Commodity registration device, control method and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for supporting user's decision making when a user selects a payment device in a designation manner.SOLUTION: There is provided a commodity registration device of a system that includes the commodity registration device and a plurality of payment devices, and the commodity registration device has processing means for transmitting payment information generated with commodity information on a commodity registered as an object to be paid for to a payment device, and display control means which displays a selection screen where the payment device as the transmission destination of the payment information can be selected from among the plurality of payment devices. The commodity registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the commodity registration device is previously related to the plurality of payment devices using information showing the association, and the display control means specifies a plurality of payment devices using the information showing the association, wherein one of a standby state and an in-use state of each of the plurality of payment devices is displayed on the selection screen, and information related to a fault of a payment device unable to perform payment processing is displayed as the one of the states.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for selectively using devices for checking out merchandise. [Background technology]

[0002] At cash register terminals in supermarkets and other stores, two processes are carried out: (1) the process of registering the items to be paid for (such as reading barcodes) and (2) the process of paying for the registered items (such as receiving payment and returning change).

[0003] One method of operation is to separate the functions of such a cash register terminal into two devices, with processes (1) and (2) being performed by different devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sales management system in which a registration device used for process (1) and a checkout device used for process (2) are separately installed. A store clerk registers products using the registration device. Once product registration is complete, the registration device issues a registration receipt. The customer takes the registration receipt to the checkout device and has it read. The device is then ready to process the transaction based on the contents of the registration receipt, and the customer operates the checkout device (such as by inserting money) to complete the transaction. Hereinafter, this method of processing the transaction using information read from a portable medium such as a registration receipt by the checkout device will be referred to as the sheet method. Hereinafter, the checkout device will also be referred to as the transaction device.

[0004] There is also a method (hereinafter referred to as the "designation method") in which a payment device that will process the payment for the products registered by a certain product registration device is designated from that product registration device without using a registration receipt, etc. In this method, the customer asks the store clerk which payment device has been designated, and then proceeds to that payment device to complete the payment.

[0005] Generally, in the designation system, a checkout device corresponding to each product registration device is placed near the product registration device, and a product registration device designates the corresponding checkout device as the checkout device that will process the checkout for registered products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-186495 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The designation method has the advantage that a user, such as a store clerk, can allow a customer to use the payment device intended by the user. When a user decides "which payment device should be selected" in the designation method, a technology is required to support that decision-making.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technology that supports a user's decision-making when the user selects a settlement device in a designation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, A product registration device in a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, a processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as a settlement target to the settlement device; a display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; and the product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association; The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, A product registration device is provided in which the selection screen displays, for each of the plurality of settlement devices, either the status of the settlement device, either standby or in use, and, for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, information regarding the failure of that settlement device is displayed instead of either of the above.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, A control method executed by a merchandise registration device in a system including a merchandise registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as the settlement target to the settlement device; displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; and the product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association; In the step of displaying the selection screen, the plurality of settlement devices are identified using the information indicating the association; A control method is provided in which the selection screen displays, for each of the plurality of settlement devices, either the status of the settlement device, as waiting or in use, and for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, information regarding a malfunction of the settlement device is displayed instead of either of the above.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, In a system including a merchandise registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, the merchandise registration device a processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as the settlement target to the settlement device; a display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be sent can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; A program that functions as the product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association; The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, A program is provided in which the selection screen displays either the standby or in use status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, and for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, information regarding the failure of that settlement device is displayed instead of either of the statuses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a technique is provided that supports a user's decision-making when the user selects a settlement device in a designated method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The above-mentioned objects, as well as other objects, features and advantages, will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information processing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system 2000 in which each functional configuration unit is implemented inside a product registration device. [Figure 4] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system 2000 in which each functional configuration unit is implemented inside a server device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 6]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of a merchandise registration device, a first settlement device, and a second settlement device included in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the layout of the product registration device, the first settlement device, and the second settlement device. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a third diagram illustrating the layout of the product registration device, the first settlement device, and the second settlement device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by the control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed by the control unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by an information processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a first flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a second flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0016] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 2000 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, each block represents a functional configuration rather than a hardware configuration.

[0017] The information processing system 2000 has a merchandise registration device 3000, a first settlement device 4020, and a second settlement device 4040. In a store that uses the information processing system 2000, merchandise settlement is carried out using the merchandise registration device 3000, the first settlement device 4020, and the second settlement device 4040. Here, the number of merchandise registration devices 3000, the first settlement device 4020, and the second settlement device 4040 installed is one or more.

[0018] The product registration device 3000 is used for the process of registering products as items to be settled. A store clerk operates the product registration device 3000 to register each product purchased by a customer as an item to be settled. As a result, settlement information is generated. The settlement information is information related to the settlement process for the products registered as items to be settled.

[0019] Each settlement device is used to settle (such as paying for) products that have been registered as items to be settled. After registering the products in the product registration device 3000, the customer goes to the settlement device. The settlement device performs settlement processing using settlement information generated as a result of the registration process by the product registration device 3000. Specifically, the settlement device presents the price to the customer, counts the price inserted, and gives back any change.

[0020] The information processing system 2000 further includes a first processing unit 2020, a second processing unit 2040, and a control unit 2060. The first processing unit 2020 associates settlement information with a first settlement device. When the settlement information is associated with the first settlement device 4020, the customer performs settlement processing at the first settlement device 4020 with which the settlement information is associated.

[0021] The second processing unit 2040 associates the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium at the second settlement device 4040, or outputs the settlement information to the portable medium. In this case, the customer goes to any second settlement device 4040 with the portable medium and performs settlement processing by having the second settlement device 4040 read the portable medium.

[0022] The control unit 2060 controls whether the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 processes the settlement information.

[0023] <Processing flow> 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 of embodiment 1. The control unit 2060 determines whether the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 will process the settlement information (S102). If the first processing unit 2020 is to process the settlement information (S104: first processing unit), the processing in FIG. 2 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the second processing unit 2040 is to process the settlement information (S104: second processing unit), the processing in FIG. 2 proceeds to step S110.

[0024] In step S106, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with any one of the first settlement devices 4020. Settlement processing based on the settlement information is performed by the first settlement device 4020 with which the settlement information is associated (S108).

