Sales Management System

Abstract

To provide a sales management system that allows group customers to smoothly pass through a gate device.SOLUTION: A sales management system includes: payment devices 3 each of which executes a process for payment by a customer based on the operation of the customer; and gate devices 5 through each of which the customer who has completed payment with the payment device 3 passes. The payment device 3 includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring transaction information; a payment processing unit that executes payment processing based on the transaction information; a headcount information receiving unit that accepts headcount information corresponding to the transaction information; and an output unit that outputs payment completion information and the headcount information when the payment processing unit executes the payment processing. The gate device 5 include: an input unit that inputs the payment completion information and the headcount information; a detection unit that detects the headcount of customers passing through the gate device; a report control unit that causes a report unit to report the number of persons indicated by the headcount information as the number of persons who can pass through the gate device; and an error information output unit that outputs error information when the detected number of persons passing through exceeds the number of persons indicated by the headcount information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sales management system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to labor shortages in supermarkets, mass retailers, and other stores, checkout machines that customers who purchase goods or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods") operate and pay for themselves have been put into practical use. Examples of this type of checkout machine include self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminals that customers operate to register goods and make payments, and semi-self-service POS checkout machines that customers operate and pay for based on transaction information registered by a store clerk.

[0003] In stores where the above-mentioned checkout devices are installed, a gate device is installed at the exit of the checkout area where the checkout device is installed to prevent customers from fraudulently leaving the store without paying. The gate device reads the barcode printed on the receipt issued by the checkout device to confirm that the customer has completed payment and allows the customer to pass through. Customers who have paid correctly can exit the checkout area normally (hereinafter also referred to as "normal exit") without the gate device performing any abnormal processing.

[0004] Furthermore, to ensure that customers who make a transaction in a group of multiple people, such as family or friends (hereinafter referred to as "group customers") can exit normally, a system has been proposed in which a barcode containing information about the number of people is printed on the receipt and the gate device checks the number of people (for example, Patent Document 1). However, when multiple group customers in the same checkout area try to pass through the gate device at the same time, the gate device cannot correctly check the number of people in the group, making it difficult for the group customers to pass through the gate device smoothly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sales management system that allows a group of customers to pass through a gate device smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a gate device through which customers who have completed payment at the accounting device pass; an acquisition unit that acquires transaction information for one transaction; an accounting processing unit that executes accounting based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit; a number of people information receiving unit that receives number of people information corresponding to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs payment completion information indicating that payment for the transaction information has been completed and the number of people information received by the number of people information receiving unit when the accounting processing unit executes accounting based on the transaction information; and the gate device includes an input unit that receives the payment completion information and number of people information output by the output unit; a detection unit that detects the number of customers passing through the gate device; an alarm control unit that causes an alarm unit to notify the number of people indicated by the number of people information input to the input unit as the number of people who can pass for the payment completion information input to the input unit; an error information output unit that outputs error information when the number of people passing for the payment completion information detected by the detection unit exceeds the number indicated by the number of people information; and an error information output unit that outputs error information when the number of people passing for the payment completion information detected by the detection unit exceeds the number indicated by the number of people information; Within a predetermined time after the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify the number of people, and a display control unit that counts down and displays the number of people on the display unit each time the detection unit detects an occurrence. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system including a sales management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a checkout area in a store according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the transaction device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the accounting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the gate device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gate device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a receipt according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the operation of the sales management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing another example of the operation of the sales management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by the control unit of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control unit of the transaction device of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit of the gate device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes a sales management system according to an embodiment. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in this embodiment, examples of accounting devices are described, such as an accounting device that receives transaction information from a mobile device that registers products and executes accounting processing, a self-service POS terminal that executes product registration and accounting processing, and a mobile device that executes product registration and credit card payment processing. However, the present invention is not limited to these. Any accounting device may execute accounting processing in response to operations by a customer purchasing a product. Furthermore, the gate device of this embodiment outputs an error message by voice or display when it is determined that a customer passing through the gate device is not exiting normally, but may also close the door of a gate device with an opening and closing door.

[0009] The sales management device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system including a sales management system 1. The system is configured by connecting the sales management system 1, a management server 100, and a payment server 110 via a network such as the Internet.

[0010] The management server 100 stores various information for multiple stores. For example, the management server 100 stores a member information management file that manages member information for each store. The member information management file is a file that associates, for example, a customer ID that identifies a customer, credit information, email address, etc. The management server 100 acquires each piece of information stored in the member information management file from a customer who uses a store when the customer registers as a member. The management server 100 is also connected to a payment server 110 managed by a payment agent via a network such as the Internet. This allows the sales management system 1 to execute accounting processing for credit card payments by sending a payment request along with the customer ID and transaction information to the management server 10.

[0011] The sales management system 1 of this embodiment is applied to a store that sells products, such as a supermarket. The sales management system 1 includes a store server 2, multiple checkout devices 3, multiple self-service POS terminals 4, multiple gate devices 5, and mobile terminals 6 carried by customers. The store server 2, checkout devices 3, self-service POS terminals 4, and gate devices 5 are connected to each other via a network such as a local area network (LAN) so that they can communicate with each other. The mobile terminals 6 are also connected to the store server 2 and checkout devices 3 via a wireless LAN or the like so that they can communicate with each other.

[0012] The store server 2 receives payment information related to payment methods and product information for the products for which payment processing has been performed from the checkout device 3, self-service POS terminal 4, and mobile terminal 6. The store server 2 also receives sales information indicating the sales amount from the checkout device 3, self-service POS terminal 4, and mobile terminal 6. The store server 2 centrally manages the received product information, payment information, sales information, etc., and performs sales management for a single store.

[0013] The store server 2 also stores a product master. The product master is a master file that associates product codes, which are product identification information, with product information (product name, price, etc.) for products sold in the store. When the store server 2 receives an inquiry about a product code from the mobile terminal 6, it reads the product information corresponding to the product code from the product master and sends it to the mobile terminal 6. Since the products sold in the store change daily, the product master is updated as appropriate. The store server 2 also sends the updated product master to the self-service POS terminal 4.

[0014] The checkout device 3 is a so-called self-service checkout device where the customer performs the checkout themselves. Based on transaction information received from the mobile terminal 6, the checkout device 3 executes checkout processing related to cash payment or cashless payment such as credit card payment. Checkout processing is processing for the customer to pay for the products they purchase. In the case of cash payment, checkout processing includes, for example, displaying transaction information, calculating the amount of change, and dispensing the change, while in the case of credit card payment, it includes sending and receiving various information with the payment server 110 via the store server 2, management server 100, etc. Transaction information is information necessary for the checkout device 3 to execute checkout processing, and includes product information such as the product name and price.

[0015] The self-service POS terminal 4 is a POS terminal that executes product registration and transaction processing through customer operation. In other words, the self-service POS terminal 4 functions as both a product registration device and a transaction device, and is an example of a transaction device. Product registration involves registering (storing) product information about products purchased by customers, and is performed by reading product codes from code symbols such as barcodes attached to the products with a scanner, or by inputting the product codes from a touch panel. Transaction processing is as described above.

