Transaction processing system

Abstract

To reduce a burden on an attendant to deal with a misbehavior of a customer.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system of an embodiment includes a gate device located facing a lane where a customer passes after completing a transaction at a shop, and comprises: processing means, detecting means, generating means, specifying means, determining means, and alerting means. The processing means processes a transaction with a customer according to a behavior of the customer within the shop. The detecting means detects fraudulent behavior of the customer. The generating means represents the content of the transaction processed by the processing means, and generates transaction data that enables determination of whether fraud has been detected with respect to the transaction. The specifying means specifies the transaction of the customer who is going to pass through the lane. The determining means determines whether fraud has been detected with respect to the specified transaction based on transaction data generated with respect to the transaction. The alerting means issues an alert in response to determining that the fraud has been detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a transaction processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Various transaction processing systems have been realized or proposed, which perform at least part of the processing related to merchandise transactions in stores in response to customer operations, such as full-self POS (point-of-sale) systems, semi-self POS systems, and mobile self-checkout systems using cart terminals or smartphones. In these transaction processing systems, if a customer mistakenly engages in fraudulent behavior, the transaction may not be processed correctly. Therefore, the customer's behavior is monitored, and if fraudulent behavior is detected, the transaction processing is stopped and an attendant takes action. However, it can be a huge burden for staff to respond every time fraudulent behavior is detected. Given these circumstances, it has been desirable to reduce the burden on staff in dealing with fraudulent behavior by customers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-139296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system that can reduce the burden on staff to deal with fraudulent behavior by customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A transaction processing system according to an embodiment includes a gate device facing a lane through which customers who have completed a transaction at a store pass, and is equipped with a processing means, a detection means, a generation means, an identification means, a determination means, and an alarm means. The processing means processes transactions with customers in accordance with the customer's behavior within the store. The detection means detects fraudulent behavior in the customer. The generation means generates transaction data that represents the content of the transaction processed by the processing means and enables determination of whether fraud has been detected by the detection means for the transaction. The identification means identifies transactions made by customers attempting to pass through the lane. The determination means determines whether fraud has been detected by the detection means for the transaction based on the transaction data generated by the generation means for the transaction identified by the identification means. The alarm means issues an alarm in response to the determination of fraud being detected by the determination means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a behavior monitoring system and a main circuit configuration of a monitoring device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the gate device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gate device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the attendant terminal. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a transaction process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a gate control process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of an alarm process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calling screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a passage permission process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first guide screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second guidance screen. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of an erroneous passage process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following describes a transaction processing system that processes transactions for selling products to customers in a store, using the accompanying drawings. The transaction to be processed may be a type of transaction other than product sales, such as the provision of optional services in the store. However, it is assumed that the customer is allowed to leave the store after completing the payment for the transaction to be processed.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a transaction processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The transaction processing system 1 includes a POS (point-of-sale) terminal 100, a behavior monitoring system 200, a POS server 300, a gate device 400, and an attendant terminal 500. The transaction processing system 1 is configured so that the POS terminal 100, the behavior monitoring system 200, the POS server 300, the gate device 400, and the attendant terminal 500 can communicate with each other via a communication network 2. Although FIG. 1 shows one each of the POS terminal 100, behavior monitoring system 200, POS server 300, gate device 400, and attendant terminal 500, the numbers of each of these are arbitrary. The communication network 2 may be the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN (local area network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either singly or in appropriate combination. As an example of the communication network 2, a LAN is used.

[0009] POS terminal 100 is an information processing device that registers products purchased by a customer as transaction products and performs processing for settling the price of the transaction products mainly in response to operations by the customer. In other words, POS terminal 100 is an example of a transaction processing device. The behavior monitoring system 200 monitors the behavior of customers operating the POS terminal 100 and detects predetermined fraudulent behavior of customers. When the behavior monitoring system 200 detects fraudulent behavior, it notifies the POS terminal 100 operated by the customer who committed the fraudulent behavior of the fraud detection.

[0010] The POS server 300 is an information processing device for managing transactions that have been processed by the POS terminal 100. The POS server 300 is an example of a transaction management device. The gate device 400 controls the exit of customers from the store. The attendant terminal 500 is an information processing device that processes information to support the work of an attendant to monitor the behavior of customers.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 100. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a touch panel 104, a keyboard 105, a fixed scanner 106, a handheld scanner 107, a payment terminal 108, a change unit 109, a receipt printer 110, a sound unit 111, a communication unit 112, and a transmission path 113.

[0012] The processor 101, the main storage unit 102, and the auxiliary storage unit 103 are connected via a transmission line 113 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the POS terminal 100. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 executes information processing for controlling each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 100 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0013] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 102 may also store data required for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each component in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0014] The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores a transaction processing program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the procedures for transaction processing, which will be described later.

[0015] The touch panel 104 displays a screen for presenting information to an operator who operates the POS terminal 100. The touch panel 104 also allows the operator to input instructions by touching the screen. The operator of the POS terminal 100 is usually a customer. However, the operator of the POS terminal 100 may also be a store clerk. The keyboard 105 has a number of hard keys, and the operator inputs instructions by pressing these hard keys.

[0016] Fixed scanner 106 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window and recognizes barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. Fixed scanner 106 then outputs the barcode information to processor 101. Note that fixed scanner 106 may also use other types of well-known devices that optically read barcodes using reflected laser light. Fixed scanner 106 may also use other types of well-known devices that have a function for identifying products using object recognition technology from images of the products themselves obtained by capturing images of the products. The handy scanner 107 is held by the operator and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading port. The handy scanner 107 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 101.

