Guidance system, management device, and program

Abstract

To be made possible to introduce an appropriate checkout apparatus to a customer who uses a payment place where different types of checkout apparatuses for settlement are set.SOLUTION: A guide system includes a plurality of first checkout apparatuses, at least one second checkout apparatus, a guide device, and a management device. The first checkout apparatuses can accept a payment by a first settlement method and a second settlement method. The second checkout apparatus can accept a settlement with the second settlement method. The guide device introduces an available checkout apparatus. The management device determines a first checkout apparatus available for the first settlement method and a first checkout apparatus and a second checkout apparatus available for the second settlement method on the basis of the vacancy situation of the first checkout apparatuses and the second checkout apparatus and a preset priority, and makes the guide device introduce the available checkout apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a guidance system, a management device, and a program. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In recent years, in mass retailers such as supermarkets, the introduction of self-checkout devices where customers, who are shoppers themselves, perform settlement processing has been progressing. Therefore, various technologies for guiding and leading customers who perform settlement processing to available checkout devices have been proposed in such self-checkout devices (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). 【0003】 On the other hand, due to the increasing cashless payment ratio in recent years, the installation of cashless payment self-checkout devices has been increasing. 【0004】 However, if both cashless payment self-checkout devices and self-checkout devices that can also perform cash payment are included in the installation layout of the same accounting area, personnel for guiding and leading customers according to the payment method the customers are trying to use are required, resulting in the problem of a decrease in the labor productivity of the store. 【0005】 When such personnel cannot be arranged, it is necessary to have separate accounting area layouts with the cashless payment self-checkout devices and the self-checkout devices that can perform cash payment separated. When such a separated layout is adopted, the devices cannot be effectively utilized according to the utilization rate of each checkout device that changes moment by moment, and there is a tendency for the ROI (Return On Investment) to decrease. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0006】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-173751 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0007】 The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a guidance system, a management device, and a program that can guide customers using an accounting area equipped with multiple payment devices of different types to the appropriate payment device. [Means for solving the problem] 【0008】 In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises a plurality of first payment devices, one or more second payment devices, a guidance device, and a management device. The first payment devices are payment devices capable of accepting payments according to the first payment method and the second payment method. The second payment devices are payment devices capable of accepting payments according to the second payment method. The guidance device guides users to available payment devices. The management device is, A management device comprising a processor, the processor is Based on the availability of the first and second payment devices and their respective pre-set priority levels, the system determines which payment device is available for the first payment method and which of the first and second payment devices are available for the second payment method, and guides the user to these devices. The pre-set priority order includes the priority order of payment methods, and when all settlement devices belonging to a higher priority payment method are in use, the processor of the management device assigns a settlement device belonging to a lower priority payment method to the higher priority payment method. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the guidance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout area where the guidance system is applied. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server, which serves as a management device according to the first embodiment of the guidance system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the guidance settings table of the store server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the terminal status table of the store server. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a self-terminal included in the guidance system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera captured image acquired by a camera included in the self-terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the same camera captured image. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the same camera captured image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of operations related to guidance of available cash registers in the guidance system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main procedure steps of information processing executed by a processor of the store server. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure stored in a terminal status table included in the store server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display on a first display surface of a display device included in the guidance system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display on a second display surface of the same display device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting area to which the guidance system according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing examples of display on the first and second display surfaces of a display device included in the guidance system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure stored in a guidance setting table included in the store server. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention] 【0010】 Hereinafter, embodiments of the settlement device will be described with reference to the drawings. 【0011】 [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a guidance system according to the first embodiment. The guidance system according to the first embodiment is applied to a self-checkout system. The self-checkout system includes a store server SS as a management device according to the first embodiment, a plurality of checkout devices, and an attendant terminal AT. Each checkout device, the store server SS, and the attendant terminal AT are connected by a communication network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). There are a self terminal SE and a cashless settlement self terminal CL in the checkout device. The self terminal SE is an example of a cash settlement-enabled self-checkout device. The cashless settlement self terminal CL is an example of a cashless settlement self-checkout device. The guidance system is configured by connecting one or more display devices DD to the communication network NW in such a self-checkout system. 【0012】 The store server SS provides various services related to the self-checkout system to each checkout device connected by the communication network NW. Also, the store server SS transmits display information indicating the content to be displayed to each of the display devices DD connected by the communication network NW. 【0013】 In the present embodiment, the self-checkout system includes, as checkout devices, a plurality of self terminals SE and one or more cashless settlement self terminals CL. The self terminal SE is a checkout device having a checkout function capable of payment either in cash or by cashless means without using cash. The self terminal SE is an example of a first checkout device capable of accepting payment by cash as the first settlement method and by cashless as the second settlement method. Cashless settlement includes credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, point settlement, code settlement, etc. Also, the cashless settlement self terminal CL is a checkout device having a checkout function capable of cashless payment without using cash. The cashless settlement self terminal CL is an example of a second checkout device capable of accepting payment by cashless as the second settlement method. Cashless settlement includes credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, point settlement, code settlement, etc. 【0014】 These self-service terminals (SE) and cashless payment self-service terminals (CL) are installed in the checkout area of ​​the store, and are operated by customers who have finished their shopping. Customers who have placed their purchased items in shopping baskets or carts in the sales area and moved to the checkout area operate the self-service terminal SE or cashless payment self-service terminal CL to register their purchased items and settle the transaction data for those items, i.e., complete the accounting. In this way, customers can complete the entire transaction, from item registration to payment, themselves. 【0015】 Furthermore, self-service terminals (SE) or cashless payment self-service terminals (CL) do not necessarily have a function to register purchased items. In this case, shoppers register the items they purchase themselves while browsing the store's sales floor, using a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart or a mobile device they own. Self-service terminals (SE) that do not have a purchased item registration function then perform settlement processing for the transaction data of the purchased items registered by the shopper, using either cash or a cashless payment method. Similarly, cashless payment self-service terminals (CL) that do not have a purchased item registration function then perform settlement processing for the transaction data of the purchased items registered by the shopper, using a cashless payment method. 【0016】 The term "settlement device" can be rephrased as "payment terminal," "accounting device," or "accounting terminal." Furthermore, a standard POS terminal with product registration and payment functions may be used as the settlement device in this settlement system. 