Payment terminal guidance system, payment terminal guidance method

Abstract

We provide a payment terminal guidance system that can guide users to payment terminals where they can complete the payment process for their goods. [Solution] A payment terminal guidance system that displays guidance information in a store equipped with multiple payment terminals, comprising: a usage status acquisition unit that acquires detection information that detects the usage status of the payment terminals; a usage status determination unit that determines whether or not the payment terminals are being used based on the detection information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit; and a guidance information generation unit that generates guidance information that guides customers to available payment terminals based on the determined result and outputs the information to a display device that can display the information to customers waiting to use the payment terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement terminal guidance system and a settlement terminal guidance method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in retail stores, the use of settlement terminals (so-called self-checkout registers) where customers who have purchased goods perform the payment (settlement) procedure themselves has been increasing. Such self-checkout registers include, for example, those dedicated to cash payment (cash settlement), those dedicated to non-cash payment (so-called cashless settlement) such as credit cards, and those that can perform both cash settlement and cashless settlement. By the way, in large-scale retail stores such as supermarkets, it is not always the case that settlement terminals (self-checkout registers) corresponding to the same type of settlement method are installed, and it is assumed that self-checkout registers corresponding to different types of settlement methods are installed in a mixed manner. Furthermore, the settlement methods desired by customers who perform the payment (settlement) procedure themselves are also various. For this reason, conventionally, employees of retail stores have confirmed the settlement method desired by customers and guided them to available self-checkout registers. However, the guidance of available self-checkout registers by employees is not necessarily efficient. For this reason, a system that automatically guides available self-checkout registers has been desired conventionally.

[0003] On the other hand, conventionally, a self-checkout register equipped with a surveillance camera has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The surveillance camera provided in such a conventional self-checkout register is mainly provided for the purpose of preventing fraud during settlement by customers. By using the image captured by this surveillance camera to determine whether a customer is currently using the self-checkout register, it is considered possible to apply it to a system that automatically guides self-checkout registers that are not currently being used by customers, that is, self-checkout registers that are in an empty state, instead of the guidance of customers to self-checkout registers by employees.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-002229 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, a system that uses self-checkout machines equipped with surveillance cameras to automatically guide customers to available machines would require replacing existing self-checkout machines with those equipped with surveillance cameras, which could make implementation difficult, especially considering the costs involved.

[0006] The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a payment terminal guidance system and a payment terminal guidance method that can guide users to a payment terminal for processing payments for goods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal guidance system for displaying guidance information in a store equipped with multiple payment terminals, comprising: a usage status acquisition unit that acquires detection information indicating the usage status of the payment terminals; a usage status determination unit that determines whether or not the payment terminals are in use based on the detection information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit; and a guidance information generation unit that generates guidance information indicating available payment terminals based on the determined result and outputs the information to a display device that can display the information to customers waiting to use the payment terminals.

[0008] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described payment terminal guidance system, the usage status acquisition unit sets a detection range to a location where a customer is expected to remain when using the payment terminal, acquires a detection result in which a person is detected within the detection range, and the usage status determination unit determines whether or not the payment terminal is being used based on information indicating whether or not a person is included in the detection result.

[0009] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the guidance information generation unit outputs a display image indicating the available payment terminals.

[0010] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the guidance information generation unit generates a display image that guides users to the available payment terminals for each type of payment method that the payment terminal supports.

[0011] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the guidance information generation unit generates a display image containing information that prompts customers waiting to use the payment terminal to take action to use the available payment terminal.

[0012] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the guidance information generation unit generates a display image that includes content that guides the available payment terminals for each type of payment method that the payment terminal supports, and content that shows information that prompts the action.

[0013] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the guidance information generation unit generates a display image that, for each type of payment method supported by the payment terminal, provides information to guide the user to the available payment terminal, along with the type of payment method supported by the payment terminal being guided, and information to encourage the customer waiting to use the payment terminal to take action to use the available payment terminal.

[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the payment terminal guidance system described above, one line of customers waiting to use the payment terminal can include customers who make payments using a first payment method and customers who make payments using a second payment method different from the first payment method, and the guidance information generation unit outputs the guidance information to a display device positioned so as to be presented to the customers in the line.

[0015] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the guidance information generation unit displays guidance information on the screen of the display device for a payment terminal capable of performing payment by a first payment method and a payment terminal capable of performing payment by a second payment method different from the first payment method.

[0016] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal guidance system in which the above-described payment terminal guidance system includes a usage status detection device for detecting the usage status of the payment terminal, the usage status acquisition unit acquires the detection information from the usage status detection device, and the usage status detection device is a camera that captures images of customers remaining in front of the payment terminal.

[0017] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal guidance system having a usage status detection device for detecting the usage status of the payment terminal, wherein the usage status acquisition unit acquires the detection information from the usage status detection device, and the usage status detection device is a sensor set to a detection range corresponding to the location where a customer using the payment terminal is expected to stay.

[0018] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the payment terminal guidance system described above is a payment terminal guidance system in which the payment terminal is a self-checkout register in which the customer himself performs the payment procedure.

