Commodity sales system, information display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales system, an information display method, and a program which enable a user having completed payment to smoothly leave a store while preventing illegal purchase of commodities in the store.SOLUTION: A commodity sales system 100 comprises: an acquisition processing unit 111 which acquires commodity information of a commodity read with a user terminal 3 by a user in a store 200; and a display processing unit 313 which causes an operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3 to display a two-dimensional code Q which can be read by a gate device 2 in the store 200, in response to receiving input of an instruction to perform payment for the commodity of the commodity information. The display processing unit 313 causes the operation display unit 33 to display a first code Q1 including payment incompletion information indicating that payment for the commodity of the commodity information is incomplete, and then updates display contents on the operation display unit 33 to a second code Q2 including payment completion information indicating that payment for the commodity of the commodity information is completed, after the display of the first code Q1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for supporting sales of products to users in a store. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a self-checkout system has been known in stores in which a user (e.g., a shopper) uses an operation terminal to read the barcode of a product and then check out for that product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In general, the act of a user reading the barcode of a product using an operation terminal is called self-scanning.

[0003] In the self-checkout system, when paying for the items they have scanned themselves, the user operates the payment button on the screen of the operation terminal (payment operation). This causes the shopping list to be sent to the server, and the system performs the payment process. When the payment is complete, a payment completion code indicating the completion of the payment is sent from the server to the operation terminal and displayed on the screen of the operation terminal. After completing the payment, the user can have a specified reading device read the payment completion code, and receive a receipt for the purchased items from the reading device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-27056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a cash register system where a user uses an operating terminal to check out products that they have self-scanned, a store exit code issued after payment is completed may be displayed on the operating terminal screen, and the store exit may be permitted by having a gate device installed near the store exit read the store exit code.

[0006] When a customer performs a payment operation on an operating terminal, the payment process is then executed, and the exit code indicating the completion of the payment is issued, the customer tends to perceive the payment as completed and think that all that remains is to leave the store. Therefore, there is a risk that the customer will not pay attention to the exit code issued after the payment process is completed and will attempt to pass through the gate device without noticing the code. Furthermore, there is a risk that during the waiting time between the payment operation and the issuance of the exit code, the customer will become distracted and forget that the exit code is required to exit the store, and will attempt to pass through the gate device without preparing the operating terminal. In either case, the customer will realize that the exit code is required to exit the store before or after passing through the gate device, and will hastily take out the operating terminal and have the gate device read the exit code. This will disrupt the flow of customers near the gate device, preventing other customers from passing through the gate device smoothly.

[0007] On the other hand, if the exit code is issued and displayed on the user's operation terminal immediately after the payment operation is performed on the operation terminal, the user can be strongly reminded of the need to use the exit code when leaving the store, which is expected to prevent congestion near the gate device and allow a smooth flow of users when leaving the store. However, if the exit code is issued before the payment process is completed, for example, if the payment process is canceled due to an error or a cancellation operation, the user can pass through the gate device using the exit code that has already been issued, which could allow an unpaid user to leave the store even though the payment has not yet been made, and could result in a problem of fraudulent purchases being overlooked, regardless of whether they are made in good faith or maliciously.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a product sales system, an information display method, and a program that prevent fraudulent purchases of products in a store and allow users to smoothly leave the store after completing payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a product sales system includes an acquisition processing unit that acquires product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store, and a display processing unit that, in response to receiving an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, displays read information readable by a store exit device of the store on a display unit of the operation terminal. The display processing unit displays first read information on the display unit, the read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product in the product information is not completed, and after displaying the first read information, updates the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product in the product information has been completed.

[0010] An information display method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store, and a display step of displaying read information readable by a store exit device on a display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, wherein the steps are executed by one or more processors. The display step displays first read information on the display unit, the read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product in the product information is not completed, and after displaying the first read information, updates the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product in the product information has been completed.

[0011] A program according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store, and a display step of displaying read information readable by a store exit device on a display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, the program being for causing one or more processors to execute each of the steps. The display step displays first read information on the display unit, the read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product in the product information is not completed, and after displaying the first read information, updates the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product in the product information has been completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product sales system, an information display method, and a product sales program that can reduce the workload of store staff while preventing fraudulent purchases of products in stores. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a product sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a store in which a product sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal of the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal of the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal of the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal of the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal of the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an example of a gate device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the gate device of the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the gate device of the merchandise sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a product sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of shopping information used in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a product sales process executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a first processing example of a code display process executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a store exit code display screen displayed on the user terminal in the code display process. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a second processing example of the code display processing executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a third processing example of the code display processing executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a fourth processing example of the code display processing executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a fifth processing example of a code display process executed in the product sales system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] [Product Sales System 100] As shown in FIG. 1, a product sales system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a management server 1, a gate device 2, a user terminal 3, a checkout device 5, and a payment server 6. The user terminal 3 is an example of an operation terminal according to the present invention. The gate device 2 is an example of a store exit device according to the present invention. There may be one or more gate devices 2 and user terminals 3. The user terminal 3 is an operation terminal carried by a user (shopper) who uses the store 200, and is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet device.

[0016] The user terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal device owned by the store 200 and loaned to the user when the user goes shopping. The user terminal 3 may also be an operating terminal owned by the user himself. Furthermore, if the store 200 is a retail store such as a supermarket, the user terminal 3 may also be a terminal device attached to a shopping basket or shopping cart for placing products in the store 200.

[0017] The management server 1 and gate device 2 are installed in a store 200. The management server 1, user terminal 3, and settlement device 5 can communicate with each other via a communication network N1, such as a wireless LAN (in-store LAN) installed in the store 200. The management server 1 and gate device 2 can also communicate with each other via a communication network N3, such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN (in-store LAN) installed in the store 200. The gate device 2 and user terminal 3 can also communicate with each other via a communication network N2 that uses a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0018] The payment server 6 is a server device managed by a payment business operator (for example, a credit card company). The management server 1 and the payment server 6 can communicate with each other via a communication network N4 such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, or a public telephone line.

[0019] The product sales system 100 is installed in a store 200 such as a retail store. Specific examples of the store 200 include a supermarket that mainly sells food and beverages, a sporting goods store that sells multiple types of products, a liquor store that mainly sells alcoholic beverages, a convenience store that sells food and beverages, an apparel shop that sells apparel items such as clothes and shoes, an auto parts store that sells tires and car parts, a home improvement store that mainly sells daily necessities and home appliances, or a store that sells hobby-related products such as fishing equipment.

[0020] In this embodiment, a retail store is used as an example of the store 200, but the store 200 may be a restaurant that serves ordered drinks or food to customers (users) in the store, or a restaurant that serves ordered drinks or food to customers (users) for takeout. In this case, the drinks, food, and services served at the restaurant correspond to the products of the present invention.

[0021] For example, when a user visits store 200, the user uses a loaned user terminal 3 installed in the store to input product information (such as reading the product's barcode) to purchase a desired product. After the product information input operation, a payment execution instruction is input through the user terminal 3, and then the payment process (accounting) for the product purchase is executed. Once the payment process is properly completed, the user passes through the passage beside gate device 2, returns the user terminal 3 to a designated return location, and then leaves the store. From the time the user arrives until the time they leave the store, the user terminal 3 exchanges various information with the management server 1, the settlement device 5, the gate device 2, etc.

