Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can reduce notifications due to erroneous detection of an illegal operation.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a point processing unit. The first acquisition unit acquires a detection result obtained by a sensor that detects increase / decrease of commodities put in a cart. The second acquisition unit acquires commodity registration management information. The determination unit determines an illegal operation based on the detection result and the commodity registration management information. The point processing unit calculates an illegal point based on a determination result obtained by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a cart POS system equipped with a POS (Point Of Sales) device on a shopping cart or smartphone POS has been spreading. In such a POS system, a customer registers a product that they intend to purchase and places the product in the shopping cart. Therefore, there is a possibility that the customer may forget to read the product barcode of the product to be placed in the shopping cart or may forget to return the product to the shelf when canceling the registration.

[0003] Techniques for detecting fraud such as forgetting to read a product barcode or forgetting to return a product to the shelf when canceling registration are known. In conventional techniques, fraud may be misdetected, and unnecessary notifications may be presented to the customer, causing discomfort. Therefore, a technique for reducing notifications due to misdetection of fraud is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program capable of reducing notifications due to misdetection of unauthorized operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the information processing device comprises a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a point processing unit. The first acquisition unit acquires detection results from a sensor that detects increases or decreases in the number of items placed in the cart. The second acquisition unit acquires product registration management information. The determination unit determines whether an operation is fraudulent based on the detection results and the product registration management information. The point processing unit calculates fraudulent points based on the determination result from the determination unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the information processing procedure by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the attendant terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure by a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment] [Example Configuration] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a server 1, a POS terminal 2, an attendant terminal 4, and a cart 5. The cart 5 includes a sensor 3. The server 1, the POS terminal 2, and the attendant terminal 4 are connected to each other via a network. For example, the network consists of one or more networks from among various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network. Note that the information processing system 100 may also refer to a system that includes at least two of the devices from the server 1, the POS terminal 2, and the attendant terminal 4.

[0009] Server 1 is an electronic device that collects and processes data. This electronic device includes a computer. Server 1 communicates freely with POS terminal 2 and attendant terminal 4 via a network. Server 1 receives various data from POS terminal 2 and attendant terminal 4 and outputs various data to POS terminal 2 and attendant terminal 4. An example configuration of Server 1 will be described later.

[0010] POS terminal 2 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. POS terminal 2 is, for example, a device used by customers shopping in a store. POS terminal 2 is a device capable of product registration operations such as registering purchased items, changing quantities, and canceling purchases. Customers register purchased items by, for example, reading product identification codes, etc., using a camera or scanner built into or externally connected to POS terminal 2. Customers operate POS terminal 2 to cancel registered items, change quantities, etc. POS terminal 2 may be a terminal used mounted on cart 5, or a terminal used independently of cart 5. POS terminal 2 may be a terminal lent by the store, or a terminal owned by the user. POS terminal 2 can be a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, or tablet device, etc. "Customer" may be read as "user" or "person." POS terminal 2 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the configuration of POS terminal 2 will be described later. "Customer" is an example of a user of POS terminal 2. There may be multiple POS terminals (2) in a single store.

[0011] Sensor 3 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices mounted on cart 5. Sensor 3 is, for example, a weighing device that detects the weight of items placed in cart 5. In this case, sensor 3 acquires weighing information that shows the increase or decrease in the weight value of cart 5 over time. The weight value is, for example, the median of multiple values ​​shown by weighing information at multiple consecutive timings. Note that the quantity value based on the weighing information may be the mean or mode, not just the median, and is not limited to these. Sensor 3 may also determine an increase or decrease in the quantity in cart 5 based on a preset threshold. For example, consider a case where the threshold for determining an increase is "plus 25 grams" and the threshold for determining a decrease is "minus 25 grams". Sensor 3 may determine an increase in quantity if the positive value is 25 grams or more. Sensor 3 may determine a decrease in quantity if the negative value is 25 grams or more. Sensor 3 determines whether appropriate user operation has been performed in accordance with the detection result of the quantity change in cart 5. Sensor 3 outputs a detection result to the POS terminal 2 at predetermined time intervals, indicating whether there has been a change in the quantity of items in cart 5 or no change in quantity, based on weighing information. Sensor 3 may also be a camera that takes images of the items placed in cart 5. In this case, sensor 3 detects an increase or decrease in the number of items in cart 5 based on the images of the items. Sensor 3 outputs the detection result regarding the increase or decrease in the number of items to the POS terminal 2 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval includes intervals of 200 milliseconds or 100 milliseconds, etc. The detection result may be, for example, no change in quantity, increase in quantity, decrease in quantity, etc. The detection result may also include an increase or decrease value, for example, "plus 30 grams".

