Information processing apparatus, and notification system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and a notification system capable of reducing the number of customers waiting for accounting.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring wait information indicating a waiting state of a customer in a waiting space formed corresponding to an accounting device; a reception unit for receiving request information requesting notification to the customer, which is information including customer identification information for identifying the customer; a recognition unit for recognizing that there is an opening in the waiting space based on the wait information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit for outputting notification information for notifying that there is the opening in the waiting space to the customer identified by the customer identification information, which is included in the request information received by the reception unit, when the recognition unit recognizes that there is the opening in the waiting space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a notification system.

Background Art

[0002] Stores that sell goods or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods") are provided with accounting devices for customers to pay for the purchase price of the goods. For example, in mass merchandisers such as supermarkets, POS (Point Of Sales) terminals operated by store clerks or customers themselves are installed.

[0003] During peak times, customers who pay for the purchase price line up and wait at the accounting lanes of the POS terminals (hereinafter also referred to as "waiting for accounting"). When the number of customers waiting for accounting increases, the waiting time for accounting of the customers in line naturally becomes longer. In some cases, the line of customers waiting for accounting may extend to the sales floor where the goods are displayed, disturbing the shopping of other customers. Therefore, it is desired to reduce the number of customers waiting for accounting.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a notification system capable of reducing the number of customers waiting for accounting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing device of this embodiment includes: an acquisition unit that acquires waiting information indicating the waiting status of customers in a waiting space formed in correspondence with an accounting device; a reception unit that receives request information which includes customer identification information that identifies the customer and requests notification to the customer; a recognition unit that recognizes that there is an available space in the waiting space based on the waiting information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that, when the recognition unit recognizes that there is an available space in the waiting space, outputs notification information to notify the customer identified by the customer identification information included in the request information received by the reception unit that there is an available space in the waiting space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the accounting area where the POS terminal of the embodiment is installed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the spot information section stored in the RAM of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the request information management file stored in the memory section of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the POS terminal management file stored in the memory section of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the data structure of the spot information management file stored in the memory section of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of weight sensor management processing by the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification processing by the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes an information processing device and notification system of an embodiment with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, the embodiments described below describe an example in which a server device outputs notification information to a customer's mobile terminal, but are not limited to this. The server device may also output notification information to a display or the like installed in the store.

[0008] Furthermore, the embodiments described below describe an example in which a POS terminal used by a store employee to register products and perform accounting operations is used as the accounting device, but it is not limited to this. The accounting device may be a self-service POS terminal in which the customer themselves performs product registration and accounting operations, or a semi-self-service POS accounting device that includes a registration device in which a store employee performs product registration operations and an accounting device in which the customer performs accounting operations. Moreover, the accounting device may be a ticket vending machine for movie tickets, etc.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic of the notification system. The notification system 1 of this embodiment is applicable, for example, to a supermarket equipped with a sales area where multiple product display shelves and multiple checkout machines are located.

[0010] The notification system 1 comprises multiple POS terminals 2, multiple detection devices 3, a server device 4, multiple mobile terminals 5, and a sales floor display 6. These POS terminals 2, detection devices 3, server device 4, mobile terminals 5, and sales floor display 6 are connected to each other via a network N such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) to enable communication.

[0011] Here, we will describe the accounting area where multiple POS terminals 2 are installed. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the accounting area where POS terminals 2 are installed. As shown in Figure 2, each accounting lane L is formed in the accounting area corresponding to each POS terminal 2. The accounting lane L is a space where customers C line up to pay at the POS terminal 2 installed in that accounting lane L, and is an example of a waiting space.

[0012] Spots M are formed at predetermined intervals in the checkout lane L. Spots M indicate the positions where customers C waiting to check out will wait, and are an example of markers placed at predetermined intervals in the waiting area. The markers placed in the waiting area include Spots M where customers C facing the store clerk S operating the POS terminal 2, in other words, customers C paying for their purchases will wait. Note that a Spot M is not required at the location of customer C facing the store clerk S operating the POS terminal 2. The spacing between each Spot M is so-called social distancing, intended as a measure against infectious diseases.