[0019] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a settlement terminal guidance method executed by a computer, which is a settlement terminal guidance device that displays guidance information in a store provided with a plurality of settlement terminals. The method includes obtaining detection information detecting the usage state of the settlement terminal, determining whether the settlement terminal is in use based on the detection information, generating guidance information for guiding available settlement terminals based on the determined result, and outputting the information to a display device capable of displaying information to customers waiting for the use of the settlement terminal.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a payable terminal guidance system, a payable terminal determination method, a payable terminal guidance method, and a program that can automatically guide a settlement terminal for performing a payment procedure for goods purchased by a customer himself / herself.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a usage environment of a payable terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guidance device constituting a payable terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example (No. 1) of a display image for guiding a settlement terminal in a vacant state in a payable terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example (No. 2) of a display image for guiding a settlement terminal in a vacant state in a payable terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example (No. 2) of a display image for guiding a settlement terminal in a vacant state in a payable terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example (No. 4) of a display image for guiding a settlement terminal in a vacant state in a payable terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow in the payment-enabled terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the payment-enabled terminal guidance system, the payment-enabled terminal determination method, the payment-enabled terminal guidance method, and the program according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, it is assumed that the payment-enabled terminal guidance system according to the embodiment is introduced in a large-scale retail store such as a supermarket (hereinafter simply referred to as "retail store"). And in the following description, it is assumed that all of a plurality of payment terminals (registers) installed in the retail store are payment terminals (so-called self-checkout registers) where the customer who purchased the goods performs the payment (settlement) procedure by himself / herself. Further, in the following description, as available payment methods, both payment in cash (cash settlement) and payment other than cash (cashless settlement) using, for example, a credit card, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) are available. There are two types: a self-checkout register (hereinafter referred to as "cash-compatible cashless settlement register") and a cashless settlement dedicated self-checkout register (hereinafter referred to as "cashless settlement dedicated register") whose available payment method is only cashless settlement. And in the following description, it is assumed that customers waiting for payment who are about to make a payment are lined up in a row.

[0023] [Usage Environment of Payment-Enabled Terminal Guidance System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the usage environment of a payment terminal guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows an example in which 12 self-checkout registers T are installed within an area R of a retail store. More specifically, Figure 1 shows an example in which 8 cash-compatible cashless payment registers Tmr (cash-compatible cashless payment registers Tmr-1 to Tmr-8) and 4 cashless payment-only registers Tr (cashless payment-only registers Tr-1 to Tr-4) are installed within area R. Outside area R, an example is shown in which customers C waiting to pay are lined up in a row. More specifically, Figure 1 shows an example in which customers Cm (customers Cm-1 to Cm-4) who wish to pay with cash and customers Cr (customers Cr-1 to Cr-3) who wish to pay with cash are lined up in a row together outside area R. The payment terminal guidance system 1 automatically guides each customer C waiting in line to a currently available self-checkout register T.

[0024] Self-checkout register T, cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr, and cashless payment-only register Tr are examples of "payment terminals." In Figure 1, customer C using self-checkout register T within area R is an example of a "first customer." In Figure 1, among the self-checkout registers T installed within area R, those not being used by customer C are examples of "first payment terminals." In Figure 1, customers Cm and Cr lined up outside area R waiting to make a payment are examples of "second customers."

[0025] The payment terminal guidance system 1 includes, for example, a usage status detection device 100, a guidance device 200, and an information display device 300.

[0026] The usage status detection device 100 detects the usage status of each self-checkout register T within the area R of a retail store where multiple self-checkout registers T are installed. The usage status detection device 100 outputs information representing the usage status of the detected self-checkout register T (hereinafter referred to as "detection information") to the guidance device 200.

[0027] Figure 1 shows an example where the usage status detection device 100 is a camera installed, for example, on the ceiling of a retail store, and detects the state of a customer C using a self-checkout register T by imaging an area R where the self-checkout registers T are installed. In this case, the camera may, for example, image customers C standing in front of each self-checkout register T, or it may image predetermined marks (markers) attached to the floor or other surface at positions where customers C are expected to stand when using each self-checkout register T. The usage status detection device 100 may be configured to image the entire area R with multiple cameras. The cameras may capture still images at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second) or capture moving images. The markers may have a specific shape, or they may have different shapes for each self-checkout register T. For example, the marker for a cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr may be a "square," and the marker for a cashless payment-only register Tr may be a "triangle." The shape of the marker may differ depending on the type of payment method available at the self-checkout register T, i.e., depending on whether it is a cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr or a cashless payment-only register Tr. The marker may use a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and the information represented by this marker may include identification information for identifying the self-checkout register T (i.e., type information that distinguishes between a cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr and a cashless payment-only register Tr, or information about the number of the self-checkout register T that is exclusively set up in the retail store). In this case, instead of a QR code (registered trademark), the marker may use a format that is easier to identify by a camera.For example, ArUco markers, which can be generated using the aruco module—a marker module usable with extension modules of the Open Source Computer Vision Library (OpenCV)—and are commonly used in logistics management systems for managing the distribution of goods, may be used as markers corresponding to each self-register T. The usage status detection device 100, which consists of cameras, outputs the captured images (still images or moving images) as detection information to the guidance device 200.

[0028] The usage status detection device 100 is not limited to the camera configuration shown in Figure 1, but can be configured in any way that can detect the usage status of the self-register T within area R. For example, the usage status detection device 100 may consist of (multiple) motion sensors, each set as a detection range corresponding to a location where a customer C is expected to stay in order to complete a payment (settlement) procedure using the respective self-register T. In this case, the usage status detection device 100 outputs detection result information (including one or more of the following: information for identifying itself, information representing its location within area R, and information representing the corresponding self-register T) to the guidance device 200 as detection information.

[0029] Based on the detection information output by the usage status detection device 100, the guidance device 200 determines which self-registers T installed within area R are not being used by customer C. Based on the determination, the guidance device 200 guides customer C, who is waiting in line for payment, to a self-register T that is currently available for use. The guidance device 200 outputs information for guiding customers to a self-register T that is currently available for use (hereinafter referred to as "guidance information") to the information display device 300. Details regarding the configuration of the guidance device 200 will be described later.