[0016] The gate device 5 is placed near the exit of the checkout area where the checkout devices 3 and self-service POS terminals 4 are installed. When the gate device 5 reads information indicating that the customer has completed payment, it allows the customer to exit normally. If a customer who has not been confirmed to have completed payment attempts to pass through, the gate device 5 executes error processing. Error processing may include, for example, issuing an audio alert or notifying a store clerk stationed in the checkout area. If the gate device 5 is equipped with an opening / closing door, error processing may involve closing the opening / closing door. In this embodiment, error processing is performed using an audio alert. This is because forcibly preventing a customer from passing through by closing the opening / closing door may cause discomfort to the customer.

[0017] The mobile terminal 6 is a mobile terminal carried by a customer. The mobile terminal 6 may be a customer terminal owned by a customer, such as a smartphone, or a store terminal owned by a store, such as a tablet terminal, and has a shopping application program installed. The mobile terminal 6 can register products by capturing an image of a code symbol, such as a barcode, attached to a product using a camera. The mobile terminal 6 can send transaction information, including registered product information, to the checkout device 3. This allows the customer to make payments using the checkout device 3. The mobile terminal 6 can also send transaction information and a customer ID to the store server 2. This allows customers who have registered their membership information with the management server 100 to make payments using the mobile terminal 6 without using the checkout device 3. In other words, the mobile terminal 6 can not only register products but also perform checkout processing related to credit card payments, and functions as both a registration device and a checkout device. In other words, the mobile terminal 6 is an example of a checkout device.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a checkout area provided in a store. The checkout area is an area where checkout devices are installed so that customers can make payments themselves. Even if payment is completed using a mobile terminal 6, customers pass through the checkout area to exit the store. In this embodiment, a first checkout area X and a second checkout area Y are provided. Although not shown, multiple checkout lanes are provided in parallel to the first checkout area X and the second checkout area Y, each equipped with a POS terminal operated by a store clerk.

[0019] A plurality of accounting devices 3 are installed in the first accounting area X. The first accounting area X also has an entrance XA and an exit XB. A gate device 5 is located near the exit XB. The gate device 5 includes a reading gate 52 and a sensor gate 53.

[0020] Reading gate 52 is located closer to entrance XA than sensor gate 53. Reading gate 52 is equipped with a code reader 54 that reads information from a barcode printed on a receipt issued by accounting device 3 or a barcode included in an electronic receipt displayed on the display of mobile terminal 6, and a display unit 55 (both see Figure 9). Information read by code reader 54 includes payment completion information indicating that a customer has completed payment, number information indicating the number of customers, etc. Display unit 55 displays various information.

[0021] The sensor gate 53 is equipped with a passage sensor 56 that detects passing customers and an audio output unit 57 such as a speaker (see FIG. 9). The passage sensor 56 detects customers who have moved from the reading gate 52 side to the exit XB side, and various known sensors can be used. The audio output unit 57 notifies customers passing through the gate device 5, customers present in the checkout area, and the attendant AT of information. The attendant AT supports customers present in the first checkout area X and the second checkout area Y in operating the checkout device 3 and self-service POS terminal 4, and monitors whether the customer is engaging in fraudulent activity. The passage sensor 56 may be provided separately from the sensor gate 53, but in this case the gate device 5 is still comprised of the passage sensor 56.

[0022] The second checkout area Y is equipped with multiple self-service POS terminals 4. Like the first checkout area X, the second checkout area Y is equipped with an entrance YA and an exit YB, and is also equipped with a gate device 5. The configuration of the second checkout area Y is the same as that of the first checkout area X, except that the checkout devices installed are self-service POS terminals 4 and that an attendant AT is not installed, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0023] Next, the accounting device 3, the self-service POS terminal 4, the gate device 5, and the mobile terminal 6 that make up the sales management system 1 will be described in detail.

[0024] First, we will explain the accounting device 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the accounting device 3. The accounting device 3 is equipped with a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a printer 34, a card reader 35, a change dispenser 36, and a communication unit 37. The control unit 30, memory unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, printer 34, card reader 35, change dispenser 36, and communication unit 37 are connected to each other via a bus 38 or the like.

[0025] The control unit 30 is configured by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 38.

[0026] CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the checkout apparatus 3. ROM 302 stores various programs and data, including programs used to drive CPU 301. RAM 303 is used as a work area for CPU 301, and loads various programs and data stored in ROM 302 and memory unit 31. Control unit 30 executes various control processes for the checkout apparatus 3 by CPU 301 operating in accordance with control programs stored in ROM 302 and memory unit 31 and loaded in RAM 303.

[0027] The memory unit 31 is configured with a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 31 stores a control program 311.

[0028] The control program 311 includes a program for executing accounting processing, a program for generating barcodes that indicate payment completion information indicating that a customer has completed payment and number information indicating the number of customers, and a program for generating receipt information that includes the generated barcodes.

[0029] The display unit 32 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. The display unit 32 displays, for example, transaction information received from the mobile terminal 6, and controls for the user (customer). The controls displayed on the display unit 32 are, for example, operation buttons for selecting a payment method such as cash payment or credit card payment.

[0030] The operation unit 33 is configured, for example, with a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 32, and inputs information according to the position touched by the user to the control unit 30. When a customer operates an operator displayed on the display unit 32, the operation unit 33 inputs information according to the operator to the control unit 30.

[0031] The printer 34 is, for example, a thermal printer. The printer 34 prints transaction information and a barcode on a roll of receipt paper and issues it as a receipt. The transaction information includes the name of the product transacted, the price, the total amount, etc. The barcode displays information including payment completion information indicating that the customer has completed payment and number information indicating the number of customers.

[0032] The card reader 35 magnetically reads the credit information required for payment from a credit card. The card reader 35 also magnetically reads member information that identifies the member from a medium such as a membership card or a point card. The card reader 35 may also be an IC card reader that reads information from an IC card with a built-in IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

[0033] When a customer pays for a product in cash, the change dispenser 36 accepts the bills and coins paid by the customer and dispenses change as necessary.

[0034] The communication unit 37 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2, the self-service POS terminal 4, and the gate device 5. The control unit 30 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 37, thereby enabling transmission and reception of information (data) with the external devices.

[0035] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the checkout device 3. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the checkout device 3. The control unit 30 functions as an acquisition unit 3001, a checkout processing unit 3002, a number of people information acceptance unit 3003, a payment method acceptance unit 3004, an output unit 3005, and a receipt information generation unit 3006, as the CPU 301 operates in accordance with control programs stored in the ROM 302 and memory unit 31. Each of these functions may also be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0036] The acquiring unit 3001 acquires transaction information for one transaction. Specifically, the acquiring unit 3001 receives, from the mobile terminal 6, transaction information based on information registered by the mobile terminal 6 as a product.

