Self-checkout device and program

Abstract

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a self-checkout device and program that can prevent falsely reporting fraudulent activity. [Solution] The self-checkout device of the embodiment is a self-checkout device in which a customer performs a registration operation for the products to be purchased, and comprises: product registration means for performing product registration processing for the products for which the registration operation has been performed; detection means for detecting whether or not the registration operation has been performed; one or more product determination means for determining whether one or more products have been processed for product registration; and first fraud notification means for notifying fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have been processed for product registration, and not notifying fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have not been processed for product registration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-checkout device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, a full-self self-checkout device in which a customer himself / herself performs a product registration operation and a checkout operation of products has been used. In such a self-checkout device, a customer places a product or a basket containing products on a mounting table. Then, the customer performs an operation of taking out the product from the basket. Then, the customer performs a scan operation of causing a scanner or the like to read a code symbol attached to the taken-out product. The self-checkout device analyzes the code symbol read by the scan operation to identify the product and performs a product registration process for the product. Then, the customer performs a bagging operation of putting the scanned product into a bag set on a mounting base. These operations of taking out the product, scanning the product, and bagging the product are collectively referred to as a registration operation. After performing the registration operation for all the products in the basket, the customer performs a checkout operation.

[0003] In such a self-checkout device, since a customer performs a registration operation by himself / herself, a function for determining the presence or absence of fraud by the customer is provided. For example, the self-checkout device checks a video or an image captured by a camera installed above, and determines that there is fraud when a code symbol has not been read (that is, a product registration process has not been performed) although a registration operation has been performed. When fraud is determined, the self-checkout device notifies a message indicating that there is fraud.

[0004] Incidentally, some customers bring their own bags or containers to carry their purchased items. Many customers place the container on top of the basket and begin the registration process. That is, they first remove the container from the basket and set it in the attachment point, and then begin registering the purchased items. Alternatively, customers may remove the container from their pocket and set it in the attachment point, and then begin registering the purchased items. This operation of setting the container in the attachment point may be detected as a bagging operation, mistakenly judged as fraudulent, and reported. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a self-checkout device and program that can prevent falsely reporting fraudulent activity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The self-checkout device of the embodiment is a self-checkout device in which a customer performs a registration operation for the products to be purchased, and comprises: product registration means for performing product registration processing for the products for which the registration operation has been performed; detection means for detecting whether or not the registration operation has been performed; one or more product determination means for determining whether one or more products have been processed for product registration; and first fraud notification means for notifying fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have been processed for product registration, and not notifying fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have not been processed for product registration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a self-checkout device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the detection of registration operations by the operation detection unit of the self-checkout device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of the self-checkout device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of the first modified self-checkout device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a second modified example of the self-checkout device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of a second modified example of the self-checkout device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Embodiment) The following describes an embodiment. The self-checkout device according to this embodiment is an example of a checkout device (POS (Point of Sales) terminal) installed in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers. The self-checkout device handles the sale of goods sold in the store. The self-checkout device allows the customer to perform product registration and payment operations. Product registration is the operation of passing the product in front of the scanner so that the code symbol attached to the product is read by the scanner. Payment is the operation to complete the product registration and proceed to the payment process (for example, pressing the payment key). When the customer performs the product registration operation, the self-checkout device performs the product registration process. When the customer performs the payment operation, the self-checkout device performs the payment process.

[0009] Product registration processing refers to the process of acquiring product identification information (e.g., product code) related to the product to be sold based on the read code symbol, retrieving the product name and price (i.e., product information) of the product based on the acquired product identification information and displaying it on the display unit, and storing the product information in the product information unit 431 (see Figure 2). Accounting processing refers to the process of displaying the total amount related to the transaction, processing payment by media such as cash or credit card, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit in the case of cash payment, instructing the change dispenser to issue change, and printing a receipt from the printing unit with product information and accounting information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) printed on it.

[0010] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a self-checkout device 1 according to an embodiment. The self-checkout device 1 has a main body 2, a mounting base 6, and a mounting base 7. The main body 2 has a power supply and control unit inside, and a display unit 32, a scanner 4, and a hand scanner 5 on the top. The scanner 4 and hand scanner 5 are devices that read code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products by optical or imaging. The self-checkout device 1 analyzes the read code symbols and obtains product identification information (for example, a product code, hereafter also referred to as "product code") that identifies the product. An operation unit 31, which includes various keys composed of a transparent touch panel, is provided on the surface of the display unit 32.

[0011] The display unit 32 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 32 displays a guidance screen to inform the customer how to operate the self-checkout device 1. The display unit 32 also displays product information and accounting information for products that have been registered. The operation unit 31 is a keyboard that functions as a key when the user touches (operates) the corresponding position of the key image displayed on the display unit 32.

