Registration apparatus, program, and self-checkout system

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a registration apparatus, a program, and a self-checkout system that enable a customer who has completed a registration operation in the registration apparatus to smoothly go to a checkout apparatus.SOLUTION: A registration apparatus according to an embodiment is a registration apparatus in a self-checkout system including a plurality of registration apparatuses that perform commodity registration processing of commodities to be sold based on a commodity registration operation of a customer and a plurality of accounting apparatuses that perform accounting processing related to the commodities subjected to the commodity registration processing based on an accounting operation of the customer, the registration apparatus including accounting determination means for determining whether or not the accounting processing is possible in any of the accounting apparatuses for the commodities subjected to the commodity registration processing, and notification means for notifying specification information for specifying the accounting apparatus that performs the accounting processing in a case where it is determined that the accounting processing is possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a registration device, a program, and a self-checkout system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, supermarkets, convenience stores, mass retailers, and other stores have begun to offer self-service checkout machines that allow customers to register their purchases and pay for their purchases themselves. Furthermore, self-checkout systems have recently become available that are equipped with both a registration machine for registering products and a checkout machine for paying for them.

[0003] In such a self-checkout system, multiple registration devices and multiple accounting devices are installed in the checkout area, and customers operate the registration devices in the checkout area to register the products they wish to purchase. Once the product registration process is complete in the registration device, the customer then moves to the next accounting device to complete the checkout process. The accounting device then processes the checkout process for the products.

[0004] Generally, a registration device is used to register all products purchased, while an accounting device is used to perform only the accounting operations related to the transaction. Therefore, the registration operations at a registration device take more time than the accounting operations at an accounting device. For this reason, there are usually more registration devices than accounting devices installed in a checkout area.

[0005] However, in a self-checkout system, since customers perform all operations themselves, it is possible that all of the installed accounting devices will be in use by customers due to confusion about the accounting operations, etc. In such cases, even if a customer completes the registration operation at a registration device and moves to another accounting device, they may be unsure which accounting device to go to. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration device, a program, and a self-checkout system that allow a customer who has completed the registration procedure at the registration device to smoothly move to an accounting device where they can make a transaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The registration device of the embodiment is a registration device in a self-checkout system that includes a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration processing for products to be sold based on product registration operations by customers, and a plurality of accounting devices that perform accounting processing for the products that have been registered based on accounting operations by customers, and is equipped with an accounting determination means that determines whether the accounting processing for the products that have been registered can be performed at any of the accounting devices, and an alarm means that, if it is determined that the accounting processing is possible, alarms with specific information that identifies the accounting device that will perform the accounting processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the layout of a store in a self-checkout system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the registration device and the accounting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the transaction device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the accounting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of data transmission and reception between the registration device and the accounting device in chronological order. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the registration device and the accounting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the registration device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the registration device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a display by the registration device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing yet another example of a display by the registration device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a display by the registration device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of transaction processing by the transaction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the layout of a self-checkout system 101 according to an embodiment in a store. As shown in FIG. 1, store T is a store that sells products, such as a shopping center, convenience store, or mass retailer. Store T has a product area TS where products for sale are displayed and a checkout area TK where product registration processing and checkout processing for the products for sale are performed. Customers place products they want to purchase in a basket or cart in the product area TS, and then move to the checkout area TK to register the products and checkout processing for the products.

[0010] The self-checkout system 101 has multiple registration devices 102 where customers register items and multiple checkout devices 103 where customers perform checkout operations. In this embodiment, there are seven registration devices 102 (1021-1027) and four checkout devices 103 (1031-1034). The multiple registration devices 102 are installed in a checkout area TK near the entrance KI from the product area TS. The multiple checkout devices 103 are also installed within the checkout area TK, near the exit KO from the checkout area TK, from the registration devices 102.

[0011] A customer selects a product to purchase in the product area TS and takes the product to the checkout area TK through the entrance KI. The customer then uses any available registration device 102 to register the product. The registration device 102 executes a product registration process for the product for which the product registration process has been performed. The product registration process reads product information for the registered product from the product master 342 (see FIG. 5), displays product information such as the product name and price on the display unit 114 (see FIG. 5), and stores the product information in the product information unit 331 (see FIG. 5). After registering all products, the customer moves to the next available checkout device 103. The customer then uses the checkout device 103 to perform checkout for the registered products. Once the checkout process is complete, the checkout device 103 executes checkout processing for the registered products. The checkout process calculates the total amount for the registered products, displays it on the display unit 61 (see FIG. 6), and performs settlement processing for the transaction based on the total amount. The transaction process also includes issuing a receipt on which the payment information and product information for the processed items are printed. The transaction process also includes sending the payment information and product information for the processed items to a server (e.g., a store server) not shown. After completing the transaction process, the customer exits the transaction area TK through exit KO with the purchased items. After exiting, the customer may, for example, bag the purchased items.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the registration device 102 and the accounting device 103 according to the embodiment. Each registration device 102 (1021-1027) is connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line NT. Each registration device 102 is also connected to each accounting device 103 so that they can communicate with each other via the communication line NT. Each accounting device 103 (1031-1034) is also connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via the communication line NT. Here, the communication line NT is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) line, but is not limited to a LAN line.

