Payment system, payment device, program

Abstract

To facilitate use of a service.SOLUTION: A payment system includes first payment means that performs payment processing based on registered product information, second payment means that is different from the first payment means, and output means that outputs information about the second payment means when the payment is performed by the first payment means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement system, a settlement device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are cases where multiple services related to the sale of goods coexist. For example, a system that provides multiple payment methods in a store is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-081072 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, problems may arise where the service is not used as intended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a settlement system that includes a first settlement means that performs settlement processing based on registered product information, a second settlement means that is different from the first settlement means, and an output means that outputs information about the second settlement means when settlement is performed by the first settlement means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a product sales data processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the state near the entrance of a store that has introduced mobile terminals. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a mobile terminal set in a shopping cart. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a settlement device. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of information stored in a transaction management device. [Figure 6] A sequence diagram showing an example of processing by a mobile terminal, a settlement device, and a transaction management device. [Figure 7] 10 is a display example on a display unit of a mobile terminal. [Figure 8] 10 shows an example of a display on a display unit of a mobile terminal. [Figure 9] 10 is a display example on the display unit of the settlement device. [Figure 10] 10 is a display example on the display unit of the settlement device. [Figure 11] 10 is a display example on the display unit of the settlement device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration and settlement device. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of the appearance of a registration device and a settlement device. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a registration device. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a settlement device. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration device and the settlement device. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 21] 10 is a display example on the display unit of the registration and settlement device. [Figure 22] 10 is an example of a receipt. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration and settlement device. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration and settlement device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a product sales data processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The product sales data processing system 1 includes a management device 10 (e.g., a store controller), a transaction management device 20 (e.g., a cloud server installed outside a data center or the like, or a server provided by the user), a registration and settlement device 30, a registration and settlement device 31, a registration device 32, a settlement device 33, a registration and settlement device 34, a settlement device 40, a monitoring device 50 (e.g., a personal computer), a mobile terminal 60, and a registration terminal 62. The management device 10, the registration and settlement device 30, the registration and settlement device 31, the registration device 32, the settlement device 33, the registration and settlement device 34, the settlement device 40, and the monitoring device 50 are communicatively connected via a LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). The management device 10 is communicable with the transaction management device 20. The product sales data processing system 1 can be installed in various stores, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home improvement stores, and electronics retailers.

[0008] In Fig. 1, the number of each device (terminal) is an example. For example, one registration and settlement device 30 is illustrated in Fig. 1, but the number of registration and settlement devices 30 installed in one store may be two or more. Also, for example, two mobile terminals 60 are illustrated in Fig. 1, but the number of mobile terminals 60 used in the store varies depending on the number of customers. The same applies to other devices (terminals).

[0009] The product sales data processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes devices having at least one of a registration function or a settlement function, such as a registration settlement device 30, a registration settlement device 31, a registration device 32, a settlement device 33, a registration settlement device 34, a settlement device 40, a mobile terminal 60, and a registration terminal 62, but for ease of explanation, these are classified into the following six groups A to F. Note that the settlement device 40 may be part of either group A or group B. (Group A) Mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40 (Group B) Registration terminal 62, settlement device 40 (Group C) Registration and Settlement Device 30 (Group D) Registration and Settlement Device 31 (Group E) Registration device 32, settlement device 33 (Group F) Registration and Settlement Device 34

[0010] (Overview of the mobile terminal 60 and settlement device 40 (Group A)) Group A is composed of one or more mobile terminals 60 and one or more payment devices 40. The mobile terminals 60 are used when registering products in the store (specifically, at the display locations of each product). The mobile terminals 60 are used by customers. The mobile terminals 60 are owned by the customers themselves (such as personal smartphones). The mobile terminals 60 are placed in the shopping cart 70 (the mobile terminals 60 are set in the holders 71) (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0011] The settlement device 40 is installed in the checkout area (the place in the store where payments are made) and is used to settle payments for products registered using a mobile terminal 60. The settlement device 40 is mainly used by customers. If a store clerk is required to assist with the settlement, a store clerk may be called, and the called store clerk may operate the settlement device 40. The same applies to other devices operated by customers. The settlement device 40 is also used to settle payments for products registered using a registration terminal 62, as will be described later.

[0012] In other words, the configuration of group A is a fully self-service configuration in which customers themselves register products using mobile terminal 60 and pay using payment device 40 (products are registered at each display location).

[0013] (Overview of the registration terminal 62 and settlement device 40 (Group B)) Group B consists of one or more registration terminals 62 and one or more checkout devices 40. The registration terminals 62 are used when registering products within the store (specifically, at the display position of each product). The registration terminals 62 are used by customers. The registration terminals 62 are owned by the store (loaned to customers who visit the store, such as tablet terminals). The registration terminals 62 are installed (for example, permanently installed) in the shopping cart 72.

[0014] The settlement device 40 is installed in the checkout area (the place in the store where payments are made) and is used to settle payments for products registered using the registration terminal 62. The settlement device 40 is mainly used by customers. Note that the settlement device 40 is also used to settle payments for products registered using the mobile terminal 60 as described above.

[0015] In other words, the configuration of Group B is a fully self-service configuration in which customers themselves register products using registration terminal 62 and pay using checkout device 40 (products are registered at each display location).

[0016] (Overview of the registration settlement device 30 (Group C)) Group C is made up of one or more registration and settlement devices 30. The registration and settlement devices 30 are installed in the checkout area and are used to register products and settle payments. The registration and settlement devices 30 are used by store clerks.

[0017] That is, the configuration of group C is a non-self-operated configuration in which a store clerk uses the registration and settlement device 30 to register products and settle the payment.

[0018] (Overview of Registration and Settlement Device 31 (Group D)) Group D is made up of one or more registration and settlement devices 31. The registration and settlement devices 31 are installed in the checkout area and are used to register products and settle payments. The registration and settlement devices 31 are mainly used by customers.

[0019] That is, the configuration of Group D is a fully self-service configuration in which customers use the registration and settlement device 31 to register and settle products (in which products are registered all at once in the checkout area).

[0020] (Overview of the registration device 32 and settlement device 33 (Group E)) Group E is made up of one or more registration devices 32 and one or more checkout devices 33. The registration devices 32 are installed in the checkout area and are used to register products. The registration devices 32 are used by store clerks.

[0021] The checkout device 33 is installed in the checkout area and is used to settle the payment for the products registered using the registration device 32. The checkout device 33 is mainly used by customers.

[0022] That is, the configuration of Group E is a semi-self-service configuration in which a store clerk uses registration device 32 to register products and a customer uses payment device 33 to settle the payment.

[0023] (Overview of Registration and Settlement Device 34 (Group F)) Group F consists of one or more registration and settlement devices 34. The registration and settlement devices 34 are installed in the checkout area and are used for at least one of registering products or settling payments. The registration and settlement devices 34 are used by store clerks or customers. Specifically, the registration and settlement devices 34 have a display unit and a scanner unit on each side (the store clerk side and the customer side), and a payment unit (card payment unit, cash payment unit) on one side (the customer side). The registration and settlement devices 34 have multiple operating modes that can be switched depending on, for example, the operating status, etc. Specifically, they have the following operating modes:

[0024] (Semi-self-operated (face-to-face) operation mode using one unit) As a first operation mode, the registration and settlement device 34 has an operation mode in which a store clerk uses one side (the store clerk side) of the registration and settlement device 34 to register products, and a customer uses the other side (the customer side) of the registration and settlement device 34 to make payment. In other words, this operation mode is a face-to-face semi-self-service operation configuration using a single registration and settlement device 34.

[0025] (Full self-operation mode) As a second operation mode, the registration and settlement device 34 has an operation mode in which a customer registers products and settles the payment using one side (customer side) of the registration and settlement device 34. In other words, this operation mode allows the customer to register products and settle the payment by themselves without using the other side (store clerk side) of the registration and settlement device 34. In other words, this operation mode is a configuration for full self-service operation.

[0026] (Semi-self-operated operation mode with multiple units) As a third operation mode, the registration and settlement device 34 has an operation mode in which a store clerk registers a product using one side (the store clerk side) of the registration and settlement device 34. In other words, this is an operation mode in which a store clerk registers a product without using the other side (the customer side) of the registration and settlement device 34.

[0027] As a fourth operation mode, the registration and settlement device 34 has an operation mode in which a customer settles the bill using one side (customer side) of the registration and settlement device 34. In other words, this is an operation mode in which a customer settles the bill without using the other side (store clerk side) of the registration and settlement device 34.

[0028] A registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode sends registration data to another registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the fourth operation mode) (either indirectly via another device or directly), thereby causing the other registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the fourth operation mode) to settle the payments for the products registered by that registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode). In other words, a registered settlement device 34 in the fourth operation mode receives (either indirectly via another device or directly) the registration data sent by the other registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode), thereby settling the payments for the products registered by the other registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode). In other words, the third operating mode and the fourth operating mode are, so to speak, semi-self-operated configurations using multiple registered settlement devices 34 (one or more registered settlement devices 34 in the third operating mode and one or more registered settlement devices 34 in the fourth operating mode).

[0029] The registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode may issue a medium (receipt ticket (registered trademark)) on which a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) that can be read by another registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the fourth operation mode) to obtain registration data, thereby causing the other registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the fourth operation mode) to settle the payment for the products registered by that registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode). In other words, the registered settlement device 34 in the fourth operation mode may settle the payment for the products registered by the other registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode) by reading a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on a receipt issued by the other registered settlement device 34 (registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode).

[0030] Note that the operation of the registered settlement device 34 in each operation mode is an example. For example, a registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode may send registration data to another registered settlement device 34 (a registered settlement device 34 in the first or second operation mode) or issue a receipt. In other words, a registered settlement device 34 (e.g., a registered settlement device 34 in the first or second operation mode) may settle the payment for products registered by another registered settlement device (a registered settlement device 34 in the third operation mode). Also, for example, a registered settlement device 34 in the first operation mode may send registration data to another registered settlement device 34 (a registered settlement device 34 in the first, second, or fourth operation mode) or issue a receipt. In other words, a registered settlement device 34 (for example, a registered settlement device 34 in the first, second, or fourth operating mode) may settle payments for products registered by another registered settlement device (a registered settlement device 34 in the first operating mode).

[0031] Management device 10 is a device that manages various devices that are mainly installed in a store. For example, management device 10 has a function of communicating with external devices, and receives a product file (product master) from an external device (for example, a headquarters server not shown, which may be transaction management device 20) and supplies it to registration settlement device 30, etc., or receives transaction information from settlement device 40, etc. and transmits it to an external device (for example, transaction management device 20, etc.).

[0032] Transaction management device 20 is a server that provides various services. For example, transaction management device 20 manages various information corresponding to self-service operations (for example, transaction information (cart information), etc.).

[0033] The monitoring device 50 is a device that mainly monitors various devices within the LAN 19. The monitoring device 50 monitors the operating status of other devices (for example, the registration settlement device 30, the settlement device 40, etc.), displays various information about the other devices, and outputs various commands to the other devices.

[0034] 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of the product sales data processing system 1, which includes registration and settlement devices 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 40, a mobile terminal 60, and a registration terminal 62 as devices having registration or settlement functions, but the product sales data processing system 1 does not necessarily have to include all of these. Specifically, the product sales data processing system 1 only needs to have at least two of the six groups A to F described above.

[0035] Because there are numerous combinations when extracting two or more groups from the six groups, only the following two examples are given. First, the product sales data processing system 1 may have two groups, A and B. That is, the product sales data processing system 1 may have a mobile terminal 60, a registration terminal 62, and a settlement device 40 as devices having a registration function or a settlement function. Second, the product sales data processing system 1 may have three groups, A, C, and E. That is, the product sales data processing system 1 may have a mobile terminal 60, a settlement device 40, a registration and settlement device 30, a registration device 32, and a settlement device 33 as devices having a registration function or a settlement function.

[0036] (Full self-service operation using the mobile terminal 60 and the settlement device 40) Of the above-mentioned groups A to F, group A, that is, full self-service operation using mobile terminal 60 and payment device 40 (a mode in which products are registered at each display position), will be described below.

[0037] In addition to a communication function and an imaging function (camera), the mobile terminal 60 also has a recognition function for recognizing various codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.). For example, the mobile terminal 60 recognizes barcodes attached to products. In other words, the mobile terminal 60 reads product identification information (product codes). The mobile terminal 60 may also extract feature points in an image captured by the imaging function (an image acquired as a through image) and recognize objects (various codes). A shopping application (an application for using the shopping service provided by the transaction management device 20) is installed on the mobile terminal 60. The mobile terminal 60 displays, for example, various screens using the shopping application.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows an example of the area near the entrance of a store that has introduced mobile terminals 60. As shown in FIG. 2, near the entrance (or the entrance if the entrance and exit are separate), rental shopping carts 70, rental shopping baskets 80, and shopping bags 90 for sale are prepared (shopping bags 90 are not necessary if, for example, a customer brings their own bag). When customers visit the store, they place their shopping baskets 80 in the shopping carts 70, place their shopping bags 90 in the shopping baskets 80, and proceed inside the store. At this time, customers who wish to shop using fully self-service operations using mobile terminals 60 place their mobile terminals 60 in the shopping carts 70.

[0039] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the mobile terminal 60 set in the shopping cart 70. Figure 3(A) is a diagram of the mobile terminal 60 set in the shopping cart 70 as seen from the side. Figure 3(B) is a diagram of the mobile terminal 60 set in the shopping cart 70 as seen from above.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3(A), a holder 71 for setting a mobile terminal 60 is attached to the upper side of a shopping basket 80 of a shopping cart 70. A customer who comes to the store sets the mobile terminal 60 in the holder 71. As shown in Fig. 3(B), the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder 71 uses an imaging unit to capture an image of the shopping basket 80 (shopping bag 90) from above.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the settlement device 40. FIG. 4(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the settlement device 40 (a front view seen from the customer side). FIG. 4(B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the settlement device 40. In FIG. 4(A) and FIG. 4(B), the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0042] An example configuration of the settlement device 40 shown in Figure 4(B) will be described below with reference to Figure 4(A). The settlement device 40 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a hard disk 404, a display unit 405, a scanner unit 406, a card payment unit 408, a change dispenser 409, a printing unit 413, an audio output unit 414, a communication unit 415, and an imaging unit 416 (camera). These can communicate with each other via a bus. The settlement device 40 may further include a key operation unit and an alarm unit (for example, a lamp on a sign pole, etc.).

