Program, method, information processing device, and system

Abstract

To provide customers with superior shopping experiences while realizing hygiene management.SOLUTION: A program to be run by a computer with a processor and memory is provided. The program makes the processor perform steps of: acknowledging an input regarding settlement for products from a first person; and displaying an image of performance in accordance with the input regarding the settlement on a transparent display medium placed between the first person and a second person purchasing the products to separate the two.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, an information processing device, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, due to concerns about virus infection, transparent shields are sometimes placed between people when they are in close proximity to one another. For example, when dining with an acquaintance, a transparent shield is placed between the acquaintance, and when paying at a store, a transparent shield is placed between the store clerk and the customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-184979 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a shield is placed between the store clerk and the customer during checkout, it is difficult for the customer to hear the voice of the store clerk. Also, the store clerk may be reluctant to initiate a conversation with the customer. This makes it difficult for the store clerk and the customer to communicate as they did when there was no shield, and there is a risk that the customer's enjoyment during the purchase will be reduced.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that a transparent screen is placed near the register to display advertising information, etc. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose that the screen is placed between the store clerk and the customer.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide customers with an excellent shopping experience while achieving hygiene management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory. The program causes the processor to execute the steps of accepting input related to a transaction for a product from a first person, and displaying an image of a presentation corresponding to the input related to the transaction on a transparent display medium disposed to separate the first person from a second person who purchases the product. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide customers with an excellent shopping experience while achieving hygiene management. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the POS terminal illustrated in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of a customer information DB. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of a product information DB. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS terminal when a customer reaches the checkout area. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting area. [Figure 8] A front view showing the appearance of a POS terminal, a transparent screen, and a projection device installed in the checkout area. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on a transparent screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS terminal during a transaction process. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an image displayed on a transparent screen. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a transparent screen as a product ID is read by a reader. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a transparent screen when confirming an additional purchase. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 depicts an image displayed on a transparent screen when verifying a shopper. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating configurations of a POS terminal and a display device when an intention is conveyed by a gesture instruction. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a transparent screen when confirming a payment method. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a transparent screen when checking for the presence or absence of a parking ticket. [Figure 18] A diagram showing the image displayed on the transparent screen when the restaurant is ready to accept the next customer. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the size of a display image. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed using two display devices. [Figure 21] A diagram showing the image displayed on the transparent screen when the restaurant is ready to accept the next customer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Summary> The system according to this embodiment has a POS (Point of Sale) terminal and a transparent display medium disposed between a customer and a store clerk, and displays an image on the transparent display medium. The image displayed on the transparent display medium is, for example, an image for enhancing the experience during payment, or an image for improving the payment operation.

[0012] <1 Overall system configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. The system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of POS (Point of Sale) terminals 10, a server 20, and a plurality of display devices 30. The POS terminals 10, the server 20, and the display devices 30 are communicatively connected via a network 80. Note that the display devices 30 may be directly connected to the POS terminals 10 by wire or wirelessly, without the network 80.

[0013] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes three POS terminals 10 and three display devices 30, but the number of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30 included in the system 1 is not limited to three. The number of POS terminals 10 and display devices 30 may be less than three, or may be three or more. Furthermore, a plurality of display devices 30 may be installed for a POS terminal 10. Furthermore, one display device 30 may be installed for a plurality of POS terminals 10.

[0014] In this embodiment, a collection of multiple devices may be one server. The method of allocating multiple functions required to realize the server 20 according to this embodiment to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be appropriately determined in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for the information processing device 10.

[0015] The POS terminal 10 is, for example, a device operated by a store clerk when making a payment. The POS terminal 10 may be a dedicated terminal for payments, or may be an information processing device on which a payment application is installed. The information processing device may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or may be a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC.

[0016] The POS terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12 , an input device 13 , an output device 14 , a memory 15 , a storage 16 , and a processor 19 .

[0017] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the POS terminal 10 can communicate with external devices.

[0018] The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from a store clerk (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) The input device 13 is also a reader for reading information about products.

[0019] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a store clerk.

[0020] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0021] The storage 16 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0022] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0023] The server 20 is a device that manages, for example, information on products sold in a store and information on registered customers. The server 20 also manages information on images to be displayed on the display device 30.

[0024] The server 20 includes a communication IF 22 , an input / output IF 23 , a memory 25 , a storage 26 , and a processor 29 .

[0025] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

[0026] The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving an input operation from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0027] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0028] The storage 26 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0029] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0030] The display device 30 is a device that displays an image on a transparent display medium that is placed between a customer visiting a store and a store clerk when the customer makes a payment. The transparent display medium is, for example, a transparent material with a thickness of about a few mm, and the customer and the store clerk can recognize the face through the display medium. The transparent display medium plays a role in preventing droplets that fly when the customer and the store clerk talk from reaching the display medium. The display device 30 displays an image based on the control from the POS terminal 10.

[0031] The transparent display medium is realized by, for example, a transparent screen or a transparent display. The transparent display is realized by, for example, a transmissive organic EL, a transmissive inorganic EL, a transmissive liquid crystal, etc. In this embodiment, a case where the display device 30 uses a transparent screen 31 will be described as an example.

[0032] When the display device 30 uses the transparent screen 31, the display device 30 has a projection device 32 for projecting an image onto the transparent screen 31. The projection device 32 projects an image onto the transparent screen 31 based on the control from the POS terminal 10. The projection device 32 is installed in a position where the light projected by the projection device 32 is not irradiated onto customers and store clerks.

[0033] <1.1 Configuration of POS terminal> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a first camera 161, a second camera 162, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the POS terminal 10 are electrically connected to each other, for example, by a bus or the like.

[0034] The communication unit 120 performs processes such as modulation and demodulation for the POS terminal 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on a signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits the signal to the outside (for example, the server 20 or the display device 30). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on a signal received from the outside and outputs the signal to the control unit 190.

[0035] The input device 13 is a device for a store clerk operating the POS terminal 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 is realized by, for example, a reader 131, a keyboard 132, and a touch-sensitive device 133 in which instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input device 13 converts the instructions or information input by the store clerk into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may include, for example, a receiving port that receives an electric signal input from an external input device. The input device 13 may also include a switching button (not shown) for switching the display content of the display device 30.

[0036] The reader 131 is a device for reading information attached to a product. The reader 131 optically reads, for example, an optical code attached to the product. The reader 131 may also read the information attached to the product using short-range wireless communication. At this time, a wireless tag on which information about the product is written is attached to the product. The reader 131 irradiates radio waves to the product to which the wireless tag is attached and receives the radio waves reflected from the wireless tag, thereby reading the information from the wireless tag.

