Information processing apparatus, payment processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of supporting shortening settlement time.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises a member information processing unit, a payment information processing unit, a point information processing unit, a registration information processing unit, and an output unit. The member information processing unit acquires member identification information of waiting users who are waiting to be processed by a payment processing apparatus. The payment information processing unit acquires information regarding the payment method of the waiting user. The point information processing unit acquires information regarding the point registration of the waiting user. The registration information processing unit registers the member identification information, the information regarding the payment method, and the information regarding the point registration as waiting user registration information. The output unit outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a payment processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, payment methods for purchasing goods at commercial facilities such as supermarkets have become more diverse, including cash, credit card, prepaid card, electronic money, etc. Points awarded according to the payment amount, etc., have also become more diverse, such that customers may be able to select from multiple point types and have the points awarded to their account.

[0003] Therefore, when making a payment, the cashier, who handles the payment process, must confirm with the customer the payment method and the point type for which points will be registered. In such cases, the interaction between the cashier and the customer takes time, which can lengthen the payment time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-41118 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can efficiently process payments in accordance with various payment methods and point types, thereby shortening payment times.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology that can help shorten the settlement time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes a member information processing unit, a payment information processing unit, a point information processing unit, a registration information processing unit, and an output unit. The member information processing unit acquires member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting to be processed by the payment processing device. The payment information processing unit acquires information related to the payment method of the waiting user. The point information processing unit acquires information related to point registration of the waiting user. The registration information processing unit registers the member identification information, information related to the payment method, and information related to the point registration as waiting user registration information. The output unit outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a store system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the waiting user registration information list according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to the registration of registration information by the store system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing from product registration processing to payment processing by the store system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure performed by the information registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to member information by the information registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to a payment method by the information registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to point registration by the information registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing by the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to payment processing by the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to payment processing by the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to point processing by the POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0010] The following description will be given using an example of a store that sells products. The store is assumed to be a physical store. Products include not only tangible products but also non-tangible products such as services or tickets. Services are services provided to customers. The store may be a store that primarily sells tangible products, or a store that primarily sells the provision of services. For example, a store that primarily sells tangible products includes, but is not limited to, a supermarket or a home improvement store. For example, a store that primarily sells the provision of services includes, but is not limited to, a restaurant or a sports gym.

[0011] A product transaction is the transfer of costs from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, the transaction involves the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, the transaction involves the purchase of a product.

[0012] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a store system S. Store system S is a system in store X.

[0013] The store system S includes an information registration device 1, a POS terminal 2, a store server 3, and a router 4. The information registration device 1 is connected to the POS terminal 2 via a wired or wireless connection that allows direct communication. The POS terminal 2, the store server 3, and the router 4 are connected via a network NA, which may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The network NA may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0014] The store system S is communicatively connected to the headquarters server 5 via a network NB. The network NB is made up of one or more networks selected from various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN. The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0015] The store system S may also refer to a system including at least two of the information registration device 1, the POS terminal 2, the store server 3, and the router 4. The term "device" includes electronic devices.

[0016] While FIG. 1 shows an example in which the store system S includes one information registration device 1, the store system S may include multiple information registration devices including the information registration device 1. The configuration of the multiple information registration devices may be similar to that of the information registration device 1. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the store system S includes one POS terminal 2, the store system S may include multiple POS terminals including the POS terminal 2. The configuration of the multiple POS terminals may be similar to that of the POS terminal 2. The store system S is an example of an information processing system. Here, an example in which the information registration device 1 and the POS terminal 2 have a one-to-one relationship will be described.

[0017] The information registration device 1 is a device that registers waiting user registration information of waiting users who are waiting for payment processing by the POS terminal 2. A waiting user refers to a customer for whom payment processing performed by the POS terminal 2 has not been completed. Payment processing refers to processing payment for a transaction. Payment is payment for a transaction. Payment includes the meaning of accounting. Completion of payment by the POS terminal 2 includes the meaning of the completion of a transaction. A waiting user includes a customer for whom product registration processing performed by the POS terminal 2 has not been completed. Product registration processing refers to processing the registration of a product that is the subject of a transaction. Product registration processing is also called product registration. A product that is the subject of a transaction is also called a trading product. Product registration is registering a product as a trading product. A waiting user includes, for example, a customer who is waiting for registration processing of their trading product by the POS terminal 2. A waiting user includes a customer who is waiting for registration processing of a trading product of a customer ahead of the waiting user. A waiting user includes a customer who is waiting for payment processing of a trading product of a customer ahead of the waiting user. A waiting user includes, for example, a customer who is waiting in line waiting for processing by the POS terminal 2. The waiting users include customers who are in line waiting for processing at the POS terminal 2 and for whom product registration or payment processing is being carried out for customers ahead of the waiting users.

[0018] The waiting user registration information includes, for example, member identification information, information regarding payment method, and information regarding point registration. The member identification information includes, for example, data such as a member ID. The member ID is, for example, a code that can uniquely identify a customer as a member of store X. In the following description, a customer may be read as a user, consumer, or member. The information registration device 1 is an example of an information processing device. The information registration device 1 is a tablet terminal, smartphone, PC (Personal Computer), etc., but may also be a dedicated device. The information registration device 1 may also be a tablet terminal, smartphone, PC, etc. owned by the customer.

[0019] The information on the payment method includes information such as the payment method and payment type. The payment method includes offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is payment that does not require the POS terminal 2 to cooperate with other devices via the network NB. For example, offline payment is payment using cash, gift certificates, etc. Online payment is payment that the POS terminal 2 executes by coordinating with other devices via the network NB. For example, online payment includes credit card payment, prepaid card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, code payment, and point payment. The payment type indicates the type of credit card, the type of electronic money, the type of debit card, the type of code payment, etc. The type of credit card may be, for example, the name of the credit card. The type of electronic money may be, for example, the name of the electronic money. The type of debit card may be, for example, the name of the debit card. The type of code payment may be, for example, the name of the code payment.

[0020] Information related to point registration includes information such as point type and point ID. Point type is information that can identify the point service that awards points. Point type is, for example, the name of the point card or the name of the point service. Point ID is point account identification information. Point account identification information is information that can identify the point account that awards points. Point account is information on the registration destination where points are registered. Point ID may be the user ID of the point service.

[0021] The POS terminal 2 is a device that processes transactions at store X. For example, the POS terminal 2 has a product registration function. The POS terminal 2 uses the product registration function to register one or more products that are the subject of a transaction. For example, product registration includes adding data related to the transaction product to a product registration list. Data related to the transaction product is also referred to as transaction product data. The product registration list may include transaction product data for each transaction product for one transaction. The transaction product data is data about the details of the transaction product. The transaction product data may include a product code of the transaction product. The product code of the transaction product is identification information that can uniquely identify the transaction product. The transaction product data may include a price of the transaction product. The price of the transaction product is the price per unit of the transaction product. The transaction product data may include a quantity of the transaction product. The quantity of the transaction product is the number of transaction products included in one transaction.

[0022] For example, the product registration list is stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. The transaction management server may be the store server 3, the headquarters server 5, or a different server. The product registration list is also referred to as transaction data.

[0023] The POS terminal 2 has a payment function. The POS terminal 2 processes payment for a transaction based on the product registration list using the payment function. The POS terminal 2 performs payment processing based on information related to the payment method. The POS terminal 2 performs point processing based on information related to point registration. The point processing includes a point registration process. The point registration process includes awarding points for a transaction. Points may have monetary value. Points are awarded based on the total amount of the products transacted, for example. Points may also be awarded based on a benefit applied to the transaction. The point processing includes deducting points from the transaction. For example, if the payment method is point payment, the point processing includes deducting points based on the number of points used for payment.