[0037] The accounting processing unit 3002 executes accounting based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 3001. For example, the accounting processing unit 3002 displays the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 3001 on the display unit 32. When a customer pays by cash, the accounting processing unit 3002 controls the change dispenser 36 to dispense the necessary change. When a customer pays by credit card, the accounting processing unit 3002 reads the credit card information using the card reader 35. The accounting processing unit 3002 then transmits and receives various information related to the credit card payment to and from the payment server 110 via the store server 2, management server 100, etc.

[0038] The number of people information receiving unit 3003 receives number of people information corresponding to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 3001. Specifically, the number of people information receiving unit 3003 receives from the mobile terminal 6 the number of people information entered into the mobile terminal 6 by the customer. The number of people information is information indicating the number of customers who will make a payment based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 3001, and the number of people entering the first checkout area X or the second checkout area Y. Note that the number of people information receiving unit 3003 may also receive the number of people information by the customer operating the operation unit 33. In this case, the customer does not need to enter the number of people information into the mobile terminal 6.

[0039] The payment method acceptance unit 3004 accepts information indicating the payment method entered by the customer (hereinafter also referred to as "payment method information") on the condition that the number of people information acceptance unit 3003 has accepted the number of people information. Specifically, if the number of people information acceptance unit 3003 has accepted the number of people information, the payment method acceptance unit 3004 accepts the payment method information entered by operating the operation unit 33. If the number of people information acceptance unit 3003 has not accepted the number of people information and payment method information is entered, the payment method acceptance unit 3004 displays an error message on the display unit 32, such as "Please enter the number of people and then select the payment method." The payment method acceptance unit 3004 may also accept payment method information from the mobile terminal 6. In this case, the customer does not need to enter the number of people information into the operation unit 33. The payment method acceptance unit 3004 also accepts the receipt issuance method. The payment method acceptance unit 3004 accepts information indicating whether the customer has selected a paper receipt or an electronic receipt.

[0040] When the accounting processing unit 3002 executes accounting processing based on the transaction information, the output unit 3005 outputs payment completion information indicating that payment for the transaction information has been completed, as well as the number of people information received by the number of people information receiving unit 3003. Specifically, when the accounting processing unit 3002 completes accounting processing, the output unit 3005 outputs the payment completion information and the number of people information to the receipt information generation unit 3006. The payment completion information is information indicating that the customer's payment has been completed, for example, that the accounting processing has been completed at the accounting device 3. An example of this information is the transaction number issued by the accounting device 3 after the accounting processing. In this embodiment, in order to issue a receipt including a barcode indicating the payment completion information and the number of people information, the output unit 3005 outputs the payment completion information and the number of people information to the receipt information generation unit 3006. If the accounting device 3 issues a barcode indicating the payment completion information and the number of people information separately from the receipt, the output unit 3005 outputs the payment completion information and the number of people information to the printer 34 or the store server 2. This allows the printer 34 to print the barcode, or allows the store server 2 to transmit to the mobile terminal 6 information that can display the barcode.

[0041] The receipt information generation unit 3006 generates receipt information for issuing a receipt. Specifically, the receipt information generation unit 3006 generates receipt information including the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 3001 and the payment completion information and number of people information output by the output unit 3005. The receipt information generation unit 3006 outputs the receipt information to the printer 34 or the store server 2. This allows the printer 34 to print a receipt including a barcode indicating the payment completion information and the number of people information, and the store server 2 can make the electronic receipt including the barcode indicating the payment completion information and the number of people information viewable on a customer terminal such as a smartphone. If the mobile terminal 6 is a customer terminal with a shopping application program installed, the customer terminal can acquire receipt information from the store server 2 via wireless LAN. If the mobile terminal 6 is a tablet terminal provided by the store, the customer terminal can acquire receipt information via the management server 10, which stores membership information including an email address.

[0042] Next, the mobile terminal 6 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 6. The mobile terminal 6 includes a control unit 60, a memory unit 61, a display unit 62, an operation unit 63, an imaging unit 64, and a communication unit 65. The control unit 60, the memory unit 61, the display unit 62, the operation unit 63, the imaging unit 64, and the communication unit 65 are connected to a They are connected to each other via a switch 66 and the like.

[0043] The control unit 60 is configured by a computer including a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603 are connected to one another via a bus 66.

[0044] The CPU 601 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 6. The ROM 602 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 601, and various data. The RAM 603 includes a transaction information storage unit 604. The transaction information storage unit 604 is an area for storing transaction information, including product information acquired from the store server 2 based on an input product code for one transaction. The RAM 603 is also used as a work area for the CPU 601, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. The control unit 60 executes various control processes for the mobile terminal 6 by the CPU 601 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61 and loaded in the RAM 603.

[0045] The memory unit 61 is configured with a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 61 stores a control program 611.

[0046] The control program 611 is a shopping application program or the like, and causes the mobile terminal 6 to function as a product registration device or as an accounting device that executes accounting processes related to credit card payments.

[0047] The display unit 32 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 32 displays product information of registered products, the total price of registered products, etc. The display unit 32 also displays various information such as controls to be operated by the customer who is the user.

[0048] The operation unit 63 is configured, for example, with a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 62, and inputs information corresponding to the position touched by the user to the control unit 60. When the customer operates an operator displayed on the display unit 62, the operation unit 63 inputs information corresponding to the operator to the control unit 60.

[0049] The imaging unit 64 captures images of barcodes attached to products or displayed on the checkout device 3, and inputs the captured image data to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 reads a product code that identifies the product from the image of the barcode attached to the product. The control unit 60 also reads a payment code for transferring transaction data from the image of the barcode displayed on the checkout device 3. If the mobile terminal 6 has a function for registering products using so-called object recognition, the imaging unit 64 captures an image of the product's appearance and inputs the image to the control unit 60.

[0050] The communication unit 65 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2, the checkout device 3, and the management server 100. By connecting the control unit 60 to the external devices via the communication unit 65, the control unit 60 can send and receive information (data) with the external devices.

[0051] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the mobile terminal 6 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the mobile terminal 6. The control unit 60 functions as an input unit 6001, a product information acquisition unit 6002, a registration unit 6003, an acquisition unit 6004, a number of people information acceptance unit 6005, a payment method acceptance unit 6006, a transaction information transmission unit 6007, an accounting processing unit 6008, an output unit 6009, and a receipt information generation unit 6010, as the CPU 601 operates in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 602 or memory unit 61. Each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0052] The input unit 6001 receives image data captured by the imaging unit 64. The input unit 6001 extracts a barcode from the input image data and decodes the barcode. If the barcode indicates a product code, the input unit 6001 outputs the product code to the product information acquisition unit 6002. If the barcode indicates a payment code, the input unit 6001 outputs the payment code to the transaction information transmission unit 6007.

[0053] The product information acquisition unit 6002 acquires product information from the store server 2 based on the product code input from the input unit 6001. In detail, the product information acquisition unit 6002 queries the store server 2 about the product code input from the input unit 6001, and the store server 2 acquires product information extracted from the product master based on the product code. Note that the product master may be stored in the memory unit 61, and the product information acquisition unit 6002 may acquire product information from the memory unit 61.