[0013] First, the registration device 102 will be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device 102. As shown in Fig. 3, the registration device 102 is installed together with basket stands 104 (two locations). The registration device 102 is configured based on, for example, a scanner 111 having a reading window 112. The scanner 111 has an imaging unit (not shown) on the back side of the reading window 112 that captures an image of the product.

[0014] Furthermore, the registration device 102 is provided with a display unit 114 and an operation unit 113 above the scanner 111. The display unit 114 displays the product name, price, etc. of the product imaged by the imaging unit of the scanner 111. The operation unit 113 is a touch panel type key that is operated to assist in inputting product data (e.g., product code) that cannot be determined by the scanner 111, for example.

[0015] The registration device 102 identifies the product based on the image captured by the scanner 111, for example by reading code information such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product, or by using known general object recognition to identify the product included in the captured image.

[0016] Note that generic object recognition, which recognizes objects contained in an image, is explained in the following document: Keiji Yanai, "Current Status and Future of General Object Recognition", Transactions of the Information Processing Society of Japan, Vol. 48, No. SIG16 [Retrieved January 6, 2014], Internet<URL:http: / / mm.cs.uec.ac.jp / IPSJ-TCVIM-Yanai.pdf>

[0017] The customer performs a product registration operation by removing products one by one from a basket placed on one of the basket stands 104 (the right basket stand 104 in this embodiment) and adding the product in front of the reading window 112 (in the example of FIG. 2, the removed product is moved from the right side to the left side of the reading window 112). The product for which the product registration operation has been performed is stored in the basket placed on the left basket stand 104. The registration device 102 captures an image of the product for which the product registration operation has been performed using the scanner 111. The registration device 102 executes a product registration process for the product imaged by the scanner 111. That is, the registration device 102 displays, on the display unit 114, product information (information read from the product master 342) of the identified product, information such as the quantity, etc. Then, the registration device 102 stores the displayed product information in the product information unit 331. That is, the registration device 102 executes a product registration process for the product.

[0018] After a customer has completed product registration operations for all products, they operate the checkout key 1131 (see FIG. 5). The registration device 102 then queries the other registration devices 102 for the number of waiting people. The number of waiting people is information about the number of customers waiting to make a payment at a checkout device 103. The number of waiting people is a numerical value that decreases by "1" each time a waiting customer moves to a checkout device 103, and increases by "1" each time a new customer joins the waiting list (increases). If all checkout devices 103 are in use, the registration device 102 notifies the customer (the customer who operated the checkout key 1131) by displaying a message (information) that the checkout device 103 is full and cannot be used immediately, and also displays information about the number of waiting people indicating the number of people waiting and the customer's waiting number (number information indicating which checkout device 103 they will be able to use).

[0019] Specifically, the registration device 102 queries all other registration devices 102 for the waiting person number stored in each registration device 102. The registration device 102 then calculates a waiting person number by adding 1 to the largest waiting person number among the waiting person numbers that have responded, and stores this as the waiting person number of that registration device 102. The waiting person number is information that indicates the order in which a customer can move to a checkout device 103 among the numbers indicated by the number of people waiting; for example, a waiting person number of "1" is a number indicating priority, indicating that the customer waiting at that registration device 102 will be the next to move to a checkout device 103 when one becomes available. When a customer from any registration device 102 moves to a checkout device 103, the waiting person numbers stored in all registration devices 102 are decremented by 1.

[0020] For example, if all checkout devices 103 are in use, the registration device 102 (e.g., registration device 1021) that first created a waiting customer stores the waiting number "1." If, while in this state, a waiting customer occurs at another registration device 102 (e.g., registration device 1022), that other registration device 102 (registration device 1022) stores the waiting number "2." If a waiting customer occurs at yet another registration device 102 (e.g., registration device 1023), that other registration device 102 (registration device 1023) stores the waiting number "3." In this way, when a waiting number occurs, the registration device 102 calculates and stores a waiting number that is the largest waiting number stored in the other registration devices 102 plus 1. Customers of registration devices 102 with smaller waiting number values ​​have a higher priority for moving to a checkout device 103. In the above example, the customer waiting at registration device 1021 with waiting number "1" has the highest priority to be able to move to accounting device 103, and the customer waiting at registration device 1023 with waiting number "3" stored therein has the lowest priority.

[0021] When its own waiting number becomes "1," the registration device 102 inquires of the accounting devices 103 (in this embodiment, accounting devices 1031 to 1034) as to whether they are available for use or unavailable. It then receives (acquires) flag information from each accounting device 103 as status information indicating whether it is available for use. An accounting device 103 for which the acquired flag information is "1" indicates that another customer is currently using the device for a transaction, i.e., the accounting device 103 is currently unavailable. An accounting device 103 for which the acquired flag information is "0" indicates that the device is not currently in use, i.e., the accounting device 103 is currently available for use. Based on the received flag information, the registration device 102 determines whether all accounting devices 103 are in use (unavailable), whether all accounting devices 103 are available, and which accounting devices 103 are available and which are unavailable.