[0024] The POS terminal 2 can be operated by a user of the POS terminal 2. The user of the POS terminal 2 is mainly a store clerk. The store clerk may be interpreted as a user, a cashier, or a person. The POS terminal 2 is an example of a payment processing device.

[0025] The store server 3 is a device capable of communicating with the POS terminal 2 via the network NA. If the store system S includes multiple POS terminals, the store server 3 is a device capable of communicating with the multiple POS terminals including the POS terminal 2 via the network NA. The store server 3 may be a server used in a cloud service.

[0026] The store server 3 is a device that stores information necessary for transactions at store X. The store server 3 may include a product master. The product master data includes various information about each product, such as product code, price, and product name. The store server 3 stores user information for customers of store X. The store server 3 may also store user information for customers of multiple other stores. The user information indicates the customer's membership information. The membership information includes, for example, data such as a member ID, membership code, attribute data, and transaction data.

[0027] The router 4 is a device that enables the store system S to communicate with other devices via the network NB. For example, the router 4 enables the store system S to communicate with the headquarters server 5 via the network NB.

[0028] The headquarters server 5 is a server of the operator of store X. The headquarters server 5 is a device capable of communicating with the store system S via the network NB. If the operator operates multiple stores including store X, the headquarters server 5 is a device capable of communicating with multiple store systems including the store system S via the network NB. The headquarters server 5 may be a server used in a cloud service.

[0029] The headquarters server 5 is a device that stores various types of information. For example, the headquarters server 5 may store a product master. The headquarters server 5 may also store user information.

[0030] An example of the configuration of the information registration device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information registration device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0031] The information registration device 1 is an electronic device including a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication interface 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, a camera 17, and an input / output interface 18. The components constituting the information registration device 1 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 2, the interface is indicated as "I / F".

[0032] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the information registration device 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information registration device 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit is, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor is, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 11 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 11 to execute processes by each means described below. The processing circuit 11 executes the program loaded into the main memory 12, thereby enabling various processes to be performed.

[0033] The main memory 12 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the information registration device 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information registration device 1. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the information registration device 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices may be, but are not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 11 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuit 11.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 13 may temporarily store member identification information, information related to payment methods, and information related to point registration.

[0036] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the information registration device 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. For example, the information registration device 1 and an external device are communicably connected via a network. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network. The network may include, for example, a LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0037] The input device 15 is a device that can input data or instructions to the information registration device 1. The input device 15 may include a keyboard or the like. The input device 15 may form a touch panel together with the display device 16.

[0038] The display device 16 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processing circuit 11. For example, the display device 16 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display device 16 is an example of a display unit.

[0039] The camera 17 is a device that has a photographing function and acquires photographed image data by photographing.

[0040] The input / output interface 18 is an interface for connecting the information registration device 1 to an external device. The input / output interface 18 includes a connector for a wired cable. For example, the input / output interface 18 is an interface for connecting the information registration device 1 to the POS terminal 2.

[0041] The hardware configuration of the information registration device 1 is not limited to the above configuration. The information registration device 1 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0042] Each unit realized in the processing circuit 11 will now be described. The processing circuit 11 realizes a member information processing unit 110, a payment information processing unit 111, a point information processing unit 112, a registration information processing unit 113, an output unit 114, and a display processing unit 115. Each unit realized in the processing circuit 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized in the processing circuit 11 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 11 and the main memory 12.

[0043] The member information processing unit 110 acquires the member identification information of the waiting user. The member information processing unit 110 performs processing to determine the member ID based on information indicating the member identification information. The information indicating the member identification information includes, for example, an image of a membership certificate such as a membership card. The information indicating the member identification information may also be a code symbol indicating the member identification information.

[0044] The payment information processing unit 111 acquires information regarding the payment method of the waiting user. The information regarding the payment method includes information indicating the payment method. The information regarding the payment method includes information indicating the payment type. The payment information processing unit 111 performs processing to confirm the payment method based on the information indicating the payment method. The information indicating the payment method includes, for example, an image of a payment card or the like. The information indicating the payment method may be a code symbol indicating the payment method. The information indicating the payment method may be information input by the user via the input device 15. The payment information processing unit 111 may perform processing to confirm the payment method based on the information indicating the payment type. The information indicating the payment type includes, for example, an image of a payment card or the like. The information indicating the payment type may be a code symbol indicating the payment type. The information indicating the payment type may be information input by the user via the input device 15.

[0045] The point information processing unit 112 acquires information regarding point registration of the waiting user. The information regarding point registration includes information indicating the point type. The information regarding point registration includes information indicating a point ID. The point information processing unit 112 performs processing to determine the point type based on the information indicating the point type. The information indicating the point type includes, for example, an image of a point card or the like. The information indicating the point type may be a code symbol indicating the point type. The information indicating the point type may be information input by the user via the input device 15. The point information processing unit 112 performs processing to determine the point ID. The point information processing unit 112 performs processing to determine the point ID based on the information indicating the point ID. The information indicating the point ID includes, for example, an image of a point card or the like. The information indicating the point ID may be a code symbol indicating the point ID. The information indicating the point ID may be information input by the user via the input device 15.

[0046] Registration information processing unit 113 registers waiting user registration information, which includes the waiting user's member identification information, information on the waiting user's payment method, and information on the waiting user's point registration.

[0047] The output unit 114 outputs the waiting user registration information to the POS terminal 2 via the input / output interface 18. The output unit 114 may output the waiting user registration information to the POS terminal 2 based on the member identification information acquired from the POS terminal 2.

[0048] The display processing unit 115 displays the image on the display device 16 .

[0049] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

[0050] The POS terminal 2 includes a processing circuit 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a change machine interface 23, a communication interface 24, a scanner 25, an input device 26, a display device 27, a printing device 28, a reader 29, a camera 30, and an input / output interface 31. The main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, the change machine interface 23, the communication interface 24, the scanner 25, the input device 26, the display device 27, the printing device 28, the reader 29, the camera 30, and the input / output interface 31 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 3, the interface is indicated as "I / F."

[0051] The processing circuit 20 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned processing circuit 11. The processing circuit 20 performs various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0052] The main memory 21 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 12. The main memory 21 stores programs.

[0053] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the above-mentioned programs.

[0054] The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a product registration list storage area 221. The product registration list storage area 221 stores a product registration list. The data in the product registration list storage area 221 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting product registration information. The product registration information includes information about the transaction product for each transaction product. The product registration list data includes all or part of the transaction product's product code, transaction product name, transaction product price, transaction product unit count, transaction product amount, and transaction product type. The product registration information may include information other than these pieces of information. The product registration information may include the transaction total amount. The product registration information may include the payment amount. The payment amount is the amount paid for the transaction using the payment method selected by the customer. The product registration list storage area 221 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0055] The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a waiting user registration information list storage area 222. The waiting user registration information list storage area 222 stores a waiting user registration information list. The data in the waiting user registration information list storage area 222 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting waiting user registration information. The waiting user registration information list storage area 222 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0056] The auxiliary storage device 22 can store product master data.

[0057] The change machine interface 23 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 23 receives inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 23 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0058] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 2 to other devices via the network NA in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that communication is possible.

