Product registration device, product registration system, product registration method, product registration program, and recording medium

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a product registration device, a product registration system, a product registration method, a product registration program, and a recording medium that support smooth customer replacement in a product registration device. [Solution] A product registration device that accepts user operations to perform transactions including product registration, characterized by having a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration, and a notification unit that makes notifications based on the transaction status information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product registration device, a product registration system, a product registration method, a product registration program, and a recording medium for allowing a store clerk or a customer to register a product. [Background technology]

[0002] In supermarkets and other retail stores, customers often queue up to pay at the cash register (hereafter simply referred to as the cash register). In such situations, various technologies are being considered to improve the efficiency of the checkout process.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that, when there are queues at each of a plurality of cash registers, predicts the waiting time for each queue based on the number of items in the shopping carts belonging to each queue and displays this on an electronic bulletin board in the store. Patent Document 1 also discloses that, in addition to the number of items, the waiting time for each queue is calculated using a checkout speed that is set based on the checkout proficiency of the store clerk in charge of each cash register. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2011-96140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, customers waiting in line at a single queue cannot know in advance which of the multiple cash registers or other payment devices will be available next, which can be stressful. Also, customers may be slow to notice that a payment device has become available, which can delay the flow of customers and reduce the operating efficiency of the payment device.

[0006] For example, if an attempt is made to solve the above problem by applying the waiting time prediction method described in Patent Document 1 to a customer-operated checkout device where customers register products and pay by themselves, known as a self-checkout, it is expected that it will be difficult to accurately predict the waiting time due to individual differences in the speed at which customers operate the device when registering products. Furthermore, even in manned checkouts, the time required for product registration is difficult to accurately grasp because it depends on various factors other than the quantity of products registered and the skill of the store clerk, making it difficult to guide customers appropriately.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a product registration device, a product registration system, a product registration method, a product registration program, and a recording medium that support smooth customer replacement in the product registration device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The product registration device of the present invention is a product registration device that accepts user operations to perform transactions including product registration, and is characterized by having a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration, and a notification unit that makes a notification based on the transaction status information.

[0009] Furthermore, the product registration system of the present invention is a product registration system including a server and a plurality of product registration devices that accept user operations and perform transactions including product registration, each of which includes a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration, and a notification unit that makes a notification based on the transaction status information, and the server is characterized in having an identification unit that acquires the registration status from the plurality of product registration devices and identifies a product registration device among the plurality of product registration devices that has a relatively high degree of progress in product registration based on the registration status, and a notification instruction unit that instructs the notification unit of the product registration device identified by the identification unit to make a specific notification.

[0010] In addition, the product registration method of the present invention is a product registration method executed by a product registration device that accepts user operations and performs transactions including product registration, and is characterized by including a status acquisition step of acquiring transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration, and a notification step of making a notification based on the transaction status information.

[0011] In addition, the product registration program of the present invention is a product registration program that is executed by a product registration device that has a computer and accepts user operations to perform transactions including product registration, and that executes a status acquisition step that acquires transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration, and a notification step that makes a notification based on the transaction status information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a settlement system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a settlement device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a lighting mode of a guide lamp according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the settlement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the settlement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a settlement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lighting mode of a guide lamp according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11]11 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the settlement device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same or equivalent parts. [Example]

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The payment system 100 is configured to include multiple payment devices 10 installed in the same store and a server 40 installed in the store. In this embodiment, the multiple payment devices 10 and the server 40 are installed in a store such as a supermarket, convenience store, or drugstore.

[0015] 1, the settlement system 100 is a system constructed by connecting a plurality of settlement devices 10 and a server 40 so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW can be constructed by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and wired communication.

[0016] The checkout device 10 is a device that performs product registration and payment processing, accepting barcode scanning operations by customers (shoppers) who are users of the checkout device 10. In other words, the checkout device 10 is a customer-operated checkout device, or a so-called self-checkout.

[0017] Furthermore, the settlement device 10 is a device that can notify (announce) customers of the progress of the purchase process, including product registration, payment, and settlement or accounting, by lighting the guide lamp (not shown in FIG. 1) installed on the settlement device 10 in a lighting mode corresponding to the progress of the purchase process at the settlement device 10. For example, when multiple settlement devices 10 are all in use, customers lining up to use the settlement devices 10 can visually check the guide lamp to ascertain the progress of the purchase process at each settlement device. This allows customers to know in advance which settlement device 10 is likely to be available next, for example.

[0018] The server 40 receives, for example, the results of product registration and payment processing from each of the multiple settlement devices 10 and performs a sales tallying process. In addition, for example, the server 40 transmits information necessary for product registration and settlement, such as product prices and codes such as barcodes corresponding to the products, to each of the multiple settlement devices 10. Note that this information may be manually entered by a user at a store such as a supermarket without going through the server 40, or may be imported via a portable storage device such as a USB.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the settlement device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the settlement device 10 has a housing 101 that is substantially prismatic in shape. A cash deposit / withdrawal section 11 consisting of a banknote deposit slot 11A, a coin deposit slot 11B, a change outlet 11C, and a change outlet 11D is provided on the front surface X of the housing 101. The banknote deposit slot 11A and the coin deposit slot 11B are deposit slots through which customers deposit banknotes and coins when making payments. The change outlet 11C and the change outlet 11D are sections through which banknotes and coins are ejected, respectively.

[0020] The settlement device 10 also has a protrusion 102 that protrudes from a part of the top surface Y of the housing 101. A barcode reading unit 13 and a receipt discharge port 15 are provided on a front surface Z of the protrusion 102.

[0021] The barcode reading unit 13 is a barcode reader that optically reads the barcode attached to a product. For example, when a user holds the barcode attached to a product over the barcode reading unit 13, the barcode is read by the barcode reading unit 13, and product information stored in the barcode, including information such as the product name and price, is captured by the checkout device 10. This completes product registration. Note that an RFID reading unit may be provided in addition to or instead of the barcode reading unit 13, and product registration may be performed by reading the RFID attached to the product.