[0054] The registration unit 6003 executes product registration by registering the product information acquired by the product information acquisition unit 6002 in the transaction information storage unit 604. The product information may include a product code.

[0055] The acquiring unit 6004 acquires transaction information for one transaction. Specifically, when the payment method accepting unit 6006 accepts payment method information, the acquiring unit 6004 reads the transaction information from the transaction information storage unit 604.

[0056] The number of people information receiving unit 6005 receives the number of people information corresponding to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 6004. Specifically, the number of people information receiving unit 6005 receives the number of people information input by the customer operating the operation unit 63.

[0057] The payment method acceptance unit 6006 accepts payment method information entered by a customer on the condition that the number of people information acceptance unit 6005 has accepted the number of people information. Specifically, if the number of people information acceptance unit 6005 has accepted the number of people information, the payment method acceptance unit 6006 accepts payment method information indicating payment by credit card entered by operating the operation unit 63. The only transaction processing performed by the mobile terminal 6 is processing related to credit card payment. Note that, as with the transaction device 3, if payment method information is entered when the number of people information acceptance unit 6005 has not accepted the number of people information, the payment method acceptance unit 6006 will display an error message on the display unit 62.

[0058] When a payment code is input from input unit 6001, or when a transaction information transfer instruction is input from operation unit 43, transaction information transmission unit 6007 transmits the transaction information stored in transaction information storage unit 604 and the number of people information received by number of people information reception unit 6005 to accounting device 3. When a customer captures an image of a barcode displayed on accounting device 3 with imaging unit 64 to make a payment at accounting device 3, or when a transaction information transfer instruction is input via operation unit 43, the transaction information and number of people information are transmitted to accounting device 3.

[0059] The accounting processing unit 6008 executes accounting processing based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 6004. Specifically, when the payment method acceptance unit 6006 accepts payment method information indicating payment by credit card, the accounting processing unit 6008 transmits and receives various information related to the credit card payment to and from the payment server 110 via the store server 2, management server 100, etc. as accounting processing for the credit card payment. The information that the accounting processing unit 6008 sends to the store server 2 includes transaction information and customer ID. When performing a credit card payment by operating the mobile terminal 6, there is no need to read a credit card.

[0060] When the accounting processing unit 6008 executes accounting processing based on the transaction information, the output unit 6009 outputs payment completion information indicating that payment related to the transaction information has been completed, and the number of people information accepted by the number of people information accepting unit 6005. Specifically, when the accounting processing unit 6008 completes accounting processing, the output unit 6009 obtains from the store server 2 the transaction number issued by the store server 2, and outputs the transaction number as payment completion information together with the number of people information to the receipt information generation unit 6010.

[0061] The receipt information generation unit 6010 generates receipt information for issuing a receipt. Specifically, the receipt information generation unit 6010 generates receipt information that includes the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 6004 and the payment completion information and number of people information output by the output unit 6009. The receipt information generation unit 3006 outputs the generated receipt information to the display unit 62. The display unit 62 displays an electronic receipt that includes a barcode indicating the payment completion information and number of people information based on the receipt information.

[0062] Next, the self-service POS terminal 4 will be described. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 4. The self-service POS terminal 4 includes a control unit 40, a memory unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, a scanner 44, a printer 45, a card reader 46, a change dispenser 47, and a communication unit 48. The control unit 40, the memory unit 41, the display unit 42, the operation unit 43, the scanner 44, the printer 45, the card reader 46, the change dispenser 47, and the communication unit 48 are connected to one another via a bus 49 or the like.

[0063] The control unit 40 is configured by a computer including a CPU 401, a ROM 402, and a RAM 403. The CPU 401, the ROM 402, and the RAM 403 are connected to one another via a bus 49.

[0064] The CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 401, and various data. The RAM 403 includes a transaction information storage unit 404. The transaction information storage unit 404 is an area that stores transaction information, including product information read from a product master 412 (described later) based on an input product code for one transaction. The RAM 403 is also used as a work area for the CPU 401, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes for the self-service POS terminal 4 by the CPU 401 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41 and loaded in the RAM 403.

[0065] The memory unit 41 is configured with a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 41 stores a control program 411 and a product master 412.

[0066] The control program 411 is a program that causes the self-service POS terminal 4 to function as a product registration device, a program that causes the self-service POS terminal 4 to function as a checkout device, etc. As described above, the product master 412 is a master file that associates product codes, which are product identification information, with product information (product name, price, etc.) for products handled in the store. The self-service POS terminal 4 receives the product master from the store server 2 and stores it in the memory unit 41.

[0067] The display unit 42 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. The display unit 42 displays, for example, product information of registered products and the total price of registered products. The display unit 42 also displays various information such as controls to be operated by the customer who is the user.

[0068] The operation unit 43 is configured, for example, with a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 42, and inputs information corresponding to the position touched by the user to the control unit 40. When a customer operates an operator displayed on the display unit 42, the operation unit 43 inputs information corresponding to the operator to the control unit 40. The operators displayed on the display unit 42 include, for example, an operation button for inputting a product code, an operation button for completing product registration and instructing the checkout process, etc.

[0069] The scanner 44 optically or by imaging recognizes a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product purchased by a customer. The scanner 44 then decodes the recognized code symbol and reads the product code indicated by the code symbol. The scanner 44 inputs the read product code into the control unit 40. Note that the code symbol recognized by the scanner 44 may be decoded by the control unit 40.

[0070] The printer 45, card reader 46, and change dispenser 47 have the same configurations and functions as the printer 34, card reader 35, and change dispenser 36 of the accounting device 3, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0071] The communication unit 48 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2, the checkout device 3, and the gate device 5. By connecting the control unit 40 to the external devices via the communication unit 48, the control unit 40 can send and receive information (data) to and from the external devices.

[0072] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the self-service POS terminal 4 will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the self-service POS terminal 4. The control unit 40 functions as an input unit 4001, a registration unit 4002, an acquisition unit 4003, a number of people information acceptance unit 4004, a payment method acceptance unit 4005, an accounting processing unit 4006, an output unit 4007, and a receipt information generation unit 4008, as the CPU 401 operates in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 402 or memory unit 41. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0073] A product code read from a barcode attached to a product by the scanner 44 is input to the input section 4001. The product code is product identification information that identifies the product.

[0074] The registration unit 4002 reads out the product information corresponding to the product code input to the input unit 4001 from the product master 412, and registers the read product information in the transaction information storage unit 404. In this way, product registration is executed.

[0075] Acquisition unit 4003 acquires transaction information for one transaction. Specifically, when payment method acceptance unit 4005 accepts payment method information, acquisition unit 4003 reads and acquires the transaction information from transaction information storage unit 404.

[0076] The number of people information receiving unit 4004 receives the number of people information corresponding to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 4003. Specifically, the number of people information receiving unit 4004 receives the number of people information input by the customer operating the operation unit 43.

