Monitoring system and monitoring program

Abstract

We provide a monitoring system that can efficiently control multiple POS registers. [Solution] A monitoring system At that monitors the operating status of multiple payment devices installed in a store, comprising a transmitting means 503 that transmits an instruction to change the operating status to a payment device 20, and a restricting means 505 that restricts the transmission of status change instructions by the transmitting means according to the number of payment devices in a particular operating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system and a monitoring program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in various stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, a POS (Point of Sales) register, so-called self-checkout, in which products are registered and settled by customer operation, has become widespread. For example, a technique has been proposed in which when an error occurring in self-checkout cannot be handled, a server device sets the operating state of the self-checkout to pause (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, depending on the time zone, the congestion level of the store, etc., it is necessary to change the operating states of a plurality of self-checkouts, and the store clerk has to go to each register to perform operations, which is cumbersome.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system capable of efficiently controlling a plurality of POS registers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problems, a monitoring system according to one aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system that monitors the operating states of a plurality of settlement devices installed in a store, and includes transmission means for transmitting an instruction to change the operating state to the settlement device, and restriction means for restricting transmission of the instruction to change the state by the transmission means according to the number of the settlement devices in a specific operating state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] This figure shows the network configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a transaction status management device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a sales data processing system. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the transaction status management screen displayed on the transaction status management device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the transaction status management screen displayed on the transaction status management device. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the transaction status management screen displayed on the transaction status management device. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the transaction status management screen displayed on the transaction status management device. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the transaction status management screen displayed on the transaction status management device. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the registration settlement device. [Figure 18]It is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen shown on a registration accounting device. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen shown on a registration accounting device. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen shown on a registration accounting device. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen shown on a registration accounting device. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen shown on a registration accounting device. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing an example of a display area for displaying the status of one registration accounting device among the transaction status management screens displayed on the transaction status management device, showing (a) the first example, (b) the second example, (c) the third example, (d) the fourth example, (e) the fifth example, and (f) the sixth example.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] ● Network Configuration of Sales Data Processing System St FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the network configuration of a sales data processing system St according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sales data processing system St is a system introduced into various stores such as retail stores and restaurants. Retail stores include, for example, supermarkets, drugstores, discount stores, department stores, and various supply stores. Restaurants include restaurants, izakayas, cafes, and cafeterias.

[0008] The sales data processing system St shown in FIG. 1 mainly includes a store controller 10, a transaction status management device 11, and a registration accounting device 20. Each device is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc. The store controller 10, the transaction status management device 11, and the registration accounting device 20 are communicably connected via a LAN 55. The registration settlement device 20 is arranged in a plurality of locations in a settlement area appropriately defined within the store. The settlement area is an arrangement area of the registration settlement device 20 that is provided separately from the sales floor where products are displayed and is predetermined by the store manager. In many cases, the settlement area is rectangular in plan view, with an entrance to the settlement area provided on the side where the settlement area and the sales floor are adjacent, and an exit provided on a side different from the side where the entrance is provided. Customers enter the settlement area from the entrance determined by the manager, use the registration settlement device 20, and exit the settlement area through the exit determined by the manager. By installing the transaction status management device 11 at a position where the usage status of the settlement area is easily visible and near the exit, the monitoring store clerk who operates the transaction status management device 11 can monitor both the customers operating the registration settlement device 20 and the customers exiting the settlement area.

[0009] The transaction status management device 11 and the registration settlement device 20 constitute a monitoring system At. The monitoring system At is a system that monitors the operating status of the registration settlement device 20. According to the monitoring system At, the operating status of the registration settlement device 20 is visibly displayed to the monitoring store clerks of various stores, and the operating status of the registration settlement device 20 can be changed collectively. The operating status includes at least a usage status in which customers can use the registration settlement device 20 and a rest status in which the registration settlement device 20 is in a resting state.

[0010] The store controller 10 is a device that stores various types of information necessary for transactions. The various types of information include a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, and selling price for each product. Also, the product master includes product identification information, product name, unit price of the product to be measured (product subject to measurement), etc. for products that require measurement. In addition to the product master, the store controller 10 stores various types of information such as inventory status, sales history, deposit and withdrawal records, information on special sales, and member information.

[0011] The transaction status management device 11 recognizes the connected registration and settlement devices 20, displays the processing status of the registration and settlement devices 20, and controls the registration and settlement devices 20. The transaction status management device 11 stores a unique management number associated with each registration and settlement device 20. For example, a monitoring staff member is stationed at the transaction status management device 11, and the monitoring staff member monitors the registration and settlement devices 20. The transaction status management device 11 displays the status of each of the multiple registration and settlement devices 20 along with their management numbers. Specifically, the transaction status management device 11 displays areas representing each registration and settlement device 20 and displays the status of each registration and settlement device 20. The monitoring staff member supports customers operating the registration and settlement devices 20 and verifies the age of customers when age-verification items are registered at the registration and settlement device 20.

[0012] The registration and settlement device 20 (20-1 to 20-n (n≧1)) is an example of a POS (Point of Sales) register installed in a store, and may be a so-called self-checkout register that allows customers to register and settle payments for products through their own operation. The registration and settlement device 20 comprises a registration unit and a settlement unit. The registration unit performs a registration process to register products. In the registration process, registration information for the products purchased by the customer is generated. The settlement unit performs a settlement process based on the registration information generated in the registration process. The registration and settlement device 20 may also be a settlement device comprising only a settlement unit.

[0013] The registration and payment device 20 can operate in any of several operating modes. These operating modes include, for example, full self-service mode, payment mode, registration mode, or face-to-face mode.

[0014] Full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer registers products on the device (self-registration) and the customer pays for them on the device (self-checkout). Checkout mode is an operating mode in which the customer pays for products that have been registered by another machine, and includes a mode in which the customer performs self-checkout on the device when products are registered using a terminal held by the customer or a terminal installed in a shopping cart used in various stores. Registration mode is a mode in which the customer registers products. Face-to-face mode is an operating mode in which products are registered by a store employee. In the following, the registration and checkout device 20 will be assumed to be operating in full self-service mode.

[0015] The sales data processing system St may include an employee terminal carried by the employee. The employee terminal may be capable of displaying a screen similar to the one displayed on the transaction status management device 11. The employee terminal may also notify the customer of a call for an employee from the registration and settlement device 20, or if customer fraud is detected.

[0016] ● Hardware configuration of the transaction status management device 11 Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the transaction status management device 11. As shown in Figure 2, the transaction status management device 11 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a hard disk 114, a display unit 115, a scanner unit 116, an audio output unit 117, and a communication unit 118. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0017] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the transaction status management device 11 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 112. The ROM 112 is a read-only memory that stores various information used by the CPU 101, including programs.