[0022] The receipt outlet 15 is a section for discharging a receipt on which the result of the payment process is printed when the payment process is completed.

[0023] The settlement device 10 also has a user interface unit 17 provided at the upper end of the protrusion 102. The user interface unit 17 is a display with a touch panel, which displays information such as an operation screen to the user and accepts input operations by the user.

[0024] The guide lamp 19 is connected to the settlement device 10 wirelessly or via a wired connection so that it can communicate with the settlement device 10, and is a lighting device that lights up according to instructions from the settlement device 10. The guide lamp 19 is attached to the upper end of a rod-shaped pole 21 that is installed vertically near the settlement device 10. The guide lamp 19 may be integrated with the settlement device 10 and form part of the settlement device 10.

[0025] In this embodiment, the guide lamp 19 is a stacked signal light in which multiple light-emitting devices (lamps) that emit different colored light from their sides are stacked. The guide lamp 19 has a red lamp 19A, a yellow lamp 19B, and a green lamp 19C that light up in different colors. Each of the multiple lamps lights up, blinks, or goes out in response to a signal from the settlement device 10. Note that the above-mentioned lighting colors and stacking order are merely examples.

[0026] The unregistered product placement section 23 is a plate-shaped member, and is supported by a pair of L-shaped support members 24 attached to the side surfaces of the housing 101. The unregistered product placement section 23 is a platform having a flat placement surface 23S. The unregistered product placement section 23 is a portion on which products to be registered in the payment device 10 are placed.

[0027] For example, a customer of a store places a shopping basket containing products they wish to purchase on the placement surface 23S of the unregistered product placement unit 23. After that, they take out the products one by one from the shopping basket and hold them over the barcode reading unit 13 to register the products.

[0028] The product does not necessarily have to be in the shopping cart, but may be placed directly on the unregistered product placement section 23. A display may be displayed around the unregistered product placement section 23 to encourage the customer to place the product on the unregistered product placement section 23 before payment, such as "Please place the product to be paid on the counter before starting payment" (the counter in this case refers to the unregistered product placement section 23). The user interface section 17 may also display a display to encourage the customer to place the product on the unregistered product placement section 23 before payment.

[0029] In addition, the unregistered product placement section 23 is not limited to being attached to the housing 101 of the settlement device 10, but may also be placed near the settlement device 10 as an independent stand separate from the settlement device 10.

[0030] For example, an object detection sensor (not shown) may be provided on or near the placement surface of unregistered product placement section 23, and may detect whether a shopping basket or product is placed on the placement surface. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, a platform T for placing registered products may be provided on the opposite side of checkout device 10 from unregistered product placement section 23.

[0031] Camera 25 is an imaging device attached to pole 21. Camera 25 is attached so as to be able to photograph unregistered product placement section 23 and objects placed on placement surface 23S. In the following description, an image of unregistered product placement section 23 is referred to as a product image (or placement section image). Camera 25, for example, photographs products (i.e., unregistered products) in a shopping cart placed on unregistered product placement section 23.

[0032] The settlement device 10 acquires an image captured by the camera 25, analyzes the image, and counts the number of products in the image. The camera 25 may be integrated with the settlement device 10 and form a part of the settlement device 10.

[0033] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device 10. The operation of the settlement device 10 is controlled by a control unit 27. For example, the settlement device 10 is a device in which the control unit 27, a memory unit 29, and a communication unit 31 work together via a system bus. The control unit 27 is connected to the barcode reading unit 13, the user interface unit 17, the guide lamps 19, the camera 25, the cash processing unit 33, and the receipt issuing unit 35 via the system bus or by other means so as to be able to communicate information with them.

[0034] The control unit 27 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM and storage unit 29, thereby realizing various functions.

[0035] The control unit 27, for example, accepts a barcode scan operation by the user of the settlement device 10 and performs product registration processing. The control unit 27 also performs payment processing for the registered products. The control unit 27 also controls the notification of the status of the transaction, including product registration and payment processing at the settlement device 10, to the user via the guide lamp 19.

[0036] The storage unit 29 is a storage device such as a hard disk, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 29 pre-stores data necessary for the processing of the control unit 27, and also stores data generated in the processing of the control unit 27 as appropriate. The storage unit 29 stores various programs executed by the settlement device 10. The various programs include a program for executing product registration in the settlement device 10 and a program for executing payment processing. The various programs also include a program for controlling the lighting state of the guide lamps 19 depending on the status of product registration.

[0037] The various programs may be acquired, for example, from another server device or the like via a network, or may be recorded on a recording medium and read via various drive devices. In other words, the various programs stored in the storage unit 29 can be transmitted via a network, or can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and transferred.

[0038] The communication unit 31 is a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from external devices in accordance with instructions from the control unit 27. The communication unit 31 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) for connecting the settlement device 10 to the network NW. The communication unit 31 is connected to the network NW and transmits and receives various data to and from external devices such as the server 40. For example, the control unit 27 transmits the result of a transaction to the server 40 via the communication unit 31. For example, the control unit 27 receives data regarding the price of a product from the server 40 via the communication unit 31.

[0039] The cash processing unit 33 is a mechanism that transports cash between the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 11 and a cash storage unit (not shown) in response to instructions from the control unit 27. The cash processing unit 33 takes in cash inserted into the banknote insertion slot 11A and coin insertion slot 11B of the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 11, and stores it in a cash storage unit (not shown) within the housing 101. The cash processing unit 33 also outputs cash according to the amount indicated in the instruction from the control unit 27 from the cash storage unit (not shown) to the change outlet 11C or the change outlet 11D.

[0040] The settlement device 10 is configured to also accommodate cashless payments using credit cards or electronic money instead of cash, but for simplicity's sake, this will not be described in this specification.

[0041] In response to a signal supplied from the control unit 27 , the receipt issuing unit 35 prints the transaction details indicated by the signal on receipt paper and discharges it from the receipt discharge port 15 .