[0012] Sensor 3 may simultaneously detect increases or decreases in the number of items placed in the upper and lower compartments of the cart, if the cart has an upper and lower compartment. Cart 5 is, for example, a shopping cart used by customers in a store. Sensor 3 may also include a motion sensor to improve weighing accuracy. The motion sensor can detect when cart 5 stops and moves.

[0013] Attendant terminal 4 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. Attendant terminal 4 is, for example, a device used by an attendant to monitor and assist customer behavior in a store. For example, attendant terminal 4 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. Attendant may be read as store clerk, staff member, user, or person. Attendant is an example of a user of attendant terminal 4. There may be multiple attendant terminals 4 in a single store.

[0014] This section describes an example configuration for Server 1. Server 1 is an electronic device that includes a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14. Each component of Server 1 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Figure 1, the interface is labeled "I / F".

[0015] The processor 11 is the central part of the server 1. The processor 11 is an element that makes up the computer of the server 1. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that causes the processor 11 of the server 1 to realize or execute the various parts described later. The processor 11 performs various operations by executing the program loaded into the main memory 12.

[0016] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of server 1. Main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. Main memory 12 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 12, the operating system or programs are stored. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. For example, main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, main memory 12 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. Main memory 12 stores programs.

[0017] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing of the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned program.

[0018] The auxiliary memory device 13 stores product registration management information for one or more POS terminals 2. The product registration management information is information based on transaction processing in each POS terminal 2. The product registration management information includes a store code, a terminal code, a transaction code, a transaction status, and transaction detail information. The transaction code is unique identification information assigned for each transaction. The transaction status indicates the status of the transaction. The status of the transaction includes, for example, entering the store, shopping, checkout, leaving the store, etc. Entering the store indicates the status from the start of use until the registration process of the first product is performed. Shopping indicates the state where the product registration process is being performed for the transaction of the POS terminal 2. Checkout indicates the state where the payment process is being performed for the transaction of the POS terminal 2. Leaving the store indicates the state where the transaction process such as product registration process and payment process for the transaction of the POS terminal 2 has ended. The transaction detail information includes information on the registered products (hereinafter referred to as product information), information on the payment process, etc. The registered product information includes product identification information, the quantity of the product, the price of the product, etc. The product identification information is unique identification information assigned for each product to individually identify the product. The transaction detail information can be updated based on the user operation of the POS terminal 2. The user operation includes product registration operations such as product registration, quantity change, cancellation, etc. The product registration operation includes a plus operation and a minus operation. The plus operation includes a product registration operation and an operation to increase the quantity of the product. The minus operation includes a product cancellation operation and an operation to decrease the quantity of the product. The information on the payment process is detailed information regarding the payment process. The product registration management information may include time information indicating the date and time when the product registration management information was updated. The product registration management information includes the cumulative value of the fraud points described later. The cumulative value of the fraud points is, for example, the cumulative value for a certain period. The cumulative value of the fraud points is also referred to as the cumulative points. The certain period may be, for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc. The certain period may be, for example, the period from the start of shopping to the start of checkout, etc.

[0019] The auxiliary memory device 13 stores the detection results by the sensors 3 for one or more POS terminals 2. The detection results include quantity increase / decrease information indicating an increase or decrease in the number of items placed in the cart 5 detected by the sensor 3. The quantity increase / decrease information includes information such as quantity increase, quantity decrease, and no quantity change. The number of items placed in the cart 5 is also referred to as the number of items in the cart. The detection results are data output from the sensor 3 in time series. The detection results may include time information indicating the detection date and time of the detection results. The auxiliary memory device 13 can hold the detection results for a certain period. After the holding period elapses, the auxiliary memory device 13 can delete the detection results.