[0018] RAM113 is a memory that can be read from and written to, and it stores various kinds of information. For example, RAM113 and hard disk 114 store information obtained from external sources and information generated during various processes.

[0019] The hard disk 114 stores various information, such as registration information and settlement information obtained from the registration and settlement device 20. The hard disk 114 may store various programs executed by the CPU 101 instead of the ROM 112.

[0020] The display unit 115 is, for example, a touch display for a monitoring employee. The display unit 115 displays various information and accepts various inputs from the monitoring employee. The display unit 115 is, for example, a display for the management of various stores to view. For example, the display unit 115 displays a fact when an age-verification product is registered in a certain registration and settlement device 20. Furthermore, the display unit 115 accepts input regarding age verification after the employee has performed a visual check of the customer. The display unit 115 also accepts the transmission of status change instructions from the employee to each registration and settlement device 20.

[0021] The scanner unit 116 is a scanner unit for monitoring store employees and optically reads various types of information. For example, the scanner unit 116 optically reads the employee code attached to the employee's name tag. The voice output unit 117 outputs sound. For example, the voice output unit 117 outputs an alert sound indicating that an employee is being called. The communication unit 118 is an interface for sending and receiving information with other devices (store controller 10 or registration and settlement device 20).

[0022] The transaction status management device 11 may also be equipped with a card payment unit, a change dispenser, or a printing unit. In other words, the transaction status management device 11 may be equipped to register and settle goods in the same way as the registration and settlement device 20.

[0023] ● Hardware configuration of the registration and settlement device 20 Next, an example of the configuration of the registration and settlement device 20 will be described using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the registration and settlement device 20. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registration and settlement device 20. In Figures 3 and 4, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0024] The registration and settlement device 20 displays a display number assigned by the transaction status management device 11. For example, the registration and settlement device 20 may have a suitable sticker with the display number affixed to it.

[0025] The following describes an example configuration of the registration and payment device 20 shown in Figure 4, with reference to Figure 3. The registration and payment device 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer-side display unit 205, a customer-side scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, an age authentication unit 209, an audio output unit 211, a communication unit 212, a printing unit 213, a camera 214, a monitoring monitor 215, and a signpost 216. These components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0026] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the registration and settlement device 20 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 202. ROM202 is read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU201, including programs.

[0027] RAM203 is a read-and-write memory that stores various types of information. For example, RAM203 stores information obtained from external sources (such as product master data obtained from the store controller 10) and information generated during various processes. Specifically, the information generated during various processes includes registration information generated during the registration process for registering products, and settlement information generated during the settlement process for settling registered products.

[0028] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 204 stores the imaging results (e.g., video) captured by the camera 214. The hard disk 204 may store various programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Alternatively, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from external sources or information generated during processing instead of the RAM 203.

[0029] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer-side display unit 205 displays various information related to registration and payment to the customer and accepts various inputs related to registration and payment from the customer. For example, the customer-side display unit 205 displays a preset key corresponding to a product and accepts the press of a preset key. As a result, the registration and payment device 20 registers the product. The customer-side display unit 205 also displays multiple payment type selection buttons corresponding to multiple payment types and accepts the selection of one button (one payment type) from among the multiple payment type selection buttons. As a result, the registration and payment device 20 performs payment using that one payment type. The customer-side display unit 205 also accepts changes to the operating mode on a maintenance screen for store staff. In addition to the customer-facing display unit 205, a staff-only display unit may be positioned opposite the customer-facing display unit 205 to display a maintenance screen or to accept other appropriate auxiliary operations.

[0030] The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for the customer. Specifically, the customer-side scanner unit 206 is equipped with an imaging unit. The imaging unit is an image sensor having an image element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit reads (images) the product. When a customer holds a product over the customer-side scanner unit 206, the imaging unit images the product. The imaging unit optically images the code symbol (such as a barcode or 2D code attached to the product) held over the imaging window, or the whole or a part of the product (object).

[0031] Code symbols include barcodes attached to products and employee codes attached to employee name tags. Barcodes attached to products are codes that identify the product, such as JAN codes, PLU (Price Look Up) codes, and in-store codes. The customer-side scanner unit 206 reads the barcode attached to the product, and the registration and payment device 20 registers the product. The reading method by the customer-side scanner unit 206 is not limited to CCD or CMOS; laser or pen-based methods are also possible.

[0032] The card payment unit 208 processes payments based on information stored on various media such as various cards and mobile terminals. These various cards include credit cards, prepaid cards such as electronic money cards, and point cards. Electronic money is charged to charging media such as transportation IC cards and mobile terminals. The card payment unit 208 reads these various cards using both contact and contactless methods.

[0033] The age verification unit 209 is a device that reads information related to verifying the customer's age. The age verification unit 209 is equipped with, for example, a card slot and accepts the insertion of a card that can verify age (hereinafter also referred to as the "age verification card"). The card may be, for example, a driver's license or a My Number card. The age verification unit 209 is equipped with, for example, an imaging unit that images the front or back of the inserted card. The age verification unit 209 also reads the text information contained in the image using appropriate image analysis technology, particularly OCR (optical character recognition) technology. Furthermore, the age verification unit 209 extracts the date of birth from the text information, calculates the difference between that date and the current time, and identifies the customer's age.

[0034] The audio output unit 211 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 211 outputs voice guidance and warning sounds. The voice guidance and warning sounds are related to product registration and settlement, for example. The communication unit 212 is an interface for sending and receiving information with other devices (store controller 10, transaction status management device 11, and other registration and settlement devices 20). The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various media (receipts, payment slips, etc.). The printing unit 213 has a changeable direction for the media output slot.

[0035] Camera 214 is mounted on the top of the customer-side display unit 205. Camera 214 captures video or still images. Camera 214 is an image sensor having an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. In addition, camera 214 is equipped with a fisheye lens or wide-angle lens to capture images of customers over a wide area.

[0036] Camera 214 captures images of the customer's actions during product registration. For example, camera 214 captures images of the inside of the shopping baskets (products) on the counters located on either side of the registration and payment device 20, as well as the customer's actions during registration or payment.

[0037] The surveillance monitor 215 is mounted above the customer-side display unit 205. The surveillance monitor 215 is positioned higher than the camera 214. Specifically, the surveillance monitor 215 is positioned at approximately the same height as the barber pole 216. This allows the monitoring staff to check both the surveillance monitor 215 and the barber pole 216 simultaneously.