[0043] The CPU 401 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the settlement device 40 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 402 . The ROM 402 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 401, including programs.

[0044] The RAM 403 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information as a main storage device, such as information read from the ROM 402 or the hard disk 404, information acquired from the outside, and information generated during processing.

[0045] The hard disk 404 stores various information as an auxiliary storage device. For example, the hard disk 404 may store programs executed by the CPU 401 instead of the ROM 402. Furthermore, instead of the RAM 403, the hard disk 404 may store information read from the ROM 402, information obtained from the outside, information generated during processing, etc. Note that instead of the hard disk 404, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided.

[0046] The display unit 405 is a touch display that displays various information and accepts various inputs.

[0047] The scanner unit 406 optically reads various information. For example, the scanner unit 406 scans a code (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code) displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 60 to read the information necessary for the settlement process. The scanner unit 406 may also scan a code printed on a receipt issued by another device (such as the registered settlement device 30) to read the information necessary for the settlement process. The scanner unit 406 may also scan a code attached to a product to read the product code. The scanner unit 406 may also scan a code attached to a store clerk's name tag to read the store clerk code. The scanner unit 406 may also scan codes attached to gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, complimentary coupons) and various cards (such as membership cards and point cards) to read the respective information.

[0048] The card payment unit 408 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, cash cards for debit payments, point cards for point payments, etc.). The card payment unit 408 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least the card recognition unit. The card recognition unit may also recognize various cards (for example, point cards, membership cards, stockholder cards, etc.) for the purpose of granting benefits, discounts, etc.

[0049] The change dispenser 409 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism, and has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. When banknotes or coins are inserted into the input port, they are detected by a sensor (detecting that they have been inserted, detecting the number of coins by denomination, etc.).

[0050] The printing unit 413 prints and issues various media (receipts, etc.). The audio output unit 414 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 414 outputs a confirmation sound, a warning sound, audio guidance, and the like. The communication unit 415 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. The imaging unit 416 is provided to capture an image of, for example, the hands of a customer operating the change dispenser.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows an example of information stored in the transaction management device 20. FIG. 5(A) shows an example of customer information stored in the transaction management device 20. The customer information shown in FIG. 5(A) includes customer identification information, customer name, customer registration date, cancellation information, customer rank, number of points, etc. The customer identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a customer. As the customer identification information (or instead of the customer identification information), for example, application identification information that is uniquely (e.g., sequentially) assigned to each installed shopping application may be used. Furthermore, as the customer identification information (or instead of the customer identification information), terminal identification information unique to the mobile terminal 60 on which the shopping application is installed may be used. The terminal identification information may be hardware identification information uniquely assigned to the hardware of the mobile terminal 60, such as a telephone number assigned to the customer who is the user of the mobile terminal 60, or a MAC (Media Access Control) address. The customer name is the customer's name or nickname, etc. The customer registration date is the date and time when the customer was registered. The cancellation information is information regarding the cancellation (cancellation) of a registered product after registration. The customer rank is a rank according to the customer's purchase history. When generating customer information for a new customer, the customer identification information, customer name, and customer registration date are generated, but since this is before the start of actual transactions (product registration), other information (cancellation information, etc.) is not generated.

[0052] The transaction management device 20 generates and stores customer identification information, for example, when registering a customer (for example, when the mobile terminal 60 downloads or installs a shopping application from an external device (for example, a predetermined server that provides all applications, the transaction management device 20)). In addition, the transaction management device 20 acquires information entered in the name field of a registration form (input form) using the mobile terminal 60 when registering a customer, and stores it as the customer name. In addition, the transaction management device 20 acquires the current date and time when registering a customer, and stores it as the customer registration date.

[0053] In addition, instead of or in addition to storing customer information in its own memory, the transaction management device 20 may store some or all of the customer information in another device (such as a file server accessible to the transaction management device 20).

[0054] FIG. 5(B) shows an example of store information stored in transaction management device 20. The store information shown in FIG. 5(B) includes store identification information, store name (branch name), store identification information 1, and store identification information 2. Store identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a store. Store name is the name of the store. Store identification information 1 is information on a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark), etc.) for identifying the store where the transaction takes place (the store where the product is bought and sold). Store identification information 2 is store location information (GPS information) for identifying the store where the transaction takes place. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 5(B), the store identification information and store identification information 1 are different, but the store identification information and store identification information 1 may be the same.

[0055] The transaction management device 20 may acquire and store store information from an external source (such as a server (not shown) at a headquarters that oversees each store). Also, instead of or in addition to storing the store information in its own memory, the transaction management device 20 may store some or all of the store information in another device (such as a file server accessible by the transaction management device 20).

[0056] Figure 5(C) is an example of cart information stored by the transaction management device 20. Cart information is information for managing individual transactions. The transaction management device 20 generates cart information at the start of a transaction. In addition, the transaction management device 20 updates the cart information as the transaction progresses (each time a product is registered) (it can be considered that a product has been registered when it is stored in the cart information). The cart information shown in Figure 5(C) includes cart identification information, transaction start date and time, transaction end date and time, customer identification information, registered product information, pending product information, cancellation information, etc. Cart identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies cart information. For example, cart identification information includes store identification information, date, and serial number (e.g., a serial number specific to each store and date). The transaction start date and time is the start date and time of the transaction.

[0057] The transaction start date and time may be, for example, the date and time the cart information was created. The transaction start date and time may also be the date and time the first item was registered (the date and time the registered item information (registered item 1) in Figure 5 (C) was stored). The date and time the cart information was created and the date and time the first item was registered may both be stored separately. The transaction end date and time is the date and time the transaction ended. For example, the transaction start date and time may be the date and time of settlement. The customer identification information is customer identification information that identifies the customer of the transaction. When the cart information is created, the cart identification information, transaction start date and time, and customer identification information are generated, but since this is before the start of the actual transaction (item registration), other information (such as the transaction end date and time) is not generated. The settlement date and time may be the date and time the settlement started or the date and time the settlement ended. The date and time the settlement started and the date and time the settlement ended may both be stored separately as the transaction end date and time.

[0058] Registered product information (total) is information that is updated each time a product is registered. Registered product information (total) includes the number of products (number of products), estimated subtotal amount (for example, the subtotal amount before discounts, etc. are reflected), subtotal amount, etc. Registered product information (registered product 1) is the registration information for one product item. Registered product information (registered product 2) is the registration information for two products. In the example shown in Figure 5 (C), registered product information (registered product 3) to registered product information (registered product 5) are omitted from the illustration. Registered product information (N; N is an integer) includes the product code, product name (product name), price, etc.

[0059] The registered product information (N) may include the registration date and time of the Nth item of product. That is, the transaction management device 20 may store the registration date and time of the registered product as the registered product information. The registration date and time of each product may also be used as information for determining whether or not to apply a special offer such as a limited time offer and the effect of applying the special offer.

[0060] The reserved product information (total) is information that is updated each time a reserved product (described later) is registered. The reserved product information (total) includes the number of reserved products (product count), the number of non-file reserved products, the number of unreadable reserved products, etc.

[0061] NON-FILE refers to a product where the barcode or product code was successfully scanned at the store (the product code was read), but the product code is not stored in the product information, or the product code is not stored in the product information (a product with unregistered product information).

[0062] A "read NG" refers to a product code that could not be scanned at the store (the product code could not be read), or a product whose product code could not be scanned at the store. In other words, a read NG product can be said to be a product that requires confirmation due to the risk of fraudulent operation (a product that requires fraudulent operation confirmation).

[0063] Reserved Product Information (Reserved Product 1) is information on reserved product 1. Reserved Product Information (Reserved Product 2) is information on reserved product 2. Reserved Product Information (Reserved Product 3) is information on reserved product 3.

[0064] The reserved product information (reserved product N; N is an integer) includes the reserved product type. For example, if the Nth item is a non-file reserved product, the reserved product information (reserved product N) includes the reserved product type "1 (NON-FILE)" and a product code. Also, if the Nth item is a non-readable reserved product, the reserved product information (reserved product N) includes the reserved product type "2 (non-readable)" and image data (image captured by the mobile terminal 60). Note that the reserved product information for a non-file reserved product may include image data in addition to the reserved product type "1 (NON-FILE)" and a product code.

[0065] The information shown in FIG. 5 is an example of information stored in transaction management device 20, and transaction management device 20 may store other information (for example, a product file).

[0066] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40, and transaction management device 20. Specifically, Figure 6 shows an example of the processing flow of each of mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40, and transaction management device 20 from when a customer visits a store, registers a product using mobile terminal 60, to when payment for the registered product is completed. The left side of Figure 6 shows the processing of mobile terminal 60, the center shows the processing of settlement device 40, and the right side shows the processing of transaction management device 20.

[0067] In the explanation of the sequence diagram of Figure 6, it is assumed that a two-dimensional code (a two-dimensional code that encodes store identification information, etc.) for identifying the store is displayed near the entrance of the store.

[0068] Step S1: The mobile terminal 60 acquires store identification information. Specifically, a customer who visits a store scans a two-dimensional code displayed near the entrance of the store with the mobile terminal 60, and the mobile terminal 60 acquires the store identification information.

[0069] Step S2: Having acquired the store-specific information, the mobile terminal 60 transmits the store-specific information to the transaction management device 20 together with the customer identification information (user ID).

[0070] The address (destination information) of transaction management device 20 is stored in mobile terminal 60. For example, mobile terminal 60 may store the address of transaction management device 20 when registering a customer (e.g., when installing a shopping application on mobile terminal 60).

[0071] Furthermore, the customer identification information is stored in the mobile terminal 60. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may store the customer identification information during customer registration. During customer registration, information entered into a registration form using the mobile terminal 60 is stored as customer information in the transaction management device 20. In a mode in which the customer identification information is entered into the registration form (a mode in which the customer specifies the customer identification information), the customer identification information entered into the registration form is stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 60, transmitted to the transaction management device 20, and stored as customer information in the transaction management device 20. On the other hand, in a mode in which the customer identification information is not entered into the registration form (a mode in which the transaction management device 20 generates the customer identification information), the customer identification information generated by the transaction management device 20 is stored as customer information in the transaction management device 20, transmitted to the mobile terminal 60, and also stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 60.

[0072] Step S3: The transaction management device 20, which has received the customer identification information and store identification information sent by the mobile terminal 60, generates cart information for the transaction. Note that when generating the cart information, the cart identification information, transaction start date and time, and customer identification information are generated, but since this is before the start of the actual transaction (product registration), no other information is generated.

[0073] Step S4: The transaction management device 20 that generated the cart information for the transaction generates screen information (screen information for the start screen, screen information for the initial registration screen) and transmits the generated screen information to the mobile terminal 60 together with the cart identification information.

[0074] Step S5: Upon receiving the cart identification information and screen information sent by the transaction management device 20, the mobile terminal 60 stores the cart identification information and displays the start screen (see FIG. 7(A)) on the display unit.

[0075] Step S6: The mobile terminal 60 accepts a shopping start instruction as an operation by the customer. Specifically, the mobile terminal 60 accepts an operation of the shopping start button 600 (see FIG. 7(A)).

[0076] Step S7: Upon receiving the shopping start instruction, the mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen (initial registration screen; see FIG. 7(B)) on the display unit.

[0077] In the sequence diagram of Figure 6, screen information for the initial registration screen is transmitted and received along with screen information for the start screen, but screen information for the initial registration screen may be transmitted and received after transmitting and receiving screen information for the start screen. That is, step S6 above may operate, for example, as in the following steps (1) to (3): (1) The mobile terminal 60 transmits information indicating that a shopping start instruction has been issued to the transaction management device 20 together with customer identification information. (2) The transaction management device 20 receives the information indicating that a shopping start instruction has been issued and the customer identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 60, generates screen information (screen information for the initial registration screen), and transmits the generated screen information to the mobile terminal 60. (3) The mobile terminal 60 receives the screen information transmitted by the transaction management device 20, and displays the initial registration screen on the display unit.

[0078] Step S8: In response to a reading operation by the customer, the mobile terminal 60 scans the barcode attached to the product and reads the product code (see FIG. 7(C)).

[0079] Step S9: The mobile terminal 60 transmits the read product code to the transaction management device 20 together with the cart identification information.

[0080] Step S10: Upon receiving the cart identification information and product code sent by mobile terminal 60, transaction management device 20 identifies the cart information of the transaction from the cart identification information.

[0081] Step S11: The transaction management device 20 updates the identified cart information (adds product data). For example, when the transaction management device 20 receives a product code for item N, it stores the product code as the product code of the registered product information (registered product N) in the identified cart information, obtains the product name and price corresponding to the product code from the product information, and stores them as the product and price of the registered product information (registered product N). The transaction management device 20 also updates the registered product information (total) in the identified cart information.

[0082] Step S12: After updating the cart information, the transaction management device 20 generates screen information for after product registration (screen information for the registration screen corresponding to the updated cart information) and transmits the generated screen information to the mobile terminal 60 together with the cart identification information.

[0083] Step S13: Upon receiving the cart identification information and screen information sent by the transaction management device 20, the mobile terminal 60 checks whether the cart identification information matches the stored cart identification information, and then displays a registration screen based on the screen information on the display unit. In other words, the product is added to the registration screen of the mobile terminal 60 (see FIG. 7(D)).

[0084] Although the process is simplified in Figure 6 for ease of explanation, steps S8 to S13 are repeated each time a product code is read in step S8 until a checkout instruction is received in step S14 below. In other words, after step S13, there are two cases: a checkout instruction is received (proceeding to step S14 below), and a product code is read again (returning to step S8 above).

[0085] Step S14: The mobile terminal 60 accepts a checkout instruction as an operation by the customer. Specifically, the mobile terminal 60 accepts operation of the Proceed to Checkout button 604 (see FIG. 7(D)).