[0077] The payment method acceptance unit 4005 accepts payment method information entered by the customer on the condition that the number of people information acceptance unit 4004 has accepted the number of people information. Specifically, if the number of people information acceptance unit 4004 has accepted the number of people information, the payment method acceptance unit 4005 accepts payment method information entered by operating the operation unit 43. The customer can select various cashless payment methods, such as cash payment or credit card payment, as the payment method. As with the checkout device 3 and the mobile terminal 6, if payment method information is entered when the number of people information acceptance unit 4004 has not accepted the number of people information, the payment method acceptance unit 4005 displays an error message on the display unit 42. The payment method acceptance unit 4005 also accepts a receipt issuance method.

[0078] The accounting processing unit 4006 executes accounting based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 4003. For example, the accounting processing unit 4006 displays the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 4003 on the display unit 42. Furthermore, when a customer pays by cash, the accounting processing unit 4006 controls the change dispenser 47 to dispense change. When a customer pays by credit card, the accounting processing unit 4006 reads credit card information using the card reader 46. The accounting processing unit 4006 then transmits and receives various information related to credit card payments to and from the payment server 110 via the store server 2, management server 100, etc.

[0079] When the accounting processing unit 4006 executes accounting processing based on the transaction information, the output unit 4007 outputs payment completion information indicating that payment related to the transaction information has been completed, and the number of people information accepted by the number of people information acceptance unit 3003. Specifically, when the accounting processing unit 4006 completes accounting processing, the output unit 4007 outputs the payment completion information and the number of people information to the receipt information generation unit 3006. The payment completion information is information indicating that the customer's payment has been completed, for example, that the accounting processing has been completed at the self-service POS terminal 4, and is, for example, a transaction number issued by the self-service POS terminal 4. Like the output unit 3005 of the accounting device 3, the output unit 4007 may output the payment completion information and the number of people information to the printer 34 or the store server 2.

[0080] The receipt information generation unit 4008 generates receipt information for issuing receipts. Specifically, the receipt information generation unit 4008 generates receipt information that includes the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 4003 and the payment completion information and number of people information output by the output unit 4007. Like the receipt information generation unit 3006 of the checkout apparatus 3, the receipt information generation unit 4008 outputs the receipt information to the printer 45 or the store server 2.

[0081] Next, the gate device 5 will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the gate device 5. The gate device 5 includes a control unit 50, a memory unit 51, a code reader 54, a display unit 55, a passage sensor 56, an audio output unit 57, and a communication unit 58. The code reader 54 and the display unit 55 are provided in the reading gate 52. The passage sensor 56 and the audio output unit 57 are provided in the sensor gate 53. The control unit 50, the memory unit 51, the code reader 54, the display unit 55, the passage sensor 56, the audio output unit 57, and the communication unit 58 are connected to one another via a bus 59, etc.

[0082] The control unit 50 is configured by a computer including a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501, the ROM 502, and the RAM 503 are connected to one another via a bus 59.

[0083] The CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the gate device 5. The ROM 502 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 501, and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. The control unit 50 executes various control processes for the gate device 5 by the CPU 501 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51 and loaded in the RAM 503.

[0084] The memory unit 51 is configured with a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 51 stores a control program 511.

[0085] The control program 511 includes a program for reading barcodes indicating payment completion information and number of people information, a program for notifying the number of people indicated by the read number of people information, and a program for detecting the number of people passing through the sensor gate 53 based on sensor information from the passage sensor 56.

[0086] The code reader 54 reads information from the barcode printed on the receipt or the barcode included in the electronic receipt displayed on the customer terminal. The code reader 54 decodes the recognized barcode and reads payment completion information and number of people information. Note that the barcode recognized by the code reader 54 may be decoded by the control unit 50.

[0087] Figure 11 shows an example of a receipt with a printed barcode. The receipt has a transaction information area A and a barcode area B. Transaction information area A prints the product name, price, subtotal (which is the sum of the prices), tax, and total amount of the product purchased by the customer. Barcode area B prints a barcode indicating information including payment completion information and number of people.

[0088] The barcode printed in barcode area B is composed of, for example, 16 digits of data. The first six digits indicate the transaction date and time, the next two digits indicate the number of customers, the next four digits indicate the register number that identifies the device where the transaction was processed (checkout device 3 or self-service POS terminal 4), and the last four digits indicate the transaction number. The code indicating the number of customers is an example of number of customers information, and the code indicating the transaction number is an example of payment completion information. The code indicating the transaction number is also an example of transaction identification information that identifies the transaction. Note that a transaction number may be assigned for each register number, and the transaction identification information may be composed of the register number and transaction number.

[0089] Returning to Figure 9, the hardware of the gate device 5 will be described. The display unit 55 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 55 displays a countdown of the number of people who can pass through the gate device 5 based on the number of people information read by the code reader 54 and the number of people detected by the passage sensor 56.

[0090] The passage sensor 56 detects people exiting the checkout area by passing through the sensor gate 53. The passage sensor 56 can be a widely known sensor, such as one that optically detects people passing through the sensor gate 53.

[0091] The audio output unit 57 is configured with a speaker or the like, and notifies information to customers and attendants AT. For example, when the code reader 54 reads the number of people information, the audio output unit 57 notifies those around it of the number of people indicated by the number of people information as the number of people allowed to pass. The audio output unit 57 is an example of a notification unit.

[0092] The communication unit 58 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2, the checkout device 3, and the self-service POS terminal 4. By connecting the control unit 50 to the external devices via the communication unit 58, the control unit 50 can send and receive information (data) to and from the external devices.

[0093] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the gate device 5 will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the gate device 5. The control unit 50 functions as an input unit 5001, a check unit 5002, a detection unit 5003, a notification control unit 5004, an error information output unit 5005, and a display control unit 5006, as a result of the CPU 501 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 502 or memory unit 51. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0094] The input unit 5001 receives payment completion information and number of people information output by the output unit of the checkout device 3, self-service POS terminal 4, or mobile terminal 6. Specifically, the input unit 5001 receives payment completion information and number of people information read by the code reader 54 from the barcode on a paper receipt or electronic receipt.

[0095] The check unit 5002 checks whether the payment completion information input to the input unit 5001 is correct. For example, the check unit 5002 checks the transaction completion information by inquiring of the store server 2 as to whether the transaction number input to the input unit 5001 as the payment completion information relates to a transaction at the store.

[0096] The detection unit 5003 detects the number of customers passing through the gate device 5. Specifically, the detection unit 5003 detects the number of people passing through the gate device 5 and exiting the checkout area, based on the output of the passage sensor 56.

[0097] Notification control unit 5004 causes the notification unit to notify the number of people indicated by the number of people information input to input unit 5001 as the number of people allowed to pass for the payment completion information input to input unit 5001. Specifically, notification control unit 5004 causes audio output unit 57 to output the number of people indicated by the number of people information input to input unit 5001 together with the payment completion information and notify those nearby.

