scanner for scanning the product code and a second scanner; When the same product code as the product code scanned by the first scanner is scanned by the second scanner, The multiple payment determination unit determines that the multiple payments have occurred. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. sending a message by the notification unit notifying that the product codes scanned by the first scanner and the second scanner are the same; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The system further includes a second product stand on which scanned products are stored after the product codes have been scanned, If the scanned product is not stored on the second product stand and a product code identical to the scanned product code is scanned, The multiple payment determination unit determines that the multiple payments have occurred. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

8. If the scanned product is not stored on the second product stand after a predetermined time has elapsed, a message prompting the user to store the scanned product on the second product stand is sent by the notification unit; The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. If a product different from the scanned product is stored on the second product stand, The multiple payment determination unit performs shoplifting determination processing. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

10. the commodity detection unit detects that the commodity has been removed from a first commodity placement table on which the commodity before the commodity code is scanned is placed, the multiple payment determination unit determines whether multiple payments have occurred based on the number of times the same product code has been scanned consecutively and the number of products detected by the product detection unit; Multiple payment determination method.

Images