[0042] [Product Registration] When the barcode attached to the product is read by the barcode reading unit 13, the control unit 27 executes product registration by acquiring product information including information such as the product name and price stored in the barcode.

[0043] [Payment processing] For example, when product registration is complete, the control unit 27 causes the user interface unit 17 to display the total amount. When the customer makes payment by inserting cash into the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 11, the control unit 27 performs settlement processing by causing the receipt issuing unit 35 to issue a receipt and, if necessary, discharging change into the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 11.

[0044] In addition, in Figure 3, the product registration process can be executed by the configuration of the product registration unit 10A surrounded by a dashed line, i.e., the barcode reading unit 13, user interface unit 17, control unit 27, memory unit 29, and communication unit 31. In other words, the product registration unit 10A alone can function as a product registration device. Furthermore, a device including the product registration unit 10A can be said to be the product registration device of the present invention. The settlement device 10 of this embodiment can be said to include a product registration device.

[0045] The following describes the functions of the control unit 27 for acquiring the transaction status and making a notification according to the transaction status.

[0046] [Get transaction status information] The control unit 27 functions as a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information indicating the status of transactions performed at the settlement device 10. The transaction status information includes a registration status, which is the status of product registration at the settlement device 10. The registration status is, for example, the progress of product registration or the estimated time until product registration is completed. Furthermore, for example, the registration status may be information such as the number of registered products, the time elapsed since product registration began, and the number of remaining unregistered products. Furthermore, for example, the registration status may be the average time required per product calculated from the number of registered products and the time required for product registration.

[0047] The transaction status information may also include, for example, information indicating that a settlement is being made at the settlement device 10, or information indicating that no transaction is being made, i.e., that the device is idle. In the following description, the transaction status when no transaction is being made is also referred to as an "idle state."

[0048] [Get registration status] When a product is placed on the unregistered product placement section 23, the control section 27 acquires a product image, which is an image of the unregistered product placement section 23 taken by the camera 25, i.e., a product image of the unregistered product placed on the unregistered product placement section 23, before product registration begins (i.e., before the barcode reading section 13 begins reading the barcode), and functions as an image acquisition section. In this embodiment, the control section 27 acquires the product registration status (registration status) using the product image. For example, the control section 27 may continue to acquire product images of unregistered products taken by the camera 25 even after product registration begins.

[0049] For example, the control unit 27 acquires the registration status based on the number of products in the product image. Specifically, the control unit 27 analyzes the product image to acquire the number of products in the product image. For example, the control unit 27 sets the number of products in the product image before the start of product registration as the total number of products to be registered.

[0050] For example, the control unit 27 acquires the registration status using the number of products in the product image before the start of product registration (total number of products) and the number of products in the product image after the start of product registration (also referred to as the number of products being registered). For example, the control unit 27 determines the number of registered products as the number of total products minus the number of products being registered, and calculates the ratio of the number of registered products to the total number of products as the progress of product registration.

[0051] Alternatively, the control unit 27 may acquire the registration status by using the number of products actually registered through product registration as the number of registered products instead of the number of products in the product images after the start of product registration. For example, the progress of product registration may be determined by calculating the ratio of the number of actually registered products to the total number of products.

[0052] For example, the control unit 27 may acquire the registration status by comparing the product image before the start of product registration with the product image after the start of product registration. For example, the progress of product registration may be acquired by comparing the area occupied by the product in the product image before the start of product registration with the area occupied by the product in the product image after the start of product registration.

[0053] For example, the control unit 27 may calculate, as the registration status, the estimated time until completion of product registration (also referred to as the estimated remaining time). For example, the estimated remaining time is calculated from the number of registered products, the time taken to register those products (the rate of progress of product registration), and the number of remaining unregistered products. For example, the time taken to register the products may be divided by the number of registered products to calculate the average registration time per product, and the remaining remaining time may be calculated by multiplying the average registration time by the number of remaining unregistered products. Note that, for example, the control unit 27 may simply acquire the number of remaining unregistered products as the registration status.

[0054] [Notification based on transaction status information] Based on the acquired transaction status information, the control unit 27 functions as a notification unit that notifies users around the settlement device 10 of the transaction status. In this embodiment, the control unit 27 notifies users of the transaction status by changing the lighting state of the guide lamp 19 according to the transaction status.

[0055] 4 is a diagram showing a table TB1, which is an example of the lighting state of the guide lamp 19 according to the transaction status. The table TB1 is stored, for example, in the memory unit 29. The control unit 27 controls the lighting state of the guide lamp 19 in accordance with the table TB1.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, when no transaction is being performed, that is, when settlement device 10 is idle, control unit 27 turns on green lamp 19C of the plurality of lamps of guide lamp 19.

[0057] Furthermore, when the transaction status is product registration or payment processing, that is, when settlement device 10 is in use, control unit 27 turns on red lamp 19A of the multiple lamps of guide lamp 19.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 27 changes the lighting state of the guide lamp 19 according to the status of the product registration (registration status). In the example shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 27 changes the lighting state of the guide lamp 19 according to the progress of the product registration. Specifically, when the progress of the product registration is low, the red lamp 19A is lit, and when the progress is high, the red lamp 19A is flashing.

[0059] For example, the control unit 27 may set a threshold for the degree of progress of product registration at 70%, determine that the degree of progress is low when the degree of progress of product registration is less than 70% (degree of progress: low), and determine that the degree of progress is high when the degree of progress is 70% or more (degree of progress: high), and change the lighting state of the lamp, for example, change it to a flashing state. The threshold for the degree of progress is not limited to 70% and can be set arbitrarily.

[0060] Furthermore, when the estimated time remaining until the completion of the product registration described above falls below a predetermined time, the control unit 27 may determine that the degree of progress is high and change the lighting mode of the lamp, for example, to a flashing state. Furthermore, when the number of unregistered products falls below a predetermined number, the control unit 27 may determine that the degree of progress is high and change the lighting mode of the lamp, for example, to a flashing state.