[0030] The information display device 300 displays (guides) the guidance information output by the guidance device 200 to the customers C who are waiting in line to pay. The information display device 300 is installed, for example, at the entrance of area R. The information display device 300 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. In this case, the information display device 300 displays the display image output by the guidance device 200 as guidance information, thereby guiding each customer C waiting in line at the entrance of area R (towards the front of the information display device 300) to the self-checkout register T that is currently available.

[0031] Figure 1 shows an example where the information display device 300 is, for example, a liquid crystal display installed on the ceiling at the entrance of a retail store area R. Figure 1 shows how the information display device 300 informs each customer C that the self-checkout registers T are currently available by displaying images indicating that "Register 4 (cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr-4)", "Register 7 (cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr-7)", and "Register 10 (cashless payment-only register Tr-2)" are available (shown as "empty" in Figure 1). As a result, each customer C waiting in line to pay can refer to the guidance displayed on the information display device 300 and proceed in order to the self-checkout register T that is currently available to pay for their purchased goods.

[0032] The information display device 300 is not limited to a display device such as a liquid crystal display as shown in Figure 1, but can be any configuration that can guide each customer C waiting in line to a self-checkout register T that is currently available for payment. For example, the information display device 300 may be configured to notify the location of the self-checkout register T and whether or not the self-checkout register T is currently available for payment by turning on or off an indicator (so-called lamp) composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the information display device 300 guides each customer C waiting in line in front of the information display device 300 to a self-checkout register T that is currently available for payment by turning on the lamp corresponding to the self-checkout register T that is currently available, as shown in the guidance information output by the guidance device 200.

[0033] [Configuration of the guidance system] Next, the configuration of the guidance device 200 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the guidance device 200 that constitutes the payment terminal guidance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The guidance device 200 includes, for example, a storage unit 210, a usage status acquisition unit 220, and a processing circuit 230.

[0034] The memory unit 210 stores various information used in the guidance device 200 for processing to determine which self-registers T are not being used by customer C. The memory unit 210 stores information (hereinafter referred to as "installation information") associated with information such as the installation location of the self-registers T within area R, the type of each self-register T, and the number of the self-register T that is exclusively set up in the retail store. The memory unit 210 can be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or flash memory, or a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical disc.

[0035] The usage status acquisition unit 220 acquires detection information output by the usage status detection device 100. The usage status acquisition unit 220 outputs the acquired detection information to the processing circuit 230. Alternatively, the usage status acquisition unit 220 may store the acquired detection information in the storage unit 210, notify the processing circuit 230 of this, and the processing circuit 230 may output the detection information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 220 to the processing circuit 230 by reading the detection information stored in the storage unit 210.

[0036] The processing circuit 230 performs predetermined processing on the detection information acquired and output by the usage status acquisition unit 220 to guide customer C to the currently available self-register T. The processing circuit 230 executes, for example, a usage status determination function 232 and a guidance information generation function 234. The processing circuit 230 realizes each of these functions, such as the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234, by, for example, having a hardware processor execute a program (software) stored in a memory (not shown, which may be a storage unit 210). The memory (not shown) is realized by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0037] A hardware processor refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), LSI (Large Scale Integration), SOC (System on Chip), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Instead of storing the program in memory (not shown), the hardware processor may be configured to directly embed the program within its circuitry. In this case, the hardware processor implements each function by reading and executing the program embedded within the circuitry. A hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; it may also be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to implement each function. Multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to implement each function. Multiple components may also be incorporated into a single dedicated LSI to implement each function. Here, the program (software) may be stored in advance in a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element (a non-transient storage device (which may also be a storage unit 210)) such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory, or it may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transient storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the storage device provided in the guide device 200 when the storage medium is mounted on the drive device provided in the guide device 200.The program (software) may be pre-downloaded via a network (not shown) from, for example, a server device or storage device incorporated into a cloud computing system, and installed in the storage device (which may also be a memory unit 210) of the guidance device 200. The program (software) installed in the storage device of the guidance device 200 may be transferred to the processing circuit 230 of the guidance device 200 and executed.

[0038] The usage status determination function 232 determines the usage status of each self-checkout register T installed within area R by the customer C, based on the detection information output by the usage status acquisition unit 220.

[0039] For example, if the usage status detection device 100 is composed of a camera, and the detection information output by the usage status detection device 100 is an image (still image or moving image) captured by the camera, the usage status determination function 232 determines the usage status of the self-register T by customer C by recognizing customer C or markers in the image through a predetermined image recognition process. The image recognition process may use, for example, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) image recognition function. In this case, the usage status determination function 232 may determine the usage status of the self-register T using installation information stored in the memory unit 210. The usage status determination function 232 may also determine the usage status of the self-register T using information associated with the installation information, for example, the installation position of the self-register T within area R and the installation direction of each self-register T, that is, a predetermined front surface (hereinafter referred to as "the front of the self-register T") that customer C accesses when performing the payment (settlement) procedure for purchased goods. More specifically, the usage status determination function 232 determines that the self-register T is currently being used by customer C if a person is captured within a predetermined range in front of the self-register T, and determines that the self-register T is not currently being used by customer C if no person is captured within the predetermined range. In this case, the usage status determination function 232 may also determine that the self-register T is currently being used by customer C if, for example, the same person is captured in multiple still images continuously captured by the usage status detection device 100, or in moving images over a predetermined period of time, that is, if the same customer C remains in front of the self-register T for a predetermined time, rather than simply passing by (crossing) the front of the self-register T. Thus, it is preferable that the determination of whether the self-register T is currently being used by customer C by the usage status determination function 232 is made by considering various states that may occur to the self-register T installed in the area R, in addition to the actions taken by customer C when performing the payment (settlement) procedure for purchased goods.