[0022] When a registration device 102 with a waiting customer number of "1" receives a checkout device 103 with flag information of "0," it displays to the waiting customer the checkout device number (a number pre-assigned to each checkout device 103, which is specific information that identifies the checkout device 103) that identifies the checkout device 103 that can process the transaction, and also displays (notifies) a message that the transaction will be performed at that checkout device 103. If there are multiple checkout devices 103 with flag information of "0," it displays the checkout device number of the checkout device 103 with the smallest checkout device number among the multiple checkout devices. The registration device 102 then sends the product information stored in the product information unit 331 to the checkout device 103 with the displayed checkout device number.

[0023] When the registration device 102 with the waiting person number "1" sends the product information stored in the product information unit 331, it determines that the customer has moved to the checkout device 103 and updates (decrements) the stored waiting person number from "1" to "0." The registration device 102 then sends subtraction information to the other registration devices 102 indicating that the waiting person numbers stored in each registration device 102 should be decremented by 1. The other registration devices 102 that receive the subtraction information perform an update process to decrement the waiting person numbers they themselves store by 1.

[0024] Next, the transaction device 103 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the transaction device 103. As shown in FIG. 4, the transaction device 103 comprises a first housing 10 and a second housing 11. The first housing 10 comprises a change dispenser 44 and a scanner 45. The second housing 11 is placed on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10, and comprises a display unit 61, an operation unit 63, a printer 9, and a card reader / writer 38.

[0025] The scanner 45 has a similar structure to the scanner 111. The scanner 45 captures an image of a code symbol or a product held in front of an imaging window provided at the top of the first housing 10. The scanner 45 performs product registration processing when a customer performs a product registration operation, for example, for a product that was forgotten to be registered in the registration device 102 or for a product that is to be purchased additionally after the product registration processing in the registration device 102.

[0026] The display unit 61 has a touch panel type operation unit 62 on its surface and is attached to the top of the second housing 11. The display unit 61 is configured, for example, as an LCD panel, and displays the transaction information of the product for which the transaction was performed at the transaction device 103.

[0027] Card reader / writer 38 is located on the left side of second housing 11, on top surface 10a of first housing 10. Card reader / writer 38 reads and writes information from a credit card, electronic money medium, membership card, etc. inserted through card insertion slot 38a. Accounting device 103 uses the credit card, electronic money medium, etc. inserted into card reader / writer 38 to perform non-cash accounting processing for the transaction.

[0028] The change machine 44 includes a coin slot 46, a banknote slot 41, a banknote dispensing port 42, and a coin dispensing unit 43. The change machine 44 stores banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 41 in a banknote storage unit (not shown). The change machine 44 also stores coins inserted into the coin slot 46 in the coin storage unit (not shown). The change machine 44 then dispenses banknote change to the banknote dispensing port 42 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 500 (see FIG. 6). The change machine 44 also dispenses coin change to the coin dispensing unit 43 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 500.

[0029] Printer 9 is built into second housing 11 and has a receipt issuing port 9a provided on the front surface 11a of second housing 11. Printer 9, under the control of control unit 500, issues a receipt from receipt issuing port 9a on which product information and transaction information for the processed product are printed.

[0030] The checkout device 103 also has a cylindrical display pole 22 erected on the rear side of the top surface 10a of the first housing 10. The display pole 22 has a light-emitting unit 22a at its upper tip that selectively emits light in blue or red. The light-emitting unit 22a emits light in different colors depending on the processing status of the checkout device 103, alerting the store clerk. The processing status that causes the light to be emitted, the light color, and the light-emitting pattern can all be set as appropriate.

[0031] Since the light emitting unit 22a is provided at the top end of the tall display pole 22, it is easily noticeable not only to the store clerk who operates the registration device 102 but also to other store clerks. Since the light emission is easy to see from the position of the registration device 102, it is also easy for customers standing in front of the registration device 102 to visually confirm.

[0032] The display pole 22 also has an information display unit 70 below the light-emitting unit 22a. The information display unit 70 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays image information and text information. The information display unit 70 is fixedly installed with its display surface facing in the same direction as the display unit 61. The information display unit 70 displays, for example, the details of any errors that have occurred in the checkout device 103.

[0033] The customer operates the accounting device 103 to pay for the product by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. During the accounting process, the accounting device 103 displays the total amount charged for one transaction based on the product information received from the registration device 102, and executes the settlement process for that amount.

[0034] Furthermore, when the checkout device 103 receives product information from the registration device 102, it stores flag information "1" in the flag unit 533 (see FIG. 6), indicating that the checkout device 103 is currently processing a transaction (the checkout device 103 is unavailable). Furthermore, when the checkout device 103 completes a transaction, it stores flag information "0" in the flag unit 533, indicating that the checkout device 103 is available (i.e., the checkout device 103 is available for use). In response to an inquiry from a registration device 102, each checkout device 103 sends its own flag information to the inquiring registration device 102.