[0025] Meanwhile, in step S110, the second processing unit 2040 associates the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium by the second settlement device 4040, or outputs the settlement information to the portable medium. A settlement process based on the settlement information is performed by the second settlement device 4040 that reads the portable medium (S112).

[0026] As described above, the information processing system 2000 of this embodiment controls whether the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 will perform the settlement process based on the settlement information. Having the first settlement device 4020 perform the settlement process has the advantage of, for example, allowing a customer to use a specific settlement device. On the other hand, using the second settlement device 4040 has the advantage of, for example, allowing a customer to freely select which second settlement device 4040 to use. According to the information processing system 2000 of this embodiment, the control unit 2060 performs control taking these advantages into consideration, allowing the settlement devices to be used appropriately.

[0027] This embodiment will be described in further detail below.

[0028] <Implementation method of information processing system 2000> The first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060 are implemented by one or more information processing devices. For example, all of these functional components are implemented inside the product registration device 3000 (FIG. 3).

[0029] Furthermore, it is assumed that the information processing system 2000 includes a merchandise registration device 3000, a first settlement device 4020, and a server device 5000 that is communicatively connected to the first settlement device 4020. In this case, the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060 may be implemented inside the server device 5000 (FIG. 4). Alternatively, some of these functional components may be implemented inside the merchandise registration device 3000, and the remaining functional components may be implemented inside the server device 5000 (not shown).

[0030] <Product Registration Process by Product Registration Device 3000> Various known technologies can be used for the process of registering a product to be checked out using the product registration device 3000. For example, the product registration device 3000 reads a symbol such as a barcode attached to the product to register the product as being checked out.

[0031] The settlement target for one settlement process may include multiple products. For example, the product registration device 3000 registers one or more products registered between the time it receives an operation to start the settlement target registration process and the time it receives an operation to end the settlement target registration process as the settlement target for one settlement process. The settlement information for a certain settlement process indicates, for example, the ID (Identifier) ​​of each product registered as the target for that settlement process. The settlement information may also further indicate, for example, the transaction number, the price of each product, and the total price.

[0032] <About settlement information> For example, the settlement information is generated by the product registration device 3000 that has registered the product included in the settlement information as a settlement target. In this case, the product registration device 3000 transmits the generated settlement information to the server device 5000 or stores it in a storage device accessible from the product registration device 3000. Upon receiving the settlement information, the server device 5000 stores the settlement information in a storage device accessible from the server device 5000.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the settlement information may be generated by the server device 5000. In this case, for example, the server device 5000 obtains information about the product registered as the settlement target from the product registration device 3000, and generates the settlement information using the information. Then, the server device 5000 stores the generated settlement information in a storage device accessible from the server device 5000.

[0034] Furthermore, the merchandise registration device 3000 and the server device 5000 may store the settlement information in a storage device accessible from the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040.

[0035] Note that a specific method for generating the settlement information can use various known techniques, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] For example, in order to acquire settlement information, the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 transmits a request indicating the ID of the settlement information to the server device 5000 or the merchandise registration device 3000. The server device 5000 or the merchandise registration device 3000 transmits settlement information associated with the ID of the received settlement information to the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040.

[0037] In addition, the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 may acquire settlement information stored in a storage device that can be accessed by them.

[0038] <Details of the First Processing Section 2020> There are various methods by which the first processing unit 2020 associates the first settlement device 4020 with the settlement information. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the first settlement device 4020 with the settlement information by associating the ID of the first settlement device 4020 with the ID of the settlement information. Specifically, the first processing unit 2020 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020 that is the target of association. The first settlement device 4020 acquires the settlement information associated with the ID of the received settlement information from the server device 5000 or the like.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the first processing unit 2020 may associate the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 by transmitting the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020 that is the target of association.

[0040] Here, when the first processing unit 2020 is implemented inside the server device 5000, the first processing unit 2020 acquires from the merchandise registration device 3000 the ID of the settlement information to be associated or the settlement information.

[0041] The first settlement device 4020 that the first processing unit 2020 associates with the settlement information may be a first settlement device 4020 specified by the user, or may be a first settlement device 4020 determined by the first processing unit 2020 based on pre-set conditions. Here, the user is a customer, a store clerk, or the like. A method for associating settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 specified by the user will be described in embodiment 2.

[0042] There are various methods for the first processing unit 2020 to determine the first settlement device 4020 to associate with the settlement information. For example, the first processing unit 2020 determines the first settlement device 4020 to associate with the settlement information based on the status of each first settlement device 4020. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with a first settlement device 4020 that can perform settlement processing based on the newly associated settlement information. Here, the first settlement device 4020 that can perform settlement processing based on the newly associated settlement information is, for example, a first settlement device 4020 that is not currently being used by a customer. Details of the first settlement device 4020 that can perform settlement processing based on the newly associated settlement information will be described in embodiment 3.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 that is pre-associated with the merchandise registration device 3000 that registered the merchandise indicated by the settlement information. The first settlement device 4020 pre-associated with a certain merchandise registration device 3000 is, for example, a first settlement device 4020 that is located near the path of a customer using the merchandise registration device 3000. Here, the path of a customer using the merchandise registration device 3000 refers to the route taken by the customer using the merchandise registration device 3000. The first processing unit 2020 grasps the correspondence between the merchandise registration device 3000 and the first settlement device 4020 by acquiring information indicating the correspondence between the merchandise registration device 3000 and the first settlement device 4020 from a storage device stored inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0044] If there are multiple first settlement devices 4020 that a customer can start using immediately or multiple first settlement devices 4020 associated with the product registration device 3000 that registered the product indicated by the settlement information, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with one of the multiple first settlement devices 4020. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 that is installed closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product indicated by the settlement information. Alternatively, for example, the first processing unit 2020 may randomly select one of the multiple first settlement devices 4020 and associate the settlement information with the selected first settlement device 4020.

[0045] Here, there are various methods by which the first processing unit 2020 can identify the first settlement device 4020 installed closest to the merchandise registration device 3000. For example, the first processing unit 2020 identifies the first settlement device 4020 installed closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 by acquiring location information of the merchandise registration device 3000 and the first settlement device 4020. In addition, for example, the first processing unit 2020 identifies the first settlement device 4020 installed closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 by acquiring information associating the merchandise registration device 3000 with the first settlement device 4020 installed closest to the merchandise registration device 3000. The location information of each device and information associating the merchandise registration device 3000 with the first settlement device 4020 are stored in advance in a storage unit internal or external to the information processing system 2000.