[0040] On the other hand, the usage status determination function 232 determines that the self-register T is currently being used by customer C if it cannot confirm the marker attached to the floor or other surface in front of the self-register T, and determines that the self-register T is not currently being used by customer C if it can confirm the marker. In this case, the usage status determination function 232 may also determine that the self-register T is currently being used by customer C if it cannot confirm the same marker from multiple still images continuously captured by the usage status detection device 100, or if it cannot confirm the same marker from moving images over a predetermined period of time. In other words, the marker is not hidden for a short time because customer C is passing (crossing) in front of the self-register T, but rather because the same customer C is remaining in front of the self-register T for a predetermined period of time.

[0041] Furthermore, the usage status determination function 232 separately determines the usage status of the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and the usage status of the cashless payment-only register Tr, using information such as the type of each self-register T, which is associated with the installation information. Here, if the detection information output by the usage status detection device 100 is an image (still image or moving image) of a marker captured by a camera, the usage status determination function 232 may separately determine the usage status of the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and the usage status of the cashless payment-only register Tr, based on the shape of the marker or identification information for identifying the self-register T represented by the marker, instead of or in addition to the installation information.

[0042] When the usage status detection device 100 is composed of a camera, the image (still image or moving image) captured by the camera is an example of an "image captured within a region". When the usage status detection device 100 is composed of a camera, the markers shown in the image (still image or moving image) captured by the camera are an example of a "predetermined mark".

[0043] For example, if the usage status detection device 100 is composed of motion sensors, and the detection information output by the usage status detection device 100 is information indicating whether or not a person detected by the motion sensor is within the detection range, the usage status determination function 232 determines the usage status of the self-checkout register T by customer C based on the human detection status of each motion sensor. More specifically, if the motion sensor detects a person within its detection range, the usage status determination function 232 determines that the self-checkout register T is currently being used by customer C, and if the motion sensor does not detect a person, it determines that the self-checkout register T is not currently being used by customer C. In this case, the usage status determination function 232 may also determine that the self-checkout register T is currently being used by customer C if the motion sensor continuously detects a person for a predetermined period of time, that is, if the same customer C remains in front of the self-checkout register T for a predetermined time. In this case as well, the usage status determination function 232 may separately determine the usage status of the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and the usage status of the cashless payment-only register Tr, using information such as the type of self-checkout register T that each motion sensor corresponds to, which is associated with the installation information.

[0044] When the usage status detection device 100 is composed of a human motion sensor, the human detection status expressed in the detection information output by the usage status detection device 100 is an example of a "detection result in which a human being present within the detection range was detected."

[0045] The usage status determination function 232 outputs information representing the determination result (determination result), that is, information representing the usage status of the self-checkout register T by the determined customer C (hereinafter referred to as "usage status information"), to the guidance information generation function 234. The usage status information includes at least information on the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and the cashless payment-only register Tr that the customer C has determined are not currently in use. The usage status determination function 232 outputs to the guidance information generation function 234 information on the number of the self-checkout register T that is exclusively set up in the retail store, which is associated with the installation information, as the usage status information for the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and the cashless payment-only register Tr that the customer C has determined are not currently in use.

[0046] The usage status determination function 232 is an example of a "usage status determination unit." The usage status information is an example of a "determination result."

[0047] The guidance information generation function 234 generates guidance information to inform customer C about self-checkout registers T that are not currently being used by customer C, that is, self-checkout registers T that are currently available for use, based on the usage status information output by the usage status determination function 232. For example, if the information display device 300 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, the guidance information generation function 234 generates a display image as guidance information to present (guide) the information of available self-checkout registers T to customer C as an image. For example, if the information display device 300 is a display device composed of LEDs (light-emitting diodes), the guidance information generation function 234 generates a control signal as guidance information to control the lighting and extinguishing of the LEDs corresponding to available self-checkout registers T. The guidance information generation function 234 outputs the generated guidance information to the information display device 300. As a result, the information of available self-checkout registers T is presented (guided) to each customer C waiting in line by the information display device 300.

[0048] The guidance information generation function 234 is an example of a "guidance information generation unit".

[0049] Here, we will describe an example of guidance information generated by the guidance information generation function 234. In the following description, the guidance information is assumed to be a display image, and the information presentation device 300 is assumed to be a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The usage status information is assumed to include information on the number of the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr that is currently not in use and information on the number of the cashless payment-only register Tr that is currently not in use and is currently not in use. In the following description, it is assumed that each self-register T is installed within the area R shown in Figure 1, and Figure 1 will be referred to as appropriate. Here, the numbers of each self-register T are assumed to be "1" to "8" for the cash-accepting cashless payment registers Tmr-1 to Tmr-8, and "9" to "12" for the cashless payment-only registers Tr-1 to Tr-4. Figures 3 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of a display image that guides users to available payment terminals (self-register T) in the payment terminal guidance system 1 of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] In the display image IM-1 shown in Figure 3, display area A-1 of the display image shows the numbers of available cash-accepting cashless payment registers Tmr ("1", "2", "5", and "6"), and display area A-2 shows the numbers of available cashless payment-only registers Tr ("9", "10", and "12"). This allows each customer C waiting in line to recognize which self-register T they can use to pay for their goods. More specifically, a customer Cm waiting in line to pay with cash can recognize that they can use self-register T numbers "1", "2", "5", and "6" to complete their payment. On the other hand, a customer Cr waiting in line to pay using cashless payment can recognize that, in addition to self-register T numbers "1", "2", "5", and "6", they can also use self-register T numbers "9", "10", and "12".