[0037] The reader 131 is a device for reading identification information assigned to a customer, such as a customer ID. The reader 131 reads, for example, an image related to the identification information displayed on a mobile terminal owned by the customer. The reader 131 also reads, for example, identification information stored in an IC card or a magnetic card.

[0038] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a store clerk operating the POS terminal 10. The output device 14 is realized, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data related to the transaction process according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is realized, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0039] The voice processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-analog conversion processing of a voice signal. The voice processing unit 17 converts a signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The voice processing unit 17 also provides the voice signal to the speaker 172. The voice processing unit 17 is realized, for example, by a processor for voice processing. The microphone 171 accepts voice input and provides a voice signal corresponding to the voice input to the voice processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the voice signal provided from the voice processing unit 17 into voice and outputs the voice to the outside of the POS terminal 10.

[0040] First camera 161 is a device for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting it as a photographing signal. First camera 161 is placed in a position where it can capture, for example, the actions of a customer at the time of payment. Second camera 162 is a device for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting it as a photographing signal. Second camera 162 is placed in a position where it can capture, for example, the actions of a store clerk at the time of payment.

[0041] The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, the memory 15 and the storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the POS terminal 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, product information 181, image information 182, and employee information 183.

[0042] Product information 181 is information about products sold in a store. Information about products includes, for example, information for identifying the product, the product name, the product price, the product release date, the next expected arrival date, the number of items in stock, etc.

[0043] The image information 182 is information about an image to be displayed on the display device 30. The information about the image includes, for example, an image associated with a product, an image associated with an employee who uses the POS terminal 10, and the like.

[0044] The employee information 183 is information about an employee who uses the POS terminal 10. The information about an employee includes, for example, information for identifying the employee, the name of the employee, a character registered for the employee, and the like.

[0045] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the POS terminal 10. The control unit 190 operates according to the program to fulfill the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, an accounting processing unit 193, a display control unit 194, and a storage control unit 195.

[0046] The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives information based on instructions input from the keyboard 132, the touch-sensitive device 133, or the like. The instructions input via the keyboard 132, the touch-sensitive device 133, or the like are, for example, information about products, information about accounting, information about customers, information about control of the display device 30, or the like. In addition, the operation reception unit 191 receives information read from products by the reader 131, or information about customers read by the reader 131.

[0047] Furthermore, operation reception unit 191 receives operations by the store clerk based on the actions of the store clerk or the position of the hands (fingers) captured by second camera 162. The operations by the store clerk are, for example, operations related to the transaction process or operations related to the control of display device 30. Furthermore, operation reception unit 191 receives operations by a customer based on the actions of the customer or the position of the hands (fingers) captured by first camera 161. The operations by the customer are, for example, operations to answer questions from the store clerk during the transaction process.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives a voice signal input from the microphone 171 and converted into a digital signal by the voice processing unit 17. For example, the operation reception unit 191 analyzes the received voice signal and extracts a predetermined noun, thereby acquiring instructions from the store clerk.

[0049] The transmission / reception unit 192 performs processing for the POS terminal 10 to transmit and receive data to and from external devices such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0050] The accounting processing unit 193 performs processing related to accounting in response to instructions input by a store clerk. For example, the accounting processing unit 193 acquires product information from the product information 181 based on information input from the keyboard 132 or the touch-sensitive device 133, or information read by the reader 131. The accounting processing unit 193 stores in a purchase information database (not shown) that the acquired product has been purchased by the customer. The accounting processing unit 193 also updates the product information 181 in response to the purchase of a product.

[0051] The display control unit 194 controls the output device 14 to present information related to the transaction to the store clerk. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display 141 to display product information read from product information 181 by the transaction processing unit 193. The display control unit 194 also causes the display 141 to display information related to the transaction process performed by the transaction processing unit 193.

[0052] Furthermore, the display control unit 194 controls the display device 30 to present transaction-related information to the customer. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display images that enhance the customer's experience during payment, or images that improve the payment operation of the store clerk.

[0053] The images that enhance the customer's experience during payment are, for example, images that are highly entertaining and allow the customer to enjoy shopping even during the payment process. Images of characters related to the customer Images of store clerks and related characters ·Images of POS terminal 10 and related characters - Images related to the situation at checkout ·Images of characters related to the product

[0054] The images for improving the payment operation of the store clerk are, for example, images for making the payment operation of the store clerk smoother. When a screen for preventing droplets is placed between the customer and the store clerk, it is difficult for the voice of the store clerk to reach the customer, and the customer's response is difficult to reach the store clerk. To assist in such a situation, the images for improving the payment operation of the store clerk include, for example, the following: -Large, easy-to-understand images showing the items to be checked · Image showing accounting state transition -Images that highlight empty cash registers

[0055] Furthermore, the display control unit 194 switches the display contents of the display device 30 based on an instruction from the store clerk. Specifically, the display control unit 194 switches the display contents of the display device 30 based on, for example, an instruction input from the keyboard 132 or the touch-sensitive device 133, or the action of the store clerk captured by the second camera 162, or the operation of the store clerk detected from the position of the hand (fingers), etc. Furthermore, the display control unit 194 switches the display contents of the display device 30 based on the sound collected by the microphone 171. For example, the display control unit 194 switches the display so as to display an image corresponding to the following process based on an instruction from the store clerk. Note that the display of the image may be automatically switched in response to the switching of the process.

[0056] The display control unit 194 may also switch the display content so that the character being displayed changes. The display control unit 194 may also switch the display content so that the background of the character being displayed changes.

[0057] Furthermore, the display control unit 194 may switch the display of highly entertaining images on and off. Highly entertaining images can improve the satisfaction of customers during checkout, but may cause delays in checkout. Therefore, for example, the number of customers in the store and the number of customers waiting for checkout are recognized, and when the number of customers reaches a predetermined number, the display of highly entertaining images is automatically turned off. This makes it possible to reduce delays in checkout depending on the situation in the store. The display of highly entertaining images may be switched on and off based on an instruction from a store clerk.

[0058] The display control unit 194 may also change the display position of the image on the transparent screen 31. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 displays the image at a height suitable for the height of the customer making the payment. The display control unit 194 changes the display position of the display device 30 based on, for example, an instruction input from the keyboard 132 or the touch-sensitive device 133, or the action of the store clerk photographed by the second camera 162, or an operation of the store clerk detected from the position of the hand (fingers), etc. Also, for example, the display position of the image may be preset in stages, and the display control unit 194 may automatically set the display position according to the height of the customer.