[0059] The scanner 25 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include a code symbol of a product on which a product code is recorded. The product code symbol is an image attached to the product. The code symbols may include a code symbol on which a membership code is recorded. The membership code is identification information that can uniquely identify a member. The code symbol on which a membership code is recorded may be an image attached to a card or an image that can be displayed on a customer's terminal. The code symbols may include a code symbol for code payment. The code symbols may include a code symbol indicating a point ID.

[0060] The input device 26 is a device that can input information to the POS terminal 2. For example, the input device 26 may include a keyboard. The input device 26 may form a touch panel together with the display device 27.

[0061] The display device 27 is a device that can display various images under the control of the processing circuit 20. For example, the display device 27 is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc. The display device 27 is an example of a display unit.

[0062] The printing device 28 is a device for issuing transaction details by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 28 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium that shows the details of the transaction. Although the transaction details are described as being a receipt, they may also be a receipt with a space for entering the recipient's name.

[0063] For example, the transaction details include all or part of information about the store where the transaction took place, information about the transaction date and time, and product registration information. The transaction details may also include information other than these. For example, the information about the store where the transaction took place includes the name of the store. The information about the store where the transaction took place may also include information other than this information. For example, the information about the transaction date and time includes the transaction date and time. The information about the transaction date and time may also include information other than this information.

[0064] The reader 29 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The reader 29 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The reader 29 may include a contactless reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna. The reader 29 may include a writer function that records card data on the card medium.

[0065] The camera 30 is a device that has a photographing function and acquires photographed image data by photographing.

[0066] The input / output interface 31 is an interface for connecting the POS terminal 2 to an external device. The input / output interface 31 includes a connector for a wired cable. For example, the input / output interface 31 is an interface for connecting the POS terminal 2 to the information registration device 1.

[0067] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 2 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0068] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 20 will be described. The processing circuit 20 realizes a product registration processing unit 201, a member information acquisition unit 202, a registration information acquisition unit 203, a payment processing unit 204, a points processing unit 205, and a display processing unit 206. Each means realized by the processing circuit 20 can also be referred to as each unit or each function. Each means realized by the processing circuit 20 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 20 and main memory 21.

[0069] The product registration processing unit 201 processes the registration of one or more trading products.

[0070] The member information acquisition unit 202 acquires the member identification information of the customer performing the payment process. The customer performing the payment process is, for example, a waiting user. The member information acquisition unit 202 performs a process to determine the member ID based on the information indicating the member identification information.

[0071] The registration information acquisition unit 203 acquires waiting-user registration information of a waiting user from the information registration device 1 via the input / output interface 31. Every time the registration information acquisition unit 203 acquires waiting-user registration information from the information registration device 1, it stores the waiting-user registration information in the waiting-user registration information list storage area 222. The registration information acquisition unit 203 acquires waiting-user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user from the waiting-user registration information list storage area 222.

[0072] The settlement processing unit 204 performs settlement processing for the transaction based on the waiting user registration information associated with the waiting user's member identification information. The point processing unit 205 performs point processing based on the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user. The display processing unit 206 displays the image on the display device 27 .

[0073] The waiting user registration information list will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the waiting user registration information list according to the embodiment.

[0074] The waiting user registration information list storage area 222 stores waiting user registration information for each waiting user.

[0075] The waiting user registration information includes a member ID, a payment method, a point type, and a point ID. Here, we will explain the waiting user registration information for waiting user UA's member ID "XXXX" as an example. Waiting user UA selects "credit card" as the payment method, "AA points" as the point type, and the point ID is "111111". The payment method may include information indicating the type of credit card. Waiting user UA's payment method, point type, and point ID are associated with member ID "XXXX".

[0076] (Example of operation) The processing of the store system S will be described. In the following description mainly focusing on the information registration device 1, the information registration device 1 may be read as the processing circuit 11. Similarly, in the following description mainly focusing on the POS terminal 2, the POS terminal 2 may be read as the processing circuit 20. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing related to the registration of registration information by the store system S according to the embodiment. In the following process, it is assumed that a waiting user UA has shopped at store X and is waiting for payment processing by the POS terminal 2. The waiting user UA is assumed to be a customer standing in line waiting for processing by the POS terminal 2. The waiting user UA registers information in the information registration device 1. The user (store clerk) of the POS terminal 2 performs product registration processing and payment processing at the POS terminal 2. It is assumed that the user of the POS terminal 2 is performing product registration processing or payment processing for the customer immediately before the waiting user UA. Note that the waiting user UA may register information in the information registration device 1 while the product registration processing for the waiting user UA is being performed at the POS terminal 2.

[0077] The information registration device 1 displays a registration start image including a registration start button for registering waiting user registration information on the display device 16. The registration start button is an operator that can input an instruction to start registering waiting user registration information. The waiting user UA selects the registration start button by touch input or the like in accordance with the image displayed on the display device 16 of the information registration device 1 (ACT1).

[0078] The processing circuit 11 of the information registration device 1 acquires a registration start instruction based on an operation by the waiting user UA (ACT2). The processing of ACT2 may be performed by the registration information processing unit 113.

[0079] In response to receiving the registration start instruction, the processing circuit 11 displays a membership card request message for the waiting user UA on the display device 16 (ACT3). The processing of ACT3 may be processing by the member information processing unit 110. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs image data of the membership card request message to the display device 16. The membership card request message is, for example, a message requesting information indicating member identification information. The membership card request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please hold your membership card over the camera." The membership card request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data.

[0080] The waiting user UA presents information indicating the member identification information based on the membership card request message. For example, the waiting user UA holds up the membership card to the camera 17.

[0081] The processing circuit 11 requests a membership card image from the camera 17 (ACT4). The membership card image is, for example, an image of a membership card. The processing of ACT4 may be performed by the member information processing unit 110. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs a membership card image request to the camera 17. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 17 to capture the membership card image. Note that the camera 17 may capture a code symbol indicating member identification information as the membership card image.

[0082] The processing circuit 11 acquires a membership card image captured by the camera 17 (ACT5). The processing of ACT5 may be performed by the member information processing unit 110. In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires data of the membership card image. The processing circuit 11 acquires member identification information based on the data of the membership card image.

[0083] The processing circuit 11 displays a payment method request message from the waiting user UA on the display device 16 (ACT6). The processing of ACT6 may be processing by the payment information processing unit 111. In ACT6, for example, the processing circuit 11 displays image data of the payment method request message on the display device 16. The payment method request message is, for example, a message requesting information indicating a payment method. The payment method request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please hold your payment card over the camera." The payment method request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data. The processing circuit 11 may display, on the display device 16, a payment method selection image including payment method selection buttons from which a payment method can be selected. The payment method selection buttons are, for example, controls that can input instructions to specify a payment method. In this case, the waiting user UA may select the payment method selection button by touch input or the like to specify a payment method.

[0084] The waiting user UA presents information indicating the payment method based on the payment method request message. For example, the waiting user UA holds a payment card over the camera 17.

[0085] The processing circuit 11 requests a payment method image from the camera 17 (ACT7). The payment method image is, for example, an image of a payment card. The processing of ACT7 may be performed by the payment information processing unit 111. In ACT7, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs a payment method image request to the camera 17. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 17 to capture the payment method image. Note that the camera 17 may capture an image of a code symbol indicating the payment method as the payment method image.

[0086] The processing circuit 11 acquires a payment method image captured by the camera 17 (ACT8). The processing of ACT8 may be performed by the payment information processing unit 111. In ACT8, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires data of the payment method image. The processing circuit 11 acquires information about the payment method based on the data of the payment method image.