[0013] In the example shown in Figure 2, there is one available spot M in the checkout lane L of POS terminal X, and there are two available spots M in the checkout lane L of POS terminal Z. The checkout lane L of POS terminal Y is closed. A checkout lane L becomes closed when POS terminal 2 installed in that checkout lane L is set to a logoff state, which does not accept operations such as product registration. In the following explanation, the logoff state of POS terminal 2 may be referred to as an inactive state, and the logged-in state as an active state. Note that one customer refers to one customer C who is the subject of one transaction, and is not limited to one person. Also, the number of POS terminals 2, checkout lanes L, and spots M placed in each checkout lane L can be arbitrarily set by the store.

[0014] The POS terminal 2 is a POS terminal for a store clerk S to perform operations related to product registration and accounting processing. The POS terminal 2 reads the product code (product identification information) of the product brought in by the customer C by the operation of the store clerk S, and executes product registration by storing the product information obtained based on the read product code. Further, the POS terminal 2 executes accounting processing based on the registered product information. Accounting processing is processing for the customer C to pay the purchase price, and includes, for example, calculation of the total amount (purchase price) of the prices of the registered products, calculation and payment of change, issuance of a receipt, etc. Also, when the customer C makes a payment by cashless settlement, the accounting processing is processing for executing communication with a settlement server and the like. The POS terminal 2 is an example of an accounting device.

[0015] The detection device 3 is provided corresponding to each accounting lane L, in other words, corresponding to each POS terminal 2. The detection device 3 detects the waiting status of the customer C waiting for payment at the accounting device. Specifically, the detection device 3 detects whether there is an empty spot M in each accounting lane L by detecting whether there is a customer C waiting for accounting at each spot M in the accounting lane L where the POS terminal 2 is installed.

[0016] The detection device 3 includes a sensor for detecting the waiting status of the customer C in the waiting space formed corresponding to the accounting device. Specifically, the detection device 3 includes a weight sensor 32 (see FIG. 3) provided at the spot M of the accounting lane L formed corresponding to the POS terminal 2. The weight sensor 32 is turned on and off according to the operating status of the POS terminal 2.

[0017] When the weight sensor 32 detects a weight of threshold value A or more for a time of threshold value B or more, the detection device 3 determines that there is a customer C waiting for accounting at the spot M corresponding to the weight sensor 32. The detection device 3 transmits the detected information to the server device 4 at any time. Note that the sensor included in the detection device 3 is not limited to the weight sensor 32. For example, the sensor may be composed of an infrared sensor for detecting the customer C present at each spot M, a camera for imaging the image of each accounting lane L, or the like.

[0018] The server device 4 is composed of a store server that manages the sales and the like of the store. The server device 4 receives request information from the mobile terminal 5 carried by the customer C. The request information requests a notification indicating that there is an available space in the checkout lane L. Further, the server device 4 acquires waiting information indicating the waiting status of the customer C in each checkout lane L from the detection device 3 and manages the available status of each checkout lane L.

[0019] Then, when there is an available space in any of the checkout lanes L, that is, when any of the spots M is available, the server device 4 outputs notification information to the mobile terminal 5 that has received the request information. The notification information is information indicating that there is an available space in the checkout lane L. Further, the server device 4 is an example of an information processing device.

[0020] The mobile terminal 5 is, for example, a smartphone owned by the customer C in which a shopping application program is installed. When the shopping application program is started while the customer C is located inside the store, the mobile terminal 5 becomes connectable to the network N. The mobile terminal 5 transmits request information to the server device 4 by the operation of the customer C and receives notification information for the request information from the server device 4. The mobile terminal 5 displays the received notification information on a display unit provided in the device itself. The customer C can recognize that there is an available space in the checkout lane L even while shopping at a location away from the checkout lane L by viewing the notification information displayed on the mobile terminal 5.

[0021] In the present embodiment, a service is provided for transmitting notification information indicating that there is an available space in the checkout lane L to the customer C who owns the mobile terminal 5 in which the shopping application program is installed. Note that the mobile terminal 5 may be an information terminal such as a tablet terminal prepared by the store. In this case, it is possible to provide the above service to all customers C who use the tablet terminal.

[0022] The sales floor display unit 6 is a display unit installed in the sales area that displays various information to customer C. For example, the sales floor display unit 6 displays special sale information. The sales floor display unit 6 may also receive notification information from the server device 4 and display that notification information. In other words, the sales floor display unit 6 may indicate that there is an available spot M in the checkout lane L based on the notification information from the server device 4.