【0017】 The attendant terminal AT is a terminal operated by the attendant staff member. The attendant terminal AT displays a list of purchased items registered for each payment device on a display device. In addition, the attendant terminal AT will notify the customer of any error that occurs in any payment device. The attendant monitors each payment device based on the information displayed on the attendant terminal AT and the information that has been notified. The attendant terminal AT may also function as a payment device operated by the attendant. The attendant terminal AT can accept cash and cashless payments, as well as payments using gift certificates or vouchers that cannot be read by machines, returns and refunds, and other payments that require human intervention. 【0018】 The display device DD is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display device DD displays display information transmitted from the store server SS to guide shoppers who are about to make a payment to the payment device that is currently available among the payment devices included in the payment system. The display device DD is an example of a guidance device that guides customers to available payment devices. Therefore, it can be said that the guidance device displays display information that guides customers to available payment devices. It can also be said that the guidance device displays available registers (devices that are not in use, i.e., empty devices) according to the payment method. 【0019】 Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout counter (CE) to which the guidance system is applied. In the example in Figure 2, the checkout counter (CE) is equipped with five self-service terminals (SE), three cashless payment self-service terminals (CL), and one attendant terminal (AT) as payment devices. Although not limited to this example, the configuration and operation will be described below based on the number and installation layout of payment devices in this checkout counter (CE). 【0020】 The checkout area (CE) has separate entrances for cash-paying customers and cashless-paying customers, with a common exit for both. The entrance for cash-paying customers has a first entrance lane (AL1) where cash-paying customers (SC) line up to wait at the register. The first entrance lane (AL1) is an example of a first waiting lane for a first payment method. The entrance for cashless-paying customers has a second entrance lane (AL2) where cashless-paying customers (SC) line up to wait at the register. The second entrance lane (AL2) is an example of a second waiting lane for a second payment method. At the exit, there is an exit lane (EL) for customers (SC) who have finished paying. 【0021】 Furthermore, at the checkout counter CE, one display device DD is installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1, and another display device DD is installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2. It can also be said that one display device DD is placed at the entrance for cash-paying customers and one at the entrance for cashless-paying customers. In other words, Figure 2 shows an example where each display device DD is a guidance device that directs customers to the available payment equipment. 【0022】 Furthermore, each of the nine payment devices, including the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, is assigned a unique register number R1 to R9 to identify it. These register numbers R1 to R9 can be arbitrarily assigned by the administrator of the store server SS. 【0023】 At the attendant terminal (AT), a store employee (SP) will be assigned. 【0024】 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server SS. The store server SS comprises a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, input / output device 14, communication interface 15, and system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 16 connects the processor 11 to the other components directly or via signal input / output circuits, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The computer of the store server SS is configured by connecting the processor 11, main memory 12, and auxiliary storage device 13 via the system transmission path 16. 【0025】 The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a store server SS according to the operating system or control program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 may also be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of several of these. 【0026】 Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or control programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). 【0027】 The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the control program described above. 【0028】 The input / output device 14 is a user interface that includes input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and display devices such as an LCD display. The store server SS does not necessarily have to have the input / output device 14. In this case, a management terminal (not shown) that can communicate via the communication network NW through the communication interface 15 can be used as the user interface. The management terminal may include, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet computer. 【0029】 The communication interface 15 communicates data with external devices connected via the communication network NW according to a pre-configured communication protocol. Examples of external devices include self-service terminals SE, cashless payment self-service terminals CL, attendant terminals AT, and display devices DD. 【0030】 The store server SS has an auxiliary storage device 13 that includes a product master database 131, a store member master database 132, a sales data database 133, a guidance setting table 134, and a terminal status table 135. In Figure 3, databases are abbreviated as DB. 【0031】 The product master database 131 stores data about each product sold in the store. The product master database 131 stores data such as product ID, product name, price, and category name, with each product being stored as a single record. The product ID is a unique code assigned to each product to identify it individually. 【0032】 The store member master database 132 stores data about customers who have registered as members, such as point members. The store member master database 132 stores data such as the member ID, with each member being treated as one record. It may also include personal information such as the member's gender, age, name, address, and contact information. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to identify them individually. Members possess a recording medium on which their member ID is recorded. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic card, a contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a contactless IC card, or a smartphone. Purchasers can enjoy the benefits of being a member by entering their member code into the payment terminal at some point before making a payment, i.e., completing the settlement, at the payment terminal. There are no particular restrictions on the method of entering the member code, and methods such as reading from the medium by the payment terminal's scanner or reader can be used. 【0033】 The sales data database 133 stores sales data generated for each transaction, which is transmitted from each settlement device when settlement is completed, i.e., when the transaction ends. The sales data database 133 stores transaction data representing the transaction details of the goods to be settled and settlement data related to the settlement of that transaction, with each transaction being treated as one record. The transaction data includes the name of the goods to be settled (product code), their price, the total amount of each product, etc. The settlement data includes the amount paid by the purchaser and the amount of change if payment was made in cash, and information on the payment method if payment was made cashless. In addition, the sales data may include elements such as member code, company code (company name) indicating the company that operates the store, store code (store name), store telephone number, address, transaction date and time, transaction number (receipt number), register number, and name of person in charge. Note that the elements included in the sales data are not limited to these examples and may include other elements, or elements such as telephone number and address may be removed. The settlement device, for example, reads a code symbol printed or affixed to a product using a scanner to obtain a product code. For the product identified by that product code, it reads product data from a product data file held by the settlement device and registers the product data in the transaction data, thereby updating and storing the sales data, which includes transaction data and settlement data. The product data file may be a copy of the product master database 131. In addition, if a member code is obtained from a recording medium using a scanner, the settlement device checks whether that member code is registered in the store member data file held by the settlement device. If it is registered, it adds the member code as the store member code to the transaction data, thereby updating and storing the sales data. When the settlement process is completed, that is, when a transaction is finished, the settlement device prints the sales data on paper to issue a paper receipt for that transaction and also sends the sales data for that transaction to the store server SS. The sales data database 133 stores the sales data thus sent from each settlement device. 【0034】 The guidance settings table 134 stores various settings related to the display of available cash registers, which have been pre-entered by the administrator. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in this guidance settings table 134. Note that the data structure shown in Figure 4 is just one example. The format is not particularly limited as long as the information necessary for the processor 11 can be obtained. 【0035】 As shown in Figure 4, the guidance setting table 134 stores, for example, the display surface, register number, priority for each type of payment device, register guidance priority, and settings for when each register is full, for each type of payment device. The payment device type indicates the type of payment device. In the example in Figure 4, the payment device types include self-service terminal SE, cashless payment self-service terminal CL, and attendant terminal AT. 