[0059] Also, for example, the display control unit 194 may slightly shift the display position of the image for each customer making a payment. For example, when a customer selects an option displayed on the transparent screen 31, the customer may touch the transparent screen 31. The display control unit 194 shifts the display position of the image to the side, for example, by several centimeters, so that the previous customer and the next customer do not touch the same position on the transparent screen 31. This makes it possible to prevent customers from touching the same position on the transparent screen 31 when selecting an option. Note that the number of transactions since the previous sterilization work was performed may be stored, and when a predetermined number of customers have completed their transactions, that is, when the screen has been shifted to the side a predetermined number of times, the display control unit 194 may display a suggestion to the store clerk to sterilize the surface of the transparent screen 31.

[0060] The storage control unit 195 controls the storage of data in the storage unit 180. For example, the storage control unit 195 updates the product information 181, the image information 182, or the employee information 183 based on the data provided by the server 20.

[0061] <1.2 Functional configuration of the server> 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 fulfills the functions of a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0062] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0063] The storage unit 202 has databases in which data related to transactions is accumulated, such as a customer information database (DB) 281, a product information database (DB) 282, an image information database (DB) 283, an employee information database (DB) 284, and the like.

[0064] The customer information DB 281 is a database for holding personal information about customers who purchase products, as will be described in detail later.

[0065] The product information DB 282 is a database for holding information about products being sold, the details of which will be described later.

[0066] The image information DB 283 is a database for holding information about images to be displayed on the display device 30.

[0067] The employee information DB 284 is a database for holding information about employees.

[0068] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 203 performs functions shown as a reception control module 2041, a transmission control module 2042, a first management module 2043, a second management module 2044, and a third management module 2045 by operating according to the program.

[0069] The reception control module 2041 controls the process in which the server 20 receives a signal from an external device in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0070] The transmission control module 2042 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0071] The first management module 2043 manages the customer information DB 281. For example, when information is input from a terminal (not shown) owned by a customer, the first management module 2043 updates the customer information DB 281 based on the input information.

[0072] Specifically, for example, when an instruction to register customer information is input from a terminal owned by a customer, the first management module 2043 stores the information input according to the registration form in the customer information DB 281. The information input at this time includes, for example, information on the customer's favorite character.

[0073] There are various ways in which the customer can input information about a favorite character, regardless of the input to the registration form. For example, the first management module 2043 may accept the designation of a character from the customer in a selection format. Specifically, for example, the first management module 2043 may have the customer select at least one character from a plurality of characters in a questionnaire format, and store the selected character in the customer information DB 281 as a favorite character.

[0074] Also, for example, the first management module 2043 may receive information on characters in conjunction with related media. Specifically, for example, the first management module 2043 may obtain information on a game executed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a predetermined game machine, and store a character that has a predetermined relationship in the game, such as being a friend or being included in a party, as a favorite character in the customer information DB 281. Also, for example, the first management module 2043 may store a character associated with goods dispensed from a predetermined arcade game machine as a favorite character in the customer information DB 281.

[0075] Furthermore, when an instruction to change customer information is input from a customer's terminal, the first management module 2043 stores the information input according to the change form in the customer information DB 281. Furthermore, when an instruction to make a reservation to visit a store is input from a customer's terminal, the first management module 2043 stores the information input according to the reservation form in the customer information DB 281.

[0076] The second management module 2044 manages the product information DB 282. For example, when the second management module 2044 receives information about a product to be sold, the second management module 2044 updates the product information DB 282 based on the received information. The product information includes, for example, information about received products provided from a product management system (not shown), or product sales information provided from the POS terminal 10.

[0077] The third management module 2045 manages the image information DB 283. For example, when the third management module 2045 receives information related to an image to be displayed on the display device 30, the third management module 2045 updates the image information DB 283 based on the received information. The image to be displayed on the display device 30 is provided from, for example, a product management system.

[0078] Specifically, for example, a certain product is associated with an image that is displayed on the display device 30 when the product is purchased by a customer. When information about the product is provided from the product management system, information about the image associated with the product is provided to the server 20. The third management module 2045 stores the provided information about the image in the image information DB 283.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, when the sale of a product associated with an image ends, the third management module 2045 deletes information about the image associated with this product from the image information DB 283.

[0080] <2 Data Structure> Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the data structure of a database stored in the server 20. Note that Figures 4 and 5 are merely examples, and do not exclude data that is not shown. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the customer information DB 281. As shown in Fig. 4, each record of the customer information DB 281 includes an item "customer ID", an item "name", an item "age", an item "address", an item "date of birth", an item "e-mail address", an item "date of registration", an item "last visit", an item "date of reservation for visit", an item "favorite character", and the like.

[0081] The item "customer ID" stores information for identifying a customer. For example, the customer ID is automatically set when registering customer information.

[0082] The item "Name" stores the customer's name.

[0083] The item "age" stores the customer's age.

[0084] The item "Address" stores the location where the customer resides.

[0085] The item "Date of Birth" stores the customer's date of birth.

[0086] The item "e-mail address" stores the e-mail address to be used when sending an e-mail to the customer.

[0087] The item "registration date" stores the date on which the customer registered their customer information.

[0088] The item "Last Visit" stores the date when the customer last visited the store.

[0089] The item "store reservation date" stores the date when the customer will next visit the store. The reservation for the next visit is input, for example, through a reservation form. Note that the item "store reservation date" is not limited to the date, and may also store the time or time period of the visit. Also, it may store the product that is planned to be purchased.

[0090] The item "Favorite Character" stores the name of a character that the customer has registered as a favorite. A customer may register multiple favorite characters.

[0091] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information DB 282. As shown in Fig. 5, each record of the product information DB 282 includes an item "product ID", an item "product name", an item "price", an item "release date", an item "scheduled arrival", an item "stock", etc.

[0092] The item "product ID" stores information for identifying a product.

[0093] The item "product name" stores the name of the product.

[0094] The item "price" stores the selling price of the product.

[0095] The item "release date" stores the date on which the product was released or is scheduled to be released.

[0096] The item "expected arrival date" stores the date when the product will next arrive. Note that the next expected arrival date may not be decided yet.

[0097] The item "stock" stores the number of items in stock.

[0098] <3 operations> The operation of the POS terminal 10 when displaying an image on the display device 30 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal 10 when a customer reaches the checkout area.

[0099] First, the behavior of a customer visiting a store will be described. For example, a user who plans to visit a store uses his / her own mobile terminal to access the store's Internet site. If the user has already completed customer registration, the user enters his / her own login information and accesses the store visit reservation site. The user enters necessary information, for example, the planned date of visit, into the reservation form of the store visit reservation site. At this time, the reservation form may have an area in which the planned time of visit or the planned time period of visit can be entered. In addition, the reservation form may have an area in which, for example, a character that the user wants to be displayed when visiting the store can be selected. The information entered into the reservation form is transmitted to the server 20 together with the customer ID of the logged-in user.