[0012] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a card slot 10 for inserting the customer's point card, credit card, or other card during checkout. The credit card stores customer identification information and is inserted when card payment is selected as the payment method. The main unit 2 is also equipped with a receipt issuing slot 19 for issuing receipts. In addition, the main unit 2 is equipped with a banknote deposit / discharge slot 120 for depositing banknotes for payment and dispensing banknotes as change. Moreover, the main unit 2 is equipped with a coin deposit slot 130 for inserting coins for payment, a coin dispensing slot 140 for dispensing coins as change, etc. Furthermore, a pole extending upward from the rear of the main unit 2 is provided. A warning light 15 is provided at the top of the pole, which lights up when there is an abnormality or fraud in the operation of the self-checkout device 1 or when it is necessary to call a store employee. Abnormalities or fraud in the operation of the self-checkout device 1 are also displayed on the display unit 32. A camera 26 is mounted on the top of the pole, just below the warning light 15. Camera 26 is pointed from above and downwards, capturing images from above of the customer's registration operation, which will be described later.

[0013] The main body 2 is equipped with a mounting platform 6 for placing a basket K (an example of a pre-registration container, see Figure 3) containing goods that customers purchase but have not yet been paid for (i.e., have not been registered). The basket K is an example of a container for goods that customers purchase from among the goods displayed in the store. Customers receive a basket K when they enter the store and place the goods they wish to purchase into the basket K. The mounting platform 6 is provided on the upstream side of the goods flow in the main body 2 (in this embodiment, the right side of the main body 2). The mounting platform 6 has a roughly flat, rectangular top surface 61. By placing the basket K on the top surface 61, the basket K is placed on the mounting platform 6.

[0014] The customer takes one item from the basket K placed on the display stand 6 and passes it in front of the scanner 4, allowing the scanner 4 to read the code symbol attached to the item (this is both a scanning operation and an item registration operation). Alternatively, the customer takes one item from the basket K placed on the display stand 6, brings the hand scanner 5 close to it, and allows the hand scanner 5 to read the code symbol attached to the item (this is an item registration operation). The self-checkout device 1 then performs an item registration process for the item based on the item code obtained from the code symbols read by the scanner 4 and the hand scanner 5.

[0015] Furthermore, a mounting base 7 is provided on the side of the main body 2 opposite to the side to which the mounting base 6 is attached. The mounting base 7 is a platform on which the product that has been registered is placed. The mounting base 7 is a bagging platform on which the bag B (see Figure 3) containing the registered product is set. The mounting base 7 has a roughly flat, rectangular top surface 71. The mounting base 7 also has a support column extending upward from the rear of the top surface 71, and a temporary storage platform 9 is attached to the top of this support column. The temporary storage platform 9 has a flat surface and is a platform on which products are temporarily placed.

[0016] Furthermore, two rod-shaped support parts 8 extend forward (towards the customer) from the temporary stand 9. The support parts 8 are roughly rod-shaped members used to set the bag B (an example of a post-registration container, see Figure 3) that stores the product that has been registered (the product has been registered by the customer). For example, the bag B is attached by hooking its handle T (see Figure 3) onto the support part 8. A pair of support parts 8 extend roughly parallel to each other from the temporary stand 9. Therefore, the bag B can be set on the support parts 8 with its opening open.

[0017] Here, Bag B is an example of a container for putting the registered product into, and includes, for example, a reusable bag or basket brought by the customer when shopping, a shopping bag brought by the customer, or a shopping bag purchased at the store, and Bag B can be any of these.

[0018] The customer sets the bag B on the support part 8 and puts the merchandise for which the product registration operation has been performed into the opened bag B (bagging). Also, among the merchandise for which the product registration operation has been performed, for example, the easily breakable merchandise is temporarily placed on the temporary placement table 9 and finally bagged. Such a series of operations including the operation of taking out one product from the basket K placed on the placement table 6, the operation of having the code symbol read by the scanner 4 (scanning operation), and the bagging operation of bagging the scanned product in the bag B are collectively referred to as the registration operation.

[0019] The self-checkout device 1 also includes an operation detection unit 423 (see FIG. 2) that detects whether a registration operation by the customer has been performed. The operation detection unit 423 analyzes the video or image (hereinafter collectively referred to as "image") captured by the camera 26 to detect that a registration operation (that is, the operation of the customer taking out a product from the basket K placed on the placement table 6, the scanning operation of having the taken-out product read by the scanner 4, and the bagging operation of storing the scanned product in the bag B, respectively) has been performed by the customer. In the embodiment, the operation detection unit 423 is provided in the ROM 42, but the operation detection unit 423 may be provided outside the ROM 42. Also, the operation detection unit 423 may be a device outside the self-checkout device 1.