[0087] The processing circuit 11 displays a point type request message of the waiting user UA on the display device 16 (ACT9). The processing of ACT9 may be processing by the point information processing unit 112. In ACT9, for example, the processing circuit 11 displays image data of the point type request message on the display device 16. The point type request message is, for example, a message requesting information indicating a point type. The point type request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please hold your point card over the camera." The point type request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data. The processing circuit 11 may display, on the display device 16, a point type selection image including a point type selection button that allows the user to select a point type. The point type selection button is, for example, an operator that allows the user to input an instruction to specify a point type. In this case, the waiting user UA may select the point type selection button by touch input or the like to specify a point type.

[0088] The waiting user UA presents information indicating the point type based on the point type request message. For example, the waiting user UA holds up his / her point card to the camera 17.

[0089] The processing circuit 11 requests a point type image from the camera 17 (ACT10). The payment method image is, for example, an image of a point card. The processing of ACT10 may be processing by the point information processing unit 112. In ACT10, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs a point type image request to the camera 17. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 17 to capture the point type image. Note that the camera 17 may capture a code symbol indicating the point type as the point type image. The camera 17 may capture a code symbol indicating the point ID as the point type image.

[0090] The processing circuit 11 acquires a point type image captured by the camera 17 (ACT11). The processing of ACT11 may be processing by the point information processing unit 112. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires data of the point type image. The processing circuit 11 acquires information related to point registration based on the data of the point type image.

[0091] The processing circuit 11 displays a confirmation request message on the display device 16 (ACT12). The processing of ACT12 may be processing by the registration information processing unit 113. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 11 displays image data of the confirmation request message on the display device 16. The confirmation request message indicates a message requesting the waiting user UA to confirm the waiting user registration information. The confirmation request message includes, for example, a confirmation button or the like. The confirmation button is an operator that can input an instruction to confirm the waiting user registration information. The confirmation request message includes, for example, a message such as "Do you want to confirm the registration information?" The confirmation request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data.

[0092] The waiting user UA inputs a confirmation instruction based on the confirmation request message (ACT 13). For example, the waiting user UA selects the confirmation button by touch input or the like.

[0093] The processing circuit 11 acquires a confirmation instruction based on an operation of the waiting user UA (ACT 14). The processing of ACT 14 may be processing by the registration information processing unit 113.

[0094] Upon receiving the confirmation instruction, the processing circuit 11 outputs the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA to the POS terminal 2 (ACT15). The processing of ACT15 may be performed by the output unit 114. The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 obtains the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA.

[0095] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 stores the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA in the waiting user registration information list storage area 222 (ACT16). The processing of ACT16 may be processing by the registration information acquisition unit 203.

[0096] According to this example, the information registration device 1 can acquire the member identification information of the waiting user, information on the payment method, and information on point registration, and register the member identification information, information on the payment method, and information on point registration as waiting user registration information. Every time the waiting user registration information is confirmed, the information registration device 1 can output the waiting user registration information to the POS terminal 2. Every time the waiting user registration information is confirmed, the POS terminal 2 can acquire the waiting user registration information from the information registration device 1.

[0097] For example, a waiting user can register information required for payment processing in the information registration device 1 before performing payment processing in the POS terminal 2. Therefore, while waiting for his / her own product registration processing or while the product registration processing or payment processing of the customer in front of him / her is being performed, the waiting user can register the amount of information required for payment processing in advance in the information registration device 1. The POS terminal 2 can perform payment processing using the waiting user registration information without obtaining information such as the waiting user's payment method or point registration destination from the waiting user. This allows the store system S to shorten the time from product registration to completion of payment processing. In this way, the store system S can help shorten payment time.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing from product registration processing to payment processing by the store system S according to the embodiment. In the following process, the POS terminal 2 performs product registration processing for the transaction product of the waiting user UA. The POS terminal 2 performs payment processing for the waiting user UA based on the waiting user registration information. The user of the POS terminal 2 is a store clerk.

[0099] The user of the POS terminal 2 performs product registration of the transaction product of the waiting user UA. For example, the user of the POS terminal 2 holds the code symbol attached to the transaction product over the scanner 25 (ACT21). The user of the POS terminal 2 may also perform product registration of the transaction product by selecting a product registration button on the product registration image by touch input or the like.

[0100] The scanner 25 of the POS terminal 2 acquires an image of the commodity (ACT 22). For example, the scanner 25 reads a code symbol attached to the commodity to be transacted. The scanner 25 outputs the data of the code symbol to the processing circuit 20.

[0101] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 performs a product registration process (ACT23). The process of ACT23 may be performed by the product registration processing unit 201. In ACT23, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires the product code recorded in the code symbol. The processing circuit 20 refers to the product master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 and acquires transaction product data of the transaction product corresponding to the product code. The transaction product data includes data such as the product code, product name, and product price. The processing circuit 20 may also acquire the transaction product data of the product corresponding to the product code by referring to the product master stored in the store server 3. The processing circuit 20 saves the transaction product data in the product registration list storage area 221.

[0102] The processing circuit 20 acquires a payment instruction (ACT24). The processing of ACT24 may be processing by the payment processing unit 204. In ACT24, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires a payment instruction based on the operation of a payment button by a user of the POS terminal 2 in the product registration image. The payment button is an operator that can input an instruction to perform payment processing.

[0103] Based on the receipt of the payment instruction, the processing circuit 20 displays a membership card request message of the waiting user UA on the display device 27 (ACT25). The processing of ACT25 may be processing by the member information acquisition unit 202. In ACT25, for example, the processing circuit 20 displays image data of the membership card request message on the display device 27. The membership card request message is, for example, a message requesting information indicating member identification information. The membership card request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please hold your membership card over the camera." The membership card request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data.

[0104] Based on the membership card request message, the user of the POS terminal 2 holds information indicating the member identification information over the camera 30. The information indicating the member identification information is, for example, the membership card of the waiting user UA.

[0105] The processing circuit 20 requests a membership card image from the camera 30 (ACT26). The membership card image is, for example, an image of a membership card. The processing of ACT26 may be processing by the member information acquisition unit 202. In ACT26, for example, the processing circuit 20 outputs a membership card image request to the camera 30. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 30 to capture the membership card image. Note that the camera 30 may capture a code symbol indicating member identification information as the membership card image.

[0106] The processing circuit 20 acquires the membership card image captured by the camera 30 (ACT27). The processing of ACT27 may be performed by the member information acquisition unit 202. In ACT27, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires data of the membership card image. The processing circuit 20 acquires member identification information based on the data of the membership card image.

[0107] The processing circuit 20 requests the waiting user registration information linked to the member identification information from the waiting user registration information list storage area 222 (ACT28). The processing of ACT28 may be processing by the registration information acquisition unit 203.

[0108] The processing circuit 20 acquires the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA linked to the member identification information from the waiting user registration information list storage area 222 (ACT29). The processing of ACT29 may be processing by the registration information acquisition unit 203.

[0109] The processing circuit 20 displays the payment method on the display device 27 based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT30). The processing of ACT30 may be processing by the display processing unit 206. In ACT30, for example, the processing circuit 20 outputs an image indicating the payment method to the display device 27.

[0110] The processing circuit 20 (payment processing unit 204) performs payment processing based on the payment method. The processing circuit 20 (point processing unit 205) performs point registration processing based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA.