[0022] Here, an example of the flow of processing (product sales processing) executed in the product sales system 100 will be described below, showing a specific usage scenario. Also shown are examples of each screen displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3 in response to the product sales processing.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows an outline of store 200. A checkout area A1 is located near the entrance of store 200. Multiple gate devices 2 are installed in checkout area A1. Furthermore, checkout area A1 includes area M1 and area M2.

[0024] Area M1 is an area where customers can pay for the products they wish to purchase using the user terminal 3 and the payment device 5 without the assistance of store staff. For this reason, area M1 is equipped with a payment device 5 located near the exit of area M1.

[0025] Area M2 is an area where users can use the user terminal 3 to make payments (mobile payments) for products they wish to purchase without the assistance of store staff.

[0026] The following describes an example of a series of events that occur from when user X arrives at store 200, when he or she makes payment in checkout area A1 for products he or she registered while shopping around the store, and when he or she leaves the store through gate device 2.

[0027] First, user X who visits store 200 enters the store through the entrance carrying user terminal 3. An entrance gate may be provided at the entrance. When user X operates user terminal 3 inside the store to launch a predetermined shopping application, screen D1 (code reading screen D1) shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed on the operation display unit 33 of user terminal 3 of user X. This allows user X to perform an operation (product information input operation) to input product information (product name, price, etc.) related to the product he or she wishes to purchase inside the store.

[0028] User X captures (scans) an information code (e.g., a barcode) attached to a product he or she wishes to purchase using the camera 35 of the user terminal 3 (see FIG. 10). The user terminal 3 reads the product information (product name, price, etc.) contained in the information code and displays it on the screen. For example, when user X scans the information code of product a1, screen D2 (product screen D2) shown in FIG. 3(b) containing product information about product a1 is displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3. Furthermore, user X's scanning of product a1 causes product a1 to be registered in the shopping cart on the shopping application.

[0029] If the product desired to be purchased does not have the information code attached, user X can select the product desired to be purchased from a list of products without the information code attached by pressing operation button T1 (for manual input) provided on screen D1 shown in Fig. 3(a). By performing this selection operation, user X can input product information of the product desired to be purchased into user terminal 3 and register the product in the shopping cart on the shopping application.

[0030] For example, if user X scans the information codes of three items a1, b1, and c1, the items a1, b1, and c1 are registered in a shopping cart on the shopping application. When user X wants to pay for the three scanned items, he or she presses operation button T2 (for displaying the shopping cart) on screen D1 or screen D2 of user terminal 3. This causes user terminal 3 to display screen D3 (shopping list screen D3) shown in FIG. 4(a) on operation display unit 33, which includes a shopping list showing each scanned item.

[0031] Thereafter, when user X presses operation button T3 (for starting checkout) on screen D3 shown in Fig. 4(a), screen D4 for confirming the checkout method (checkout confirmation screen D4) shown in Fig. 4(b) is displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3. Note that operation button T3 is an operation button for starting checkout for the desired products in the shopping cart.

[0032] If user X wishes to pay at the settlement device 5, user X moves to area M1 with the product he or she wishes to purchase and presses operation button T4 on screen D4 shown in FIG. 4(b). When operation button T4 is pressed, screen D5 (accounting code reading screen D5) shown in FIG. 5(a) is displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3. The accounting code reading screen D5 is a screen that can read the identification code 4A (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)) of the settlement device 5 (see FIG. 2) that will perform the payment process (accounting). Note that operation button T4 is an operation button for specifying the payment process (accounting) in the settlement device 5.

[0033] When user X captures (scans) the identification code 4A (see FIG. 2) displayed on the notice board 4 installed near the entrance to area M1 with the camera 35 (see FIG. 10) of the user terminal 3, a payment request is sent from the user terminal 3 to the management server 1, and a process is performed to verify the payment amount of the items in the shopping list. Until this verification process is completed, the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3 displays screen D6 (standby screen D6) shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0034] When the payment amount verification process is complete, screen D7 (amount confirmation screen D7) shown in FIG. 6(a), which shows the payment amount, is displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3. When user X presses operation button T5 (for confirming the amount) on screen D7, a confirmation operation signal is sent from the user terminal 3 to the settlement device 5, which executes the payment process, along with information (such as product information). Operation button T5 is an operation button for confirming the payment amount and inputting approval.

[0035] Thereafter, user X proceeds to the settlement device 5 with the number displayed on screen D7 shown in Fig. 6(a) and executes the payment process based on the predetermined payment method at that settlement device 5. At the settlement device 5, payment methods such as cash, electronic money, prepaid card, credit card, and points issued by the store 200 can be selected, and user X selects one of the payment methods on the screen of the settlement device 5 and then executes the payment process by following the instructions displayed thereafter.

[0036] In this embodiment, when operation button T5 (for confirming the amount) on screen D7 shown in FIG. 6(a) is pressed, screen D8 (settlement completion confirmation screen D8) shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3. This screen D8 includes operation button T6 that can be operated by user X, and a message urging the user to press operation button T6 after the settlement process at the settlement device 5 has been completed. Note that operation button T6 is an operation button that is provided with the intention of having the user operate it after the settlement process at the settlement device 5 has been completed.

[0037] When the operation button T6 is pressed on the screen D8 shown in Fig. 6(b), the user terminal 3 displays a screen D9 (exit code display screen D9) shown in Fig. 7(a) including a two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) on the operation display unit 33. The two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store displayed on the operation display unit 33 is an example of the read information of the present invention.

[0038] When mobile payment is performed using the user terminal 3, user X proceeds to area M2 where mobile payment is available, and when user X presses operation button T7 on screen D4 shown in FIG. 4(b) in area M2, the user terminal 3 transmits payment information for the desired product to the management server 1. Based on the payment information, the management server 1 transmits a payment request to the payment server 6. The payment server 6 executes payment processing using a payment system corresponding to the payment service provider. In this case, when operation button T7 (mobile payment) on screen D4 shown in FIG. 4(b) is pressed, the user terminal 3 displays screen D9 (exit code display screen D9) shown in FIG. 7(a) on the operation display unit 33, which includes a two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store. Note that operation button T7 is an operation button for specifying mobile payment as the payment method.

[0039] After completing the payment process at the settlement device 5 or the mobile payment using the user terminal 3, the user X holds the two-dimensional code Q displayed on the user terminal 3 up to the reading camera 25 (see FIG. 7(b)) of the gate device 2. This causes the store exit process to be executed at the gate device 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, there are two types of two-dimensional codes Q for exiting the store that are displayed on the operation display unit 33. Specifically, the two-dimensional codes Q are a first code Q1 (an example of first read information of the present invention) that includes unpaid information (unpaid notice) indicating that the payment process is not completed, and a second code Q2 (an example of second read information of the present invention) that includes payment completion information (payment completion notice) indicating that the payment process has been completed. Hereinafter, the first code Q1 and the second code Q2 may be collectively referred to as the two-dimensional code Q.

[0041] In this embodiment, the store exit process executed by the gate device 2 differs depending on whether the gate device 2 reads the first code Q1 or the second code Q2.

[0042] When the gate device 2 acquires the information read from the two-dimensional code Q, it performs a store exit process based on the acquired information.