[0100] When the first management module 2043 of the server 20 receives the information entered in the reservation form, it updates the customer information DB 281 based on the received information. Specifically, the first management module 2043 stores the entered information in the record of the item "scheduled visit date" of the customer identified by, for example, the customer ID.

[0101] If the user has not yet registered as a customer, the user registers as a customer. The user enters necessary information into the registration form, such as name, age, address, date of birth, favorite character, etc. Customer registration makes it possible to obtain information about the customer in advance, allowing the customer to shop efficiently and to obtain useful information based on the registered information.

[0102] When the first management module 2043 receives the information entered in the registration form, it creates a new record in the customer information DB 281 based on the received information.

[0103] A user who has made a reservation to visit a store visits the store as a customer on the scheduled visit date. When visiting the store, for example, the customer displays information indicating that they have made a reservation to visit on their mobile terminal and presents it to a store clerk in the store. Alternatively, the customer may display their own identification information, for example an image representing their customer ID, on their mobile terminal and have a specified device read the identification information to receive confirmation of their reservation to visit. Once at the store, the customer walks around the store and selects the products they wish to purchase. The customer places the selected products in a basket and then takes the basket with the products in it to the checkout area.

[0104] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a checkout area. FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal 10, a transparent screen 31, and a projection device 32 installed in the checkout area. Three POS terminals 10 are installed in the checkout area shown in FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a display device 30 is installed for each POS terminal 10. The arrangement of the POS terminals 10 in the checkout area is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 7. For example, the POS terminals 10 are arranged in a straight line in FIG. 7, but the POS terminals 10 may be arranged in a rectangular shape. The POS terminals 10 may be arranged so that the store clerks using the POS terminals 10 face each other. The number of POS terminals 10 installed in the checkout area is not limited to three.

[0105] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the display device 30 has a transparent screen 31 and a projection device 32. The transparent screen 31 has, for example, two vertically long screens. Below one of the two screens, a space R1 of a predetermined height is formed between the checkout counter and the screen. The height of the space R1 is set, for example, based on the height of the basket 41. For example, the height of the space R1 is a height that allows the basket 41 to be slid while still placed on the checkout counter, to be moved to the side where the store clerk is located.

[0106] The transparent screen 31 is not limited to being made up of two vertically long screens. The transparent screen 31 may be a single screen. In this case, a space of a predetermined height is formed below the screen.

[0107] The projection device 32 is installed above the transparent screen 31 on the store clerk side. The projection device 32 is installed so as to be able to project an image from the store clerk side toward the transparent screen 31 at a predetermined angle.

[0108] The customer carrying the basket 41 moves to one of the POS terminals 10 in the checkout area where no other customer is currently making a payment, and places the basket 41 on the checkout counter. At this time, the POS terminal 10 stores employee information 183 of the store clerk operating the POS terminal 10. For example, when the store clerk operates the POS terminal 10, the employee information 183 is read from the employee information DB 284 of the server 20 and stored in the POS terminal 10.

[0109] A store clerk who operates the POS terminal 10 checks with a visiting customer whether or not the customer has been registered. If the customer has been registered, the customer displays his / her own identification information, such as a customer ID, on a mobile terminal and presents it to the store clerk. The store clerk reads the display of the presented mobile terminal with the reader 131. At this time, the object presented by the customer is not limited to a mobile terminal. As long as the identification information can be read, it may be a card such as an IC card or a magnetic card. If the customer information has not been registered, the customer informs the store clerk that the customer information has not been registered. The customer registration may be confirmed using the display device 30. For example, the display control unit 194 displays an image for confirming the presence or absence of customer registration on the display device 30 according to the instruction of the store clerk. The presence or absence of customer registration may be confirmed by whether or not the customer has a card indicating the presence or absence of registration.

[0110] 6, the control unit 190 determines whether or not a customer ID has been acquired through the operation reception unit 191 (step S11). If a customer ID has been acquired (Yes in step S11), the operation reception unit 191 transmits the acquired customer ID to the server 20 (step S12) and requests information on the customer identified by the customer ID from the server 20.

[0111] The server 20 reads out information about the customer identified by the received customer ID from the customer information DB 281. The server 20 transmits the read out information to the POS terminal 10.

[0112] The display control unit 194 acquires information about the customer transmitted from the server 20 (step S13). Specifically, the display control unit 194 acquires information about the date of birth, information about the last visit, information about a reservation to visit, information about a favorite character, etc. The display control unit 194 controls the display device 30 based on the acquired information about the customer (step S14).

[0113] Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 displays an image of the customer's favorite character welcoming the customer on the display device 30 based on the acquired information about the favorite character. The image may be a still image or a video. The image displayed on the display device 30 can be viewed by not only the customer but also the store clerk as an image with the left and right reversed.

[0114] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31. An image is projected from the projection device 32 onto the transparent screen 31, and the image is displayed on the transparent screen 31. In Fig. 9, a character and a comment area 311 are displayed on the transparent screen 31.

[0115] The display control unit 194 displays, for example, a comment such as "Welcome" to welcome a customer in the character's comment area 311. The display control unit 194 also displays, for example, a comment such as "Thank you for coming again" to welcome a customer in the character's comment area 311. The comment to welcome a customer in the second visit may be, for example, a comment expressing nostalgia such as "It's been a while" based on information about the last visit. The display control unit 194 also displays, for example, a comment such as "Thank you for making a reservation" to thank a customer for making a reservation in the character's comment area 311 based on information about a reservation to visit. The display control unit 194 also displays, for example, a comment such as "Pass the basket through the gap" to encourage the next action in the character's comment area 311.

[0116] Furthermore, based on the acquired information on the date of birth, if the visit date is the customer's birthday or a day close to the customer's birthday, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display an image of one or more characters celebrating the customer's birthday. The characters displayed at this time may include the customer's favorite character.

[0117] The display control unit 194 may cause the display device 30 to display an image of a character designated at the time of reservation welcoming a customer, based on information related to the reservation.

[0118] If the customer has not yet been registered, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display, for example, an image of a preset character welcoming the customer.

[0119] The display control unit 194 may read information on the character set as the store clerk from the employee information 183, and cause the display device 30 to display an image of the read character welcoming a customer.

[0120] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal 10 during a transaction process. After displaying the welcome image featuring the character, the POS terminal 10 causes the display device 30 to display images showing the transition of the transaction process and the current process (step S15).