[0111] In ACT28, the processing circuit 20 may request waiting-user registration information linked to the member identification information from the information registration device 1. In ACT29, the processing circuit 20 may acquire waiting-user registration information of the waiting user UA linked to the member identification information from the information registration device 1. According to this example, the POS terminal 2 can acquire waiting-user registration information linked to the member identification information every time it acquires member identification information. Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can reduce the process of saving waiting-user registration information every time a waiting user is registered.

[0112] According to this example, the POS terminal 2 can acquire the member identification information of the waiting user during payment processing and acquire waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information. The POS terminal 2 can perform payment processing and point registration processing based on the waiting user registration information. For example, the POS terminal 2 can perform payment processing using the waiting user registration information simply by acquiring the member identification information from the waiting user. This allows the store system S to shorten the time from product registration to completion of payment processing. In this way, the store system S can help shorten payment time.

[0113] The information registration process performed by the information registration device 1 will be described. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing by the information registration device 1 according to the embodiment. In the following process, it is assumed that a waiting user UA performs an operation to register waiting user registration information. The following process corresponds to the process of the information registration device 1 shown in the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0114] The processing circuit 11 determines whether or not a registration start instruction for waiting user registration information has been acquired (ACT101). The processing of ACT101 may be processing by the registration information processing unit 113. The processing circuit 11 determines whether or not a registration start instruction has been acquired based on a user operation of the waiting user UA. The user operation is, for example, a touch input on a registration start button. If a registration start instruction has been acquired (ACT101: YES), the process proceeds from ACT101 to ACT 102. If a registration start instruction has not been acquired (ACT101: NO), the process repeats ACT101.

[0115] In response to receiving the registration start instruction, the processing circuit 11 requests the member identification information of the waiting user UA (ACT102). The processing of ACT102 may be performed by the member information processing unit 110. In ACT102, for example, the processing circuit 11 displays image data of the membership card request message on the display device 16. The waiting user UA presents information indicating the member identification information based on the membership card request message. For example, the waiting user UA holds his / her membership card over the camera 17.

[0116] The processing circuit 11 acquires a membership card image (ACT103). The processing of ACT103 may be processing by the member information processing unit 110. In ACT103, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs a membership card image request to the camera 17. The camera 17 captures an image of the membership card. The camera 17 acquires the captured image of the membership card as a membership card image. The processing circuit 11 acquires the membership card image output from the camera 17. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 17 to capture an image of the membership card and acquire the captured membership card image. The camera 17 may also capture an image of a code symbol indicating member identification information. In this case, the processing circuit 11 acquires the code symbol.

[0117] The processing circuit 11 determines the member identification information of the waiting user UA based on the membership card image (ACT104). The processing of ACT104 may be performed by the member information processing unit 110. In ACT104, for example, the processing circuit 11 performs character recognition using OCR (optical character recognition) processing or the like based on the data of the membership card image. The processing circuit 11 acquires the member identification information as a result of the character recognition.

[0118] The processing circuit 11 requests information regarding the payment method of the waiting user UA (ACT105). The processing of ACT105 may be processing by the payment information processing unit 111. In ACT105, for example, the processing circuit 11 displays image data of a payment method request message on the display device 16. The processing circuit 11 may also display a payment method selection image including payment method selection buttons from which payment methods can be selected on the display device 16. The waiting user UA presents information indicating the payment method based on the payment method request message. For example, the waiting user UA holds a payment card over the camera 17.

[0119] The processing circuit 11 acquires a payment method image (ACT106). The processing of ACT106 may be processing by the payment information processing unit 111. In ACT106, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs a payment method image request to the camera 17. The camera 17 captures an image of the payment card. The camera 17 acquires the captured image of the payment card as a payment method image. The processing circuit 11 acquires the payment method image output from the camera 17. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 17 to capture an image of the payment card and acquire the captured payment method image. Note that the camera 17 may also capture an image of a code symbol indicating the payment method. In this case, the processing circuit 11 acquires the code symbol.

[0120] The processing circuit 11 determines information about the payment method of the waiting user UA based on the payment method image (ACT107). The processing of ACT107 may be processing by the payment information processing unit 111. In ACT107, for example, the processing circuit 11 recognizes the type of payment card from a design image, etc. included in the payment method image based on the data of the payment method image. The processing circuit 11 acquires information about the payment method as a result of image recognition of the design image, etc. The processing circuit 11 may also recognize the type of payment card by performing character recognition using OCR processing, etc. on the payment method image based on the data of the payment method image. In this case, the processing circuit 11 acquires information about the payment method as a result of character recognition.

[0121] The processing circuit 11 may determine the information about the payment method based on a user operation by the waiting user UA, such as a touch input on a payment method selection button.

[0122] The processing circuit 11 requests information regarding the point registration of the waiting user UA (ACT108). The processing of ACT108 may be processing by the point information processing unit 112. In ACT108, for example, the processing circuit 11 displays image data of a point type request message on the display device 16. The processing circuit 11 may display a point type selection image including point type selection buttons that allow the user to select a point type on the display device 16. The waiting user UA presents information indicating the point type based on the point type request message. For example, the waiting user UA holds a point card over the camera 17.

[0123] The processing circuit 11 acquires a point type image (ACT109). The processing of ACT109 may be processing by the point information processing unit 112. In ACT109, for example, the processing circuit 11 outputs a point type image request to the camera 17. The camera 17 captures an image of the point card. The camera 17 acquires the captured image of the point card as a point type image. The processing circuit 11 acquires the point type image output from the camera 17. The processing circuit 11 may control the camera 17 to capture an image of the point card and acquire the captured point type image. Note that the camera 17 may also capture an image of a code symbol indicating the point type. In this case, the processing circuit 11 acquires the code symbol.

[0124] The processing circuit 11 determines information regarding point registration of the waiting user UA based on the point type image (ACT110). The processing of ACT110 may be processing by the point information processing unit 112. In ACT110, for example, the processing circuit 11 performs character recognition using OCR processing or the like based on the data of the point type image. Based on the result of the character recognition, the processing circuit 11 determines the point account to which the points will be registered.

[0125] The processing circuit 11 may determine information related to point registration based on a user operation by the waiting user UA. The user operation may be, for example, a touch input on a point type selection button. In this case, the processing circuit 11 may acquire information related to the point account based on the user operation.

[0126] The processing circuit 11 determines whether the waiting user registration information has been confirmed (ACT111). The processing of ACT111 may be processing by the registration information processing unit 113. The processing circuit 11 determines whether the waiting user registration information has been confirmed based on a user operation of the waiting user UA. The user operation is, for example, a touch input on a confirmation button included in the image data of the confirmation request message. The processing circuit 11 acquires a confirmation instruction based on the user operation. If the waiting user registration information has been confirmed (ACT111: YES), the process proceeds from ACT111 to ACT 112. If the waiting user registration information has not been confirmed (ACT111: NO), the process repeats ACT111.

[0127] Upon receiving the confirmation instruction, the processing circuit 11 outputs the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA to the POS terminal 2 (ACT112). The processing of ACT112 may be performed by the output unit 114. In ACT112, for example, the processing circuit 11 associates the member identification information of the waiting user UA with information related to the payment method and information related to point registration, and outputs the linked information to the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 11 may output the waiting user registration information to the POS terminal 2 every time it receives a confirmation instruction.

[0128] According to this example, the information registration device 1 can acquire the member identification information of the waiting user, information on the payment method, and information on point registration, and can register the member identification information, information on the payment method, and information on point registration as waiting user registration information. The information registration device 1 can output the waiting user registration information to the POS terminal 2.