[0051] In the display image IM-2 shown in Figure 4, display area A-1 shows that there are currently no available cash-compatible cashless payment registers Tmr, and display area A-2 shows the numbers of available cashless payment-only registers Tr ("10" and "12"). This allows customers Cm who wish to pay with cash to understand that they must continue to wait in line until other customers C have finished using the cash-compatible cashless payment registers Tmr. On the other hand, customers Cr who wish to pay cashless can understand that they can make a payment at self-checkout registers T numbered "10" and "12". However, customers Cr cannot understand whether each customer C in the payment line wishes to pay with cash or cashless. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, customer Cr-1 is third in line, but does not understand that they are first among the customers Cr who wish to pay cashless. Therefore, in display image IM-2, below display area A-1, which displays (instructs) the number of an available cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr, a message M (in Figure 4, "The order may change depending on the payment method.") has been added to prompt customer Cr who is waiting in line to take action, that is, to leave the line and proceed to the payment procedure. As a result, customer Cr (in Figure 1, customer Cr-1) who is relatively close to the front of the payment line can, on their own judgment, leave the line without continuing to wait in line, and without worrying about causing inconvenience to other customers C (in Figure 1, customers Cm-1 and Cm-2) ahead of them, and proceed to the self-checkout register T with number "10" or "12" to complete the payment procedure.

[0052] In the display image IM-3 shown in Figure 5, display area A-1 shows the numbers of available cash-accepting cashless payment registers Tmr ("1", "2", "5", and "6"), and display area A-2 shows the numbers of available cashless payment-only registers Tr ("9", "10", "11", and "12"). As a result, customers Cm who are waiting in line to pay with cash can recognize that they can proceed with payment at self-registers T numbered "1", "2", "5", and "6", similar to the display image IM-1 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, customers Cm who are waiting in line to pay with cash can recognize that each self-register T they are heading to also accepts cashless payments. As a result, customers Cm who are waiting in line to pay with cash can proceed with cashless payment even if they are unable to complete the cash payment process smoothly, for example, if they do not have enough cash with them. However, as long as there are no problems that the customer is unaware of, such as their credit card being suspended or the amount of money in their QR code payment method being insufficient, they can proceed with cashless payment. Therefore, they can confidently go to self-checkout registers T numbered "1," "2," "5," and "6" and proceed with the payment process. On the other hand, customers Cr who are waiting in line to pay with cashless payment can recognize that, as shown in the display image IM-1 in Figure 3, they can also proceed with payment at self-checkout registers T numbered "9," "10," "11," and "12," in addition to self-checkout registers T numbered "1," "2," "5," and "6."

[0053] In the display image IM-4 shown in Figure 6, display area A-1 shows the numbers of available cash-accepting cashless payment registers Tmr ("1", "2", "5", and "6"), and display area A-2 shows the numbers of available cashless payment-only registers Tr ("9", "10", "11", and "12"). In the display image IM-4, customers Cm who are waiting in line to pay with cash and customers Cr who are waiting in line to pay with cash are made aware of the available self-checkout registers T, and prompts for each customer C to take action are displayed (in Figure 6, "Please use this cash-accepting register" or "You can also use this cashless payment-only register"). As a result, customers Cm and Cr waiting in line to pay are able to recognize which self-checkout register T they can use to complete their payment, just like in the display image IM-3 shown in Figure 5, and proceed to either self-checkout register T to complete their payment.

[0054] The guidance information generated by the guidance information generation function 234 is not limited to the display images shown in Figures 3 to 6, but can be any display image that can guide and allow each customer C waiting in line to recognize the self-register T that they can use. In other words, the design of the display image generated by the guidance information generation function 234 may differ for each retail store where the payment terminal guidance system 1 is installed. In the display images shown in Figures 3 to 6, an example is shown where the entire display image is divided into two vertically, but for example, the entire display image may be divided into two horizontally, and each divided display area may be of a different size, or map information of the area where the self-register T is installed (i.e., floor map information showing the positional relationship between the placement of the self-register T and the queue waiting to pay) may be shown. Furthermore, while the display images shown in Figures 3 to 6 show an example where each display area A contains text (including the text of message M) to guide the customer to the self-register T and the number of the self-register T, instead of, or in addition to, the text (including the text of message M) to guide the customer to the self-register T and the number of the self-register T, symbols or graphic symbols (so-called pictograms) representing each payment method or the characteristics of the self-register T may be displayed. More specifically, for example, a pictogram representing cash may be displayed along with the text for cash payment and the number of the cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr. This allows customer C to visually recognize that cash payment is possible at the cash-compatible cashless payment register Tmr. This allows customers Cm to easily identify which self-checkout register T to use when making a payment, for example, in a retail store where the numbers of self-checkout registers T are not exclusively assigned, and the same number exists for both a cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and a cashless payment-only register Tr.In other words, this system can avoid situations where, for example, the same number exists for both a cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and a cashless payment-only register Tr, a customer Cm might mistakenly go to the wrong self-checkout register T to complete the payment process, or become confused when approaching the self-checkout register T. For example, the word "cashless payment" and the numbers of either the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr or the cashless payment-only register Tr, or both, may be displayed along with pictograms representing credit card or QR code payment methods. In this case, if there are multiple credit card payment methods and QR code payment methods (i.e., credit card companies and QR code payment companies) that are supported in cashless payments, and it is anticipated that displaying all pictograms at once would make it difficult for the customer C to recognize them, the display of each pictogram may be switched sequentially at predetermined time intervals. This allows customers C to visually recognize the cashless payment methods supported by the cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and the cashless payment-only register Tr. This enables each customer Cr to complete the payment procedure smoothly. In other words, it prevents situations where, for example, a customer Cr attempts to complete a payment using a cashless payment method not supported by the self-register T, resulting in longer usage times for the self-register T or requiring employee assistance. Furthermore, while the display images shown in Figures 4 and 6 illustrate an example of prompting customers Cr waiting in line to take action with text (e.g., message M), methods other than text are also available to prompt customers Cr to take action. For example, a display image that flashes the number of the currently available self-register T could be used to draw attention to an available self-register T and prompt customer C to take action.Instead of, or in addition to, a display image that flashes the number of the self-register T, sound may be used to draw the attention of customers C to available self-register T and prompt them to take action, for example, by announcing the number of a currently available self-register T or by sounding a buzzer.