[0121] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31. In FIG. 11, the transition of each process performed in the checkout process is displayed in a size that is easy for a customer to see. For example, in FIG. 11, "Product Deposit", "Campaign Explanation", "Shopper Confirmation", "Payment Method", "Checkout", and "Delivery" are displayed in a size that is easy for a customer to see. This allows the customer and the store clerk to properly understand what the next process is. Therefore, even if the customer and the store clerk are separated by the transparent screen 31, they can communicate without stress. Note that the processes displayed on the transparent screen 31 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 11. Any of these processes may be omitted, or different processes may be included.

[0122] Furthermore, the display of each process is large enough to be easily seen by customers waiting in line at the checkout area. This allows customers in line to understand to some extent what processes will be carried out at checkout before they actually start their own transaction. This allows for quicker communication between customers and store clerks than ever before.

[0123] Furthermore, the display of each process is displayed in a position that is easily visible to customers waiting in line at the cash register, for example, in a relatively high position. This makes the display on the transparent screen 31 easy to see even from the back of the line. This increases the opportunities for customers to check what processes will be carried out at the time of payment, making it possible for them to become familiar with the procedures before carrying out their own payment.

[0124] In addition, when displaying each process, an instruction object 312 is superimposed on the process being performed so that it is easy to understand which process is currently being performed. This allows customers to understand where the current process is located in the overall process. Also, customers waiting in line can predict how much time is left until the currently ongoing checkout process is completed, which reduces the stress of waiting in line.

[0125] In addition, the display of each process is guided by a character, which encourages the customer to look carefully at the images displayed on the transparent screen 31.

[0126] When the customer checks the image displayed on the transparent screen 31, he or she moves the basket 41 placed on the cash register counter from the space R1 to the store clerk side separated by the transparent screen 31.

[0127] The transaction processing unit 193 of the POS terminal 10 acquires the product ID of the product placed in the basket 41 (step S15). Specifically, for example, when the reader 131 uses short-range wireless communication to read the product ID, radio waves generated by the reader 131 are irradiated near the space R1. When the basket 41 is moved from the space R1 to the store clerk's side, the radio waves emitted from the reader 131 are irradiated to the wireless tag attached to the product. The wireless tag irradiated with the radio waves transmits the radio waves to the reader 131. The transaction processing unit 193 acquires information about the product placed in the basket 41, for example, the product ID, based on the radio waves received by the reader 131.

[0128] Furthermore, when the reader 131 reads the product ID by reading the optical code, the store clerk uses the reader 131 to read the optical code attached to the product placed in the basket 41 that has been moved from the space R1. The transaction processing unit 193 obtains information about the product, such as the product ID, based on the optical code read by the reader 131.

[0129] The transaction processing unit 193 performs transaction processing when it acquires the product ID. Furthermore, the display control unit 194 performs display control when it acquires the product ID (step S17).

[0130] Specifically, for example, when a product ID is acquired, the display control unit 194 reads out an image associated with the product ID from the image information DB 283, and causes the display device 30 to display the read out image.

[0131] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when the product ID is read by the reader 131. In Fig. 12, when the information of a stuffed character of a character placed in the basket 41 is read by the reader 131, an image associated with the stuffed character is displayed. In other words, an image of the same character as the stuffed character taking a walk is displayed.

[0132] It is not necessary for the product and the character displayed to be the same. The product and the character displayed may be different. Also, it is not necessary for an individual image to be displayed for each product. The number of characters displayed on the transparent screen 31 may be increased each time an additional product ID is read.

[0133] Moreover, what is displayed is not limited to a character image. For example, confirmation items may be displayed. For example, there are products that are difficult to identify, such as card packs. For products that are difficult to identify, the specific name of the product is displayed to confirm that the product brought is correct. Furthermore, if the product is clothing or the like, an image of the character wearing the clothing may be displayed.

[0134] Furthermore, in addition to the product ID, image data may be read from the product. The display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display an image based on the image data read from the product.

[0135] For example, when the accounting processor 193 acquires the product IDs of all products in the basket 41, it explains the ongoing campaign. At this time, for example, an image shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the transparent screen 31 in which an instruction object 312 is superimposed on "campaign explanation." In this embodiment, the campaign is a commercial advertisement, and includes, for example, the granting of a special benefit when a certain amount or more of products are purchased. The campaign may also include the granting of a special benefit when a certain number or more of a certain product are purchased.

[0136] The accounting processing unit 193 reads out the product name, price, etc. from the product information 181 based on the acquired product ID. The accounting processing unit 193 calculates the total price of the products carried by the basket 41. The accounting processing unit 193 judges whether the calculated total price exceeds the amount set in the campaign. If the total price does not exceed the set amount, the accounting processing unit 193 judges whether the shortfall is less than a preset small amount. If the shortfall is less than a preset small amount, the accounting processing unit 193 refers to the product information 181 and searches for a product with a price suitable for making up for the shortfall. The accounting processing unit 193 may also search for a product by referring to the popularity and newness of the product. The accounting processing unit 193 may also estimate the customer's preferences from the customer's purchase history and select a product that the customer is likely to choose. Also, products with low unit prices and high purchase frequencies may be set in advance.

[0137] When the accounting processing unit 193 finds a product suitable for making up the shortfall, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display a message indicating that the set amount will be exceeded simply by purchasing the additional product.

[0138] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on transparent screen 31 when confirming an additional purchase. In the image shown in Fig. 13, a character indicates in comment area 313 the amount that is lacking compared to the campaign set amount. Also, in the image shown in Fig. 13, the character indicates the additional product to be purchased in comment area 314. In the image shown in Fig. 13, for example, the character suggests a card pack as an additional product to be purchased.

[0139] The customer considers whether or not to purchase the suggested product additionally, and if so, informs the store clerk of the purchase.

[0140] For example, when the transaction processor 193 obtains the product IDs of all products in the basket 41, it checks whether a shopper is required and the size of the shopper required. At this time, for example, an image shown in Fig. 11 with an instruction object 312 superimposed on "Confirm Shopper" is displayed on the transparent screen 31, and then a screen for confirming the shopper is displayed. In this embodiment, the shopper represents a shopping bag on which the store's logo and design are printed.

[0141] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when confirming a shopper. In Fig. 14, a plurality of types of shoppers are displayed as introduced by the characters. An object 315 indicating that a shopper is not required is displayed on the transparent screen 31.

[0142] The customer informs the store clerk by gesture or voice instruction whether or not a shopper is required and which shopper he or she desires.

[0143] When conveying an intention by a gesture instruction, operation receiving unit 191 receives an input based on image capturing signals transmitted from first camera 161 and second camera 162, for example.

