Gate device

Abstract

To enable easy monitoring of whether customers leaving a store have completed payment.SOLUTION: A checkout system according to an embodiment includes settlement means, operation means and first control means. The settlement means settles payment for transactions at a store. The operation means is provided facing a checkout lane of the store and performs a notification operation to make surrounding persons aware that a customer is allowed to leave the store through the checkout lane. The first control means controls the operation means to perform the notification operation during a predetermined first allowable period after the completion of the payment by the settlement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention comprises: Gate device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In a store that allows customers to leave after completing payment for transactions such as merchandise purchases, it is desirable to be able to easily monitor whether customers who are leaving the store have completed payment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-49680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by this invention is to make it possible to easily monitor whether customers who are leaving a store have completed their payment. Gate device The purpose is to provide [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In an embodiment Gate device The system includes a payment means, an operation means, and a first control means. The payment means settles the price for a transaction at the store. The operation means is provided facing a checkout lane in the store and performs a notification operation to let people around the store know that the customer is permitted to exit the store via the checkout lane. The first control means performs a notification operation after the payment is completed by the payment means. It begins when the process for issuing a receipt is completed. The operation means is controlled to perform a notification operation during a predetermined first permissible period. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a product sales system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example layout of a cashier's counter in a store that has introduced a product sales system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the transaction processing device in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an accounting gate. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the checkout gate in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the information processing terminal in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the monitoring terminal in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS server in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] A sequence diagram showing the general procedure from registering transaction details using an information processing terminal to transferring the accounting for the registered transaction to the accounting gate. [Figure 11] Flowchart of accounting process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first guide screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second guidance screen. [Figure 14] This is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the accounting gate and the POS server regarding invalidation of the payment completion code. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the accounting gate and the POS server to check whether the payment completion code is invalid. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of the incorrect passage process by the processor of the accounting gate and the warning process by the processor of the monitoring terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first warning screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second warning screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Below, a product sales system that processes product sales to customers in a store will be described with reference to the drawings. This product sales system is also an example of a transaction processing system that processes product sales as the target transaction. The transaction to be processed may be a type of transaction other than product sales, such as the provision of an optional service in the store. However, it is assumed that the customer is allowed to leave the store after completing the payment for the transaction to be processed.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sales system 1 according to this embodiment. Merchandise sales system 1 includes transaction processing device 100, POS (point-of-sale) terminal 200, checkout gate 300, information processing terminal 400, monitoring terminal 500, and POS server 600. Merchandise sales system 1 is configured so that transaction processing device 100, POS terminal 200, checkout gate 300, information processing terminal 400, monitoring terminal 500, and POS server 600 can communicate with each other via communication network 2. POS terminal 200 and checkout gate 300 can also communicate with electronic receipt server 3 via communication network 2. Electronic receipt server 3 provides an electronic receipt service that enables an electronic receipt screen showing the details of a transaction processed in product sales system 1 to be viewed on any information terminal.

[0009] 1 shows one each of the POS terminal 200, checkout gate 300, monitoring terminal 500, and POS server 600, and two each of the information processing terminals 400, but the number of each of these is arbitrary. In many cases, multiple POS terminals 200 and checkout gates 300 are included in the product sales system 1. It is not essential to have the POS terminal 200 and monitoring terminal 500. In many cases, multiple information processing terminals 400 are included in the product sales system 1.

[0010] Communication network 2 may be the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination. As communication network 2, for example, a combination of a LAN, the Internet, and a mobile communication network is used. A LAN, for example, is used for communication between transaction processing device 100, POS terminal 200, accounting gate 300, information processing terminal 400, monitoring terminal 500, and POS server 600. A LAN, for example, is used for communication between transaction processing device 100 and information processing terminal 400. However, information processing terminal 400 is connected to communication network 2 by wireless access via access point 21 included in communication network 2. A LAN and the Internet, for example, are used for communication between POS terminal 200 or accounting gate 300 and electronic receipt server 3.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a checkout counter in a store that has introduced the product sales system 1. A customer CU shopping in a store temporarily operates the information processing terminal 400. The information processing terminal 400 is attached to, for example, a shopping cart (hereinafter simply referred to as a cart) CA. The information processing terminal 400 may be carried by the customer CU. The information processing terminal 400 may be, for example, an existing portable information processing device such as a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a smartwatch. The information processing terminal 400 may be a store-installed terminal temporarily used by the customer CU, or it may be owned by the customer CU. The customer CU pushes the cart CA around the sales floor and places the items they wish to purchase directly on the cart CA or in a basket placed on the cart CA. At this time, the customer CU operates the information processing terminal 400 to register the items placed on the cart CA as items for sale. Transaction processing device 100 registers the items for sale in accordance with the operation on the information processing terminal 400. After the customer CU has selected all the items for sale, they proceed to the checkout counter and use checkout gate 300 to complete the checkout. The customer CU then passes through the checkout lane LA that faces the checkout gate 300 used for the transaction, and then exits the store. Note that when multiple checkout gates 300 are installed as shown in FIG. 2, these multiple checkout gates 300 are installed facing each of the multiple checkout lanes LA. The checkout gate 300 also has an exit gate function to control the passage of customer CUs through the checkout lane LA that it faces. This exit gate function will be described later. After passing through the checkout lane LA, the customer CU bags the products using a bagger SU as needed.

[0012] Alternatively, the customer CU can bring the merchandise they wish to purchase to a manned lane without using the information processing terminal 400 and have the store clerk CL register it as a transaction item. The store clerk CL operates the POS terminal 200 to register the merchandise brought in by the customer CU as a transaction item and process the payment. The operation of the POS terminal 200 in this case may be similar to that of existing POS terminals of the same type. Note that in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 200 is an example of a separate type separated into a main unit 298 and a scanner unit 299. The POS terminal 200 may also have a different configuration, such as an integrated type. The POS terminal 200 may also be a semi-self-service type consisting of a registration terminal operated by the store clerk CL and a payment terminal operated by the customer CU. After completing payment at the POS terminal 200, the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA and exits the store. Thus, the checkout gate 300 processes the customer CU's checkout from the store and is an example of a checkout system. The monitoring terminal 500 assists the store clerk CL in monitoring unauthorized passage through the checkout lane LA. The POS server 600 manages transactions processed in the product sales system 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of transaction processing device 100. As shown in FIG. Transaction processing device 100 includes processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 104, and transmission path 105. Processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, and communication unit 104 are capable of communicating with each other via transmission path 105.