[0046] Alternatively, the first settlement device 4020 may randomly select one from all of the first settlement devices 4020 and associate settlement information with the selected first settlement device 4020.

[0047] <Details of the second processing unit 2040> As described above, the second processing unit 2040 associates the settlement information with identification information read from the portable medium by the second settlement device 4040, or outputs the settlement information to the portable medium. Here, there are various types of information that the second settlement device 4040 can read. The information that the second settlement device 4040 can read differs depending on the configuration and functions of the second settlement device 4040. Therefore, the operation of the second processing unit 2040 also differs depending on the configuration and functions of the second settlement device 4040. Below, the operation of the first processing unit 2040 will be described in relation to the information that the second processing unit 2040 reads from the portable medium.

[0048] <<When the second settlement device 4040 reads the settlement information ID>> When the second settlement device 4040 reads the ID of the settlement information from the portable medium, the second processing unit 2040 acquires the ID of the settlement information to be associated and outputs the acquired ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. This associates the settlement information with the identification information (ID of the settlement information) read from the portable medium. The method by which the second processing unit 2040 outputs the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium will be described below.

[0049] For example, the second processing unit 2040 outputs a portable medium to be read by the second settlement device 4040. This portable medium is, for example, a sheet of paper or plastic. At this time, the second processing unit 2040 outputs (prints or records, etc.) the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. When printing the ID of the settlement information on the sheet, the ID of the settlement information is printed using, for example, various codes (such as a character string, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code). The customer takes the sheet output by the second processing unit 2040 to the second settlement device 4040 and has the second settlement device 4040 read the ID of the settlement information printed on the sheet. In this way, the second settlement device 4040 obtains the ID of the settlement information. The sheet may be disposable or may be a reusable rewritable card.

[0050] Alternatively, the second processing unit 2040 may output the ID of the settlement information to a portable medium that the customer already has, rather than outputting the portable medium. For example, the second processing unit 2040 records the ID of the settlement information on the customer's membership card. In another example, the second processing unit 2040 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the customer's mobile terminal. In this case, the customer's mobile terminal has the function of receiving the ID of the settlement information transmitted by the second processing unit 2040 and displaying the ID on the display screen.

[0051] There are various methods by which the second processing unit 2040 can identify the destination of the ID of the settlement information. For example, if a customer has registered as a member at a store, the member information includes an email address. In this case, the second processing unit 2040 obtains the email address included in the customer's member information by, for example, reading a membership card or the like presented by the customer. The second processing unit 2040 then sends the ID of the settlement information to the obtained email address.

[0052] Alternatively, for example, a customer may install a dedicated application provided by a store or the like onto a mobile device in advance. This application has a function for establishing a wireless connection with the merchandise registration device 3000. The merchandise registration device 3000 then transmits the ID of the settlement information to the application with which the connection has been established.

[0053] <<When the second settlement device 4040 reads settlement information>> When the second settlement device 4040 reads the settlement information itself from the portable medium, the second processing unit 2040 acquires the settlement information and outputs the settlement information to the portable medium in the same manner as the method of outputting the ID of the settlement information to the portable medium. In this case, the second settlement device 4040 acquires the settlement information by reading it from the portable medium.

[0054] <<When the second settlement device 4040 reads identification information other than the ID of the settlement information>> Assume that the second settlement device 4040 reads identification information other than the ID of the settlement information from a portable medium. In this case, the second processing unit 2040 reads this identification information from a portable medium (such as a membership card or mobile terminal) that the customer already has. For example, if the portable medium is a membership card, this identification information may be a membership ID. The second processing unit 2040 obtains the ID of the settlement information to be associated and associates this ID of the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium. The second processing unit 2040 then transmits the ID of the associated settlement information and the identification information read from the portable medium to the server device 5000.

[0055] In this case, the second settlement device 4040 reads the identification information from the portable medium and acquires settlement information based on this identification information. For example, the second settlement device 4040 sends a request indicating this identification information to the server device 5000. The server device 5000 determines the ID of the settlement information associated with the identification information indicated in the acquired request, and transmits the settlement information identified by the ID of this settlement information to the second settlement device 4040.

[0056] When the second processing unit 2040 is implemented inside the server device 5000, the second processing unit 2040 acquires the ID of the settlement information to be associated and the settlement information from the merchandise registration device 3000.

[0057] <Details of the control unit 2060> The control unit 2060 controls whether the settlement information is to be processed by the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040. There are various methods for the control unit 2060 to control whether the settlement information is to be processed by the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040. Specific methods for these will be described in the respective embodiments below.

[0058] The control unit 2060 operates at various times. For example, the control unit 2060 operates when product registration is completed by the product registration device 3000. Alternatively, the control unit 2060 may operate before product registration is started by the product registration device 3000, or when an operation to select a checkout device to process the checkout information is received from a store clerk.

[0059] <Details of the payment device> The settlement device acquires the settlement information and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information. A known method can be used for the settlement device to perform settlement processing based on the information used for product settlement processing (settlement information). Details of this known method will be omitted.

[0060] The second settlement device 4040 reads settlement information, the ID of the settlement information, or identification information other than the ID of the settlement information from the portable medium. If the information read from the portable medium is settlement information, the second settlement device 4040 acquires the settlement information by reading the settlement information from the portable medium. Note that if the settlement information is printed on the portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second settlement device 4040 determines the settlement information by decoded the read information.

[0061] If the information read from the portable medium is identification information, the second settlement device 4040 acquires settlement information associated with the read identification information. Here, if the identification information is printed on the portable medium as coded information such as a barcode, the second settlement device 4040 decodes the read information to determine the identification information. The method by which the second settlement device 4040 acquires settlement information based on the identification information is as described above.

[0062] <Hardware configuration example> Each functional component of the information processing device that implements the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060 may be realized by hardware (e.g., a hardwired electronic circuit, etc.) that realizes each functional component, or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.).