[0043] For example, if the first code Q1 is read, the gate device 2 does not allow user X, who has read the first code Q1, to leave the store. Specifically, the gate device 2 performs error processing when the first code Q1 is read. For example, the gate device 2 displays screen D12 shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 23 of the gate device 2 and causes the indicator light 26 to light up or flash in a color (e.g., red) indicating that passage is prohibited. This allows the user to recognize that the payment process has not been completed and can prevent the user from leaving the store without payment being processed. Furthermore, the indicator light 26 lighting up or flashing red allows store staff to understand that the payment process of user X, who is attempting to pass through the gate device 2, has not been completed. In this case, the gate device 2 sends to the management server 1 unsettled information (unsettled notice) indicating that the payment process (transaction) by the user terminal 3 has not been completed. If the gate device 2 is equipped with a sound generating device such as a speaker or buzzer, the sound generating device may output a message indicating that the payment has not been completed or an alarm indicating an error.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, if the second code Q2 is read, the gate device 2 allows user X, who has read the second code Q2, to leave the store. Specifically, the gate device 2 displays screen D11 shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 23 of the gate device 2, and lights up the indicator light 26 in a color (e.g., green) indicating permission to pass. This allows the store staff to understand that the payment process for user X, who is about to pass through the gate device 2, has been properly completed, as the indicator light 26 lights up green. In this case, the gate device 2 sends completion information (completion notice) to the management server 1, indicating that the shopping using the user terminal 3 has been completed.

[0045] In this manner, user X can shop at store 200.

[0046] The product sales system 100 of this embodiment supports and manages user shopping. In particular, the product sales system 100 can prevent fraudulent purchases of products in a store, regardless of whether they are made by good or bad people, and also enables users to smoothly leave the store after completing payment without having to wait near the gate device 2.

[0047] The specific configuration of the product sales system 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0048] [User terminal 3] 10, the user terminal 3 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, an operation display unit 33, a communication I / F 34, and a camera 35. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a rental operation terminal provided by the store 200 and used by the user while shopping around the store. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal.

[0049] Camera 35 is a digital camera that captures an image of a subject and outputs the image as digital image data. For example, camera 35 captures an information code (barcode) attached to a product, an identification code 4A on a notice board 4 installed in area M1, and the like.

[0050] The communication I / F 34 is a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 3 to the communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly and for executing data communication with the management server 1 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication I / F 34 may also connect the user terminal 3 wirelessly (for example, by short-range wireless such as Bluetooth) to the communication network N2 and be capable of data communication with the gate device 2 via the communication network N2.

[0051] The operation display unit 33 is a user interface that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts user operations. In this embodiment, the operation display unit 33 is exemplified by a touch panel that combines a liquid crystal panel that displays various information with a pointing device that allows touch input.

[0052] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 32 stores a control program such as a product sales program for causing the control unit 31 to execute a product sales process (see FIG. 12 ), which will be described later. For example, the product sales program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an internet storage or a USB memory, and is read from the storage or the USB memory and stored in the storage unit 32. The recording medium may be, for example, a computer-readable CD or DVD, and the product sales program may be read by a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0053] The storage unit 32 also stores the first code Q1 used when leaving the store.

[0054] The control unit 31 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit that pre-stores control programs such as a BIOS and an OS that cause the CPU to execute various types of processing. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU. The control unit 31 controls the user terminal 3 by having the CPU execute various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32.

[0055] For example, when a shopping application (product sales program) for a user to use the user terminal 3 to shop at the store 200 is stored in the memory unit 32, the control unit 31 launches the shopping application, accepts the user's operations related to shopping, and executes each process.

[0056] In addition, if the user terminal 3 is owned by the user, for example, the user can register as a member of the store 200 in advance and download (install) the shopping application software program to the user terminal 3, thereby enabling the user to use the shopping application using their own user terminal 3 at the store 200.

[0057] Specifically, the control unit 31 includes various processing units such as a reading processing unit 311 (an example of an acquisition processing unit of the present invention), an input reception processing unit 312 (an example of a reception processing unit of the present invention), a display processing unit 313, and an output processing unit 314. The control unit 31 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes in accordance with the control program using the CPU. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 may be configured with electronic circuits. The control program may be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the various processing units.

[0058] The reading processing unit 311 reads the information code (for example, a barcode) attached to the product based on the digital image data captured by the camera 35, and acquires product information (product name, price, etc.) relating to the product.

[0059] In addition, when the operation button T1 (manual input) provided on the screen D1 (see Figure 3(a)) is pressed to select a product that the user wishes to purchase from a list of products that do not have an information code, the reading processing unit 311 obtains product information about the selected product.

[0060] The product information acquired by the reading processing unit 311 is registered as a desired product in a shopping cart on the shopping application running on the user terminal 3.

[0061] In addition, the reading processing unit 311 reads the identification code 4A of the display board 4 installed in area M1 based on the digital image data captured by the camera 35, and obtains information (identification information) for identifying the settlement device 5 corresponding to the identification code 4A.

[0062] When an operation button on each screen displayed on the operation display unit 33 is operated, the input reception processing unit 312 acquires instruction information corresponding to the operation button.

[0063] Specifically, when operation button T4 or operation button T7 on screen D4 (see Figure 4(b)) is pressed, input reception processing unit 312 receives input of a payment execution instruction to execute the payment process for the desired item in the shopping cart.

[0064] In addition, after accepting the input of the payment execution instruction, when the operation button T6 provided on the screen D8 (see Figure 6(b)) is pressed, the input acceptance processing unit 312 accepts the input of a code display instruction to display on the operation display unit 33 the two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store to be read by the gate device 2 when leaving the store.

[0065] After accepting the input of the payment execution instruction, the input acceptance processing unit 312 may accept the input of the code display instruction to display the two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store on the operation display unit 33 when the operation button T5 provided on the screen D7 (see Figure 6(a)) is pressed.

[0066] In response to receiving the input of the payment execution instruction for the product that the user wishes to purchase, the display processing unit 313 displays the two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store, which can be read by the gate device 2 of the store 200, on the operation display unit 33 (see Figure 7(a)).

[0067] Specifically, when the operation button T4 is pressed to input the payment execution instruction, the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1, which includes unpaid information (unpaid notice) indicating that the payment for the desired product is not yet completed, on the operation display unit 33. The display processing unit 313 reads out the first code Q1 from the storage unit 32 and displays it on the operation display unit 33. After displaying the first code Q1, the display processing unit 313 updates the display content of the operation display unit 33 to the second code Q2, which includes payment completion information (payment completion notice) indicating that the payment for the desired product has been completed. In other words, the display processing unit 313 performs a process of switching the display content of the operation display unit 33 from the first code Q1 to the second code Q2.

[0068] The second code Q2 can be generated by the management server 1 and obtained from the management server 1. Alternatively, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 may receive the payment completion information from the management server 1 and generate the second code Q2 including the payment completion information.

[0069] In this embodiment, the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33 in response to the input of the code display instruction being accepted by the input acceptance processing unit 312. Then, after displaying the first code Q1, the display processing unit 313 updates the display content of the operation display unit 33 to the second code Q2. In other words, when the code display instruction is input, the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33, and then performs processing to switch the display content of the operation display unit 33 from the first code Q1 to the second code Q2.

[0070] As another example of display processing by the display processing unit 313, for example, the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33 immediately after the payment execution instruction is input. After the first code Q1 is displayed, if the payment determination processing unit 114, which will be described later, determines that the payment has been completed, the display processing unit 313 may update the display content of the operation display unit 33 to the second code Q2.