[0017] The payment terminal 108 reads data recorded on payment cards such as credit cards, prepaid cards, electronic money cards, etc. The payment terminal 108 also writes data to the payment cards. The change unit 109 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change unit 109 discharges the coins stored in the storage to a coin tray through the coin ejection slot. The change unit 109 counts the value of banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change unit 109 discharges the banknotes stored in the storage from the banknote ejection slot. The banknote ejection slot holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside.

[0018] The receipt printer 110 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, sales slip, or other voucher onto receipt paper. The receipt printer 110 then ejects the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt ejection port. Note that, hereafter, receipt paper with a printed receipt image will be referred to as a paper receipt. The sound unit 111 outputs sounds and voices for various guidance and warnings. As the sound unit, various well-known sound devices such as a voice synthesis device and a buzzer can be used alone or in combination.

[0019] The communication unit 112 executes communication processing for performing data communication via the communication network 2. For example, an existing wired communication device for a LAN can be used as the communication unit 112. Note that, instead of or in addition to the wired communication device, a wireless communication device connected to the communication network 2 via wireless communication may be used as the communication unit 112. The transmission path 113 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0020] The basic hardware of POS terminal 100 may be, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal. In this case, POS terminal 100 is generally transferred with transaction processing program PRA stored in auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of POS terminal 100 and transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately without transaction processing program PRA being stored in auxiliary storage unit 103. Transaction processing program PRA may then be written into auxiliary storage unit 103 in response to an operator's operation. Alternatively, the hardware of POS terminal 100 and transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately with a different version of an information processing program of the same type as transaction processing program PRA stored in auxiliary storage unit 103. Transaction processing program PRA may then be written to auxiliary storage unit 103, replacing the information processing program already stored therein. Transaction processing program PRA may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The transaction processing program PRA may be stored in the main storage unit 102 .

[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the behavior monitoring system 200 and the main circuit configuration of the monitoring device 220. The activity monitoring system 200 includes a camera 210 , a monitoring device 220 , and a hub 230 . The camera 210 is attached to, for example, the ceiling so as to capture images of the area around the POS terminal 100. The camera 210 captures images of an operator operating the POS terminal 100 and sends the video data to the monitoring device 220 via the hub 230. As the camera 210, for example, an existing network camera having a function for transmitting the captured video data over a network is assumed to be used.

[0022] The monitoring device 220 acquires the video data output from the camera 210 via the hub 230, and monitors how the operator operates the POS terminal 100 based on this video data. Hub 230 connects camera 210 and monitoring device 220 so that they can communicate with each other, and also connects monitoring device 220 to communication network 2. It is assumed that hub 230 is, for example, an existing PoE (power over Ethernet) hub.

[0023] The monitoring device 220 includes a processor 221 , a main memory unit 222 , an auxiliary memory unit 223 , a communication unit 224 and a transmission path 225 . The functions of the processor 221, main memory unit 222, auxiliary memory unit 223, communication unit 224 and transmission path 225 are roughly equivalent to those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 112 and transmission path 113.

[0024] However, the auxiliary storage unit 223 stores a behavior monitoring program PRB instead of the transaction processing program PRA. The behavior monitoring program PRB is an application program that describes, for example, using a large-scale language model (LLM), the information processing procedures to be performed by the processor 221 to monitor the behavior of customers captured in the video represented by the video data acquired by the camera 210.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS server 300. The POS server 300 includes a processor 301 , a main memory unit 302 , an auxiliary memory unit 303 , a communication unit 304 , and a transmission path 305 . The functions of the processor 301, main memory unit 302, auxiliary memory unit 303, communication unit 304 and transmission path 305 are roughly equivalent to those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 112 and transmission path 113.

[0026] However, auxiliary memory unit 303 stores transaction management program PRC instead of transaction processing program PRA. Transaction management program PRC is an application program that describes the procedures for information processing by processor 301 to manage transactions processed by transaction processing system 1. In addition, part of the memory area of ​​auxiliary memory unit 303 is used to store transaction database DBA. Transaction database DBA is a database that accumulates transaction data that shows the details of settled transactions for each transaction.

[0027] The basic hardware of POS server 300 can be, for example, a general-purpose server device. POS server 300 is generally transferred with transaction management program PRC stored in auxiliary storage unit 303. However, the transaction management program PRC and the hardware may be transferred separately, without the transaction management program PRC stored in auxiliary storage unit 303, or with a different version of the same application program stored in auxiliary storage unit 303. POS server 300 may be configured by writing the transaction management program PRC to auxiliary storage unit 303 in response to an operator's operation. The transaction management program PRC may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The transaction management program PRC may be stored in main storage unit 302.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the gate device 400. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gate device 400. As shown in FIG. Note that the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figure 5 and Figure 6. In the following description of Figure 6, the left and right sides of Figure 6 will be referred to as the front and rear, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the gate device 400 is installed facing the checkout lane LA to control the movement of customers through the checkout lane LA in the direction of movement indicated by the arrow.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the gate device 400 includes a processor 401, a main memory unit 402, an auxiliary memory unit 403, a touch panel 404, a display unit 405, a fixed scanner 406, a handheld scanner 407, a receipt printer 408, a human presence sensor 409, a lamp unit 410, a sound unit 411, a communication unit 412, and a transmission path 413.

[0030] The functions of the processor 401, main memory unit 402, auxiliary memory unit 403, communication unit 412 and transmission path 413 are roughly equivalent to those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 112 and transmission path 113. However, auxiliary storage unit 403 stores gate control program PRD instead of transaction processing program PRA. Gate control program PRD is an application program that describes the information processing procedures of processor 401 for gate control processing, which will be described later.

[0031] The touch panel 404 displays a screen for presenting information to the operator. The operator also inputs instructions by touching the screen on the touch panel 404. The operator of the gate device 400 is usually a customer. However, the operator of the gate device 400 may also be a store clerk. The display unit 405 displays a screen for providing information to customers who are about to pass through the checkout lane LA.