[0020] The auxiliary memory device 13 stores fraud point information. The auxiliary memory device 13 may store fraud point information for each store. The fraud point information indicates information for calculating fraud points. The fraud point information indicates, for example, the point value assigned to a fraudulent operation. Fraudulent operations include operations that do not correspond to changes in the number of items in the cart. For example, fraudulent operations include a cancellation operation, a quantity minus operation, and no operation for a quantity increase in the number of items in the cart. In this case, it is conceivable that the user forgets to register an item while the item is in the cart, accidentally performs a cancellation operation, or accidentally performs a quantity minus operation. Fraudulent operations include a registration operation, a quantity plus operation, and no operation for a quantity decrease in the number of items in the cart. In this case, it is conceivable that the user forgets to cancel an item while an item is removed from the cart, accidentally performs a registration operation, or accidentally performs a quantity plus operation. Fraudulent operations include a registration operation, a quantity plus operation, a cancellation operation, and a quantity minus operation for no change in the number of items in the cart. In this case, it is conceivable that the user accidentally performs a cancellation operation, a registration operation, a quantity plus operation, or a quantity minus operation without taking items in or out of the cart.

[0021] The point value may be set according to the type of fraudulent activity. For example, if the number of points registered is large relative to the number of items in the cart, the point value may be set high. If the number of points registered is small relative to the number of items in the cart, the point value may be set low. The point value may be set according to the degree of fraudulent activity. For example, if the number of fraudulent activities exceeds a predetermined number, the point value may be set high. For example, if the number of fraudulent activities exceeds 5, fraudulent points may be added. The point value may be set based on the difference between the detection timing of the increase or decrease in the number of items in the cart and the timing of the user's action. The detection timing of the increase or decrease in the number of items in the cart corresponds to the detection date and time of the detection result. The timing of the user's action corresponds to the date and time when the product registration management information was updated. For example, if the difference between the detection timing of the increase or decrease in the number of items in the cart and the timing of the user's action is large, the point value may be set high. If the difference between the detection timing of the increase or decrease in the number of items in the cart and the timing of the user's action is small, the point value may be set low. The point value may be set according to the type of product. For example, if a decrease in the number of items in the cart is detected, or if no change in the number of items is detected, and the user cancels high-priced items or items requiring staff intervention, such as alcoholic beverages, the point value may be set higher. The point value may be set according to the quantity of items. For example, if a decrease in the number of items in the cart is detected, or if no change in the number of items is detected, and the user cancels items with multiple quantities, the point value may be set higher. The point value may be set in advance, or it may be updated as needed by staff or other personnel.

[0022] If sensor 3 is a weight sensor, an increase or decrease in the number of items may be detected due to significant shaking of the cart. In this case, if fraudulent activity is detected after significant shaking of the cart, it is highly likely that the increase in the number of items is due to the shaking of the cart, and therefore the point value may be set lower. On the other hand, if fraudulent activity is detected when there is no shaking of the cart, the point value may also be set lower.

[0023] If sensor 3 is a camera, an increase or decrease in the number of products may be detected due to overlapping products. In this case, if an increase or decrease in the number of products is detected multiple times in close succession, the point value may be set lower.

[0024] Furthermore, if sensor 3 is a camera, the point value for detecting fraudulent activity, such as when high-priced items like alcoholic beverages are added to the cart, may be set higher.

[0025] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that enable the server 1 to communicate with other electronic devices via a network, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0026] Note that the hardware configuration of Server 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. Server 1 may, as appropriate, omit or change the above-mentioned components and add new components.

[0027] The various components implemented in the aforementioned processor 11 will now be described. The processor 11 implements the acquisition unit 110, the registration processing unit 111, and the output unit 112. Each part can also be described as each function. Each part implemented in the processor 11 can also be described as being implemented in the control unit which includes the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0028] The acquisition unit 110 acquires a product registration request from the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The product registration request includes product identification information. The product registration request may also include information regarding the number of items (including information regarding increases or decreases in the number of items). The acquisition unit 110 acquires the information regarding the number of items along with the product identification information from the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 110 may also acquire product registration management information from the POS terminal 2. In this case, the POS terminal 2 may output the product registration request to the server 1 and acquire product information from the server 1. The POS terminal 2 may store product registration management information based on the product information. In the following description, "acquisition" may be read as "reception".