[0071] As another example of the display processing of the display processing unit 313, for example, the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33 immediately when the payment execution instruction is input. Then, if the code display instruction is input after the first code Q1 is displayed, the display processing unit 313 executes a determination process by the payment determination processing unit 114, which will be described later. Then, if the payment determination processing unit 114 determines that the payment for the desired product has been completed, the display processing unit 313 may update the display content of the operation display unit 33 to the second code Q2.

[0072] As another example of display processing by the display processing unit 313, for example, the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33 immediately upon input of the payment execution instruction. Then, if the code display instruction is input after displaying the first code Q1, the display processing unit 313 executes a determination process by the payment determination processing unit 114, which will be described later. Then, if the payment determination processing unit 114 determines that the payment for the desired product is incomplete, the display processing unit 33 may display, together with the first code Q1, a warning message indicating that the payment for the desired product is incomplete, a warning message indicating that leaving the store is not permitted, or a warning message indicating that leaving the store is not possible with the currently displayed two-dimensional code Q. Specifically, the display processing unit 313 adds the warning message to the space below the display of the first code Q1 on screen D9 (see FIG. 7).

[0073] As another example of display processing by the display processing unit 313, when the payment execution instruction is input, the display processing unit 313 causes the payment determination processing unit 114 to execute a determination process, which will be described later. Then, when the payment determination processing unit 114 determines that the payment for the desired product is incomplete, the display processing unit 313 causes the first code Q1 to be displayed on the operation display unit 33. Then, after displaying the first code Q1, when the payment determination processing unit 114 determines that the payment is complete, the display processing unit 313 may update the display content of the operation display unit 33 to the second code Q2.

[0074] As another example of display processing by the display processing unit 313, for example, when the display processing unit 313 displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33, the display processing unit 313 may also display the warning message together with the first code Q1.

[0075] As another example of display processing by the display processing unit 313, after displaying the first code Q1, the display processing unit 313 may display the warning message on the operation display unit 33 when a predetermined set time has elapsed since the payment execution instruction was input. If the payment determination processing unit 114 (described later) determines that the payment for the desired product has been completed before the set time has elapsed, the display processing unit 313 may update the display content of the operation display unit 33 to the second code Q2 without displaying the warning message. Here, the set time is set, for example, based on the average time required for the user to complete the payment process at the settlement device 5 after the payment execution instruction is input, and is set, for example, to a value obtained by multiplying the average time by a predetermined growth rate. The growth rate is determined for each store 200, for example, based on the number of visitors (customers) at the store 200, the number of settlement devices 5 installed, and the like.

[0076] Furthermore, the display processing unit 313 displays the product information read by the reading processing unit 311 on the operation display unit 33 (see FIG. 3(b)).

[0077] The output processing unit 314 transmits the product information read by the reading processing unit 311 to the management server 1.

[0078] Furthermore, when the user performs an operation in response to the payment execution instruction, the output processing unit 314 transmits information related to the payment (payment information) to the management server 1. The payment information includes information about the user (user ID, payment method, etc.), store identification information, etc. Based on the payment information, the management server 1 executes payment processing for the products (products in the cart) associated with the user ID.

[0079] When the payment is completed, the user holds the two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store, which is displayed on the operation display unit 33, over the gate device 2, causing the gate device 2 to read the two-dimensional code Q. This causes the gate device 2 to execute a predetermined store exit process.

[0080] The control unit 31 may function as a browser processing unit by executing the above-mentioned processes in accordance with a browser program stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the browser processing unit can execute browser processing to display a web page provided from the management server 1 via the communication network N1 on the operation display unit 33 and input operations for the operation display unit 33 to the management server 1. In other words, the user terminal 3 can function as an operating terminal for the management server 1 by the control unit 31 executing the browser program. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 may be configured with electronic circuits.

[0081] [Administration Server 1] 10, the management server 1 is a server computer including a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation display unit 13, and a communication I / F 14. The management server 1 is not limited to a single computer, but may be a computer system in which multiple computers operate in cooperation. Furthermore, one or multiple processors may execute various processes executed by the management server 1 in a distributed manner.

[0082] The communication I / F 14 is a communication interface that connects the management server 1 to the communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly and executes data communication with the user terminal 3 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication I / F 14 also connects the management server 1 to the communication network N3 by wire or wirelessly and executes data communication with the gate device 2 via the communication network N3 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication I / F 14 also connects the management server 1 to the communication network N4 by wire or wirelessly and executes data communication with the payment server 6 via the communication network N4 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0083] The operation display unit 13 is a user interface that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts operations.

[0084] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, and the like.

[0085] Storage unit 12 stores control programs such as a product sales program for causing control unit 11 to execute a product sales process (see FIG. 12 ), which will be described later. For example, the product sales program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or DVD drive provided in management server 1 and stored in storage unit 12. Alternatively, the product sales program may be non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an internet storage device or a USB memory, and may be read from the storage device or the USB memory and stored in storage unit 12.

[0086] The memory unit 12 also stores data such as shopping information D20. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the shopping information D20. Shopping-related information is registered in the shopping information D20 for each user terminal 3 used by a user at the store 200. As shown in FIG. 11, the shopping information D20 includes information such as a "terminal ID," which is identification information for the user terminal 3, "items in the cart," "item count," and "payment status." The items in the cart are information indicating the items (items desired to be purchased) selected (scanned) by the user while shopping. The item count is information indicating the number of items in the cart.

[0087] The payment status is information indicating whether or not payment for the items in the cart has been completed. When payment is completed, the control unit 11 registers "Completed" in the payment status field, indicating that payment has been completed. When payment is not completed, the control unit 11 registers "Unsettled" in the payment status field, indicating that payment has not been completed. For example, when a user visits the store 200 and starts shopping (logs in to the shopping application), the control unit 11 registers "Unsettled" in the payment status field, and when the user's payment process is completed, the control unit 11 updates "Unsettled" to "Completed." The control unit 11 may delete a record of the shopping information D20 in which "Completed" has been registered from the shopping information D20 at a predetermined timing.

[0088] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 may also store information about the user (such as name, address, contact information, credit card information, number of points held, purchase history, etc.).

[0089] In another embodiment, part or all of the shopping information D20 may be stored in another server accessible from the management server 1 via the communication network N4. In this case, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 may acquire various information from the server as needed and execute various processes such as the product sales process. In another embodiment, part or all of the shopping information D20 may be stored in the user terminal 3. In this case, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 may acquire various information from the user terminal 3 as needed and execute various processes such as the product sales process.

[0090] The control unit 11 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs for causing the CPU to execute various types of arithmetic processing are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU. The control unit 11 controls the management server 1 by having the CPU execute various control programs that are stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 12.

[0091] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as an acquisition processing unit 111, a payment processing unit 112, a generation processing unit 113, a payment determination processing unit 114, and an output processing unit 115. The control unit 11 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes in accordance with the product sales program using the CPU. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be configured with electronic circuits. The product sales program may be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the various processing units.

[0092] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires product information read by the user terminal 3 while the user is shopping. For example, when the camera 35 of the user terminal 3 captures (scans) an image of an information code (barcode) attached to a product that the user wishes to purchase, the user terminal 3 reads product information (product name, price, etc.) and transmits it to the management server 1. The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the product information from the user terminal 3. The acquisition processing unit 111 registers the acquired product information as a product in the cart in the shopping information D20 (see FIG. 11). The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires product information from each of the multiple user terminals 3 and accumulates the product information in the product in the cart for each user terminal 3.