[0038] The monitoring monitor 215 displays the images captured by the camera 214. These images are real-time images (video). By constantly displaying real-time video on the monitoring monitor 215, customers using the registration and settlement device 20 can be made aware that they are being recorded, thereby increasing the deterrent effect against fraud. The monitoring monitor 215 can also display images (recorded videos) stored on the hard disk 204. Furthermore, the monitoring monitor 215 may display the display number of the registered settlement device 20 assigned by the transaction status management device 11.

[0039] Furthermore, the monitoring monitor 215 is positioned above the camera 214. The monitoring monitor 215's display screen orientation can be changed to any direction in the up, down, left, or right directions. Therefore, when the monitoring monitor 215 is facing the transaction status management device 11 (monitoring employee), it is positioned above and facing the transaction status management device 11, allowing an employee far from the registration and settlement device 20 (a monitoring employee in front of the transaction status management device 11) to monitor the customer's series of operations. In addition, if an error occurs, the monitoring monitor 215 can display a recording of the series of operations performed by the customer, as well as a recording of the moment the error occurred.

[0040] The sign pole 216 is positioned above the customer-side display unit 205 so as not to interfere with the monitoring screen 215. The sign pole 216 is equipped with a light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit of the sign pole 216 is, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). The light-emitting unit can be illuminated in a predetermined color and a predetermined lighting pattern. The predetermined lighting patterns include a lighting pattern indicating standby (e.g., solid green), a lighting pattern indicating use (e.g., flashing green), a lighting pattern to call a staff member, such as one near the end of a receipt (e.g., flashing yellow), and a lighting pattern indicating an abnormality (e.g., flashing red). The lighting pattern indicating use may be a more detailed lighting pattern; for example, the lighting pattern indicating payment in progress and the lighting pattern indicating product registration may be different. Furthermore, since the sign pole 216 is positioned above the customer-side display unit 205, staff members who are not near the registration and payment device 20 can also recognize the lighting patterns.

[0041] The registration and settlement device 20 may also be a device capable of cash payment, equipped with a cash slot and a change dispenser.

[0042] ● Functional blocks of the monitoring system At Using Figure 5, the functional blocks comprised of the software resources provided by the monitoring system At according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0043] ●Functional blocks of the transaction status management device 11 The transaction status management device 11, as shown in Figure 2, comprises a display control unit 501, a reception unit 502, a transmission unit 503, a presentation unit 504, and a restriction unit 505, each of which is composed of a processing unit such as a CPU 101 or a storage unit such as RAM 113.

[0044] The display control unit 501 is a functional unit that displays the status (registration status and settlement status) of each of the multiple registration and settlement devices 20 connected to the transaction status management device 11. The display control unit 501 displays the transaction status of the registration and settlement devices 20 on, for example, the display unit 115 (see Figure 2) provided by the transaction status management device 11.

[0045] In addition to the above, the display control unit 501 may also display the status of the registration and settlement device 20, such as "Registration Started," "Registration in Progress," "Paused," "Error," or "Under Maintenance." The "Registration Started" state is when the device accepts the start button for product registration from the customer. The "Registration in Progress" state is the state to which the device transitions when the start button for product registration is selected, and it accepts product registration. The "Paused" state is when the power to the registration and settlement device 20 is turned off, or when the power is on but it is unusable, and the customer cannot use it. Each state is transitioned by the store clerk directly operating the registration and settlement device 20 or by remote operation from the transaction status management device 11.

[0046] The configuration, which allows transitioning to a "suspended" state, enables the control of the number of operating registration and settlement devices 20, all or some of them, depending on the time of day and the number of customers in the store. For example, if there are few customers, the number of operating registration and settlement devices 20 can be reduced compared to peak times. In this case, for example, by operating only the registration and settlement devices 20 closest to the transaction status management device 11, store staff can efficiently support customers.

[0047] The "Error" state indicates that various errors have occurred in the registration and settlement device 20. The errors may include various types of information, such as insufficient receipts, runout of receipts, or other communication failures. The "Error" state can identify and display the various errors described above. The display of the "Error" state may also show the detailed type of error described above. In principle, this state means that the device is unavailable, but in addition to the state display, it is also possible to change the settings to determine whether or not to make the registration and settlement device 20 in this state an available device.

[0048] The "Maintenance" status indicates that the registered payment device 20 is undergoing maintenance by a store employee. The "Maintenance" status means that the device is accepting maintenance such as replenishing cash in the automatic change dispenser or replenishing (replacing) receipt rolls in the printer.

[0049] The reception unit 502 is a functional unit that receives input to the transaction status management device 11, and for example, it receives instruction input for status changes to one or more registration settlement devices 20.

[0050] The transmitting unit 503 is an example of a transmitting means in the claims. The transmitting unit 503 performs processing in response to an operation received by the receiving unit 502. This processing includes sending an instruction to change the operating status to the registration settlement device 20. The transmitting unit 503 may simultaneously transmit signals to multiple registration and settlement devices 20 instructing them to change their status. For example, it may be possible to change the status of multiple registration and settlement devices 20 to "hibernating" in response to a single instruction from an administrator. The transmitting unit 503 may also transmit instructions to turn on the power of the registration and settlement devices 20, or status change instructions to change the operating mode to full self mode, settlement mode, registration mode, or face-to-face mode, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 503 may send a status change instruction to the registration and settlement device 20, which has read the age verification product, indicating acceptance of the age verification. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 503 may send a status change instruction to change from an error state to a normal state. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 503 may send an instruction to the registration and settlement device 20, which is in the registration state, to change its operating state to the registration start state. In this case, the transmitting unit 503 may check whether there are any registered products in the registration state and, if there are no registered products, send an instruction to change to the registration start state.

[0052] Furthermore, the status change instruction includes an instruction to switch the registration settlement device 20, which has transitioned from the registration start state to the registration in progress state after the customer has selected the registration start button, back to the registration start state.

[0053] The transaction status management device 11 may accept and store in advance the group settings of the registered settlement devices 20. For example, it is possible to register registered settlement devices 20 that are relatively close to the monitoring staff member as Group A, and registered settlement devices 20 that are relatively far away as Group B. In this case, the display unit 115 of the transaction status management device 11 will display a screen that accepts the selection of the type of control signal to be transmitted, as well as the selection of the target group to which the control signal will be transmitted. The transmission unit 503 accepts from the administrator the input that a control signal will be transmitted, the selection of the type of control signal, and the selection of the target group to which the signal will be transmitted, and simultaneously transmits the selected type of control signal to multiple registered settlement devices 20 belonging to the specified target group.

[0054] Furthermore, if the monitoring system At includes multiple transaction status management devices 11, a registration and settlement device 20 to be controlled by each transaction status management device 11 may be pre-associated. With the above configuration, there is no need to operate each registration and settlement device 20 one by one in a settlement area where multiple registration and settlement devices 20 are arranged side by side in order to change their status, and the status of multiple registration and settlement devices 20 can be controlled efficiently.