[0032] Fixed scanner 406 has a reading window. Fixed scanner 406 recognizes barcode information represented by a barcode held in front of the reading window through image processing. Fixed scanner 406 then outputs the barcode information to processor 401. Note that fixed scanner 406 may also use other types of well-known devices that optically read barcodes using reflected laser light. Fixed scanner 406 may also use other types of well-known devices that have a function of identifying products using object recognition technology from images of the products themselves obtained by capturing images of the products. The handy scanner 407 is held by the operator and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading port. The handy scanner 407 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 401.

[0033] The receipt printer 408 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, sales slip, or other voucher onto receipt paper. The receipt printer 408 then ejects the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt ejection port. In other words, the receipt printer 408 is used to issue paper receipts. The human presence sensor 409 detects people passing through the checkout lane LA. As the human presence sensor 409, a well-known detection device such as an optical sensor or an infrared sensor can be used as appropriate.

[0034] The lamp unit 410 indicates whether a customer is permitted to pass through the checkout lane LA. The sound unit 411 outputs sounds and voices for various guidance and warnings regarding customers passing through the checkout lane LA. As the sound unit, various well-known sound devices such as a voice synthesis device and a buzzer can be used alone or in combination.

[0035] The gate device 400 is generally transferred with the gate control program PRD stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403. However, the gate control program PRD may be transferred separately from the hardware without the gate control program PRD stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403, or with a different version of the same application program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403. The gate device 400 may be configured by writing the gate control program PRD to the auxiliary storage unit 403 in response to an operator's operation. The gate control program PRD may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The gate control program PRD may be stored in the main storage unit 402.

[0036] 6, the gate device 400 has a housing 450 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The side of the housing 450 facing the direction of movement of the customer will be referred to as a front side 452 hereinafter. Housing 450 holds fixed scanner 406 in a position that allows it to read a barcode held over it from the front surface 452. Housing 450 holds display unit 405 near the end of top surface 453 opposite front surface 452 in a position that makes the display surface easily visible to customers passing through checkout lane LA. Housing 450 holds receipt printer 408 below fixed scanner 406 in a position that allows it to eject receipts toward the front surface 452.

[0037] The touch panel 404 is attached above the fixed scanner 406 in a position that allows the display surface to be easily viewed by customers facing the front surface 452. The handy scanner 407 is connected to a transmission path 413 provided inside the housing 450 via a cable, and can be pulled out to the front side of the front surface 452 for use. Note that FIG. 6 shows the handy scanner 407 set in a folder. The human presence sensor 409 is provided inside the housing 450 so as to detect people passing through the checkout lane LA through a slit 454 formed in the side surface 451. The lamp unit 410 is attached to the tip of a pole 460 that is erected on the top surface 453 of the housing 450. 5 are provided inside a housing 450. The processor 401, the main storage unit 402, the auxiliary storage unit 403, the sound unit 411, and the communication unit 412 in FIG.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of attendant terminal 500. As shown in FIG. The attendant terminal 500 includes a processor 501, a main memory unit 502, an auxiliary memory unit 503, a clerk-side touch panel 504, a keyboard 505, a fixed scanner 506, a handheld scanner 507, a payment terminal 508, a change unit 509, a receipt printer 510, a customer-side touch panel 511, a customer-side display 512, a sound unit 513, a communication unit 514, and a transmission path 515.

[0039] The functions of the processor 501, main memory unit 502, auxiliary memory unit 503, sound unit 513, communication unit 514, and transmission path 515 are generally equivalent to those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 112, and transmission path 113. In addition, the functions of the keyboard 505, fixed scanner 506, handheld scanner 507, payment terminal 508, change unit 509, receipt printer 510, and sound unit 513 are equivalent to those of the keyboard 105, fixed scanner 106, handheld scanner 107, payment terminal 108, change unit 109, receipt printer 110, and sound unit 111.

[0040] However, keyboard 505 is provided with many hard keys facing the side where the store clerk operating attendant terminal 500 stands (hereinafter referred to as the store clerk side) to facilitate operation by the store clerk. Fixed scanner 506 is provided with its reading window facing the store clerk side. Handheld scanner 507 is held by the store clerk.

[0041] The clerk-side touch panel 504 is provided facing the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 504 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 504 also allows the clerk to input instructions by touching the screen. Customer-side touch panel 511 is provided facing the side where the customer will be standing when a store clerk operates it to perform some kind of processing (hereinafter referred to as the customer side). Customer-side touch panel 511 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. Customer-side touch panel 511 also inputs instructions by touching the screen by the customer. The customer-facing display 512 is provided facing the customer side. The customer-facing display 512 displays a screen for presenting information to customers. The customer-facing display 512 is mainly adapted to display character strings, and displays a simpler screen than the customer-side touch panel 511.

[0042] The basic hardware of attendant terminal 500 can be an existing self-service POS terminal. Auxiliary storage unit 503 stores transaction processing program PRE instead of transaction processing program PRA, and also stores monitoring program PRF. Transaction processing program PRE is an application program that describes information processing procedures for processing transactions primarily in response to operations by store clerks. Monitoring program PRF is an application program that describes information processing procedures for assisting store clerks in monitoring unauthorized passage through checkout lane LA. As a result, attendant terminal 500 is a device that adds monitoring support functions to a general POS terminal. However, attendant terminal 500 can also be configured without the transaction processing functions that general POS terminals have. In this case, various types of general-purpose computers, such as desktop, notebook, or tablet computers, can be used as the basic hardware of attendant terminal 500.