[0023] Next, the detection device 3 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the detection device 3. The detection device 3 comprises a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a plurality of weight sensors 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 30, the memory unit 31, the plurality of weight sensors 32, and the communication unit 33 are connected to each other via a bus 34, etc.

[0024] The control unit 30 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 34.

[0025] The CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire detection device 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 301. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 executes various control processes of the detection device 3 by having the CPU 301 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 and loaded into the RAM 303.

[0026] The RAM 303 also includes a spot information unit 3031. The spot information unit 3031 stores spot information indicating the detection status of the weight sensor 32 at each spot M. The spot information stored in the spot information unit 3031 is an example of waiting information. Figure 4 shows the data structure of the spot information unit 3031. Each piece of data registered (stored) in the spot information unit 3031 is associated with the spot number, weight sensor number, and information indicating the detection status. The spot number and weight sensor number are pre-associated, and a spot information table associating these is stored, for example, in the memory unit 31.

[0027] The Spot Number field registers the spot number that identifies Spot M. The Weight Sensor Number field registers the weight sensor number that identifies weight sensor 32. The Detection Status field registers information indicating the detection status of weight sensor 32. In the Detection Status field, "On" is registered if weight sensor 32 detects customer C, and "Off" is registered if customer C is not detected.

[0028] The memory unit 31 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 31 stores the control program 311 and the threshold information unit 312.

[0029] The control program 311 is a program that implements functions such as detecting the waiting status of customers C in the accounting lane L, that is, whether or not there are customers C waiting to pay at each spot M, and transmitting the detected information as waiting information to the server device 4.

[0030] The threshold information unit 312 stores thresholds used by the detection device 3 to determine whether or not there is a customer C waiting to pay at spot M. Specifically, the threshold information unit 312 stores threshold A, which is a weight threshold, and threshold B, which is a time threshold. If the weight sensor 32 detects a weight of threshold A or greater for a time of threshold B or greater, the detection device 3 determines that there is a customer C waiting to pay at spot M corresponding to the weight sensor 32.

[0031] The weight sensor 32 is a commonly known sensor capable of measuring the weight of an object. Each weight sensor 32 is provided corresponding to each spot M, and its output value changes according to the measured weight.

[0032] The communication unit 33 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 4. The control unit 30 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 33, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0033] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the detection device 3 will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the detection device 3. The control unit 30 functions as an input unit 3001, a determination unit 3002, a registration unit 3003, a weight sensor control unit 3004, and a transmission unit 3005, with the CPU 301 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0034] Various types of information are input to the input unit 3001. For example, the input unit 3001 receives operational information from the server device 4 indicating the operating status of the corresponding POS terminal 2. This operational information is set on the POS terminal 2. For example, if the POS terminal 2 is set to a logoff state that does not accept operations such as product registration, operational information indicating that the POS terminal 2 is in an inactive state is input. If the POS terminal 2 is set to a login state that allows operations such as product registration to be accepted, operational information indicating that the POS terminal 2 is in an active state is input. In addition, the input unit 3001 receives the weight sensor number that identifies the weight sensor 32 and an output value corresponding to the detected weight from the weight sensor 32.

[0035] The determination unit 3002 determines whether or not customer C is present at spot M where the weight sensor 32 is located, based on the output value of the weight sensor 32 input to the input unit 3001. More specifically, the determination unit 3002 determines that customer C is present at spot M corresponding to the weight sensor 32 if the output value of the weight sensor 32 input to the input unit 3001 is greater than or equal to threshold A stored in threshold information unit 312, and continues for a time greater than or equal to threshold B.

[0036] The registration unit 3003 registers the necessary information in the RAM 303 and memory unit 31. For example, the registration unit 3003 registers information in the spot information unit 3031 based on the determination result from the determination unit 3002. The registration unit 3003 registers the weight sensor number, spot number, and detection status input to the input unit 3001 in the spot information unit 3031 according to the determination result from the determination unit 3002.