[0055] The transmitting unit 503 can transmit status change instructions to multiple registered settlement devices 20. The transmitting unit 503 may transmit status change instructions to multiple registered settlement devices 20 all at once, or it may repeatedly transmit the instructions to each device one by one. In addition, the status change instructions may be transmitted to all registered settlement devices 20 regardless of whether a change is necessary or not. In this case, the registered settlement device 20 will change its status if the operating status included in the received status change instruction differs from its current operating status, and will not perform the status change process if the operating status included in the status change instruction is the same as its current operating status. Alternatively, the transmitting unit 503 may refer to the operating status of each registered settlement device 20 and transmit status change instructions only to the registered settlement device 20 that requires a change in its operating status.

[0056] The display unit 504 is a functional unit that displays the registered settlement devices 20 that should be targeted for status change instructions on the display unit 115 of the transaction status management device 11. The display unit 504 displays different registered settlement devices 20 depending on the congestion level or time of day in the store. For example, the transaction status management device 11 has pre-stored identification information of registered settlement devices 20 that operate according to the congestion level or time of day in the store. When the time reaches the relevant time period, the display unit 504 displays a message on the screen of the transaction status management device 11 recommending the transmission of status change instructions. For example, the settings are configured so that there are relatively many registered settlement devices 20 in use during busy times and relatively few in idle times. The display unit 504 may also display a recommendation message if the current operating status differs from the recommended operating status for the congestion level or time period.

[0057] Furthermore, the display unit 504 displays a message on the display unit 115 of the transaction status management device 11 recommending the transmission of a status change instruction according to the congestion level in the store. For example, the more crowded the store is, the more likely it is that the transmission of a status change instruction will be recommended so that the number of registered settlement devices 20 in use increases. Information indicating the congestion level may be received from an appropriate external device connected for communication, or it may be entered by a store employee. The congestion level may also be estimated by an appropriate configuration of the transaction status management device 11. For example, the transaction status management device 11 estimates the congestion level in the store using cameras that photograph the store, motion sensors installed in the store, and appropriate image analysis technology. With such an estimation method, it is possible to flexibly respond to sudden changes in congestion levels due to rain or events. The congestion level may be estimated in stages, for example, and the number of registered settlement devices 20 to which a status change instruction is transmitted will differ according to the stage of congestion.

[0058] Furthermore, the system may be configured such that registration and settlement devices 20 that are relatively far from the display unit 115 of the transaction status management device 11 are preferentially put into a idle state, while registration and settlement devices 20 that are relatively close to the display unit 115 are preferentially put into use. The display unit 504 may refer to the location information of the registration and settlement devices 20 and determine which registration and settlement devices 20 should be put into use or idle state depending on the congestion status or time of day. The location information of the registration and settlement devices 20 may be pre-set and registered in the registration and settlement devices 20, or it may be acquired by an appropriate location information measuring device provided in the registration and settlement devices 20.

[0059] Alternatively, instead of the configuration in which the display unit 504 recommends sending a status change instruction, the system may be configured to automatically send a status change instruction to the target registration settlement device 20. Furthermore, after automatically sending the status change instruction, the display unit 115 may display a message indicating this.

[0060] The limiting unit 505 is a functional unit that restricts the transmission of status change instructions by the transmitting unit 503. The limiting unit 505 restricts the transmission of status change instructions by the transmitting unit 503 according to the number of registered settlement devices 20 in a specific operating state. More specifically, for example, if the number of registered settlement devices 20 in a idle state exceeds a threshold, the limiting unit 505 restricts the transmission of status change instructions to change the operating state to idle state for a group of registered settlement devices 20 that are in use.

[0061] The restriction unit 505 restricts the transmission of status change instructions to prevent all registered payment devices 20 in the store or payment area from entering a idle state. Specifically, if the number of devices to be changed to idle state in the status change instruction is equal to or exceeds the number of devices in operation, the transmission of the status change instruction is not permitted. This configuration ensures that the number of operational registered payment devices 20 in the store is maintained. Furthermore, by setting a predetermined minimum number of operational devices as a threshold, the operation of a minimum number of devices can be ensured. In addition, there may be registered payment devices 20 that cannot be changed to idle state by status change instructions transmitted in a batch, and the restriction unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to such registered payment devices 20. The restriction unit 505 may also vary the mode of transmission restriction depending on the type of status change instruction. For example, the restriction unit 505 may restrict transmission according to a threshold for the number of devices to be changed to idle state, while not restricting the number of devices to be changed to active state.

[0062] Furthermore, the registration and settlement devices 20 may be assigned to groups in advance, and the restriction unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to predetermined groups. Alternatively, the restriction unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to all groups. The groups may include, for example, a group to which registration and settlement devices 20 relatively close to the installation location of the transaction status management device 11 belong, and a group to which registration and settlement devices 20 relatively far away belong. In this case, for example, the restriction unit 505 restricts the transmission of status change instructions to change the operating status to a paused state to registration and settlement devices 20 belonging to the group relatively close to the installation location of the transaction status management device 11.

[0063] When the transmitting unit 503 sends status change instructions indicating acceptance of age verification to multiple registration and settlement devices 20 in a batch, the restricting unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to predetermined groups set in advance. In particular, the restricting unit 505 restricts the transmission of status change instructions indicating acceptance of age verification to registration and settlement devices 20 belonging to a group that is relatively far from the location where the transaction status management device 11 is installed. In other words, the monitoring system At includes registration and settlement devices 20 that can accept status change instructions from the transmitting unit 503 as information related to age verification when the registration and settlement devices 20 are in a situation where they are accepting input of information related to age verification, and registration and settlement devices 20 that cannot accept status change instructions as information related to age verification.