[0014] Processor 101, main memory unit 102, and auxiliary memory unit 103 are connected via transmission line 105 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling transaction equipment 100. Processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. Processor 101 executes information processing for controlling each unit to realize various functions of transaction equipment 100 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0015] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 102 may also store data required for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each component in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0016] The auxiliary memory unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary memory unit 103 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary memory unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary memory unit 103 stores a transaction processing program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the procedures for transaction processing, which will be described later. A portion of the memory area of ​​the auxiliary memory unit 103 is used as an area for storing transaction data DAA. The transaction data DAA is data representing the contents of one transaction.

[0017] The communication unit 104 executes communication processing for performing data communication via the communication network 2. For example, an existing wired communication device for the Internet can be used as the communication unit 104. Note that, instead of or in addition to the wired communication device, a wireless communication device connected to the communication network 2 via wireless communication may be used as the communication unit 104. The transmission path 105 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0018] The basic hardware of transaction equipment 100 may be, for example, a general-purpose server device. Transaction equipment 100 is generally transferred with transaction processing program PRA stored in auxiliary storage unit 103. However, transaction processing equipment 100 may be transferred separately from hardware without transaction processing program PRA stored in auxiliary storage unit 103, or with a different version of the same application program stored in auxiliary storage unit 103. Transaction equipment 100 may be configured by writing transaction processing program PRA to auxiliary storage unit 103 in response to an operator's operation. Transaction processing program PRA may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. Transaction processing program PRA may be stored in main storage unit 102.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 200. The POS terminal 200 includes a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a store clerk-side touch panel 204, a keyboard 205, a fixed scanner 206, a handheld scanner 207, a payment terminal 208, a change unit 209, a receipt printer 210, a customer-side touch panel 211, a customer-side display 212, a sound unit 213, a communication unit 214, and a transmission path 215. The processor 201, the main memory unit 202, the auxiliary memory unit 203, the store clerk-side touch panel 204, the keyboard 205, the fixed scanner 206, the handheld scanner 207, the payment terminal 208, the change unit 209, the receipt printer 210, the customer-side touch panel 211, the customer-side display 212, the sound unit 213, and the communication unit 214 are connected to the transmission path 215. As an example, the processor 201, main memory unit 202, auxiliary memory unit 203, clerk-side touch panel 204, keyboard 205, change unit 209, receipt printer 210, and communication unit 214 are provided in the main unit 298. As another example, the fixed scanner 206, handheld scanner 207, payment terminal 208, customer-side touch panel 211, customer-side display 212, and sound unit 213 are provided in the scanner unit 299. However, some elements may be provided in the opposite units to those described above. Also, some elements such as the clerk touch panel and keyboard may be provided in both the main unit 298 and the scanner unit 299.

[0020] The functions of the processor 201, main memory unit 202, auxiliary memory unit 203, communication unit 214 and transmission path 215 are roughly equivalent to those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 104 and transmission path 105. However, auxiliary storage unit 203 stores transaction processing program PRB instead of transaction processing program PRA. Transaction processing program PRB is an application program that describes the information processing procedures of processor 201 for transaction processing in response to operations by a store clerk on a device provided in POS terminal 200.

[0021] The clerk-side touch panel 204 is provided facing the side where the clerk CL who operates the POS terminal 200 is standing (hereinafter referred to as the clerk side). The clerk-side touch panel 204 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk CL. The clerk-side touch panel 204 also inputs instructions by the clerk CL touching the screen. The keyboard 205 is provided with a number of hard keys to allow the store clerk CL to easily operate the keyboard 205. The keyboard 205 allows the store clerk CL to input instructions by pressing these hard keys.

[0022] Fixed scanner 206 has a reading window facing the store clerk. Fixed scanner 206 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window and recognizes barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. Fixed scanner 206 then outputs the barcode information to processor 201. Note that fixed scanner 206 may also use other types of well-known devices that optically read barcodes using reflected laser light. Fixed scanner 206 may also use other types of well-known devices that have the function of identifying products using object recognition technology from images of the products themselves obtained by capturing images of the products. The handy scanner 207 is held by the store clerk CL and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading port. The handy scanner 207 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 201.

[0023] The payment terminal 208 reads data recorded on payment cards such as credit cards, prepaid cards, and electronic money cards. The payment terminal 208 also writes data to payment cards. The payment terminal 208 is equipped with reading devices capable of IC reading, magnetic reading, and near-field communication reading of credit cards. The IC reading device reads data stored in an integrated circuit (IC) provided on a credit card through communication via electrical contacts. The magnetic reading device uses a magnetic head to read data magnetically recorded on a magnetic stripe formed on the surface of a credit card. Thus, both IC reading and magnetic reading require contact between the payment terminal 208 and the credit card, and are examples of contact reading. The IC reading and magnetic reading reading devices are both examples of contact reading devices. The near-field communication reading reading device reads data stored in an integrated circuit (IC) provided on a credit card through wireless communication such as NFC (near field communication). Thus, near-field communication reading is an example of contactless reading. A reading device for reading proximity communication is an example of a contactless reading device.

[0024] The change unit 209 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change unit 209 discharges coins stored in the storage slot to a coin tray through the coin ejection slot. The change unit 209 counts the value of banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change unit 209 discharges banknotes stored in the storage slot from the banknote ejection slot. The banknote ejection slot holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside.

[0025] The receipt printer 210 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, sales slip, or other voucher onto receipt paper. The receipt printer 210 then ejects the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt ejection port. Note that, hereafter, receipt paper with a printed receipt image will be referred to as a paper receipt.

[0026] The customer-side touch panel 211 is provided facing the side where the customer CU stands when the transaction product is registered by the store clerk CL (hereinafter referred to as the customer side). The customer-side touch panel 211 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-side touch panel 211 also inputs instructions by the customer CU touching the screen.

[0027] The customer-side display 212 is provided facing the customer side. The customer-side display 212 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer CU. The customer-side display 212 is mainly adapted to display character strings, and displays a simpler screen than the customer-side touch panel 211. The sound unit 213 outputs sounds and voices for various guidance and warnings. As the sound unit, various well-known sound devices such as a voice synthesis device and a buzzer can be used alone or in combination.

[0028] The basic hardware of POS terminal 200 may be, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal. In this case, POS terminal 200 is generally transferred with transaction processing program PRB stored in auxiliary storage unit 203. However, the hardware of POS terminal 200 and transaction processing program PRB may be transferred separately without transaction processing program PRB stored in auxiliary storage unit 203. Transaction processing program PRB may be written into auxiliary storage unit 203 in response to an operator's operation. Alternatively, the hardware of POS terminal 200 and transaction processing program PRB may be transferred separately with a different version of an information processing program of the same type as transaction processing program PRB stored in auxiliary storage unit 203. Transaction processing program PRB may be written to auxiliary storage unit 203, replacing the information processing program already stored therein. Transaction processing program PRB may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The transaction processing program PRB may be stored in the main storage unit 202 .