【0036】 The display surface is the guidance display surface of the display device DD used to guide shoppers to available registers in the checkout area CE. In this embodiment, the display surfaces DS1 to DS3 shown in Figure 4 are identification information for identifying the display surface of the display device DD. The display device DD and the display surface may have a one-to-one relationship, or a display method that divides the display screen into multiple sections may be adopted, and one display device DD may be associated with multiple display surfaces. In this embodiment, the display device DD and the guidance display surface have a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, the display surface can be rephrased as the display device. In the example in Figure 4, the display device DD installed corresponding to the first entrance lane AL1 where cash-paying shoppers SC line up to wait for the register is set as the first display surface DS1, and the display device DD installed corresponding to the second entrance lane AL2 where cashless-paying shoppers SC line up to wait for the register is set as the second display surface DS2. 【0037】 Note that in Figure 4, three display surfaces DS1 to DS3 are set, but as shown in Figure 2, there are two display devices DD installed in the accounting area CE, so as will be explained later, the processor 11 ignores the setting for display surface DS3. Of course, it is also possible to add another display device DD and apply the setting for display surface DS3 to that additional display device DD. 【0038】 The register number is an identifier assigned to each type of payment device. The example in Figure 4 corresponds to the installation layout of the checkout counter CE as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the register numbers for the self-service terminal SE are R1 to R5, the register numbers for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL are R6 to R8, and the register number for the attendant terminal AT is R9. 【0039】 The priority order by type indicates the priority order for the type of payment device. The priority order by type is an example of the priority order for payment methods. Figure 4 shows the case where the priority order by type is specified as cashless payment self-service terminal CL, self-service terminal SE, and attendant terminal AT. 【0040】 The register guidance priority indicates the priority of the payment device in determining which register to direct customers to first when multiple registers are available. In the example in Figure 4, the self-service terminal SE has the following register guidance priority set: register number R1, register number R2, register number R3, register number R4, and register number R5. Similarly, the cashless payment self-service terminal CL has the following register guidance priority set: register number R6, register number R7, and register number R8. Note that the attendant terminal AT has only one register assigned to it, so the register guidance priority is not set. 【0041】 The "Register Full Setting per Type" indicates the priority order for assigning a new register when a register assigned to a particular type of payment device becomes full and is used for that type. "Register Full per Type" means that there are no available registers; in other words, all assigned payment devices are in use. The "Register Full Setting per Type" is an example of the priority order when assigning a payment device belonging to a lower-priority payment method to a higher-priority payment method. In the example in Figure 4, when the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, which has the highest priority per type, becomes full, the order set is self-service terminal SE with register numbers R5, R4, R3, R2, and R1. 【0042】 In the example in Figure 4, the setting for when the next priority self-service terminal SE is full is not set. This is because the cashless payment self-service terminal CL cannot accept cash payments and therefore cannot be used as a substitute for the self-service terminal SE. Furthermore, although the attendant terminal AT can accept cash payments, the means for registering products that the attendant terminal AT has is located on the store employee SP side, and it is not designed for shoppers to operate the SC. Moreover, the store employee SP assigned to the attendant terminal AT needs to prioritize their original duties as an attendant, so it is undesirable to use it as a substitute for the self-service terminal SE. 【0043】 Furthermore, in the example in Figure 4, the setting for when the attendant terminal AT is full is not set. This is because the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL do not have the functionality of the attendant terminal AT and therefore cannot be used as a substitute for the attendant terminal AT. 【0044】 The terminal status table 135 stores the current usage status of each payment device. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in this terminal status table 135. Note that the data structure shown in Figure 5 is just one example. The format is not particularly limited as long as it provides the information necessary for the processor 11. 【0045】 As shown in Figure 5, the terminal status table 135 stores, for example, the assignment type and usage status for each register number. 【0046】 The assignment type indicates which type of payment device the register is currently operating as. 【0047】 The usage status indicates whether the register is currently in use or not. In this usage status, a circle indicates that it is not in use, i.e., available, and an X indicates that it is in use. A hyphen indicates that it is not applicable. Figure 5 shows the status of the checkout counter CE shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the example of terminal status table 135 in Figure 5 shows that self-service terminals SE for register numbers R2 and R3 are in use, self-service terminals SE for register numbers R1, R4 and R5 are available, cashless payment self-service terminals CL for register numbers R7 and R8 are in use, and cashless payment self-service terminal CL for register number R6 is available. 【0048】 Next, we will describe the various components implemented in the processor 11 of the store server SS. The processor 11 implements, for example, a sales data receiving unit 111, a setting unit 112, a usage status detection unit 113, an assignment change unit 114, and a guidance unit 115. Each component implemented in the processor 11 can also be called a function. Each component implemented in the processor 11 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processor 11 and the main memory 12. 【0049】 The sales data receiving unit 111 receives sales data for one transaction transmitted from the settlement device at the end of a transaction via the communication interface 15. The sales data receiving unit 111 stores this received sales data in the sales data database 133. 【0050】 The setting unit 112 receives various setting information for each setting item in the guidance setting table 134, based on operations performed by the store server SS administrator using the input / output device 14. The setting unit 112 stores this received setting information in the guidance setting table 134. 【0051】 The usage status detection unit 113 detects the usage status of the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL. The usage status detection unit 113 is an example of a detection means for detecting the availability of the self-service terminal SE as the first payment device and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL as the second payment device. For example, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL are configured to send a person detection notification when a person is within their operating range. Therefore, the usage status detection unit 113 can detect whether each payment device is in use by checking whether or not it has received this person detection notification via the communication interface 15. The usage status detection unit 113 stores this detected usage status in the terminal status table 135. 【0052】 The assignment change unit 114 changes the assignment type of each payment device based on the usage status of each payment device stored in the terminal status table 135 and the various settings related to the display of available registers stored in the guidance setting table 134. Details of this change in assignment type will be described later. The assignment change unit 114 is an example of an assignment means that determines the first payment device available for the first payment method and the first and second payment devices available for the second payment method based on the availability status of the first and second payment devices respectively detected by the detection means and a preset priority order. The assignment change unit 114 updates the assignment type in the terminal status table 135 according to the changed assignment type. 【0053】 The guidance unit 115 generates display information for guidance displays to be shown on various display surfaces set in the guidance setting table 134, according to the assignment type stored in the terminal status table 135, and transmits it to each display device DD via the communication interface 15. The guidance display information includes first guidance information representing a self-service terminal SE available for cash payments, and second guidance information representing a cashless payment self-service terminal CL and, if applicable, a self-service terminal SE available for cashless payments. Specific examples of this guidance display information will be described later. The guidance unit 115 is an example of an output means that outputs first guidance information representing a first settlement device available for a first payment method, and second guidance information representing first and second settlement devices available for a second payment method, to an external device, the display device DD. 【0054】 The store server SS can be implemented, for example, by using a general-purpose computer device for servers as hardware and writing the control program to the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13. The control program may be stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 when the store server SS is transferred, or it may be transferred separately from the general-purpose computer device mentioned above. In the latter case, the control program may be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or transferred via a network. 【0055】 Next, we will explain the configuration of the payment system. First, let's explain the self-service terminal SE. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service terminal SE. The self-service terminal SE includes a processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, scanner 24, touch panel 25, camera 26, automatic change dispenser 27, card reader 28, reader / writer 29, printer 30, communication interface 31, and system transmission line 32, etc. The system transmission line 32 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission line 32 connects the processor 21 and the other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The computer of the self-service terminal SE is formed by connecting the processor 21, main memory 22, and auxiliary storage device 23 via the system transmission line 32. 