[0064] In this case, the relatively distant group includes registration and settlement devices 20 whose operating customer's face cannot be seen from the transaction status management device 11. Furthermore, the relatively distant group may also include registration and settlement devices 20 whose orientation prevents the customer's face from being seen from the transaction status management device 11, regardless of their location. Age verification must be determined by the store clerk looking at the customer's face, but depending on the location and orientation of the registration and settlement device 20, the operating customer's face may not be visible. Therefore, a configuration that restricts the transmission of instructions to acknowledge age verification to specific registration and settlement devices 20 allows store clerks to more reliably verify the customer's age. Furthermore, the limiting unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions according to the number of registered settlement devices 20 that support a predetermined number of payment types, as another mode of operation of the referenced registered settlement devices 20. For example, within the same store, there may be a registered settlement device 20 that can handle five types of payments (cash, credit, electronic money, point card, and 2D code payment) and another registered settlement device 20 that can handle four types of payments (credit, electronic money, point card, and 2D code payment). In such a case, the registered settlement device 20 that can handle more payment types is given priority in operation. That is, the limiting unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to change the registered settlement device 20 that can handle more payment types to a dormant state. The limiting unit 505 may, as yet another aspect of the operating state of the referenced registered settlement devices 20, restrict the transmission of status change instructions according to the number of registered settlement devices 20 that can handle a specific pre-set payment type. For example, if there are registered settlement devices 20 that can only handle cash payments and registered settlement devices 20 that can handle four types of payments: credit, electronic money, point cards, and 2D payments, and it is pre-set that cash payments must always be provided, the limiting unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to change the registered settlement device 20 that can only handle cash payments to a paused state. Even if a registered settlement device 20 is configured to handle cash payments, if the amount of cash stored falls below a certain level, it will be unable to dispense change, making it practically impossible to perform cash payments. For such registered settlement devices 20, the operating status may be referenced without counting cash payments as a possible payment type. Furthermore, even if there is a restriction on changing a registered settlement device 20 that is capable of handling cash payments to a dormant state, it may be possible to change a registered settlement device 20 that is practically unable to perform cash payments in the circumstances described above to a dormant state.

[0065] The restriction unit 505 restricts the transmission of a status change instruction to change the status of a registration settlement device 20 to a suspended state if the registration settlement device 20 that is subject to suspension is in use. The determination of whether a registration settlement device 20 is in use may be made not only when the transaction status of the registration settlement device 20 is in the process of registering or settling goods, but also when the human presence sensor equipped in the registration settlement device 20 detects a person, or when the camera 214 is capturing an image of a person, etc. Furthermore, when the restriction unit 505 transmits a status change instruction to change the status of a registration settlement device 20 from the registered state to the registration start state, it may restrict the transmission of a status change instruction to change the status of a registration settlement device 20 to the registration start state if a goods are registered in it. In the case of a registration settlement device 20 in which goods are registered, there is a possibility that the customer will continue to register goods, so with this configuration, the registered state can be maintained. Note that the restricted status change may be executed when the transaction of the registration settlement device 20 is completed and it is no longer in use. The restriction on status changes is not limited to the act of not sending a status change instruction from the transaction status management device 11, but also includes the case where a status change instruction is sent but the registration settlement device 20 responds with an "NG" (no response). In this case, the restriction unit 505 may be provided in the registration settlement device 20.

[0066] The restriction unit 505 may, in principle, restrict status change instructions, and may permit the transmission of status change instructions when predetermined conditions are met. For example, the restriction unit 505 may permit the transmission of status change instructions when the transaction status management device 11 authenticates the account of a store employee with predetermined authority. With such a configuration, an authorized store employee can suspend all registration and settlement devices 20 in the store, ensuring convenience. The restriction unit 505 may also restrict the transmission of status change instructions depending on the time of day. For example, during pre-stored busy hours, the transmission of status change instructions to change the registration and settlement devices 20 to a suspended state may be restricted. Furthermore, the restriction unit 505 may determine whether or not to transmit status change instructions depending on the operating status of so-called manned registers where store employees register products. For example, the restriction unit 505 may restrict the transmission of status change instructions to change all registration and settlement devices 20 in full self-service mode to a suspended state when manned registers are not in operation, and permit the transmission of such status change instructions when a predetermined number or more manned registers are in operation. ● Functional blocks of the registration and settlement device 20 As shown in Figure 5, the registration and settlement device 20 consists of a CPU 201 or other arithmetic unit or a RAM 203 or other storage unit of the registration and settlement device 20 shown in Figure 4, which constitute the functional blocks of the status display unit 511 and the input control unit 512.

[0067] The status display unit 511 is a functional unit that displays the status of the registration and settlement device 20 on the customer-side display unit 205. In addition, if an abnormality occurs in the registration and settlement device 20, the status display unit 511 displays a screen indicating the abnormality on the customer-side display unit 205. Furthermore, when an age-verification item is read, the status display unit 511 displays an age-verification event screen. When an age-verification item is read, the registration and settlement device 20 sends an age-verification occurrence notification to the transaction status management device 11.

[0068] The status display unit 511 may display a different status from the actual status of the registration payment device 20. In this case, for example, a table is maintained that associates the status of the registration payment device 20 with the displayed status, and the displayed status is determined by referring to the table. For example, since errors and maintenance are often not useful information for customers, these can be collectively displayed as "Out of Service." However, the "Error" status and "Maintenance" status can also be displayed as they are. The correspondence between the status of the registration payment device 20 and the displayed status is set by the administrator. This configuration allows for flexible settings according to the company's or store's philosophy.

[0069] The input control unit 512 is a functional unit that receives information input to the registration and settlement device 20. The input control unit 512 acquires, for example, a code symbol indicating the product or employee code, or the image result of the whole or part of the product, via the customer-side scanner unit 206. The input control unit 512 also receives, for example, input from the customer via the customer-side display unit 205, such as the customer's selection of products without barcodes or payment method, and input from the employee approving the registration of age-verified products.

[0070] ●Example of the screen of the transaction status management device 11 Figure 6 shows an example of the transaction status management screen G100 displayed on the display unit 115 of the transaction status management device 11. In this example, the transaction status management screen G100 is divided into six areas G110, and the transaction status of the registered settlement devices 20 is displayed in each area. The transaction status includes the current status and past operating history of the registered settlement devices 20, and the administrator can review the operating history of each registered settlement device 20 retrospectively on the transaction status management screen G100. In this example, the transaction status management screen G100 can simultaneously display the transaction status of six registered settlement devices 20, but the number of registered settlement devices 20 displayed simultaneously is arbitrary. Furthermore, if the monitoring system At contains more registered settlement devices 20 than the number of simultaneously displayed devices, it may be possible to switch the displayed registered settlement devices 20 through appropriate operation.