[0063] The information processing device is implemented as various computers such as a PC (Personal Computer), a portable terminal, a server machine, etc. Here, the information processing system 2000 may be implemented in a computer dedicated to implementing the information processing system 2000, or may be implemented in a general-purpose computer that also includes other applications, etc.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1000. The information processing device 1000 includes a bus 1020, a processor 1040, a memory 1060, a storage 1080, an input / output interface 1100, and a network interface 1120. The bus 1020 is a data transmission path through which the processor 1040, the memory 1060, the storage 1080, the input / output interface 1100, and the network interface 1120 transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of interconnecting the processor 1040 and other components is not limited to bus connection. The processor 1040 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory 1060 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The storage 1080 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card. The storage 1080 may also be a memory such as a RAM or a ROM.

[0065] The input / output interface 1100 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 1000 to an input / output device. The input / output device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a display. If the information processing device 1000 is a product registration device 3000, the input / output device further includes a barcode reader used for product registration.

[0066] The network interface 1120 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 1000 to an external device (such as a payment device). The network interface 1120 may be a network interface for connecting to a wired line or a network interface for connecting to a wireless line.

[0067] The storage 1080 stores programs for realizing the functions of the information processing device 1000. Specifically, the storage 1080 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060. The processor 1040 executes each of these program modules to respectively realize the functions of the first processing unit 2020, the second processing unit 2040, and the control unit 2060. Here, when executing each of the above modules, the processor 1040 may read these modules onto the memory 1060 before executing them, or may execute them without reading them onto the memory 1060.

[0068] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1000 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 5. For example, each program module may be stored in the memory 1060. In this case, the information processing device 1000 does not need to include the storage 1080.

[0069] Furthermore, the functions of the information processing system 2000 may be realized by a plurality of information processing devices 1000 (such as the product registration device 3000 and the server device 5000).

[0070] <Example> Below, an example is given using a specific layout of each device of the information processing system 2000 to explain the flow of product payment using the information processing system 2000. The operation of the information processing system 2000 explained below is an example of the operation of the information processing system 2000 described above.

[0071] <<About the layout>> 6 is a diagram illustrating the layout of the merchandise registration device 3000, first settlement device 4020, and second settlement device 4040 of the information processing system 2000 of the embodiment. The first settlement device 4020 is installed near the merchandise registration device 3000 along the flow line of the customer 10. On the other hand, the second settlement device 4040 is installed a short distance away from the merchandise registration device 3000. According to this layout, the distance between the first settlement device 4020 closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 and that merchandise registration device 3000 is shorter than the distance between the second settlement device 4040 closest to the merchandise registration device 3000 and that merchandise registration device 3000.

[0072] As described above, the first settlement device 4020 acquires settlement information associated with the first settlement device 4020 using the first processing unit 2020. Therefore, unlike the second settlement device 4040, which acquires settlement information based on information read from a portable medium, the first settlement device 4020 can acquire settlement information without reading identification information or the like from a portable medium. Therefore, a customer using the first settlement device 4020 does not need to have the settlement device read a portable medium. Therefore, it can be said that the first settlement device 4020 is easier for customers to operate. By installing the easy-to-operate first settlement device 4020 near the product registration device 3000, there is an advantage in that customers who are unfamiliar with using settlement devices (such as children or the elderly) can use the easy-to-operate settlement device, while the store clerk operating the product registration device 3000 can provide support to such customers.

[0073] However, the layout of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 is not limited to the layout in Fig. 6. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the positions of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 may be reversed from that in Fig. 6. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, the layout may be such that both the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 are installed along the flow of customers 10.

[0074] <<About the payment process>> The following is an example of the flow of payment for products in a store with the layout shown in Fig. 6. A store clerk 20 operating the product registration device 3000 receives a product from a customer 10 and registers the product as a payment target. At this time, the control unit 2060 determines whether the first payment device 4020 or the second payment device 4040 should process the payment information. For example, the control unit 2060 receives input from the store clerk 20 indicating whether the first payment device 4020 or the second payment device 4040 should process the payment information.

[0075] Here, let us assume that the store clerk 20 specifies that the first settlement device 4020-1 should process the settlement information. In this case, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. The first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020-1. Specifically, the first processing unit 2020 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the first settlement device 4020-1. The first settlement device 4020-1 acquires the settlement information associated with the ID of the received settlement information from the server device 5000 (not shown).

[0076] The store clerk 20 tells the customer 10 to use the first settlement device 4020-1. The customer 10 goes to the first settlement device 4020-1 to carry out the settlement process. Specifically, the first settlement device 4020-1 presents the total price of the products and the like to the customer 10. Then, the settlement process is completed when the customer 10 deposits the payment and the like.

[0077] Meanwhile, suppose that the store clerk 20 specifies that the second settlement device 4040 should process the settlement information. In this case, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information. The second processing unit 2040 outputs a portable medium on which the ID of the settlement information is printed. The customer 10 receives the output portable medium and goes to any of the second settlement devices 4040. The customer 10 then causes the second settlement device 4040 to read the portable medium. The second settlement device 4040 reads the ID of the settlement information from the portable medium, obtains the settlement information associated with the ID of the settlement information from the server device 5000, and presents the total price of the products, etc. to the customer 10. The settlement process is then completed when the customer 10 deposits the payment, etc.

[0078] The above-described embodiment shows an example in which each of the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 is implemented inside one information device. However, both the first settlement device 4020 and the second settlement device 4040 may be implemented inside one information processing device. In other words, one information processing device has both the function of operating as the first settlement device 4020 and the function of operating as the second settlement device 4040.

[0079] In this case, for example, this information processing device accepts a setting indicating whether it will operate as the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040. Furthermore, for example, this information processing device automatically determines whether it will operate as the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 based on the type of information acquired. Specifically, for example, when this information processing device receives settlement information or the ID of the settlement information from the first processing unit 2020, this information processing device operates as the first settlement device 4020. On the other hand, when this information processing device reads identification information or settlement information from a portable medium, for example, this information processing device operates as the second settlement device 4040.

[0080] [Embodiment 2] The information processing system 2000 of the second embodiment is represented, for example, in Fig. 1, similarly to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. Except for the points described below, the functions of the information processing system 2000 of the second embodiment are similar to the functions of the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment.