[0144] 15 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 10 and the display device 30 when conveying an intention by a gesture instruction. An image projected from the projection device 32 is displayed on the transparent screen 31. The first camera 161 is installed so as to photograph the transparent screen 31 from the customer side. The second camera 162 is installed so as to photograph the transparent screen 31 from the store clerk side.

[0145] For example, when input from the customer is required, such as when selecting whether or not a shopper is required or when selecting the type of shopper, the customer brings his / her finger close to the area where the desired option is displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, the customer brings his / her finger close to the area where a medium-sized shopper is displayed. Depending on the customer's behavior, the store clerk brings his / her finger close to the same area as the customer pointed to. It is not necessary to touch the transparent screen 31.

[0146] For example, when a customer and a store clerk bring their fingers close to the same area, the operation acceptance unit 191 determines that the option displayed in that area has been selected. In the example of Fig. 14, when a customer specifies a medium-sized shopper (pointing with a white finger) and the store clerk specifies a medium-sized shopper on the opposite side (pointing with a black finger), the operation acceptance unit 191 determines that the medium-sized shopper has been selected. In addition, when a customer specifies a "don't want" object 315 and the store clerk specifies a "don't want" object 315 on the opposite side, the operation acceptance unit 191 determines that a shopper is not needed.

[0147] The selection of what is displayed on the transparent screen 31 is not limited to the above principle. The operation reception unit 191 may determine the selection based only on the pointing of the customer or the pointing of the store clerk. As long as the action can be confirmed, it is not limited to pointing, and for example, designation by the palm of the hand may be used.

[0148] When conveying an intention by voice instruction, the operation reception unit 191 determines that a selection has been made based on, for example, an utterance from the customer and a confirmation utterance from the store clerk. In the example of Fig. 14, when the customer utters "Medium size shopper" and the store clerk utters "Medium size shopper, right?" to confirm, the operation reception unit 191 determines that the medium size shopper has been selected.

[0149] The selection of what is displayed on the transparent screen 31 is not limited to the above principle. The operation reception unit 191 may determine the selection based only on the voice of the customer, or may determine the selection based only on the voice of the store clerk.

[0150] For example, once the shopper has been identified, the transaction processor 193 confirms the payment method. At this time, for example, an image in which an instruction object 312 is superimposed on "payment method" in the image shown in Fig. 11 is displayed on the transparent screen 31, and then a screen for confirming the payment method is displayed.

[0151] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when confirming the payment method. In Fig. 16, a number of types of payment methods are displayed, as introduced by a character. In Fig. 16, "cash," "credit card," "debit card," and "electronic money" are displayed as options for payment methods.

[0152] The customer communicates the payment method to the store clerk using gestures or voice instructions. When conveying an intention by a gesture instruction, the operation reception unit 191 receives an input based on, for example, a photographed signal transmitted from the first camera 161 and the second camera 162. For example, in the example of FIG. 16, a customer brings a finger close to the area where electronic money is displayed. Depending on the customer's action, the store clerk brings a finger close to the same area as the area pointed by the customer. It is not necessary to touch the transparent screen 31. When a customer designates electronic money (pointing with a white finger) and the store clerk designates electronic money on the opposite surface (pointing with a black finger), the operation reception unit 191 determines that electronic money has been selected.

[0153] When conveying an intention by voice instruction, the operation reception unit 191 determines that the selection has been made based on, for example, an utterance from the customer and a confirmation utterance from the store clerk. In the example of Fig. 16, when the customer utters "electronic money" and the store clerk utters "electronic money, right?" to confirm, the operation reception unit 191 determines that electronic money has been selected.

[0154] 16, the payment method options include "cash," "credit card," "debit card," and "electronic money," but are not limited to these. Payment method options may also include types of credit cards, types of electronic money, etc.

[0155] The accounting processor 193 executes the accounting process using the selected payment method. At this time, for example, an image in which an instruction object 312 is superimposed on "Payment" in the image shown in Fig. 11 is displayed on the transparent screen 31. For example, when the accounting process using the selected payment method is completed, the accounting processor 193 checks whether or not a parking ticket is present.

[0156] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when checking for the presence or absence of a parking ticket. In FIG. 17, a character is displayed as if checking for the presence or absence of a parking ticket. When the customer has a parking ticket, the customer presents it to the store clerk from space R1. The store clerk asks about the parking ticket when the transaction is completed, so the customer may miss hearing it. By visually checking for the presence or absence of a parking ticket using a character, the customer can avoid missing the question and reduce the stress of having to ask again.

[0157] When the transaction is completed, the store clerk hands over the purchased item to the customer. At this time, for example, an image shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the transparent screen 31 with an instruction object 312 superimposed on "handover". After handing over the item to the customer, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display an image of seeing the customer off. The image of seeing the customer off is, for example, approximately the same as the image shown in FIG. 9. However, in the comment area 311, a comment expressing gratitude such as "Thank you very much" or a comment expressing hope for a return such as "Please come again" is displayed. The character displayed may be, for example, a favorite character, a character specified when making a reservation to visit the store, a character set for the store clerk, or a character set in advance.

[0158] After receiving the product, the customer leaves the POS terminal 10 while being seen off by the character displayed on the transparent screen 31. When the customer leaves the POS terminal 10, the POS terminal 10 becomes available to accept the next customer.

[0159] For example, in response to an operation by a store clerk, the display control unit 194 causes the display device 30 to display an image indicating that the store is ready to accept the next customer. Note that the display control unit 194 may automatically cause the display device 30 to display an image indicating that the store is ready to accept the next customer when a customer leaves the POS terminal 10 or when the transaction process is completed.

[0160] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when preparations are complete to accept the next customer. In Fig. 18, the transaction process at the central POS terminal 10-2 has been completed, and a character indicating that the POS terminal 10-2 is now available is displayed on the transparent screen 31-2, along with a comment area 316. In the comment area 316, a comment is displayed indicating that the corresponding POS terminal 10-2 is now available.

[0161] The size of the image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when the POS terminal 10 becomes available may differ depending on the position of the transparent screen 31. For example, a smaller image may be displayed on the transparent screen 31 closer to the queue of customers waiting for payment, and a larger image may be displayed on the transparent screen 31 farther from the queue.