【0056】 The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 21 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a self-terminal SE according to the operating system or control program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 may also be, for example, an MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Alternatively, the processor 21 may be a combination of several of these. 【0057】 Main memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 22, the operating system or control program is stored. Main memory 22 may also store data necessary for the processor 21 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. For example, main memory 22 stores the transaction file 221. The transaction file 221 is a data file for storing sales data for one transaction processed by the self-service terminal SE. Main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 21. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM. 【0058】 The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 21, etc. For example, the auxiliary storage device 23 can store the aforementioned product data file and store member data file. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the control program described above. 【0059】 The scanner 24 reads a code symbol from the product. Each product sold in the store is marked with a code symbol that encodes a product ID or other information to identify the product. The code symbol may be, for example, a barcode. The code symbol may also be, for example, a two-dimensional data code. The scanner 24 may be a type that reads the code symbol by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads the code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device. 【0060】 The touch panel 25 consists of a display for showing various screens to the customer shopping center (SC) operating the self-service terminal (SE), and a touch sensor for detecting touch input on the screen by the customer shopping center. 【0061】 Camera 26 sets its shooting area to the terminal operation range where a shopper (SC) is likely to be located when the shopper (SC) takes purchased items out of their shopping basket or cart, scans the barcodes of the purchased items with scanner 24, places the purchased items in a shopping bag, or makes a payment with cash or credit card. This allows camera 26 to photograph the shopper (SC) operating the self-service terminal (SE). 【0062】 The automatic change dispenser 27 includes a coin unit 271 and a banknote unit 272. The coin unit 271 sorts the coins inserted into the coin slot one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in a safe according to their denomination. The coin unit 271 retrieves the coins of the corresponding denomination from the safe, for example based on change data, and dispenses them at the coin outlet. The banknote unit 272 sorts the banknotes inserted into the banknote slot one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in a safe according to their denomination. The banknote unit 272 retrieves the banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the safe, for example based on change data, and dispenses them at the banknote outlet. 【0063】 The card reader 28 reads card data recorded on card media such as credit cards and loyalty cards. The card reader 28 pulls the card media inserted into the card slot into the main unit, reads the card data, and then ejects it from the card slot. 【0064】 The reader / writer 29 reads and rewrites electronic money recorded on the electronic money medium. The electronic money medium is, for example, a contactless IC card. The electronic money medium may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet. 【0065】 The printer 30 prints receipt data and other information representing the details of a commercial transaction onto receipt paper. The receipt paper with the printed receipt data is ejected from the output slot, cut by a cutter, and issued as a receipt or invoice. 【0066】 The communication interface 31 communicates data with external devices connected via the communication network NW according to a pre-configured communication protocol. Examples of external devices include a store server SS and an attendant terminal AT. 【0067】 In addition to the well-known processing units for product registration and payment, the processor 11 also implements, for example, an operator detection unit 211. Each part implemented in the processor 11 can also be called a function. Each part implemented in the processor 11 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit, which includes the processor 11 and the main memory 12. 【0068】 The operator detection unit 211 detects the presence or absence of a shopper SC, who is the operator of the self-service terminal SE, from the camera images captured by the camera 26 at regular time intervals. The operator detection unit 211 detects the presence or absence of a person using, for example, a well-known person recognition technique such as a face detection method. 【0069】 Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera image 261. As shown in Figure 7, when a camera image 261 containing a person is acquired, the operator detection unit 211 detects the presence of a person and sends a person detection notification to the store server SS via the communication interface 31. As described above, the store server SS's usage status detection unit 113 detects that the self-service terminal SE is in use based on this person detection notification and stores the status in the terminal status table 135. 【0070】 Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing examples of camera images. As shown in Figure 8, the operator detection unit 211 cannot detect a person from camera images 262 that do not show a person, or from camera images 263 that show a person passing in front of the self-service terminal SE, as shown in Figure 9. Therefore, in these cases, the operator detection unit 211 does not send a person detection notification to the store server SS. Consequently, the usage status detection unit 113 of the store server SS can detect that the self-service terminal SE, for which there is no person detection notification, is not in use, i.e., is available, and can store this status in the terminal status table 135. 【0071】 The cashless payment self-service terminal CL does not handle cash and therefore does not have an automatic change dispenser 27. Except for the absence of this automatic change dispenser 27, the cashless payment self-service terminal CL has the same configuration as the self-service terminal SE. 【0072】 The attendant terminal AT has the same configuration as the self-service terminal SE shown in Figure 6. The attendant terminal AT stores the status of each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL in its main memory 22. For example, the attendant terminal AT can store in its main memory 22 a list of purchased items registered in each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL, as well as error status. The attendant terminal AT displays the status of each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL stored in its main memory 22 on the touch panel 25 display. 【0073】 The following describes the operation of the guidance system applied to the settlement system with the above configuration. Note that the settlement-related operations in the settlement system are the same as those of well-known settlement systems, so their explanation will be omitted. Similarly, the operations related to setting the guidance setting table 134 in the guidance system are simply a matter of setting each setting item, so their explanation will also be omitted. Therefore, this section will describe the operations related to guiding customers to available registers. 【0074】 Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the overview of operations related to the guidance of available cash registers in the guidance system. As shown in Figure 10, each of the self-service terminals SE and cashless payment self-service terminals CL, that is, each payment device, performs operator detection processing at regular time intervals to detect the presence or absence of a shopper SC who is the operator (step S1). A payment device that detects the presence of a person sends a person detection notification to the store server SS (step S2). Note that the operator detection processing between each payment device does not need to be synchronized and can be performed at any time interval at any arbitrary timing. 【0075】 In the store server SS, the usage status of each payment device is detected at regular intervals, separate from the regular time intervals of the payment devices, based on person detection notifications transmitted from each payment device (step S3). Based on the availability of each payment device and a pre-set priority, the store server SS determines which cash registers are available for cash payments and which are available for cashless payments (step S4). The store server SS then transmits guidance information indicating the determined available cash registers to the display device DD (step S5). 【0076】 The display device DD, upon receiving this guidance information, displays it (step S6). 【0077】 The operation of the store server SS in steps S3 to S5 described above will be explained in detail below. 【0078】 Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the information processing performed by the processor 11 of the store server SS. The processor 11 performs this process at regular intervals, for example, every few seconds, based on a control program stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13. Here, we will explain using the example of guiding customers to multiple available cash registers if possible. Unless otherwise specified, the processing operation of the processor 11 is assumed to transition from ACTx (where x is a natural number) to ACT(x+1). Also, the procedure shown in Figure 11 is just one example. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained. 【0079】 As ACT1, the usage detection unit 113 implemented in the processor 11 receives person detection notifications transmitted from each payment terminal, i.e., each self-service terminal SE and each cashless payment self-service terminal CL, via the communication interface 15. However, as mentioned above, the attendant terminal AT among the payment terminals does not transmit person detection notifications. 