[0020] The self-checkout device 1 also determines whether there is any fraud in the registration operation by the customer based on the registration operation detected by the operation detection unit 423 and whether the product was scanned (that is, whether the code symbol was read and the product registration process was performed) during the registration operation (specifically, the scanning operation). Specifically, when the operation detection unit 423 detects that a registration operation has been performed by the customer, the self-checkout device 1 determines that fraud has been committed by the customer if the code symbol attached to the product has not been read (that is, the product registration process has not been performed). The reason why the code symbol attached to the product is not read may be that the scanning operation by the customer is not performed accurately. Also, there may be cases where the customer intentionally does not perform the scanning operation. The detection of the registration operation by the operation detection unit 423 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0021] When the product registration process for all products is completed and all products are stored in bag B, the customer performs a checkout operation by operating the checkout key 312 (see Fig. 2). When the checkout key 312 is operated, the self-checkout device 1 executes the checkout process related to the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 431.

[0022] Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the self-checkout device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, which is an example of a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and the like. The CPU 41 serves as the control main body of the self-checkout device 1. The ROM 42 stores various programs. Note that the ROM 42 may be constituted by an HDD or an SSD instead. The RAM 43 expands programs and various data. The CPU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 are connected to each other via a bus 45. The CPU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 constitute a control unit 400. That is, the control unit 400 executes the control process of the self-checkout device 1 described later by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 42 and expanded in the RAM 43.

[0023] The ROM 42 has a control program section 421, a product master 422, and an operation detection section 423. The control program section 421 stores a control program for operating the self-checkout device 1. The product master 422 stores the product information of each product corresponding to a product code (an example of product specific information) for specifying the product.

[0024] The operation detection unit 423 detects registration operations performed by the customer. Specifically, the operation detection unit 423 detects the operation of removing an item from the basket K placed on the display stand 6, based on the image captured by the camera 26. The operation detection unit 423 also detects the operation of causing the scanner 4 to read a code symbol (scan operation), based on the image captured by the camera 26. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 423 detects the bagging operation of placing scanned items into bag B, based on the image captured by the camera 26.

[0025] Here, the detection of customer registration operations performed by the operation detection unit 423 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the detection of registration operations by the operation detection unit 423 of the self-checkout device 1. Figure 3 is a view of the main body 2, the mounting base 6, and the mounting base 7 from above. Note that in Figure 3, components unrelated to the explanation of registration operation detection have been omitted. In Figure 3, the camera 26 is capable of imaging the entire area related to the mounting base 6, the main body 2, and the mounting base 7.

[0026] First, the operation detection unit 423 detects that an item has been removed from the area 62 on the platform 6 where the basket K is placed (more precisely, it cannot detect whether or not it is an item, so it detects that an object has been removed. Hereafter, items and objects will be collectively referred to as "items"). For example, if the camera 26 captures an image of a person's hand entering the area 62, grasping an item, and removing it, the operation detection unit 423 detects that an item has been removed. In addition, even if an item has not been removed from the basket K, the operation detection unit 423 may detect that an item has been removed if a person's hand grasping something passes through the area 62.

[0027] Furthermore, the operation detection unit 423 detects that a scan operation has been performed when, after detecting that an item has been removed, the item moves toward the scanner 4 and passes through the area 21 located in front of the scanner 4.

[0028] Furthermore, the operation detection unit 423 detects that the product has been bagged when the scanned product moves to the area 72 on the mounting base 7 that indicates the position where bag B is set.

[0029] Thus, based on the image captured by camera 26, if a product located in area 62 moves to area 21 and then to area 72, the operation detection unit 423 detects that a product registration operation has been performed. The self-checkout device 1 then determines that there has been fraud if the code symbol for the product registered by the operation detection unit 423 is not read by scanner 4 (i.e., the product registration process for that product has not been performed). For this reason, if a customer places their reusable bag (bag B) that was stored in basket K onto the mounting base 7, the scanner 4 cannot read the code symbol because bag B does not have one. As a result, the operation performed by the customer of placing their reusable bag (bag B) that was stored in basket K onto the mounting base 7 may be mistakenly judged as fraudulent. Similarly, if bag B is taken out of a pocket and placed on the base, if bag B moves from area 62 through area 21 to area 72, it may be judged as fraudulent.

[0030] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, RAM 43 has a product information unit 431, a fraud information unit 432, and an accounting information unit 433. The product information unit 431 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of products that have been registered, obtained from the product master 422 based on the acquired product code. The fraud information unit 432 stores fraud information when the self-checkout device 1 determines that the transaction is fraudulent. Fraud information includes, for example, the time when the fraud was determined, and image information captured by the camera 26 around that time. The accounting information unit 433 stores product information of products for which accounting processing was performed in the transaction.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 400 is connected to the operation unit 31, display unit 32, printing unit 33, scanner 4, hand scanner 5, card reader 70, and camera 26 via the bus 45 and controller 46. The operation unit 31 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 32.

[0032] The operation unit 31 has a start key 311 and a checkout key 312. The start key 311 is a key that the customer operates when starting the product registration operation. When the start key 311 is operated, product registration processing becomes possible for the products stored in the basket K placed on the display stand 6. The checkout key 312 is a key that is operated when processing the checkout for the products that have been registered. When the checkout key 312 is operated, checkout processing becomes possible for the products that have been registered.