[0081] The control unit 2060 of the second embodiment accepts input from the user. Then, based on the accepted input, the control unit 2060 determines whether the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 should process the settlement information.

[0082] For example, the control unit 2060 displays a selection screen on a display screen connected to the product registration device 3000. Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of a selection screen 30 displayed by the control unit 2060.

[0083] The selection screen 30 in Figure 9 has buttons 40 and 50. When button 40 is pressed, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. On the other hand, when button 50 is pressed, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information.

[0084] When the button 40 is pressed and there are multiple first settlement devices 4020, the first processing unit 2020 selects one first settlement device 4020 from the multiple first settlement devices 4020 and associates the settlement information with that first settlement device 4020. For example, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 that is installed closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product that the customer is purchasing. The method by which the first processing unit 2020 identifies the first settlement device 4020 that is closest to a certain product registration device 3000 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0085] Furthermore, when the button 40 is pressed when there are multiple first settlement devices 4020, for example, the first processing unit 2020 may further display a screen for selecting one of the multiple first settlement devices 4020. In this case, the control unit 2060 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 selected on that screen.

[0086] Here, in Figure 9, the name of button 50 is "ticket issuance", but this name is merely an example. As explained in embodiment 1, the processing performed by second processing unit 2040 is not limited to outputting (issuing) a portable medium. The names of button 40 and button 50 can be set arbitrarily. For example, if the installation location of first settlement device 4020 and the installation location of second settlement device 4040 are given different names, the names of button 40 and button 50 should be the installation location of first settlement device 4020 and the installation location of second settlement device 4040, respectively.

[0087] The selection screen 30 in FIG. 10 has buttons 50 and 60. Button 60 is a button for specifying the first settlement device 4020. For example, when button 60-1 is pressed, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. Specifically, the first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the first settlement device 4020 named "Settlement Device 1."

[0088] For example, when a store clerk wants a first settlement device 4020 to process payment information, the clerk looks at information about each first settlement device 4020 displayed on the selection screen 30 and determines which first settlement device 4020 will process the payment information. FIG. 10 displays, for each first settlement device 4020, (1) the status of the settlement device (e.g., waiting, in use, etc.), (2) the number of people waiting (the number of customers waiting at the settlement device), the time the most recent settlement information was sent, (3) the number of products registered as items to be settled in the most recent settlement information, (4) the settlement amount in the settlement process, (5) the deposit status of the settlement device, and (6) the attributes of the customer currently using the settlement device. The settlement amount indicates the amount to be paid by the customer. The deposit status indicates how much yen has been deposited into the settlement device or the remaining balance to be inserted into the settlement device. The customer attributes indicate the customer's age and characteristics (e.g., agility of movement).

[0089] There are various ways for the user to press each button displayed on selection screen 30. For example, if the display displaying selection screen 30 has a touch panel, the user presses each button with a finger or the like. Alternatively, for example, the user may press each button by operating various input devices such as a keyboard or mouse.

[0090] Note that the method of performing the various selection operations exemplified above is not limited to the method of performing them through the selection screen. For example, to realize a function similar to that of the selection screen 30 in Fig. 9, physical buttons corresponding to buttons 40 and 50 may be provided on the product registration device 3000 or its periphery. Also, to realize a function similar to that of the selection screen 30 in Fig. 10, physical buttons corresponding to buttons 50 and 60 may be provided on the product registration device 3000 or its periphery. Also, both buttons on the selection screen and physical buttons may be used, such as by realizing button 50 as a physical button and button 60 as a button on the selection screen.

[0091] <Processing flow> Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 of embodiment 2. The control unit 2060 accepts an input by a user (S202). If the user input is an input specifying the first settlement device 4020 (S204: first settlement device), the processing in Fig. 11 proceeds to step S206. If the user input is an input specifying the second settlement device 4040 (S204: second settlement device), the processing in Fig. 11 proceeds to step S110.

[0092] In step S206, the first processing unit 2020 causes the first settlement device 4020 designated by the user to process the settlement information. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 11 proceeds to step S108.

[0093] The flow from step S108 onwards and the flow from step S110 onwards are the same as those in FIG.

[0094] <Hardware configuration example> For example, the information processing system 2000 of the second embodiment is realized using one or more information processing devices 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that realizes each function described in this embodiment.

[0095] According to this embodiment, whether the settlement process will be performed by the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 is determined based on input by the customer or the store clerk. Therefore, the appropriate settlement device can be used based on the judgment of the customer or the store clerk.

[0096] [Embodiment 3] The information processing system 2000 of the third embodiment is shown in Fig. 1, for example, similarly to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. The information processing system 2000 of the third embodiment has the same functions as the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0097] The control unit 2060 of the third embodiment determines whether to have the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 process the settlement information, depending on the state of the settlement device. Specifically, if the first settlement device 4020 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. On the other hand, if the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information.

[0098] <Regarding the "status of the payment device"> There are various possible situations that can be considered as specific situations that represent "a case where the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform settlement processing based on settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020." For example, this situation is (1) a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is performing settlement processing based on other settlement information. In other words, this is a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is being used by another customer. Hereinafter, situation (1) will be referred to as "in use."

[0099] Furthermore, for example, a situation that represents "a case where the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform settlement processing based on settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020" is (2) a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is not performing settlement processing based on other settlement information and is unable to process new settlement information. Specifically, this includes a situation where the first settlement device 4020 is out of order, or a situation where the communication line between the first settlement device 4020 and the outside is out of order. If the communication line between the first settlement device 4020 and the outside is out of order, the first settlement device 4020 cannot acquire settlement information and therefore cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information. Hereinafter, situation (2) will be referred to as "offline."

[0100] The information processing system 2000 defines in-use or offline, or both, as "a case in which the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020." However, the information processing system 2000 may also treat a situation other than in-use or offline as "a case in which the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020."

[0101] The definition of "a case where the first settlement device 4020 cannot perform settlement processing based on settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020" is set in advance in, for example, the control unit 2060. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain setting information representing this definition from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0102] In addition, the first settlement device 4020 that can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020 is a first settlement device 4020 other than the first settlement device 4020 that cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing unit 2020.