[0071] This section describes the display area G110 in the transaction status management screen G100, which displays information about one registered settlement device 20. Area G110 displays, for example, an identifier display area G111 that displays the identifier of the registration settlement device 20 that displays the transaction status, an area that displays the group name to which the registration settlement device 20 belongs, a display content area G112 that shows the content displayed to the customer on the registration settlement device 20, an operating status display area G113 that shows the operating status of the registration settlement device 20, an operating history display area G114 that displays the operating history of the registration settlement device 20, a register stop button G115 that changes the operating status of the single registration settlement device 20 to a paused state, a stop release button G116 that changes the operating status of the single registration settlement device 20 to an active state, and a start screen transition button G117 that returns the operating status of the single registration settlement device 20 from the registration waiting screen G210 (see Figure 12) to the registration start screen G200 (see Figure 11), which is before the registration start button G202 is pressed. The start screen transition button G117 is useful in the following cases. Specifically, some customers using the registration and payment device 20 may remember something they forgot to buy or forget their wallet after pressing the registration start button G202, and leave the registration and payment device 20 in the state it was in when they pressed the button. In this case, the registration and payment device 20 will continue to maintain the registration waiting screen G210, which may cause other customers to hesitate to use it, resulting in the device being left unused. In addition, a availability monitor may be installed near the entrance of the payment area so that customers can easily determine whether each registration and payment device 20 located in the payment area is in use or not. When the registration and payment device 20 is displaying the registration start screen G200, the availability monitor will show the operating status of the registration and payment device 20 as "unused (available)". When the registration and payment device 20 is displaying the registration waiting screen G210, the availability monitor will show the operating status of the device as "in use". Thus, the status of the device (in use or unused) differs depending on the screen state, and when the status is "in use," other customers are unlikely to attempt to use the registration and settlement device 20. Consequently, unused registration and settlement devices 20 remain, reducing the efficiency of customer settlements. Therefore, if a store employee can visually identify that the registration and settlement device 20 is left in the registration waiting screen G210 state, or if this can be identified from the operation history of the transaction status management device 11, they can remotely force a transition to the registration start screen G200 by operating the start screen transition button G117. With this configuration, store operations can be carried out efficiently.

[0072] Figure 7 shows an example of a pop-up screen G118 that appears when the register stop button G115 is selected in the display area G110 of the transaction status management screen G100. The pop-up screen G118 displays information indicating that the identifier of the registered settlement device 20 to be stopped is 4, along with a button to accept input for the final decision to send (displayed as "Yes" in the figure) and a button to close the confirmation screen G140 without sending the status change instruction (displayed as "No" in the figure).

[0073] In Figure 6, a batch status transmission button G120 is displayed at the bottom of the transaction status management screen G100, which transmits a status change instruction for some or all of the multiple registered settlement devices 20 included in the monitoring system At.

[0074] When the batch status transmission button G120 is selected, the pop-up screen G130 shown in Figure 8 is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the pop-up screen G130 displays the register stop button G131 and the stop release button G132. When the register stop button G131 is selected, the transaction status management device 11 sends a status change instruction to set the operating status to pause to the multiple registered settlement devices 20 included in the monitoring system At via the communication unit 118. When the stop release button G132 is selected, the transaction status management device 11 sends a status change instruction to set the operating status to active to the multiple registered settlement devices 20 included in the monitoring system At via the communication unit 118. Immediately after pressing the batch status transmission button G120, a group selection screen (not shown) is displayed for selecting the group of registered settlement devices 20 that should receive the status change instruction. At least three buttons, "Group A," "Group B," and "All," are displayed as clickable buttons on this group selection screen. After the operator selects which group to send the status change instruction to, the pop-up screen G130 is displayed. Therefore, the group name selected on the previous screen may also be displayed on the pop-up screen G130. Also, since the available state change instructions are limited depending on the selected group, only the selectable instructions may be displayed on the pop-up screen G130. Furthermore, the output order of the group selection screen and the pop-up screen G130 may be reversed or simultaneous. The information displayed on the group selection screen and the information displayed on the pop-up screen G130 may be displayed on screen 1. In this case as well, only the selectable groups based on the selected instructions may be displayed.

[0075] Figure 9 shows an example of a confirmation screen G140 that appears after an operation is completed by selecting any button on the pop-up screen G130 or any button on the group selection screen. The confirmation screen G140 displays information about the registered settlement devices 20 to which the status change instruction will be sent, as well as a button to accept input for final confirmation of the transmission (displayed as "Yes" in the figure) and a button to close the confirmation screen G140 without sending the status change instruction (displayed as "No" in the figure). In the figure, "Group A" is displayed, and if the "Yes" button is selected, a status change instruction will be sent to at least the registered settlement devices 20 belonging to Group A. The confirmation screen G140 may also display identification information of the registered settlement devices 20 to be changed to a suspended state, the name of the target group, and the number of registered settlement devices 20 to be changed to a suspended state. Furthermore, if the number of registered settlement devices 20 to be changed to a suspended state is greater than or equal to the number of devices in use, an error may be displayed, preventing the transmission of the status change instruction.

[0076] Figure 10 shows the state in Figure 9 where the "Yes" button was selected, instructing the registration settlement device 20 of group A to change its status to a paused state. In this figure, since the limiting unit 505 has set the minimum number of operating registration settlement devices 20 to one, the limiting notification screen G150 displays this fact and a suggestion on how many devices can be put into a paused state.

[0077] Furthermore, the display control unit 501 may display the usage status of the registration and payment device 20 together with a floor map showing the layout of the store's payment area. The floor map is, for example, a map showing at least a number of registration and payment devices 20 and the exit locations from which customers leave the payment area.

[0078] Furthermore, the display control unit 501 may display errors occurring in the entire sales data processing system St or monitoring system At. These errors could be, for example, widespread failures due to network problems. It may also display errors related to the payment method, such as unusable payment brands among credit card payments. These errors could be, for example, situations where a failure has occurred in the system of a particular payment brand.

[0079] ●Example of the screen for the registration and settlement device 20 Figure 11 shows an example of the registration start screen G200, which is displayed before a customer begins registration. The registration and settlement device 20 displaying the registration start screen G200 is in the registration start state. This registration start screen G200 is displayed on the registration and settlement device 20 which is dedicated to non-cash payments, so-called cashless payments, and displays message G201 indicating that cash cannot be used. Note that this message G201 is not displayed on the registration and settlement device 20 which is capable of cash payments. The registration and settlement device 20 which is capable of cash payments can accept both cash and non-cash payments. For example, when a customer selects the registration start button G202 on the registration start screen G200, the registration and settlement device 20 transitions to the registration in progress state, and the registration waiting screen G210 shown in Figure 12 is displayed.

[0080] The registration waiting screen G210 shown in Figure 12 displays a message instructing the customer to bring the product's barcode close to the customer-side scanner unit 206 to register the product, as well as buttons for registering products without barcodes. Once the product is registered, the product price is read aloud, and the system transitions to the registration screen G220 shown in Figure 13, where a list of scanned products is displayed. The registration screen G220 also accepts registration of other products. Selecting the "Checkout" button on the registration screen G220 transitions the system to the payment method selection screen G230 shown in Figure 14.