[0129] For example, a waiting user can register information required for payment processing before performing payment processing at the POS terminal 2. Therefore, the waiting user does not need to exchange information such as the payment method or point registration destination with a store clerk during payment processing. The POS terminal 2 can perform payment processing using the waiting user registration information. This allows the information registration device 1 to shorten the time from product registration to completion of payment processing. In this way, the information registration device 1 can help shorten payment time.

[0130] The process of determining member identification information will now be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for information processing related to member information by the information registration device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the member ID confirmation process (ACT104) in the flowchart shown in FIG. The following processing may be performed by the member information processing unit 110.

[0131] Processing circuit 11 detects a member ID area based on the membership card image (ACT201). The member ID area indicates an area containing member identification information. The member ID area may be a pre-set area, or may be an area detected to contain information indicating a member ID (e.g., text information). The member ID area is an example of a target area. In ACT201, for example, processing circuit 11 identifies the member ID area from the membership card image.

[0132] The processing circuit 11 acquires character information from the image data included in the member ID area (ACT202). In ACT202, for example, the processing circuit 11 performs character recognition processing such as OCR processing on the image data included in the member ID area. The processing circuit 11 acquires the character information obtained as a result of the character recognition processing as member identification information.

[0133] In addition, the processing circuitry 11 may acquire the member identification information of the waiting user based on the biometric authentication information of the waiting user. For example, the processing circuitry 11 may acquire biometric information such as a facial image of the waiting user via the camera 17. The processing circuitry 11 may perform image recognition processing based on the facial image data. The processing circuitry 11 may acquire the result of the image recognition processing as the member identification information of the waiting user. According to this example, the member identification information can be acquired even if the waiting user is a user who does not have a member ID.

[0134] The process of determining the payment method will now be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing related to payment methods by the information registration device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the payment method determination process (ACT107) in the flowchart shown in FIG. The following process may be performed by the payment information processing unit 111. The following process will be described taking as an example a case where a payment card such as a credit card is selected as the payment method.

[0135] The processing circuit 11 recognizes the payment method based on the payment method image (ACT301). In ACT301, for example, the processing circuit 11 recognizes the type of payment card based on the design image included in the payment method image. The processing circuit 11 detects a target area including the design image from the payment method image. The processing circuit 11 performs image recognition, etc., based on image data of the target area. The processing circuit 11 acquires the image recognition result as information related to the payment method. Specifically, the processing circuit 11 recognizes the type of payment card based on the design image of the payment card. Note that the processing circuit 11 may also recognize the type of payment card by performing character recognition on the target area using OCR processing, etc. The processing circuit 11 may also recognize the type of payment card based on character information on the payment card.

[0136] The process of determining information regarding point registration will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing related to point registration by the information registration device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the point registration information confirmation process (ACT110) in the flowchart shown in FIG. The following process may be performed by the point information processing unit 112. The following process will be described taking as an example a case where the AA point card is selected as the point type.

[0137] The processing circuit 11 recognizes the point type based on the point type image (ACT401). In ACT401, for example, the processing circuit 11 recognizes the type of point card based on the design image included in the point type image. The processing circuit 11 detects a target area including the design image from the point type image. The processing circuit 11 performs image recognition, etc. based on image data of the target area. The processing circuit 11 acquires the image recognition result as information related to point registration. Specifically, the processing circuit 11 recognizes the type of point card based on the design image of the payment card. Note that the processing circuit 11 may also recognize the type of payment card by performing character recognition on the target area using OCR processing, etc. The processing circuit 11 may also recognize the type of payment card based on character information on the payment card. The processing circuit 11 may recognize the point type based on an image of a point card or the like displayed on a user terminal of the waiting user UA, such as a smartphone.

[0138] The processing circuit 11 detects a point ID area based on the point type image (ACT402). The point ID area indicates an area containing point account identification information. The point ID area may be a pre-set area, or may be an area detected to contain information indicating a point ID (e.g., text information). The point ID area is an example of a target area. In ACT402, for example, the processing circuit 11 identifies the point ID area from the point type image.

[0139] The processing circuit 11 acquires character information from the image data included in the point ID area (ACT403). In ACT403, for example, the processing circuit 11 performs character recognition processing such as OCR processing on the image data included in the point ID area. The processing circuit 11 acquires the character information obtained as a result of the character recognition processing as a point ID.

[0140] (Variation) In the above example, the information registration device 1 acquires various pieces of information based on images captured by the camera 17, but this is not limiting. The information registration device 1 may include a reader or a scanner instead of or in addition to the camera 17.

[0141] The information registration device 1 may acquire the member identification information via a reader or a scanner. The reader may have the same configuration as the reader 29. The scanner may have the same configuration as the scanner 25. For example, the processing circuit 11 may read card data recorded on a member card via a reader. The processing circuit 11 may acquire the member identification information based on the card data. The processing circuit 11 may read a barcode symbol attached to a member card or the like via a scanner. The processing circuit 11 may acquire the member identification information based on the data recorded in the barcode symbol.

[0142] The information registration device 1 may acquire information about the payment method via a reader or a scanner. For example, the processing circuit 11 may read card data recorded on a payment card such as a credit card via a reader. The processing circuit 11 may acquire information about the payment method based on the card data. The processing circuit 11 may read a barcode symbol for payment via a scanner. The processing circuit 11 may acquire information about the payment method based on the data recorded on the barcode symbol.

[0143] The information registration device 1 may acquire information related to point registration via a reader or a scanner. For example, the processing circuit 11 may read card data recorded on a point card via a reader. The processing circuit 11 may acquire member identification information based on the card data. The processing circuit 11 may read a barcode symbol attached to a point card or the like via a scanner. The processing circuit 11 may acquire information related to point registration based on the data recorded in the barcode symbol.

[0144] The following describes the information registration process performed by the POS terminal 2. The following process corresponds to the process performed by the POS terminal 2 shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. In the following processing, it is assumed that the user (store clerk) of the POS terminal 2 performs product registration processing and payment processing.

[0145] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not waiting user registration information has been acquired from the information registration device 1 (ACT501). The processing of ACT501 may be processing by the registration information acquisition unit 203. If waiting user registration information has been acquired (ACT501: YES), the processing transitions from ACT501 to ACT502. If waiting user registration information has not been acquired (ACT501: NO), the processing transitions from ACT501 to ACT503.

[0146] The processing circuit 20 stores the waiting user registration information in the waiting user registration information list storage area 222 (ACT502). The processing of ACT502 may be performed by the registration information acquisition unit 203. Every time the processing circuit 20 acquires waiting user registration information from the information registration device 1, it stores the waiting user registration information in the registration information acquisition unit 203. The processing circuit 20 updates the waiting user registration information list from the information registration device 1. When the processing of ACT502 is completed, the processing returns from ACT502 to ACT501.

[0147] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not a product image has been acquired (ACT503). The product image is, for example, a code symbol attached to the transacted product. The processing in ACT503 may be performed by the product registration processing unit 201. If a product image has been acquired (ACT503: YES), the processing transitions from ACT503 to ACT504. If a product image has not been acquired (ACT503: NO), the processing transitions from ACT503 to ACT505.

[0148] The processing circuit 20 performs commodity registration of the transacted commodity based on the commodity image (ACT504). The processing of ACT504 may be performed by the commodity registration processing unit 201. The processing circuit 20, for example, acquires the commodity code recorded in the code symbol. The processing circuit 20 references the commodity master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 and acquires the transacted commodity data of the transacted commodity corresponding to the commodity code. The processing circuit 20 saves the transacted commodity data in the commodity registration list storage area 221. When the processing of ACT504 is completed, the processing returns from ACT504 to ACT501.