[0035] Next, the hardware configuration of the registration device 102 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration device 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the registration device 102 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the main controller of the registration device 102. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes control processing of the registration device 102, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

[0036] RAM 33 has a product information section 331, a checkout device section 332, and a waiting information section 333. The product information section 331 stores product information for products that have been registered. The checkout device section 332 stores flag information for each checkout device 103 (information on whether the flag information is "1" or "0") received from the checkout device 103. The waiting information section 333 stores the waiting number of the customer at that registration device 102.

[0037] The memory unit 34 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or flash memory. The memory unit 34 has a control program unit 341 and a product master 342. The control program unit 341 stores a control program related to the registration device 102. The product master 342 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of all products sold in the store T in association with a product code, which is product identification information.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the operation unit 113, the display unit 114, and the scanner 111 via the bus 35 and the controller 36. The controller 36 receives instructions from the control unit 300 and controls the operation unit 113, the display unit 114, and the scanner 111. For convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 36 will be described as being performed by the control unit 300.

[0039] Display unit 114 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information such as product information for registered products and an image of checkout key 1131 (described below) to a customer operating checkout device 103. Operation unit 113 is a touch panel provided on the surface of display unit 114, and has checkout key 1131. Customers operate checkout key 1131 when starting the process of transitioning to checkout at checkout device 103 for registered products. For example, when checkout key 1131 is operated, checkout device 103 calculates and displays the number of people waiting and the waiting number, and collects flag information to determine whether checkout device 103 is available for use.

[0040] The scanner 111 captures an image of a commodity (for which a commodity registration operation has been performed) held over the reading window 112 and identifies the commodity. The registration device 102 acquires the commodity code of the commodity identified by the scanner 111.

[0041] The control unit 300 is also connected to a communication unit 37 via a bus 35. The communication unit 37 is electrically connected to other accounting devices 103 and the accounting device 103 via a communication line NT.

[0042] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the accounting device 103. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the accounting device 103. As shown in Figure 6, the accounting device 103 is equipped with a CPU 51, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory unit 54, etc. The CPU 51 is the main controller of the accounting device 103. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and memory unit 54 are connected to one another via a bus 55. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 make up the control unit 500. In other words, the control unit 500 executes the control processing of the accounting device 103, which will be described later, by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 52 and memory unit 54 and loaded in the RAM 53.

[0043] RAM 53 has a product information section 531, a transaction information section 532, and a flag section 533. The product information section 531 stores product information received from the registration device 102. The transaction information section 532 stores product information and transaction information related to processed transactions. The flag section 533 stores flag information (information on whether the flag is "1" or "0") indicating whether the relevant checkout device 103 is available for transactions (open) or unavailable for transactions (in progress).

[0044] The memory unit 54 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory. The memory unit 54 has a control program unit 541. The control program unit 541 stores a control program related to the accounting device 103.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the operation unit 62, the display unit 61, the printer 9, the change machine 44, the scanner 45, and the card reader / writer 38 via the bus 55 and the controller 56. The controller 56 receives instructions from the control unit 500 and controls the operation unit 62, the display unit 61, the printer 9, the change machine 44, the scanner 45, and the card reader / writer 38. For convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 56 will be described as being performed by the control unit 500.

[0046] The display unit 61 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information such as product information for the products that have been processed for the transaction, transaction information, and an image of a transaction start key 621 (described below) to the customer operating the transaction device 103. The operation unit 62 is a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 61, and has the transaction start key 621. The transaction start key 621 is operated (transaction) by the customer to start the transaction for a product that has been registered.

[0047] Printer 9 displays product information and accounting information related to the transaction that has been processed. When cash is used for the transaction, change dispenser 44 stores the deposited money (banknotes and coins) by denomination and dispenses change, if any.

[0048] The control unit 500 is also connected to a communication unit 57 via a bus 55. The communication unit 57 is electrically connected to other accounting devices 103 and registration devices 102 via a communication line NT.

[0049] Next, we will explain the main processing flow between the registration device 102 and the checkout device 103 that make up the self-checkout system 101. Figure 7 is a sequence chart showing the operational flow of the registration device 102 and the checkout device 103. This sequence chart shows the processing flow between the registration device 102 operated by a customer, another registration device 102, and the checkout device 103.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, a customer operates an available registration device 102 to register the products they wish to purchase. The registration device 102 executes the product registration process for the products (T1). After completing the product registration operations for all products, the customer operates the checkout key 1131 (T2). The registration device 102 then inquires of the other registration devices 102 about the number of customers waiting (T3). The other registration devices 102 transmit (respond) information about the waiting number stored in their own waiting information unit 333 to the registration device 102 that made the inquiry (T4). The registration device 102 determines the number of waiting customers based on the waiting number received (acquired) from the other registration devices 102 (T5). For example, if the registration device 102 receives the waiting number "0" from all other registration devices 102, it determines that the number of waiting customers is "0." For example, if the registration device 102 receives the waiting number "1" from one other registration device 102 and the waiting number "0" from the other other registration devices 102, it determines that the number of waiting customers is "1." For example, if a waiting person number "1" is received from one other registration device 102, a waiting person number "2" is received from another other registration device 102, and a waiting person number "0" is received from yet another other registration device 102, the number of people waiting is determined to be "2".