[0033] The display unit 32 displays images of various keys operated by the customer, product information of registered products, accounting information of processed transactions, etc. The printing unit 33 prints receipts with product information, accounting information, etc., from the receipt issuing slot 19. The scanner 4 and hand scanner 5 read code symbols attached to products. The card reader 70 reads information from various cards inserted through the card slot 10 magnetically or electrically. The camera 26 is mounted on a pole and captures images of customer registration operations, etc., from above and downwards.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 400 is connected to the communication unit 47 via the bus 45. The communication unit 47 is electrically connected to other self-checkout devices 1 and store servers (not shown) via a communication line, and transmits and receives information to each other.

[0035] From here, the functional configuration of the self-checkout device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout device 1. The control unit 400 functions as a product registration means 401, a detection means 402, a means for determining one or more items 403, a first fraud notification means 404, a first determination means 405, and a fraud determination means 406, according to the control program stored in the control program unit 421 of the ROM 42.

[0036] The product registration means 401 performs product registration processing for products that have been registered. Specifically, for products that have been registered (scanned) by a customer, the product registration means 401 reads the code symbol attached to the product and executes product registration processing for that product.

[0037] The detection means 402 detects whether or not a registration operation has been performed. Specifically, the detection means 402 (operation detection unit 423) detects the registration operation performed by the customer based on the image captured by the camera 26.

[0038] The one or more item determination means 403 determines whether one or more items have been registered. Specifically, the one or more item determination means 403 determines whether one or more items have been registered by checking whether product information for registered items is stored in the product information unit 431. If product information is stored in the product information unit 431, the one or more item determination means 403 determines that one or more items have been registered. If product information is not stored in the product information unit 431, the one or more item determination means 403 determines that one or more items have not been registered.

[0039] The first fraud notification means 404 notifies of fraudulent registration operations when product registration processing has been performed for one or more products, but does not notify of fraudulent registration operations when product registration processing has not been performed for one or more products (i.e., when product registration processing has not yet been performed for even one product). Specifically, the first fraud notification means 404 notifies of fraudulent registration operations when the one or more product determination means 403 determines that product registration processing has been performed for one or more products, for example, when products that have not been registered are packed into bag B, but does not notify of fraudulent registration operations when the one or more product determination means 403 determines that product registration processing has not been performed for one or more products (i.e., when product registration means 401 has not yet registered even one product).

[0040] Fraud detection may involve, for example, displaying a message on the display unit 32 indicating that fraud may have occurred (e.g., "Please scan the product again"). Alternatively, the warning light 15 may be configured to light up (or flash) to indicate that fraud may have occurred.

[0041] The first determination means 405 determines whether or not there are items in the first container (basket K) placed on the display stand 6 on which the items to be purchased are placed. Specifically, the first determination means 405 determines whether or not there are items in the basket K placed on the display stand 6 based on the image captured by the camera 26.

[0042] The first fraud notification means 404 notifies fraud when product registration processing is being performed for one or more products and the first determination means 405 determines that there are products in the shopping cart K. However, even if product registration processing is being performed for one or more products, the first determination means 405 does not notify fraud if it determines that the shopping cart K is empty (there are no products).

[0043] The fraud detection means 406 determines whether or not fraud has occurred. Specifically, the fraud detection means 406 determines whether or not fraud has occurred based on the detection of a registration operation by the detection means 402 based on the image captured by the camera 26, and whether or not the product registration process for the product in question has been performed by the product registration means 401. The fraud detection means 406 determines that there is no fraud (no fraud has occurred) if the detection means 402 detects that a registration operation has been performed based on the image captured by the camera 26, and the product registration means 401 reads the code symbol attached to the registered product and performs the product registration process. The fraud detection means 406 determines that there is fraud (fraud has occurred) if the detection means 402 detects that a registration operation has been performed based on the image captured by the camera 26, and the product registration means 401 has not performed the product registration process for the registered product.

[0044] The first fraud notification means 404 notifies the fraud if the fraud detection means 406 determines that fraud exists and the product registration process has been performed for one or more products, but does not notify the fraud if the fraud detection means 406 determines that fraud exists but the product registration process has not been performed for one or more products. Specifically, the first fraud notification means 404 notifies the fraud if the fraud detection means 406 determines that fraud exists and the one or more product detection means 403 determines that the product registration process has been performed for one or more products, but does not notify the fraud if the fraud detection means 406 determines that fraud exists but the one or more product detection means 403 determines that the product registration process has not been performed for one or more products.

[0045] From here, the control of the self-checkout device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the control process flow of the self-checkout device 1. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 400 of the self-checkout device 1 determines whether the start key 311 has been operated (S11). It waits until it is operated (No in S11), and if it determines that the start key 311 has been operated (Yes in S11), the control unit 400 starts imaging with the camera 26 (S12). The control unit 400 then starts determining whether there is any fraud based on the detection of the registration operation by the operation detection unit 423 (S13).