[0149] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not a payment instruction has been acquired (ACT505). ACT505 may be processing by the payment processing unit 204. In ACT505, for example, the processing circuit 20 determines whether or not a payment instruction has been acquired based on a user operation. The user operation is, for example, operating a payment button. If a payment instruction has been acquired (ACT505: YES), the processing transitions from ACT505 to ACT506. If a payment instruction has not been acquired (ACT505: NO), the processing returns from ACT505 to ACT501.

[0150] The processing circuit 20 performs payment processing based on the acquired payment instruction (ACT506). The processing in ACT506 may be performed by the payment processing unit 204. In ACT506, for example, the processing circuit 20 performs payment processing based on the waiting user registration information.

[0151] The payment process will now be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing related to the payment processing by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the payment process (ACT506) in the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. The following process assumes that payment processing is performed for a waiting user UA.

[0152] In response to receiving the payment instruction, the processing circuit 20 requests member identification information of the waiting user UA (ACT601). The processing of ACT601 may be processing by the member information acquisition unit 202. In ACT601, for example, the processing circuit 20 outputs image data of a membership card request message to the display device 27. The user of the POS terminal 2 requests the waiting user UA to present a membership card. The user of the POS terminal 2 holds the membership card over the camera 30 based on the membership card request message.

[0153] The processing circuit 20 acquires a membership card image (ACT602). The processing of ACT602 may be processing by the member information acquisition unit 202. In ACT602, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires a membership card image captured by the camera 30. The processing circuit 20 may also acquire a code symbol representing member identification information captured by the camera 30.

[0154] The processing circuit 20 determines the member identification information of the waiting user UA based on the membership card image (ACT603). The processing of ACT603 may be processing by the member information acquisition unit 202. In ACT603, for example, the processing circuit 20 performs character recognition using OCR processing or the like based on the data of the membership card image. The processing circuit 20 acquires the member identification information as a result of the character recognition. As a specific example, the processing circuit 20 detects a member ID area based on the membership card image. The processing circuit 20 performs character recognition processing such as OCR processing on the image data included in the member ID area. The processing circuit 20 acquires the character information obtained as a result of the character recognition processing as the member identification information.

[0155] The processing circuitry 20 may acquire biometric information of the waiting user UA. In this case, the processing circuitry 20 may acquire biometric information such as a facial image of the waiting user via the camera 30. The processing circuitry 20 may perform image recognition processing based on the facial image data. The processing circuitry 20 may compare the results of the image recognition processing with the biometric information of the registered waiting user and identify the waiting user UA based on the biometric authentication information.

[0156] The processing circuit 20 acquires the waiting user registration information linked to the member identification information from the waiting user registration information list storage area 222 (ACT604). The processing of ACT604 may be processing by the registration information acquisition unit 203. Note that the processing circuit 20 may acquire the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA identified based on the biometric authentication information from the waiting user registration information list storage area 222.

[0157] The processing circuit 20 performs payment processing based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT605). The processing of ACT605 may be processing by the settlement processing unit 204.

[0158] The processing circuit 20 performs point processing based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT606). The processing of ACT606 may be processing by the point processing unit 205.

[0159] According to this example, the POS terminal 2 can acquire the member identification information of the waiting user and acquire the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information during payment processing. The POS terminal 2 can perform payment processing and point registration processing based on the waiting user registration information. For example, the user (store clerk) of the POS terminal 2 does not need to exchange information such as the payment method or point registration destination with the waiting user during payment processing. The POS terminal 2 can execute payment according to the payment method associated with the member identification information. Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 can execute point registration processing according to information related to point registration associated with the member identification information. Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can help shorten payment time.

[0160] The payment process will be explained. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing related to payment processing by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the payment process (ACT605) in the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. In the following process, it is assumed that payment processing is performed for a waiting user UA. The following processing may be performed by the payment processing unit 204.

[0161] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the payment method is credit card payment based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT701). In ACT701, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires information about the payment method included in the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA. The processing circuit 20 determines whether the payment method is credit card payment based on the information about the payment method. If the payment method is credit card payment (ACT701: YES), the processing transitions from ACT701 to ACT702. If the payment method is not credit card payment (ACT701: NO), the processing transitions from ACT701 to ACT705.

[0162] The processing circuitry 20 requests credit card information (ACT 702). In ACT 702, for example, the processing circuitry 20 displays a credit card information request message on the display device 27. The credit card information request message may include a message such as "Please let me read your credit card." The credit card information request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data. The processing circuitry 20 reads the credit card information via the reader 29, for example.

[0163] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not credit card information has been acquired (ACT703). If credit card information has been acquired (ACT703: YES), the process proceeds from ACT703 to ACT704. If credit card information has not been acquired (ACT703: NO), the process repeats ACT703.

[0164] The processing circuit 20 executes credit card payment based on the credit card information (ACT704).

[0165] As in ACT701, the processing circuit 20 determines whether the payment method is prepaid card payment based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT705). If the payment method is prepaid card payment (ACT705: YES), the process transitions from ACT705 to ACT706. If the payment method is not prepaid card payment (ACT705: NO), the process transitions from ACT705 to ACT709.

[0166] The processing circuit 20 requests prepaid card information (ACT 706). In ACT 706, for example, the processing circuit 20 displays a prepaid card information request message on the display device 27. The prepaid card information request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please read my prepaid card." The prepaid card information request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data. The processing circuit 20 reads the prepaid card information, for example, via the reader 29.

[0167] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not prepaid card information has been acquired (ACT707). If prepaid card information has been acquired (ACT707: YES), the process proceeds from ACT707 to ACT708. If prepaid card information has not been acquired (ACT707: NO), the process repeats ACT707.

[0168] The processing circuit 20 executes payment by prepaid card based on the prepaid card information (ACT708).

[0169] As in ACT701, the processing circuit 20 determines whether the payment method is electronic money payment based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT709). If the payment method is electronic money payment (ACT709: YES), the process transitions from ACT709 to ACT710. If the payment method is not electronic money payment (ACT709: NO), the process transitions from ACT709 to ACT713.

[0170] The processing circuit 20 requests electronic money information (ACT710). In ACT710, for example, the processing circuit 20 displays an electronic money information request message on the display device 27. The electronic money information request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please read my electronic money card." The electronic money information request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data. The processing circuit 20 reads the electronic money information, for example, via the reader 29. Note that the electronic money information may be electronic money information displayed on the user terminal of the waiting user UA, etc.

[0171] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not electronic money information has been acquired (ACT711). If electronic money information has been acquired (ACT711: YES), the process proceeds from ACT711 to ACT712. If electronic money information has not been acquired (ACT711: NO), the process repeats ACT711.

[0172] The processing circuit 20 executes electronic money payment based on the electronic money information (ACT712).

[0173] As in ACT701, the processing circuit 20 determines whether the payment method is code payment based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA (ACT713). If the payment method is code payment (ACT713: YES), the process transitions from ACT713 to ACT714. If the payment method is not code payment (ACT713: NO), the process transitions from ACT713 to ACT717.

[0174] The processing circuit 20 requests the code information (ACT714). In ACT714, for example, the processing circuit 20 displays a code information request message on the display device 27. The code information request message includes, for example, a message such as "Please let me read the payment code." The code information request message may be at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and video data. The processing circuit 20 reads the code information, for example, via the camera 30. The code information is, for example, information recorded in a code symbol such as a two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal of the waiting user UA.