[0029] The acquisition unit 110 acquires various notifications from the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. These notifications include notifications of fraudulent operations by the user of the POS terminal 2. Fraudulent operations include operations that do not correspond to changes in the quantity of items in the cart 5. For example, fraudulent operations include canceling an increase in quantity in the cart 5, decreasing the quantity, and no operation. In this case, the user may have forgotten to register the item after adding it to the cart, accidentally canceled it, or accidentally decreased the quantity. Fraudulent operations also include registering a decrease in quantity in the cart 5, increasing the quantity, and no operation. In this case, the user may have forgotten to cancel an item after removing it from the cart, accidentally registered it, or accidentally increased the quantity. Fraudulent operation notifications indicate that the fraudulent points have exceeded a pre-set threshold. For example, if the threshold is 5, a fraudulent operation notification is sent from the POS terminal 2 when the fraudulent points exceed 5. If the number of fraudulent points exceeds 5, a notification of fraudulent activity may be sent from POS terminal 2 each time fraudulent activity is detected thereafter. The fraudulent activity notification may be the same as the fraudulent activity notification displayed on display device 26 of POS terminal 2, or it may be a different notification. In this way, by setting a threshold for fraudulent points and sending a fraudulent activity notification when the threshold is exceeded, it is possible to prevent false positives and send notifications of fraudulent activity, compared to sending a notification each time fraudulent activity is detected, and to monitor fraud prevention more efficiently.

[0030] The acquisition unit 110 may acquire detection results from the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0031] The registration processing unit 111 performs product registration processing based on product registration requests received from the POS terminal 2. Product registration processing includes processes such as product registration, modification, and cancellation. Product modification includes increasing or decreasing the quantity of products to be registered. When the registration processing unit 111 receives a product registration request from the POS terminal 2, it retrieves product information from the product master based on the product identification information included in the product registration request and records it in the product registration management information. The product master stores product identification information and product information of products handled at the store in association with each other. Product information includes product name, price, etc.

[0032] The output unit 112 outputs various notifications to the attendant terminal 4 via the communication interface 14. In the following description, "output" may be read as "transmission".

[0033] This section describes an example configuration for POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 is an electronic device that includes a processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, communication interface 24, connection interface 25, display device 26, speaker 27, input device 28, and camera 29. Each component of the POS terminal 2 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0034] The processor 21 is the central part of the POS terminal 2. The processor 21 is an element that makes up the computer of the POS terminal 2. The processor 21 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 11 described above. The processor 21 performs various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0035] Main memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of POS terminal 2. Main memory 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of POS terminal 2. Main memory 22 has the same hardware configuration as main memory 12 described above. Main memory 22 stores programs.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13 described above. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the program described above.

[0037] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the product registration management information of the POS terminal 2. The product registration management information includes the identification information of the POS terminal 2, etc. The identification information of the POS terminal 2 is unique identification information assigned to each POS terminal 2 in order to identify each POS terminal 2 individually. The identification information of the POS terminal 2 includes the IP address of the POS terminal 2, etc. The product registration management information may also include the user identification information of the user of the POS terminal 2. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to each user in order to identify each user individually. The auxiliary storage device 13 can update the product registration management information each time it obtains the product registration management information from the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the time information obtained from the server 1 in association with the product registration management information.

[0038] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the detection results for the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 13 can update the detection results each time it acquires detection results from the sensor 3. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the time information when it acquired the detection results from the sensor 3, associating it with the detection results.

[0039] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores fraudulent point information for the POS terminal 2.

[0040] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that enable communication between the POS terminal 2 and other devices via a network, according to a predetermined communication protocol. For example, it enables communication between the POS terminal 2 and external devices via a network. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network. The network may include, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc.

[0041] The connection interface 25 is an interface for wired connection between the POS terminal 2 and external equipment. The external equipment includes a scanner 250.

[0042] The display device 26 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 21. For example, the display device 26 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (electroluminescence) display, etc. The display device 26 is an example of a display unit.

[0043] Speaker 27 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of POS terminal 2. Speaker 27 is an example of an audio output device.

[0044] The input device 28 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the POS terminal 2. The input device 28 may include a keyboard or a touch panel, etc.

[0045] Camera 29 is a device capable of acquiring shooting data within the shooting range. Camera 29 can, for example, photograph items in the shopping cart 5.

[0046] The hardware configuration of POS terminal 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. POS terminal 2 allows for the omission and modification of the above-mentioned components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0047] The various components implemented in the aforementioned processor 21 will now be described. The processor 21 implements a first acquisition unit 210, a second acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, a point processing unit 213, a display processing unit 214, and an output unit 215. Each part implemented in the processor 21 can also be called a function. Each part implemented in the processor 21 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit which includes the processor 21 and the main memory 22.