[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting gate 300. The accounting gate 300 includes a processor 301, a main memory unit 302, an auxiliary memory unit 303, a touch panel 304, a display unit 305, a barcode scanner 306, a receipt printer 307, a human presence sensor 308, a lamp unit 309, a sound unit 310, a communication unit 311, and a transmission path 312. The processor 301, the main memory unit 302, the auxiliary memory unit 303, the touch panel 304, the display unit 305, the barcode scanner 306, the receipt printer 307, the human presence sensor 308, the lamp unit 309, the sound unit 310, and the communication unit 311 are connected to the transmission path 312.

[0030] The processor 301, main memory unit 302, auxiliary memory unit 303, communication unit 311 and transmission path 312 have roughly the same functions as the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 104 and transmission path 105. However, auxiliary storage unit 303 stores accounting processing program PRC instead of transaction processing program PRA. Accounting processing program PRC is an application program that describes the information processing procedures of processor 301 for accounting processing related to the price of the transaction product registered in transaction processing device 100. Incidentally, accounting processing program PRC may also be stored in main storage unit 302.

[0031] The touch panel 304 displays a screen for presenting information to the operator who performs the transaction. The operator also inputs instructions by touching the screen on the touch panel 304. The operator of the transaction gate 300 is usually a customer CU. However, there are also cases where the store clerk CL operates the transaction gate 300.

[0032] The display unit 305 displays a screen for presenting information to a customer CU who is about to pass through the checkout lane LA facing the checkout gate 300 where the display unit 305 is installed. Note that hereinafter, when the term "checkout lane LA" is used in the description of the checkout gate 300, it refers to the checkout lane LA facing the checkout gate 300 in question.

[0033] Barcode scanner 306 has a reading window. Barcode scanner 306 recognizes barcode information represented by a barcode held in front of the reading window through image processing. Barcode scanner 306 then outputs the barcode information to processor 301. Note that barcode scanner 306 may be any other type of well-known device that optically reads barcodes using the reflection of laser light. Barcode scanner 306 may also be any well-known device that has a function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing an image of the product.

[0034] The receipt printer 307 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, sales slip, or other voucher onto receipt paper. The receipt printer 307 then ejects the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt ejection port. In other words, the receipt printer 307 is used to issue paper receipts.

[0035] The human presence sensor 308 detects customers CU passing through the checkout lane LA. Any known detection device such as an optical sensor or an infrared sensor can be used as the human presence sensor 308. In other words, the human presence sensor 308 is an example of a first detection means. The lamp unit 309 indicates whether the customer CU is permitted to pass through the checkout lane LA.

[0036] The sound unit 310 outputs sounds and voices for various guidance and warnings regarding the customer CU passing through the checkout lane LA. As the sound unit, various well-known sound devices such as a voice synthesis device and a buzzer can be used alone or in combination.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting gate 300. In Fig. 6, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following description of Fig. 6, the left and right sides of Fig. 6 will be referred to as the front and rear, respectively.

[0038] The checkout gate 300 is installed facing the checkout lane LA formed on the near side in FIG. Accounting gate 300 includes a front housing 351, a rear housing 352, an upper housing 353, a base 354, and a support 355, in addition to the electrical devices shown in FIG.

[0039] The front housing 351 is shaped like a vertically long box. The front housing 351 holds the touch panel 304, barcode scanner 306, and receipt printer 307 in an exposed state as shown in the figure. In other words, the front housing 351 holds the touch panel 304 at a height that allows easy operation by an operator, with the touch surface facing forward. The front housing 351 holds the barcode scanner 306 with the reading window facing forward. The front housing 351 holds the receipt printer 307 with the receipt outlet facing forward.

[0040] The rear housing 352 has a vertically long box shape. The rear housing 352 holds the human sensor 308 and the lamp 3091 in an exposed state as shown in the figure. That is, the rear housing 352 holds the human sensor 308 in a state where it can detect a person passing through the checkout lane LA. The rear housing 352 holds the lamp 3091 in a state where it can be seen by a customer CU who is passing through the checkout lane LA and a store clerk CL who is around the checkout gate 300. The lamp 3091 is included in the lamp unit 309. The lamp 3091 can be lit in a predetermined state indicating that passage through the checkout lane LA is permitted. The lamp 3091 is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) lamp that can be lit in blue. In this embodiment, the lamp 3091 can also be lit in red. The lamp 3091 may be lit in another color, for example.

[0041] The upper housing 353 has a horizontally long box shape. The upper housing 353 is attached to the front housing 351 and the rear housing 352, spanning the upper end of the front housing 351 and the upper end of the rear housing 352. The upper housing 353 holds the display unit 305 and the lamp 3092 in an exposed state as shown in the figure. That is, the upper housing 353 holds the display unit 305 on its top surface with its display surface facing forward. The upper housing 353 holds the lamp 3092 in a state where it is visible to a customer CU who is passing through the checkout lane LA and a store clerk CL who is around the checkout gate 300. The lamp 3092 is included in the lamp unit 309. The lamp 3092 can be lit in a predetermined state to indicate that passage through the checkout lane LA is permitted. The lamp 3092 is, for example, an LED lamp that can light up in blue. In this embodiment, the lamp 3092 can also be illuminated in red, but the lamp 3092 may also be illuminated in other colors, for example.

[0042] The base 354 has a shape of a long, thin plate and is placed on the floor of a store. The base 354 has a front housing 351 and a support 355 attached to the front housing 351 and a support 355 attached to the front housing 351 and the support 355 near both ends in the longitudinal direction. The support pillar 355 is cylindrical, and the rear housing 352 is attached to the upper side. In addition, the processor 301, main memory unit 302, auxiliary memory unit 303, sound unit 310 and communication unit 311 in Figure 1 are appropriately stored inside any of the front housing 351, rear housing 352, upper housing 353, base 354 and support 355.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of information processing terminal 400. As shown in FIG. The information processing terminal 400 includes a processor 401, a main memory unit 402, an auxiliary memory unit 403, a touch panel 404, a sound unit 405, an interface unit 406, a wireless communication unit 407, and a transmission path 408. The processor 401, the main memory unit 402, the auxiliary memory unit 403, the touch panel 404, the sound unit 405, the interface unit 406, and the wireless communication unit 407 are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 408.