[0061] In addition, as a change in the lighting mode according to the progress of product registration, in addition to changing from a lit state to a flashing state, for example, the lighting color of the lamp (i.e., changing the lamp that is lit) or the flashing speed may be changed.

[0062] Furthermore, when product registration is completed and payment processing is started, control unit 27 changes the lighting mode of guide lamp 19. In the example shown in Fig. 4, during payment processing, red lamp 19A flashes at a faster flashing rate than during product registration.

[0063] Note that when a transaction is interrupted or stopped, for example, because the help button has been pressed, i.e., when settlement device 10 is unavailable, control unit 27 may light guide lamp 19 in a different lighting mode than when settlement device 50 is available or in use. For example, as shown in the example in Fig. 4, yellow lamp 19B may be in a flashing state while an attendant is being called, and may be in a lit state when an attendant has arrived and is assisting the customer or when the device is out of order.

[0064] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 40. For example, the server 40 is a device in which a storage unit 41, a control unit 43, and a communication unit 45 cooperate with each other via a system bus.

[0065] The memory unit 41 is a memory device composed of, for example, a hard disk device and an SSD (solid state drive), and stores various programs that enable the server 40 to perform processes such as providing product information and aggregating sales data between multiple settlement devices 10.

[0066] The various programs may be acquired, for example, from another server device or the like via a network, or may be recorded on a recording medium and read via various drive devices. In other words, the various programs stored in the storage unit 41 can be transmitted via a network, or can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and transferred.

[0067] The control unit 43 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 41, thereby realizing various functions.

[0068] The communication unit 45 is a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from external devices in accordance with instructions from the control unit 43. The communication unit 45 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) for connecting the server 40 to the network NW. The communication unit 45 connects the server 40 to the network NW, and transmits and receives various data to and from each of the multiple settlement devices 10.

[0069] The control unit 43 of the server 40 receives the results of transactions such as product registration and payment processing from each of the multiple settlement devices 10 via the communication unit 45. The control unit 43 performs a sales tallying process based on the received transaction results.

[0070] In addition, the control unit 43 transmits product information such as the product name and price to each of the multiple settlement devices 10 via the communication unit 45.

[0071] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a control routine executed by the control unit 27 of the settlement device 10 to realize notifications according to the transaction status as described above will be described.

[0072] 6 is a flowchart showing a registration status acquisition routine RT1, which is an example of a routine executed by the control unit 27 as a status acquisition unit. For example, when it is detected that a product has been placed in the unregistered product placement unit 23, the control unit 27 starts the registration status acquisition routine RT1.

[0073] When the control unit 27 starts the registration status acquisition routine RT1, it acquires the total number of products, which is the number of products placed in the unregistered product placement unit 23 (step S101). In step S101, the control unit 27 acquires product images from the camera 25 and counts the number of products in the product images by image analysis.

[0074] After executing step S101, the control unit 27 determines whether product registration has started (step S102). In step S102, for example, when the barcode attached to the first product is read by the barcode reading unit 13, it is determined that product registration has started.

[0075] In step S102, if it is determined that product registration has not started (step S102: NO), the control unit 27 repeats step S102 to determine again whether product registration has started.

[0076] In step S102, when it is determined that product registration has started (step S102: NO), the control unit 27 starts acquiring the registration status (step S103). In step S103, for example, the control unit 27 calculates the ratio of the number of registered products to the total number of products acquired in step S101 as the progress of product registration.

[0077] The number of registered products may be, for example, the number of products whose barcodes have been read by the barcode reading unit 13, i.e., the number of products that have actually been registered. Alternatively, the number of registered products may be the number obtained by subtracting the number of unregistered products in product images after product registration has started from the total number of products.

[0078] In step S103, for example, the control unit 27 may calculate, as the registration status, an estimated time (estimated remaining time) until the product registration is completed while the product is being registered.

[0079] After executing step S103, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the product registration is completed (step S104). In step S104, for example, if there is no product in the product image (i.e., in the placement unit image obtained by capturing an unregistered product placement unit), it is determined that the product registration is completed.

[0080] In step S104, if it is determined that the product registration has not been completed (step S104: NO), the control unit 27 repeats step S104 to determine again whether the product registration has been completed.

[0081] In step S104, if it is determined that the product registration is completed (step S104: YES), the control unit 27 ends the calculation of the progress degree (step S105) and ends the registration status acquisition routine RT1.

[0082] 7 is a flowchart showing a notification routine RT2, which is an example of a routine executed by the control unit 27 as a notification unit. The control unit 27 starts the notification routine RT2, for example, when product registration is started.

[0083] When the notification routine RT2 starts, the control unit 27 turns on the guide lamp 19 in a lighting mode corresponding to the product registration status (step S201). In step S201, the control unit 27 turns on the guide lamp 19 in a lighting mode corresponding to the registration status acquired by the status acquisition unit.

[0084] In step S201, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the lighting mode of the guide lamp 19 is changed depending on the progress of the product registration. For example, if the progress of the product registration is less than a threshold (for example, less than 70%), the red lamp 19A of the guide lamp 19 is turned on, and if the progress of the product registration is equal to or greater than the threshold (for example, equal to or greater than 70%), the red lamp 19A is flashed.

[0085] The lighting pattern according to the progress of product registration is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4. For example, two or more thresholds for the progress may be set in stages, and the higher the progress, the faster the blinking speed may be, or the lighting color may be changed.

[0086] In step S201, the lighting mode may be changed depending on the estimated time until product registration is completed. For example, the lighting of the guide lamp 19 may be controlled so that the blinking speed increases as the estimated time becomes shorter.

[0087] After executing step S201, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the payment process has started (step S202). In step S202, for example, when an input operation to a "Settlement" button displayed on the user interface unit 17 is accepted, it is determined that the payment process has started.