[0043] Attendant terminal 500 is typically transferred with transaction processing program PRE and monitoring program PRF stored in auxiliary storage unit 503. However, at least one of transaction processing program PRE and monitoring program PRF may be transferred separately from hardware without transaction processing program PRE or monitoring program PRF stored in auxiliary storage unit 503, or with a different version of the same application program stored in auxiliary storage unit 503. Attendant terminal 500 may be configured by writing transaction processing program PRE and monitoring program PRF to auxiliary storage unit 503 in response to an operator's operation. Transaction processing program PRE and monitoring program PRF may be transferred by recording them on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. Transaction processing program PRE and monitoring program PRF may also be stored in main storage unit 402.

[0044] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. For example, in the following explanation, in order to clearly explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, explanation of some of the processes will be omitted. For example, if some kind of error occurs, processing may be performed to deal with the error, but a description of such processing will be omitted.

[0045] A customer walks around the sales floor and picks up the products they wish to purchase. Once they have selected all the products they wish to purchase, they proceed to the cashier. Then, the customer selects an available POS terminal 100 and performs a predetermined operation to register one of the products they wish to purchase as a transaction item. The operation performed by the customer here is, for example, an operation to scan a barcode displayed on a product using the fixed scanner 106 or the handheld scanner 107. The operation performed by the customer here may be, for example, an operation on the touch panel 104 or the keyboard 105 to directly input a product code, or an operation on the touch panel 104 or the keyboard 105 to press a preset key with which a product is previously associated. In other words, the operation performed by the customer here may be, for example, an operation similar to that performed on an existing POS terminal.

[0046] When processor 101 in POS terminal 100 is in an operating state for processing a transaction, it executes information processing (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing) based on transaction processing program PRA. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the transaction process.

[0047] In ACT 101, the processor 101 waits for the designation of a product to be registered as a trading product. Then, in response to the above-mentioned operation being performed to instruct registration as a trading product, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 101 and proceeds to ACT 102.

[0048] In ACT 102, the processor 101 generates transaction data. That is, the processor 101 determines a new transaction code that is different from transaction codes used to identify other transactions in accordance with predetermined rules, generates transaction data that includes this transaction code and product data related to the product identified based on the above operation, and stores the generated transaction data in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 sets, for example, the product code, product name, and unit price of the product in question as the product data to be included in the transaction data. The processor 101 then proceeds to ACT 103.

[0049] In ACT103, the processor 101 checks whether a change in the trading product has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT104. In ACT 104, the processor 101 checks whether a transaction has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 105. In ACT 105, the processor 101 checks whether any fraudulent behavior of the customer has been detected. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 103. Thus, in ACT103 to ACT105, the processor 101 waits for any of the following to occur: a change designation, an accounting designation, or fraud detection.

[0050] The customer sequentially performs predetermined operations to specify changes to trading products so that all of the products to be purchased are trading products. Changing trading products includes registering a new product, deleting a registered trading product, or changing the number of registered trading products. The operations performed by the customer here may be the same as those performed on existing POS terminal devices, for example. If a change is specified, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 103 and proceeds to ACT 106.

[0051] In ACT106, the processor 101 updates the transaction data in accordance with the change specification. That is, for example, if an operation to specify a new product is performed, the processor 101 adds product data related to that product to the transaction data. For example, if an operation to specify deletion is performed, the processor 101 deletes product data related to the product to be deleted from the transaction data. For example, if an operation to specify a quantity change is performed, the processor 101 changes the numerical value included in the transaction data to indicate the quantity related to the product to be changed. The processing here may be similar to the processing performed in, for example, an existing POS terminal device. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT103 to ACT105. As described above, the processor 101 repeats ACT 106 in response to the customer's operation to specify the change, thereby converting the transaction data into data representing a list of transaction products.

[0052] In the behavior monitoring system 200, a camera 210 captures images of a customer's behavior related to the operation of the POS terminal 100. The processor 221 in the monitoring device 220 detects fraudulent behavior of a customer based on image data sent from the camera 210 through information processing based on the behavior monitoring program PRB. The type of customer behavior that the processor 221 detects as fraudulent behavior may be determined appropriately by, for example, a person who determines the specifications of the transaction processing system 1 or the behavior monitoring system 200. Placing a new product in a storage area for a registered product without performing an operation that would cause the processor 101 to determine YES in ACT101 or ACT103 is an example of fraudulent behavior. Placing a product different from the product designated as the transaction product in a storage area for a registered product is an example of fraudulent behavior. Specifying a decrease in the quantity of a product without removing it from the storage area for the registered product is an example of fraudulent behavior. Thus, by the processor 221 executing information processing based on the behavior monitoring program PRB, the computer with the processor 221 as its core functions as a detection means.

[0053] If the processor 221 detects fraudulent activity, it notifies the POS terminal 100. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 101 in the POS terminal 100 determines YES in ACT105 and proceeds to ACT107. In ACT107, the processor 101 updates the fraud detection information. Here, the fraud detection information uses flag information that indicates whether or not fraudulent behavior has been detected. The processor 101 then changes the fraud detection information to a state that indicates that fraudulent behavior has been detected. Note that the processor 101 initially sets the fraud detection information to a state that does not indicate that fraudulent behavior has been detected. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT103 to ACT105.

[0054] When the customer has finished registering all of the products they wish to purchase as transaction products, they perform a predetermined operation to specify the transaction, for example, on the touch panel 104 or the keyboard 105. In response to this, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 104 and proceeds to ACT 108. As ACT108, processor 101 performs accounting processing to count and settle the price according to the transaction details represented by the transaction data. That is, processor 301 performs accounting processing to determine the payment amount for the transaction based on the generated transaction data, for example. Then, processor 301 performs payment processing to settle the payment amount determined as described above, for example. In the payment processing, various payment methods may be used as appropriate, such as credit card payment, code payment, prepaid payment, point payment, gift certificate payment, or cash payment.