[0048] The first acquisition unit 210 acquires detection results from the sensor 3, which detects increases or decreases in the number of items placed in the cart. The first acquisition unit 210 acquires detection results from the sensor 3 via the communication interface 24. The first acquisition unit 210 may also acquire detection results stored in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0049] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires product registration management information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The second acquisition unit 211 may also acquire product registration management information from the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0050] The determination unit 212 performs fraud detection processing. The determination unit 212 determines whether an operation is fraudulent based on the detection result and product registration management information. The determination unit 212 determines, based on the product registration management information, whether or not there is a record of appropriate product registration corresponding to the detection result. If there is a record of appropriate product registration corresponding to the detection result, the determination unit 212 determines that an appropriate user operation was performed. If there is no record of appropriate product registration corresponding to the detection result, the determination unit 212 determines that an inappropriate user operation was performed. An inappropriate user operation is equivalent to a fraudulent operation.

[0051] In one example, the determination unit 212 periodically checks the detection results and determines whether there is a record of appropriate product registration corresponding to the detection results. In another example, the determination unit 212 determines whether there is a record of appropriate product registration corresponding to the detection results based on the fact that the detection results have been acquired by the first acquisition unit 210. That is, the determination unit 212 checks whether there is a change in quantity based on the detection results, and can determine whether the user operation is appropriate based on the detection results, whether there is no change in quantity or there is a change. The determination unit 212 may also determine whether a detection result corresponding to the update has been acquired based on the fact that the product registration management information has been updated. That is, the determination unit 212 determines whether an appropriate detection result is detected based on the fact that the product registration management information has been updated, and if an appropriate detection result is detected, it determines that the user operation is appropriate.

[0052] The point processing unit 213 performs point processing based on the determination result from the determination unit 212. The point processing unit 213 calculates fraudulent points for fraudulent operations based on the fraudulent point information. The point processing unit 213 compares the fraudulent points with a threshold. The point processing unit 213 determines whether the fraudulent points have exceeded the threshold. For example, the point processing unit 213 may calculate fraudulent points based on the timing of detection of increases or decreases in the number of items in the cart by the sensor 3 and the update of the product registration management information.

[0053] The display processing unit 214 displays various notifications on the display device 26. The display processing unit 214 displays notifications on the display device 26 based on fraudulent points. The display processing unit 214 displays notifications regarding fraudulent operations on the display device 26 based on the point processing unit 213's determination that fraudulent points have exceeded a threshold. The display processing unit 214 may also display notifications regarding fraudulent operations on the display device 26 based on the detection of fraudulent operations.

[0054] The output unit 215 outputs various requests via the communication interface 14. The output unit 215 outputs various notifications to the server 1 via the communication interface 14. For example, the output unit 215 outputs a notification to the server 1 based on fraudulent points. Based on the determination result by the point processing unit 213, if the number of fraudulent points exceeds a threshold, the output unit 215 outputs a notification regarding fraudulent operation to the server 1. The output unit 215 may also output detection results to the server 1 via the communication interface 14. In addition, the output unit 215 may output a notification indicating fraudulent operation to the server 1 each time it detects fraudulent operation or correction operation.

[0055] [Example of operation] The procedure for processing by the information processing system 100 will be explained. In the following explanation focusing on Server 1, you may substitute Server 1 for Processor 11. Similarly, in the explanation focusing on POS Terminal 2, you may substitute POS Terminal 2 for Processor 21. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate. The following process assumes that a user of POS terminal 2 is making a purchase at store A.

[0056] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the information processing procedure by the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0057] POS terminal 2 performs product registration processing based on user input (ACT101). The output unit 215 of POS terminal 2 outputs a product registration request including product identification information to server 1.

[0058] The registration processing unit 111 of server 1 stores product registration management information in the auxiliary storage device 13 based on the product registration request (ACT111). The output unit 112 of server 1 outputs the product registration management information to the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 stores the product registration management information in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0059] Sensor 3 outputs the detection result of changes in the number of items in the shopping cart to POS terminal 2 at predetermined time intervals. The first acquisition unit 210 of POS terminal 2 acquires the detection result from sensor 3 (ACT102). Sensor 3 may also output the detection result to server 1. In this case, the acquisition unit 110 of server 1 acquires the detection result.

[0060] The determination unit 212 of the POS terminal 2 performs fraud detection processing (ACT103). The POS terminal 2 may also use the detection result as a trigger to determine whether the user operation is appropriate or not.