[0093] The payment processing unit 112 executes payment processing for the products. Specifically, when the user inputs a payment instruction for the products in the shopping cart into the payment device 5, the payment processing unit 112 acquires payment information transmitted from the payment device 5. Furthermore, when the user inputs a payment instruction for the mobile payment into the user terminal 3, the payment processing unit 112 acquires payment information transmitted from the user terminal 3. The payment processing unit 112 transmits payment authentication information (payment request) to the payment server 6 that provides electronic payment services at the payment service provider identified by the information included in the payment information (information about the payment service provider), and executes payment processing for the amount charged for the products. The payment authentication information includes the amount included in the payment information (amount charged), the user's ID and password, store identification information, etc.

[0094] When the payment process is completed, the payment processing unit 112 registers the payment status ("Completed" or "Unsettled") in the shopping information D20 (see FIG. 11). For example, when a user logs in to the shopping application, the payment processing unit 112 registers "Unsettled" in the payment status field in the shopping information D20, and when the user's payment process is completed, the payment processing unit 112 updates "Unsettled" to "Completed." Note that the control unit 11 may delete from the shopping information D20, at a predetermined timing, a record of the shopping information D20 in which "Completed" has been registered.

[0095] Possible payment methods include credit cards, electronic money, prepaid cards, points, etc.

[0096] The generation processing unit 113 generates the second code Q2 for leaving the store. Specifically, when the payment process is completed or when a notification of completion of payment by cash or the like is received from the settlement device 5, the generation processing unit 113 generates the second code Q2 including the terminal ID of the user terminal 3, product information of the purchased product, and payment completion information.

[0097] The payment determination processing unit 114 determines whether the payment process for the items in the shopping cart has been completed. The payment determination processing unit 114 determines whether the payment has been completed by referring to the information in the payment status column of the shopping information D20. Alternatively, the payment determination processing unit 114 determines that the payment has been completed when a payment completion notice is received from the settlement device 5. Alternatively, the payment determination processing unit 114 determines that the payment has been completed when a payment completion notice indicating that the payment for the electronic payment service by the payment processing unit 112 has been completed is received from the payment server 6.

[0098] The output processing unit 115 transmits the second code Q2 for leaving the store, which is generated by the generation processing unit 113, to the user terminal 3.

[0099] When the user terminal 3 acquires the information of the second code Q2 from the management server 1, it displays the second code Q2 on the operation display unit 33, as shown in Fig. 7(a). The user holds the second code Q2 displayed on the user terminal 3 over the gate device 2 to have it read, and the gate device 2 then allows the user to leave the store.

[0100] [Gate device 2] 10, the gate device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication I / F 24, a camera 25, and an indicator light 26. The gate device 2 is placed near the exit of the store 200.

[0101] The camera 25 is a digital camera that captures an image of a subject and outputs the image as digital image data. For example, the camera 25 captures an image of the two-dimensional code Q on the user terminal 3 held up to the gate device 2.

[0102] The indicator light 26 is provided at the upper end of a support pole extending upward from the main body of the gate device 2. The indicator light 26 is a light-emitting unit that emits light of a predetermined color. The indicator light 26 lights up or flashes in a color according to a command from the control unit 21.

[0103] The communication I / F 24 connects the gate device 2 to a communication network N3 such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN (in-store LAN), and enables data communication with the management server 1 via the communication network N3. The communication I / F 24 may also connect the gate device 2 to a wireless (for example, short-range wireless such as Bluetooth) communication network N2, and enable data communication with the user terminal 3 via the communication network N2.

[0104] The display unit 23 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various types of information.

[0105] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 22 stores a control program such as a merchandise sales program for causing the control unit 21 to execute a merchandise sales process (see FIG. 12 ), which will be described later. For example, the merchandise sales process is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or a DVD drive electrically connected to the gate device 2 and stored in the storage unit 22. The merchandise sales program may also be non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an internet storage device or a USB memory, and may be read from the storage device or the USB memory and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0106] The control unit 21 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit that pre-stores control programs for causing the CPU to execute various types of processing. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the gate device 2 by having the CPU execute various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or the storage unit 22.

[0107] Specifically, control unit 21 includes various processing units such as a reading processing unit 211, a determination processing unit 212, a notification processing unit 213, and an output processing unit 214. Control unit 21 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes in accordance with the product sales program using the CPU. Some or all of the processing units included in control unit 21 may be configured with electronic circuits. The product sales program may be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the various processing units.

[0108] When a user holds the two-dimensional code Q displayed on the user terminal 3 up to the camera 35, the reading processing unit 211 acquires the image of the two-dimensional code Q captured by the camera 35 and reads the information of the two-dimensional code Q. Specifically, the reading processing unit 211 reads the two-dimensional code Q and acquires the terminal ID of the user terminal 3, product information, and information indicating the payment status (payment completion information or payment pending information).

[0109] The determination processing unit 212 determines whether the payment is complete or incomplete based on the payment status acquired by the reading processing unit 211. If the acquired two-dimensional code Q contains the incomplete payment information, the determination processing unit 212 determines that the payment is incomplete. Note that the two-dimensional code Q read in this case is the first code Q1. Also, if the acquired two-dimensional code Q contains the payment completion information, the determination processing unit 212 determines that the payment has been completed. Note that the two-dimensional code Q read in this case is the second code Q2.

[0110] The notification processing unit 213 notifies information according to the determination result by the determination processing unit 212. Specifically, when the two-dimensional code Q read by the gate device 2 from the user terminal 3 contains the unpaid information, the notification processing unit 213 displays a message (see FIG. 9) indicating that the payment has not been completed on the display unit 23, and also lights or blinks the indicator light 26 in a predetermined color (e.g., red) corresponding to the unpaid payment. When the two-dimensional code Q read by the gate device 2 from the user terminal 3 contains the payment completion information, the notification processing unit 213 displays a message (see FIG. 8) indicating that the payment has been completed on the display unit 23, and also lights up the indicator light 26 in a predetermined color (e.g., green) corresponding to the payment completion.

[0111] If the two-dimensional code Q contains the unpaid information, the output processing unit 214 sends completion information indicating that the user has finished shopping (left the store) to the management server 1. When the control unit 11 of the management server 1 receives the completion information, it deletes the record of the corresponding terminal ID from the shopping information D20.

[0112] Here, by checking the color of the indicator light 26 that lights up when the user holds the two-dimensional code Q up to the gate device 2, the store staff can determine whether the user who is about to pass through the gate device 2 has made a proper payment or is a fraudster who is about to leave the store without making a payment.

[0113] For example, when the store staff sees that the indicator light 26 is lit green, they can understand that the user who is about to pass through the gate device 2 has made an appropriate payment.

[0114] Furthermore, when the store staff sees the indicator light 26 lit or flashing red, they can determine that the user passing through the gate device 2 is a fraudulent person who is trying to leave the store without paying. In this case, the notification processing unit 213 displays a message indicating that payment has not been made (see FIG. 9) on the display unit 23. The notification processing unit 213 may also cause the gate device 2 to output an alarm sound or increase the flashing speed of the indicator light 26. The notification processing unit 213 may also notify the store staff to perform payment confirmation work. Upon receiving the notification, the store staff urges the user to complete the payment process (checkout).