[0055] As ACT 109, the processor 101 issues a receipt. The processor 101 generates a receipt image that displays, for example, the transaction details, accounting results, and a receipt barcode, and causes the receipt printer 110 to print the receipt image. This results in the receipt printer 110 printing the receipt image on receipt paper, thereby issuing a paper receipt. The receipt barcode is an optically readable code that displays barcode information that includes a transaction code as an identifier for the transaction.

[0056] In this way, the processor 101 processes a transaction with a customer in accordance with the customer's actions to operate the POS terminal 100, by generating transaction data in ACT 102, updating transaction data in ACT 106, or performing accounting processing in ACT 108. In this way, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a processing means.

[0057] As ACT110, processor 101 generates transaction data related to the transaction currently being processed. This transaction data may basically be the same as transaction data in existing POS systems. That is, the transaction data may include a transaction header, item data, combination discount data, customer data, closing data, credit data, etc. The item data is data representing a list of the items being transacted. The type of data to be included in the transaction data may be determined as appropriate, for example, by the person who determines the specifications of transaction processing system 1. However, processor 101 includes in the transaction data fraud detection information and exit information indicating that the transaction has not yet been exited. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central part functions as a generating means.

[0058] In ACT111, the processor 101 sends the generated transaction data to the POS server 300. The processor 101 then returns to ACT101 to prepare for processing the next transaction. Upon receiving the transaction data, the processor 301 in the POS server 300 updates the transaction database DBA to include the transaction data. The auxiliary storage unit 303 that stores the transaction database DBA is an example of a storage means.

[0059] After completing the transaction, the customer leaves the checkout area through checkout lane LA. At this time, the customer has the receipt barcode printed on the receipt issued by the POS terminal 100 read by the fixed scanner 406 or handheld scanner 407 of the gate device 400 installed facing the checkout lane LA that the customer is about to pass through.

[0060] When the processor 401 in the gate device 400 is in an operating state for controlling the passage of passengers, it executes gate control processing in accordance with the gate control program PRD. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the gate control process.

[0061] In ACT401, the processor 401 checks whether a barcode has been scanned. If the processor 401 cannot check this event, it determines "NO" and proceeds to ACT402. In ACT402, the processor 401 checks whether a person has passed through the checkout lane LA. If the processor 401 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT401. Thus, processor 401 waits for a barcode scan or a person to pass by as ACT401 and ACT402.

[0062] If any barcode is read by the fixed scanner 406 or the handheld scanner 407, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT401 and proceeds to ACT403. In ACT 403, processor 401 checks whether the barcode read by fixed scanner 406 or handheld scanner 407 is a receipt barcode. If a barcode other than a receipt barcode has been read, processor 401 determines NO and proceeds to other processing depending on the barcode that has been read. Explanation of this processing will be omitted.

[0063] On the other hand, if the customer has had the receipt barcode read by the fixed scanner 406 or the handheld scanner 407 as described above, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT403 and proceeds to ACT404. As ACT 404, the processor 401 obtains from the POS server 300 transaction data relating to a transaction identified by a transaction code contained in the barcode information represented by a receipt barcode read by the fixed scanner 406 or handheld scanner 407. That is, the processor 401 requests the transmission of transaction data, for example, accompanied by notification of the transaction code contained in the barcode information represented by the receipt barcode read by the fixed scanner 406 or handheld scanner 407. Upon receiving this request, the processor 301 in the POS server 300 retrieves the transaction data relating to the transaction identified by the notified transaction code from the transaction database DBA and transmits it to the requesting gate device 400. The processor 401 in the gate device 400 then obtains the transaction data thus transmitted from the POS server 300 and received by the communication unit 412. In this way, the processor 401 executes information processing based on the gate control program PRD, and the computer, of which the processor 401 is a central part, functions as an obtaining means.

[0064] In ACT 405, the processor 401 checks, based on the transaction data, whether the read receipt barcode is valid for exit check using the gate device 400. The processor 401 checks whether the receipt barcode meets predetermined conditions and determines that the receipt barcode is valid if it does. The above conditions may be, for example, that the receipt barcode is related to a transaction processed by a POS terminal 100 installed in the same store as the gate device 400 and has not been read to pass through a checkout lane LA. However, the conditions may be determined as appropriate by the person who determines the specifications of the transaction processing system 1 or the store manager. For example, only one of the above two conditions may be satisfied. Alternatively, another condition may be added, such as that the elapsed time since the completion of the transaction related to the receipt barcode is less than a specified time. If the processor 401 determines that the receipt barcode is valid, it selects YES and proceeds to ACT 406. For example, if the exit information included in the transaction data acquired in ACT404 indicates that the transaction has not yet exited, the processor 401 determines that the receipt barcode has not been read in order to pass through the checkout lane LA.

[0065] In ACT 406, processor 401 checks whether fraudulent activity has been detected when the transaction identified by the transaction code included in the barcode information represented by the read receipt barcode is processed by POS terminal 100. Processor 401 makes this determination, for example, based on fraud detection information included in the transaction data acquired in ACT 404. Thus, by processor 401 executing information processing based on gate control program PRD, the computer having processor 401 as its central part functions as a determination means. Furthermore, the computer having processor 401 as its central part identifies the checkout lane and the transaction of the customer attempting to pass through as a transaction identified by the transaction code included in the barcode information represented by the receipt barcode read by fixed scanner 406 or handheld scanner 407, and functions as an identification means.

[0066] If the fraud detection information indicates that fraudulent behavior has been detected, the processor 401 determines that fraudulent behavior has been detected as YES and proceeds to ACT407. If the processor 401 cannot confirm that the receipt barcode is valid, it determines NO in ACT405, skips ACT406, and proceeds to ACT407.