[0051] If the registration device 102 determines at T5 that the number of waiting customers is "0" (i.e., there are no waiting customers (customers waiting to check out)), it queries all checkout devices 103 to see if they are available (T11). The checkout device 103 that received the query transmits (responds to) the flag information stored in its own flag unit 533 to the registration device 102 that made the query (T12). The registration device 102 determines whether there are any available checkout devices 103 based on the received flag information (T13). If there are available checkout devices 103, the registration device 102 displays the checkout device number of that checkout device 103 (T14) and a message urging the customer to move to that checkout device 103 to check out (T14). The registration device 102 then transmits product information for the product that was registered to that checkout device 103 (T15). The checkout device 103 that received the product information executes the checkout process based on the product information (T16).

[0052] Furthermore, if it is determined at T5 that the number of people waiting is not "0" (i.e., there are customers waiting (customers waiting to pay)), the registration device 102 calculates a waiting person number (T21). The waiting person number is calculated by adding 1 to the number of people waiting determined at T5 (i.e., the largest waiting person number received). The registration device 102 then displays the calculated waiting person number (T22).

[0053] Furthermore, the registration device 102 with the waiting user number "1" queries all the checkout devices 103 to see if the checkout device 103 is available (T31). The checkout device 103 that received the query transmits (responds to) the flag information stored in its own flag unit 533 to the querying registration device 102 (T32). The registration device 102 determines whether there is an available checkout device 103 based on the received flag information (T33). If there is an available checkout device 103, the registration device 102 displays the checkout device number of that checkout device 103 (T34) and a message encouraging the customer to perform the transaction at that checkout device 103 (T34). The registration device 102 then transmits product information for the product that has been registered to that checkout device 103 (T35). The checkout device 103 that received the product information executes the transaction based on the product information (T36). Furthermore, the registration device 102 decrements the waiting person number stored in its own waiting information unit 333 by 1 (T37). Then, the registration device 102 transmits subtraction information to the other registration devices 102 requesting that the waiting person number be decremented by 1.

[0054] When a registration device 102 whose waiting person number is not "1" (i.e., "2" or greater) receives subtraction information from another registration device 102 (T41), it decrements the waiting person number stored in its own waiting information unit 333 by -1 (T42).

[0055] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the registration device 102 and the checkout device 103 in the self-checkout system 101. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the registration device 102 and the checkout device 103. The control unit 300 of the registration device 102 functions as a waiting number acquisition means 301, a checkout order calculation means 302, a waiting person number storage means 303, a reduction means 304, an inquiry means 305, a checkout determination means 306, a notification means 307, a product information transmission means 308, and a reduction information transmission means 309 by following the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the control program section 341 of the memory unit 34.

[0056] The waiting number obtaining means 301 obtains the total number of customers waiting at all the registration devices 102. Specifically, the waiting number obtaining means 301 obtains the waiting number having the largest value from the information of the waiting number stored in each registration device 102 received in response to an inquiry to the other registration devices 102.

[0057] The checkout order calculation means 302 calculates a waiting number indicating the checkout order of the customer of the registration device 102 based on the number of customers who have registered products at another registration device 102 and are waiting to move to the checkout device 103. Specifically, the checkout order calculation means 302 calculates the waiting number by adding 1 to the number of waiting customers acquired by the waiting number acquisition means 301.

[0058] The waiting person number storage means 303 stores the calculated waiting person number in the waiting information section 333 .

[0059] The subtraction means 304 subtracts 1 from the stored waiting number each time a waiting customer moves to the accounting device 103. When the subtraction means 304 receives subtraction information, it subtracts 1 from the stored waiting number.

[0060] The inquiry means 305 inquires of all the checkout devices 103 whether the registration device 102 whose waiting person number stored in the waiting information unit 333 is "1" is able to process the transaction.

[0061] The transaction determination means 306 determines which checkout device 103 can process the transaction for a product that has been registered. Specifically, the transaction determination means 306 determines whether the transaction can be processed based on the response from the checkout device 103 to the inquiry means 305. Even more specifically, the transaction determination means 306 determines whether any checkout device 103 can process the transaction based on flag information received from each checkout device 103 in response to an inquiry from the inquiry means 305. The transaction determination means 306 also determines which checkout devices 103 can process the transaction.

[0062] If the notification means 307 determines that the transaction can be completed, it notifies the user of specific information that identifies the transaction device 103 that will complete the transaction. Specifically, the notification means 307 displays the transaction device number of the transaction device 103 that the transaction determination means 306 has determined is available as the specific information. The notification means 307 also displays a message encouraging the user to move to that transaction device 103 to complete the transaction. The notification means 307 also notifies (displays) the waiting user number stored in the waiting user number storage means 303.