[0044] The processor 401 , main memory unit 402 , auxiliary memory unit 403 and transmission path 408 have roughly the same functions as the processor 101 , main memory unit 102 , auxiliary memory unit 103 , communication unit 104 and transmission path 105 . However, auxiliary storage unit 403 stores terminal program PRD instead of transaction processing program PRA. Terminal program PRD is an application program that describes the information processing procedures of processor 401 for causing information processing terminal 400 to function as a user interface for registering transaction commodities in transaction processing device 100.

[0045] The touch panel 404 displays a screen for presenting information to the operator. The touch panel 404 also allows the operator to input instructions by touching the screen. The operator of the information processing terminal 400 is usually a customer CU. However, the operator of the information processing terminal 400 may also be a store clerk CL. The sound unit 405 outputs sounds and voices for various guidance and warnings. As the sound unit, various well-known sound devices such as a voice synthesis device and a buzzer can be used alone or in combination.

[0046] An external device such as a barcode scanner 499 is connected to the interface unit 406. The interface unit 406 acts as an interface for exchanging data with the connected external device. An existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used as the interface unit 406. The barcode scanner 499 is attached to the cart CA and has a reading window. The barcode scanner 499 recognizes barcode information represented by a barcode held in front of the reading window through image processing. The barcode scanner 499 then outputs the barcode information. Note that the barcode scanner 499 can also be any other type of well-known device that optically reads barcodes using the reflection of laser light. The barcode scanner 499 can also be any well-known device that has the function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing the product. Instead of or in addition to the barcode scanner 499, a camera provided in the information processing terminal 400 can be used to read the barcode.

[0047] The wireless communication unit 407 executes communication processing for wirelessly performing data communication via the communication network 2. For example, an existing wireless communication device for a wireless LAN can be used as the wireless communication unit 407. Note that instead of or in addition to the wireless communication unit 407, a communication unit that is wired connected to the communication network 2 may be used.

[0048] The basic hardware of the information processing terminal 400 is assumed to be, for example, the hardware of a tablet-type information processing device. The information processing terminal 400 is generally transferred with the terminal program PRD stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403. However, the hardware may be transferred separately from the terminal program PRD without the terminal program PRD stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403, or with a different version of the same application program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403. The information processing terminal 400 may be configured by writing the terminal program PRD to the auxiliary storage unit 403 in response to an operator's operation. The terminal program PRD may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The terminal program PRD may be stored in the main storage unit 402.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of monitoring terminal 500. As shown in FIG. The monitoring terminal 500 includes a processor 501, a main memory unit 502, an auxiliary memory unit 503, a clerk-side touch panel 504, a keyboard 505, a fixed scanner 506, a handheld scanner 507, a payment terminal 508, a change unit 509, a receipt printer 510, a customer-side touch panel 511, a customer-side display 512, a sound unit 513, a communication unit 514, and a transmission path 515.

[0050] The functions of processor 501, main memory unit 502, auxiliary memory unit 503, sound unit 513, communication unit 514, and transmission path 515 are generally equivalent to those of processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 104, and transmission path 105. In addition, the functions of clerk-side touch panel 504, keyboard 505, fixed scanner 506, handheld scanner 507, payment terminal 508, change unit 509, receipt printer 510, customer-side touch panel 511, customer-side display 512, and sound unit 513 are equivalent to those of clerk-side touch panel 204, keyboard 205, fixed scanner 206, handheld scanner 207, payment terminal 208, change unit 209, receipt printer 210, customer-side touch panel 211, customer-side display 212, and sound unit 213. In other words, monitoring terminal 500 has the same hardware configuration as POS terminal 200.

[0051] However, auxiliary storage unit 503 stores a monitoring program PRE in addition to transaction processing program PRB. Monitoring program PRE is an application program that describes information processing procedures to assist store clerk CL in monitoring fraudulent passage through checkout lane LA. As a result, monitoring terminal 500 is a device that adds a monitoring support function to POS terminal 200. However, monitoring terminal 500 can also be configured without a transaction processing function. In this case, various types of general-purpose computers, such as desktop, notebook, or tablet types, can be used as the basic hardware of monitoring terminal 500.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS server 600. The POS server 600 includes a processor 601 , a main memory unit 602 , an auxiliary memory unit 603 , a communication unit 604 , and a transmission path 605 . The functions of the processor 601, main memory unit 602, auxiliary memory unit 603, communication unit 604 and transmission path 605 are roughly equivalent to those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 104 and transmission path 105.

[0053] However, the auxiliary storage unit 603 stores a transaction management program PRF instead of the transaction processing program PRA. The transaction management program PRF is an application program that describes the information processing procedures to be performed by the processor 601 for managing transactions processed by the product sales system 1. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 603 is also used to store exit management data DAB. The exit management data DAB will be described later.

[0054] Next, the operation of the product sales system 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. For example, in the following explanation, in order to clearly explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, explanation of some of the processes will be omitted. For example, if some kind of error occurs, processing may be performed to deal with the error, but a description of such processing will be omitted.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the general procedure from registering transaction details using information processing terminal 400 to transferring the transaction related to the registered transaction to accounting gate 300. In transaction processing apparatus 100 and information processing terminal 400, processor 101 and processor 401 cooperate to perform registration processing as ACT101 and user interface processing as ACT401. As a result, processor 101 uses information processing terminal 400 as a user interface terminal and receives instructions from a customer CU, registers the products that the customer CU wishes to purchase as transaction products, and generates transaction data DAA representing a list of transaction products. Note that the details of the registration processing and user interface processing may be similar to, for example, processing that is already performed to provide an existing cart POS service.

[0056] When the customer CU performs a predetermined operation on the information processing terminal 400 to specify the start of a transaction, the processor 401 in the information processing terminal 400 proceeds to ACT402. In ACT 402, processor 401 notifies transaction equipment 100 that the start of transaction has been designated.

[0057] When processor 101 in transaction equipment 100 is notified of the transaction start designation, the process proceeds to ACT102. As ACT102, the processor 101 instructs the information processing terminal 400 to display a takeover screen.

[0058] When the processor 401 of the information processing terminal 400 is instructed to display the takeover screen, the process proceeds to ACT403. As ACT403, processor 401 displays a handover screen on touch panel 404. The handover screen is a screen for handing over the function as a user interface terminal related to the transaction being processed from information processing terminal 400 to accounting gate 300. The handover screen includes, for example, a two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as a handover code) representing handover data for accounting gate 300 to request accounting data based on transaction data DAA from transaction processing device 100. If a plurality of accounting gates 300 are installed, the customer CU arbitrarily selects an accounting gate 300 that is in a standby state from among them, and holds the handover code included in the handover screen over the barcode scanner 306 provided in that accounting gate 300.