[0037] The weight sensor number registered in the spot information unit 3031 is the weight sensor number input to the input unit 3001 in association with the output value of the weight sensor 32. The spot number registered in the spot information unit 3031 is the spot number read from a spot information table (not shown) based on the above weight sensor number. The detection status registered in the spot information unit 3031 is the result of the determination by the determination unit 3002. In the detection status item, if the determination unit 3002 determines that customer C is present at spot M where the weight sensor 32 is located, "On" is registered, and if it determines that customer C is not present at spot M, "Off" is registered.

[0038] The weight sensor control unit 3004 controls the power of the weight sensors 32 by turning them on and off according to the operational information input to the input unit 3001. Specifically, when operational information indicating that the POS terminal 2 is operational is input to the input unit 3001, the weight sensor control unit 3004 turns on the power to all weight sensors 32 provided by the POS terminal 2 and the corresponding detection device 3. Conversely, when operational information indicating that the POS terminal 2 is not operational is input to the input unit 3001, the weight sensor control unit 3004 turns off the power to all weight sensors 32 provided by the POS terminal 2 and the corresponding detection device 3.

[0039] The transmitting unit 3005 transmits waiting information indicating the waiting status detected by the sensor to the information processing device. Specifically, the transmitting unit 3005 transmits the spot information registered based on the detection result of the weight sensor 32 as waiting information to the server device 4. Since the spot number included in the spot information is associated with the POS terminal ID in the server device 4, the spot number can be said to be an example of accounting device identification information that identifies the POS terminal. The transmitting unit 3005 may transmit the spot information each time the spot information unit 3031 is updated, or it may transmit the spot information at predetermined intervals. The transmitting unit 3005 transmits other information to the server device 4 as needed.

[0040] Next, the server device 4 will be described in detail. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 4. The server device 4 comprises a control unit 40, a memory unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, and a communication unit 44. The control unit 40, the memory unit 41, the display unit 42, the operation unit 43, and the communication unit 44 are connected to each other via a bus 45, etc.

[0041] The control unit 40 has a computer configuration comprising a CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403. The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 45.

[0042] The CPU 401 controls the operation of the entire server device 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is used as the work area for the CPU 401 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes of the server device 4 by having the CPU 401 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41 and loaded into the RAM 403.

[0043] The memory unit 41 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 41 stores a control program 411, a request information management file 412, a POS terminal management file 413, and a spot information management file 414.

[0044] The control program 411 is a program that implements functions such as acquiring waiting information from each detection device 3 indicating the waiting status of customer C in the accounting lane L, receiving request information from the mobile terminal 5 to request notification when a spot M in any accounting lane L becomes available, and outputting notification information to the mobile terminal 5 that received the request information when a spot M in any accounting lane L becomes available.

[0045] The request information management file 412 is a file that manages request information received from customer C's mobile terminal 5. Figure 7 shows the data structure of the request information management file 412. Each piece of data registered in the request information management file 412 is associated with information indicating the notification order, the person making the notification, the time of receipt, and contact information.

[0046] The notification order field stores information indicating the order in which notification information is output to customer C's mobile device 5. The notification order is set in ascending order from the earliest received request information. Therefore, "1" is registered for the earliest received time, "2" for the next earliest received time, and so on. Furthermore, once notification information is output to customer C's mobile device 5 and the corresponding data is cleared, the notification order is rewritten so that the remaining data is in ascending order from the earliest received time.

[0047] The "Notification Requester" field registers the terminal ID that identifies the mobile terminal 5 that output the request information. The terminal ID is set when the shopping application program is installed on the mobile terminal 5 and is stored on the mobile terminal 5. When the server device 4 receives request information from the mobile terminal 5, it registers the terminal ID included in the request information in the "Notification Requester" field. Since each customer C's mobile terminal 5 is owned by each customer C, the terminal ID that identifies the mobile terminal 5 can be said to be an example of customer identification information that identifies customer C. Note that other identification information that can identify customer C may be registered in the "Notification Requester" field.

[0048] The "Reception Time" field registers information indicating the time the request information was received from the mobile device 5. This reception time information is used to rewrite the notification order.

[0049] The contact information field includes information that can be sent to the mobile device 5, such as the email address of the mobile device 5. The email address may be included in the request information that the mobile device 5 sends to the server device 4, or the server device 4 may store it in advance in association with the device ID. If the device ID and email address are stored in advance in association with each other, the server device 4 may, for example, obtain the email address when customer C installs a shopping application program on their mobile device 5 and registers as a member of the store.