[0063] If the transaction determination means 306 determines that the transaction can be completed, the product information transmission means 308 transmits product information for the product that has been registered to the transaction device 103 associated with the notified specific information. Specifically, the product information transmission means 308 transmits product information for the product that has been registered to the transaction device 103 identified by the transaction device number notified by the notification means 307.

[0064] The subtrahend information transmitting means 309 transmits subtrahend information indicating that the subtrahend means 304 has decremented by 1 to the other registration devices 102. The subtrahend means 304 of the other registration devices 102 that have received the subtrahend information decrements the stored waiting person number by 1.

[0065] The control unit 500 of the accounting device 103 also functions as a flag information storage unit 501, a transmission unit 502, and an accounting unit 503 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 52 or the control program unit 541 of the memory unit 54.

[0066] The flag information storage means 501 stores flag information indicating whether its own checkout device 103 is in the middle of a transaction or is ready to be processed. Specifically, the flag information storage means 501 stores flag information indicating whether its own checkout device 103 is in the middle of a transaction or is ready to be processed in the flag section 533.

[0067] The transmission means 502 transmits the flag information to the registration device 102. Specifically, in response to an inquiry from the registration device 102 about whether or not the transaction is possible, the transmission means 502 transmits the flag information stored in the flag unit 533 to the registration device 102.

[0068] The transaction means 503 executes transaction processing based on the product information received from the registration device 102.

[0069] Next, the control of the registration device 102 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the registration device 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 300 of the registration device 102 determines whether the product code of the product has been acquired based on the image of the product read by the scanner 111 in response to the customer's product registration operation (S11). If it is determined that the product code has been acquired (Yes in S11), the control unit 300 executes product registration processing for the product (S12). Then, the control unit 300 displays information about the product for which product registration processing has been performed on the display unit 114 (S13). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S11.

[0070] FIG. 10 shows an example of the product information screen G displayed in S13. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 300 displays on the display unit 114 product information Ga for the registered products, the total number of registered products and the total price Gb, and an image Gc of the accounting key 1131. The accounting key 1131 is located in a position corresponding to the displayed image Gc. In the example of FIG. 10, three products, product A, product B, and product C, have been registered, and the total price is 992 yen. To call a store clerk, the store clerk call key located in a position corresponding to the store clerk call key image Gj is operated.

[0071] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, if it is determined that the request did not involve retrieval of a product code (No in S11), the control unit 300 determines whether the billing key 1131 was operated (S14). If it is determined that the billing key 1131 was not operated (No in S14), the process returns to S11. If it is determined that the billing key 1131 was operated (Yes in S14), the number-of-waitings acquisition means 301 inquires of the other registration devices 102 about the waiting number and the number of waiting people, and acquires the waiting number with the largest value from the received information about the waiting number stored in each registration device 102 as the number of waiting people (S21).

[0072] The control unit 300 then determines whether the acquired number of waiting customers is "0" (i.e., whether the number of customers waiting at all other registered devices 102 is "0" (no customers waiting)) (S22). If the control unit 300 determines that the acquired number of waiting customers is "0" (Yes in S22), it queries each checkout device 103 to determine whether the transaction is possible (flag information) (S23). The transaction determination means 306 then receives flag information from each checkout device 103 in response to the query, indicating whether the checkout device 103 is possible, and stores this information in the checkout device unit 332. Based on the stored flag information, the transaction determination means 306 then determines whether any checkout devices 103 are available and which checkout devices 103 are available (the checkout device numbers of the available checkout devices 103) (S24). If it is determined that an available checkout device 103 is available (Yes in S24), the notification means 307 displays the checkout device number (specific information) of the checkout device 103 determined to be available and a message urging the customer to proceed to that checkout device 103 to complete the transaction on the display unit 114 (S25). The product information transmission means 308 then transmits the product information (product information stored in the product information unit 331) for the product registered in S12 to the checkout device 103 identified by the displayed checkout device number (S26). The customer proceeds to the displayed checkout device 103 to complete the transaction. The control unit 300 then erases the display on the display unit 114 after a predetermined time has elapsed (S27). The control unit 300 then ends the process.

[0073] An example of screen G displayed in S25 is shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figure 11, the notification means 307 displays a message Gd, which includes the accounting device number Gda of the identified accounting device 103, encouraging the customer to move to the accounting device 103 to complete the transaction, and a waiting number Ge, which indicates that the number of waiting people is "0." In the example of Figure 11, a message is displayed encouraging the customer to move to the accounting device 103 with accounting device number "1" to complete the transaction.

[0074] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, if it is determined in S22 that the acquired number of waiting people is not "0" (No in S22), or if it is determined in S24 that there are no available checkout devices 103 (No in S24), the payment order calculation means 302 calculates a waiting person number by adding 1 to the number of waiting people acquired by the waiting person acquisition means 301 in the processing of S21 (S31).The waiting person number storage means 303 then stores the waiting person number calculated by the payment order calculation means 302 in the waiting information unit 333 (S32).