[0175] The processing circuit 20 determines whether or not code information has been acquired (ACT715). If code information has been acquired (ACT715: YES), the process proceeds from ACT715 to ACT716. If code information has not been acquired (ACT715: NO), the process repeats ACT715.

[0176] The processing circuit 20 executes code payment based on the code information (ACT716).

[0177] The processing circuit 20 executes payment processing based on the other payment method (ACT717). In ACT717, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires the payment method based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA, similar to ACT701. For example, if the payment method is payment by cash, the processing circuit 20 executes payment processing by cash. If the payment method is payment by gift certificate, the processing circuit 20 executes payment processing by cash. If the payment method is payment by points, the processing circuit 20 executes payment processing by point payment.

[0178] The point processing will be explained. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing related to point processing by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the point processing (ACT606) in the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. In the following processing, it is assumed that point processing for a waiting user UA is performed. The following processing may be performed by the point processing unit 205.

[0179] The processing circuit 20 assigns points based on the point ID (ACT801). In ACT801, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires the point ID based on the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA. The processing circuit 20 assigns the assigned points to the point account of the point registration destination based on the point ID.

[0180] According to this example, the information registration device 1 can acquire the member identification information of the waiting user, information on the payment method, and information on point registration, and can register the member identification information, information on the payment method, and information on point registration as waiting user registration information. The information registration device 1 can output the waiting user registration information to the POS terminal 2.

[0181] For example, a waiting user can register information required for payment processing before performing payment processing at the POS terminal 2. Therefore, the waiting user does not need to exchange information such as the payment method or point registration destination with a store clerk during payment processing. The POS terminal 2 can perform payment processing using the waiting user registration information. This allows the information registration device 1 to shorten the time from product registration to completion of payment processing. In this way, the information registration device 1 can help shorten payment time.

[0182] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the case where the information registration device 1 and the POS terminal 2 have a one-to-one relationship has been described as an example, but the information registration device 1 and the POS terminal 2 may have a one-to-many relationship. In this case, the waiting user UA can use the input device 15 to input an instruction to specify the POS terminal 2 to which the waiting user registration information is to be output before inputting the confirmation instruction. The POS terminal 2 to be the output destination may be specified based on selection of the POS terminal 2 to be the output destination, or may be specified based on input of identification information of the POS terminal 2 to be the output destination. Upon receiving the confirmation instruction, the processing circuit 11 of the information registration device 1 can output the waiting user registration information of the waiting user UA to the POS terminal 2 to be the specified output destination.

[0183] The information processing device may be realized by a single device as described above using the information registration device 1 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions. The payment processing device may be realized by a single device as described above using the POS terminal 2 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0184] In the above description, the information registration device 1 and the POS terminal 2 are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. The POS terminal 2 may be capable of realizing at least a part of the functions of the information registration device 1 of this embodiment.

[0185] When the functions of the POS terminal 2 are provided to a cloud server, the functions of the POS terminal 2 may be realized by a system including a tablet terminal communicably connected to the cloud server.

[0186] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by an apparatus, a program that can cause a computer of the apparatus to execute each function, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0187] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0188] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0189] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0190] The above embodiment may be expressed as follows. (1) a member information processing unit that acquires member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting to be processed by the payment processing device; a payment information processing unit that acquires information about the payment method of the waiting user; a point information processing unit that acquires information regarding point registration of the waiting user; a registration information processing unit that registers the member identification information, information related to the payment method, and information related to the point registration as waiting user registration information; an output unit that outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device; An information processing device comprising: (2) the member information processing unit acquires member identification information of the waiting user based on the biometric authentication information; The information processing device described in (1). (3) The output unit outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device based on the acquisition of a confirmation instruction from the waiting user. The information processing device described in (1).

[0191] (4) a member information acquisition unit that acquires member identification information; a registration information acquisition unit that acquires waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information; a payment processing unit that performs payment processing based on the waiting user registration information; a point processing unit that performs point registration processing based on the waiting user registration information; A payment processing device comprising: (5) To the computer: a member information processing function for acquiring member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting for processing by the payment processing device; a payment information processing function for acquiring information regarding the payment method of the waiting user; a point information processing function for acquiring information regarding the point registration of the waiting user; a registration information processing function for registering the member identification information, the information regarding the payment method, and the information regarding the point registration as standby user registration information; an output function of outputting the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device; An information processing program capable of executing the above. (6) a member information processing unit that acquires member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting for processing by the payment processing device; a payment information processing unit that acquires information about the payment method of the waiting user; a point information processing unit that acquires information regarding point registration of the waiting user; a registration information processing unit that registers the member identification information, information related to the payment method, and information related to the point registration as waiting user registration information; an output unit that outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device; a registration information acquisition unit that acquires the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user; a payment processing unit that performs payment processing based on the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user; a point processing unit that performs a point registration process based on the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user; An information processing system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1...information registration device, 2...POS terminal, 3...store server, 4...router, 5...headquarters server, 11...processing circuit, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 15...input device, 16...display device, 17...camera, 18...input / output interface, 20...processing circuit, 21...main memory, 22...auxiliary storage device, 23...change machine interface, 24...communication interface, 25...scanner, 26...input device, 27...display device, 28...printing device, 29...reader, 30...camera La, 31...input / output interface, 110...member information processing unit, 111...payment information processing unit, 112...point information processing unit, 113...registration information processing unit, 114...output unit, 115...display processing unit, 201...product registration processing unit, 202...member information acquisition unit, 203...registration information acquisition unit, 204...payment processing unit, 205...point processing unit, 206...display processing unit, 221...product registration list storage area, 222...waiting user registration information list storage area, NA...network, NB...network, S...store system, UA...waiting user, X...store.

Claims

1. a member information processing unit that acquires member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting for processing by the payment processing device; a payment information processing unit that acquires information about the payment method of the waiting user; a point information processing unit that acquires information regarding point registration of the waiting user; a registration information processing unit that registers the member identification information, information related to the payment method, and information related to the point registration as waiting user registration information; an output unit that outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device; An information processing device comprising:

2. the member information processing unit acquires member identification information of the waiting user based on the biometric authentication information; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The output unit outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device based on the acquisition of a confirmation instruction from the waiting user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. a member information acquisition unit that acquires member identification information; a registration information acquisition unit that acquires waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information; a payment processing unit that performs payment processing based on the waiting user registration information; a point processing unit that performs point registration processing based on the waiting user registration information; A payment processing device comprising:

5. On the computer, a member information processing function for acquiring member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting for processing by the payment processing device; a payment information processing function for acquiring information regarding the payment method of the waiting user; a point information processing function for acquiring information regarding the point registration of the waiting user; a registration information processing function for registering the member identification information, the information regarding the payment method, and the information regarding the point registration as standby user registration information; an output function of outputting the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device; An information processing program capable of executing the above.

6. a member information processing unit that acquires member identification information of a waiting user who is waiting for processing by the payment processing device; a payment information processing unit that acquires information about the payment method of the waiting user; a point information processing unit that acquires information regarding point registration of the waiting user; a registration information processing unit that registers the member identification information, information related to the payment method, and information related to the point registration as waiting user registration information; an output unit that outputs the waiting user registration information to the payment processing device; a registration information acquisition unit that acquires the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user; a payment processing unit that performs payment processing based on the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user; a point processing unit that performs a point registration process based on the waiting user registration information associated with the member identification information of the waiting user; An information processing system comprising:

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