[0088] In step S202, if it is determined that the payment process has not started (step S202: NO), the control unit 27 repeats step S202 to determine again whether the payment process has started.

[0089] In step S202, when it is determined that the payment process has started (step S202: YES), the control unit 27 changes the lighting mode of the guide lamp 19 to the lighting mode during the payment process (step S203). In step S203, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the red lamp 19A of the guide lamp 19 may be flashed at a faster flashing rate than the flashing rate at the time of product registration.

[0090] After step S203 is executed, the control unit 27 determines whether the payment process is complete (step S204). In step S204, for example, if a receipt is discharged from the receipt discharge port 15, it is determined that the payment process is complete.

[0091] In step S204, if it is determined that the payment process has not been completed (step S204: NO), the control unit 27 repeats step S204 to determine again whether the payment process has been completed.

[0092] In step S204, when it is determined that the settlement process has ended (step S204: YES), the control unit 27 changes the lighting mode of the guide lamp 19 to the lighting mode when no transaction is being performed, that is, when the settlement device 10 is idle (step S205). In step S205, for example, the control unit 27 lights up the green lamp 19C of the guide lamp 19 as shown in FIG.

[0093] After executing step S205, the control unit 27 ends the notification routine RT2. According to the notification routine RT2, the control unit 27 as a notification unit can notify surrounding users of the transaction status of the settlement device 10 by changing the lighting mode of the guide lamp 19 to a lighting mode corresponding to the transaction status.

[0094] For example, customers lining up to use a payment terminal 10 can estimate which payment terminal 10 is likely to be the next available by looking at the lighting state of the guide lamps 19 of each of the multiple payment terminals 10. For example, even if there is no payment terminal 10 currently processing a payment, it is possible to estimate that the payment terminal 10 with the highest progress in product registration is likely to be the next available.

[0095] As described above, in the settlement system 100 of this embodiment, each of the multiple settlement devices 10 is a device that accepts user operations and performs transactions, including product registration. The settlement device 10 has a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information, including a registration status, which is the status of product registration, and a notification unit that makes notifications based on the transaction status information. Furthermore, the settlement device 10 is a device that includes at least a product registration device.

[0096] With the above configuration, the status of product registration is reflected in the notifications made by the settlement device 10. For example, a user lining up to use one of multiple settlement devices 10 can understand the status of product registration by receiving notifications from each of the multiple settlement devices 10. This allows the user to know in advance which settlement device 10 they should move to, and can quickly move to an empty settlement device 10.

[0097] Therefore, according to the settlement system 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a product registration device, a product registration system, a product registration method, a product registration program, and a recording medium that support smooth customer changes in the product registration device.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, notifications based on transaction status information are made by the lighting mode of the guide lamp 19. For example, according to this embodiment, the lighting mode of the guide lamp 19, such as the lighting color or blinking speed, can be changed depending on the registration status, such as the progress of product registration or the estimated time until product registration is completed. This visualizes the product registration status, allowing the user to intuitively understand the registration status. [Example]

[0099] Second Embodiment A settlement device 50 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the settlement device 50 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement device 50.

[0100] The settlement device 50 is basically configured in the same way as the settlement device 10 of the first embodiment, but differs in that it has a weighing scale 53 instead of the camera 25 and a guide lamp 55 instead of the guide lamp 19. The weighing scale 53 and the guide lamp 55 are connected to the control unit 27 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0101] Weighing scale 53 is a weighing scale provided between unregistered product placement section 23 and L-shaped support sections 24, which are a pair of L-shaped support members attached to housing 101. Weighing scale 53 has a flat upper surface and is supported by L-shaped support sections 24. Plate-shaped unregistered product placement section 23 is disposed on the upper surface of weighing scale 53. As in the first embodiment, a user can place a shopping basket or products on placement surface 23S of unregistered product placement section 23.

[0102] Weigh scale 53 is a measuring unit that measures the weight of an object placed on placement surface 23S of unregistered product placement section 23. For example, weigh scale 53 outputs the weight of the object minus the weight of unregistered product placement section 23. Weigh scale 53 transmits the measured weight of the object to control unit 27.

[0103] For example, the total weight of the shopping basket and the items placed in the shopping basket is measured by weighing scale 53. For example, control unit 27 performs tare removal by subtracting the weight of a specific shopping basket used in the store from the weight of the object obtained from weighing scale 53.

[0104] The guide lamp 55 is connected to the settlement device 50 and is a lighting device that turns on in accordance with instructions from the settlement device 50. The guide lamp 55 is attached to the upper end of a rod-shaped pole portion 21 that is installed near the settlement device 10 along the vertical direction.

[0105] In this embodiment, the guide lamp 55 is an indicator lamp in which a plurality of light sources are arranged in a line. Each of the plurality of light sources is an LED capable of changing its lighting color. The guide lamp 55 lights each of the plurality of light sources in a lighting mode according to an instruction from the control unit 27. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the guide lamp 55 is configured with five light sources arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0106] [Get registration status] Control unit 27, which functions as a status acquisition unit, acquires the weight of the object placed on unregistered product placement unit 23 from weighing scale 53, and acquires the product registration status (registration status) based on the change in the weight of the object.

[0107] For example, the control unit 27 identifies the weight of the object placed on the unregistered product placement unit 23 before product registration begins as the total product weight, and obtains the registration status based on the change in the weight of the object after product registration begins.

[0108] The control unit 27 calculates the weight of registered products (registered product weight) by subtracting the weight of unregistered products after product registration has started from the total product weight. The control unit 27 calculates the ratio of the registered product weight to the total product weight, for example, to determine the progress of product registration.

[0109] For example, the control unit 27 may calculate an expected time until product registration is completed based on the weight of an object placed on the unregistered product placement unit 23. The control unit 27 may use the weight of an object placed on the unregistered product placement unit 23 after the start of product registration as registration information.

[0110] [Notification based on transaction status information] The control unit 27 as a notification unit notifies the transaction status by changing the lighting state of the guide lamp 55 according to the transaction status.