[0061] The point processing unit 213 of POS terminal 2 performs point processing based on the determination result by the determination unit 212 (ACT 104). The point processing unit 213 of POS terminal 2 determines whether the fraudulent points have exceeded a threshold. The point processing unit 213 may also determine whether the cumulative points for POS terminal 2 have exceeded a threshold. The point processing unit 213 may also determine whether the fraudulent points from a single point processing transaction for POS terminal 2 have exceeded a threshold.

[0062] If the point processing unit 213 determines that the number of fraudulent points has exceeded the threshold (ACT104:YES), the process transitions from ACT104 to ACT105. If the point processing unit 213 determines that the number of fraudulent points has not exceeded the threshold (ACT104:NO), the process terminates.

[0063] The output unit 215 of the POS terminal 2 outputs a notification regarding fraudulent activity to the server 1 (ACT105). The notification regarding fraudulent activity is, for example, text information such as "Fraudulent activity detected." The output unit 215 of the POS terminal 2 may also output the notification regarding fraudulent activity as audio or video.

[0064] The acquisition unit 110 of server 1 acquires notifications regarding unauthorized operations. The output unit 112 of server 1 outputs the notifications regarding unauthorized operations to the attendant terminal 4 (ACT112). The output unit 112 of server 1 may also output the notifications regarding unauthorized operations as audio or video.

[0065] Attendant terminal 4 displays a notification image on a display device based on the notification regarding the fraudulent operation (ACT121). Attendant terminal 4 may also output the notification regarding the fraudulent operation as audio or video. The user of attendant terminal 4 checks the notification and, if necessary, checks the cart 5 on the corresponding POS terminal 2.

[0066] The display processing unit 214 of the POS terminal 2 displays a notification image on the display device 26 based on the notification regarding the fraudulent operation. The POS terminal 2 may also output the notification regarding the fraudulent operation as audio or video.

[0067] This section describes the notification regarding fraudulent activity displayed on the display device 26 of the POS terminal 2. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows the notification image Ima displayed on the display device 26 when registering a product in the POS terminal 2. The notification image Ima indicates that fraudulent activity has occurred. The notification image Ima is displayed on the display device 26 when the number of fraudulent points exceeds a threshold. The notification image Ima includes a message prompting the user to perform an operation such as registering or canceling a product. The notification image Ima includes text information such as "Have you forgotten to register or cancel?". The notification image Ima may also include a "Confirm" button.

[0068] The user of POS terminal 2 checks the notification image Ima and performs a registration operation, a cancellation operation, etc. The display processing unit 214 of POS terminal 2 may hide the notification image Ima after a certain period of time has elapsed, or it may hide the notification image Ima based on the user's selection of the "Confirm" button.

[0069] This section explains the notification regarding unauthorized operation displayed on attendant terminal 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the attendant terminal 4 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows the status confirmation image Imb displayed on attendant terminal 4. The status confirmation image Imb is an image used to check the status of one or more POS terminals 2. The status confirmation image Imb includes notification Ma.

[0070] The status confirmation image (Imb) includes terminal ID, transaction code, browsing time, number of registered items, transaction status, and cancellation flag. Terminal ID indicates the identification information of POS terminal 2. Transaction code indicates identification information that can identify product registration management information. Browsing time indicates the time since the user started using POS terminal 2. Number of registered items indicates the quantity of products registered by the user. Transaction status indicates the status of POS terminal 2, such as entering the store, shopping, paying, or leaving the store. The cancellation flag indicates that the cancellation button was pressed to cancel product registration after the user started product registration.

[0071] Notification Ma includes text information such as "Unauthorized activity detected. Please check as necessary." Notification Ma may also include an "OK" button. Notification Ma may also include the identification number of POS terminal 2, etc. The status confirmation image Imb may include an error icon as a notification regarding fraudulent activity. For example, attendant terminal 4 may display an error icon in the transaction status field.

[0072] The user of attendant terminal 4 checks notification Ma and, if necessary, checks cart 5 on the corresponding POS terminal 2.

[0073] I will now explain the fraud detection process. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure by the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows the fraud detection process of ACT103 in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 assumes that fraud detection processing is performed based on the detection result of a change in the quantity of items placed in the cart 5, which has been acquired by the first acquisition unit 210. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 210 periodically acquires the detection result, and the acquisition of the detection result is used as a trigger to determine whether there was any inappropriate user operation. The POS terminal 2 saves the detection result in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0074] The first acquisition unit 210 acquires the detection result of a change in the quantity of items in the shopping cart (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires the detection result from the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0075] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires product registration management information from the auxiliary storage device 23 (ACT2).