[0046] Next, the detection means 402 determines whether the operation detection unit 423 has detected a registration operation (whether the registration operation was performed by a customer) (S21). If the operation detection unit 423 determines that a registration operation has been detected (Yes in S21), the fraud determination means 406 determines whether or not fraud has occurred based on the registration operation detected by the operation detection unit 423 and the presence or absence of product registration processing (S22). If it determines that there is no fraud (no fraud has occurred) (No in S22), the product registration means 401 executes product registration processing for the product based on the product code obtained by analyzing the code symbol read by the scanner 4 (S23). The product registration processing executed in S23 includes the process of storing product information in the product information unit 431. Then the control unit 400 returns to S21.

[0047] Furthermore, if it is determined that fraud has occurred (Yes in S22), the one or more item determination means 403 determines whether one or more items have been registered as products based on whether product information is stored in the product information unit 431 (S24). If it is determined that one or more items have been registered as products (Yes in S24), the first determination means 405 then determines whether the basket K placed on the mounting table 6 is empty based on the image captured by the camera 26 (S25). If it is determined that the basket K is not empty (No in S25), the first fraud notification means 404 notifies the fraud determined in S22 (S26). The control unit 400 then stores fraud information indicating that fraud has occurred in the fraud information unit 432 (S27). The control unit 400 then returns to S21.

[0048] Furthermore, if it is determined that one or more items have not been registered (No. in S24), the first fraud notification means 404 does not report the fraud that it determined to be fraudulent in S22 (S28). In other words, the process in S28 executed by the first fraud notification means 404 is not to perform the process in S26. Specifically, the first fraud notification means 404 does not display a message on the display unit 32 indicating that fraud may have occurred, nor does it perform the process of lighting or flashing the warning light 15. Then the control unit 400 executes the process in S27. In other words, if it is determined that one or more items have not been registered (No. in S24), the first fraud notification means 404 executes the process in S27 without performing the process in S26. This process prevents fraud from being reported based on an incorrect judgment that the operation of setting bag B on the mounting base 7 before starting the product registration process is a fraudulent operation. It also prevents fraud from being reported based on an incorrect judgment that the operation of transferring a wallet, etc., from basket K to the set bag B before starting the product registration process is a fraudulent operation.

[0049] Furthermore, if it is determined that the basket K is empty (Yes in S25), the first fraud notification means 404 does not notify the fraud that it determined to be fraudulent in S22 (S28). In other words, the process that the first fraud notification means 404 performs in S28 is not to perform the process in S26. Specifically, the first fraud notification means 404 does not display a message on the display unit 32 indicating that fraud may have occurred, nor does it perform the process of lighting or flashing the warning light 15. Then the control unit 400 performs the process in S27. In other words, if it is determined that the basket K is empty (Yes in S25), the first fraud notification means 404 performs the process in S27 without performing the process in S26. This process prevents false reports from being made based on an incorrect judgment that an operation to move accessories (such as spoons, forks, or chopsticks) attached to a product from basket K to bag B is an unauthorized operation after the product registration process has been completed for all products (when there are no products (products to be purchased / registered) remaining in basket K).

[0050] Furthermore, if the operation detection unit 423 determines that it has not detected a registration operation (No. in S21), the control unit 400 determines whether the accounting key 312 has been operated (S31). If it determines that it has not operated the accounting key 312 (No. in S31), it returns to S21. If it determines that the accounting key 312 has been operated (Yes in S31), the control unit 400 executes the settlement process for the transaction based on the product information of the product that has undergone product registration processing stored in the product information unit 431 (S32). The control unit 400 then stops (ends) imaging by the camera 26 (S33). The control unit 400 then ends the process and returns to S11.

[0051] According to this embodiment, if fraud is detected during a customer's registration operation, a message indicating fraudulent packaging without product registration is displayed if product registration processing has been performed for one or more items, but the message indicating fraudulent packaging without product registration is not displayed if product registration processing has not been performed for one or more items. Therefore, it is possible to prevent falsely reporting fraud.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, even if fraud is detected during the customer's registration operation, if product registration processing has been performed for one or more items and the shopping cart K is empty, a message indicating fraudulent bagging without product registration processing will not be sent. This makes it possible to prevent falsely reporting fraud.

[0053] (First variation) Next, we will describe a first modified example of the embodiment. In the embodiment, even if fraud related to the customer's registration operation is detected, if product registration processing has not been performed for one or more items, the system does not report the fraud of packaging items without product registration processing. In contrast, in the first modified example, if a customer's registration operation is performed, the system does not determine whether fraud has occurred if product registration processing has not been performed for one or more items. Therefore, the system does not report fraudulent acts performed during the registration operation.

[0054] In the first modified example, the first fraud notification means 404 does not notify of fraud if the one or more product determination means 403 determines that product registration processing has not been performed for one or more products, as the fraud determination means 406 does not determine whether fraud has occurred.