[0111] 10 is a diagram showing table TB2, which is an example of the lighting state of guide lamp 55 according to the transaction status. Table TB2 is stored, for example, in memory unit 29. Control unit 27 controls the lighting state of guide lamp 55 in accordance with table TB2.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10, when no transaction is being performed, i.e., when the settlement device 10 is idle, the control unit 27, for example, lights up all five light sources of the guide lamp 55 in green.

[0113] Furthermore, when the transaction status is during product registration or payment processing, that is, when settlement device 10 is in use, control unit 27 gradually changes the lighting state of guide lamp 55 as the transaction progresses.

[0114] 10, the control unit 27 increases the number of light sources that light up in green and decreases the number of light sources that light up in red as the progress of product registration increases. Furthermore, during payment processing, the number of light sources that light up in green is increased compared to during product registration.

[0115] This lighting pattern allows the user to intuitively grasp the status of the transaction, including the progress of product registration.

[0116] For example, the control unit 27 may set the threshold of the progress degree of product registration to 70%, as in the case of the first embodiment, and determine that the progress degree of product registration is low (progress degree: low) when it is less than 70%, and determine that the progress degree is high (progress degree: high) when it is 70% or more. The threshold of the progress degree is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, two or more thresholds may be set, and the progress degree of product registration may be divided into three or more stages.

[0117] Note that when a transaction is interrupted or stopped, for example, because the help button has been pressed, i.e., when the settlement device 50 is unavailable, the control unit 27 may light the guide lamp 55 in a different manner than when the settlement device 50 is available or in use. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the lighting color of the five light sources of the guide lamp 55 is all yellow. Also, as in the example shown in FIG. 10, the five light sources may be set to a flashing state when an attendant is being called, and to a steady state when an attendant has arrived and is assisting the customer, or when the settlement device is out of order.

[0118] Although the guide lamp 55 has been described as having light sources arranged in a horizontal row, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light sources may be arranged in other arrangements such as a vertical row or in a matrix.

[0119] As described above, according to this embodiment, the progress of product registration can be obtained based on the change in weight of unregistered products remaining in the shopping cart after product registration has started. As a result, even if, for example, many products are placed in the shopping cart overlapping each other and it is difficult to accurately count the number of products, the progress can be calculated based on the value (weight) based on the initial total amount of products.

[0120] Furthermore, by changing the lighting state of the guide lamps 55, which are made up of light sources arranged in a line, to indicate the transaction status, including the progress of product registration, it is possible to notify the user of continuous changes in the transaction status, and the user can more intuitively grasp the transaction status.

[0121] As described above, as a means for acquiring the status of product registration, an example in which an image of an unregistered product is used has been described in Example 1, and an example in which the weight of the unregistered product is used has been described in Example 2. Furthermore, as a configuration example of a guide lamp, which is one of the means for notifying the status of product registration, a stacked signal light has been described in Example 1, and an indicator lamp has been described in Example 2. The combination of these means for acquiring the status of product registration and means for notifying the status of product registration is not limited to the above examples.

[0122] For example, in the configuration of the settlement device 10 of the first embodiment, the indicator lamp (guidance lamp 55) of the second embodiment may be employed in place of the guidance lamp 19 which is a stacked signal lamp.

[0123] In addition, in the configuration of the settlement device 50 of the second embodiment, the guide lamp 55 may be replaced with the guide lamp 19.

[0124] Furthermore, the settlement device 10 or 50 may be configured to include both a camera and a weighing scale, and the status of product registration may be obtained using product images and the weights of unregistered products.

[0125] Furthermore, the lighting mode of the guide lamps is not limited to the above example. For example, although an example in which all light sources of the guide lamp 55 are always lit has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lighting mode may be such that some light sources are turned off. For example, the higher the progress of product registration, the more light sources that are lit in green may be increased, and the light sources other than the light sources that are lit in green may be turned off. In this case, for example, each light source of the guide lamp 55 does not need to be a light source that can change its lighting color. Furthermore, in regard to the notification of the product registration status, the notification by the guide lamp may be combined with a buzzer sound or an announcement. [Example]

[0126] The settlement system 200 of Example 3 is configured in the same manner as the settlement system 100 shown in Figure 1, and differs in that the server 40 performs processing to compare the transaction status between each of the multiple settlement devices 10 and notify the user of the results.

[0127] Similar to the settlement system 100, the settlement system 200 is a system constructed by connecting a plurality of settlement devices 10 and a server 40 so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of settlement devices 10 is capable of sequentially transmitting transaction status information indicating the status of a transaction to the server 40. As described above, the transaction status information includes a registration status, which is the status of product registration. The registration status is, for example, the progress of product registration or the expected time until product registration is completed.

[0128] [Identifying payment devices with high product registration progress] The control unit 43 of the server 40 receives transaction status information of each settlement device 10 from each of the plurality of settlement devices 10 via the communication unit 45.

[0129] The control unit 43 identifies a settlement device 10 with a relatively high degree of progress in product registration based on the registration status included in the transaction status information. The degree of progress in product registration is, for example, the ratio of the number of registered products to the total number of products before the start of product registration.

[0130] For example, the control unit 43 acquires the degree of progress of product registration calculated in each settlement device 10, and identifies one or more settlement devices 10 with a relatively high degree of progress. For example, the control unit 43 identifies one settlement device 10 with the highest degree of progress of product registration.

[0131] In other words, the control unit 43 of the server 40 functions as an identification unit that acquires registration statuses from multiple product registration devices and identifies a product registration device among the multiple product registration devices that has a relatively high degree of progress in product registration based on the registration status. Note that the control unit 43 may identify multiple devices with a relatively high degree of progress as priority guidance devices that are devices that are given priority in guidance, or may identify one or more devices with a degree of progress higher than a threshold as priority guidance devices. Naturally, the control unit 43 may acquire an estimated remaining time or the number of unregistered products and identify one or more priority guidance devices depending on the magnitude of these.