[0075] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the waiting person number stored in the waiting information unit 333 is "1" (S33). If it is determined that the waiting person number stored in the waiting information unit 333 is not "1" (i.e., is "2" or greater) (No in S33), the notification means 307 displays (notifies) a message to the customer who operated the registration device 102, instructing the customer to wait at the location of the registration device 102 (S34).

[0076] An example of the screen G displayed in S34 is shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, the notification means 307 displays a message Gf to the customer, such as "We will serve you in order. Please wait a moment." It also displays the number of people waiting Ge and the waiting person number Gg. To return to the product registration operation, the customer operates the back key corresponding to the display Gh of the "Return to product registration" key.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 9, the control unit 300 next determines whether subtraction information, which will be described later in S46, has been received (S35). If it is determined that subtraction information has been received (Yes in S35), the subtraction means 304 subtracts -1 from the waiting person number stored in its own waiting information unit 333 (S36). The control unit 300 then returns to S21. If it is determined that subtraction information has not been received (No in S35), the control unit 300 returns to S21.

[0078] Furthermore, if it is determined in S33 that the waiting person number stored in the waiting information unit 333 is "1" (Yes in S33), the inquiry means 305 inquires of each checkout device 103 whether the transaction is available (S41). The control unit 300 then stores flag information received from each checkout device 103 in response to the inquiry, indicating whether the checkout device 103 is available for transaction, in the checkout device unit 332. The transaction determination means 306 then determines whether any checkout devices 103 are available and which checkout devices 103 are available (the checkout device numbers of the available checkout devices 103) based on the stored flag information (S42). If it is determined that there is no available accounting device 103 (No in S24), the process returns to S41, and if it is determined that there is an available accounting device 103 (Yes in S42), the notification means 307 displays on the display unit 114 the accounting device number (specific information) of the accounting device 103 determined to be available and a message encouraging the customer to move to that accounting device 103 to make the transaction (S43).

[0079] An example of screen G displayed in S43 is shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, the notification means 307 displays a message Gd urging the customer to move to the specified accounting device 103 to complete the transaction, including the accounting device number Gda of the specified accounting device 103, a waiting number Ge indicating that the number of people waiting is "4," and a waiting person number Gg indicating that the waiting person number is "1." In the example of Figure 13, a message urging the customer to move to accounting device number "3" to complete the transaction is displayed.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, the product information transmission means 308 then transmits the product information for the product registered in S12 (the product information stored in the product information section 331) to the checkout device 103 identified by the displayed checkout device number (S44). The customer then proceeds to the displayed checkout device 103 to complete the transaction.

[0081] Next, the subtraction means 304 subtracts -1 from the waiting person number stored in its own waiting information unit 333 (S45). Then, the subtraction information transmission means 309 transmits subtraction information to the other registration devices 102 requesting that they subtract 1 from their waiting person numbers (S46). Then, the control unit 300 erases the display on the display unit 114 after a predetermined time has elapsed (S27). Then, the control unit 300 ends the processing.

[0082] Next, we will explain the control of the checkout device 103. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of checkout processing by the checkout device 103.

[0083] 14, the control unit 500 of the checkout device 103 determines whether product information has been received from the registration device 102 (S51). If it is determined that product information has been received (Yes in S51), the control unit 500 stores the received product information in the product information section 531, and the flag information storage means 501 stores flag information "1" in the flag section 533 (S52). The control unit 500 then displays a message to the customer urging them to begin the checkout process (S53).

[0084] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the start checkout key 621 has been operated (a checkout operation) (S54). The control unit 500 waits until the start checkout key 621 has been operated (No in S54). If it determines that the start checkout key 621 has been operated (Yes in S54), the checkout unit 503 executes the checkout process for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information section 531 (S55). The control unit 500 then determines whether the checkout process is complete (S56). The control unit 500 waits until the process is complete (No in S56). If it determines that the process is complete (Yes in S56), the flag information storage unit 501 stores flag information "0" in the flag section 533 (S57). The control unit 500 then returns to S51. The control unit 500 also stores the product information and checkout information for the processed transaction in the checkout information section 532.

[0085] Furthermore, in S51, if it is determined that the reception is not product information (No in S51), the control unit 500 determines whether or not an inquiry about flag information has been made by the registration device 102 through the processes of S23 and S41 (S61). If it is determined that the reception is not an inquiry about flag information (No in S61), the process returns to S51, and if it is determined that an inquiry about flag information has been made (Yes in S61), the control unit 500 transmits the flag information stored in the flag unit 533 to the registration device 102 that has made the inquiry (S62). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S51.

[0086] As described above, the registration device 102 of the embodiment is a registration device 102 in a self-checkout system 101 that includes multiple registration devices 102 that perform product registration processing for products to be sold based on the customer's product registration operations, and multiple accounting devices 103 that perform accounting processing for the products that have been registered based on the customer's accounting operations, and is equipped with an accounting determination means 306 that determines whether the product that has been registered can be processed at any of the accounting devices 103, and an alert means 307 that alerts the accountant number that identifies the accounting device 103 that will perform the accounting processing if it is determined that the product can be processed.