[0059] On the other hand, when the processor 301 in the accounting gate 300 is in an operating state that allows use by the customer CU, it executes information processing (hereinafter referred to as accounting processing) in accordance with the accounting processing program PRC. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the accounting process.

[0060] In ACT 301, the processor 301 checks whether the two-dimensional code has been scanned. If the processor 301 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 302. In ACT302, the processor 301 checks whether or not a person has passed through the checkout lane LA. If the processor 301 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT301.

[0061] Thus, the processor 301 waits for the scanning of a two-dimensional code or the passage of a person in ACT 301 and ACT 302. If the processor 301 confirms that any two-dimensional code has been read by the barcode scanner 306, it determines YES in ACT 301 and proceeds to ACT 303.

[0062] In ACT 303, the processor 301 checks whether the two-dimensional code read by the barcode scanner 306 is a transfer code. If the transfer code held up as described above is read by the barcode scanner 306, the processor 301 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 304.

[0063] In ACT 304, processor 301 acquires the accounting data based on the handover data represented by the handover code read by barcode scanner 306. That is, processor 301 requests transaction data from transaction equipment 100 based on the handover data, as shown in FIG.

[0064] When accounting data is requested from accounting gate 300, processor 101 in transaction processing device 100 proceeds to ACT103. In ACT103, the processor 101 sends predetermined accounting data for accounting and settlement according to the transaction content represented by the transaction data DAA to the requesting accounting gate 300. Then, in ACT304, the processor 301 at the accounting gate 300 captures the accounting data sent in this manner and received by the communication unit 311.

[0065] Once the processor 301 has acquired the accounting data in this manner, it proceeds to ACT 305 in FIG. As ACT 305, processor 301 performs accounting processing based on the acquired accounting data. That is, processor 301 performs accounting processing to determine the payment amount for the transaction based on the acquired accounting data. This accounting processing may be similar to the processing performed by existing semi-self-service POS system accounting machines. Processor 301 then performs payment processing to settle the payment amount determined as described above. For example, the payment processing is assumed to be performed using electronic money provided by the store operator. In this case, a customer CU identifier is acquired when the information processing terminal 400 is first used, and payment is made using the electronic money balance associated with this identifier. However, various payment methods, such as credit card payment, code payment, prepaid payment, point payment, gift certificate payment, or cash payment, may be used for payment at checkout gate 300 as appropriate. Furthermore, electronic money payment provided by a payment service provider other than the store operator may be used for payment at checkout gate 300. Thus, processor 301 executes information processing based on accounting processing program PRC, and the computer having processor 301 as its central part functions as a settlement means. Note that accounting processing may be performed by another device, such as transaction processing device 100 or POS server 600.

[0066] In ACT 306, the processor 301 confirms whether an electronic receipt should be applied. If the identifier of the customer CU has been acquired as described above, the processor 301 confirms whether a setting to apply an electronic receipt has been made in advance for the customer CU identified by this identifier. The processor 301 may have the customer CU specify whether or not to apply an electronic receipt, and may confirm whether or not to apply an electronic receipt in accordance with that specification. If the processor 301 cannot confirm that an electronic receipt should be applied, it determines "NO" and proceeds to ACT 307. The processor 301 may also make the determination in ACT 307 in accordance with the customer CU's specification of whether or not to apply an electronic receipt.

[0067] As ACT 307, processor 301 issues a paper receipt showing the transaction details, transaction results, etc., and a payment completion code. That is, processor 301 generates a receipt image showing the transaction details, transaction results, etc., and a payment completion code, and causes receipt printer 307 to print the receipt image. The receipt printer 307 then prints the receipt image on receipt paper, thereby issuing a paper receipt. The payment completion code is a two-dimensional code that represents payment completion data that includes at least an identifier (hereinafter referred to as a completion identifier) ​​that can identify each completed transaction. The payment completion data is an example of completion information. The payment completion code may be another type of code, such as a one-dimensional barcode, as long as it is an optically readable code.

[0068] On the other hand, if the processor 301 can confirm that an electronic receipt should be applied, it determines YES in ACT306 and proceeds to ACT308. In ACT308, the processor 301 registers an electronic receipt including the transaction details, the transaction result, etc., and a payment completion code in the electronic receipt server 3. That is, the processor 301 transmits predetermined request data for requesting the registration of an electronic receipt, along with a notification of the transaction details, the transaction result, etc., and the payment completion code, to the electronic receipt server 3. Upon receiving this request data, the electronic receipt server 3 makes an electronic receipt screen showing the notified transaction details, the transaction result, etc., and the payment completion code viewable from any information terminal.

[0069] After completing ACT 307 or ACT 308, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT 309 in either case. In ACT 309, the processor 301 initiates a passage permission notification. The passage permission notification is a notification to inform surrounding people that the customer CU is permitted to pass through the checkout lane LA. To provide the passage permission notification, the processor 301, for example, lights up both lamps 3091 and 3092 in blue. To provide the passage permission notification, the processor 301, for example, causes the sound unit 310 to output a voice message such as "Please pass through the gate." Alternatively, the processor 301 may perform other operations, such as causing the sound unit 310 to output a predetermined notification sound. However, the processor 301 may execute only some of these operations to provide the passage permission notification. The various displays and sound outputs illustrated here are all examples of notification operations to inform surrounding people that the customer CU is permitted to pass through the checkout lane LA and exit the store. Thus, the lamps 3091 and 3092 and the sound unit 310 are examples of operating means. Furthermore, in the passage permission notification, in addition to the above, processor 301 causes touch panel 304 to display, for example, a first guide screen. In the passage permission notification, processor 301 causes display unit 305 to display, for example, a second guide screen.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the first guide screen. The first guidance screen includes a text message indicating that the transaction has been completed and the customer is permitted to pass through checkout lane LA. The first guide screen and various screens described later illustrate major display objects, and some display objects may be omitted. For example, images may be included on the screen to help the user visualize the operations that the user should perform. The first guide screen and various screens described later are merely examples, and may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the creator of the accounting processing program PRC.

[0071] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the second guide screen. The second guidance screen includes a text message indicating that there is a limit to the time allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA, and a number indicating the remaining time allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA.

[0072] 13 is an example of a screen when the remaining time is 10 seconds, and the number "10" represents the remaining time. With regard to the second screen, processor 301 updates the number representing the remaining time every time the remaining time changes. This second guidance screen allows the customer CU to recognize the remaining time during which passage through the checkout lane LA is permitted. Based on this screen, the customer CU can determine whether they should hurry through.