[0081] Figure 14 shows an example of the payment method selection screen G230, which is displayed when product registration is complete. The registration and settlement device 20 accepts the selection of a payment method on this screen.

[0082] Figure 15 shows an example of the idle screen G240 displayed when the registration and settlement device 20 is in a idle state. The idle screen G240 is displayed on the registration and settlement device 20 when it receives a status change instruction from the transaction status management device 11 to change its operating status to idle.

[0083] Figure 16 shows a first example of the age verification screen G250 that is displayed when a product requiring age verification for purchase is registered. The age verification screen G250 is a pop-up screen that is displayed, for example, superimposed on the registration screen G220. The age verification screen G250 displays a message instructing the user to insert an age verification card into the age authentication unit 209. The age verification screen G250 also displays a staff call button G251 for calling a staff member. For example, if the customer selects the staff call button G251, this will be displayed in the display area G110 of the transaction status management device 11, which displays the transaction status of the registration settlement device 20.

[0084] Figure 17 shows a second example of the age verification screen G260 that is displayed when a product requiring age verification is registered. The age verification screen G260 is a pop-up screen that is superimposed on the registration screen G220 and is displayed, for example, when the age verification screen G250 (see Figure 16) has been displayed for a predetermined amount of time and the age verification card cannot be read. The age verification screen G260 displays buttons to select whether to insert an age-verifiable card into the age authentication unit 209 or to have an employee verify the age, and a message is displayed instructing the user to touch one of the buttons to perform age verification.

[0085] Figure 18 shows an example of the waiting screen G270 that appears when the staff call button G251 is selected on the age verification screen G250 (see Figure 16), or when the button indicating that age verification will be performed by a staff member is selected on the age verification screen G260 (see Figure 17). The waiting screen G270 is a pop-up screen that is superimposed on the registration screen G220 and displays a message instructing the user to wait until a staff member arrives.

[0086] For example, when the standby screen G270 is displayed, if the monitoring staff member has the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the staff member code, the standby screen G270 disappears, and instead, the confirmation input screen G280 shown in Figure 19 is displayed. The confirmation input screen G280 displays a message to the monitoring staff member informing them that the customer's age will be verified, and a button to accept the selection of the verification result. If "Yes" is entered as the result of the age verification, indicating that the customer is 20 years of age or older, the confirmation input screen G280 disappears, and the confirmation completion screen G320 shown in Figure 22 displays a message indicating that the age verification has been completed. The system then transitions to the registration screen G220 (see also Figure 13) where the target product is displayed.

[0087] Figure 20 shows another example of a screen displayed when an age-verification product is read, and is displayed when the registration and settlement device 20 does not have an age authentication unit 209. In this example, the age verification screen G290 and a pop-up screen G300 instructing the user to wait for a store clerk are superimposed on the registration waiting screen G210. The age verification screen G290 is a screen that accepts password input from the store clerk. When this screen is displayed on the registration and settlement device 20, the age verification button is selected from the transaction status management device 11 and a status change instruction is sent, and the verification completion screen G320 shown in Figure 22 is displayed, and the age-verification product is registered. The screen displayed behind the verification completion screen G320 then transitions to the registration in progress screen G220, where the age-verification product is registered.

[0088] Furthermore, when the pop-up screen G300 shown in Figure 20 is displayed, and the store clerk visually confirms the customer's age and has the clerk's card read, the pop-up screen G310 shown in Figure 21 is superimposed on the registration waiting screen G210. When the registration button is selected on this pop-up screen G310, the system transitions to the confirmation completion screen G320 shown in Figure 22. Please note that all age verification information will be carried over throughout the transaction. If an age-verified product is registered again within the same transaction, the age verification screen will not be displayed, and the product will be registered in the same way as a product that does not require age verification.

[0089] ● Correspondence between the transaction status and display screen of the registration and settlement device 20 and the display area G110 Figures 23(a) to (f) show the display area G110 (110a to 110f) that is displayed according to the transaction status of the registration settlement device 20. Display area G110 (110a to 110f) represents one of the multiple display areas G110 that are displayed in parallel on the transaction status management screen G100.

[0090] Figure 23(a) shows an example of the display area G110a displayed on the transaction status management screen G100 when the registration start screen G200 (see Figure 11) is displayed on the corresponding registration and settlement device 20, that is, when the registration and settlement device 20 is in the registration start state. The display content area G112a of the display area G110a displays a message instructing the user to press the registration start button. The operating status display area G113a indicates that the device is in the registration start state. The operating history display area G114a is blank. Note that the operating history display area G114a may display the operating history for each transaction in a series from registration to settlement, or it may display the operating history of the previous transaction.

[0091] When the registration start button G202 is selected on the registration start screen G200 (see Figure 11), and the registration waiting screen G210 (see Figure 12) is displayed on the registration settlement device 20, the display area G113a of the operating status display area G110, which displays the status of the registration settlement device 20 on the transaction status management screen G100, will show "Registering," and the words "Registration Started" will be displayed in the operating history display area G114a.

[0092] Figure 23(b) shows an example of the display area G110b that is displayed after the age verification screen G250 shown in Figure 16 has been displayed and the age verification card has been read by the age verification unit 209, thereby confirming the age. The operational status display area G113b of the display area G110b indicates that it is in the registration state. The operational history display area G114b displays the time when product registration started, the time when the shopping bag was registered, the name and price of the age verification product, and a statement that the age has been confirmed.

[0093] Figure 23(c) shows an example of the display area G110c that is displayed when the store clerk's clerk code is read after the waiting time for reading the age verification card exceeds a predetermined time and times out. At this time, the confirmation input screen G280 shown in Figure 19 is displayed on the registration and settlement device 20. The display content area G112c of the display area G110c displays the message to the store clerk, "Please verify the customer's age. Are you 20 years of age or older?" The operating status display area G113c indicates that it is in the registration state. The operating history display area G114c displays a history of the card reading timeout along with a message prompting the customer to verify their age.

[0094] Figure 23(d) shows an example of the display area G110d displayed on the transaction status management device 11 when the registration and settlement device 20 is not equipped with an age authentication unit 209 and the standby screen G270 is displayed. The display content area G112d and the operation history display area G114d show the message, "A staff member will be coming to you, please wait a moment." In this state, the age verification button G115d is displayed in the display area G110d, and the transaction status management device 11 can input an acceptance of age verification to the registration and settlement device 20. When the age verification button G115d is selected, the customer-side display unit 205 of the registration and settlement device 20 displays the verification completion screen G320 shown in Figure 22, and the registration of the age-verified product is completed. In addition, the operation history display area G114d shows that age verification was performed by the transaction status management device 11 as part of the operation history.