[0115] In another embodiment, the gate device 2 may include an openable / closable gate (door). When the gate is opened and the passage is open, the user can pass through the gate passage, and when the gate is closed and the passage is blocked, the user cannot pass through the gate passage. The gate may be configured as a physical door that can be opened and closed, or may be an electronic door that uses light, or may be an audio door that allows or prohibits the user from passing through by audio. For example, the control unit 21 closes the gate if payment has not been completed, and opens the gate if payment has been completed.

[0116] [Product sales processing] Hereinafter, the product sales process executed in the product sales system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. For example, the product sales process is started when a user logs in to a shopping application using the user terminal 3 at the store 200 (see FIG. 2). Note that the product sales process may be terminated midway in response to a predetermined operation performed by the user on the user terminal 3.

[0117] Note that one or more steps included in the product sales process described here may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the steps in the product sales process may be executed in a different order as long as the same operational effect is achieved. Furthermore, while the explanation here takes as an example a case where the control unit 11 of the management server 1, the control unit 21 of the gate device 2, and the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 execute the steps in the product sales process, in other embodiments, the steps in the product sales process may be executed in a distributed manner by multiple other processors.

[0118] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 and the control unit 11 of the management server 1 execute a login process to log in to the shopping application. For example, when a user visits the store 200 and starts the shopping application on the user terminal 3, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 sends the terminal ID of the user terminal 3 to the management server 1, and the control unit 11 of the management server 1 permits the login and registers the terminal ID in the shopping information D20 (see FIG. 11).

[0119] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 acquires information (product name, price, etc.) about the product that the user scanned with the camera 35 of the user terminal 3. For example, when the user scans a barcode of a product with the camera 35 of the user terminal 3, the control unit 31 reads the barcode and acquires the product information (product name, price). The control unit 31 transmits the acquired product information to the management server 1. Note that step S2 is an example of an acquisition step of the present invention.

[0120] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 receives product information transmitted from the user terminal 3 and registers the product information as a product in the cart of the shopping information D20. For example, when receiving product information from the user terminal 3 of the user, the control unit 11 registers the product information as a product in the user's cart of the shopping information D20 (see FIG. 10).

[0121] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 determines whether or not the payment execution instruction has been received from the user. For example, when the user presses operation button T3 on the operation screen (see (b) of FIG. 3), the control unit 31 receives the payment execution instruction. If the control unit 31 receives the payment execution instruction from the user (S4: Yes), it transitions the process to step S5. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 does not receive the payment execution instruction from the user (S4: No), it transitions the process to step S2. The control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 and the control unit 11 of the management server 1 repeatedly execute the above-described process until the payment execution instruction is received from the user.

[0122] <Step S5> If the payment execution instruction is an instruction to execute a mobile payment, in step S5, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 transmits payment information required for the mobile payment to the management server 1. For example, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 transmits payment information including information about the user (user ID, payment method, etc.), store identification information, etc. to the management server 1.

[0123] On the other hand, if the payment execution instruction is an instruction to execute payment at the settlement device 5, the control unit 31 executes the code display process in the next step S10 without transmitting the payment information.

[0124] When a user executes a payment process on the settlement device 5, if a payment method other than cash payment is selected, the settlement device 5 transmits payment information to the management server 1. Note that if cash payment is selected, the settlement device 5 transmits a payment completion notification to the management server 1 once the payment is completed.

[0125] <Step S6> When the control unit 11 of the management server 1 acquires the payment information from the user terminal 3 or the settlement device 5, it executes the payment process in step S6. For example, the control unit 11 executes the payment process by sending payment authentication information (payment request) to the payment server 6 for the total amount (billing amount) of the products in the cart associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3 used by the user in the shopping information D20. When the payment process is completed, a payment completion notice is sent from the payment server 6. When the payment process is completed, "Completed" is registered in the payment status field of the shopping information D20.

[0126] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 determines whether or not the payment completion notice has been received.

[0127] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 11 generates the second code Q2 for leaving the store, which includes the payment completion information. Specifically, the control unit 11 generates the second code Q2, which includes the terminal ID, product information of the purchased product, and the payment completion information.

[0128] <Step S9> In step S9, the control unit 11 transmits the information of the generated second code Q2 to the user terminal 3.

[0129] <Step S10> In step S10, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 performs a code display process (see FIG. 13) to display a two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store on the operation and display unit 33.

[0130] <Step S11> In step S11, the control unit 21 of the gate device 2 reads the two-dimensional code Q displayed on the user terminal 3. For example, when the user holds the first code Q1 displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3 up to the camera 25 of the gate device 2, the control unit 21 reads the first code Q1 and acquires information such as the outstanding payment information contained in the first code Q1. Also, when the user holds the second code Q2 displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3 up to the camera 25 of the gate device 2, the control unit 21 reads the second code Q2 and acquires information such as the outstanding payment information contained in the second code Q2.

[0131] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 21 of the gate device 2 executes a store exit determination process based on the information read from the two-dimensional code Q.

[0132] For example, when the control unit 21 acquires the unpaid information from the two-dimensional code Q, it displays the message shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 23 of the gate device 2 and turns on or blinks the indicator light 26 of the gate device 2 in red to prohibit the user from passing through. Furthermore, when the control unit 21 acquires the payment completion information from the two-dimensional code Q, it displays the message shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 23 of the gate device 2 and turns on the indicator light 26 of the gate device 2 in green to permit the user to pass through. The control unit 21 may also cause the display unit 23 to display the name of the purchased product, the payment amount, etc.

[0133] <Step S13> In step S13, when the control unit 21 of the gate device 2 acquires the payment completion information from the two-dimensional code Q, the control unit 21 transmits completion information indicating that the user has properly performed the payment process and properly finished shopping (left the store) to the management server 1. Note that when the control unit 21 acquires the unpaid information from the two-dimensional code Q, the control unit 21 considers that the user is attempting to pass through the gate device 2 without properly performing the payment process. In this case, the control unit 21 does not transmit the completion information to the management server 1.

[0134] <Step S14> In step S14, when the control unit 11 of the management server 1 acquires the completion information from the gate device 2, the control unit 11 deletes the record of the shopping information D20.

[0135] When the record of the shopping information D20 is deleted, the merchandise sales process ends in the merchandise sales system 100. The merchandise sales system 100 executes the merchandise sales process in parallel for each user.

[0136] [Code display processing] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18, the code display process (step S10 in FIG. 12) executed by the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 in the product sales system 100 will be described, along with the information display method of the present invention.

[0137] [Code display process (first process example)] First, a first processing example of the code display processing will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first processing example of the code display processing. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an exit code display screen D9 displayed on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3 in the code display processing.

[0138] <Step S21> When the payment execution instruction is acquired in step S4 of Fig. 12, in step S21, the control unit 31 determines whether the code display instruction has been input. As described above, when the operation button T6 (see Fig. 6(b)) is operated, it is determined that the code display instruction has been input.

[0139] <Step S22> When the code display instruction is input, in the next step S22, the control unit 31 reads out the first code Q1 stored in the storage unit 32 and displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33. Specifically, the control unit 31 displays a screen D9A shown in Fig. 14(a) including the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33. Note that step S22 is an example of a display step of the present invention.

[0140] 14(a), screen D9A includes a first code Q1, a message M10 urging the customer to leave the store by holding the displayed two-dimensional code over gate device 2, an operation button T6 for the customer to operate when payment is complete, and a message display frame 33A. Note that, because operation button T6 is used only in a fourth processing example described below, it is not necessary to display operation button T6 on the operation display unit 33 in cases other than the fourth processing example.