[0132] The control unit 43 may identify the settlement device 10 in which the transaction is progressing relatively, taking into account the transaction status indicated by the received transaction status information, including statuses other than the registration status. For example, the control unit 43 may determine that the transaction is progressing more when the settlement processing is in progress than when the registration processing is in progress. Also, for example, the control unit 43 may determine that the transaction is progressing more when the settlement processing is in progress than when the settlement processing is in progress.

[0133] [Notification instruction to payment devices with high product registration progress] When the control unit 43 of the server 40 identifies one or more settlement devices 10 with a relatively high degree of progress in product registration, it sends information to the identified settlement devices 10 instructing them to make a notification indicating that the settlement devices 10 have a relatively high degree of progress in product registration or that the time until they become available is relatively short.

[0134] The notification is made, for example, via the guide lamp 19. The notification may be made, for example, by lighting the guide lamp 19 in a lighting mode different from the lighting mode indicating the transaction status. For example, the guide lamp 19 may be lit in a lighting color different from the lighting mode indicating an empty or in-use state. For example, the guide lamp 19 may be provided with a white lamp, which is a lighting color other than red, green, or yellow, and the white lamp may be lit when the device is identified as having a relatively high degree of progress in product registration.

[0135] The notification may be made by means other than the guide lamp 19. For example, the notification may be made by a text display. The notification may also be made by voice, or by a combination of a display and voice. For example, the notification may be made by a display or announcement such as "Register number 1 will be available next."

[0136] In other words, the control unit 43 of the server 40 functions as a notification instruction unit that instructs the notification unit of the product registration device identified by the identification unit to make a specific notification.

[0137] In addition to or instead of the above notification instruction, the server 40 may perform control to display a display indicating the identified settlement device 10 on a display device (for example, an electronic bulletin board) within the store.

[0138] [Announcement Instruction Routine] 11 is a flowchart showing a notification instruction routine RT3, which is an example of a routine executed by the control unit 43 of the server 40. The control unit 43 repeatedly executes the notification instruction routine RT3, for example, during the opening hours of the store.

[0139] When the control unit 43 starts the notification instruction routine RT3, it determines whether or not there is an available terminal (step S301). In step S301, the control unit 43 acquires transaction status information from the multiple settlement devices 10, and if there is a settlement device 10 among the multiple settlement devices 10 whose transaction status indicated by the transaction status information is that no transaction is being performed, i.e., that is in an available state, it is determined that there is an available terminal.

[0140] In step S301, if it is determined that there is an available terminal (step S301: YES), the control unit 43 ends the notification instruction routine RT3 and starts a new notification instruction routine RT3.

[0141] In step S301, if it is determined that there is no available terminal (step S301: NO), the control unit 43 determines whether there is a terminal that is currently processing a payment (step S302). In step S302, if there is a settlement device 10 whose transaction status indicated by the transaction status information is that payment is currently being processed, it is determined that there is a terminal that is currently processing a payment.

[0142] In step S302, if it is determined that there is a terminal currently processing a payment (step S302: YES), the control unit 43 transmits notification instruction information to the settlement device 10 currently processing the payment, instructing the settlement device 10 to notify that the settlement device 10 will be the next available device (step S303). In step S303, for example, the control unit 43 transmits the notification instruction information to the settlement device 10 currently processing the payment. For example, the control unit 43 may transmit the notification instruction information to a display device installed in the store, or may transmit the notification instruction information to both the settlement device 10 currently processing the payment and the display device.

[0143] In step S302, if it is determined that there is no terminal currently undergoing payment processing (step S302: NO), or after executing step S303, the control unit 43 determines whether there is a terminal currently undergoing registration processing (step S304).

[0144] In step S304, if it is determined that there is no terminal currently processing the payment (step S304: NO), the control unit 43 ends the notification instruction routine RT3 and starts a new notification instruction routine RT3.

[0145] In step S304, if it is determined that there is a terminal in the middle of payment processing (step S304: YES), the control unit 43 identifies a terminal with a high degree of progress (step S305). In step S304, the control unit 43 identifies, from among the multiple settlement devices 10, one or more settlement devices 10 with a high degree of progress in product registration indicated by the transaction status information.

[0146] After executing step S305, the control unit 43 transmits notification instruction information to the terminal identified in step S305, instructing it to notify that the next available seat will be available (step S306). In step S306, for example, the control unit 43 transmits the notification instruction information to the settlement device 10 identified in step S305. For example, the control unit 43 may transmit the notification instruction information to a display device installed in the store, or may transmit the notification instruction information to both the identified settlement device 10 and the display device.

[0147] In step S306, for example, in the settlement device 10 identified in step S305, the guide lamp 19 is lit in a lighting mode corresponding to the notification instruction information. For example, in the settlement device 10, the guide lamp 19 is lit in a lighting mode different from the lighting mode indicating the transaction status or the product registration status (e.g., FIG. 4).

[0148] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing an example of the display content displayed on the display screen D of a display device installed in a store based on the notification instruction information. For example, if it is determined in step S302 that there is no terminal currently processing a payment and if it is determined in step S304 that there is a terminal currently processing a registration, then in step S306, a guide screen such as that shown in Fig. 12 is displayed on the display screen D based on the notification instruction information.

[0149] For example, if it is determined in step S302 that there is a terminal currently undergoing payment processing, and if it is determined in step S304 that there is a terminal currently undergoing registration processing, a guide screen such as that shown in Figure 13 is displayed on display screen D based on the notification instruction information in steps S303 and S306.

[0150] After executing step S306, the control unit 43 ends the notification instruction routine RT3 and starts a new notification instruction routine RT3.

[0151] According to the settlement system 200 of this embodiment, it is possible to make a notification indicating a settlement device 10 that is relatively high in the progress of product registration among multiple settlement devices 10 in the process of product registration. For example, a user who is waiting in line to use one of multiple settlement devices 10 can easily know in advance which settlement device 10 they should move in front of, and can quickly move in front of a settlement device 10 that is actually available.