[0050] As described above, the server device 4 registers the email address included in the request information into the contacts field, or reads the email address corresponding to the terminal ID included in the request information and registers it into the contacts field.

[0051] The POS terminal management file 413 is a file that manages the operational status of POS terminal 2. The POS terminal management file 413 is updated based on configuration change information received from POS terminal 2. Figure 8 shows the data structure of the POS terminal management file 413. Each data entry registered in the POS terminal management file 413 is associated with the POS terminal ID and information indicating the operational status.

[0052] The POS terminal ID field registers the POS terminal ID that identifies the POS terminal. The POS terminal ID field registers the POS terminal ID included in the operational information received from POS terminal 2.

[0053] The "Operating Status" field stores information indicating the operating status of POS terminal 2. If POS terminal 2 is logged in, the "1" flag is registered in the "Operating Status" field, indicating that it is operational. If POS terminal 2 is logged off, the "0" flag is registered, indicating that it is not operational.

[0054] The spot information management file 414 is a file that manages spot M information for each POS terminal 2. The spot information management file 414 is updated based on the spot information received from each detection device 3. Figure 9 shows the data structure of the spot information management file 414. Each piece of data registered in the spot information management file 414 is associated with the POS terminal ID, detection device number, spot number, spot power supply, and information indicating whether the spot is available or not.

[0055] The POS terminal ID field stores the POS terminal ID that identifies the POS terminal. The POS terminal ID is pre-associated with the detection device number and spot number and stored accordingly.

[0056] The detection device number field registers the detection device number that identifies detection device 3. Since detection device 3 is provided for each POS terminal 2, the detection device number corresponds one-to-one with the POS terminal ID.

[0057] The spot number field registers the spot number that identifies each spot M. A sequential number is assigned to all spot Ms installed in the accounting area. In the example shown in Figure 2, since there are four spot Ms in each accounting lane L, the spot numbers corresponding to POS terminal X are set to 1-4, the spot numbers corresponding to POS terminal Y are set to 5-8, and the spot numbers corresponding to POS terminal Z are set to 9-12.

[0058] The "Spot Power" field registers information indicating the power status of the weight sensor 32 located at spot M. Spot power is configured for each POS terminal 2. The "Spot Power" field is updated whenever the operating status of the POS terminal management file 413 is updated.

[0059] The "Availability" field registers information indicating whether spot M, identified by the corresponding spot number, is available or not. Here, "Availability" for spot M means that the power to the weight sensor 32 installed at spot M is on, and the detection state is off. Therefore, if the POS terminal 2 corresponding to spot M is not operational, that is, if the power to the weight sensor 32 installed at spot M is off, "Availability" will not be registered in the "Availability" field even if there is no customer C at spot M. The "Availability" field is updated according to the waiting information received from the detection device 3.

[0060] Returning to Figure 6, let's describe the hardware of the server device 4. The display unit 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 42 displays information such as the request information management file 412, the POS terminal management file 413, and the spot information management file 414.

[0061] The operation unit 43 is for inputting information to the control unit 40 and consists of a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 42, and the like. The operation unit 43 inputs various types of information to the control unit 40. For example, the operation unit 43 inputs data to be pre-registered in the spot information management file 414 to the control unit 40.

[0062] The communication unit 44 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the POS terminal 2, detection device 3, mobile terminal 5, and sales floor display 6. The control unit 40 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 44, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with those external devices.

[0063] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the server device 4 will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 4. The control unit 40 functions as an input unit 4001, an acquisition unit 4002, a reception unit 4003, a registration unit 4004, a recognition unit 4005, a selection unit 4006, and an output unit 4007, with the CPU 401 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0064] The input unit 4001 receives setting change information regarding the operation of each POS terminal 2. The setting change information indicates that the POS terminal 2 has changed from an operational state to an inoperable state, or from an inoperable state to an operational state. Setting change information indicating that the POS terminal 2 has changed from an operational state to an inoperable state is an example of inoperable information indicating that the POS terminal 2 is in an inoperable state. Note that the input unit 4001 may be configured to receive operational information indicating the operational status of the POS terminal at all times or periodically, rather than receiving setting change information when the settings of the POS terminal 2 are changed.