[0076] The determination unit 212 determines whether an operation has been fraudulently performed based on the detection result and the product registration management information (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the determination unit 212 determines, based on the product registration management information, whether or not there is a record of appropriate product registration corresponding to the detection result.

[0077] For example, let's consider the case where the detection result obtained by the first acquisition unit 210 indicates "no change in quantity." In this example, the determination unit 212 will determine that appropriate user operations corresponding to the detection result have not been performed if the product registration management information indicates that an additional or negative operation has been performed by the user. The determination unit 212 will determine that appropriate user operations corresponding to the detection result have been performed if the product registration management information indicates that no operation has been performed by the user. Determining that appropriate user operations have not been performed corresponds to determining that fraudulent operations have been performed.

[0078] The case where the detection result obtained by the first acquisition unit 210 indicates "quantity increase" will be explained. In this example, the determination unit 212 will determine that an appropriate user operation corresponding to the detection result has been performed if the product registration management information indicates that an increase operation has been performed by the user. The determination unit 212 will determine that an appropriate user operation corresponding to the detection result has not been performed if the product registration management information indicates that a decrease operation has been performed by the user, or that no operation has been performed.

[0079] The case where the detection result obtained by the first acquisition unit 210 indicates a "quantity decrease" will be explained. In this example, the determination unit 212 will determine that an appropriate user operation corresponding to the detection result has been performed if the product registration management information indicates that a negative operation has been performed by the user. The determination unit 212 will determine that an appropriate user operation corresponding to the detection result has not been performed if the product registration management information indicates that an positive operation has been performed by the user, or that no operation has been performed.

[0080] If the determination unit 212 determines that an unauthorized operation has occurred (ACT3:YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If the determination unit 212 determines that no unauthorized operation has occurred (ACT3:NO), the process terminates.

[0081] The point processing unit 213 calculates fraudulent points based on the determination result by the determination unit 212 (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the point processing unit 213 calculates fraudulent points based on the fraudulent point information for fraudulent operations determined by the determination unit 212. In this example, it is assumed that the point processing unit 213 calculates fraudulent points based on the difference between the detection timing of an increase or decrease in the number of items in the cart and the update timing of the product registration management information. The point processing unit 213 compares the time information indicating the detection date and time included in the detection result with the time information indicating the date and time when the product registration management information was updated included in the product registration management information. The point processing unit 213 calculates fraudulent points based on the comparison result. For example, let's describe a case where the fraudulent point information indicates that if the time difference between the detection date and time and the update date and time of the product registration management information exceeds a predetermined time, "2 points" are added to the fraudulent points, and if the time difference is less than or equal to the predetermined time, "1 point" is added to the fraudulent points. The point processing unit 213 adds "2 points" to the fraudulent points if the time difference based on the comparison result exceeds the predetermined time. The point processing unit 213 adds "1 point" to the fraudulent points if the time difference based on the comparison result is less than or equal to a predetermined time. The point processing unit 213 may also calculate the fraudulent points based on the point value indicated in the fraudulent point information.

[0082] Furthermore, POS terminal 2 may perform fraud detection processing based on the update of product registration management information. Specifically, product registration management information may be obtained from server 1, and the acquisition of product registration management information may be used as a trigger to determine whether there was any inappropriate user operation. In this example, it is possible to detect cases of forgotten or forgotten items, which cannot be detected when fraud detection processing is performed based on the acquisition of quantity change detection results.

[0083] [Differentiation] The processor 11 of server 1 may implement the first acquisition unit 210, the second acquisition unit 211, the determination unit 212, and the point processing unit 213 of the POS terminal 2. In this case, server 1 is an example of an information processing device.

[0084] In this example, the output unit 112 of server 1 can output a notification to the user of POS terminal 2 when the fraudulent points calculated by server 1 exceed a threshold. The user of POS terminal 2 can receive the notification based on the fraudulent points. Therefore, server 1 can prevent notifications due to false detection of fraudulent operations. In this way, server 1 can reduce notifications due to false detection of fraudulent operations by issuing notifications based on fraudulent points.