[0087] According to the registration device 102 of this embodiment, a customer who has completed the registration operation on the registration device 102 can smoothly move to an accounting device 103 where the customer can make a transaction.

[0088] In addition, the self-checkout system 101 of this embodiment is a self-checkout system 101 equipped with multiple registration devices 102 that perform product registration processing for products to be sold based on customer product registration operations, and multiple accounting devices 103 that perform accounting processing for the products that have been registered based on customer accounting operations.The registration devices 102 are equipped with a transaction determination means 306 that determines whether any of the accounting devices 103 can process the transaction for the products that have been registered, and a notification means 307 that, if it is determined that the transaction can be processed, notifies the accounting device number that identifies the accounting device 103 that will process the transaction.The accounting devices 103 are equipped with a flag information storage means 501 that stores flag information indicating whether they are currently processing a transaction or are available for a transaction, and a transmission means 502 that transmits the flag information to the registration devices 102.The transaction determination means 306 determines whether any of the accounting devices 103 can process the transaction based on the flag information received from the accounting devices 103.

[0089] According to the self-checkout system 101 of this embodiment, a customer who has completed the registration operation at the registration device 102 can smoothly move to the checkout device 103 where the transaction can be made.

[0090] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0091] For example, in the embodiment, there are seven registration devices 102 and four accounting devices 103. However, this is not a limitation, and any number of registration devices 102 and accounting devices 103 may be used.

[0092] The program executed by the registration device 102 of the embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0093] The program executed by the registration device 102 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the registration device 102 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0094] Furthermore, the program executed by the registration device 102 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 101 Self-checkout system 102 Registration device 103 Accounting Device 111 Scanner 113 Operation section 114 Display 300 control section 301 Waiting number acquisition method 302 Accounting Order Calculation Method 303 Waiting number storage means 304 Subtraction means 305 Inquiry Methods 306 Accounting Judgment Tools 307 Notification means 308 Product information transmission means 309 Subtraction information transmission means 331 Product Information Department 332 Accounting Equipment Department 333 Standby Information Department 500 control section 501 Flag information storage means 502 Transmission Method 503 Accounting Instruments 531 Product Information Department 532 Accounting Information Department 533 Flag Section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0096] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-136440

Claims

1. A self-checkout system including a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration processing for products to be sold based on product registration operations of customers, and a plurality of accounting devices that perform accounting processing for the products that have been registered based on accounting operations of customers, said registration devices comprising: a transaction determination means for determining whether the transaction can be performed at any of the transaction devices for the product that has undergone the product registration process; a notification means for notifying, when it is determined that the transaction is possible, specific information for identifying the transaction device that will perform the transaction; A registration device comprising:

2. a checkout order calculation means for calculating a waiting number indicating the order of checkout for customers of the registration device based on the number of customers who have registered merchandise at the other registration device and are waiting to move to the checkout device; a waiting person number storage means for storing the calculated waiting person number; Equipped with The notification means notifies the stored waiting number. The registration device according to claim 1 .

3. a subtraction means for subtracting one from the stored waiting customer number each time a waiting customer moves to the accounting device; an inquiry means for inquiring of the accounting device whether the transaction can be completed when the waiting person number becomes 1; Equipped with The transaction determination means determines whether the transaction is possible based on a response from the transaction device to the inquiry. The registration device according to claim 2 .

4. a product information transmission means for transmitting product information relating to the product that has been registered to the accounting device related to the notified specific information when the accounting determination means determines that the transaction is possible; 4. The registration device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a subtrahend information transmitting means for transmitting subtrahend information indicating that the subtrahend means has performed a subtraction of 1 to another of the registration devices; Equipped with the subtraction means subtracts 1 from the stored waiting number when receiving the subtraction information; The registration device according to claim 3 .

6. A self-checkout system includes a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration processing for products to be sold based on product registration operations of customers, and a plurality of accounting devices that perform accounting processing for the products that have been registered based on accounting operations of customers, and a computer as the registration device, a transaction determination means for determining whether the transaction can be performed at any of the transaction devices for the product that has undergone the product registration process; a notification means for notifying, when it is determined that the transaction is possible, specific information for identifying the transaction device that will perform the transaction; A program that can function as a

7. A self-checkout system comprising: a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration processing for products to be sold based on product registration operations of customers; and a plurality of accounting devices that perform accounting processing for the products that have been registered based on accounting operations of customers, The registration device a transaction determination means for determining whether the transaction can be performed at any of the transaction devices for the product that has undergone the product registration process; a notification means for notifying, when it is determined that the transaction is possible, specific information for identifying the transaction device that will perform the transaction; Equipped with The accounting device a flag information storage means for storing flag information indicating whether the user is currently paying or available for payment; a transmitting means for transmitting the flag information to the registration device; Equipped with The transaction determination means determines whether the transaction can be performed at any of the transaction devices based on the flag information received from the transaction device. Self-checkout system.

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