[0065] The acquisition unit 4002 acquires waiting information indicating the waiting status of customer C in the waiting area formed in accordance with the accounting device. Specifically, the acquisition unit 4002 acquires spot information managed by each detection device 3 from each detection device 3. The acquisition unit 4002 acquires spot information each time the spot information is updated by each detection device 3.

[0066] The reception unit 4003 receives request information that includes customer identification information to identify customer C and requests notification to customer C. Specifically, the reception unit 4003 receives request information from customer C's mobile terminal 5 that includes the terminal ID of the mobile terminal 5. The request information is a request to receive notification that there is an available spot M in any of the accounting lanes L.

[0067] The registration unit 4004 registers (updates) various information in the memory unit 41. For example, based on the setting change information entered into the input unit 4001, the registration unit 4004 registers information indicating the operating status in the POS terminal management file 413 and also registers information indicating the spot power supply in the spot information management file 414.

[0068] Furthermore, the registration unit 4004 registers information indicating availability in the spot information management file 414 based on the spot information acquired by the acquisition unit 4002 and the spot power supply information in the spot information management file 414. In addition, the registration unit 4004 registers various information in the request information management file 412 based on the request information received by the reception unit 4003.

[0069] The recognition unit 4005 recognizes that there is an available waiting space based on the waiting information acquired by the acquisition unit 4002. Specifically, the recognition unit 4005 refers to the spot information management file 414 registered based on the spot information acquired by the acquisition unit 4002 and recognizes that there is an available spot M in any of the accounting lanes L. More specifically, the recognition unit 4005 recognizes that "Available" is registered in the availability item of the spot information management file 414.

[0070] When the recognition unit 4005 recognizes that a spot M is available, the selection unit 4006 refers to the request information management file 412 to select the people to be notified. For example, if the recognition unit 4005 recognizes that multiple spots M are available, the selection unit 4006 refers to the request information management file 412 to select multiple people to be notified according to the registered notification order.

[0071] When the recognition unit 4005 recognizes that there is an available waiting space, the output unit 4007 outputs notification information to notify customer C, identified by the customer identification information included in the request information received by the reception unit 4003, that there is an available waiting space. Specifically, the output unit 4007 outputs notification information to the mobile terminal 5 of the person to be notified, selected by the selection unit 4006. The notification information indicates that there is an available spot M in any of the accounting lanes L. The notification information may also include information indicating the accounting lane L where the available spot M is located, and the terminal ID of the POS terminal 2 installed in that accounting lane L. As a result, customer C can recognize an available accounting lane L even while shopping by viewing the notification information displayed on their mobile terminal 5.

[0072] The output unit 4007 outputs various other information. For example, based on the information registered in the POS terminal management file 413, the output unit 4007 outputs an instruction to the detection device 3 to turn off the weight sensor 32, or an instruction to turn it on.

[0073] Next, we will describe the weight sensor management process performed by the server device 4 with the above configuration. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the weight sensor management process by the control unit 40 of the server device 4.

[0074] The control unit 40 determines whether or not setting change information has been input to the input unit 4001 from the POS terminal 2 (step S1). If no information has been input (step S1N), it returns to step S1 and waits.

[0075] When setting change information is input to the input unit 4001 from the POS terminal 2 (Y in step S1), the control unit 40 determines whether the setting change information input to the input unit 4001 indicates that the POS terminal 2 was changed while it was in standby mode, or in other words, whether it indicates that the POS terminal 2 has been set to an inactive state (step S2).

[0076] If the setting change information entered into the input unit 4001 indicates that the change was made while the POS terminal 2 was in standby mode (Y in step S2), the output unit 4007 outputs an off command to the detection device 3 corresponding to the detection device number that matches the POS terminal ID included in the setting change information (step S3). The off command is information that instructs the power of the weight sensor 32 to be turned off.

[0077] Next, the registration unit 4004 updates the POS terminal management file 413 (step S4). The registration unit 4004 updates the POS terminal management file 413 by changing the operating status corresponding to the POS terminal ID included in the configuration change information from "1" to "0".

[0078] The registration unit 4004 also updates the spot information management file 414 (step S5). The registration unit 4004 updates the spot information management file 414 by changing the spot power supply corresponding to the POS terminal ID included in the setting change information from "on" to "off". Then, the control unit 40 terminates the weight sensor management process.