[0103] Here, when determining whether the first settlement device 4020 can perform settlement processing based on the newly associated settlement information, the first settlement devices 4020 that the control unit 2060 determines may be all of the first settlement devices 4020 installed in the store, or may be only some of the first settlement devices 4020.

[0104] When only some of the first settlement devices 4020 are to be subject to the above-mentioned determination, there are various methods by which the control unit 2060 can determine the first settlement devices 4020 to be subject to the determination. For example, the control unit 2060 determines, as the determination target, the first settlement device 4020 that is pre-associated with the product registration device 3000 used to register the product purchased by the customer. In this case, the control unit 2060 acquires information indicating the association between the product registration device 3000 and the first settlement device 4020 from a storage unit provided inside or outside the information processing system 2000. The first settlement device 4020 to be associated with the product registration device 3000 is, for example, a first settlement device 4020 installed near the flow line of the customer who uses the product registration device 3000.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 2060 may use the location information of the first settlement device 4020 to determine the first settlement device 4020 to be used in the above-described determination. Specifically, first, information indicating an area within the store is associated with each product registration device 3000 in advance. This area is, for example, an area representing the vicinity of the path of movement of customers using the product registration device 3000. The control unit 2060 acquires the area associated with the product registration device 3000 used to register the products purchased by the customer, and the location information of each first settlement device 4020. The control unit 2060 then determines only first settlement devices 4020 whose location information indicates that they are within this area to be used in the above-described determination.

[0106] <How to obtain the "status of the payment device"> For example, the control unit 2060 obtains information indicating the status of each first settlement device 4020 from each first settlement device 4020. Alternatively, for example, the status of each first settlement device 4020 may be monitored by the server device 5000. For example, the server device 5000 may check the status of each first settlement device 4020 by periodically or irregularly sending messages to each first settlement device 4020. Alternatively, for example, the server device 5000 may periodically or irregularly receive messages indicating the status of each first settlement device 4020 from each first settlement device 4020. When the control unit 2060 is implemented inside the product registration device 3000, the control unit 2060 obtains the status of each first settlement device 4020 from the server device 5000.

[0107] <Processing flow> Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 of embodiment 3. The control unit 2060 determines whether the first settlement device 4020 is in use or offline (S302). If the first settlement device 4020 is in use or offline (S302: YES), the processing in Fig. 12 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the first settlement device 4020 is neither in use nor offline (S302: NO), the processing in Fig. 12 proceeds to step S304.

[0108] In step S304, the first processing unit 2020 determines which first settlement device 4020 to associate with the settlement information. Here, the method by which the first processing unit 2020 determines the first settlement device 4020 to associate with the settlement information is as described in embodiment 1. The first processing unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the determined first settlement device 4020 (S306). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 12 proceeds to step S108.

[0109] The flow from step S108 onwards and the flow from step S110 onwards are the same as in the case of FIG.

[0110] According to this embodiment, whether the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 will perform the settlement process is automatically determined based on the status of the settlement devices. Specifically, if the first settlement device 4020 is available, the first settlement device 4020 will perform the settlement process, and if the second settlement device 4040 is unavailable, the second settlement device 4040 will perform the settlement process. This makes it possible, for example, to set the first settlement device 4020 as the default settlement device to be used by the customer, and to have the second settlement device 4040 used when the first settlement device 4020 is unavailable.

[0111] <Modification> The control unit 2060 may set the second settlement device 4040 as the default settlement device to be used by the customer, and may perform control so that the first settlement device 4020 is used when the second settlement device 4040 is unavailable. In this case, the handling of the first processing unit 2020 and the second processing unit 2040 is reversed from the above-described case. Specifically, when the second settlement device 4040 cannot perform settlement processing based on new settlement information, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information (causes the first settlement device 4020 to perform settlement processing). Here, the control unit 2060 acquires the status of the second settlement device 4040 in a manner similar to the method for acquiring the status of the first settlement device 4020.

[0112] Whether the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 is to be the default settlement device is determined, for example, based on the layout of the store. For example, if the first settlement device 4020 is installed near the product registration device 3000 as shown in FIG. 6, the administrator of the information processing system 2000 configures the control unit 2060 to set the first settlement device 4020 as the default settlement device. On the other hand, if the second settlement device 4040 is installed near the product registration device 3000 as shown in FIG. 7, the administrator of the information processing system 2000 configures the control unit 2060 to set the second settlement device 4040 as the default settlement device. The control unit 2060 may also acquire information indicating the layout of the store and automatically determine which settlement device to set as the default based on that information. For example, the control unit 2060 may determine the type of settlement device closest to the product registration device 3000 and set that type of settlement device as the default settlement device.

[0113] <Hardware configuration example> For example, the information processing system 2000 of the third embodiment is realized using one or more information processing devices 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that realizes each function described in this embodiment.

[0114] [Embodiment 4] The information processing system 2000 of the fourth embodiment is shown in Fig. 1, similarly to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. The information processing system 2000 of the fourth embodiment has the same functions as the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0115] The control unit 2060 of the fourth embodiment determines whether the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 should process the settlement information, depending on the attributes of the customer using the settlement device. The attributes of the customer represent the customer's age and characteristics (such as agility of movement).

[0116] <Customer age-based control> Children and the elderly are likely to prefer to use a product registration device 3000 that is as close to the product registration device 3000 as possible, because they are less physically fit than young adults. Also, children and the elderly are likely to ask a store clerk how to operate a payment device, because they are less familiar with operating devices than young adults. Therefore, it is more convenient for both the customer and the store clerk to have them use a payment device that is close to a product registration device 3000 where a store clerk is present.

[0117] Furthermore, it is believed that children and the elderly take longer to move to a checkout device than young adults. Therefore, the total time required to pay for products will be shorter if customers use a checkout device closer to the product registration device 3000. The total time is the sum of the time required to register products at the product registration device 3000, the time required to move from the product registration device 3000 to the checkout device, and the time required to process the checkout at the checkout device. The shorter this total time is, the more efficient the store will be and the higher the customer satisfaction will be.