[0086] Step S15: The mobile terminal 60 that has accepted the payment instruction generates a two-dimensional code for payment (two-dimensional code for payment; two-dimensional code for payment 605 in FIG. 8(A)) by converting into a two-dimensional code the information (e.g., cart identification information) required to execute the payment process for the items purchased by the mobile terminal 60. The mobile terminal 60 that has generated the two-dimensional code displays the generated two-dimensional code on its display unit (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0087] Step S16: In response to the customer's reading operation, the settlement device 40 scans the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 60 and reads the two-dimensional code (see FIG. 8(B)).

[0088] Step S17: Having read the two-dimensional code, the settlement device 40 requests the transaction management device 20 to calculate the subtotal. For example, the settlement device 40 sends a calculation request (subtotal calculation request information) requesting calculation of the subtotal, together with the cart identification information obtained from the two-dimensional code, to the transaction management device 20 via the management device 10.

[0089] Step S18: Upon receiving the cart identification information and the sub-calculation output request information sent by the settlement device 40, the transaction management device 20 identifies the cart information of the transaction from the cart identification information.

[0090] Step S19: Having identified the cart information, transaction management device 20 calculates the subtotal amount for the identified cart information.

[0091] Step S20: After calculating the subtotal, the transaction management device 20 updates the cart information (storing the subtotal (calculated subtotal)) and sends the subtotal information indicating the calculated subtotal together with the cart identification information to the settlement device 40 via the management device 10.

[0092] Step S21: Upon receiving the cart identification information and subtotal information sent by the transaction management device 20, the settlement device 40 displays the subtotal amount on the display unit 405. Specifically, the settlement device 40 displays the subtotal amount on the settlement screen (product list screen (see FIG. 10)).

[0093] Step S22: After displaying the subtotal on display 405, settlement device 40 executes payment (settlement). Specifically, settlement device 40 accepts the selection of the payment type on the settlement screen (payment type selection screen (Figure 11)). In the case of cash, it accepts the deposit, calculates the amount of change, and, if there is change, dispenses the change and issues a receipt. Furthermore, when settlement is complete, settlement device 40 sends settlement completion information together with the cart information to transaction management device 20 via management device 10, and transaction management device 20 stores the transaction completion date and time (settlement date and time) of the cart information.

[0094] 7 and 8 show examples of displays on the display unit of the mobile terminal 60. FIG. 7(A) is an example of a start screen. When the mobile terminal 60 acquires store-specific information, it displays a start screen such as that shown in FIG. 7(A). Various buttons are arranged on the start screen, as shown in FIG. 7(A). For example, the start screen has a start shopping button 600 that accepts a command to start shopping. When a customer starts shopping, they operate the start shopping button 600. When the start shopping button 600 is operated, the mobile terminal 60 displays the registration screen shown in FIG. 7(B) and subsequent figures instead of the start screen.

[0095] Fig. 7(B) shows a display following Fig. 7(A). Specifically, Fig. 7(B) is a registration screen (initial registration screen) that is displayed after the shopping start button 600 is operated on the start screen of Fig. 7(A). The upper side of the registration screen is a captured image display area 601 that mainly displays captured images. The lower side of the registration screen is a registration information display area 602 that mainly displays product registration information.

[0096] Figure 7(C) is a display following the scene in Figure 7(B). Specifically, Figure 7(C) is a registration screen when capturing an image of the barcode attached to "XX bread" as the first item on the registration screen (initial registration screen) in Figure 7(B). In other words, when a customer registers a desired product (a product to be purchased), the customer captures an image of the barcode attached to the product, as shown in Figure 7(C).

[0097] Fig. 7(D) is a display in a scene following Fig. 3(C). Specifically, Fig. 7(D) is a display in a scene where the registration of one item of product (XX bread) has been completed. Note that Fig. 7(D) is an example of a display immediately after the product has been identified (i.e., while the barcode is still being captured). Therefore, in the display example of Fig. 7(D), the barcode of the product is displayed in the captured image display area 601.

[0098] The mobile terminal 60 displays the registration information of the product identified by capturing an image of the barcode in the registration information display area 602. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(D), the mobile terminal 60 displays the registration information (product name, quantity, price) of the product identified by capturing an image of the barcode (XXX bread) (symbol a). The mobile terminal 60 displays part of the registration information (quantity) as a quantity button 603. The quantity button 603 is a button for changing the quantity. The mobile terminal 60 also displays total information (total points, total price) (symbol b). The mobile terminal 60 also displays a Proceed to Checkout button 604 that accepts payment instructions. When the customer wishes to proceed to checkout (to complete product registration), they operate the Proceed to Checkout button 604.

[0099] FIG. 8(A) shows a display following FIG. 7(D). Specifically, FIG. 8(A) is a two-dimensional code display screen that is displayed after the Proceed to Checkout button 604 is operated on the registration screen of FIG. 7(D). The two-dimensional code display screen displays a two-dimensional code 605 for payment. The two-dimensional code 605 for payment is a two-dimensional code that represents information required for executing the payment process. For example, the two-dimensional code 605 for payment may be a two-dimensional code representing information (cart information) that identifies the cart information of a customer (transaction information registered by the customer using the mobile terminal 60) from among multiple pieces of cart information (transaction information registered by each customer using their respective mobile terminals 60) stored in the transaction management device 20.

[0100] The two-dimensional code display screen also has an estimated total display field 606 and a back button 607. The back button 607 is a button for returning to shopping (restarting shopping). When the back button 607 is operated, the mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen (the registration screen displayed immediately before the Proceed to Checkout button 604 is operated) instead of the two-dimensional code display screen. Figure 8(B) shows how the settlement two-dimensional code 605 is read by the settlement device 40.

[0101] 9 to 11 are examples of displays on the display unit 405 of the settlement device 40. FIG. 9 is a settlement screen (initial settlement screen). As shown in FIG. 9, the settlement screen (initial settlement screen) displays a message prompting the user to read the settlement two-dimensional code 605 (shown in the figure as a QR code (registered trademark)) displayed on the mobile terminal 60. When the settlement two-dimensional code 605 displayed on the mobile terminal 60 is read on the settlement screen (initial settlement screen), a list of products registered by the mobile terminal 60 is displayed.

[0102] Figure 10 shows the checkout screen (product list screen) that is displayed when the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the customer's mobile terminal 60 is read on the checkout screen (initial checkout screen) of Figure 9. That is, the customer's cart information is identified based on the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the customer's mobile terminal 60, and each product stored in the cart information (each product registered by the customer's mobile terminal 60) is displayed on the checkout screen (product list screen) as shown in Figure 10.

[0103] In addition, the checkout screen (product list screen) of Figure 10 has a display field 1400 for the estimated total, a display field 1401 for the number of products by price range (over 1,000 yen, between 500 yen and 1,000 yen, between 300 yen and 500 yen, and under 300 yen), a display field 1403 for the captured image, and a checkout button 1404.

[0104] The captured image display field 1403 displays a captured image of the periphery of the change machine 409 of the settlement device 40. For example, the settlement device 40 may be provided with a camera positioned so as to be able to capture an image of the periphery of the change machine 409, and display the captured image captured by the camera (i.e., a captured image captured by the settlement device 40 itself) in the display field 1403. The settlement device 40 may also display, in the display field 1403, a captured image captured by a camera installed in a position so as to be able to capture an image of the periphery of the change machine 409 (i.e., a captured image acquired from an external device). Note that the captured image may be an image obtained from the camera that is output in real time (live view / through image), or may be an image obtained from the camera that is temporarily stored and then played back. Note that the captured image may be a video or a still image (for example, still images that are continuously displayed).

[0105] Although the checkout screen (product list screen) shown in FIG. 10 displays products in price order, it is not necessary to display the products in price order. For example, the products may be displayed in the order of registration. Furthermore, although the checkout screen (product list screen) shown in FIG. 10 displays products in different background colors for different price ranges, it is not necessary to display the products in different background colors for different price ranges. For example, the background colors may be different alternately (every other line).

[0106] Figure 11 shows a display following the scene in Figure 10. Specifically, Figure 11 shows the checkout screen (payment type selection screen) that is displayed after the checkout button 1404 is pressed on the checkout screen (product list screen) in Figure 10. The checkout screen (payment type selection screen) in Figure 11 has various buttons arranged according to the payment method.

[0107] The back button 1607 on the checkout screen (payment type selection screen) is a button for returning to the previous display. In other words, operating the back button 1607 switches the display to the checkout screen (product list screen) of FIG.

[0108] (Full self-service operation using the registration terminal 62 and settlement device 40) Next, of the above-mentioned groups A to F, group B, that is, full self-service operation using registration terminal 62 and payment device 40 (a mode in which products are registered at each display position), will be described.

[0109] The configuration of Group B (registered terminals 62 and settlement devices 40) is basically the same as the configuration of Group A (portable terminals 60 and settlement devices 40) described above, except for the following differences: The difference between the two is that the portable terminals 60 in Group A are owned by the customer and set in the shopping cart 70, whereas the registered terminals 62 in Group B are attached to the shopping cart 72 and are property of the store. In other words, the portable terminals 60 in Group A are dedicated terminals for each customer, whereas the registered terminals 62 in Group B are shared terminals that are loaned to any customer who visits the store.

[0110] That is, near the entrance of the store, there are provided rental shopping carts 72 (carts with registration terminals 62 set in them from the beginning), rental shopping baskets 80, and shopping bags 90 for sale (shopping bags 90 are not necessary if, for example, customers bring their own bags). When customers arrive at the store, they place their shopping baskets 80 in the shopping carts 72, place their shopping bags 90 in the shopping baskets 80, and proceed inside the store.

[0111] In addition, the registration terminal 62 has a shopping application installed, similar to the mobile terminal 60.

[0112] (Store identification) The registration terminal 62 is attached to a shopping cart 72 provided for each store. In other words, the mobile terminals 60 in group A are used in multiple stores, whereas the registration terminals 62 in group B are used in one store. Therefore, in the case of group B, there is no need to identify the store (obtain store identification information).

[0113] In Group A, the mobile terminal 60 communicates with the transaction management device 20 (sending store-specific information, etc.), the transaction management device 20 generates cart information, and the mobile terminal 60 displays the start screen (steps S2 to S5 in Figure 6), but in Group B, the registration terminal 62 simply displays the start screen without communicating with the transaction management device 20, and after reading the product code of one item, the registration terminal 62 communicates with the transaction management device 20 (sending the product code of the first item, etc.), the transaction management device 20 generates cart information, and the registration terminal 62 adds the product to the registration screen.

[0114] (Customer Identification) As described above, the registration terminal 62 is a shared terminal. Therefore, simply by a customer using the loaned registration terminal 62, the store (registration terminal 62, transaction management device 20, etc.) cannot identify the customer, i.e., which customer is registered. For this reason, the customer may be identified, for example, as follows.

[0115] The start screen of the registration terminal 62 may have input fields for a customer number and a password, and the customer using the registration terminal 62 may be required to input a customer ID (information determined at the time of customer registration) and a password. This allows the registration terminal 62 and the transaction management device 20 communicating with the registration terminal 62 to recognize who the customer is.

[0116] Furthermore, it is possible to recognize who the customer is by performing facial recognition or the like using the imaging function of the registration terminal 62. It is also possible to install a card recognition device (capable of communicating with the registration terminal 62) in the shopping cart 72, and have the card recognition unit recognize the membership card (a card distributed to the registered customer), thereby recognizing who the customer is.

[0117] (Linkage with payment devices) The mobile terminals 60 in group A can be removed from the shopping cart 70 (holder 71), whereas the registered terminals 62 in group B cannot be removed from the shopping cart 72. This poses a problem regarding the linkage between the registered terminals 62 and the settlement device 40. Specifically, even if the registered terminals 62 in group B display a two-dimensional settlement code 605, the displayed two-dimensional settlement code 605 cannot be read by the settlement device 40, as shown in FIG. 8(B). For this reason, the registered terminals 62 and the settlement device 40 may be linked, for example, as follows.

[0118] A lead (string, chain) may be attached to the registration terminal 62 so that the registration terminal 62 can be placed within a predetermined distance (for example, one meter) from the shopping cart 72. This allows the settlement device 40 to read the two-dimensional settlement code 605 displayed on the registration terminal 62, as shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0119] Alternatively, a send button may be provided on the registration terminal 62 (if there are multiple settlement devices 40, a send button corresponding to each of them) so that, by operating this button, information similar to the information obtained when the two-dimensional settlement code 605 is read is sent from the registration terminal 62 to the settlement device 40. Alternatively, a printing device (capable of communicating with the registration terminal 62) may be provided on the shopping cart 72, and a medium on which the two-dimensional settlement code 605 is printed may be issued by this printing device, and the settlement device 40 may read the two-dimensional settlement code 605 printed on this medium.

[0120] (Non-self operation by registered settlement device 30) Next, of the above-mentioned groups A to F, group C, that is, non-self-service operation by the registered settlement device 30, will be described.

[0121] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the registration settlement device 30. FIG. 12(A) is a diagram showing the registration settlement device 30 as seen from the front. FIG. 12(B) is a diagram showing the registration settlement device 30 as seen from the side. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration settlement device 30. In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0122] An example of the configuration of the registration and settlement device 30 shown in Figure 13 will be described below with reference to Figure 12. The registration and settlement device 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk 304, a customer display unit 305, a scanner unit 306, a card payment unit 308, a change dispenser 309, a store clerk display unit 310, a key operation unit 311, a printing unit 313, an audio output unit 314, and a communication unit 315. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The registration and settlement device 30 may further include an imaging unit (camera).

[0123] The CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, hard disk 304, card settlement unit 308, change machine 309, printing unit 313, audio output unit 314, and communication unit 315 that are provided in the registered settlement device 30 are the same as the CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, hard disk 404, card settlement unit 408, change machine 409, printing unit 413, audio output unit 414, and communication unit 415 that are provided in the settlement device 40, so some or all of the description will be omitted.

[0124] Customer-side display unit 305 is a touch display that displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. Note that the appearance of customer-side display unit 305 shown in Figure 12 is an example (it may have a larger display area).

[0125] The scanner unit 306 optically reads various information. For example, the scanner unit 306 scans a code attached to a product to read the product code. The scanner unit 306 may also scan a code attached to a store clerk's name tag to read the store clerk code. The scanner unit 306 may also scan codes attached to gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, complimentary coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.) to read the respective information.