[0067] In ACT407, the processor 401 executes alarm processing. That is, the processor 401 issues a warning to the customer about to pass through the checkout lane LA that confirmation is required by a staff member (hereinafter referred to as the supervisor) who is in charge of monitoring using the attendant terminal 500. If the processor 401 determines YES in ACT406 and proceeds to ACT407, the warning issued by the alarm processing serves to prompt the supervisor to confirm that fraudulent behavior has been detected. In this way, the processor 401 executes information processing based on the gate control program PRD, and the computer with the processor 401 as its central part functions as an alarm means.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the warning process. As ACT411, the processor 401 initiates a call notification. The call notification is a notification to guide the customer to wait without passing through the checkout lane LA because a supervisor is being called. For example, the processor 401 displays a call notification screen on the touch panel 404 to notify the customer of the call. For example, the processor 401 displays a warning screen on the display unit 405 to notify the customer of the call. For example, the processor 401 lights or flashes the lamp unit 410 in red to notify the customer of the call. For example, the processor 401 outputs a predetermined notification sound to the sound unit 411 to notify the customer of the call. Alternatively, the processor 401 may perform another operation, such as outputting a predetermined voice message to the sound unit 411 to notify the customer of the call. However, the processor 401 may execute only some of these operations to notify the customer of the call. Thus, the call notification prevents the customer from passing through the checkout lane LA. In other words, the processor 401 executes information processing based on the gate control program PRD, and the computer with the processor 401 as its central part functions as a deterrent means.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the calling screen. The calling screen shown in FIG. 11 displays the above-mentioned text message for guidance. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the warning screen. The warning screen shown in FIG. 12 is a screen for warning customers to prevent them from accidentally leaving the facility.

[0070] 10, the processor 401 requests an alarm to a predetermined request destination. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the attendant terminal 500 is determined as the alarm request destination. The attendant terminal 500 is installed, for example, at a service counter or checkout counter of a store. The attendant terminal 500 performs transaction processing operations in the same manner as existing POS terminals of the same type. This allows the attendant terminal 500 to be used to provide support when the POS terminal 100 is busy. The attendant terminal 500 can also be used to respond to various requests from customers, such as returns.

[0071] Now, when the processor 501 of the attendant terminal 500 receives an alarm request from the gate device 400 as described above, it initiates an alarm operation. The alarm operation is an operation for issuing an alarm to check the status of a transaction involving a customer about to pass through the checkout lane LA. As the alarm operation, for example, the processor 501 displays a predetermined alarm screen for the above alarm on the clerk-side touch panel 504 so that it is possible to recognize which gate device 400 has requested the alarm. As the alarm operation, for example, the processor 501 causes the sound unit 513 to output a predetermined alarm sound. Alternatively, the processor 501 may perform another operation as the alarm operation, such as outputting a predetermined voice message from the sound unit 513. However, the processor 501 may execute only a part of these alarm operations.

[0072] After the processor 401 in the gate device 400 requests an alarm in ACT412, the process proceeds to ACT413. As ACT 413, the processor 401 waits for the supervisor to start an operation. In response to the alarm operation on the attendant terminal 500, the person in charge goes to the gate device 400 and performs an operation that is predetermined as something that the person in charge should perform. In response to the performance of such an operation, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT413 and proceeds to ACT414. In ACT 414, the processor 401 stops the call-in notification.

[0073] As ACT 415, the processor 401 performs authentication processing to confirm that the operator is a responsible person. This authentication may be a well-known process for authenticating an operator. For example, when the responsible person receives a receipt from a customer, the responsible person performs a predetermined operation for operator authentication before or after performing a confirmation operation such as comparing the transaction details shown on the receipt with the product that the customer is about to take out of the store. If the authentication is successful, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT416.

[0074] In ACT 416, the processor 401 checks whether permission to pass has been specified. If the processor 401 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 417. In ACT 417, the processor 401 checks whether denial of passage has been specified. If the processor 401 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 416. Thus, the processor 401 waits for permission or denial to be specified as ACT 416 and ACT 417 .

[0075] If the supervisor finds any fraud as a result of the above checking process and determines that some kind of action is necessary to address the fraud, he or she performs a predetermined operation to specify refusal of passage. The supervisor then takes action against the fraud without allowing the customer to pass through the checkout lane LA. As a way of dealing with the fraud, the supervisor may, for example, operate the attendant terminal 500 to register and account for any unpaid items.

[0076] If a predetermined operation for specifying refusal of passage is performed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT417 and proceeds to ACT418. In ACT418, the processor 401 notifies the attendant terminal 500 of the completion of the response. In this case, the processor 401 cancels the gate control for the customer and returns to the standby state of ACT401 and ACT402 in FIG.

[0077] If the supervisor determines, as a result of the above confirmation, that the customer is allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA, he or she performs a predetermined operation to specify permission for the customer to pass through. If such an operation is performed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT416 and proceeds to ACT419. In ACT 419, the processor 401 notifies the attendant terminal 500 of the completion of the response, and the processor 401 then ends the current alarm processing. When the processor 501 in the attendant terminal 500 receives a notification of the completion of the process performed by the processor 401 in ACT418 or ACT419, the processor 501 stops the alarm operation.