[0118] Therefore, if the customer is a child or an elderly person, the control unit 2060 controls the customer to use a checkout device that is closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product that the customer is purchasing. Here, "if the customer is a child" refers to, for example, a case where the customer's age is below a certain predetermined value. Also, "if the customer is elderly" refers to, for example, a case where the customer's age is above a certain predetermined value. These predetermined values ​​are set in the control unit 2060 in advance, for example. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain these predetermined values ​​from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0119] The process of "controlling so that the customer uses a settlement device closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product that the customer is purchasing" is, for example, as follows. First, assume that the settlement device closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product is the first settlement device 4020. In this case, if the customer is a child or an elderly person, the control unit 2060 causes the first processing unit 2020 to process the settlement information. As a result, the customer will use the first settlement device 4020. On the other hand, assume that the settlement device closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product is the second settlement device 4040. In this case, if the customer is a child or an elderly person, the control unit 2060 causes the second processing unit 2040 to process the settlement information. As a result, the customer will use the second settlement device 4040.

[0120] Control based on customer agility It is expected that customers who are not quick to move will take a long time to move from the product registration device 3000 to the payment device. As mentioned above, it is preferable for customers who take a long time to move to the payment device to use a payment device that is close to the product registration device 3000 where the customer registered the product they are purchasing.

[0121] Therefore, when a customer's movements are not quick, the control unit 2060 controls the customer to use a checkout device that is close to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product that the customer is purchasing. Here, "when the customer's movements are not quick" refers to, for example, when an index value representing the quickness of the customer's movements is equal to or less than a certain predetermined value. The index value representing the quickness of the customer's movements is, for example, a value expressed on a five-point scale. The predetermined value is set in the control unit 2060 in advance. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain the predetermined value from a storage device inside or outside the information processing system 2000.

[0122] Here, the specific process of "controlling the customer to use the checkout device closest to the product registration device 3000 where the product that the customer is purchasing is registered" is the same as that described when control is performed based on the customer's age.

[0123] The above-mentioned customer attributes may be manually input to the information processing system 2000, or may be automatically acquired by the information processing system 2000. In the former case, for example, the customer attributes are input by a store clerk who operates the product registration device 3000 to register the product that the customer will purchase. For example, the store clerk may estimate and input the customer's age from the customer's face, etc., and input the customer's agility from the customer's actions when handing over a shopping basket to the store clerk, etc.

[0124] When the information processing system 2000 automatically acquires customer attributes, for example, the customer attributes are stored in advance in a storage unit inside or outside the information processing system 2000 in association with the customer's ID (such as a member ID). In this case, a store clerk reads the customer's membership card or the like using the merchandise registration device 3000. The information processing system 2000 acquires the customer's ID read by the merchandise registration device 3000, and acquires the customer's attributes associated with the acquired customer ID.

[0125] <Processing flow 1> 13 is a first flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, the control unit 2060 performs control based on the age of the customer. Here, it is assumed that the first settlement device 4020 is the closest settlement device to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product.

[0126] The control unit 2060 determines whether the customer's age is equal to or less than a first predetermined value or equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (S402). If the customer's age is equal to or less than the first predetermined value or equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (S402: YES), the process in FIG. 13 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the customer's age is greater than the first predetermined value and less than the second predetermined value (S402: NO), the process in FIG. 13 proceeds to step S110.

[0127] The flow from step S304 onwards and the flow from step S110 onwards are the same as in the case of FIG.

[0128] <Processing flow 2> 14 is a second flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, the control unit 2060 performs control based on the agility of the customer's movements. Here, it is assumed that the first settlement device 4020 is the closest settlement device to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product.

[0129] The control unit 2060 determines whether an index value representing the agility of the customer's movements is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S502). If the index value is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S504: YES), the process in FIG. 14 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the index value is greater than the predetermined value (S504: NO), the process in FIG. 14 proceeds to step S110.

[0130] The flow from step S304 onwards and the flow from step S110 onwards are the same as in the case of FIG.

[0131] <Hardware configuration example> For example, the information processing system 2000 of the fourth embodiment is realized using one or more information processing devices 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that realizes each function described in this embodiment.

[0132] According to this embodiment, whether the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 will perform the settlement process is automatically determined based on the attributes of the customer. This allows each customer to use an appropriate settlement device according to the customer's attributes, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the settlement devices and improving customer satisfaction.

[0133] [Embodiment 5] The information processing system 2000 of the fifth embodiment is shown in Fig. 1, for example, similarly to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. The information processing system 2000 of the fifth embodiment has the same functions as the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0134] The control unit 2060 of the fifth embodiment determines whether the first processing unit 2020 or the second processing unit 2040 should process the settlement information, depending on the settlement object registered in the merchandise registration device 3000.

[0135] When there are a large number of products to be paid for or when the products to be paid for are heavy, the customer is likely to want to use a checkout device that is close to the product registration device 3000. In these cases, it is likely that it will take a long time for the customer to move to the checkout device, and therefore the total time required to pay for the products will be long.

[0136] Therefore, if the number of items to be settled is large or the weight of the items to be settled is heavy, the control unit 2060 controls the customer to use a checkout device closest to the product registration device 3000 that registered the items to be purchased by the customer. Here, "if the number of items is large" means, for example, when the number of items is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Also, "if the weight of the items is heavy" means, for example, when the weight of the items is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Note that if there are multiple items registered for settlement, the "weight of the items" refers to the total weight of each item. Here, the control unit 2060 obtains the weight of each item from, for example, a database that manages information about each item. The above-mentioned predetermined values ​​are set in the control unit 2060 in advance, for example. However, the control unit 2060 may obtain these predetermined values ​​from an internal or external storage device of the information processing system 2000.

[0137] Here, the specific process of "controlling the customer to use a checkout device close to the product registration device 3000 that registered the product that the customer is purchasing" is the same as the process described in the fourth embodiment.

[0138] <Processing flow> 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 2000 of embodiment 5. Here, it is assumed that the first settlement device 4020 is the closest settlement device to the merchandise registration device 3000 that has registered the merchandise.

[0139] The control unit 2060 determines whether the number of products is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value or the weight of the products is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (S602). If the number of products is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value or the weight of the products is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (S602: YES), the process in FIG. 15 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the number of products is less than the first predetermined value and the weight of the products is less than the second predetermined value (S602: NO), the process in FIG. 15 proceeds to step S110.