[0126] The store clerk's display unit 310 is a touch display that displays various information to the store clerk and accepts various inputs from the store clerk. Note that the appearance of the store clerk's display unit 310 shown in Figure 12 is an example (a display unit with a larger display area may also be used).

[0127] The key operation unit 311 has various buttons (numeric buttons for inputting figures such as the amount, buttons corresponding to the products, a subtotal button, a checkout button, etc.) arranged thereon to be operated by the store clerk.

[0128] The change dispenser 309 includes a banknote slot (not shown) for inserting currency (banknotes), a coin slot (reference numeral 309b in FIG. 12) for inserting currency (coins), a banknote outlet (not shown) for ejecting currency (banknotes), a coin outlet (reference numeral 309a in FIG. 2) for ejecting currency (coins), a counting unit (not shown) for counting the currency inserted or ejected, and a currency transport mechanism (not shown) between the insertion slot or the outlet and the storage unit 300. The banknote insertion slot and the coin insertion slot are also referred to as deposit insertion slots. The banknote outlet and the coin outlet are also referred to as change outlets. The banknote insertion slot and the banknote outlet may be a common unit, or the coin insertion slot and the coin outlet may be a common unit.

[0129] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration and settlement device 30. Specifically, Fig. 14 shows an example of the flow of operation of the registration and settlement device 30 from registering a product to completing settlement. It is assumed that at the start of the processing in Fig. 14, the registration and settlement device 30 has not registered a single product.

[0130] Step S31: The registration and settlement device 30 determines whether the barcode attached to the product has been scanned. If the barcode has been scanned (step S31 (YES)), proceed to step S32. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S31 (NO)), return to step S31. In other words, the registration and settlement device 30 repeats the processing of step S31 until the barcode attached to the product is scanned as one item. Note that instead of or in addition to scanning the barcode, it may also determine whether a button corresponding to the product (e.g., fruit and vegetables) has been operated. The same applies to step S34.

[0131] Step S32: The registration settlement device 30 registers the product. Then, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0132] Step S33: As in step S31, the registration and settlement device 30 determines whether the barcode attached to the product has been scanned. If the barcode has been scanned (step S33 (YES)), the process returns to step S32. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S33 (NO)), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0133] Step S34: The registration and settlement device 30 determines whether the subtotal button (a button that completes product registration) has been operated. If the subtotal button has been operated (Step S34 (YES)), the process proceeds to Step S35. If the subtotal button has not been operated (Step S34 (NO)), the process returns to Step S33.

[0134] Step S35: The registration settlement device 30 accepts the insertion of coins. That is, the clerk inserts the coins (coins for the deposited amount) received from the customer into the registration settlement device 30 (change dispenser 309), so the registration settlement device 30 accepts the insertion of coins (coins for the deposited amount) by the clerk. Note that if the customer has not inserted coins (for example, if the inserted amount is equal to or greater than the total amount and no additional coins are being inserted and the customer is simply waiting to press the checkout button), this process is skipped. Next, proceed to step S36.

[0135] Step S36: The registered settlement device 30 determines whether the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the total amount (total price of registered products). If the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the total amount (step S36 (YES)), proceed to step S37. If the deposited amount is not equal to or greater than the total amount (step S36 (NO)), return to step S35.

[0136] Step S37: The registration settlement device 30 determines whether the checkout button (a button that confirms the deposit and advances the process) has been pressed. If the checkout button has been pressed (step S37 (YES)), proceed to step S38. If the checkout button has not been pressed (step S37 (NO)), return to step S35.

[0137] Step S38: The registration and settlement device 30 prints and issues a receipt. If there is change, the registration and settlement device 30 dispenses it. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0138] (Fully self-operated by registration settlement device 31) Next, of the above-mentioned groups A to F, group D, that is, full self-service operation using the registration and settlement device 31 (a mode in which products are registered collectively in the checkout area), will be described.

[0139] The appearance and configuration of the registered settlement device 31 may be the same as, for example, the settlement device 40 shown in Fig. 4. However, the difference is that the settlement device 40 basically does not register products in the settlement device 40, but settles for products registered in other devices (mobile terminal 60, registration terminal 62), whereas the registered settlement device 31 registers products in the device and settles for them.

[0140] In other words, the scanner unit 406 of the settlement device 40 basically scans the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 60 (or registered terminal 62) and reads the information necessary for the settlement process, while the scanner unit of the registered settlement device 31 scans the code attached to the product and reads the product code.

[0141] As mentioned above, the scanner unit 406 of the settlement device 40 may scan things other than two-dimensional settlement codes (codes printed on receipts, codes attached to products, codes attached to store clerk name tags), and the scanner unit of the registered settlement device 31 may also scan things other than codes attached to products.

[0142] The operation of the registration and settlement device 31 may be the same as that of the registration and settlement device 30 shown in Fig. 14. However, the difference is that the registration and settlement device 30 is operated by a store clerk (operations related to registration and settlement), whereas the registration and settlement device 31 is operated by a customer (operations related to registration and settlement).

[0143] (Semi-self operation using registration device 32 and settlement device 33) Next, of the above-mentioned groups A to F, group E, that is, semi-self-service operation using the registration device 32 and the settlement device 33, will be described.

[0144] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the registration device 32 and the settlement device 33. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration device 32. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device 33.

[0145] An example of the configuration of the registration device 32 shown in Fig. 16 will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. In Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0146] 16, the registration device 32 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a scanner unit 104, a display unit for store clerks 105, a display unit for customers 106, a hard disk 107, a key operation unit 108, a communication unit 109, an audio output unit 110, a printing unit 111, and a bus 115. These are connected to each other via the bus 115.

[0147] ROM 102 stores various information. For example, ROM 102 stores a product registration program for causing CPU 101 to execute registration processing. RAM 103 temporarily stores various information. For example, RAM 103 temporarily stores information read from ROM 102 or hard disk 107, and information generated by executing the product registration program.

[0148] The scanner unit 104 is a scanner that optically reads barcodes. The scanner unit 104 optically reads barcodes attached to products, acquires product codes from the read barcodes, and stores the acquired product codes in the RAM 103.

[0149] The CPU 101 controls the entire registration device 32. For example, the CPU 101 controls the execution of the registration process by executing a product registration program. As an example, the CPU 101 displays the product names and prices of the purchased products on the display units (the store clerk display unit 105 and the customer display unit 106) based on the product codes read by the scanner unit 104 and the product files stored on the hard disk 107. The CPU 101 also generates registration data including the product codes of all registered products. The CPU 101 controls the communication unit 109 to transmit the generated registration data to the settlement device 33. In addition to transmitting the generated registration data to the settlement device 33, the CPU 101 may store the generated registration data in the RAM 103 or the hard disk 107.

[0150] The clerk display unit 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch display device. The clerk display unit 105 displays various information (such as a registration screen) to the clerk. The clerk display unit 105 also displays various buttons (various keys) that the clerk operates. For example, the clerk display unit 105 displays a subtotal button for instructing the clerk to finish registering products, a payment device designation button for designating (selecting) the destination of the registered data, and the like.

[0151] The customer display unit 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch display device. The customer display unit 106 displays various information (such as the price of each product) to customers. The customer display unit 106 also displays various buttons that customers can operate. For example, the customer display unit 106 can display an OK button for age verification.

[0152] The hard disk 107 stores various types of information, such as information acquired from the outside (such as product files) and information generated by a product registration program.

[0153] The key operation unit 108 has various buttons (such as numeric buttons for inputting figures such as the amount) that are operated by the store clerk. Note that instead of or in addition to displaying on the store clerk display unit 105, the various buttons described as being displayed on the store clerk display unit 105 (for example, the above-mentioned subtotal button) may be arranged on the key operation unit 108.

[0154] The communication unit 109 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices (other registration devices 32, settlement devices 33, management device 10, monitoring device 50) via the LAN 11. The audio output unit 110 outputs confirmation sounds, warning sounds, audio guidance, etc. The printing unit 111 prints and issues various media.

[0155] The registration device 32 may further include a card payment unit (card reader), an imaging unit (camera), a timing unit (clock), and the like.

[0156] Next, an example of the configuration of the settlement device 33 shown in Fig. 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0157] 4, the settlement device 33 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit 206, a hard disk 207, a communication unit 209, an audio output unit 210, a printing unit 211, a change dispenser (automatic change dispenser) 212, a sign pole 213, and a bus 215. These are connected to each other via the bus 215.

[0158] The ROM 202 stores various types of information. For example, the ROM 202 stores an accounting program for causing the CPU 201 to execute a settlement process. The RAM 203 temporarily stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 203 temporarily stores information read from the ROM 202 or the hard disk 207, and information generated by executing the accounting program. The scanner unit 204 is a scanner that optically reads barcodes and the like.

[0159] The CPU 201 controls the entire settlement device 33. For example, the CPU 201 controls the execution of the settlement process by executing a checkout program. As an example, the CPU 201 displays the total amount on the display unit 206 based on the registration data transmitted from the registration device 32. The CPU 201 also acquires information regarding the amount of coins inserted into the change dispenser 212 from the change dispenser 212 and displays this as the deposit amount (received amount) on the display unit 206. The CPU 201 also calculates the amount of change based on the total amount and the deposited amount and displays this on the display unit 206. When the settlement process is completed, the CPU 201 also causes the printing unit 211 to issue a receipt and causes the change dispenser 212 to eject coins in an amount equal to the change amount. When the settlement process is completed, the CPU 201 also generates settlement data (settlement information) including the total amount and the like, and controls the communication unit 209 to transmit this data to an external device (e.g., the management device 10). The CPU 201 may store the generated settlement data in the RAM 203 or the hard disk 207 in addition to transmitting the data to an external device.

[0160] The display unit 206 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch display device. The display unit 206 displays various information to the customer (operation information, total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.). The display unit 206 also accepts various operations from the customer (operation to select a payment method, operation to confirm the deposit amount and execute the settlement, etc.).

[0161] The hard disk 207 stores various types of information, such as information acquired from the outside (such as registration data) and information generated by an accounting program.

[0162] The communication unit 209 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices (registration device 32, other settlement devices 33, management device 10, monitoring device 50) via the LAN 11. The audio output unit 210 outputs confirmation sounds, warning sounds, audio guidance, etc. The printing unit 211 prints and issues various media.

[0163] The change dispenser 212 is an automatic change dispenser (cash settlement unit) that controls the deposit and withdrawal of coins (money) into a storage unit (not shown) in which coins (money) are stored. In the examples shown in Figures 15 and 17, the change dispenser 212 is built into the settlement device 33, but the change dispenser 212 may also be connected to the settlement device 33.

[0164] The sign pole 213 has indicator lights of multiple colors, and each display mode (off, on, flashing, etc.) notifies store staff and customers of the status of the self-checkout device 33 (a store staff member is being called, change is nearing end, etc.) and whether the self-checkout device 33 is a specific checkout device 33 (for example, a checkout device 33 designated by a store staff member).

[0165] The settlement device 33 may further include a card settlement unit (card reader), an imaging unit (camera), a timing unit (clock), and the like.

[0166] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration device 32 and the settlement device 33. Specifically, Figure 18(A) shows an example of the flow of the operation of the registration device 32. It is assumed that at the start of the processing of Figure 18(A), the registration device 32 has not registered a single product.

[0167] Step S41: The registration device 32 determines whether the barcode attached to the product has been scanned. If the barcode has been scanned (step S41 (YES)), the process proceeds to step S42. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S41 (NO)), the process returns to step S41. Note that instead of or in addition to scanning the barcode, it may also be determined whether a button corresponding to the product (e.g., fruit or vegetables) has been operated. The same applies to step S44.

[0168] Step S42: The registration device 32 registers the product, and then the process proceeds to step S44.

[0169] Step S43: As in step S41, the registration device 32 determines whether the barcode attached to the product has been scanned. If the barcode has been scanned (step S43 (YES)), the process returns to step S42. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S43 (NO)), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0170] Step S44: The registration device 32 determines whether the subtotal button has been operated. If the subtotal button has been operated (step S44 (YES)), the process proceeds to step S45. If the subtotal button has not been operated (step S44 (NO)), the process returns to step S43.

[0171] Step S45: The registration device 32 determines whether the settlement device designation button (a button that designates the settlement device 33 that will execute the settlement process) has been operated. If the settlement device designation button has been operated (step S45 (YES)), the process proceeds to step S46. If the settlement device designation button has not been operated (step S45 (NO)), the process returns to step S45. In other words, the registration device 32 repeats the process of step S45 until the settlement device designation button is operated.

[0172] Step S45: The registration device 32 transmits the registration data to the settlement device 33 corresponding to the settlement device designation button operated in step S45 (either indirectly via another device such as the management device 10, or directly). Then, this flowchart ends.

[0173] Figure 18(B) shows an example of the flow of operations of the settlement device 33. It is assumed that at the start of the processing of Figure 18(B), the settlement device 33 has not received any registration data.

[0174] Step S51: The settlement device 33 determines whether or not registration data has been received. If registration data has been received (step S51 (YES)), the process proceeds to step S52. If registration data has not been received (step S51 (NO)), the process returns to step S51. In other words, the settlement device 33 repeats the process of step S51 until registration data is received.

[0175] Step S52: The settlement device 33 accepts the insertion of coins. That is, the customer inserts coins (coins equivalent to the deposit amount) into the settlement device 33 (change dispenser 212), so the settlement device 33 accepts the insertion of coins (coins equivalent to the deposit amount) by the customer. Note that if the customer has not inserted coins (for example, if the amount inserted is equal to or greater than the total amount and no additional coins are being inserted and the customer is simply waiting to press the checkout button), this process is skipped. Next, proceed to step S53.

[0176] Step S53: The settlement device 33 determines whether the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the total amount (total price of registered products). If the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the total amount (step S53 (YES)), proceed to step S54. If the deposited amount is not equal to or greater than the total amount (step S53 (NO)), return to step S52.

[0177] Step S54: The settlement device 33 determines whether the checkout button has been pressed. If the checkout button has been pressed (step S54 (YES)), proceed to step S55. If the checkout button has not been pressed (step S54 (NO)), return to step S52.

[0178] Step S55: The settlement device 33 prints and issues a receipt. If there is change, the settlement device 33 dispenses it. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0179] 18(A), the registration device 32 accepts operation of the settlement device designation button after accepting operation of the subtotal button, but it may also accept operation of the settlement device designation button without accepting operation of the subtotal button. For example, by displaying both the subtotal button and the settlement device designation button in an operable manner, it may be possible to accept operation of the settlement device designation button before operation of the subtotal button, or it may be possible not to display (place) the subtotal button at all.