【0080】 In ACT2, the usage detection unit 113 determines whether there are any payment terminals that have not received a person detection notification, i.e., empty registers, that have transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. Specifically, for each empty register that has not received a person detection notification, the usage detection unit 113 checks the usage status of the corresponding register number in the terminal status table 135. If the usage status indicates "in use," it determines that the register has transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. If the usage status is already "empty," the usage detection unit 113 determines that the register has not transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state. If there are payment devices that have transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state, the usage detection unit 113 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT14. If there are no payment terminals that have transitioned from an in-use state to an empty state, the usage detection unit 113 determines NO in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. 【0081】 As ACT3, the usage detection unit 113 updates the usage status in the terminal status table 135 based on the received person detection notification. 【0082】 As ACT4, the assignment change unit 114 implemented in the processor initializes the value of the internal counter n to "1". This value of the internal counter n is used to specify the priority of each type in the guidance setting table 134. 【0083】 In ACT5, the assignment change unit 114 determines whether there are any available registers for the payment device type with the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n. Specifically, the assignment change unit 114 obtains the payment device type with the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n from the guidance setting table 134. Then, the assignment change unit 114 determines whether there are any available registers by checking the usage status of the register numbers assigned to the corresponding assignment type in the terminal status table 135. If there are no available registers, the assignment change unit 114 determines NO in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT11. If there are available registers, the assignment change unit 114 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6. 【0084】 In ACT6, the allocation change unit 114 determines whether there are multiple available registers. If there is only one available register, the allocation change unit 114 determines NO in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT11. If there are multiple available registers, the allocation change unit 114 determines YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT7. 【0085】 As ACT7, the assignment change unit 114 determines whether or not it has determined the availability of all registers for all types in the guidance setting table 134. If all types have been determined, the assignment change unit 114 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT9. If all types have not yet been determined, the assignment change unit 114 determines NO in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. 【0086】 As ACT8, the assignment change unit 114 increments the value of the internal counter n by "+1". After that, the assignment change unit 114 proceeds to ACT5. 【0087】 Thus, the assignment change unit 114 determines the availability of cash registers for all types in the guidance setting table 134, starting with the type of payment device with the highest priority in the guidance setting table 134. 【0088】 As ACT9, the guidance unit 115 implemented in the processor 11 determines the display order of available cash registers to be displayed on each display device DD. Specifically, the guidance unit 115 determines the display order for each type of payment device according to the current status of available cash registers stored in the terminal status table 135 and the cash register guidance priority and full-cash setting for each type of cash register that are pre-set in the guidance setting table 134. 【0089】 As ACT10, the guidance unit 115 causes each display device DD to display a guidance message indicating an available cash register. Specifically, the guidance unit 115 generates display information representing available cash registers arranged in a determined display order for each type of payment device. Then, according to the display settings configured in the guidance setting table 134, it transmits each display information to each display device DD via the communication interface 15. 【0090】 In this way, when there are multiple available registers for each type of payment device, display information is generated that guides customers to the highest-ranking available register according to the register guidance priority set in the guidance setting table 134, and this information can be displayed as guidance on the respective display devices DD installed in the first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2, respectively. 【0091】 Furthermore, as ACT11, the assignment change unit 114 implemented in the processor 11 determines whether or not there is a setting for when the register is full. Specifically, the assignment change unit 114 checks in the guidance setting table 134 whether or not a register number is set in the register full setting for each type of payment device type with priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n. If a register number is set, the assignment change unit 114 can determine that there is a setting for when the register is full. If there is no setting for when the register is full, the assignment change unit 114 determines NO in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT7. If there is a setting for when the register is full, the assignment change unit 114 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT12. 【0092】 As ACT12, the assignment change unit 114 determines whether there is an available slot in any of the settlement devices for the register numbers set in the register full-slot setting for each type. Specifically, the assignment change unit 114 checks the terminal status table 135 to determine if the usage status of the relevant register number is available. If there are no available registers, the assignment change unit 114 determines NO in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT7. If there are available registers, the assignment change unit 114 determines YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT13. 【0093】 In ACT13, the assignment change unit 114 checks the guidance setting table 134 to determine whether the available register is a settlement device belonging to a lower priority category. If it is not an available register with a lower priority category, the assignment change unit 114 determines NO in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT7. If it is an available register with a lower priority category, the assignment change unit 114 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT14. 【0094】 As ACT14, the assignment change unit 114 changes the assignment type of the available register number in the terminal status table 135 to the payment device type, which is the priority indicated by the value of the internal counter n, according to the setting for full registers of each type in the guidance setting table 134. After that, the assignment change unit 114 proceeds to ACT5. 【0095】 By executing the processes of ACT5 to ACT14 using the modified terminal status table 135, if there are no available registers for each type of payment device, display information is generated that guides the user to use an available register of a lower-ranking type as an available register of that type, according to the register guidance priority and register full-occupancy settings for each type that are pre-set in the guidance setting table 134. This information can then be displayed as a guidance display on the respective display devices DD installed in the first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2, respectively. 【0096】 As ACT15, the assignment change unit 114 determines whether the assignment type of the payment device that has transitioned from being in use to being available has been changed. Specifically, the assignment change unit 114 checks whether the assignment type of the register number of the payment device in the terminal status table 135 is the same as the setting of the payment device type of the register number in the guidance setting table 134. If they do not match, the assignment change unit 114 determines that the assignment type has been changed. If the assignment type has not been changed, the assignment change unit 114 determines NO in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT3. If the assignment type has been changed, the assignment change unit 114 determines YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT16. 【0097】 As ACT16, the assignment change unit 114 reverts the changed assignment type back to the initial assignment. Specifically, the assignment change unit 114 reverts the assignment type of the payment device in the terminal status table 135 back to the payment device type of the corresponding register number set in the guidance setting table 134. After that, the assignment change unit 114 proceeds to ACT3. 【0098】 The following is a specific example of an available cash register display. For example, in ACT3, suppose the usage status of each register is as shown in the terminal status table 135 in Figure 5. This is the situation shown in Figure 2. First, in ACT5, it is determined whether there are any available registers for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, which has the highest priority for each type. In this case, since the cashless payment self-service terminal CL with register number R6 is available as a register, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6. Then, in ACT6, since there is one available register, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT6 to ACT11. 【0099】 In ACT11, the setting table 134 contains the register full-capacity settings for each type of cashless payment self-service terminal CL, so the processing procedure proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. In ACT12, from the terminal status table 135, it can be determined that register numbers R1, R4, and R5 are available among the register numbers R1 to R5 set in the setting table 134, so the processing procedure proceeds from ACT12 to ACT13. Then, in ACT13, it is determined that these available registers are self-service terminals SE, which have a lower priority than the priority for each type, so the processing procedure proceeds from ACT13 to ACT14. Therefore, in ACT14, according to the register full-capacity settings for each type in the setting table 134, a change of assignment type processing is executed to assign the self-service terminal SE with register number R5 to cashless payment self-service. 