[0073] The processor 301 proceeds to ACT 310 while issuing the passage permission notification. In ACT310, the processor 301 checks whether a person has passed through the checkout lane LA. If the processor 301 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT311.

[0074] In ACT 311, the processor 301 checks whether a predetermined allowable time has elapsed since the processor 301 started issuing the passage permission notification in ACT 309. If the processor 301 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 310. Thus, in ACT 310 and ACT 311, the processor 301 waits for a person to pass by or for the allowable time to elapse.

[0075] If the customer CU passes through the checkout lane before the allowed time has elapsed, and the human sensor 308 detects the passage of a human, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT310 and proceeds to ACT312. In ACT 312, the processor 301 invalidates the payment completion code included in the paper receipt or electronic receipt in ACT 307 or ACT 308. That is, the processor 301 requests the POS server 600 to invalidate the payment completion code, along with a notification of the completion identifier included in the payment completion code.

[0076] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange between the checkout gate 300 and the POS server 600 regarding invalidation of the payment completion code. When the processor 601 in the POS server 600 receives the above request, the process proceeds to ACT 601 in accordance with the transaction management program PRF.

[0077] In ACT601, the processor 601 updates the exit management data DAB. For example, the processor 601 updates the exit management data DAB to include the completion identifier notified when the invalidation request was made. That is, the processor 601 sets the exit management data DAB to data representing an invalid completion identifier. The processor 601 may update the exit management data DAB to include any information for managing the invalidation, such as information on the date and time of this update, associated with the completion identifier and included in the exit management data DAB. Furthermore, at the accounting gate 300, the processor 301 may notify the POS server 600 of other information in addition to the completion identifier when making the invalidation request. At the POS server 600, the processor 601 may also associate information other than the notified completion identifier with the completion identifier and include it in the exit management data DAB. That is, the processor 301 may notify the POS server 600 of payment completion data, for example. The processor 601 may also update the exit management data DAB to include payment completion data. As ACT 602, the processor 601 notifies the accounting gate 300 that requested the invalidation of the completion of the invalidation.

[0078] In response to the notification of the completion of invalidation at the accounting gate 300, the processor 301 ends ACT 312 and proceeds to ACT 313 in FIG. In ACT 313, the processor 301 stops the passage permission notification, and thereafter returns to the standby state for ACT 301 and ACT 302. Thus, the accounting gate 300 issues a passage permission notice and allows the customer CU to pass through the checkout lane LA from the time a paper receipt or electronic receipt is issued upon completion of payment until the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA.

[0079] For some reason, a customer CU may not pass through the checkout lane LA within the allowed time. For example, even after completing a transaction, the customer CU may return to the sales floor without passing through the checkout lane LA, in which case the customer CU will not pass through the checkout lane LA within the allowed time. In such a case, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT 311, skips ACT 312, and proceeds to ACT 313, where it stops the notification of passage permission.

[0080] Thus, the accounting gate 300 issues a paper receipt or electronic receipt upon completion of payment, and then issues a passage permission notification and allows the customer CU to pass through the checkout lane LA until the allowed time has elapsed without the customer CU passing through the checkout lane LA. The period during which the checkout gate 300 allows passage through the checkout lane LA is the period from when a paper or electronic receipt is issued after the payment is completed until the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA, or the period from when a paper or electronic receipt is issued after the payment is completed until the permissible time has elapsed. These periods are thus the first permissible period. Thus, by having the processor 301 execute information processing based on the checkout processing program PRC, the computer with the processor 301 as its central part functions as a first control means. Such a passage permission notification makes it possible to easily monitor whether a customer CU leaving the store has completed payment. Furthermore, such a passage permission notification allows the customer CU to reliably recognize whether it is permitted to leave the store.

[0081] The processor 301 may execute ACT 309 between ACT 305 and ACT 306. In this case, the completion of the payment will be the start of the first allowable period. Furthermore, if a sensor is further provided to detect the removal of an issued paper receipt, the processor 301 may proceed to ACT 309 after executing ACT 307 if it is confirmed that the paper receipt has been removed. In this case, the start of the first allowable period will be the time that it is detected that the paper receipt has been removed. In this way, the first allowable period may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the designer of the accounting processing program PRC or the administrator of the accounting gate 300.

[0082] If a customer CU who has not passed through the checkout lane LA within the allowed time intends to leave the store without purchasing any additional items, they can hold the payment completion code displayed on the paper receipt or electronic receipt screen over the barcode scanner 306 of any waiting checkout gate 300. The paper receipt or electronic receipt screen issued by the POS terminal 200 may also include a payment completion code, just like the checkout gate 300. A customer CU who has completed payment at the POS terminal 200 may also hold the payment completion code displayed on the paper receipt or electronic receipt screen issued by the POS terminal 200 over the barcode scanner 306 of any waiting checkout gate 300.

[0083] When the payment completion code is shone on the barcode scanner 306, it reads it and notifies the processor 301 of the payment completion data. This allows the processor 301 to acquire the payment completion data. Thus, by the processor 301 executing information processing based on the accounting processing program PRC, the computer with the processor 301 as its central part functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the payment completion data as completion information.

[0084] Then, when the payment completion code is read by the barcode scanner 306, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT301 and NO in ACT303, and proceeds to ACT314. In ACT 314, processor 301 checks whether the two-dimensional code read by barcode scanner 306 is a payment completion code. If the two-dimensional code read by barcode scanner 306 is not a payment completion code, processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to other processing depending on the two-dimensional code that was read. For example, processor 301 checks that the read two-dimensional code is not the one that was targeted for reading, and performs error processing to notify the customer CU that an incorrect two-dimensional code was held up.

[0085] On the other hand, if the payment completion code held up as described above is read by the barcode scanner 306, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT314 and proceeds to ACT315. In ACT 315, the processor 301 checks whether the read payment completion code is invalid.

[0086] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange between the checkout gate 300 and the POS server 600 to confirm whether the payment completion code is invalid. In ACT 315, the processor 301 first makes an inquiry to the accounting gate 300 along with a notification of the completion identifier contained in the payment completion data represented by the payment completion code that was read.

[0087] When the processor 601 in the POS server 600 receives the above inquiry, it proceeds to ACT 611 in the processing according to the transaction management program PRF. In ACT 611, the processor 601 checks whether the notified completion identifier is included in the exit management data DAB. If the processor 601 checks that the notified completion identifier is included in the exit management data DAB, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT 612. In ACT 612, the processor 601 notifies the inquiry source accounting gate 300 that there is a transaction in response to the inquiry that there is a transaction. When the processor 301 receives this notification of the transaction in the accounting gate 300, it determines YES in ACT 315.