[0055] The display images shown in Figures 3 to 6 are examples of "display images".

[0056] [Overall processing flow in the payment terminal guidance system] Next, an example of the overall processing flow in the payment terminal guidance system 1 will be described. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall processing flow in the payment terminal guidance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, it is assumed that each self-register T is installed within the area R shown in Figure 1, and that the installation information of the self-register T within area R is stored in the storage unit 210. In the sequence diagram shown in Figure 7, each time the usage status detection device 100 detects the usage status of each self-register T at predetermined time intervals and outputs detection information, that is, based on one piece of detection information, the customer C is guided to the self-register T that is currently available.

[0057] The usage status detection device 100 detects the usage status of each self-register T installed within area R (step S100). The usage status detection device 100 outputs detection information representing the detected usage status of the self-register T to the guidance device 200 (step S110).

[0058] The usage status acquisition unit 220 of the guidance device 200 acquires the detection information output by the usage status detection device 100 (step S200). The usage status acquisition unit 220 outputs the acquired detection information to the processing circuit 230.

[0059] The usage status determination function 232 in the processing circuit 230 of the guidance device 200 determines the usage status of each self-register T installed in area R by customer C based on the detection information output by the usage status acquisition unit 220 (step S210). The usage status determination function 232 outputs usage status information representing the determined usage status of the self-register T by customer C to the guidance information generation function 234.

[0060] The guidance information generation function 234 within the processing circuit 230 of the guidance device 200 generates guidance information to guide customer C to an available self-register T that is currently available for use, based on the usage status information output by the usage status determination function 232 (step S220). The guidance information generation function 234 outputs the generated guidance information to the information display device 300 (step S230).

[0061] The information display device 300 displays (informs) the guidance information output by the guidance device 200 (more specifically, the guidance information generation function 234) to each customer C waiting in line for payment (step S300).

[0062] In this processing flow, the Payment Terminal Guidance System 1 uses a usage status detection device 100 to detect the usage status of each self-register T installed within a predetermined area R, and a guidance device 200 determines which self-register T is currently not being used by customer C and is therefore available, based on the detection information representing the usage status of each self-register T detected by the usage status detection device 100. The Payment Terminal Guidance System 1 then uses a guidance device 200 to generate guidance information to inform other customers C waiting in line to which self-register T is currently available for use, that is, which self-register T is currently available for use, and presents (guides) this information via an information presentation device 300. In the Payment Terminal Guidance System 1, the usage status detection device 100, the guidance device 200, and the information presentation device 300 each repeatedly perform their respective processes, sequentially presenting (guiding) each customer C waiting in line to use the self-register T that is currently available for use.

[0063] The sequence diagram in Figure 7 illustrates the processing flow when customer C is presented (guided) to a currently available self-register T based on a single detection piece of information detected by the usage status detection device 100. However, when presenting (guiding) a currently available self-register T in the payment terminal guidance system 1, as described above, it is preferable to determine whether or not the self-register T is being used by considering actions other than the payment (settlement) procedure that may occur with the self-register T. For this reason, the guidance device 200 (more specifically, the usage status determination function 232 provided in the processing circuit 230) determines, for example, that customer C is currently using the self-register T if the same customer C remains in front of the self-register T for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) or longer, based on multiple detection pieces of information continuously detected and output by the usage status detection device 100. In this case, the processing sequence in the payment terminal guidance system 1 can be achieved by the usage status determination function 232 repeating the process of determining the usage status based on the detection information (processing in step S210) for the number of times it is determined that the same customer C has remained in front of the self-register T for a predetermined amount of time. However, the usage status determination function 232 repeats the process in step S210 for each self-register T within area R. This is because the start time of use is not the same for all self-registers T, so the time from when it is first determined that customer C is using the self-register T to when it can be determined that the customer has remained there for a predetermined amount of time differs for each self-register T. As a result, the usage status determination function 232 can output the usage status information, which is determined for each self-register T, to the guidance information generation function 234 at a predetermined time interval period in which the usage status detection device 100 outputs detection information. The guidance information generation function 234 then generates guidance information based on the usage status information output by the usage status determination function 232, and updates the presentation (guidance) of currently available self-checkout registers T to customer C.The generation of guidance information by the guidance information generation function 234, that is, the updating of the presentation (guidance) to customer C of currently available self-registers T in the payment terminal guidance system 1, may be a predetermined time interval (for example, 2-3 second intervals) different from the time interval at which the usage status information is output from the usage status determination function 232, as long as the usage status of each self-register T expressed in the usage status information output by the usage status determination function 232 is reflected and the time interval at which customer C can be guided to the currently available self-registers T. In this case, the operation and processing of the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234 should be equivalent to the operation and processing of the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234 described above, and can be easily considered based on the description of the embodiment described above. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the operation and processing of the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234 in cases where the usage status determination function 232 determines, based on multiple detection pieces of information, that the same customer C has remained in front of the self-checkout register T for a predetermined amount of time, and where the time interval for updating the guidance information differs from the time interval at which the usage status information is output from the usage status determination function 232 is omitted.