【0100】 As a result, the contents of the terminal status table 135 are rewritten from the state shown in Figure 5 to the state shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the terminal status table 135. As shown in Figure 12, the assignment type of register number R5 is changed from self-service to cashless payment self-service. 【0101】 Subsequently, as the processing procedure progresses from ACT5 to ACT6, the payment device with register numbers R6 and R5 is found to be an empty register. As this indicates that there are multiple empty registers, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT6 to ACT7. In ACT7, since there are still payment device types that have not yet been determined, the processing procedure proceeds to ACT8, where the counter value is incremented by "+1", and processing is executed for the self-service terminal SE whose type-specific priority in the guidance setting table 134 is set to "2". 【0102】 In this case, in ACT5, the system determines which registers are available and whose assignment type in the terminal status table 135 is "self-service". As shown in Figure 12, register numbers R1 and R4 are determined to be available registers. The self-service terminal SE for register number R5 is used as a substitute for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, so it is not included in the available registers here. With two available registers, the processing procedure proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6 and then to ACT7. In ACT7, there are still payment device types that have not yet been determined, so the processing procedure proceeds to ACT8, where the counter value is increased by "1", and processing is executed for the attendant terminal AT, whose priority for each type in the guidance setting table 134 is set to "3". 【0103】 In this case, ACT5 checks for available cash registers whose assignment type in terminal status table 135 is "attendant," but as shown in Figure 12, the usage status of attendants is excluded. Therefore, ACT5 and ACT6 are unconditionally determined to be YES, and the processing procedure proceeds to ACT7. Then, in ACT7, since there are no payment device types that have not yet been determined, the processing procedure proceeds to ACT9. 【0104】 In ACT9, for the available registers of the self-service terminal SE, register numbers R1 and R4, the display order is determined to be R1 followed by R4, according to the register guidance priority in the guidance setting table 134. Similarly, for the available registers of the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, register numbers R5 and R6, the display order is determined to be R6 followed by R5, according to the register guidance priority and the full register setting for each type in the guidance setting table 134. Then, in ACT10, display information for the available registers of the self-service terminal SE and display information for the cashless payment self-service terminal CL are generated, and this display information is transmitted to each display device DD according to the display settings in the guidance setting table 134. 【0105】 As a result, guidance displays as shown in Figures 13 and 14 are shown. Here, Figure 13 shows an example of the display on the first display surface DS1 of the display device DD installed in the first entrance lane AL1 where cash-paying shoppers line up to wait at the register. Figure 14 shows an example of the display on the second display surface DS2 of the display device DD installed in the second entrance lane AL2 where cashless-paying shoppers line up to wait at the register. 【0106】 As shown in Figure 13, the first display surface DS1 displays two available register number indicators FN11 and FN12 side by side, which are first display information representing available cash payment terminals. In this case, the available register number indicator FN11, which indicates register number R1, a higher priority available register, is displayed prominently, and next to it, the available register number indicator FN12, which indicates register number R4, a lower priority available register, is displayed in a smaller size. Thus, the display device DD installed in correspondence with the first entry lane AL1, which is the first waiting lane for cash payment, the first payment method, has a first display surface DS1 and is an example of a first display device located in the first waiting lane for the first payment method, among the first and second waiting lanes provided separately for the first and second payment methods, for customers waiting to make a payment. The available register number indicators FN11 and FN12 are an example of first guidance information representing the self-service terminal SE, which is the first payment terminal available for use as a cash payment terminal, the first payment method. 【0107】 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the second display surface DS2 displays two available register number indicators FN21 and FN22 side by side, which are second display information representing available cashless payment settlement devices. In this case, the available register number indicator FN21, which indicates register number R6, a higher priority available register, is displayed prominently, and next to it, the available register number indicator FN22, which indicates register number R5, a lower priority available register, is displayed in a smaller font. Thus, the display device DD installed in accordance with the second entrance lane AL2, which is a second waiting lane for the second payment method, cashless payment, has a second display surface DS2 and is an example of a second display device located in the second waiting lane for the second payment method. The available register number indicators FN21 and FN22 are an example of second guidance information representing the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL, which are second settlement devices available for use as cashless payment, the second payment method. 【0108】 The information processing procedure shown in Figure 11 is performed at regular intervals, but this interval can be set based on the time required for shoppers (SC) to move. This time is the time required for shoppers (SC) to move from the entrance for cash-paying shoppers and the entrance for cashless-paying shoppers at the checkout counter (CE), which are the exits for the first entrance lane (AL1) and the second entrance lane (AL2), to the furthest checkout machine that may be displayed as an available register. In the example in Figure 2, if it is assumed that it takes 10 seconds at a typical speed for shoppers (SC) lined up in the second entrance lane (AL2) to move to the furthest register number R2, then the information processing procedure shown in Figure 11 will be performed every 10 seconds. As a result, the guidance displays on the first display screen (DS1) and the second display screen (DS2) based on the detection of a new available register will be updated every 10 seconds. 【0109】 Furthermore, when a shopper SC sees the information about available registers on the first display screen DS1 or the second display screen DS2, they move from the first entrance lane AL1 or the second entrance lane AL2 to the large, displayed available register with register number R1 or R6. If the information display shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 continues during this movement, the next shopper SC will also start moving to the same register. Therefore, in response to the start of a shopper SC's movement to the available register with register number R1 or R6, the display may be updated by turning off the large, displayed available register number FN11 or FN21 and making the previously small, displayed available register number FN12 or FN22 larger. The start of a shopper SC's movement can be detected, for example, by placing sensors at the entrances for cash-paying and cashless-paying customers of the checkout area CE, which are the exits for the first entrance lane AL1 and the second entrance lane AL2, to detect the shopper SC's passage. Furthermore, if new shoppers begin moving based on the updated information display, the display of available register numbers FN12 or FN22 will also be turned off, and a message indicating that an available register is being detected will be displayed. 【0110】 In the checkout device for register number R5, which is a self-service terminal SE but was used as a substitute for a cashless self-service terminal CL, when the shopper SC completes the checkout and leaves the device, and the device becomes an empty register, this is detected in ACT2. This leads to ACT2 to ACT15, where it is determined that the assignment has changed, and in ACT16, the checkout device for register number R5 becomes available for use as a self-service terminal SE, which was its initial assignment. Of course, depending on the status of empty registers at that time, there is a possibility that the checkout device for register number R5 may be used again as a substitute for a cashless self-service terminal CL in the processing steps after ACT16 to ACT3. 【0111】 As described above, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, in a settlement system in which a plurality of self-service terminals SE as first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by a first settlement method, cash payment, and a second settlement method, cashless payment, and one or more cashless payment self-service terminals CL as second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by cashless payment, the system comprises a display device DD, which is a guidance device that guides customers to available settlement devices, and a store server SS, which is a management device that determines which self-service terminals SE are available for cash payments and which self-service terminals SE and cashless payment self-service terminals CL are available for cashless payments, based on the availability status of each self-service terminal SE and cashless payment self-service terminal CL and a pre-set priority order stored in the guidance setting table 134, and guides the display device DD accordingly. Therefore, according to the guidance system of the first embodiment, it is possible to guide customers to an appropriate payment terminal as an available cash register according to the availability and priority of each payment terminal, so that customers using an accounting area CE equipped with multiple payment terminals that can process different types of payments can be guided to an appropriate payment terminal. 