[0078] When the processor 401 completes ACT 419 and ends the alarm processing, it proceeds to ACT 408 in Fig. 9. If the fraud detection information included in the transaction data acquired in ACT 404 does not indicate that fraudulent behavior has been detected, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT 406 as no fraudulent behavior has been detected, skips ACT 407, and proceeds to ACT 408. As ACT 408, the processor 501 performs passage permission processing.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the passage permission process. In ACT421, the processor 401 starts a passage permission notification. The passage permission notification is a notification to let the customer and people around know that they are permitted to pass through the checkout lane LA. For example, the processor 401 lights up the lamp unit 410 in blue to notify the passage permission. For example, the processor 401 causes the sound unit 411 to output a voice message such as "Please pass through the gate" to notify the passage permission. Alternatively, the processor 401 may perform another operation, such as causing the sound unit 411 to output a predetermined notification sound, to notify the passage permission. However, the processor 401 may execute only some of these operations to notify the passage permission. Furthermore, in the case of a passage permission notification, in addition to the above, processor 401 causes touch panel 404 to display, for example, a first guide screen. In the case of a passage permission notification, processor 401 causes display unit 405 to display, for example, a second guide screen.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first guide screen. The first guidance screen shown in FIG. 14 includes a text message indicating that the transaction has been completed and therefore the customer is permitted to pass through checkout lane LA. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the second guide screen. The second guidance screen shown in Fig. 15 includes a text message indicating that there is a limit to the time allowed to pass through checkout lane LA, and a number indicating the remaining time allowed to pass through checkout lane LA. The second guidance screen shown in Fig. 15 is an example when the remaining time is 10 seconds, and the number "10" indicates the remaining time. With regard to the second guidance screen, processor 401 updates the number indicating the remaining time each time the remaining time changes. This second guidance screen allows the customer to know the remaining time during which passage through the checkout lane LA is permitted, and based on this screen, the customer can determine whether they should hurry through.

[0081] The processor 401 proceeds to ACT 422 while the passage permission notification is being sent. In ACT422, the processor 401 checks whether a person has passed through the checkout lane LA. If the processor 401 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT423. In ACT 423, the processor 401 checks whether a predetermined allowable time has elapsed since the processor 401 started issuing the passage permission notification in ACT 421. If the processor 401 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 422. Thus, the processor 401 waits for a person to pass by or for the allowable time to elapse as ACT422 and ACT423.

[0082] If a customer passes through the checkout lane before the allowed time has elapsed, and the human sensor 409 detects the passage of a human, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT422 and proceeds to ACT424. 9, the processor 401 requests the POS server 300 to update the exit data for the transaction identified by the transaction code contained in the barcode information represented by the receipt barcode read by the fixed scanner 406 or handheld scanner 407. Upon receiving this request, the processor 301 in the POS server 300 updates the exit data included in the transaction data for the transaction contained in the transaction database DBA to a state indicating that the transaction has been exited.

[0083] 13, the processor 401 in the gate device 400 proceeds to ACT 425. If the allowed time has elapsed without the processor 401 being able to confirm that the customer has passed through the checkout lane LA, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT 423, skips ACT 424, and proceeds to ACT 425. For example, even after completing the transaction, a customer may return to the sales floor without passing through the checkout lane LA, and in such a case the processor 401 will determine YES in ACT 423. In ACT 425, the processor 401 stops the passage permission notification, and with this, the processor 401 ends the passage permission process, returns to the standby state of ACT 401 and ACT 402 in Fig. 9, and prepares to handle the next customer.

[0084] Meanwhile, when the processor 401 is in a standby state in ACT401 and ACT402 in FIG. 9, if a customer passes through the checkout lane LA and this is detected by the human presence sensor 409, the processor 401 determines that the customer has passed through as YES in ACT402 and proceeds to ACT409. As ACT 409, the processor 401 executes the erroneous passage process.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the erroneous passage process. In ACT 431, the processor 401 initiates an erroneous passage notification. The erroneous passage notification is a notification to the customer and other people around the customer that the customer has passed through a checkout lane LA that is not permitted for passage. For example, the processor 401 displays a first warning screen on the touch panel 404 to notify the erroneous passage. For example, the processor 401 displays a second warning screen on the display unit 405 to notify the erroneous passage. For example, the processor 401 lights or flashes the lamp unit 410 in red to notify the erroneous passage. For example, the processor 401 outputs a predetermined alarm sound from the sound unit 411 to notify the erroneous passage. Alternatively, the processor 401 may perform another operation, such as outputting a predetermined voice message from the sound unit 411 to notify the erroneous passage. However, the processor 401 may execute only some of these operations to notify the erroneous passage. The first warning screen is, for example, a screen that displays a text message and illustrations indicating that passage is not permitted. The second warning screen is, for example, a screen similar to the warning screen shown in FIG.

[0086] 16, the processor 401 requests a predetermined destination to issue an alert. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the attendant terminal 500 is specified as the destination of the alert request. Now, when the processor 501 of the attendant terminal 500 receives the request to issue an alert from the gate device 400 as described above, the processor 501 starts an alert process. The alert process is a process for issuing an alert about unauthorized passage through the checkout lane LA to a store clerk who is monitoring using the attendant terminal 500. For the alert process, the processor 501, for example, displays a screen on the store clerk's touch panel 504 to make the store clerk aware that unauthorized passage has occurred. For the alert process, the processor 501, for example, outputs a predetermined alarm sound from the sound unit 513. Alternatively, for the alert process, the processor 501 may perform another operation, such as outputting a predetermined voice message from the sound unit 513. However, the processor 501 may execute only a part of these operations for the alert process.

[0087] Processor 501 performs the alarm generation process while waiting for the conditions for canceling the alarm generation to be met. The conditions for canceling the alarm generation may be determined as appropriate, for example, by a person who determines the specifications of transaction processing system 1 or an administrator of attendant terminal 500. The condition for canceling the alarm generation may be, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on clerk-side touch panel 504 or keyboard 505 to instruct cancellation. Alternatively, the condition for canceling the alarm generation process may be when the duration of the alarm generation process exceeds a predetermined time. Processor 501 then stops the alarm generation process when the conditions for canceling the alarm generation are met.