[0064] As described above, in the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, the usage status detection device 100, which constitutes the payment terminal guidance system 1, detects the usage status of each self-register T installed within a predetermined area R in a retail store. Then, in the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, the guidance device 200, which constitutes the payment terminal guidance system 1, determines which self-register T is currently not being used by customer C and is therefore available, based on the detection information representing the usage status of each self-register T detected by the usage status detection device 100. Then, in the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, the guidance device 200, which constitutes the payment terminal guidance system 1, generates guidance information to guide other customers C waiting in line to use the self-register T that it has determined is currently not being used by customer C as an available self-register T, and presents (guides) this information to customer C via the information presentation device 300, which constitutes the payment terminal guidance system 1. As a result, the payment terminal guidance system 1 in the embodiment for carrying out the present invention can automatically guide customers C waiting in line to use an available self-register T. In other words, in a retail store that has introduced the payment terminal guidance system 1 in the form of the present invention, customers C can recognize an available self-checkout register T, go to that self-checkout register T, and complete the payment (settlement) process themselves, without employees having to confirm the payment method desired by the customer C and guide them to an available self-checkout register T. As a result, retail stores that have introduced the payment terminal guidance system 1 in the form of the present invention can improve the efficiency of the payment (settlement) process for the goods they sell.

[0065] Furthermore, in the payment terminal guidance system 1 of the present invention, by simply installing a usage status detection device 100 that detects the usage status of each self-register T installed within the retail store area R, it is possible to automatically guide customers C to an available self-register T. For this reason, the payment terminal guidance system 1 of the present invention is easier to introduce to retail stores and reduces the cost of introduction compared to, for example, conventional payment terminal guidance systems that use self-registers equipped with surveillance cameras.

[0066] In embodiments of the present invention, for example, configurations and functions for storing installation information in the memory unit 210 of the guidance device 200, that is, configurations and functions for controlling, managing, and maintaining the guidance device 200 in the payment terminal guidance system 1, are not specifically described. However, configurations and functions for controlling, managing, and maintaining the guidance device 200 can be easily imagined by, for example, equipping the guidance device 200 with a communication unit (not shown), and performing the control via an in-store or inter-store network (not shown) from, for example, a computer device separately installed in a retail store or a server device incorporated into a cloud computing system. Here, the in-store or inter-store network (not shown) may be a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), or it may be a wireless network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (so-called WiFi®). Furthermore, methods and processes for controlling, managing, and maintaining the guidance device 200 from a computer device or server device can also be easily imagined. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the configuration, functions, methods, and processes for controlling, managing, and maintaining the guidance device 200 in the payment terminal guidance system 1 will be omitted.

[0067] In the embodiments for carrying out the present invention, the case in which the self-register T installed in the area R of a retail store is a cash-accepting cashless payment register Tmr and a cashless payment-only register Tr has been described. However, other types of self-register T installed in the area R of a retail store can also be considered, for example, a self-register dedicated to cash payments, where the only payment method available is cash. In this case, the operation and processing of the guidance device 200 and each component of the guidance device 200 (in particular, the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234) can be easily considered based on the description of the embodiments above, as the operation and processing of the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234 described above can be made to correspond to a self-register dedicated to cash payments. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the operation and processing of the usage status determination function 232 and the guidance information generation function 234 when a self-register dedicated to cash payments is installed in area R will be omitted.

[0068] <Note> (1) A payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal in which a customer who has purchased a product performs the payment procedure themselves, and the system comprises: a usage status detection device that detects the current usage status of each payment terminal by a first customer within a predetermined area where a plurality of payment terminals of different types of corresponding payment methods are installed; a guidance device that outputs guidance information to guide a second customer waiting to complete a payment procedure using the first payment terminal to a first payment terminal that is not currently being used by the first customer; and an information display device installed at the entrance of the area that presents the guidance information to the second customer, wherein the guidance device comprises: a usage status determination unit that determines the first payment terminal based on detection information representing the current usage status of each payment terminal by the first customer detected by the usage status detection device; and a guidance information generation unit that generates and outputs guidance information to guide the second customer to the first payment terminal that is available to the second customer based on the result of the determination.

[0069] (2) In addition, in the payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the detected information is an image taken within the area, and the usage status determination unit determines the first payment terminal by recognizing the first customer shown in the image.

[0070] (3) Furthermore, in the payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection information is an image taken of the area including a predetermined mark placed at a position where the customer is expected to remain when using the payment terminal, and the usage status determination unit determines the first payment terminal based on whether or not the predetermined mark captured in the image can be recognized.

[0071] (4) Furthermore, the predetermined mark in the payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention includes identification information for identifying the payment terminal.

[0072] (5) Furthermore, in the payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection information is a detection result in which a person is detected within the detection range, with the detection range being the location where the customer is expected to stay when using the payment terminal. The usage status determination unit determines the first payment terminal based on information indicating whether or not a person is included in the detection result.

[0073] (6) Furthermore, in a payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the guidance information is a display image indicating an available first payment terminal, and the information presentation device displays the display image to present the guidance information to the second customer.

[0074] (7) Furthermore, in a payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the guidance information generation unit generates the display image that guides the user to the first payment terminal that is available for each type of payment method that the first payment terminal supports.

[0075] (8) Furthermore, in a payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the guidance information generation unit guides the first payment terminal to a first payment terminal that is available for each type of payment method that the first payment terminal supports, and generates a display image that shows information to encourage the action of the second customer.

[0076] (9) Furthermore, in a payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the guidance information generation unit guides the user to the first payment terminals that are available for each type of payment method that the first payment terminals support, and generates the display image that indicates the type of payment method that the guided first payment terminals support.

[0077] (10) Furthermore, in a payment terminal guidance system according to one aspect of the present invention, the guidance information generation unit guides the first payment terminals that are available for each type of payment method that the first payment terminal supports, and generates a display image that shows the type of payment method that the guided first payment terminal supports and information that prompts the action of the second customer.