[0180] 18(A) and 18(B), registration data is transmitted and received between the registration device 32 and the settlement device 33, but instead of transmitting and receiving registration data, a receipt may be used. That is, the registration device 32 may issue a receipt on which a code (barcode, 2D code, etc.) from which the registration data can be obtained is printed, and the settlement device 33 may obtain the registration data by reading the receipt.

[0181] (Semi-self-service operation / full-self-service operation using registration settlement device 34) Next, of the above-mentioned groups A to F, group F, that is, semi-self-service operation / full-self-service operation by the registered settlement device 34, will be described.

[0182] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the registration and settlement device 34. Figure 19(A) is a diagram showing the registration and settlement device 34 as seen from the customer side. Figure 19(B) is a diagram showing the registration and settlement device 34 as seen from the store clerk side. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration and settlement device 34. In Figures 19 and 20, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0183] An example of the configuration of the registration and settlement device 34 shown in Fig. 20 will be described below with reference to Fig. 19. The registration and settlement device 34 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a hard disk 504, a customer display unit 505, a customer scanner unit 506, a card payment unit 508, a change dispenser 509, a store clerk display unit 510, a key operation unit 511, a store clerk scanner unit 512, a printing unit 513, an audio output unit 514, and a communication unit 515. These units can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0184] The CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, hard disk 504, card settlement unit 508, change machine 509, audio output unit 514, and communication unit 515 that are provided in the registered settlement device 34 are the same as the CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, hard disk 404, card settlement unit 408, change machine 409, audio output unit 414, and communication unit 415 that are provided in the settlement device 40, so some or all of the description will be omitted.

[0185] Customer side display unit 505 is a touch display that displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers.

[0186] Customer-side scanner unit 506 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various types of information. For example, customer-side scanner unit 506 optically reads barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on receipts. In addition to the above, customer-side scanner unit 506 may also read codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, complimentary coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.).

[0187] Although customer-side scanner unit 506 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if a preset key (a button for ordering the product) corresponding to the product is displayed on customer-side display unit 505, the customer may operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

[0188] The store clerk side display unit 510 is a touch display for the store clerk, and displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk.

[0189] Various buttons operated by a store clerk are arranged on the key operation section 511. Reference numeral 511a denotes a mode switching button for switching the operation mode.

[0190] The store clerk scanner unit 512 is a scanner unit for store clerks and optically reads various types of information. For example, the store clerk scanner unit 512 optically reads barcodes attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk name tags. In addition to the above, the store clerk scanner unit 512 may also read codes printed on receipts, gift certificates, and various cards.

[0191] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 512 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged on the key operation unit 511, the store clerk may operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 510, the store clerk may operate that preset key to register the product.

[0192] The printing unit 513 prints and issues various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 513 can be rotated to face from the clerk side to the customer side, or from the customer side to the clerk side (the direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit 513 may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) based on, for example, a change in operating mode. The correct orientation of the printing unit 513 may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0193] The above has explained each of the groups A to F of the product sales data processing system 1 shown in FIG.

[0194] In the following, for convenience of explanation, one of groups A to F may be referred to as group X, and one or more of groups A to F that are different from group X may be referred to as group Y.

[0195] Group Y is one group when the number of groups in the merchandise sales data processing system 1 is two. For example, when the number of groups in the merchandise sales data processing system 1 is two (for example, two groups, A and C), there is one group Y (if group X is group A, group Y is one of group C, and if group X is group C, group Y is one of group A).

[0196] On the other hand, if the product sales data processing system 1 has three or more groups, group Y may be one group, or two or more groups. For example, if the product sales data processing system 1 has three groups (for example, three groups: group A, group B, and group C), group Y may be one (if group X is group A, group Y may be one of group B or one of group C; if group X is group B, group Y may be one of group A or one of group C; if group X is group C, group Y may be one of group A or one of group B) or two (if group X is group A, group Y may be two of group B and group C; if group X is group B, group Y may be two of group A and group C; if group X is group C, group Y may be two of group A and group B). Furthermore, for example, if the number of groups in the product sales data processing system 1 is four (group A, group B, group C, and group D), group Y may be one (if group X is group A, group Y may be one of group B, group C, or group D; if group X is group B, group Y may be one of group A, group C, or group D; if group X is group C, group Y may be one of group A, group B, or group D; if group X is group D, group Y may be one of group A, group B, or group C), or group Y may be two (if group X is group A, group Y may be two of groups B and C, two of groups B and D, or two of groups C and D; if group X is group B, group Y may be one of groups A, group B, or group C). If group X is group C, group Y can be either group A and group C, or two groups A and group D, or two groups C and group D; if group X is group C, group Y can be either group A and group B, or two groups A and group D, or two groups B and group D; if group X is group D, group Y can be either group A and group B, or two groups A and group C, or two groups B and group C), or group Y can be three (if group X is group A, group Y can be either group B, group C, or group D; if group X is group B, group Y can be either group A, group C, or group D; if group X is group C, group Y can be either group A, group B, or group D; if group X is group D, group Y can be either group A, group B, or group C).

[0197] The product sales data processing system 1 can provide information about group Y to customers who use group X. In other words, the product sales data processing system 1 can provide information about another group to customers who use a certain group.

[0198] (Information about another group, group Y) Information about group Y provided to customers who use group X is, for example, information to promote the use of group Y. Specifically, information to promote the use of group Y may be information about the benefits of using group Y, information about how to use group Y, campaign information to promote the use of group Y, etc.

[0199] The information about the benefits of using group Y may be information about the benefits (relative benefits) of using group Y compared to group X currently being used, or information about the benefits (absolute benefits) of using group Y regardless of group X currently being used. For example, with regard to time, a message that says group Y will reduce processing time by an average of XX seconds compared to group X is information about relative benefits, while a message that says group Y has an average processing time of XX seconds is information about absolute benefits. Furthermore, the information about benefits may be something that appeals directly (for example, a message that says group Y will reduce processing time by an average of XX seconds compared to group X, or a message that says group Y has an average processing time of XX seconds), or it may be something that allows the benefits to be read (such as data such as the average processing time of group X being XX seconds, and the average processing time of group Y being XX seconds).

[0200] The information provided about time (a message such as "Group Y will have an average processing time that is shorter by XX seconds than Group X," or "Group Y will have an average processing time of XX seconds," or data such as "Group X will have an average processing time of XX seconds, and Group Y will have an average processing time of XX seconds," etc.) may be, for example, waiting time (waiting time for a device installed in the checkout area; waiting time at the register), product registration time, total time required (time from registering one item to issuing a receipt), etc.

[0201] The waiting time for Group A (fully self-operated mobile terminal 60 and payment device 40) is the waiting time for the payment device 40 to be available (the time from when the two-dimensional payment code is displayed on the mobile terminal 60 until the payment device 40 reads the code). Because product registration is not generally performed on the payment device 40 (i.e., the processing time per person is relatively short), if there are a fair number of payment devices 40 installed, the waiting time (waiting time for the payment device 40 to be available) will be zero or relatively short. The same is true for Group B (fully self-operated registration terminal 62 and payment device 40).

[0202] The product registration time in the case of group A is the time required to register the product using mobile terminal 60. The same applies to the required time in the case of group B (full self-service operation of registration terminal 62 and settlement device 40).

[0203] The total time required for Group A is roughly the sum of the time required to select the product to purchase, the time required to register the product using the mobile terminal 60, the time required to display the two-dimensional checkout code on the mobile terminal 60 (waiting in line), the time required to read the two-dimensional checkout code at the checkout device 40, and the time required to make the checkout at the checkout device 40. The total time required for Group B (full self-service operation of the registration terminal 62 and the checkout device 40) is similar.

[0204] The waiting time for Group C (non-self-operated registration and settlement devices 30) is the waiting time for the registration and settlement device 30 to be available (the time from when a purchase item is selected until a store clerk starts registering one item at the registration and settlement device 30). Because the registration and settlement device 30 handles both product registration and settlement (i.e., the processing time per person is relatively long), the waiting time (waiting time for the registration and settlement device 30 to be available) is relatively long, depending on the number of registration and settlement devices 30 installed, etc.

[0205] The product registration time for group C is the time it takes to register the product using the registration and settlement device 30. The total time required for group C is roughly the sum of the time it takes to select the product to purchase, the time it takes to wait in line, the time it takes to register the product, and the time it takes to settle the payment.

[0206] The waiting time for Group D (full self-operation of registration and settlement devices 31) is the waiting time for an available registration and settlement device 31 (the time from when a customer selects a product to purchase until the customer starts registering one product at the registration and settlement device 31). Because the registration and settlement device 31 handles both product registration and settlement (i.e., the processing time per person is relatively long), the waiting time (waiting time for an available registration and settlement device 31) is relatively long, depending on the number of registration and settlement devices 31 installed, etc.

[0207] The product registration time for group D is the time it takes to register the product using the registration and settlement device 31. The total time required for group D is roughly the sum of the time it takes to select the product to purchase, the time it takes to wait in line, the time it takes to register the product, and the time it takes to settle the payment.

[0208] The waiting time for Group E (semi-self operation of registration device 32 and payment device 33) is the sum of the waiting time for registration device 32 to be available (the time from when a purchase item is selected until the store clerk starts registering one item at registration device 32) and the waiting time for payment device 33 to be available (the time from when the store clerk has completed registering all items until payment begins at payment device 33). However, the latter time (waiting time for payment device 33 to be available) will be zero or relatively short if there are a fair number of payment devices 33 installed.

[0209] The product registration time for Group E is the time it takes to register the product using the registration device 32. The total time required for Group E is roughly the sum of the time it takes to select the product to purchase, the time it takes to wait in line, the time it takes to register the product, the time it takes to travel from the registration device 32 to the checkout device 33, and the time it takes to checkout.

[0210] As for group F (registered settlement device 34), the waiting time and total required time differ depending on the operation mode, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0211] The above-mentioned times may be calculated (collected) and stored in the product sales data processing system 1 (for example, the transaction management device 20, etc.) so that they can be referenced as needed, such as when outputting data.

[0212] As an example, the waiting time for Group A (fully self-operated mobile terminal 60 and payment device 40) can be calculated and collected based on the time when the two-dimensional code for payment is displayed on the mobile terminal 60 (or the time when the Proceed to Checkout button 604 (see Figure 7(D)) is operated) and the time when the two-dimensional code for payment is read on the payment terminal 40 (or the time when the product list screen (see Figure 10) is displayed).

[0213] The registration time of the product in the case of group A may be calculated and collected based on the registration time of one product item and the completion time of the checkout process at the checkout terminal 40 (such as the time when the end button on the subsequent screen in Figure 11 is pressed).

[0214] Note that, since the registration of products in Group A is not in the checkout area but on the sales floor (in front of the product shelves), the registration time for products in Group A may be set to zero. In other words, the registration time for products in a certain group is the time required for registration in the checkout area, and in the case of Group A, since there is no registration in the checkout area, it may be set to zero.

[0215] For convenience, the total required time for group A may be calculated and collected based on the time when the first item is registered and the time when the checkout process is completed at the checkout terminal 40 (such as the time when the Finish button on the subsequent screen in FIG. 11 is pressed), ignoring the time when the first item was selected. Alternatively, the total required time for group A may be calculated and collected based on the time when the Start Shopping button 600 (see FIG. 7(A)) is pressed and the time when the checkout process is completed at the checkout terminal 40. Alternatively, the time when the registration at the mobile terminal 60 is ignored, and the time when the checkout process at the checkout terminal 40 is used as the total required time for group A.

[0216] As another example, the waiting time for Group C (non-self-service operation of the registration settlement device 30) may be measured visually by a store clerk, but it may also be possible to monitor (observe) customers waiting at the register using a camera installed in the store, and calculate and collect the time from when a customer lines up to when processing begins as the waiting time. Furthermore, as a survey (sample), a medium indicating the distribution time (such as a card stamped with the distribution time) may be distributed to a customer when they reach the end of the line, and the medium may be collected after the settlement process is completed, with the collection time recorded, and the waiting time may be calculated and collected based on the distribution time and collection time.

[0217] The registration time of the products in group C may be calculated and collected based on, for example, the registration time of one product item and the operation time of the subtotal button.

[0218] In the case of group C, the total required time may be measured visually by a store clerk, or, for example, by monitoring (observing) customers using a camera installed in the store, and calculating and collecting the total required time from when a customer registers one item to when the checkout process is completed. The total required time may also be calculated as the time from when the customer enters the store to when the checkout process is completed. The total required time (from when the customer enters the store to when the checkout process is completed) may be calculated and collected using a camera, or a medium or the like indicating the distribution time may be distributed to a customer when the customer enters the store, and the medium may be collected after the checkout process is completed, recording the collection time, and the total required time (from when the customer enters the store to when the checkout process is completed) may be calculated and collected based on the distribution time and the collection time.

[0219] For groups D to F, the waiting time and total required time may be calculated and collected using button operations, cameras, media, etc.

[0220] For example, if group Y is group A, the information on how to use group Y may be announcement information (broadcast information) regarding an explanatory meeting (or a permanent meeting of an explanatory person) on how to use group A, or information on a shopping application to be downloaded / installed to the mobile terminal 60 (for example, a two-dimensional code that, when scanned, accesses a screen related to the download / installation of the shopping application, or a two-dimensional code that, when scanned, starts the download / installation of the shopping application). In other words, the information on how to use group Y can be said to be information to remove obstacles when considering using group Y (such as concerns that setting up group Y will be cumbersome or that it will actually be difficult to use).

[0221] Campaign information aimed at promoting the use of Group Y includes advantageous information such as point award information that can be obtained when using Group Y. Campaign information aimed at promoting the use of Group Y may also be considered to belong to the category of information about the benefits of using Group Y.

[0222] (Group Priority) Priorities may be set for groups A to F as follows, and information on a group with a higher priority may be provided to a customer using a group with a certain priority. In other words, the product sales data processing system 1 may provide information on group Y, which has a higher priority than group X, to a customer using group X.