[0095] Figure 23(e) is an example of the screen displayed when the store clerk enters a password on the age verification screen G290. The operation history display area G114e shows that the correct password was entered and the age verification product was registered as part of the operation history.

[0096] Figure 23(f) shows an example of the display area G110f that is displayed when the employee card is read by the registration and settlement device 20 and age verification is performed by the employee. At this time, the age verification screen G290 and the pop-up screen G300 are displayed on the registration and settlement device 20. The display content area G112f shows the message to the employee, "Do you want to register the age verification product?". The operation history display area G114f shows a message indicating that the employee card has been read, and that age verification was performed by the employee on the confirmation input screen G280 (see Figure 20), and that the age verification product has been registered.

[0097] In other words, the display control unit 501 displays, as the operation history of the registration and settlement device 20, three or more response results entered into the monitoring system At in response to an alert that occurred in the registration and settlement device 20, such as an age verification notification. There are, for example, three or more types of response results. The response results also include whether the terminal that performed the age verification was the transaction status management device 11 or the registration and settlement device 20. For example, if the history of reading a store clerk's card is displayed, it can be seen that the store clerk went to the registration and settlement device 20 and performed age verification. It is also possible to check the history of age verification performed by the age authentication unit 209, and the history of age verification performed remotely by a store clerk via the transaction status management device 11. Furthermore, the operation history displayed in the operation history display area G114 is stored in an appropriate storage unit, and it is also possible to call up an appropriate screen other than the operation history display area G114e to display it. With this configuration, it is possible to check the history of the operation status, including age verification, and to take retrospective action if a problem occurs.

[0098] Furthermore, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) in each of the devices described above (transaction status management device 11, registration and settlement device 20, etc.) may be implemented in a device other than the device described as the entity executing the said function.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above description, the transaction status management device 11 was described as having a configuration comprising a display control unit 501, a reception unit 502, a transmission unit 503, a presentation unit 504, and a restriction unit 505, and the registration and settlement device 20 was described as having a configuration comprising a status display unit 511 and an input control unit 512. However, all or part of these functional units may be provided in other computer devices. For example, all or part of these functional units may be provided in the store controller 10, in a cloud server, or in any other computer device. The transaction status management screen G100 displayed on the transaction status management device 11 may also be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the registration and settlement device 20.

[0100] Furthermore, the computer device equipped with these functional components may consist of multiple units or a single unit. For example, one computer device may be equipped with all of these functional components.

[0101] In relation to the above, the transaction status management device 11 and the registration and settlement device 20 may function as so-called thin clients specializing in input / output interface portions. That is, the transaction status management device 11 and the registration and settlement device 20 may receive various inputs (operator operations, detection by devices such as scanners, captured images), transmit input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to a cloud server, receive processing results from the cloud server based on said input information (updated screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on a display unit, device control). In particular, if the monitoring system At includes multiple transaction status management devices 11, by installing the restriction unit 505 on a higher-level device such as a cloud server, the restriction unit 505 can refer to the transaction status of all registered settlement devices 20 and restrict the transmission of status change instructions according to their operating status.

[0102] Furthermore, the program for implementing the sales data processing system St, the transaction status management device 11, or the registration and settlement device 20, etc., as described above, may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, etc., and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0103] ●Summary of Embodiments This invention relates to a monitoring system and a monitoring program.

[0104] Traditionally, POS (Point of Sales) registers, also known as self-checkout registers, have become widespread in various stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, where customers register and pay for their items. For example, a technology has been proposed in which a server device can set the operation status of a self-checkout register to pause if an error occurs and the server cannot resolve it (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5952768). However, since it is necessary to change the operation status of multiple self-checkout registers depending on the time of day and the store's congestion level, store employees had to go to each register to perform the operation, which was cumbersome.

[0105] The present invention aims to provide a monitoring system that can efficiently control multiple POS registers.

[0106] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system for monitoring the operating status of a plurality of payment devices installed in a store, comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting status change instructions to the payment devices; and a restricting means for restricting the transmission of status change instructions by the transmitting means according to the number of payment devices in a particular operating state.

[0107] The operating state includes at least an active state in which a customer can use the payment device and a idle state in which the payment device is idle, and the limiting means may restrict the transmission of the state change instruction to change the operating state to the idle state to a group of payment devices in the active state if the number of payment devices in the idle state exceeds a threshold.

[0108] The system may also include a display means for displaying the operating history of the settlement device, wherein the display means may distinguish and display three or more response results entered in response to alerts that occurred in the settlement device as part of the operating history.

[0109] In a situation where the payment device accepts input of information related to age verification, the payment device may include a first payment device capable of receiving the state change instruction by the transmission means as information related to age verification, and a second payment device that cannot receive the state change instruction as information related to age verification.

[0110] Another aspect of the present invention is a monitoring program that monitors the operating status of a plurality of payment devices installed in a store, and which executes a transmission command to a computer to transmit a status change instruction to the payment devices, and a restriction command to restrict the transmission of the status change instruction by the transmission command according to the number of payment devices in a particular operating state.

[0111] The monitoring system according to the present invention allows for efficient control of multiple POS registers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] St Sales Data Processing System At monitoring system 10 Store Controllers 11. Transaction status management device 501 Display Control Unit 502 Reception Department 503 Transmitter 504 Presentation section 505 Restriction section 20. Registration and settlement device 511 Status display section 512 Input Control Unit G100 Transaction Status Management Screen

Claims

1. A monitoring system that monitors the operating status of multiple payment devices installed in a store, A transmission means for transmitting a status change instruction for the operating state to the settlement device, A limiting means that restricts the transmission of the state change instruction by the transmission means according to the number of settlement devices in a specific operating state, Equipped with, A monitoring system.

2. The aforementioned operating state includes at least an available state in which the customer can use the payment device, and a idle state in which the payment device is idle. The restricting means, when the number of settlement devices in the idle state exceeds a threshold, restricts the transmission of the state change instruction to change the operational state to the idle state to a group of settlement devices in the operational state. The monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. The settlement device is equipped with a display means for displaying the operating history of the settlement device, The display means displays, as the operation history, three or more response results entered in response to an alert that occurred in the settlement device, distinguishing between them. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In a situation where the payment device accepts input of information related to age verification, the payment device includes a first payment device capable of receiving the state change instruction by the transmission means as information related to age verification, and a second payment device that cannot receive the state change instruction as information related to age verification. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A monitoring program that monitors the operating status of multiple payment devices installed in a store, For computers, A transmission command to transmit the instruction to change the operating status to the settlement device, A restriction command that restricts the transmission of the status change instruction by the transmission command, depending on the number of settlement devices in a specific operating state, Execute A monitoring program.

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