[0078] (11) Furthermore, a payment terminal determination method according to one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal determination method in a payment terminal guidance system comprising: a usage status detection device that detects the current usage status of each payment terminal by a first customer within a predetermined area where a plurality of payment terminals of different types corresponding to the payment method are installed, the payment terminals in which the customer who purchased the goods performs the payment procedure, the guidance device that outputs guidance information to guide a second customer waiting to complete the payment procedure using the first payment terminal to a first payment terminal that is not currently being used by the first customer, and an information display device installed at the entrance of the area that presents the guidance information to the second customer, wherein the computer of the guidance device determines the first payment terminal based on detection information that represents the current usage status of each payment terminal by the first customer, as detected by the usage status detection device.

[0079] (12) Furthermore, a payment terminal guidance method according to one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal guidance system in which a customer who has purchased a product performs the payment procedure himself, and the payment terminal is installed in a predetermined area where a plurality of payment terminals of different types of corresponding payment methods are installed, the system includes: a usage status detection device that detects the current usage status of each payment terminal by a first customer; a guidance device that outputs guidance information for guiding a second customer who is waiting to complete the payment procedure using the first payment terminal to a first payment terminal that is not currently being used by the first customer; and an information display device installed at the entrance to the area that presents the guidance information to the second customer, wherein the computer of the guidance device generates the guidance information for guiding a second customer to a first payment terminal that is available to the second customer, based on the result of a determination of the first payment terminal determined based on the detection information representing the current usage status of each payment terminal by the first customer detected by the usage status detection device.

[0080] (13) Another program according to one aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal guidance system for which a customer who has purchased a product performs the payment procedure themselves, and which comprises: a usage status detection device that detects the current usage status of each payment terminal by a first customer within a predetermined area where a plurality of payment terminals of different types of corresponding payment methods are installed; a guidance device that outputs guidance information to guide a second customer waiting to complete a payment procedure using the first payment terminal to a first payment terminal that is not currently being used by the first customer; and an information display device installed at the entrance of the area that presents the guidance information to the second customer, wherein the program causes the computer of the guidance device to determine the first payment terminal based on the detection information that represents the current usage status of each payment terminal by the first customer detected by the usage status detection device, and generates and outputs guidance information to guide the second customer to the first payment terminal that is available to the second customer based on the result of the determination.

[0081] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Payment terminal guidance system 100...Usage status detection device 200... Guidance device 210...Storage section 220...Usage Status Acquisition Unit 230... Processing circuit 232...Usage Status Determination Function 234...Guidance information generation function 300...Information presentation device T... Self-checkout register Tmr... Cash-compatible cashless payment register Tr...Cashless payment-only cash register

Claims

1. This is a payment terminal guidance system that displays guidance information in stores equipped with multiple payment terminals. A usage status acquisition unit that acquires detection information indicating the usage status of the payment terminal, A usage status determination unit determines whether or not the payment terminal is being used based on the detection information obtained by the usage status acquisition unit, A guidance information generation unit generates guidance information that directs customers to available payment terminals based on the determined results, and outputs the information to a display device that can display the information to customers waiting to use the payment terminals. A payment terminal guidance system that includes [a specific feature / feature].

2. The aforementioned usage status acquisition unit, The detection range is defined as the area where a customer is expected to remain while using the payment terminal, and the detection result is obtained for detecting a person within the detection range. The aforementioned usage status determination unit is: Based on the information indicating whether or not a person is present in the detection results, it is determined whether or not the payment terminal is being used. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, Outputs a display image showing the available payment terminals. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, For each type of payment method supported by the payment terminal, a display image is generated that guides users to the available payment terminals. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, The system generates a display image containing information that prompts customers waiting to use the payment terminal to take action to use the available payment terminal. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, The payment terminal generates a display image that includes content guiding users to the available payment terminals for each type of payment method supported by the payment terminal, and content indicating information to encourage the user to take action. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, For each type of payment method supported by the payment terminal, along with information guiding the available payment terminals, the type of payment method supported by the payment terminal being guided, Information to prompt customers waiting to use the payment terminal to take action to use the available payment terminal. The display image shown above is generated. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 4.

8. In one queue of customers waiting to use the payment terminal, it is possible for customers who make payments using a first payment method and customers who make payments using a second payment method different from the first payment method to be in the queue. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, The guidance information is output to a display device positioned in a location where it can be presented to the customers lined up in the aforementioned row. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned guidance information generation unit, The display device screen will show guidance information for both a payment terminal capable of performing payments using a first payment method and a payment terminal capable of performing payments using a second payment method different from the first payment method. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 1.

10. The payment terminal has a usage status detection device that detects the usage status of the payment terminal, The usage status acquisition unit acquires the detection information from the usage status detection device, The usage status detection device is a camera that captures images of customers remaining in front of the payment terminal. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 1.

11. The payment terminal has a usage status detection device that detects the usage status of the payment terminal, The usage status acquisition unit acquires the detection information from the usage status detection device, The aforementioned usage status detection device is a sensor whose detection range is set according to the location where customers using the payment terminal are expected to linger. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 1.

12. The payment terminal is a self-checkout register in which the customer themselves performs the payment procedure. The payment terminal guidance system according to claim 1.

13. A payment terminal guidance method executed by a computer which is a payment terminal guidance device that displays guidance information in a store equipped with multiple payment terminals, The detection information that detects the usage status of the payment terminal is obtained, Based on the acquired detection information, it is determined whether or not the payment terminal is being used. Based on the determined result, guidance information is generated to guide customers to available payment terminals, and this information is output to a display device that can show it to customers waiting to use the payment terminals. A method of guiding users to payment terminals, including the following.

Images