[0152] Therefore, according to the settlement system 200 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a product registration device, a product registration system, a product registration method, a product registration program, and a recording medium that support smooth customer changes in the product registration device.

[0153] Although the settlement system 200 of this embodiment has been described as including a plurality of settlement devices 10, it can also be realized in the same way when it includes a plurality of settlement devices 50 instead of a plurality of settlement devices 10.

[0154] The configurations and routines in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and can be modified or combined as appropriate depending on the application, etc.

[0155] For example, as described above, in the configuration of settlement device 10 according to Example 1, guide lamp 19 may be replaced with guide lamp 55 of Example 2. Also, in the configuration of settlement device 50 according to Example 2, guide lamp 19 of Example 1 may be replaced with guide lamp 55. Furthermore, Examples 1 and 2 may be combined to form a settlement device equipped with a camera and a weighing scale, and the status of product registration may be obtained based on product images and the weights of unregistered products.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the settlement device 10 and the settlement device 50 are described as examples that include a product registration device and perform payment processing for products registered by the product registration device, but this is not limited to this. The acquisition of registration status and notification based on transaction status including registration status of the present invention can also be applied to product registration devices that do not perform payment processing.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the settlement device 10 and the settlement device 50 are customer-operated settlement devices, i.e., self-checkout registers, but this is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a product registration device that registers products through the operation of a store clerk, or a settlement device that registers products and processes payments through the operation of a store clerk.

[0158] Although the present invention has been described with reference to an example in which the notification is made by a guide lamp, the configuration and lighting mode of the guide lamp are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the notification of the present invention may be made by means other than a guide lamp. For example, the notification of the present invention may be made by a buzzer, an announcement, or other sound, or may be made by a combination of a guide lamp and sound. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10, 50 payment device 11 Cash deposit and withdrawal section 13 Barcode reader 15 Receipt outlet 17 User Interface Section 19, 55 Guide lamp 21 Pole section 23 Unregistered product placement area 24 L-shaped support part 25 Camera 27 Control Unit 29 Memory section 31 Communications Department 33 Cash Processing Department 35 Receipt Issuance Department 40 servers 43 Storage section 45 Communications Department 53 Weight scale 100,200 Settlement system NW Network

Claims

1. A product registration device that accepts user operations to perform transactions including product registration, a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration; a notification unit that makes a notification based on the transaction status information; A product registration device comprising:

2. An image acquisition unit acquires a product image obtained by photographing an unregistered product placement unit on which an unregistered product is placed, The product registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the status acquisition unit acquires the registration status based on the product image.

3. The product registration device according to claim 2 , wherein the status acquisition unit acquires the registration status by comparing the product image before the start of the product registration with the product image after the start of the product registration.

4. The product registration device according to claim 3, characterized in that the status acquisition unit acquires the registration status using the total number of products, which is the number of products in the product image before the product registration begins, and the number of unregistered products acquired based on the product image after the product registration begins.

5. The product registration device according to claim 3, characterized in that the status acquisition unit acquires the registration status using the total number of products, which is the number of products in the product image before the product registration begins, and the number of products actually registered in the product registration device by the product registration.

6. a measuring unit that measures the weight of an object placed on the unregistered product placement unit; The product registration device according to claim 1 , wherein the status acquisition unit acquires the registration status based on a change in the weight.

7. The product registration device according to claim 6 , wherein the status acquisition unit identifies the weight before the start of the product registration as a total product weight, and acquires the registration status based on a change in the weight after the start of the product registration.

8. 2. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit makes a notification according to an estimated time remaining until completion of the product registration, which is acquired based on the registration status.

9. 2. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a notification according to the number of unregistered products.

10. 2. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is configured to be able to control a lighting device that indicates the status of the transaction, and changes the lighting state of the lighting device depending on the registration status.

11. 11. The merchandise registration device according to claim 10, wherein the notification unit changes a blinking rate of the illumination device depending on the registration status.

12. the lighting device is a stacked signal light in which a plurality of light-emitting devices are stacked, each emitting light of a different color from its side, 11. The product registration device according to claim 10, wherein the notification unit indicates the registration status by the lighting color or blinking speed of the stacked signal lights.

13. The lighting device is an indicator lamp having a plurality of light sources arranged in a line, 11. The merchandise registration device according to claim 10, wherein the notification unit changes the number of light sources that are turned on among the plurality of light sources according to the registration status.

14. each of the plurality of light sources of the lighting device is capable of changing a lighting color; 14. The merchandise registration device according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit changes the number of light sources that are lit with the same lighting color among the plurality of light sources according to the registration status.

15. 15. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a notification according to the progress of the product registration acquired based on the registration status.

16. A settlement device comprising the merchandise registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and performing a settlement process for merchandise registered by said merchandise registration device.

17. A product registration system including a server and a plurality of product registration devices that accept operations by users to perform transactions including product registration, Each of the product registration devices a status acquisition unit that acquires transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration; a notification unit that makes a notification based on the transaction status information; Including, The server an identification unit that acquires the registration status from the plurality of product registration devices and identifies a product registration device among the plurality of product registration devices that has a relatively high degree of progress in the product registration based on the registration status; a notification instruction unit that instructs the notification unit of the product registration device identified by the identification unit to make a specific notification; A product registration system comprising:

18. A product registration method executed by a product registration device that accepts an operation by a user and performs a transaction including product registration, comprising: a status acquisition step of acquiring transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration; a notification step of making a notification based on the transaction status information; A product registration method comprising:

19. A product registration program executed by a product registration device that includes a computer and accepts operations by a user to perform transactions including product registration, a status acquisition step of acquiring transaction status information including a registration status, which is the status of the product registration; a notification step of making a notification based on the transaction status information; A product registration program for executing the above.

20. 20. A computer-readable recording medium storing the product registration program according to claim 19.

Images