[0055] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control flow of a first modified example of the embodiment. In Figure 6, control procedures equivalent to those in Figure 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0056] If the detection means 402 determines in the processing of S21 that the operation detection unit 423 has detected a registration operation (Yes in S21), the one or more item determination means 403 determines whether the flag is "1" (S51). The setting of the flag will be described later in S55. If it is determined that the flag is not "1" (No in S51), the control unit 400 determines whether the code symbol attached to the product has been read (S52). If it is determined that the code symbol has been read from the product (Yes in S52), the product registration means 401 executes the product registration process for that product (S53). The control unit 400 then starts determining whether there was any fraud in the registration operation executed by the fraud determination means 406, based on the detection of the registration operation by the operation detection unit 423 using the image captured by the camera 26 (S54). The control unit 400 then stores the flag "1" in the RAM 43 to indicate that the product registration process has been completed for one item (S55). In other words, the determination in S51 is made by the one or more product determination means 403 to determine whether or not one or more products have been processed for product registration. If the flag is determined to be "1", the one or more product determination means 403 determines that one or more products have been processed for product registration. If the flag is not determined to be "1", the one or more product determination means 403 determines that one or more products have not been processed for product registration. The control unit 400 then returns to S21.

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined that the code symbol has not been read from the product (No. in S52), the first fraud notification means 404 does not notify fraud for the product for which it was determined in S52 that the code symbol had not been read (S56). In other words, no processing is performed in S56. The control unit 400 then stores fraud information indicating that fraud has occurred in the fraud information unit 432 (S57). The control unit 400 then returns to S21.

[0058] Furthermore, if it is determined that the flag is not "1" (Yes in S51), the fraud detection means 406 determines whether or not fraud has occurred based on the registration operation and product registration process detected by the operation detection unit 423 (S61). If it is determined that there is no fraud (no fraud has occurred) (No in S61), the product registration means 401 executes the product registration process for the product based on the product code obtained by analyzing the code symbol read by the scanner 4 (S62). Then the control unit 400 returns to S21.

[0059] Furthermore, if it is determined that fraud has occurred (Yes in S61), the one or more item determination means 403 then determines whether one or more items have been processed for product registration (S63). If it is determined that one or more items have been processed for product registration (Yes in S63), the first determination means 405 then determines whether the basket K is empty based on the image captured by the camera 26 (S64). If it is determined that the basket K is not empty (No in S64), the first fraud notification means 404 notifies the fraud determined in S61 (S65). The control unit 400 then stores fraud information indicating that fraud has occurred in the fraud information unit 432 (S66). The control unit 400 then returns to S21.

[0060] Furthermore, if it is determined that one or more items have not been registered (No. in S63), or if it is determined that basket K is empty (Yes in S64), the first fraud notification means 404 does not report the fraud that it determined to be fraudulent in S61 (S67). In other words, the first fraud notification means 404 does not perform the process in S65. Specifically, the first fraud notification means 404 does not display a message on the display unit 32 indicating that fraud may have occurred, nor does it perform the process of lighting or flashing the warning light 15. Then the control unit 400 performs the process in S66. In other words, if it is determined that one or more items have not been registered (No. in S63), or if it is determined that basket K is empty (Yes in S64), the first fraud notification means 404 performs the process in S66 without performing the process in S65. This process prevents fraud from being reported based on an incorrect judgment that the operation of setting bag B on the mounting base 7 before starting the item registration process is a fraudulent operation. Furthermore, it prevents false reports from being issued based on an incorrect judgment that the operation of moving items such as wallets from basket K to bag B, which is already set, is an unauthorized operation, before the product registration process begins.

[0061] According to this first modification, when a registration operation is detected, if there are no registered products (one or more), the system does not determine whether fraud has occurred. Therefore, it does not notify the system of fraud. However, if product registration processing has been performed for one or more products, the system determines whether fraud has occurred and notifies the system of fraud indicating that products were packaged without product registration processing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent falsely notifying the system of fraud.

[0062] (Second variation) Next, a second modification of the embodiment will be described. In the embodiment and the first modification, the system is designed not to notify of fraud if one or more items have not been registered. In the second modification, the system is designed not to notify of fraud if there are no items in the container before registration or no items in the container after registration. The camera 26 is capable of imaging the inside of the container before registration and the container after registration, and the control unit 400 determines the presence or absence of items in the container before registration and the container after registration based on the images captured by the camera 26. In the embodiment and the first modification, the bag B is attached to the mounting base 7, but in the second modification, an example is described in which a basket (an example of a container after registration, not shown) for holding the registered items is placed on the mounting base 7.

[0063] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout device 1 according to a second modified example. The control unit 400 functions as a product registration means 401, a detection means 402, a second determination means 407, and a second fraud notification means 408, according to the control program stored in the control program section 421 of the ROM 42.