[0141] <Step S23> In the next step S23, the control unit 31 displays the above-mentioned warning message in the message display frame 33A on the screen D9A.

[0142] <Step S24> In the next step S24, the control unit 31 determines whether the payment process at the settlement device 5 has been completed, or whether the mobile payment by the user terminal 3 has been completed. Specifically, when the management server 1 receives the payment completion notice, the second code Q2 including payment completion information is generated and the second code Q2 is sent to the user terminal 3. Therefore, the control unit 31 can determine that the payment process has been completed when the second code Q2 is received from the management server 1.

[0143] In addition, if the second code Q2 is not sent from the management server 1 unless the control unit 31 requests transmission from the management server 1, the control unit 31 may request confirmation of payment completion from the management server 1 every time a predetermined time has elapsed, and determine whether the payment has been completed based on the information contained in the response signal sent from the management server 1 or the second code Q2 sent together with the response signal.

[0144] <Step S25> If it is determined in step S24 that the payment has been completed, in the next step S25, the control unit 31 displays the second code Q2 received from the management server 1 on the operation display unit 33. Specifically, the control unit 31 displays a screen D9B shown in FIG. 14(b) including the second code Q2 on the operation display unit 33. This completes the first processing example of the code display process. Note that step S25 is an example of a display step of the present invention.

[0145] As described above, in the product sales system 100 according to this embodiment, the code display process described above is performed, so that when the code display command is input after the payment execution command is acquired, the first code Q1 is immediately displayed on the operation display unit 33, making it possible to strongly remind the customer that they need to use the two-dimensional code Q for store exit when leaving the store after completing payment. As a result, the two-dimensional code Q can be prepared in advance without forgetting when passing through the gate device 2, and the two-dimensional code Q can be read by the gate device 2, facilitating a smooth store exit.

[0146] Furthermore, as described above, even if the first code Q1 is read by the gate device 2, the gate device 2 performs the error processing described above. Therefore, a customer who attempts to leave the store without completing payment can recognize that the payment process has not been completed through the error processing by the gate device 2, and the customer can be prevented from leaving the store without completing payment. Furthermore, the customer can realize that the payment has not been completed, return to the settlement device 5, and perform the payment process again. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts that the customer does not intend. Furthermore, because the store step immediately detects the attempt to leave the store without completing payment, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts by malicious people who intentionally interrupt the payment and try to leave the store using the first code Q1.

[0147] Furthermore, if the payment process is carried out properly, the first code Q1 that was initially displayed is automatically updated to the second code Q2, allowing the user to have the gate device 2 read the two-dimensional code Q and exit the store smoothly.

[0148] [Code display process (second processing example)] Next, a second processing example of the code display processing will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the second processing example of the code display processing. The second processing example differs from the first processing example in that the warning message is displayed if it is determined in step S24 that the payment has not been completed.

[0149] 15, in the second processing example, if it is determined in step S24 that the payment has not been completed, the control unit 31 displays the above-mentioned warning message in the message display frame 33A on the screen D9A in the next step S241. Thereafter, the process returns to step S24, and the processes from step S24 onward are repeated. Note that step S241 is the same process as step S23 described above.

[0150] In this way, the warning message is not displayed when the first code Q1 is displayed, but rather is not displayed initially and is displayed when it is determined that the payment process has not been completed. Therefore, a user who is about to leave the store without paying can recognize that payment has not been made by checking the warning message and can stop leaving without paying. Furthermore, because the user can recognize that they cannot leave the store using the first code Q1, malicious persons who try to leave the store using the first code Q1 can be prevented from committing fraud.

[0151] [Code display process (third process example)] Next, a third processing example of the code display process will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the third processing example of the code display process. The third processing example differs from the second processing example in that step S230 is added before step S241.

[0152] That is, as shown in Fig. 16, in the third processing example, if it is determined in step S24 that the payment has not been completed, then in the next step S230, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the predetermined set time has elapsed since the payment execution instruction was input. If it is determined in step S230 that the set time has elapsed, then in the next step S231, the control unit 31 displays the above-mentioned warning message in the message display frame 33A on screen D9A. Then, the process returns to step S24, and the processing from step S24 onwards is repeated.

[0153] If the set time has not elapsed in step S230, the process returns to step S24, and the processes from step S24 onwards are repeated.

[0154] [Code display process (4th process example)] Next, a fourth processing example of the code display processing will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the fourth processing example of the code display processing. In the following description, detailed description of processes equivalent to the first, second, and third processing examples will be omitted.

[0155] <Step S31> 12, when the payment execution instruction is acquired in step S4, in the next step S31, the control unit 31 reads out the first code Q1 stored in the memory unit 32 and displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33. Note that step S31 is the same process as step S22 described above.

[0156] <Step S32> In the next step S32, the control unit 31 displays an operation button T6 on the screen D9A to enable the user to input the code display instruction. Specifically, the control unit 31 displays the screen D9A including the first code Q1 and the operation button T6 on the operation display unit 33 of the user terminal 3.

[0157] <Step S33> Thereafter, in step S33, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the code display instruction has been input. Specifically, when the operation button T6 (see FIG. 14(a)) displayed on the screen D9A is operated, it is determined that the code display instruction has been input.

[0158] <Step S34> In the next step S34, the control unit 31 determines whether the payment process at the settlement device 5 has been completed or whether the mobile payment by the user terminal 3 has been completed. Note that step S34 is the same process as step S24 described above.

[0159] <Step S35> If it is determined in step S34 that the payment has been completed, then in the next step S35, the control unit 31 displays the second code Q2 received from the management server 1 on the operation display unit 33. Note that step S35 is the same process as step S25 described above.

[0160] <Step S341> On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the payment has not been completed, in the next step S341, the control unit 31 displays the above-mentioned warning message in the message display frame 33A of the screen D9A. Then, the process returns to step S33, and the processes from step S33 onward are repeated. Note that step S341 is the same process as steps S241 and S23 described above.

[0161] In this way, the first code Q1 is displayed immediately after the payment execution instruction is acquired, so the user can quickly become aware of the existence of the first code Q1, and the user can be more strongly made aware of the need to use the two-dimensional code Q for exiting the store when leaving the store after completing the payment.

[0162] [Code display process (5th process example)] First, a fifth processing example of the code display processing will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the fifth processing example of the code display processing. In the following description, detailed description of processes equivalent to the first, second, third, and fourth processing examples will be omitted.

[0163] <Step S41> 12, when the payment execution instruction is acquired, in step S41, the control unit 31 determines whether the code display instruction is input or not. Note that step S41 is the same process as step S21 described above.

[0164] <Step S42> When the code display instruction is input, in the next step S42, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the payment process at the settlement device 5 has been completed, or whether or not the mobile payment by the user terminal 3 has been completed. Note that step S42 is the same process as steps S24 and S34 described above.

[0165] <Step S43> If it is determined in step S42 that the payment has been completed, in the next step S43, the control unit 31 displays the second code Q2 received from the management server 1 on the operation display unit 33. Specifically, the control unit 31 displays a screen D9B shown in FIG. 14(b) including the second code Q2 on the operation display unit 33.

[0166] <Step S44> On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the payment has not been completed, then in the next step S44, the control unit 31 reads out the first code Q1 stored in the memory unit 32 and displays the first code Q1 on the operation display unit 33. Note that step S44 is the same process as steps S22 and S31 described above.