[0088] If the processor 601 in the POS server 600 cannot confirm that the notified completion identifier is included in the exit management data DAB, the result is determined as NO in ACT611 and the process proceeds to ACT613. In ACT 613, the processor 601 sends a notification of no receipt as a response to the inquiry to the inquiry source accounting gate 300. When the processor 301 receives this notification of no receipt at the accounting gate 300, it determines NO in ACT 315.

[0089] If the processor 301 determines NO in ACT 315 as described above, it proceeds to ACT 309 in Fig. 11 and executes the subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. However, if the processor 301 determines YES in ACT 310 and proceeds to ACT 312, the payment completion code read as described above will be invalidated.

[0090] Thus, at the checkout gate 300, when a customer CU holds an uninvalidated payment completion code over the barcode scanner 306, a passage permission notification is sent and the customer CU is allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA until the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA or until the allowed time has elapsed. If the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA within this allowed time period, the payment completion code used this time is invalidated. In other words, by having the processor 301 execute information processing based on the checkout processing program PRC, the computer with the processor 301 as its core functions as a second control means, a second detection means, and an invalidation means.

[0091] The period during which the checkout gate 300 allows the customer CU to pass through the checkout lane LA is the period from when the non-invalidated payment completion data is acquired until the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA, or the period from when the non-invalidated payment completion data is acquired until the permissible time has elapsed. These periods are thus the second permissible period.

[0092] In this way, the checkout gate 300 can easily monitor whether a customer leaving the store has completed payment, even for a customer CU who has completed payment at another checkout gate 300 or POS terminal 200. The checkout gate 300 can also prevent the same payment completion code from being used repeatedly when passing through the checkout lane multiple times.

[0093] As described above, when the processor 301 receives a notification that there is a response to the inquiry and determines YES in ACT 315, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT 316. In ACT 316, processor 301 issues a read error notification. This is a notification to the customer CU that an error has occurred because the payment completion code held over barcode scanner 306 is invalid. To notify the customer CU of the read error, processor 301, for example, displays a screen on touch panel 304 displaying a text message informing the customer that the held two-dimensional code is invalid because it has already been used. Alternatively, to notify the customer of the read error, processor 301, for example, lights up lamps 3091 and 3092 in red. To notify the customer of the read error, processor 301, for example, outputs a voice message such as "This two-dimensional code has already been used" to sound unit 310. Furthermore, processor 301 may perform other operations, such as outputting a predetermined error sound from sound unit 310, to notify the customer of the read error. However, processor 301 may execute only some of these operations to notify the customer of the read error. Then, the processor 301 returns to the standby state of ACT301 and ACT302.

[0094] Thus, at the accounting gate 300, if the payment completion code held up by the barcode scanner 306 is one that appears on a paper receipt or electronic receipt issued for a transaction in which the customer CU passed through the checkout lane LA within the allowed time after payment, or if it is one that the customer CU held up in the past to pass through the checkout lane LA, it is considered an error and the customer CU will not be allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA.

[0095] When a customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA of a checkout gate 300 in a standby state and is detected by the human presence sensor 308, the processor 301 at that checkout gate 300 determines YES in ACT302 and proceeds to ACT317. In ACT 317, the processor 301 executes the erroneous passage process.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the erroneous passage processing by processor 301 in accounting gate 300 and the warning processing by processor 501 in monitoring terminal 500. In ACT 321, the processor 301 initiates a wrong-pass notification. The wrong-pass notification is a notification to the customer CU and other people around the customer CU that the customer CU has passed through a checkout lane LA that is not permitted for passage. For the wrong-pass notification, the processor 301, for example, displays a first warning screen on the touch panel 304. For the wrong-pass notification, the processor 301, for example, displays a second warning screen on the display unit 305. For the wrong-pass notification, the processor 301, for example, lights up both lamps 3091 and 3092 in red. For the wrong-pass notification, the processor 301, for example, outputs a predetermined notification sound from the sound unit 310. Alternatively, for the wrong-pass notification, the processor 301 may perform another operation, such as outputting a predetermined voice message from the sound unit 310. However, the processor 301 may execute only some of these operations for the pass-permission notification.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the first warning screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the second warning screen. 16, the processor 301 requests an alarm to a predetermined request destination. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the monitoring terminal 500 is determined as the alarm request destination.

[0098] The monitoring terminal 500 is installed, for example, at a service counter in a store. The monitoring terminal 500 performs transaction processing operations in the same manner as existing POS terminals of the same type. This allows the monitoring terminal 500 to be used to provide support when the POS terminal 200 is busy. The monitoring terminal 500 can also be used to respond to various requests from customer CUs, such as returns.

[0099] Now, when the processor 501 in the monitoring terminal 500 receives the alarm request issued from the accounting gate 300 as described above, it executes the alarm processing shown in FIG. 16 in accordance with the monitoring program PRE. As ACT501, processor 501 starts an alarm generation process. The alarm generation process is a process for issuing an alarm to a store clerk CL who is responsible for monitoring using the monitoring terminal 500, regarding unauthorized passage through the checkout lane LA. For the alarm generation process, processor 501, for example, displays a warning screen on the store clerk touch panel 504 to make the store clerk CL aware that unauthorized passage has occurred. For the alarm generation process, processor 501, for example, causes the sound unit 513 to output a predetermined alarm sound. Alternatively, processor 501 may perform another operation, such as causing the sound unit 513 to output a predetermined voice message, for the alarm generation process. However, processor 501 may execute only a part of these operations for the alarm generation process.

[0100] Thus, the request for an alarm by processor 301 at accounting gate 300 is an example of alarm processing for issuing an alarm. In other words, by processor 301 executing information processing based on accounting processing program PRC, the computer with processor 301 as its central part functions as an alarm means.

[0101] Processor 301 may execute the alarm processing by controlling sound unit 310 of checkout gate 300 to emit a predetermined alarm sound, for example. Processor 301 may also control an alarm device installed separately from checkout gate 300 near checkout lane LA to execute the alarm processing. By using such alarm processing, the accounting gate 300 can easily monitor for passing through the checkout lane LA outside of the permitted period.

[0102] In ACT 502, the processor 501 waits for the alarm cancellation conditions to be met. The cancellation conditions may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the creator of the monitoring program PRE or the administrator of the monitoring terminal 500. The cancellation condition may be, for example, when a cancellation command is issued by a predetermined operation on the store clerk's touch panel 504 or keyboard 505. Alternatively, the cancellation condition may be when the duration of the alarm processing exceeds a predetermined time. If the cancellation conditions are met, the processor 501 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 503. In ACT 503, the processor 501 stops the alarm generation process, and the processor 501 then ends the current alarm process.