[0064] The product registration means 401 and the detection means 402 have the same configuration as in the embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0065] The second determination means 407 determines whether the pre-registration container (e.g., basket K) placed on the mounting stand 6 on which the purchased goods are placed is empty, and whether the post-registration container (e.g., basket placed on the mounting stand 7) in which the goods have been registered is empty. Specifically, the second determination means 407 determines whether the pre-registration container (e.g., basket K) placed on the mounting stand 6 is empty based on the presence or absence of goods (including accessories such as spoons and forks that accompany the goods), and whether the post-registration container (e.g., bag B) in which the goods have been registered is empty based on the presence or absence of goods. If goods are visible in the image of the pre-registration container taken by the camera 26, the second determination means 407 determines that the pre-registration container is not empty. If goods are not visible in the image of the pre-registration container taken by the camera 26, the second determination means 407 determines that the pre-registration container is empty. The second determination means 407 determines whether the registered container (a basket not shown installed on the mounting base 7) is empty based on the image captured by the camera 26, and determines whether the registered container is empty based on the presence or absence of products in the registered container in which the products that have undergone product registration processing are placed. If products are visible in the image of the registered container captured by the camera 26, the second determination means 407 determines that the registered container is not empty. If products are not visible in the image of the registered container captured by the camera 26, the second determination means 407 determines that the registered container is empty.

[0066] The second fraud notification means 408 notifies of fraud regarding products that have been bagged without product registration processing if the second determination means 407 determines that there are products in the container before registration and in the container after registration, and does not notify of fraud regarding products that have been bagged without product registration processing if the second determination means 407 determines that there are no products (empty) in the container before registration or in the container after registration.

[0067] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control flow of a second modified example of the embodiment. In Figure 8, control procedures equivalent to those in Figure 5 or Figure 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0068] In Figure 8, if it is determined that fraud has occurred (Yes in S22), the second determination means 407 determines whether the basket placed on the mounting base 7 is empty (S41). If it is determined that the basket placed on the mounting base 7 is not empty (No in S41), the second determination means 407 then determines whether the basket K is empty based on the image captured by the camera 26 (S42). If it is determined that the basket K is not empty (No in S42), the second fraud notification means 408 notifies the fraud determined in S22 (S26). The control unit 400 then stores fraud information indicating that fraud has occurred in the fraud information unit 432 (S27). The control unit 400 then returns to S21.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is determined that the basket placed on the mounting base 7 is empty (Yes in S41), the second fraud notification means 408 does not notify of the fraud that it determined to be fraudulent in S22 (S28). In other words, the second fraud notification means 408 does not perform the process in S26. Specifically, the second fraud notification means 408 does not display a message on the display unit 32 indicating that fraud may have occurred, nor does it perform the process of lighting or flashing the warning light 15. Then the control unit 400 performs the process in S27. In other words, if it is determined that one or more items have not been registered as products (Yes in S41), the second fraud notification means 408 performs the process in S27 without performing the process in S26. This process prevents fraud from being incorrectly notified based on the mistaken judgment that an operation such as moving a wallet, etc., from the basket K to the basket placed on the mounting base 7 is a fraudulent operation before the product registration process begins.

[0070] Furthermore, if it is determined that basket K is empty (Yes in S42), the second fraud notification means 408 does not report the fraud that it determined to be fraudulent in S22 (S28). In other words, the second fraud notification means 408 does not perform the process in S26. Specifically, the second fraud notification means 408 does not display a message on the display unit 32 indicating that fraud may have occurred, nor does it perform the process of lighting or flashing the warning light 15. Then the control unit 400 performs the process in S27. In other words, if it is determined that basket K is empty (Yes in S42), the second fraud notification means 408 performs the process in S27 without performing the process in S26. This process prevents fraud from being reported based on an incorrect judgment that the operation of moving accessories attached to a product (e.g., spoons, forks, or chopsticks) from basket K to bag B is a fraudulent operation after the product registration process has been performed for all products (when there are no products left to purchase (to perform product registration)).

[0071] According to this second modification, when a registration operation is detected, if both basket K and the basket placed on the mounting base 7 contain products, a message indicating fraudulent bagging without product registration is notified. However, if neither basket K nor the basket placed on the mounting base 7 contains products, the message indicating fraudulent bagging without product registration is notified. This prevents falsely reporting fraud.

[0072] As described above, the self-checkout device 1 of the embodiment and the first modified example is a self-checkout device 1 in which a customer performs a registration operation for the products to be purchased, and comprises: product registration means 401 that performs product registration processing for products for which a registration operation has been performed; detection means 402 that detects whether or not a registration operation has been performed; one or more product determination means 403 that determines whether or not one or more products have been processed for product registration; and first fraud notification means 404 that notifies fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have been processed for product registration, and does not notify fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have not been processed for product registration.

[0073] In this embodiment and the first modified example of the self-checkout device 1, if product registration processing has not been performed for one or more products, the device will not notify of fraud in the registration operation, thereby preventing the device from mistakenly notifying of fraud.