【0112】 Furthermore, the pre-set priority order includes the priority order for each payment method, and when the payment terminals belonging to a higher priority payment method are full, the store server SS allocates the payment terminals belonging to a lower priority payment method to the higher priority payment method. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, when there are no available cash registers, it becomes possible to guide customers to a payment device belonging to a payment method with a lower priority than the payment method in question as an available cash register for that payment method. 【0113】 Here, the pre-set priority further includes the priority setting for each type of register when it is full, which is the priority when assigning a settlement device belonging to a lower priority payment method to a higher priority payment method. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, when guiding a customer to a payment method with a lower priority as an available register for that payment method, it becomes possible to predetermine which payment device should be used. 【0114】 Furthermore, the guidance system in the first embodiment includes first and second display surfaces DS1 and DS2 as guidance devices, and the store server SS displays first display information, such as available register number indicators FN11 and FN12, representing available cash payment devices, on the first display surface DS1 in order of a preset priority, and displays second display information, such as available register number indicators FN21 and FN22, representing available cashless payment devices, on the second display surface DS2 in order of a preset priority. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, it is possible to guide customers to the appropriate available cash register for each payment method. 【0115】 Here, the guidance system includes a first display device DD having a first display surface DS1 and a second display device DD having a second display surface DS2 as guidance devices. The first display device DD is located in the first entrance lane AL1, which is the first waiting lane for cash payments, among the waiting lanes provided separately for cash payments and cashless payments for shoppers SC to wait for payment. The second display device DD is located in the second entrance lane AL2, which is the second waiting lane for cashless payments. Therefore, according to the guidance system in the first embodiment, available cash registers for each payment method can be displayed in each of the entrance lanes provided for each payment method. 【0116】 Furthermore, the store server SS as a management device according to the first embodiment includes: a usage status detection unit 113 as a detection means for detecting the availability status of each of the following: a plurality of self-service terminals SE as first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by a first payment method, which is cash payment, and a second payment method, which is cashless payment; one or more cashless payment self-service terminals CL as second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by cashless payment; an assignment change unit 114 as an assignment means for determining which self-service terminals SE are available for cash payment and which self-service terminals SE and cashless payment self-service terminals CL are available for cashless payment based on the availability status of each of the self-service terminals SE and cashless payment self-service terminals CL detected by the usage status detection unit 113 and a pre-set priority order stored in the guidance setting table 134; and a guidance unit 115 as an output means for outputting first guidance information representing a self-service terminal SE available for cash payment and second guidance information representing a self-service terminal SE and cashless payment self-service terminal CL available for cashless payment, as determined by the assignment change unit 114, to an external device, which is a display device DD. Therefore, according to the store server SS in the first embodiment, it is possible to guide customers to an appropriate payment device as an available register according to the availability and priority of each payment device, so that customers using the checkout area CE, which has multiple payment devices that can process different types of payments, can be guided to an appropriate payment device. 【0117】 [Second Embodiment] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout counter CE to which the guidance system according to the second embodiment is applied. In the first embodiment, separate entrances were set up for cash-paying customers and cashless-paying customers, with separate entrance lanes for each. This second embodiment is an example in which two entrance lanes, AL1 and AL2, are provided at a single entrance. 【0118】 Even in this type of accounting area CE installation layout, a total of two display devices DD can be installed independently for the first and second entrance lanes AL1 and AL2, respectively. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15, a single display device DD can be used. In this case, the single display device DD is equipped with first and second display surfaces DS1 and DS2. 【0119】 Figure 16 shows an example of the display on the first and second display surfaces DS1 and DS2 of the display device DD. As shown in Figure 16, the display screen of the display device DD is divided, and the two display surfaces DS1 and DS2 are displayed side by side. 【0120】 Thus, even if a display method is adopted in which the display screen of the display device DD is divided into multiple sections, and one display device DD is associated with multiple display surfaces, the guidance system and the management device configured as the store server SS can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment. 【0121】 The embodiments of the guidance system and management device have been described above, but the embodiments are not limited to these. 【0122】 For example, the embodiment was described using a self-service checkout system in which shoppers register their products. However, the checkout system may also be one in which store employees register the products, and shoppers perform the checkout process on the transaction data of the purchased products registered by the store employees. In other words, the checkout device located at the checkout counter may be a semi-self-service checkout device in which store employees register the products and shoppers perform the checkout. Alternatively, store employees may register products at a registration device in a separate registration area, and the checkout device located at the checkout counter may be a checkout device that only accepts checkouts from shoppers based on transaction data. 【0123】 Furthermore, in the first embodiment, one display device DD is installed in each entrance lane, and in the second embodiment, one display device DD is installed for two lanes together, but it is also acceptable to install multiple display devices DD in each lane. 【0124】 Furthermore, a staff member may be stationed at the entrance to the checkout area (CE) to verbally guide customers to the payment machines. In this case, the display device (DD) should be positioned to guide staff members, not customers, to available registers (available machines). 【0125】 Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the display device DD for each entrance lane only displayed information about available registers corresponding to the payment method, but as in the second embodiment, it may also display information about available registers corresponding to other payment methods. This would allow shoppers SC waiting in line at the entrance lane to change their payment method and use an available register if they see that a payment terminal for another payment method is available. 【0126】 Furthermore, the priority settings for the register guidance priority and the full register setting for each type in the guidance setting table 134 do not necessarily have to be specified by the administrator. As shown in Figure 17, for example, the administrator may only choose whether to set a register number or leave it unset, and the store server SS processor 11 may randomly decide which available register to select. This prevents uneven usage of each payment device. This is particularly helpful in reducing the risk of mechanical failures in moving parts such as the automatic change dispenser 27 and card reader 28. 【0127】 Alternatively, the processor 11 may randomly determine the priority order from the set register numbers. In this case, the processor 11 may periodically change this randomly set priority order. Since payment machines with higher priority are used more frequently, periodically changing the priority order in this way prevents an imbalance in the frequency of use of each payment machine. 【0128】 Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the store server SS determined the usage status of the self-service terminal SE and the cashless payment self-service terminal CL based on the presence or absence of person detection notifications transmitted from them. However, it is also possible to use other information to make this determination, either in lieu of or in addition to this. For example, since the attendant terminal AT collects status information indicating the operation status and error status of each self-service terminal SE and cashless payment self-service terminal CL, the store server SS can learn the usage status of each payment device by obtaining the status information of each payment device from the attendant terminal AT. 