[0223] Highest priority: Group A (full self-operation of mobile terminal 60 and settlement device 40) Second highest priority: Group B (full self-service operation of registration terminal 62 and settlement device 40) Third highest priority: Group E (semi-self operation of registration device 32 and settlement device 33) Fourth highest priority: Group D (full self-service operation of registered settlement device 31) Lowest priority: Group C (non-self-operated registered settlement device 30)

[0224] Group F (registered settlement devices 34) having multiple operating modes may have a priority set for each operating mode. For example, a registered settlement device 34 operating in the first operating mode (face-to-face semi-self-operation operating mode) may be assigned the third priority, on the same level as Group E. A registered settlement device 34 operating in the second operating mode (full-self-operation operating mode) may be assigned the fourth priority, on the same level as Group D. A registered settlement device 34 operating in the third or fourth operating mode (operation mode as a semi-self-operation settlement device using multiple devices) may be assigned the third priority, on the same level as Group E.

[0225] The above-mentioned priority will be explained using two specific examples. First, for example, if the merchandise sales data processing system 1 has three groups, group A, group B, and group C, the merchandise sales data processing system 1 does not provide any information to customers using group A, which has the highest priority, provides information about group A, which has the highest priority, to customers using group B, which has the second highest priority, and provides information about group A, which has the highest priority, to customers using group C, which has the lowest priority (information about group B may be provided instead of or in addition to information about group A). ​​Second, for example, if the merchandise sales data processing system 1 has two groups, group A and group F (face-to-face semi-self-service operation mode), the merchandise sales data processing system 1 does not provide any information to customers using group A, which has the highest priority, and provides information about group A, which has the highest priority, to customers using group F, which has the third highest priority (face-to-face semi-self-service operation mode).

[0226] (Provides information according to the type of Y group) The information about group Y provided to a customer using group X may be different depending on the type of group Y, or may be the same regardless of the type of group Y. For example, the information about group A provided to a customer using group C and the information about group B provided to a customer using group C may be different or the same.

[0227] An example will be described in which the information on group A provided to a customer using group C is the same as the information on group B provided to a customer using group C. (1) Both Group A and Group B register products in front of the product shelves using the camera on their terminals (mobile terminal 60, registration terminal 62). Therefore, if the information about Group A (information about the benefits of using Group A) provided to customers who use Group C is, for example, "You can register using the camera on your terminal in front of the product shelves, so you don't need to register at the time of checkout," and the information about Group B (information about the benefits of using Group B) provided to customers who use Group C is, for example, "You can register using the camera on your terminal in front of the product shelves, so you don't need to register at the time of checkout," then the two will be the same. (2) Settlement for both Group A and Group B is performed by the settlement device 40. Therefore, if the information about Group A (information about how to use Group A) provided to customers who use Group C is, for example, "method of settlement after product registration using mobile terminal 60," and the information about Group B (information about how to use Group B) provided to customers who use Group C is, for example, "method of settlement after product registration using registration terminal 62," then the two will be the same.

[0228] An example will be described in which information relating to group A provided to a customer using group C is different from information relating to group B provided to a customer using group C. (1) Group A uses its own mobile terminal 60 and therefore does not need to set up customer verification when visiting the store, while Group B uses the store's registered terminal 62 and therefore does not need its own mobile terminal. Therefore, if the information about Group A (information about the benefits of using Group A) provided to customers who use Group C is, for example, "You do not need to set up customer verification when visiting the store," and the information about Group B (information about the benefits of using Group B) provided to customers who use Group C is, for example, "You do not need to prepare your own mobile terminal," then the two will be different. (2) Group A requires the setting (downloading and installation) of a shopping application on the mobile terminal 60, while Group B requires the use of a registration terminal 62 provided by the store. Therefore, if the information about Group A (information about how to use Group A) provided to customers using Group C is, for example, a "two-dimensional code to access a screen related to downloading / installing the shopping application," and the information about Group B (information about how to use Group B) provided to customers using Group C is, for example, a "screen explaining how to use the registration terminal 62," then the two will be different.

[0229] (Provides information according to the type of X group) The information about group Y provided to a customer using group X may differ depending on the type of group X, or may be the same regardless of the type of group X. For example, the information about group A provided to a customer using group B and the information about group A provided to a customer using group C may be different or the same.

[0230] Here is an example where the information about group A provided to a customer who uses group B is the same as the information about group A provided to a customer who uses group C. For example, the information about the absolute merits of using group A (the merits of using group A regardless of the group B currently in use) provided to a customer who uses group B is the same as the information about the absolute merits of using group A (the merits of using group A regardless of the group C currently in use) provided to a customer who uses group C.

[0231] Here is an example in which the information about group A provided to customers who use group B is different from the information about group A provided to customers who use group C. For example, the information about the relative merits of using group A provided to customers who use group B (the merits of using group A compared to group B currently in use) will be different from the information about the relative merits of using group A provided to customers who use group C (the merits of using group A compared to group C currently in use).

[0232] (Providing information to store clerks) Although the product sales data processing system 1 has been explained as providing information about group Y to customers using group X, information about group Y may be provided to a store clerk (for example, a store clerk serving a customer using group X) instead of or in addition to the customer using group X. For example, if a customer uses group C (registered settlement device 30), information about group A may be provided to customers using group C, or information about group A may be provided to a store clerk serving a customer using group C, or information about group A may be provided to a customer using group C and the store clerk serving that customer.

[0233] (Providing information through displays) The merchandise sales data processing system 1 may provide information about group Y to a customer or the like (a customer or a salesperson serving the customer) who uses group X by displaying it. In other words, the merchandise sales data processing system 1 may display information about group Y to a customer or the like who uses group X. The following (1) to (5) are specific examples in which group Y is group A.

[0234] (1) Information regarding group A (mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40) is displayed (displayed on display unit 405 of settlement device 40) to customers using group B (registered terminal 62, settlement device 40). (2) Information about group A is displayed (displayed on the customer-side display unit 305 of the registered settlement device 30) to customers using group C (registered settlement device 30). Also, instead of or in addition to this, information about group A is displayed (displayed on the clerk-side display unit 310 of the registered settlement device 30) to store clerks serving customers using group C. (3) Information about group A is displayed (displayed on the display unit of registered settlement device 31) to customers using group D (registered settlement device 31). (4) Information about group A is displayed (displayed on the customer display unit 106 of the registration device 32, and on the display unit 206 of the payment device 33) to customers using group E (registration device 32, settlement device 33). Also, instead of or in addition to this, information about group A is displayed (displayed on the clerk display unit 105 of the registration device 32) to store clerks serving customers using group E. (5) Information regarding group A is displayed (displayed on the customer side display unit 505 of the registered settlement device 34) to customers using group F (registered settlement device 34; for example, registered settlement device 34 in the second operating mode (full self-operation operating mode)).

[0235] (Providing printed information) The product sales data processing system 1 may provide information about group Y to customers who use group X by printing. In other words, the product sales data processing system 1 may print information about group Y to customers who use group X. For example, information about group A (mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40) may be printed (printed on a receipt issued by the printing unit 413 of the settlement device 40, or printed on a medium separate from the receipt, etc.) to customers who use group B (registered terminal 62, settlement device 40). Printing on a medium separate from the receipt means issuing a medium on which information about group Y is printed to customers who use group X, separate from the receipt describing the transaction using group X.

[0236] Furthermore, information about group Y may be printed (printed on a special offer medium issued by the printing unit 413 of the settlement device 40, or printed on a medium separate from the special offer medium) together with special offer media useful to customers (coupons, discount coupons, point coupons, lottery tickets, etc.). Printing on a medium separate from the special offer medium means issuing a medium on which information about group Y is printed, separate from the special offer medium provided to customers who use group X in transactions using group X. Providing the information about group Y together with the special offer medium can increase the probability that it will be visible (and printing it on the special offer medium can further increase the probability by reducing the likelihood of it being discarded).

[0237] In the above, we have described printing information about group Y together with the originally provided bonus medium (that is, we have described printing information about group Y together with the bonus medium on the assumption that a bonus is granted for the transaction itself using group X, regardless of whether information about group Y is provided), but a bonus may also be granted for the provision of information about group Y itself. The bonus granted for the provision of information about group Y itself may be, for example, a discount or the like applied to a specific product, or a discount or the like applied to the entire transaction.

[0238] The method of providing a bonus when the information about group Y is provided can increase the probability of the information about group Y being viewed, similar to the method of printing the information about group Y together with the bonus media that is originally provided. The method of providing a bonus when the information about group Y is provided can also be used in cases where there is no bonus media that is originally provided. The bonus (cost for the store) for providing the information about group Y can also be managed separately (independently) from the bonus that is originally provided. On the other hand, the method of printing the information about group Y together with the bonus media that is originally provided can reduce costs (cost for the bonus that is provided separately) compared to the method of providing a bonus when the information about group Y is provided.

[0239] A reward may be granted not for the provision of information about group Y itself (at the time of provision), but for the customer's behavior (response). For example, a reward may be granted when a customer scans a two-dimensional code for downloading a shopping application that has been printed or issued as information about group Y (e.g., group A). ​​In other words, a reward may be granted for downloading (or installing) a shopping application. Furthermore, the granting of a reward for downloading (or installing) a shopping application is not limited to scanning a two-dimensional code on a medium. For example, a reward may be granted when a two-dimensional code on a screen (e.g., two-dimensional code 325 as shown in FIG. 21(B) described below) is read and the shopping application is downloaded (or installed). For promotional purposes, the reward granted for downloading (or installing) the shopping application may be presented to the customer before the customer actually downloads (or installs), such as by saying, "Scan the QR code (registered trademark) and download the app now to receive XX."

[0240] (Providing information by audio) The product sales data processing system 1 may provide information about group Y by voice to a customer, etc., who uses group X. In other words, the product sales data processing system 1 may output information about group Y by voice to a customer, etc., who uses group X. For example, information about group A (mobile terminal 60, payment settlement device 40) may be output by voice (such as by voice output unit 414 of payment settlement device 40) to a customer who uses group B (registration terminal 62, payment settlement device 40).

[0241] (Information provided on a conditional basis) The product sales data processing system 1 may provide information about group Y to a customer using group X, etc., in accordance with predetermined conditions. In other words, the product sales data processing system 1 may provide information if the conditions are met, and may not provide information if the conditions are not met. The following conditions 1 to 7 are specific examples of providing information about group A (mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40) to a customer using group C (registered settlement device 30).

[0242] (Condition 1) Provide information when a store clerk operates the system (provide information based on the store clerk's operation) For example, if a store clerk operates a predetermined key, etc. (a predetermined key located on the key operation unit 311 of the registered settlement device 30, or a predetermined button displayed on the store clerk side display unit 310) to a customer using group C, information regarding group A will be provided (displayed on the customer side display unit 305, etc.), but if the store clerk does not operate a predetermined key, etc., information regarding group A will not be provided.

[0243] For example, the store clerk may operate a predetermined key or the like when determining that the customer can use group A (purchase method using mobile terminal 60 and settlement device 40). Also, for example, the store clerk may operate a predetermined key or the like when requested by the customer.

[0244] When the store clerk operates a predetermined key, etc., instead of or in addition to providing the customer with information about group A, the store clerk may be provided with information about group A (such as by displaying it on the store clerk display unit 310). The same applies to the case where information is provided in response to a customer's operation (described later).

[0245] In addition, when there are multiple groups Y, information on the multiple types of groups Y may be provided based on the operation of a predetermined key or the like. For example, when the product sales data processing system 1 has groups A, B, and C, it may provide both information on group A and information on group B to a customer using group C based on the operation of a store clerk. Alternatively, when there are multiple groups Y, it may provide information on the group Y with the highest priority based on the operation of a predetermined key or the like. For example, when the product sales data processing system 1 has groups A, B, and C, it may provide information on group A to a customer using group C based on the operation of a store clerk. The same applies to the case where information is provided in response to a customer's operation (described below).

[0246] Furthermore, if there are multiple groups Y, respective keys or the like may be prepared, and the type of information for group Y may be provided according to the operated key (or button). For example, if the product sales data processing system 1 has groups A, B, and C, a key (or button) corresponding to group A and a key (or button) corresponding to group B may be prepared, and when a store clerk operates the key corresponding to group A, information about group A may be provided to a customer using group C, and when the store clerk operates the key corresponding to group B, information about group B may be provided to a customer using group C. In other words, a selection means (respective keys or the like) may be presented to the store clerk, and information may be provided according to the selection made by the store clerk using the selection means. The same applies to the case where information is provided according to a customer's operation (described later).

[0247] (Condition 2) Provide information in response to customer actions (provide information based on customer actions) For example, if a customer using Group C operates a specified button displayed on the customer side display unit 305 of the registered settlement device 30, information about Group A may be provided, but if the customer does not operate the specified button, information about Group A may not be provided.

[0248] (Condition 3) Providing information according to purchased items (Providing information based on purchased items) For example, if a customer using Group C purchases a specific product (such as a product that the customer does not want others, including store clerks, to know about), information about Group A may be provided, but if the customer does not purchase the specific product, information about Group A may not be provided. In other words, if the specific product is included in the products purchased by a customer using Group C, information about Group A may be provided, but if the specific product is not included, information about Group A may not be provided. Specific products include, for example, sanitary products, contraceptive products, products related to specific hobbies (such as magazines for young people), products needed due to health or physical conditions, etc., but may differ depending on their position among all the products handled by the store. Whether or not a product is a specific product may be stored, for example, in the product master.

[0249] (Condition 4) Provide information based on the customer's purchasing history (provide information based on the customer's purchasing history) For example, if a customer of Group C visits the store frequently (for example, if the average number of monthly visits over the past three months is equal to or greater than a threshold value), information about Group A may be provided, but if the customer does not visit the store frequently (for example, if the average number of monthly visits over the past three months is less than a threshold value), information about Group A may not be provided. The threshold value may be stored in the product sales data processing system 1 (e.g., in a location that can be referenced by a device that determines whether the threshold value is exceeded). While an example of providing information according to store visit frequency as a purchase history has been described, information may be provided according to one or more of the purchase amount, the previous (last) visit date, and the number of items purchased instead of or in addition to the store visit frequency. Each customer (customer purchase history) may be identifiable (recognizable), for example, by a membership card or the like.