[0162] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the size of a display image. In FIG. 19, the transparent screen 31-3 is closer to the line, and the transparent screen 31-1 is farther from the line. In this case, the image displayed on the transparent screen 31-1 is larger than the image displayed on the transparent screen 31-3. In an environment where there is no sheet separating the store clerk from the customer, the store clerk who uses the POS terminal farther away leans over the cash register counter and calls the customer in a louder voice. However, in an environment where the transparent screen 31 separating the store clerk from the customer is provided, it is difficult to lean over the cash register counter, and it is difficult to hear the voice. Therefore, the size of the image displayed on each transparent screen 31 can be changed so that the image displayed on the transparent screen 31 farther from the line can be made larger. This makes it easier for customers waiting in line to see.

[0163] As described above, in the above embodiment, the POS terminal 10 receives input from the store clerk regarding the transaction of the product through the operation reception unit 191. The display control unit 194 then displays an image of a presentation corresponding to the input regarding the transaction on the transparent screen 31 arranged to separate the store clerk from the customer who purchases the product. This allows the POS terminal 10 to give the customer enjoyment during the transaction. In addition, since the same image is physically displayed in the line of sight of the customer and the store clerk, communication between the customer and the store clerk becomes more active. This allows the POS terminal 10 to utilize the transparent shield that previously only separated the store clerk from the customer as a tool to enrich the experience during purchase.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions from the store clerk regarding the transparent screen 31. The display control unit 194 controls the display of the transparent screen 31 according to the received instructions. Images displayed on the transparent screen 31 stimulate communication between the store clerk and the customer. Although it is an effective tool for enriching the experience of purchasing, there are times when a quick transaction process is desired during congestion. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent highly entertaining images from being displayed on the transparent screen 31 without turning off the power of the display device 30. This allows the POS terminal 10 to appropriately control the display device 30 according to the congestion situation.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 194 acquires personal information about the customer. Then, the display control unit 194 displays an image of a character related to the acquired personal information on the transparent screen 31. This enables the POS terminal 10 to improve the customer's satisfaction at the time of payment.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the customer's personal information includes information on the customer's favorite character, information on the customer's events (e.g., birthday, etc.), or information on the character specified when making a reservation to visit the store. This allows the POS terminal 10 to display an image unique to the customer on the transparent screen 31, thereby further improving the customer's satisfaction at the time of payment.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 194 displays an image set for the POS terminal 10 that processes the transaction for the product, or an image set for the store clerk, on the transparent screen 31. This allows the image displayed on the transparent screen 31 to change for each POS terminal 10 or each store clerk, making visiting the store more enjoyable.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the operation reception unit 191 receives input of identification information of a product. Then, the display control unit 194 displays an image related to the input identification information on the transparent screen 31. As a result, the POS terminal 10 displays an image corresponding to the purchased product on the transparent screen 31, so that the customer can enjoy buying various products.

[0169] In the above embodiment, when the product is a character product, the display control unit 194 displays an image of a character related to the character product on the transparent screen 31 when the character product is purchased. This allows the POS terminal 10 to entertain the user with the image at the time of purchase.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the accounting processing unit 193 judges whether the total amount of the purchased items is slightly short of a predetermined amount. If the total amount is slightly short of the predetermined amount, the display control unit 194 displays an image indicating that the total amount is slightly short of the predetermined amount on the transparent screen 31. This allows the customer to recognize that the purchase amount is slightly short of the amount eligible for the campaign.

[0171] In the above embodiment, when the predetermined amount is not reached by a small amount, the display control unit 194 displays an image for introducing a product to reach the predetermined amount on the transparent screen 31. This makes it easier for the customer to accept the suggestion of additional purchases.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the operation reception unit 191 receives the action of a store clerk as an instruction, which enables the POS terminal 10 to receive an instruction without contact with the store clerk.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions from a store clerk. This allows the POS terminal 10 to receive instructions without contact with the store clerk.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 194 displays images in coordination with a plurality of transparent screens 31 installed for a plurality of POS terminals 10. This allows customers to see more luxurious images, improving their purchasing experience.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 194 displays images in conjunction with the transparent screens 31 installed on other POS terminals 10 that are not in operation. This allows the POS terminals 10 to provide customers with more luxurious images when the store is not in operation.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 194 displays an image on the transparent screen 31 arranged to separate the store clerk from the customer. The operation reception unit 191 receives instructions for the transparent screen 31 from the store clerk. The display control unit 194 then controls the display of the transparent screen 31 in response to the instructions. This allows the POS terminal 10 to appropriately control the display device 30 when it is crowded.

[0177] Therefore, the POS terminal 10 according to the above embodiment can provide customers with an excellent shopping experience while realizing sanitary management.

[0178] <Modification> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an image is displayed for one customer using one display device 30. However, images may be displayed for one customer using multiple display devices 30. For example, if an adjacent POS terminal 10 is available, an image may be displayed using the display device 30 provided for the available POS terminal 10.

[0179] For example, the display control unit 194 can control a plurality of display devices 30. For example, when an adjacent POS terminal 10 is available, the store clerk operates the input device 13 so that the display device 30 installed for the available POS terminal 10 can also be controlled from the POS terminal 10 that the store clerk is operating. The display control unit 194 uses a plurality of display devices 30 to display the above-described guidance display in a more luxurious manner.

[0180] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed using two display devices 30. In Fig. 20, the POS terminal 10-2 is free, and an image for a customer in which a transaction is being processed at the POS terminal 10-1 is displayed on the transparent screen 31-1 and the transparent screen 31-2. In Fig. 20, only characters are displayed, but various guide displays may be displayed together with the characters. In Fig. 20, four characters are displayed, but the number of characters displayed is not limited to four, and one large character or multiple characters (five or more) may be displayed.

[0181] In addition, images may be displayed on the multiple display devices 30 when calling customers to an available POS terminal 10. The display control unit 194 displays a guidance image to the available POS terminal 10 in a more luxurious manner using the multiple display devices 30.

[0182] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the transparent screen 31 when the restaurant is ready to accept the next customer. In Fig. 21, images are also displayed on the transparent screens 31-1 and 31-3 to indicate that the transparent screen 31-2 is vacant.

[0183] Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an image is displayed on the display device 30 in conjunction with a process related to a transaction. However, the display control unit 194 may cause the display device 30 to display an image in conjunction with a process other than the transaction. For example, the display control unit 194 may cause the display device 30 to display an image in conjunction with an event held in the store. Events held in the store include, for example, character greetings, game tournaments, and the like. Images displayed on the display device 30 include, for example, images of characters related to the event, products related to the event, information related to the event, and the like.

[0184] The images linked to the event may be displayed on each display device 30, or may be displayed on a plurality of display devices 30 linked to each other.

[0185] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these 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 modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0186] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0187] (Appendix 1) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor 19 and a memory 15, the program causing the processor to execute the steps of accepting input from a first person regarding the transaction for a product (steps S11, S16) and displaying an image of a presentation corresponding to the input regarding the transaction on a transparent display medium (transparent screen 31) positioned to separate the first person from a second person purchasing the product (steps S14, S17).