[0140] The flow from step S304 onwards and the flow from step S110 onwards are the same as in the case of FIG.

[0141] <Hardware configuration example> For example, the information processing system 2000 of the fifth embodiment is realized using one or more information processing devices 1000 (see FIG. 5), similar to the information processing system 2000 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that realizes each function described in this embodiment.

[0142] According to this embodiment, whether the first settlement device 4020 or the second settlement device 4040 will perform the settlement process is automatically determined based on the number and weight of products purchased. This allows each customer to use the appropriate settlement device depending on the number and weight of products they purchase, improving the efficiency of settlement device usage and customer satisfaction.

[0143] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and it is also possible to adopt combinations of the above-described embodiments and various configurations other than the above-described embodiments.

[0144] For example, in the third to fifth embodiments, when the first settlement device 4020 is to perform the settlement process, the first processing unit 2020 automatically determines which first settlement device 4020 is to perform the settlement process. However, in the third to fifth embodiments, the user may specify which first settlement device 4020 is to perform the settlement process. In this case, for example, after the control unit 2060 determines that the first processing unit 2020 is to process the settlement information, the first processing unit 2020 displays a selection screen for selecting the first settlement device 4020, as described in the second embodiment. This selection screen is, for example, the selection screen 30 in FIG. 10 . In this case, the selection screen 30 may or may not display a button 50. When the button 50 is displayed, even if the control unit 2060 determines that the first settlement device 4020 is to perform the settlement process, the second settlement device 4040 can be selected to perform the settlement process. This allows for flexible store operations that prioritize the judgment of store staff and customers.

[0145] Below, examples of reference forms are given. 1. An information processing system including a product registration device, and a first settlement device and a second settlement device that respectively perform settlement processing using settlement information for products registered in the product registration device, a first processing means for associating settlement information with a first settlement device; a second processing means for associating the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium in the second settlement device or outputting the settlement information to the portable medium; a control means for controlling whether the settlement information is to be processed by the first processing means or the second processing means; An information processing system having the above. 2. The information processing system according to 1., wherein the control means controls whether the first processing means or the second processing means performs processing based on an input from a user. 3. An information processing system as described in 1., wherein the control means controls whether the first processing means or the second processing means processes the settlement information depending on the state of the settlement device, the attributes of the customer using the settlement device, or the settlement item registered in the product registration device. 4. An information processing system as described in 3., wherein the control means causes the second processing means to process the settlement information when the first settlement device is unable to perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing means. 5. An information processing system as described in 3., wherein the control means controls whether the first processing means or the second processing means processes the settlement information depending on the attributes of the customer using the settlement device. 6. An information processing system as described in 3., wherein the control means causes the first processing means to process the settlement information when the number of registered products is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, or when the weight of the registered products is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. 7. An information processing system described in any one of 1. to 6., wherein the distance between the product registration device and the first settlement device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second settlement device. 8. An information processing device having at least one of the first processing means, the second processing means, and the control means in the information processing system described in any one of 1. to 7. 9. A program that causes a computer to operate as the information processing device described in 8. 10. A control method executed by a computer that controls an information processing system including a product registration device, and a first settlement device and a second settlement device that respectively perform settlement processing using settlement information for products registered in the product registration device, a first processing step of associating settlement information with a first settlement device; a second processing step of associating the settlement information with the identification information read from the portable medium in the second settlement device or outputting the settlement information to the portable medium; a control step of controlling whether the settlement information is to be processed in the first processing step or the second processing step; A control method comprising: 11. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the control step controls whether the first processing step or the second processing step is to be performed based on an input from a user. 12. A control method as described in 10., in which the control step controls whether the settlement information is processed in the first processing step or the second processing step depending on the state of the settlement device, the attributes of the customer using the settlement device, or the settlement item registered in the product registration device. 13. A control method as described in 12., wherein the control step causes the second processing step to process the settlement information if the first settlement device is unable to perform settlement processing based on the settlement information newly associated by the first processing step. 14. A control method as described in 12., in which the control step controls whether the settlement information is processed in the first processing step or the second processing step depending on the attributes of the customer using the settlement device. 15. The control method described in 12., wherein the control step causes the first processing step to process the settlement information when the number of registered products is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, or when the weight of the registered products is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. 16. A control method described in any one of 10. to 15., wherein the distance between the product registration device and the first settlement device is shorter than the distance between the product registration device and the second settlement device.

[0146] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-039632, filed February 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A product registration device in a system including a product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, a processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as a settlement target to the settlement device; a display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; and the product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association; The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, A product registration device in which the selection screen displays, for each of the multiple settlement devices, either the status of the settlement device as waiting or in use, and for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, a display indicating that they are offline instead of one of the above.

2. The merchandise registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the settlement device associated with the merchandise registration device has a predetermined positional relationship with the merchandise registration device.

3. The merchandise registration device of claim 2 , wherein the checkout device associated with the merchandise registration device is located in a region associated with the merchandise registration device.

4. The product registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the selection screen further displays, for each of the plurality of payment settlement devices, the number of people waiting to use the payment settlement device.

5. The product registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the offline state includes a state in which the settlement process based on the settlement information has not been performed and new settlement information cannot be processed.

6. A control method executed by a merchandise registration device in a system including a merchandise registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as the settlement target to the settlement device; displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; and the product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association; In the step of displaying the selection screen, the plurality of settlement devices are identified using the information indicating the association; A control method in which the selection screen displays, for each of the multiple settlement devices, either the status of the settlement device as waiting or in use, and for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, a display indicating that they are offline instead of one of the above.

7. In a system including a merchandise registration device and a plurality of settlement devices, the merchandise registration device a processing means for transmitting settlement information generated from product information of the product registered as the settlement target to the settlement device; a display control means for displaying a selection screen on which a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be sent can be selected from among the plurality of settlement devices; A program that functions as the product registration device and the plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, the merchandise registration device is associated in advance with the plurality of settlement devices using information indicating the association; The display control means identifies the plurality of settlement devices using the information indicating the association, The program displays on the selection screen for each of the plurality of settlement devices either the status of the settlement device being either on standby or in use, and for settlement devices that cannot perform settlement processing, a display indicating that they are offline instead of one of the above.

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