【0129】 In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The original claims of this application are included below. [C1] Multiple first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the first and second payment methods, One or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payment by the second payment method described above, A guidance device that directs users to available payment machines, A management device that determines which of the first and second payment devices are available for the first payment method and which of the first and second payment devices are available for the second payment method, based on the availability status of each of the first and second payment devices and a predetermined priority order, and directs the user to the guidance device. A guidance system equipped with the following features. [C2] The aforementioned pre-set priority includes the priority of the payment method, The management device, when the settlement devices belonging to the higher priority settlement method are full, allocates the settlement devices belonging to the lower priority settlement method to the higher priority settlement method. The guidance system described in C1. [C3] The aforementioned pre-set priority further includes the priority for assigning settlement devices belonging to the lower priority settlement methods to the higher priority settlement methods. The guidance system described in C2. [C4] The aforementioned guidance device includes a first and a second display surface, The aforementioned control device is The first display information representing the settlement device for the available first payment method is arranged according to the pre-set priority order and displayed on the first display surface. The second display information representing the settlement device for the available second payment method is arranged according to the pre-set priority order and displayed on the second display surface. The guidance system described in any of C1 to C3. [C5] The guidance device includes a first display device having the first display surface and a second display device having the second display surface. The first display device is located in the first waiting lane for the first payment method, among the first and second waiting lanes provided separately for each of the first and second payment methods, where customers wait to make a payment. The guidance system according to C4, wherein the second display device is located in the second waiting lane for the second payment method. [C6] A detection means for detecting the availability status of each of the following: a plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the first and second settlement methods, and one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the second settlement method; An allocation means that determines which first payment device is available for the first payment method and which first and second payment devices are available for the second payment method, based on the availability status of the first and second payment devices respectively detected by the detection means and a preset priority order, Output means for outputting to an external device first guidance information representing the first settlement device available for the first settlement method, determined by the allocation means, and second guidance information representing the first and second settlement devices available for the second settlement method, A control device equipped with the following. [C7] A computer that controls a management device which manages guidance by the guidance device, is connected via a network to a plurality of first settlement devices that can accept payments by a first settlement method and a second settlement method, one or more second settlement devices that can accept payments by the second settlement method, and a guidance device that guides users to available settlement devices, and the guidance device that manages guidance by the guidance device, Detection means for detecting the availability status of each of the plurality of first payment devices and the one or more second payment devices, An allocation means that determines which first settlement device is available for the first settlement method and which first and second settlement devices are available for the second settlement method, based on the availability status of the first and second settlement devices detected by the detection means and the priority order stored in the memory. Output means for outputting to the guidance device first guidance information representing the first settlement device available for the first settlement method, determined by the allocation means, and second guidance information representing the first and second settlement devices available for the second settlement method, A program designed to function as such. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0130】 11,21…Processor, 12,22…Main memory, 13,23…Auxiliary storage device, 14…Input / output device, 15,31…Communication interface, 16,32…System transmission path, 24…Scanner, 25…Touch panel, 26…Camera, 27…Automatic change dispenser, 28…Card reader, 29…Reader / writer, 30…Printer, 111…Sales data receiving unit, 112…Setting unit, 113…Usage status detection unit, 114…Assignment change unit, 115…Guidance unit, 131…Product master database, 132…Store member master database, 133…Sales data database, 134…Guidance setting table, 135…Terminal status table, 211…Operator detection unit, 221…Transaction file, 261,262,263…Camera captured image, 271…Coin unit, 272...Banknote unit, AL1...First entrance lane, AL2...Second entrance lane, AT...Attendant terminal, CE...Checkout counter, CL...Cashless payment self-service terminal, DD...Display device, DS1~DS3...Display surface, EL...Exit lane, FN11,FN12,FN21,FN22...Register number display, NW...Communication network, SC...Shopper, SE...Self-service terminal, SP...Shop staff, SS...Store server.

Claims

[Claim 1] A plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the first and second payment methods, One or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payment by the second settlement method described above, A guidance device that directs users to available payment machines, A management device comprising a processor, wherein the processor determines which first settlement device is available for the first settlement method and which first and second settlement devices are available for the second settlement method, based on the availability status of the first and second settlement devices and a preset priority order, and causes the guidance device to guide the user. It is equipped with, The aforementioned pre-set priority includes the priority of the payment method. The processor of the management device is a guidance system that, when all settlement devices belonging to a higher-priority settlement method are in use, allocates a settlement device belonging to a lower-priority settlement method to the higher-priority settlement method. [Claim 2] The aforementioned pre-set priority further includes the priority for assigning settlement devices belonging to the lower priority settlement methods to the higher priority settlement methods. The guidance system according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The aforementioned guidance device includes a first and a second display surface, The aforementioned control device is The first display information representing the settlement device for the available first payment method is arranged according to the predetermined priority order and displayed on the first display surface. The second display information representing the settlement device for the available second payment method is arranged according to the pre-set priority order and displayed on the second display surface. The guidance system according to claim 1 or 2. [Claim 4] The guidance device includes a first display device having the first display surface and a second display device having the second display surface. The first display device is positioned in the first waiting lane for the first payment method, among the first and second waiting lanes provided separately for the first and second payment methods, where customers wait to make a payment. The guidance system according to claim 3, wherein the second display device is located in the second waiting lane for the second payment method. [Claim 5] A management device comprising a processor, wherein the processor is A detection means for detecting the availability status of each of the following: a plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the first and second settlement methods, and one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting payments by the second settlement method; An allocation means that determines which first payment device is available for the first payment method and which first and second payment devices are available for the second payment method, based on the availability status of the first and second payment devices respectively detected by the detection means and a preset priority order, Output means for outputting to an external device first guidance information representing the first settlement device available for the first settlement method, determined by the allocation means, and second guidance information representing the first and second settlement devices available for the second settlement method, It functions as, The aforementioned pre-set priority includes the priority of the payment method. The allocation means is a management device that, when all settlement devices belonging to a higher-priority settlement method are in use, allocates a settlement device belonging to a lower-priority settlement method to the higher-priority settlement method. [Claim 6] The processor of a computer that controls a management device which manages guidance by the guidance device, is provided with a processor and memory and is connected via a network to a plurality of first settlement devices capable of accepting settlements by a first settlement method and a second settlement method, one or more second settlement devices capable of accepting settlements by the second settlement method, and a guidance device which guides users to available settlement devices, and the computer controls the management device which manages guidance by the guidance device. Detection means for detecting the availability status of each of the plurality of first payment devices and the one or more second payment devices, An allocation means that determines which first settlement device is available for the first settlement method and which first and second settlement devices are available for the second settlement method, based on the availability status of the first and second settlement devices detected by the detection means and the priority order stored in the memory in advance. Output means for outputting to the guidance device first guidance information representing the first settlement device available for the first settlement method, determined by the allocation means, and second guidance information representing the first and second settlement devices available for the second settlement method, To make it function as, The aforementioned pre-set priority includes the priority of the payment method. The allocation means is a program that causes the system to function such that when all settlement devices belonging to a higher-priority settlement method are in use, it allocates a settlement device belonging to a lower-priority settlement method to the higher-priority settlement method.

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