[0098] Error information output unit 5005 outputs error information when the number of people passing for the payment completion information detected by detection unit 5003 exceeds the number of people indicated by the number of people information. Specifically, error information output unit 5005 outputs error information to audio output unit 57, causing audio output unit 57 to output an error message, for example, a voice saying "Please hold the barcode over the code reader." The output destination of the error information is not limited to audio output unit 57, and may be another notification device that notifies error information, for example, a separately provided display device.

[0099] The display control unit 5006 causes the display unit 55 to display the number of people who can pass, based on the number-of-people information input to the input unit 5001 and the number of people detected by the detection unit 5003. For example, the display control unit 5006 controls the display unit 55 to display the following: First, when number-of-people information is input to the input unit 5001 from the code reader 54, the display control unit 5006 causes the display unit 55 to display the number of people indicated by the number-of-people information. From that state, the display control unit 5006 decreases the number of people displayed on the display unit 55 each time a customer passes through the sensor gate 53 and exits the checkout area. In other words, the display control unit 5006 causes the display unit 55 to display a countdown of the number of people who can pass.

[0100] Next, we will explain the operation of the sales management system 1 configured as above. In the following explanation, we will explain an example in which a customer terminal such as a smartphone owned by a customer is used as the mobile terminal 6. Figure 12 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when a customer registers a product on the mobile terminal 6, makes payment at the checkout device 3, and then passes through the gate device 5 to exit the checkout area.

[0101] First, when a customer enters a store and reads a two-dimensional code for store entry displayed in the store using, for example, the mobile terminal 6, a shopping application program is launched (S1). The customer may also launch the shopping application program by operating the mobile terminal 6. Next, the mobile terminal 6 registers the products that the customer intends to purchase (S2). Once product registration of all the products that the customer intends to purchase has been completed, the mobile terminal 6 accepts the number of people input by the customer's operation (S3).

[0102] Next, the mobile terminal 6 accepts a transaction information transmission instruction input by the customer (S4). The mobile terminal 6 can accept the transaction information transmission instruction, for example, by accepting input based on the customer's operation of the operation unit 63, or by reading a payment code for transferring transaction data from an image of a barcode displayed on the checkout device 3. The mobile terminal 6 transmits the transaction information stored in the transaction information storage unit 604 and the number of people information input by the customer to the checkout device 3 (S5).

[0103] The checkout device 3, which has received the transaction information and number of people information, accepts the payment method and receipt issuance method (S6). The checkout device 3 executes the payment process according to the accepted payment method, for example, the payment process for cash payment or the payment process for credit card payment (S7). The checkout device 3 also issues a paper receipt or an electronic receipt according to the accepted receipt issuance method (S8). The issued receipt includes a barcode indicating the transaction number and number of people information, which are both payment completion information and transaction-specific information. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between paper receipts and electronic receipts, they may simply be referred to as receipts.

[0104] After the customer completes payment at the checkout device 3, they pass through the gate device 5 to exit. As the customer exits, the gate device 5 reads the transaction number and number of people information from the barcode on the receipt (S9). The gate device 5 checks the read transaction number (S10) and outputs the number of people allowed to pass by voice (S11). The number of people allowed to pass is the number indicated by the read number of people information. The gate device 5 then detects the number of customers passing through the sensor gate 53 (S12), and when the allowed number of people has passed, it waits until the next transaction number and number of people information is read, and if it detects that a customer has passed before the next reading, it outputs an error message by voice (S13).

[0105] The above operation not only prevents customers who have not yet paid from leaving the store, but also ensures that even if a group of customers enters the checkout area, all customers in the group can exit the checkout area normally. In addition, by notifying surrounding customers or attendant AT of the number of customers (one customer or group of customers) in one transaction exiting the checkout area, it is possible to prevent other customers from exiting while that customer is exiting the checkout area. This is because notifying surrounding customers of the number of customers in one transaction is expected to encourage surrounding customers to wait until that number has passed through gate device 5 before exiting. In addition, attendant AT can monitor to ensure that customers who appear to be different from the target customer passing through gate device 5 do not pass through gate device 5. This allows customers to exit the checkout area smoothly, even when there are multiple groups of customers in the checkout area.

[0106] Next, we will explain the case where a customer makes a payment using the mobile terminal 6 without using the checkout device 3. Figure 13 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when a customer registers an item and makes a payment using the mobile terminal 6, and then passes through the gate device 5 to exit the checkout area. The processing related to product registration on the mobile terminal 6 and the processing on the gate device 5 are the same as those in Figure 12, so the same reference numerals are used and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0107] After receiving the number of people information (S3), the mobile terminal 6 accepts the credit card payment (S21). Note that credit card payments via the mobile terminal 6 are only available to customers whose credit card information is registered with the management server 100. When the mobile terminal 6 accepts the credit card payment, it executes the credit card payment process, which is a checkout process (S22). Information regarding the credit card payment is sent and received with the payment server 110 via the store server 2 and the management server 100. This allows the store server 2 to obtain transaction information for transactions in which credit card payments are made via the mobile terminal 6.

[0108] When the payment by the payment server 110 is completed, the mobile terminal 6 receives a payment completion notification from the payment server 110 (S23). The mobile terminal 6 also receives the transaction number issued by the store server 2 from the store server 2 (S24). Next, the mobile terminal 6 issues and displays an electronic receipt (S25).

[0109] When the customer has completed payment by credit card, the gate device 5 reads the barcode included in the electronic receipt displayed on the mobile terminal 6. The gate device 5 then executes the processes of S9 to S13 in the same manner as in the case of Fig. 12. Through the above operations, even when the customer completes payment using the mobile terminal 6, the same advantages as in the case of the operations shown in Fig. 12 can be obtained.

[0110] Next, the processing executed by each device will be described. First, the processing executed by the mobile terminal 6 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit 60 of the mobile terminal 6.

[0111] First, the control unit 60 starts the shopping application program (S31) and determines whether image data of a barcode attached to a product has been input to the input unit 6001 (S32). If image data of a barcode attached to a product has not been input (N in S32), the process returns to S32 and waits. When image data of a barcode attached to a product has been input to the input unit 6001 (Y in S32), the product information acquisition unit 6002 acquires product information from the store server 2 based on the product code indicated by the barcode (S33). The registration unit 6003 executes product registration by storing the product information acquired by the product information acquisition unit 6002 in the transaction information storage unit 604 (S34).

[0112] Next, the control unit 60 determines whether information to end product registration has been entered (S35), and if not (N in S35), returns to the processing of S32. If information to end product registration has been entered (Y in S35), the control unit 60 determines whether the number of people information accepting unit 6005 has accepted number of people information (S36). If the number of people information accepting unit 6005 has not accepted number of people information (N in S36), the control unit 60 returns to the processing of S36 and waits. If the number of people information accepting unit 6005 has accepted number of people information (Y in S36), the control unit 60 determines whether the payment method accepted by the payment method accepting unit 6006 is payment via the checkout device 3 (S37).