[0188] (Appendix 2) The program according to claim 1, which causes a processor to execute a step (191) of receiving an instruction for a display medium from a first party, and a step (194) of controlling a display on the display medium in response to the instruction.

[0189] (Appendix 3) A program described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2), which causes a processor to execute a step (step S13) of acquiring personal information about a second person, and in a step of displaying an image on a display medium, displays an image of a character related to the acquired personal information on the display medium.

[0190] (Appendix 4) The personal information about the second person includes information about a favorite character of the second person, information about an event of the second person, or information about a character specified when making a reservation for a visit (Appendix 3) of the program.

[0191] (Appendix 5) A program as described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2), in which, in a step of displaying an image on a display medium, an image set in a POS terminal that performs the product transaction or an image set by the first person is displayed on the display medium.

[0192] (Appendix 6) A program described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5), wherein in a step of accepting input, input of product identification information is accepted, and in a step of displaying an image on a display medium, an image related to the input identification information is displayed on the display medium.

[0193] (Appendix 7) If the product is a character product, the step of displaying an image on the display medium causes an image of a character associated with the character product to be displayed on the display medium (Appendix 6).

[0194] (Appendix 8) A program described in Appendix 6 that causes a processor to execute a step (step S17) of determining whether the total amount of the products for which the input of identification information has been accepted is just short of a specified amount, and if the total amount is just short of the specified amount, in a step of displaying an image on a display medium, causes an image indicating that the total amount is just short of the specified amount to be displayed on the display medium.

[0195] (Appendix 9) A program as described in Appendix 8, in which, in a step of displaying an image on a display medium if the specified amount is just not reached, an image introducing a product for reaching the specified amount is displayed on the display medium.

[0196] (Appendix 10) The program according to claim 2, wherein in the step of receiving an instruction, a motion of a first person is received as the instruction.

[0197] (Appendix 11) The program according to claim 2, wherein in the step of accepting an instruction, a voice uttered by the first person is accepted as the instruction.

[0198] (Appendix 12) A program described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 11), in which, in a step of displaying an image on a display medium, multiple display media installed for multiple POS terminals are linked to display the image.

[0199] (Appendix 13) The program according to claim 12, wherein in the step of displaying an image on a display medium, the display medium installed in relation to the idle POS terminal is caused to display the image in conjunction with the display medium (Appendix 12).

[0200] (Appendix 14) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor 19 and a memory 15, the program causing the processor to execute the steps of: displaying an image on a transparent display medium positioned to separate a first person who processes the transaction for a product from a second person who purchases the product; receiving instructions for the display medium from the first person; and controlling the display of the display medium in accordance with the instructions.

[0201] (Appendix 15) A method executed by a computer having a processor 19 and a memory 15, the method including the steps of the processor receiving input from a first person regarding a transaction for a product, and displaying an image corresponding to the transaction-related input on a transparent display medium arranged to separate the first person from a second person purchasing the product.

[0202] (Appendix 16) An information processing device 10 having a control unit 190 and a memory unit 180, wherein the control unit 190 executes the steps of accepting input from a first person regarding a transaction for a product, and displaying an image of a presentation corresponding to the input regarding the transaction on a transparent display medium arranged to separate the first person from a second person who purchases the product.

[0203] (Appendix 17) The system comprises a means (10) for receiving input from a first person regarding a transaction for a product, and a means (30) for displaying an image of a presentation corresponding to the input regarding the transaction on a transparent display medium arranged to separate the first person from a second person who purchases the product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 1. System 10. POS terminal 120…Communications Department 13...Input device 131…Leader 132…Keyboard 133…Touch-sensitive devices 14...Output device 141…Display 15…Memory 16…Storage 161…1st camera 162…Second camera 17...Audio processing unit 171…Mike 172…Speaker 180...Storage section 181…Product information 182...Image information 183…Employee information 19…Processor 190...Control unit 191...Operation reception section 192...Transmitter / receiver 193...Accounting Department 194...Display control unit 195...Memory control unit 20…Server 201…Communications Department 202...Storage section 281…Customer information DB 282…Product information DB 283...Image information database 284…Employee information DB 203...Control section 2041…Receiver control module 2042...Transmission control module 2043…First management module 2044…Second management module 2045…Third Management Module 25…Memory 26…Storage 29…Processor 30…Display device 31...Transparent screen 32...Projection device 41…Basket 80…Network

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer having a processor and a memory to execute the program, the program causing the processor to: A step of displaying an image of a payment option on a transparent display medium disposed so as to separate a first person who is in charge of payment for the product from a second person who is purchasing the product; receiving an image signal captured by a first image capturing device that captures the first person and an image signal captured by a second image capturing device that captures the second person; accepting an input for the option when it is recognized based on the photographing signal that the first person and the second person have approached an area in which the same option is displayed on the transparent display medium from the front or back; A program that executes the following.

2. A program as described in claim 1, which, in the step of accepting input, accepts input for the option when it is recognized based on the photographing signal that the second person has approached an area on the transparent display medium where the same option is displayed from the front side and then the first person has approached from the back side.

3. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising a processor and a memory, the processor comprising: A step of displaying an image of a payment option on a transparent display medium disposed so as to separate a first person who is in charge of payment for the product from a second person who is purchasing the product; receiving an image signal captured by a first image capturing device that captures the first person and an image signal captured by a second image capturing device that captures the second person; accepting an input for the option when it is recognized based on the photographing signal that the first person and the second person have approached an area in which the same option is displayed on the transparent display medium from the front or back; How to do it.

4. An information processing device comprising a processor and a memory, the processor: A step of displaying an image of a payment option on a transparent display medium disposed so as to separate a first person who is in charge of payment for the product from a second person who is purchasing the product; receiving an image signal captured by a first image capturing device that captures the first person and an image signal captured by a second image capturing device that captures the second person; accepting an input for the option when it is recognized based on the photographing signal that the first person and the second person have approached an area in which the same option is displayed on the transparent display medium from the front or back; An information processing device that executes the above.

5. A means for displaying images of options related to the payment on a transparent display medium disposed to separate a first person who is in charge of the payment for the product from a second person who is purchasing the product; a means for receiving an image signal captured by a first image capturing device that captures the first person and an image signal captured by a second image capturing device that captures the second person; a means for accepting an input for the option when it is recognized based on the photographing signal that the first person and the second person have approached an area on the transparent display medium in which the same option is displayed from the front or back; A system comprising:

Images