[0079] In the process of step S2, if the setting change information input to the input unit 4001 does not indicate that the change was made while the POS terminal 2 was in standby mode, that is, if the setting change information indicates that the change was made while the POS terminal 2 was in operation (N in step S2), the output unit 4007 outputs an ON instruction to the detection device 3 corresponding to the detection device number that corresponds to the POS terminal ID included in the setting change information (step S6). The ON instruction is information that instructs the power of the weight sensor 32 to be turned on. After the process of step S6, the control unit 40 proceeds to the process of step S4.

[0080] The weight sensor management process described above allows the detection device 3 to turn off the power to the weight sensor 32 when the corresponding POS terminal 2 is not in operation. This not only saves power for the detection device 3, but also prevents the server device 4 from mistakenly recognizing the spot M of the inactive POS terminal 2 as available.

[0081] Next, we will explain the notification processing performed by the server device 4. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification processing by the control unit 40 of the server device 4.

[0082] The control unit 40 determines whether the pre-set notification processing timing has arrived (step S11). If the notification processing timing has not arrived (N in step S11), it returns to the process in step S11 and waits. The notification processing timing can be set arbitrarily; for example, it may be set by time, or it may be set at predetermined time intervals from a trigger such as the startup of the server device 4.

[0083] When it is time to process the notification (Y in step S11), the control unit 40 determines whether or not a notification requester exists (step S12). If no notification requester exists (N in step S12), the process returns to step S11. The control unit 40 determines whether or not a notification requester exists by checking whether or not the notification requester is registered in the request information management file 412.

[0084] If a notification requester exists (Y in step S12), the control unit 40 determines whether or not there are available spots (step S13), and if there are no available spots (N in step S13), it returns to the process in step S11. At this time, the output unit 4007 may output a notification to the mobile terminal 5 of the notification requester registered in the request information management file 412 indicating that there are no available spots. The control unit 40 determines whether or not there are available spots by checking whether or not "Available" is registered in the availability of spots in the spot information management file 414.

[0085] If there are available spots (Y in step S13), the selection unit 4006 selects the same number of notification requesters as there are available spots (step S14). The selection unit 4006 selects notification requesters corresponding to the number of available spots M according to the notification order in the request information management file 412.

[0086] Next, the output unit 4007 outputs notification information to the mobile terminal 5 of the notification requester selected by the selection unit 4006 (step S15). The registration unit 4004 updates the request information management file 412 (step S16). The registration unit 4004 updates the request information management file 412 by deleting the information relating to the notification requester of the mobile terminal 5 from which the output unit 4007 output the notification information. Then, the control unit 40 terminates the notification process.

[0087] Through the notification process described above, the server device 4 can notify the mobile terminal 5, which received the request information, that a spot M has become available. This allows customer C to know when there is less waiting time at the checkout, even while shopping.

[0088] In this embodiment, the notification process is performed at a predetermined timing, but it is not limited to this. The notification process may be performed, for example, each time the reception unit 4003 receives request information from the mobile terminal 5. In this case, the notification process only needs to determine whether there is an available spot and output information indicating the availability of the available spot to the mobile terminal 5 that received the request information.

[0089] As described above, the server device 4 of the above embodiment includes: an acquisition unit 4002 that acquires waiting information indicating the waiting status of customer C in a waiting space (accounting lane L) formed in correspondence with the accounting device (POS terminal 2); a reception unit 4003 that receives request information which includes customer identification information (terminal ID) that identifies customer C and requests notification to customer C; a recognition unit 4005 that recognizes that there is an available space in the waiting space based on the waiting information acquired by the acquisition unit 4002; and an output unit 4007 that, when the recognition unit 4005 recognizes that there is an available space in the waiting space, outputs notification information to notify customer C, identified by the customer identification information included in the request information received by the reception unit 4003, that there is an available space in the waiting space.

[0090] As a result, the server device 4 can output notification information to the mobile terminal 5 of customer C, who has requested notification that a payment lane L has become available, indicating that the payment lane L is now free. Therefore, customer C can make a payment when payment lane L is free. In other words, it is possible to reduce the number of people waiting to pay by discouraging customer C from lining up in payment lane L when it is crowded. Consequently, the store can improve customer C's satisfaction by shortening the waiting time for payment. In addition, it is possible to prevent customer C from hindering other customers' shopping while they are waiting to pay.