[0103] Now, in the accounting gate 300, the processor 301 requests an alarm in ACT322, and then proceeds to ACT323. In ACT 323, the processor 301 waits for the termination condition for the erroneous passage notification to be met. The termination condition may be determined as appropriate, for example, by the creator of the transaction processing program PRC or the administrator of the transaction gate 300. The termination condition may be, for example, when the duration of the erroneous passage notification exceeds a predetermined time. Alternatively, the release condition may be when an instruction to release the alarm processing is issued at the monitoring terminal 500. In this case, the processor 501 at the monitoring terminal 500 determines YES in ACT 502, assuming that the release condition is met, if the release instruction is issued, and notifies the transaction gate 300 that the release instruction has been issued around the time of ACT 503. Alternatively, the termination condition may be when a predetermined release operation is performed by a store clerk at the transaction gate 300. If the termination condition is met, the processor 301 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 324. In ACT 324, the processor 301 stops the erroneous passage notification, and with this, the processor 301 ends the current erroneous passage process and returns to the standby state of ACT 301 and ACT 302 in FIG. As described above, checkout gate 300 makes it easy to monitor whether customers leaving the store have completed their payments.

[0104] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The accounting gate 300 may be configured such that a device having the function of a accounting machine and a device having the function of a gate are separate entities.

[0105] Whether the payment completion data is invalid may be managed using any other method. For example, each time a paper receipt or electronic receipt is issued, the payment completion data represented by the payment completion code included in the paper receipt or electronic receipt, or the completion identifier included in the payment completion data, is added to the exit management data DAB. In other words, the exit management data DAB is used as data representing a list of valid completion identifiers. Then, if the payment completion data represented by the payment completion code scanned by the checkout gate 300, or the completion identifier included in the payment completion data, is included in the exit management data DAB, the transaction is permitted to pass through the checkout lane LA. The corresponding payment completion data or completion identifier is then deleted from the exit management data DAB. Alternatively, for example, each time a paper receipt or electronic receipt is issued, the payment completion data represented by the payment completion code included in the paper receipt or electronic receipt, or the completion identifier included in the payment completion data, is added to the exit management data DAB, associated with flag data indicating that it is valid. If the payment completion data indicated by the payment completion code scanned by the checkout gate 300 or the completion identifier included in that payment completion data is included in the exit management data DAB and the associated flag data indicates that it is valid, the checkout lane LA is permitted to pass through. Then, the flag data associated with the payment completion data or completion identifier is updated to indicate that it is invalid.

[0106] The POS terminal 200 may be used to register the items to be transacted, and the transaction may be carried out at the transaction gate 300 .

[0107] Some or all of the functions realized by each processor through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the logic circuit with software control.

[0108] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [Appendix 1] A payment method for settling the price for transactions at a store; an operating means provided facing a checkout lane of the store, for performing a notification operation to notify people around the store that the customer is permitted to exit the store via the checkout lane; a first control means for controlling the operation means to perform a notification operation within a predetermined first allowable period after the completion of the payment by the payment means; A checkout system equipped with [Supplementary Note 2] A first detection means for detecting a customer entering the checkout lane; an alarm means for performing a predetermined alarm process to issue an alarm in response to detection of an intrusion by the first detection means outside the first permissible period; 2. The checkout system of claim 1, further comprising: [Appendix 3] An acquisition means for acquiring completion information indicating that the customer has completed payment; a second control means for controlling the operation means to perform a notification operation within a second predetermined allowable period after the completion information is acquired by the acquisition means; 2. The checkout system of claim 1, further comprising: [Supplementary Note 4] A second detection means for detecting the exit of a customer through the checkout lane; and invalidation means for invalidating completion information relating to the payment when the second detection means detects an exit during the first allowable period after the payment is completed by the payment means, the second control means does not cause the operation means to perform a notification operation even if the acquisition means acquires completion information that has been invalidated by the invalidation means. 1. A checkout system as described in Appendix 3. [Supplementary Note 5] The invalidation means invalidates the completion information acquired by the acquisition means when the second detection means detects an exit within a second permissible period after the acquisition means acquires the completion information. A checkout system as described in Appendix 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1...product sales system, 2...communication network, 21...access point, 3...electronic receipt server, 100...transaction processing device, 200...POS terminal, 300...accounting gate, 400...information processing terminal, 500...monitoring terminal, 600...POS server, 101,201,301,401,501,601...processor, 102,202,302,402,502,602...main memory unit, 103,203,303,403,503,603...auxiliary memory unit, 104,214,514,604...communication unit, 204,504...store clerk side touch panel, 205,505...keyboard, 206,506...fixed scanner, 207,507...handheld scanner, 208, 508...payment terminal, 209,509...change unit, 210,307,510...receipt printer, 211,511...customer-side touch panel, 212,512...customer-side display, 213,310,405,513...sound unit, 298...main unit, 299...scanner unit, 304,404...touch panel, 305...display unit, 306...barcode scanner, 308...human presence sensor, 309...lamp unit, 311...communication unit, 351...front housing, 352...rear housing, 353...upper housing, 354...base, 355...support, 406...interface unit, 407...wireless communication unit, 499...barcode scanner, 3091,3092...lamp.

Claims

1. a payment method for settling the price for transactions at the store; an operating means provided facing a checkout lane of the store, for performing a notification operation to notify people around the store that the customer is permitted to exit the store via the checkout lane; a first control means for controlling the operation means to perform a notification operation within a predetermined first permissible period that begins when the process for issuing a receipt is completed after the settlement by the settlement means is completed; A gate device equipped with the above.

2. a first detection means for detecting a customer entering the checkout lane; an alarm means for performing a predetermined alarm process to issue an alarm in response to detection of an intrusion by the first detection means outside the first permissible period; 2. The gate device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. an acquisition means for acquiring completion information indicating that the customer has completed payment; a second control means for controlling the operation means to perform a notification operation within a second predetermined allowable period after the completion information is acquired by the acquisition means; 2. The gate device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. a second detection means for detecting a customer exiting through the checkout lane; and invalidation means for invalidating completion information relating to the payment when the second detection means detects an exit within the first permissible period after the payment is completed by the payment means, the second control means does not cause the operation means to perform a notification operation even if the acquisition means acquires completion information that has been invalidated by the invalidation means. The gate device according to claim 3.

5. the invalidation means invalidates the completion information acquired by the acquisition means when the second detection means detects an exit within a second permissible period after the acquisition means acquires the completion information. The gate device according to claim 4.

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