[0250] (Condition 5) Providing information according to time of day, etc. (Providing information based on time of day, etc.) For example, when the current date and time is within a preset busy period (e.g., a busy day, a busy time period, etc.), information about Group A may be provided to a customer using Group C, but information about Group A may not be provided if the current date and time is not within the preset period. Note that Group A is effective when the store is crowded, so Group A, which is effective when the store is crowded, can be introduced at an appropriate timing (a timing that effectively appeals to customers). Conversely, when the current date and time is not within a preset busy period, information about Group A may be provided to a customer using Group C, but information about Group A may not be provided if the current date and time is within the preset period. In this case, Group A is introduced when there is ample time, which is effective in that, for example, it is more likely to elicit a response from customers who see the introduction of Group A, and the store clerk has time to provide additional information to the customer.

[0251] (Condition 6) Provide information based on the number of times it has been provided in the past (provide information based on the number of times it has been provided in the past) For example, if the number of times that information about group A has been provided to a customer using group C within a predetermined period of time (for example, within the past week, within the past five visits) is N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) or less, information about group A may be provided to that customer, but if the number of times is N or more, information about group A may not be provided to that customer. Note that each customer can be identified, for example, by a membership card, and the history of information provision may also be stored for each customer.

[0252] (Condition 7) Providing information depending on whether or not it is used (providing information based on usage status) If a customer who uses group C has no history of using group A, information about group A may be provided to the customer, but if the customer has a history of using group A, information about group A may not be provided to the customer. In other words, for a customer who has used group A in the past but is currently using group C (for example, a customer who will not use group A this time because the battery in their mobile terminal 60 is low), there is no need to provide information about group A, so information about group A may not be provided. Whether or not group A has been used may be determined, for example, by a membership card. Note that if the customer has a history of using group A but has used group A infrequently or has not used group A recently, information about group A may be provided.

[0253] The above conditions 1 to 7 may be combined as appropriate. For example, as a combination of conditions 1 and 4, if a customer using group C (registered settlement device 30) visits the store frequently, a predetermined button may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 310, and when the clerk operates the predetermined button, information regarding group A may be provided to the customer (for example, displayed on the customer-side display unit 305). As another example, as a combination of conditions 2 and 3, if a customer using group C (registered settlement device 30) purchases a specific product, a predetermined button may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 305, and when the customer operates the predetermined button, information regarding group A may be provided to the customer (for example, displayed on the customer-side display unit 305).

[0254] Figure 21 is an example of a display on the display unit of the registration and settlement device 30. Specifically, Figure 21(A) is an example of a subtotal screen on the clerk-side display unit 310 after a clerk operates the registration and settlement device 30, registers the items purchased by a certain customer K (canned beer, asparagus), and operates the subtotal button. Figure 21(B) is an example of a screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 305 when the subtotal screen shown in Figure 21(A) is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 310. Note that customer K is a customer using group C (registration and settlement device 30).

[0255] A message display button BT21 and a registration screen button BT26 are located at the bottom of the small screen in Figure 21 (A). The message display button BT21 is a button that indicates that a message is being displayed on the customer display unit 305. The registration and settlement device 30 displays this button (placed on the small screen) when a message is being displayed on the customer display unit 305, and does not display this button (placed on the small screen) when no message is being displayed on the customer display unit 305. The operation when the message display button BT21 is operated will be described later. The registration screen button BT26 is a button for returning the screen from the small screen to the registration screen. When the registration screen button BT26 is operated, the registration and settlement device 30 returns the screen from the small screen to the registration screen. The registration screen button BT26 is used, for example, when changing (adding, canceling) a purchased item.

[0256] The information provision area R01 on the screen of FIG. 21(B) is an area that displays various information. In the example shown in FIG. 21(B), information about Group A is displayed in the information provision area R01. Specifically, the information about Group A includes a message MS1, a message MS2, and a two-dimensional code 325. The message MS1 is an example of information about the benefits of using the mobile terminal 60 (Group A). ​​Specifically, the message MS1 indicates the time (xx minutes) required for registration at the registered settlement device 30 (Group C) and that the time (xx minutes) will be eliminated (eliminated) if registration is performed using the mobile terminal 60 (Group A). ​​The message MS2 and the two-dimensional code 325 are examples of information about how to use Group A. Specifically, the message MS2 is a message that explains the two-dimensional code 325. The two-dimensional code 325 is a two-dimensional code that, when read, starts the download / installation of a shopping application (or accesses a screen related to the download / installation of the shopping application). That is, when customer K reads the two-dimensional code 325 with his / her smartphone or the like, the download / installation of the shopping application begins on the smartphone (or the smartphone accesses a screen related to the download / installation of the shopping application). When the information providing area R01 is not displaying information related to group A, it may display, for example, advertising information about new products, services, etc.

[0257] When the message display button BT21 on the small print screen in FIG. 21(A) is operated, a message identical to or similar to the message displayed on the customer display unit 305 (for example, a summary of the same message) is displayed on the clerk display unit 310 (small print screen). In this example, a message identical to or similar to message MS1 displayed on the customer display unit 305 is displayed on the clerk display unit 310. Note that instead of or in addition to message MS1, a message identical to or similar to message MS2 or a two-dimensional code 325 (or a message indicating that two-dimensional code 325 is being displayed) may be displayed on the clerk display unit 310. Note that a message may be displayed directly on the small print screen (displayed around symbol a or symbol b. When displayed around symbol b, a summary may be displayed or scrolled, etc.), or a pop-up screen may be displayed on the small print screen and the message may be displayed on the pop-up screen.

[0258] The registration settlement device 30 may erase the message displayed on the store clerk display unit 310 based on a predetermined operation (for example, by operating the message display button BT21 again, or by operating the OK button or the like located on the pop-up screen if the message is displayed on the pop-up screen).

[0259] It has been explained that the registration and settlement device 30 displays the Message Displaying button BT21 (located on the small screen) when a message is displayed on the customer display unit 305, and does not display the Message Displaying button BT21 when no message is displayed on the customer display unit 305. However, the registration and settlement device 30 may display the Message Displaying button BT21 in an operable manner when a message is displayed on the customer display unit 305, and display the Message Displaying button BT21 in an inoperable manner when no message is displayed on the customer display unit 305. Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 30 may always display the Message Displaying button BT21 in an operable manner on the customer display unit 305, and may display an error or a message that no message is displayed on the customer display unit 305 if the Message Displaying button BT21 is operated when no message is displayed on the customer display unit 305.

[0260] Also, while it has been explained that registration and settlement device 30 displays message display button BT21 when a message is displayed on customer display unit 305, it may simply display on clerk display unit 310 a message that is the same as or similar to the message displayed on customer display unit 305. In other words, Figures 21(A) and (B) are examples in which a message that is the same as or similar to the message displayed on customer display unit 305 is displayed via message display button BT21 (based on operation of message display button BT21), but instead, a message that is the same as or similar to the message displayed on customer display unit 305 may simply be displayed on clerk display unit 310 without using (displaying) message display button BT21.

[0261] Also, the messages shown in Figures 21(A) and (B) as information about Group A are just examples. For example, different messages may be displayed as information about Group A depending on the situation. For example, although the messages are described as being displayed on a receipt, messages such as those shown in Figure 22(B) (MS5, MS6) may also be displayed.

[0262] 21(A) and 21(B) are examples when the subtotal screen is displayed (i.e., after the subtotal button is pressed), but the same applies to when the registration screen is displayed (i.e., before the subtotal button is pressed). In other words, instead of or in addition to after the subtotal key is pressed, the registration and settlement device 30 may display a message on the customer display unit 305 as information about Group A, and may also display the message display button BT21 on the clerk display unit 310 before the subtotal key is pressed.

[0263] FIG. 22 is an example of a receipt. Specifically, FIG. 22(A) is an example of a receipt printed and issued by the registered settlement device 30 when the scene in FIG. 21(A) (total amount 383 yen) is settled with a deposit (503 yen). At the bottom of the receipt shown in FIG. 22(A), message MS3, message MS4, and two-dimensional code 326 are displayed as information about group A. Message MS3 is the same as message MS1 described above. Message MS4 is the same as message MS2 described above. Two-dimensional code 326 is the same as two-dimensional code 325 described above. Note that in this example, the message printed on the receipt as message MS3 is the same as message MS1 displayed on the customer-side display unit 305, but a different message with the same meaning may also be used. The same applies to the message printed on the receipt as message MS4.

[0264] FIG. 22(B) is an example of a receipt printed and issued by the registration and settlement device 30 when a specific product (e.g., a denture cleanser, a product that you do not want others, including store clerks, to know about) is purchased. At the bottom of the receipt shown in FIG. 22(B), messages MS5, MS6, and a two-dimensional code 327 are displayed as information related to Group A. Message MS5 is an example of information related to the benefits of using the mobile terminal 60 (Group A). ​​Specifically, message MS5 indicates that if registration is made using the mobile terminal 60 (Group A), the specific product can be purchased alone (without being known to others). Message MS6 is the same as message MS2 (MS4) described above. Two-dimensional code 327 is the same as two-dimensional code 325 (326) described above. In this example, the message MS6 printed on the receipt is the same as message MS2 displayed on the customer-side display unit 305, but a different message with the same meaning may also be used.

[0265] 23 and 24 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the registration settlement device 30. Using Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, an example will be described in which the product sales data processing system 1 provides information about group Y to a customer using group X, where group X is group C (registered settlement device 30) and group Y is group A (mobile terminal 60, settlement device 40).

[0266] 23 are similar to steps S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, S37, and S38 in FIG. 14, and therefore will not be described in part or in whole.

[0267] Step S31A in Figure 23: The registration and settlement device 30 executes the information provision process (see Figure 24(A), which will be described later). Then, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0268] Step S31: The registration and settlement device 30 determines whether the barcode attached to the product has been scanned. If the barcode has been scanned (step S31 (YES)), the process proceeds to step S32. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S31 (NO)), the process returns to step S31A.

[0269] Step S32: The registration settlement device 30 registers the product. Then, the process proceeds to step S33A.

[0270] Step S33A: The registration and settlement device 30 executes the information provision process (see FIG. 24(A), which will be described later). Then, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0271] Step S33: The registration and settlement device 30 determines whether the barcode attached to the product has been scanned. If the barcode has been scanned (step S33 (YES)), the process returns to step S32. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S33 (NO)), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0272] Step S34: The registration and settlement device 30 determines whether the subtotal button (a button that completes product registration) has been operated. If the subtotal button has been operated (Step S34 (YES)), the process proceeds to Step S35A. If the subtotal button has not been operated (Step S34 (NO)), the process returns to Step S33A.

[0273] Step S35A: The registration and settlement device 30 executes the information provision process (see FIG. 24(A), which will be described later). Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0274] Step S35: The registration settlement device 30 accepts the insertion of coins. Then, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0275] Step S36: The registered settlement device 30 determines whether the amount deposited is equal to or greater than the total amount (total price of registered products). If the amount deposited is equal to or greater than the total amount (step S36 (YES)), proceed to step S37. If the amount deposited is not equal to or greater than the total amount (step S36 (NO)), return to step S35A.

[0276] Step S37: The registered settlement device 30 determines whether the checkout button has been pressed. If the checkout button has been pressed (step S37 (YES)), proceed to step S38A. If the checkout button has not been pressed (step S37 (NO)), return to step S35A.

[0277] Step S38A: The registration and settlement device 30 prints and issues a receipt (see FIG. 24(B), described later). Then, this flowchart ends.

[0278] FIG. 24(A) shows the information provision process (steps S31A, S33A, and S35A in FIG. 23).

[0279] Step S100 in Figure 24 (A): The registered settlement device 30 determines whether the value of the information provision flag is 1. The information provision flag is set (set to 1) when it is determined that information regarding group A will be provided. The value of the information provision flag is 0 at the start of each transaction. If the value of the information provision flag is 1 (step S100 (YES)), proceed to step S103. If the value of the information provision flag is not 1 (step S100 (NO)), proceed to step S101.

[0280] Step S101: The registration and settlement device 30 determines whether or not it is necessary to provide information about group A. For example, the registration and settlement device 30 determines whether or not it is necessary to provide information about group A based on a predetermined condition. Note that the predetermined condition may be, for example, one or more of the above-mentioned conditions 1 to 7. If it is necessary to provide information about group A (step S101 (YES)), proceed to step S102. If it is not necessary to provide information about group A (step S101 (NO)), this flowchart ends (return to Figure 23).

[0281] Step S102: The registration and settlement device 30 sets the value of the information provision flag to 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0282] Step S103: The registration and settlement device 30 displays information about group A. If information about group A is already being displayed, the information about group A continues to be displayed. Then, this flowchart ends (return to FIG. 23).

[0283] FIG. 24(B) shows the information provision process (step S38A in FIG. 23).

[0284] Step S110 in Figure 24 (B): The registration settlement device 30 determines whether the value of the information provision flag is 1. If the value of the information provision flag is 1 (step S110 (YES)), proceed to step S112. If the value of the information provision flag is not 1 (step S110 (NO)), proceed to step S111.

[0285] Step S111: The registration and settlement device 30 prints and issues a receipt, similar to step S38 in Figure 14. The registration and settlement device 30 also dispenses any change due. Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0286] Step S112: The registration and settlement device 30 prints and issues a receipt. Information about group A is printed on the receipt. The registration and settlement device 30 also dispenses change, if any. Next, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0287] Step S113: The registration and settlement device 30 sets the value of the information provision flag to 0. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0288] According to the flowcharts in Figures 23 and 24, for example, if the specified condition in step S101 is condition 1 (information about group A is provided when the store clerk operates a specified key, etc.), the fulfillment of condition 1 (operation of a specified key, etc. by the store clerk) is captured in the information provision process (steps S31A, S33A, S35A in Figure 23), and information about group A is displayed (step S103 in Figure 24(A)), and the information about group A is printed on the receipt (step S112 in Figure 24(B)).

[0289] (Example using video) The above describes the display, print, and audio modes of providing information about group Y to customers using group X. However, while related to the above display and audio modes, video may also be used. For example, a video (e.g., a video explaining how to use the new group Y, its benefits, and features) may be displayed on a customer screen (e.g., the customer display unit 305 of the registration and settlement device 30, the customer display unit 106 of the registration device 32, etc.). Alternatively, signage (electronic advertising device) may be installed in the row of each device (e.g., the registration and settlement device 30, the registration and settlement device 31, the registration device 32, the settlement device 33, etc.) and the video may be displayed on the signage. This allows information about group Y to be provided during waiting times. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, a video may be displayed on a screen primarily operated by customers (e.g., the screen of the registration and settlement device 31, the display unit 206 of the settlement device 33, etc.).