[0091] Furthermore, in the server device 4 of the above embodiment, the reception unit 4003 receives request information from the customer C's mobile terminal 5, and the output unit 4007 outputs notification information to the mobile terminal 5.

[0092] This allows customer C to send request information and receive notification information using their mobile device 5. Therefore, customer C's convenience can be improved.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server device 4 has an acquisition unit 4002 that acquires waiting information including accounting device identification information that identifies the accounting device (POS terminal 2), and an output unit 4007 that outputs notification information including the accounting device identification information.

[0094] As a result, the mobile device 5 can receive notification information including the POS terminal ID. Therefore, customer C can recognize not only that an empty spot has become available, but also the POS terminal 2 on which that empty spot is located. Consequently, the server device 4 can further improve the convenience for customer C.

[0095] Furthermore, in the notification system 1 of the above embodiment, a weight sensor 32 is used as a sensor to detect the waiting status of customer C in the accounting lane L, and is provided on marks placed at predetermined intervals in the accounting lane L.

[0096] This allows for the detection of the waiting status of customer C in the checkout lane L with a simple configuration, without requiring image processing or other complex methods. Furthermore, as a measure against infectious diseases, the marks placed to ensure social distancing between customers C waiting to pay can be used as mounting locations for the weight sensor 32. This eliminates the need to provide separate marks for customers C to indicate their waiting positions, making it easy to configure the notification system 1.

[0097] In addition, the detection device 3 of the notification system 1 in the above embodiment further includes an input unit 3001 into which non-operation information indicating that the accounting device (POS terminal 2) is in an inoperable state is input, and when non-operation information is input to the input unit 3001, the detection device 3 turns off the sensor (weight sensor 32).

[0098] This allows the detection device 3 to turn off the power to the weight sensor 32 when the POS terminal 2 is not in operation. As a result, the detection device 3 can conserve power, and the server device 4 can prevent it from mistakenly recognizing the spot M corresponding to the inactive POS terminal 2 as available.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the detection device 3, server device 4, mobile terminal 5, and sales floor display 6 may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each of the above devices may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or they may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0100] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments 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 and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Notification System 2 POS terminal (accounting device) 3. Detection device 4. Server device (information processing device) 5 Mobile devices 32. Weight sensor (sensor) 4001 Input section 4002 Acquisition Department 4003 Reception Department 4005 Recognition part 4007 Output section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-153121

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires waiting information indicating the waiting status of customers in a waiting space formed corresponding to the accounting device; a receiving unit that receives request information that requests a notification to the customer, the request information including customer identification information that identifies the customer; a recognition unit that recognizes that there is a vacant waiting space based on the waiting information acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs, when the recognition unit recognizes that there is a vacant waiting space, notification information for notifying a customer identified by customer identification information included in the request information received by the reception unit that there is a vacant waiting space; An information processing device comprising:

2. the reception unit receives the request information from the customer's mobile terminal, the output unit outputs the notification information to the mobile terminal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the acquisition unit acquires waiting information including transaction device identification information that identifies the transaction device; the output unit outputs notification information including the accounting device identification information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. A notification system including a detection device that detects a waiting state of a customer waiting to make a payment at a checkout device, and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the detection device, The detection device is a sensor that detects the waiting status of customers in a waiting space formed corresponding to the accounting device; a transmitting unit that transmits waiting information indicating a waiting state detected by the sensor to the information processing device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the waiting information from the detection device; a receiving unit that receives request information that requests a notification to the customer, the request information including customer identification information that identifies the customer; a recognition unit that recognizes that there is a vacant waiting space based on the waiting information acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs, when the recognition unit recognizes that there is a vacant waiting space, notification information for notifying a customer identified by customer identification information included in the request information received by the reception unit that there is a vacant waiting space; A notification system comprising:

5. The sensors are weight sensors provided on marks arranged at predetermined intervals in the waiting space. The notification system of claim 4.

6. The detection device further includes an input unit to which non-operating information indicating that the checkout device is in an non-operating state is input, When non-operating information is input to the input unit, the detection device turns off the sensor.

6. A notification system according to claim 4 or 5.

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