[0113] When the customer selects payment at the checkout device 3 (Y at S37), the transaction information transmission unit 6007 transmits the transaction information stored in the transaction information storage unit 604 and the number of people information received by the number of people information reception unit 6005 to the checkout device 3 (S38). At this time, the customer ID may also be transmitted to the checkout device 3, so that credit card payments can be made at the checkout device 3 without using a credit card. The control unit 60 then ends the process. This allows the customer to make payment at the checkout device 3.

[0114] In the process of S37, if the payment method selected by the customer is not payment at the checkout apparatus 3 (N in S37), in other words, if payment by credit card using the mobile terminal 6 is selected, the checkout processing unit 6008 executes the credit card payment processing (S39). The control unit 60 determines whether the information received from the payment server 110 indicates that the payment has been completed, i.e., whether the payment is OK (S40). If the payment is OK (Y in S40), the output unit 6009 obtains the transaction number from the store server 2 (S41) and outputs the transaction number along with the number of people information to the receipt information generation unit 6010.

[0115] The receipt information generation unit 6010 generates receipt information based on the transaction number and number of people information input from the output unit 6009 and the transaction information stored in the transaction information storage unit 604 (S42). The display unit 62 displays an electronic receipt based on the receipt information generated by the receipt information generation unit 6010. In other words, an electronic receipt is issued. Then, the control unit 60 ends the processing. In the processing of S40, if the credit card payment is not OK, that is, if the credit card payment was not executed, the control unit 60 causes the display unit 62 to display an error and ends the processing.

[0116] Through the above process, the mobile terminal 6 functions as a product registration device that registers product information for products purchased by customers. The mobile terminal 6 also functions as a checkout device that performs credit card payments and generates receipt information that includes payment completion information and number of people information.

[0117] Next, we will explain the processing executed by the transaction device 3. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit 30 of the transaction device 3.

[0118] The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3001 has acquired the transaction information and the number of people information from the mobile terminal 6 (S51), and if not (N in S51), returns to the processing of S51 and waits. When the acquisition unit 3001 has acquired the transaction information and the number of people information (Y in S51), the control unit 30 determines whether the payment method acceptance unit 3004 has accepted the payment method (S52), and if not accepted (N in S52), returns to the processing of S52 and waits.

[0119] When the payment method acceptance unit 3004 accepts the payment method (Y in S52), the accounting processing unit 3002 executes accounting processing for the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance unit 3004, such as cash payment or credit card payment (S53). Next, the receipt information generation unit 3006 generates receipt information based on the transaction information and number of people information acquired by the acquisition unit 3001 and the transaction number issued by the control unit 30 when the accounting processing is completed (S54).

[0120] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the receipt issuance method accepted by the payment method acceptance unit 3004 along with the payment method is an instruction to issue an electronic receipt (S55). If it is an instruction to issue an electronic receipt (Y in S55), the receipt information generation unit 3006 outputs the generated receipt information to the store server 2. The control unit 30 then ends the processing. If it is not an instruction to issue an electronic receipt (N in S55), that is, if it is an instruction to issue a paper receipt, the receipt information generation unit 3006 outputs the generated receipt information to the printer 34. The control unit 30 then ends the processing.

[0121] Through the above process, the checkout device 3 executes the checkout process for the customer to make payment, and generates receipt information including payment completion information and number of people information.

[0122] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the gate device 5. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit 50 of the gate device 5.

[0123] The control unit 50 determines whether or not code information including payment completion information and number of people information has been input to the input unit 5001 (S61), and if not (N in S61), returns to the processing of S61 and waits. When code information has been input to the input unit 5001 (Y in S61), the check unit 5002 checks whether or not the input code information includes payment completion information indicating that payment has been completed correctly (S62).

[0124] If the payment has been made correctly (Y in S62), the notification control unit 5004 controls the audio output unit 57 to output the number of people allowed to pass, i.e., the number of people indicated by the number of people information input to the input unit 5001. Next, the detection unit 5003 starts counting up the number of people passing through the sensor gate 53 (S64). The display control unit 5006 controls the display unit 55 to display a countdown of the number of people allowed to pass based on the number of people information input to the input unit 5001 and the number of people passing detected by the detection unit 5003 (S65).

[0125] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it is within the permitted passage time for the group of customers whose barcodes were read by the code reader 54, in other words, whether or not it is within a predetermined time since the permitted passage number was output by voice in the process of S63 (S66). If it is within the permitted passage time (Y in S66), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the number of people detected by the detection unit 5003 exceeds the permitted passage number (S67).

[0126] If the number of people detected by the detection unit 5003 exceeds the allowable number of people to pass (Y in S67), the error information output unit 5005 outputs error information to the audio output unit 57 (S68). This causes the audio output unit 57 to output an error message such as "Please hold the barcode over the code reader." Next, the detection unit 5003 stops counting up the number of people detected (S69). Then, the control unit 50 ends the process.

[0127] In the process of S62, if the code information input to the input unit 5001 does not include payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed correctly (N in S62), the display control unit 5006 controls the display unit 55 to display an error message. For example, the error message may say, "Please hold the barcode on the receipt issued upon payment over the code reader." Then, the control unit 50 ends the process.

[0128] Furthermore, in the process of S66, if it is not within the passable time (N in S66), the control unit 50 skips the process of S67 and proceeds to the process of S68. In the process of S67, if the number of people detected by the detection unit 5003 does not exceed the passable number of people (N in S67), the control unit 50 determines whether the number of people detected by the detection unit 5003 is the same as the passable number of people (S71). If the detected number of people and the passable number of people are the same (Y in S71), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of S69, and if the detected number of people and the passable number of people are not the same (N in S71), the control unit 50 returns to the process of S65.

[0129] Through the above process, the gate device 5 notifies the customers and attendant AT around the gate device 5 of the number of customers in the group whose barcodes have been read by the code reader 54. Furthermore, the gate device 5 outputs error information when the number of customers passing through exceeds the number indicated by the input number-of-customers information.

[0130] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the self-checkout POS terminal 4. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit 40 of the self-checkout POS terminal 4.

[0131] The control unit 40 determines whether a product code has been input to the input unit 4001 (S81), and if not, returns to the process of S81 and waits. When a product code is input (Y in S81), the registration unit 4002 reads product information corresponding to the input product code from the product master 412 and stores it in the transaction information storage unit 404, thereby executing product registration (S82).

[0132] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether information to end product registration has been input (S83), and if not (N in S83), returns to the processing of S81. If information to end product registration has been input (Y in S83), the control unit 40 determines whether the number of people information receiving unit 4004 has received the number of people information (S84), and if not (N in S84), returns to the processing of S84 and waits. If the number of people information receiving unit 4004 has received the number of people information (Y in S84), the control unit 40 determines whether the payment method receiving unit 4005 has received the payment method (S85), and if not (N in S85), returns to the processing of S85 and waits.

[0133] When the payment method acceptance unit 4005 accepts the payment method (Y in S85), the accounting processing unit 4006 executes accounting processing for the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance unit 4005, such as cash payment or credit card payment (S86). Next, the receipt information generation unit 4008 generates receipt information based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 4003 from the transaction information storage unit 404, the number of people information accepted by the number of people information acceptance unit 4004, and the transaction number issued by the control unit 40 when the accounting processing is completed (S87).