[0074] Furthermore, the second modified self-checkout device 1 is a self-checkout device 1 in which the customer performs a registration operation for the products to be purchased, and comprises: product registration means 401 that performs product registration processing for the registered products; detection means 402 that detects whether or not a registration operation has been performed; second determination means 407 that determines whether the pre-registration container placed on the placement table 6 on which the products to be purchased are empty, and whether the post-registration container in which the registered products are placed is empty; and second fraud notification means 408 that notifies fraud in the registration operation if the second determination means 407 determines that neither the pre-registration container nor the post-registration container is empty, and does not notify fraud in the registration operation if it determines that either the pre-registration container or the post-registration container is empty.

[0075] In this second modified example of the configuration, the self-checkout device 1 does not notify of fraud in the registration operation if it determines that the container is empty before or after registration, thus preventing false notifications of fraud.

[0076] Although embodiments, first modifications, and second modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments, first modifications, and second modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments, first modifications, and second modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments, first modifications, and second modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0077] For example, in the embodiment, the first modification, and the second modification, the basket K was described as an example of a pre-registration container. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, a shopping cart capable of storing purchased goods may also be used as an example of a pre-registration container.

[0078] Furthermore, in the embodiment and the first modification, bag B was described as an example of a container after registration. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a basket placed on the mounting base 7 may also be used as an example of a container after registration, as in the second modification.

[0079] The programs executed by the self-checkout device 1 in the embodiments, the first modified example, and the second modified example are provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0080] Furthermore, the programs executed by the self-checkout device 1 in the embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by the self-checkout device 1 in the embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0081] Furthermore, the programs executed in the self-checkout device 1 of the embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1 Self-checkout device 4 Scanners 6. Mounting platform 7 Mounting base 15 Warning light 21 areas 26 cameras 31 Operation section 32 Display section 41 CPU 62 areas 72 areas 311 Start Key 312 Accounting Key 400 Control Unit 401 Product Registration Method 402 Detection means 403 One or more items judgment method 404 First Unauthorized Notification Method 405 First means of judgment 406 Fraudulent determination means 407 Second judgment method 408 Second Method of Unauthorized Notification 421 Control Program Unit 423 Operation detection unit 431 Product Information Department B Bag K Basket [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0083] [Patent Document 1] WO2021 / 176840 publication

Claims

1. A self-checkout device in which customers register the items they wish to purchase, A product registration means that performs product registration processing for the product for which the aforementioned registration operation has been performed, A detection means for detecting whether or not the aforementioned registration operation has been performed, A means for determining whether one or more products have been processed for product registration, A first fraud notification means that notifies of fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have undergone the product registration process, and does not notify of fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have not undergone the product registration process, A self-checkout device equipped with this device.

2. The system further comprises a first determination means for determining whether or not there is a product in a pre-registration container placed on a stand on which the product to be purchased is placed, The first fraud notification means notifies the fraud when the product registration process is being performed for one or more products and the first determination means determines that there are products in the pre-registration container, but does not notify the fraud when the product registration process is being performed for one or more products and the first determination means determines that the pre-registration container is empty. The self-checkout device according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a means for determining whether or not the aforementioned fraud exists, The first fraud notification means notifies the fraud if the fraud detection means determines that fraud has occurred and one or more of the products have been processed for product registration, but does not notify the fraud if the fraud detection means determines that fraud has occurred but one or more of the products have not been processed for product registration. The self-checkout device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further comprises a means for determining whether or not the aforementioned fraud exists, The first fraud notification means does not notify fraud if one or more of the products have not been registered, by not determining whether fraud exists using the fraud determination means. The self-checkout device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A self-checkout device in which customers register the items they wish to purchase, A product registration means that performs product registration processing on the product that has been registered, A detection means for detecting whether or not the aforementioned registration operation has been performed, A second determination means for determining whether the pre-registration container placed on the stand on which the purchased product is placed is empty, and whether the post-registration container in which the product has been registered is empty, The second determination means notifies of fraud in the registration operation when it determines that neither the container before registration nor the container after registration is empty, and the second fraud notification means does not notify of fraud in the registration operation when it determines that either the container before registration or the container after registration is empty. A self-checkout device equipped with this device.

6. A computer used as a self-checkout device where customers register the items they wish to purchase, A product registration means that performs product registration processing for the product for which the aforementioned registration operation has been performed, A detection means for detecting whether or not the aforementioned registration operation has been performed, A means for determining whether one or more products have been processed for product registration, A first fraud notification means that notifies of fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have undergone the product registration process, and does not notify of fraud in the registration operation when one or more products have not undergone the product registration process, A program that can be made to function.

7. A computer used as a self-checkout device where customers register the items they wish to purchase, A product registration means that performs product registration processing on the product that has been registered, A detection means for detecting whether or not the aforementioned registration operation has been performed, A second determination means for determining whether the pre-registration container placed on the stand on which the purchased product is placed is empty, and whether the post-registration container in which the product has been registered is empty, The second determination means notifies of fraud in the registration operation when it determines that neither the container before registration nor the container after registration is empty, and the second fraud notification means does not notify of fraud in the registration operation when it determines that either the container before registration or the container after registration is empty. A program that can be made to function.

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