[0290] Furthermore, although the above description has been given of downloading / installing a shopping application by reading a two-dimensional code (printed on a medium or displayed on a screen), scanning a two-dimensional code (printed on a medium or displayed on a screen) may also access a video site and allow the user to view the video described above. Furthermore, the shopping application may also be downloaded while (or after) viewing a video. For example, the two-dimensional code may be constantly displayed as part of the video (or may be displayed after the video is played).

[0291] We have explained that two-dimensional codes (e.g., QR Codes (registered trademark)) for downloading shopping applications can be output as on-screen displays (including videos), printed on media, and audio. However, other possible output modes for two-dimensional codes include the following (including those already explained): (1) Printed on receipts and bonus media (or printed and issued separately) (2) Printed on flyers handed out by store staff at the store entrance (3) Printing on posters etc. posted inside the store (4) Display on the electronic advertising device (signage) in the store (5) Print on flyers distributed to households within the trade area (6) Display on the store's homepage Each of the two-dimensional codes (1) to (6) above may be coded information that can identify each of them (the distinction between (1) and (6)) in addition to information for downloading the shopping application (information such as the access destination). In other words, the shopping application can be downloaded by reading any of the two-dimensional codes (1) to (6), but the store (service provider) may be able to recognize (count, etc.) which of the two-dimensional codes (1) to (6) was read and the shopping application was downloaded.

[0292] By compiling the data as described above, the store can determine which methods are effective in encouraging customers to download shopping applications and optimize their solicitation methods, such as by shifting to methods determined to be more effective. The aggregated information may also be incorporated into the system to control the output of two-dimensional codes. For example, with regard to (1), if downloads via receipts are determined to be going well (e.g., if the number of downloads within a specified period exceeds the initially planned target number), control information may be sent to the settlement device 40 to increase the output frequency of the two-dimensional code according to (1). If downloads are determined to be poor (e.g., if the number of downloads falls below one-third of the target number), the store may determine that the two-dimensional code according to (1) is ineffective and reduce the output frequency (or increase the output frequency as a reinforcement). In this regard, to avoid excessive solicitation (advertising) that negatively impacts the recipient's impression, methods determined to be ineffective may be scaled back or discontinued.

[0293] When optimizing solicitation methods, it is preferable to consider the costs associated with each method. For example, in (1), if a medium with a printed 2D code is issued separately from the receipt, the paper for that medium, etc., is considered a cost. The same applies to electricity and lease fees. Furthermore, if a special benefit is offered as a solicitation (as in the above-mentioned "method of offering a special benefit for providing information about group Y"), the special benefit is considered a cost. These costs can also be incorporated into the system (set as a parameter to be referenced when assessing whether the system is performing well or poorly) to control the output of the 2D code.

[0294] (Common storage area for transaction information for each group) In product sales data processing system 1, transaction information processed by each group (groups A to F) may be stored in a common storage area. For example, transaction information (cart information) for group A is stored in transaction management device 20, but transaction information for groups other than group A may also be stored in transaction management device 20. Note that transaction information processed by each group (groups A to F) may be stored in the same file on the same device (e.g., transaction management device 20), or may be stored in different files on the same device.

[0295] Furthermore, regardless of whether the transaction information processed by each group (groups A to F) is stored in a common storage area or whether the transaction information processed by each group is stored in the same file when stored in a common storage area, information that can identify which group processed each piece of transaction information may be stored. Specifically, for example, each group may be assigned identifying information (e.g., G01 for group A, G02 for group B, G03 for group C, G04 for group D, G05 for group E, G06 for group F, etc.), and the identifying information corresponding to the group that processed each transaction may be stored within (or associated with) the transaction information. In addition, identification information that can identify the type of device, etc. is assigned (for example, DM01 for registered settlement device 30, DM02 for registered settlement device 31, DM03 for registered device 32, DM04 for settlement device 33, DM05 for registered settlement device, DM06 for settlement device 40, DM07 for mobile terminal 60, DM08 for registered terminal 62, etc.), and instead of or in addition to the identification information corresponding to the group that processed each transaction, identification information that identifies the type of device that performed the registration process and settlement process in each transaction is stored (for example, if the registration process and settlement process were performed by registered settlement device 30, DM01 and DM01 are stored, and if the registration process was performed by mobile terminal 60 and the settlement process was performed by settlement device 40, DM07 and DM06 are stored).

[0296] (Variation) In the above description, an example was described in which a customer using a certain group was provided with information about another group that the customer has not yet used (or another group that the customer has used infrequently, etc.). However, information about the group may also be provided to a customer using a certain group. That is, the product sales data processing system 1 may provide information about group Z (one of groups A to F) to a customer using group Z. For example, the product sales data processing system 1 may provide information about group A to a customer using group A. Note that the information about group Z provided in this case may be, for example, information that a customer will receive a benefit, such as points, if they introduce group Z to another customer (specifically, another customer who does not use group Z). Note that a medium on which a two-dimensional code (see FIG. 22) is printed may be issued separately from the receipt printed and issued to the customer, or in a manner that allows it to be easily separated, so that the customer can easily hand it to other customers (i.e., to prevent the customer from knowing the products they purchased).

[0297] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a settlement system. [Background technology] There are cases where multiple services related to the sale of goods coexist. For example, a system that provides multiple payment methods in a store is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-081072 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there may arise a problem that a service is not used as intended (for example, when a new service is introduced and multiple services, both old and new, exist, the newer service). The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and aims to promote the use of services.

[0298] [Means for solving the problem] (1) One aspect of this embodiment that solves the above-mentioned problems is a settlement system that includes a first settlement means that performs settlement processing based on registered product information, a second settlement means that is different from the first settlement means, and an output means that outputs information about the second settlement means when settlement is performed by the first settlement means. The first settlement means is, for example, a registered settlement device 30 in group C (settlement for non-self-operation), a settlement device 33 in group E (settlement for semi-self-operation), a registered settlement device 31 in group D (settlement for full-self-operation), or a settlement device 40 in group B (settlement for full-self-operation using a rented registered terminal 62). The second settlement means are, for example, settlement device 33 of group E (settlement for semi-self-operation), registered settlement device 31 of group D (settlement for full-self-operation), settlement device 40 of group B (settlement for full-self-operation using a rented registered terminal 62), and settlement device 40 of group A (settlement for full-self-operation using a personally owned mobile terminal 61). The second settlement means is different from the first settlement means. For example, if the first settlement means is group D, the second settlement means is group E, group B, or group A excluding group D. The information relating to the second settlement means is, for example, information relating to the efficiency of the second settlement means (information relating to the merits), information relating to how to use it, a two-dimensional code, and the like. According to the above configuration, it is possible to promote the use of the service (second settlement means). In recent years, for example, many supermarkets offer a variety of services (transaction methods and modes) for product registration and checkout. In addition to traditional services in which both product registration and checkout are performed by store clerks, multiple services are now available in the same store, including services in which only product registration is performed by store clerks and the customer performs checkout, and services in which both product registration and checkout are performed by the customer. Recently, product registration using dedicated mobile devices provided upon entering the store, shopping carts with registration functions, and product registration applications that can be installed on customers' mobile phones has become widespread, further increasing customers' options. In such circumstances, even when new services are introduced, customers may not be aware of their existence. Even if they are aware of the existence of a new service, they have limited means of learning about its features (especially its special features). In practice, these methods are limited to flyers and posters distributed in stores and verbal announcements by store clerks. Furthermore, many customers have a strong psychological resistance to new things, and these types of announcement methods make it difficult to attract customers' attention to a new service that has been introduced with great effort. Furthermore, when a new service is introduced, it is often given a distinctive name and advertised with that name prominently. For example, many companies are offering services that use two-dimensional codes, and they are all marketed with similar names. For this reason, when customers learn that a service uses two-dimensional codes, they often mistakenly assume that it is the same service as the many other services offered by various companies, even though it is actually a different service (for example, services like those in Group A above), and it is extremely difficult to attract further interest from such customers. Under such circumstances, the above configuration can effectively promote the use of the service (second settlement means).

[0299] (2) The payment system according to (1), wherein the first payment means performs payment processing by operation of a store clerk. Of the three groups, C (non-self-service operation), E (semi-self-service operation), D (full-self-service operation), and B (full-self-service operation), in group C, the settlement process is carried out by the store clerk (operation of the registered settlement device 30). According to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively promote the use of the service, that is, it is possible to recommend that customers who do not use self-service operations settle their bills using other operations.

[0300] (3) The payment system according to (1) or (2), wherein the first payment means performs payment processing according to an operation by a customer. Of Group C (non-self-operated), Group E (semi-self-operated), Group D (full-self-operated), and Group B (full-self-operated), in Groups E, D, and B, settlement processing is carried out by customer operation (operation of settlement device 33 in Group E, operation of registration terminal 62 in Group D, and operation of mobile terminal 60 in Group A). According to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively promote the use of the service, that is, it is possible to recommend to a customer who is currently paying their bill that they pay using another method.

[0301] (4) The payment system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the second payment means performs payment for product information registered on a portable device that can be registered at the sales floor. Of Group E (semi-self-operated), Group D (full-self-operated), Group B (full-self-operated), and Group A (full-self-operated), in Groups E and D, products are registered using stationary devices (registration device 32 for Group E, registration and settlement device 31 for Group D), while in Groups B and A, products are registered using portable devices that can be registered on the sales floor (registration terminal 62 for Group B, portable terminal 60 for Group A). According to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively promote the use of the service, that is, it is possible to recommend payment by registering a mobile device (a device other than a stationary device) that can be registered at the sales floor.

[0302] (5) A settlement system described in any of (1) to (4) is characterized in that it is equipped with a calculation means for calculating the time required to reach settlement by the first settlement means (such as waiting time at the register), and the output means outputs information regarding the time calculated by the calculation means. According to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively promote the use of the service, that is, it is possible to effectively promote the use of the service by using the time it takes to reach the settlement.

[0303] (6) A settlement system described in any of (1) to (5), characterized in that the output means outputs information for downloading an application necessary to use the second settlement means (see, for example, Figure 21(B), Figure 22(A)(B)). According to the above configuration, it is possible to preferably promote the use of the service. That is, the use of the service is promoted because a method of use is provided.

[0304] (7) A settlement system described in any of (1) to (6), characterized in that it is provided with a registration means for registering products, and the output means outputs information based on information about the registered products (for example, whether they are specific products or not). According to the above configuration, it is possible to promote the use of the service in an appropriate manner, that is, the use of the service is promoted because information is provided appropriately when needed.

[0305] (8) A settlement system described in any of (1) to (7), characterized in that it is provided with a selection means (e.g., a button corresponding to the week type of the second settlement means) for outputting information about the second settlement means, and the output means outputs information about the second settlement means selected by the selection means. According to the above configuration, it is possible to promote the use of services in an appropriate manner. That is, since appropriate selection is made and information is provided effectively in accordance with the selection, the use of services is promoted.

[0306] (9) The settlement system described in (1) is characterized by including a storage means for storing transaction information settled by the first settlement means and transaction information settled by the second settlement means. According to the above configuration, transaction information is shared, and cooperation between multiple services can be achieved.

[0307] In addition, a program for realizing one or more functions of each of the above-mentioned devices (management device 10, transaction management device 20, registration and settlement device 30, registration and settlement device 31, registration device 32, settlement device 33, registration and settlement device 34, settlement device 40, monitoring device 50, mobile terminal 60, and registration terminal 62) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing of each of the above-mentioned devices. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable by a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is not important as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by a terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on a terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be for implementing part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0308] 1. Product sales data processing system 10 Management device 20 Transaction management device 30 Registration and settlement device 31 Registration and settlement device 32 Registration device 33 Settlement device 34 Registration and settlement device 40 Payment device 50 Monitoring equipment 60 Mobile Devices 62 Registered terminal 70 Shopping Cart 72 Shopping Cart

Claims

1. a first settlement means for performing settlement processing based on the registered product information; A second settlement means different from the first settlement means; an output means for outputting information about the second settlement means when settlement is made by the first settlement means; Equipped with The second settlement means The payment process is carried out by the customer based on the product information registered by the customer's operation, The output means Outputting a message indicating that the time required to select the purchased items when using the second settlement means is shorter than the time required to select the purchased items when using the first settlement means. A settlement system characterized by:

2. The first settlement means 2. The payment system according to claim 1, wherein payment processing is performed by an operation of a store clerk.

3. A settlement device that performs settlement processing, a payment means for performing payment processing based on the registered product information; an output means for outputting, when the payment is made by the payment means, information about a payment device other than the payment device that performs payment processing by operation of the customer based on the product information registered by operation of the customer; Equipped with The output means Output is made to the effect that the time required, including the time required to select the purchased items, when using a different settlement device that performs settlement processing by customer operation based on product information registered by customer operation is shorter than the time required, including the time required to select the purchased items, when using the settlement device in question. A settlement device characterized by:

4. A program that causes a first computer to function as a first settlement device and a second computer to function as a second settlement device different from the first settlement device, The first computer First settlement means for performing settlement processing based on registered product information an output means for outputting information about the second settlement device when settlement is made by the first settlement means; It functions as The second computer A second settlement means for carrying out settlement processing by operation of the customer based on the product information registered by operation of the customer. It functions as The output means Outputting a message indicating that the time required to select the purchased items when using the second settlement means is shorter than the time required to select the purchased items when using the first settlement means. A program characterized by:

5. A program that causes a computer to function as a settlement device, The computer a payment means for performing payment processing based on the registered product information; an output means for outputting, when the payment is made by the payment means, information about a payment device other than the payment device that performs the payment process by the operation of the customer based on the product information registered by the operation of the customer; It functions as The output means Output is made to the effect that the time required, including the time required to select the purchased items, when using a different settlement device that performs settlement processing by customer operation based on product information registered by customer operation is shorter than the time required, including the time required to select the purchased items, when using the settlement device in question. A program characterized by:

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