[0088] Now, in the gate device 400, after the processor 401 requests the issuance of an alarm in ACT432, the process proceeds to ACT433. In ACT 433, processor 401 waits for a termination condition for the erroneous passage notification to be met. The termination condition may be determined as appropriate, for example, by the person who determines the specifications of transaction processing system 1 or the administrator of gate device 400. For example, the termination condition may be when the duration of the erroneous passage notification exceeds a predetermined time. Alternatively, the cancellation condition may be when an instruction to cancel the alarm issuance process is issued at attendant terminal 500. In this case, processor 501 at attendant terminal 500 notifies gate device 400 that the cancellation instruction has been issued. Alternatively, the termination condition may be when a store clerk performs a predetermined termination operation at gate device 400. If the termination condition is met, processor 401 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 434. In ACT 434, the processor 401 stops the erroneous passage notification, and with this, the processor 401 ends the current erroneous passage process and returns to the standby state of ACT 401 and ACT 402 in FIG.

[0089] As described above, even if fraudulent behavior is detected by the behavior monitoring system 200 during transaction processing at the POS terminal 100, the transaction processing system 1 continues without interruption at the POS terminal 100. The POS terminal 100 includes fraud detection information indicating that fraudulent behavior has been detected in the transaction data stored in the POS server 300. The gate device 400 then issues an alarm when it confirms, based on the fraud detection information, that fraudulent behavior has been detected during transaction processing for a customer attempting to pass through the checkout lane LA. Thus, even if fraudulent behavior is committed, the transaction processing for the customer at the POS terminal 100 is terminated. Therefore, a supervisor does not need to rush to the POS terminal 100 to deal with fraudulent behavior every time fraudulent behavior is detected by the customer at the POS terminal 100, thereby reducing the burden on staff.

[0090] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The registration of the traded goods may be performed by an information terminal in the sales area in response to the customer's operation on the information terminal or by another arbitrary information processing device. In this case, it is preferable that fraudulent behavior of customers is detected based on images obtained by a number of cameras installed in various locations around the sales area.

[0091] The function as the processing means may be realized by information processing in any information processing device such as the POS terminal 100 or the POS server 300.

[0092] The function of the detection means may be realized by information processing in an arbitrary information processing device such as the POS terminal 100, for example.

[0093] The function of the identification means may be realized by information processing in any information processing device other than the gate device 400 based on information acquired by the gate device 400.

[0094] Transactions of customers passing through checkout lane LA may be identified by associating each transaction with a membership code or other information for identifying the customer, and identifying the transaction as the associated transaction with the membership code acquired by gate device 400. Alternatively, the customer's biometric authentication data may be associated with the transaction, and the transaction may be identified as the associated transaction with biometric authentication data that is identical to the biometric authentication data acquired by gate device 400.

[0095] The function of the determination means may be realized by information processing in an arbitrary information processing device such as the POS server 300, for example.

[0096] The function of the warning means may be realized by information processing in an arbitrary information processing device such as the attendant terminal 500, for example.

[0097] It is not necessary to manage the customer's exit status for each transaction.

[0098] The original or a copy of the transaction database DBA may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403 of the gate device 400. In other words, in this case, a storage means is provided in the gate device 400 as the gate device. The transaction database DBA may also be stored in a storage device provided in any information processing device other than the gate device 400 and the POS server 300. The transaction database DBA may also be stored in an independent storage device externally attached to various information processing devices.

[0099] The gate device 400 may have a function as a cashier, and may perform the process for the transaction of registered merchandise in response to the customer's operation on an information terminal in the sales area.

[0100] The deterrent means may be a mechanism that can selectively create a state in which the checkout lane LA is physically blocked or not blocked.

[0101] The POS terminal 100 may perform the process for registering the transaction product, and the gate device 400 may perform the process for the transaction.

[0102] Some or all of the functions realized by each processor through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the logic circuit with software control.

[0103] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...transaction processing system, 2...communication network, 100...POS terminal, 200...behavior monitoring system, 300...POS server, 400...gate device, 500...attendant terminal, 101,221,301,401,501...processor, 102,222,302,402,502...main memory unit, 103,223,303,403,503...auxiliary memory unit, 104,404...touch panel, 105,505...keyboard, 106,406,506...fixed scanner, 107,407,507...handheld scanner, 10 8,508...payment terminal, 109,509...change unit, 110,408,510...receipt printer, 111...sound unit, 112,224,304,412,514...communication unit, 113,225,305,413,515...transmission path, 210...camera, 220...monitoring device, 230...hub, 405...display unit, 409...human presence sensor, 410...lamp unit, 411,513...sound unit, 513...sound unit, 504...staff side touch panel, 511...customer side touch panel, 512...customer side display.

Claims

1. A transaction processing system including a gate device provided facing a lane through which customers who have completed a transaction in a store pass, a processing means for processing a transaction with a customer in accordance with the customer's behavior in the store; a detection means for detecting fraudulent customer behavior; a generating means for generating transaction data that indicates the content of the transaction processed by the processing means and enables determination of whether fraud has been detected by the detection means with respect to the transaction; Identification means for identifying a transaction of a customer attempting to pass through said lane; a determination means for determining whether fraud has been detected by the detection means for the transaction identified by the identification means, based on the transaction data generated by the generation means for the transaction; an alarm means for issuing an alarm in response to the determination means determining that fraud has been detected; A transaction processing system comprising:

2. a transaction processing device including the processing means and the generation means; a monitoring device equipped with the detection means; further comprising The specifying means, the determining means, and the warning means are provided in the gate device. The transaction processing system of claim 1 .

3. a transaction management device including a storage means for storing the transaction data generated by the generation means, The gate device further includes an acquisition means for acquiring transaction data relating to the transaction identified by the identification means from the transaction management device, The determination means determines whether fraud has been detected by the detection means with respect to the transaction based on the transaction data acquired by the acquisition means. The transaction processing system of claim 2 .

4. The warning means issues a warning to prompt an attendant to take action against the fraud. The transaction processing system of claim 1 .

5. a deterrent means for deterring a customer from passing through the lane in response to the determination means determining that fraud has been detected; The transaction processing system of claim 1 further comprising:

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