[0167] <Step S45> Thereafter, the control unit 31 displays the above-mentioned warning message in the message display frame 33A of the screen D9A. Thereafter, the process returns to step S41, and the processes from step S41 onward are repeated. Note that step S45 is the same process as steps S23, S241, and S341 described above.

[0168] In this way, the first code Q1 is not displayed immediately after the code display instruction is input, but rather the first code Q1 is displayed when it is determined that the payment has not been completed, and the second code Q2 is displayed when it is determined that the payment has been completed.

[0169] [Other embodiments] The product sales system 100 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may have the following forms.

[0170] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 may execute the processing in the management server 1. Specifically, the shopping information D20 may be stored in the memory unit 32 of the user terminal 3, and the control unit 31 may execute the processing to generate a two-dimensional code Q (second code Q2) for exiting the store by referring to the memory unit 32.

[0171] [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0172] <Appendix 1> an acquisition processing unit that acquires product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store; a display processing unit that displays read information that can be read by the store exit device on the display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an input of an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, The display processing unit displaying first read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product in the product information is uncompleted on the display unit; After displaying the first read information, update the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product of the product information has been completed. Product sales system.

[0173] <Appendix 2> a reception processing unit that receives an input of an instruction to display the read information after receiving the instruction to execute the payment; The display processing unit In response to the input of the display instruction, the first read information is displayed on the display unit; 2. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein after the first read information is displayed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

[0174] <Appendix 3> a payment determination processing unit that determines whether payment for the product in the product information has been completed; The display processing unit A product sales system as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein if the payment determination processing unit determines that payment has been completed after the first read information is displayed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

[0175] <Appendix 4> a reception processing unit that receives an input of an instruction to display the read information after receiving the instruction to execute the payment; a payment determination processing unit that determines whether payment for the product information has been completed, The display processing unit A product sales system as described in Appendix 1, wherein when the display instruction is input after the first read information is displayed, a judgment is made by the payment judgment processing unit, and when the payment judgment processing unit judges that the payment has been completed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

[0176] <Appendix 5> a payment determination processing unit that determines whether payment for the product in the product information has been completed; The display processing unit When the payment execution instruction is input, a determination is made by the payment determination processing unit, and when the payment determination processing unit determines that the payment is incomplete, the first read information is displayed on the display unit; A product sales system as described in Appendix 1, in which a judgment is made by the payment judgment processing unit after the first read information is displayed, and if the payment judgment processing unit judges that the payment has been completed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

[0177] <Appendix 6> The display processing unit A product sales system described in any of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein, together with the first read information, a message indicating that payment for the product in the product information has not been completed or that leaving the store is not permitted is displayed on the display unit.

[0178] <Appendix 7> The display processing unit A product sales system as described in Appendix 6, wherein after the first read information is displayed on the display unit, the message is displayed on the display unit when a predetermined set time has elapsed since the payment execution instruction was input.

[0179] <Appendix 8> The display processing unit A product sales system as described in Appendix 4, wherein when the display instruction is input after the first read information is displayed, a judgment is made by the payment judgment processing unit, and when the payment judgment processing unit judges that the payment is incomplete, a message indicating that the payment for the product in the product information is incomplete or that leaving the store is not permitted is displayed on the display unit together with the first read information.

[0180] <Appendix 9> an acquisition step of acquiring product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store; a display step of displaying read information that can be read by the store exit device on the display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an input of an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, The display step includes: displaying first read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product in the product information is uncompleted on the display unit; After displaying the first read information, update the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product of the product information has been completed; The information display method includes one or more processors that execute each of the steps.

[0181] <Appendix 10> an acquisition step of acquiring product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store; a display step of displaying read information that can be read by the store exit device on the display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an input of an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, The display step includes: displaying first read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product in the product information is uncompleted on the display unit; After displaying the first read information, update the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product of the product information has been completed; A program for causing one or more processors to execute each of the steps, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which the program is stored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1: Management server 2: Gate device 3: User terminal 5:Payment device 6: Payment server 11: Control section 21: Control unit 31: Control unit 33: Operation display section 100: Product sales system 111: Acquisition processing unit 112: Payment processing unit 113: Generation processing unit 114: Payment determination processing unit 115: Output processing section 200: Store 211: Reading processing unit 212: Judgment processing unit 213: Notification processing unit 214: Output processing section 311: Reading processing unit 312: Input reception processing unit 313: Display processing unit 314: Output processing section

Claims

1. an acquisition processing unit that acquires product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store; a display processing unit that displays read information that can be read by the store exit device on the display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an input of an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, The display processing unit displaying first read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product of the product information is uncompleted on the display unit; After displaying the first read information, the display content of the display unit is updated to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product of the product information has been completed. Product sales system.

2. a reception processing unit that receives an input of an instruction to display the read information after receiving the instruction to execute the payment; The display processing unit In response to the input of the display instruction, the first read information is displayed on the display unit; The product sales system according to claim 1 , wherein after the first read information is displayed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

3. a payment determination processing unit that determines whether payment for the product in the product information has been completed; The display processing unit The product sales system according to claim 1 , wherein if the payment determination processing unit determines that the payment has been completed after the first read information is displayed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

4. a reception processing unit that receives an input of an instruction to display the read information after receiving the instruction to execute the payment; a payment determination processing unit that determines whether payment for the product information has been completed, The display processing unit 2. The product sales system of claim 1, wherein when the display instruction is input after the first read information is displayed, a judgment is made by the payment judgment processing unit, and when the payment judgment processing unit judges that the payment has been completed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

5. a payment determination processing unit that determines whether payment for the product in the product information has been completed; The display processing unit When the payment execution instruction is input, a determination is made by the payment determination processing unit, and when the payment determination processing unit determines that the payment is incomplete, the first read information is displayed on the display unit; 2. The product sales system of claim 1, wherein the payment determination processing unit makes a determination after the first read information is displayed, and if the payment determination processing unit determines that the payment has been completed, the display content of the display unit is updated to the second read information.

6. The display processing unit 6. A product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays, together with the first read information, a message indicating that payment for the product in the product information has not been completed or that leaving the store is not permitted.

7. The display processing unit 7. The product sales system according to claim 6, wherein after the first read information is displayed on the display unit, the message is displayed on the display unit when a predetermined set time has elapsed since the payment execution instruction was input.

8. The display processing unit 5. The product sales system of claim 4, wherein when the display instruction is input after the first read information is displayed, a judgment is made by the payment judgment processing unit, and when the payment judgment processing unit judges that the payment is incomplete, a message indicating that the payment for the product in the product information is incomplete or that leaving the store is not permitted is displayed on the display unit together with the first read information.

9. an acquisition step of acquiring product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store; a display step of displaying read information that can be read by the store exit device on the display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an input of an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, The display step includes: displaying first read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product of the product information is uncompleted on the display unit; After displaying the first read information, update the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product of the product information has been completed; The information display method includes one or more processors that execute each of the steps.

10. an acquisition step of acquiring product information of a product input by a user via an operation terminal in a store; a display step of displaying read information that can be read by the store exit device on the display unit of the operation terminal in response to receiving an input of an instruction to execute payment for the product in the product information, The display step includes: displaying first read information including unpaid information indicating that payment for the product of the product information is uncompleted on the display unit; After displaying the first read information, update the display content of the display unit to second read information including payment completion information indicating that payment for the product of the product information has been completed; A program for causing one or more processors to execute each of the steps.

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