[0134] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the receipt issuance method accepted by the payment method acceptance unit 4005 along with the payment method is an instruction to issue an electronic receipt (S88). If it is an instruction to issue an electronic receipt (Y in S88), the receipt information generation unit 4008 outputs the generated receipt information to the store server 2. Then, the control unit 40 ends the processing. If it is not an instruction to issue an electronic receipt (N in S88), that is, if it is an instruction to issue a paper receipt, the receipt information generation unit 4008 outputs the generated receipt information to the printer 45. Then, the control unit 40 ends the processing.

[0135] Through the above process, the self-service POS terminal 4 functions as a product registration device that registers product information of products purchased by customers. The self-service POS terminal 4 also functions as a transaction device that executes transaction processing for customer payment and generates receipt information including payment completion information and number of customers.

[0136] As described above, the sales management system of the above embodiment is a sales management system comprising: an accounting device that executes accounting processing for customers to make payments based on the operations of the customers who purchase products; and a gate device through which customers who have completed payment at the accounting device pass. The accounting device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires transaction information for one transaction; an accounting processing unit that executes accounting processing based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit; a number of people information receiving unit that receives number of people information corresponding to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that, when the accounting processing unit executes accounting processing based on the transaction information, outputs payment completion information indicating that payment for the transaction information has been completed and the number of people information received by the number of people information receiving unit. The gate device comprises: an input unit that receives the payment completion information and number of people information output by the output unit; a detection unit that detects the number of customers passing through the gate device; an alert control unit that causes an alert unit to notify the number of people indicated by the number of people information input to the input unit as the number of people who can pass for the payment completion information input to the input unit; and an error information output unit that outputs error information if the number of people passing for the payment completion information detected by the detection unit exceeds the number indicated by the number of people information.

[0137] This not only prevents customers who have not yet paid from leaving the store, but also allows a group of customers to exit the checkout area normally when they enter. In addition, by notifying surrounding customers or the attendant AT of the number of customers in a single transaction leaving the checkout area, it is possible to prevent other customers from exiting the area while that customer is exiting. Therefore, even when there are multiple groups of customers in the checkout area, customers can exit the area smoothly.

[0138] The accounting device is a mobile terminal carried by the customer, the accounting processing unit executes processing related to cashless payment, and the output unit outputs payment completion information and number of people information to the display unit of the mobile terminal.

[0139] This allows customers who pay using their own mobile terminal to exit the checkout area normally without having to output payment completion information and number of people information on a separate checkout device, etc. This improves convenience for customers who pay using a mobile terminal.

[0140] Furthermore, the accounting device further includes a receipt information generation unit that generates receipt information for issuing receipts, and the payment completion information is transaction-specific information that identifies the transaction for which payment has been completed, and the receipt information includes the transaction-specific information and number of people information.

[0141] This allows the receipt issued at the time of the transaction to be used as a medium for the gate device to check that the customer has exited normally. In addition, the transaction-specific information used in the return process when a customer returns a purchased product can also be used as payment completion information for the gate device to check that the customer has exited normally. This simplifies the receipt information.

[0142] Furthermore, the receipt information generating unit generates receipt information for issuing an electronic receipt that can be viewed on a customer terminal owned by the customer.

[0143] This allows the gate device to check whether the customer has exited properly by utilizing the electronic receipt, which can be viewed on the customer's own customer terminal, thus preventing the customer from losing the receipt.

[0144] In addition, the checkout device further includes a payment method reception unit that receives information indicating the payment method entered by the customer on condition that the number of people information reception unit has received the number of people information.

[0145] This makes it necessary for customers to input the number of people in order to make a payment, preventing them from forgetting to input the number of people. Therefore, even if a customer is a group consisting of multiple people, they can be sure to exit normally.

[0146] The gate device further includes a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the number of people who are allowed to pass, based on the number of people information input to the input unit and the number of people detected by the detection unit.

[0147] This allows customers in the checkout area to always know the number of people who can pass through the gate device for one transaction, thereby improving customer convenience.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the checkout device 3, self-service POS terminal 4, and mobile terminal 6 that function as checkout devices may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the control programs executed by the checkout device 3, self-service POS terminal 4, and mobile terminal 6 in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0149] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1 Sales management system 3. Accounting equipment 4. Self-service POS terminal (accounting device) 5 Gate device 6. Mobile terminals (accounting devices) 3001 Acquisition Department 3002 Accounting Department 3003 Number of people information reception department 3004 Payment Method Reception Department 3005 Output section 3006 Receipt information generation unit 4003 Acquisition Department 4004 Number of people information reception section 4005 Payment Method Reception Department 4006 Accounting Department 4007 Output section 4008 Receipt information generation unit 5001 Input section 5003 Detector 5004 Notification control unit 5005 Error information output section 5006 Display control unit 6004 Acquisition Department 6005 Number of people information reception department 6006 Payment Method Reception Department 6008 Accounting Department 6009 Output section 6010 Receipt information generation unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0151] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-187911

Claims

1. A sales management system comprising: an accounting device that executes accounting processing for a customer to make a payment based on an operation of the customer purchasing a product; and a gate device through which a customer who has completed payment at the accounting device passes, The accounting device an acquisition unit that acquires transaction information of one transaction; an accounting processing unit that executes accounting processing based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit; a number of people information receiving unit that receives number of people information corresponding to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs, when the accounting processing unit executes accounting processing based on the transaction information, payment completion information indicating that payment related to the transaction information has been completed and the number of people information received by the number of people information receiving unit; The gate device is an input unit to which the payment completion information and the number of people information output by the output unit are input; a detection unit that detects the number of customers passing through the gate device; a notification control unit that notifies a notification unit of the number of people indicated by the number of people information input to the input unit as the number of people allowed to pass according to the payment completion information input to the input unit; an error information output unit that outputs error information when the number of people passing in response to the payment completion information detected by the detection unit exceeds the number of people indicated by the number-of-people information; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the number of people indicated by the number-of-people information, and that causes the display unit to count down and display the number of people each time the detection unit detects a person within a predetermined time period after the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify the number of people; A sales management system equipped with:

2. The accounting device is a mobile terminal carried by a customer, The accounting processing unit executes processing related to cashless payment, the output unit outputs the payment completion information and the number of people information to a display unit of the mobile terminal. The sales management system according to claim 1 .

3. The checkout device further includes a receipt information generation unit that generates receipt information for issuing receipts. The payment completion information is transaction identification information that identifies a transaction for which payment has been completed, The receipt information includes the transaction identification information and number of people information. The sales management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the receipt information generation unit generates receipt information for issuing an electronic receipt that can be viewed on a customer terminal owned by the customer. The sales management system according to claim 3 .

5. the accounting device further includes a payment method receiving unit that receives information indicating a payment method input by a customer on condition that the number of customers information receiving unit has received the number of customers information; The sales management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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