[0085] [effect] The POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment can acquire detection results from a sensor that detects the increase or decrease in the number of items placed in the cart, acquire product registration management information, determine fraudulent activity based on the detection results and product registration management information, and calculate fraud points based on the determination result. For example, POS terminal 2 determines whether an increase or decrease has been made by the user of POS terminal 2 when the quantity in the shopping cart changes. If POS terminal 2 determines that fraudulent activity has occurred, it calculates fraud points. POS terminal 2 can perform fraudulent activity processing based on fraud points, rather than simply detecting fraudulent activity. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can prevent false notifications due to incorrect detection of fraudulent activity. In this way, POS terminal 2 can reduce false notifications due to incorrect detection of fraudulent activity by processing fraudulent activity based on fraud points.

[0086] Furthermore, POS terminal 2 can display notifications on its display unit based on fraudulent points. Instead of displaying a notification every time fraudulent activity is detected, POS terminal 2 can display notifications based on fraudulent points. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can prevent notifications due to false detections of fraudulent activity. In this way, by providing notifications based on fraudulent points, POS terminal 2 can reduce notifications due to false detections of fraudulent activity.

[0087] The POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment can determine whether the fraudulent points have exceeded a threshold and, based on that, can display a notification on the display unit. Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can only issue a notification when the fraudulent points have exceeded a threshold. As a result, the POS terminal 2 can reduce notifications due to false detections of fraudulent operations by issuing notifications based on the fraudulent points.

[0088] The POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment can output notifications based on accumulated points over a certain period. Since the POS terminal 2 accumulates fraudulent points over a certain period and outputs notifications based on the accumulated points, it can further prevent notifications due to false detection of fraudulent operations. As a result, the POS terminal 2 can reduce notifications due to false detection of fraudulent operations.

[0089] The POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment can calculate fraud points based on the timing of detection by the sensor and the update of product registration management information. Therefore, fraud points can be increased or decreased depending on when the fraudulent operation occurred. As a result, the POS terminal 2 can reduce the addition of fraud points due to false detection of fraudulent operation. In this way, the POS terminal 2 can reduce notifications due to false detection of fraudulent operation.

[0090] The POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment can output a notification to the server 1 based on fraudulent points. Based on the fraudulent points, the POS terminal 2 outputs a notification to the attendant terminal 4 via the server 1, thereby notifying the user of the attendant terminal 4 about fraudulent activity. The server 1 can output a notification to the attendant terminal 4 based on fraudulent points, rather than displaying a notification each time it detects that fraudulent activity has occurred. Based on the notification, the user of the attendant terminal 4 can speak to the user of the POS terminal 2 to prevent them from committing fraud. As a result, the POS terminal 2 can reduce notifications to attendants due to false detections of fraudulent activity.

[0091] The above-described embodiment can be configured as follows. [1] A first acquisition unit that acquires detection results from a sensor that detects the increase or decrease in the number of items placed in the cart, A second acquisition unit for acquiring product registration management information, A determination unit that determines fraudulent operation based on the detection results and the product registration management information, A point processing unit calculates fraudulent points based on the determination result by the determination unit, A display processing unit that displays a notification on the display unit based on the aforementioned fraudulent points, An information processing device equipped with the following features. [2] The information processing apparatus according to [1], further comprising a display processing unit that displays a notification on a display unit based on the fraudulent points. [3] The point processing unit determines whether the fraudulent points have exceeded a threshold, The display processing unit displays the notification on the display unit based on the fact that the fraudulent points have exceeded the threshold. [2] The information processing device described above. [4] The fraudulent points are accumulated points over a certain period of time, as described in any of [1] to [3]. [5] The point processing unit calculates fraudulent points based on the timing of detection by the sensor and the update of the product registration management information, as described in any of [1] to [4]. [6] An information processing device according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising an output unit that outputs a notification based on the fraudulent points. [7] Computers, A function that acquires detection results from sensors that detect increases or decreases in the number of items added to the shopping cart, A function to retrieve product registration management information, A function to determine fraudulent activity based on the aforementioned detection results and the aforementioned product registration management information, Based on the determination result by the aforementioned determination unit, a function is provided to calculate fraudulent points. An information processing program capable of executing [the specified action].

[0092] [Other embodiments] The information processing device may be implemented using a single electronic device, such as server 1 or POS terminal 2, or it may be implemented using multiple electronic devices with distributed functions.

[0093] The embodiments described above may apply not only to the apparatus but also to the methods performed by the apparatus. The embodiments described above may apply to a program that can cause the computer of the apparatus to perform each function. The embodiments described above may apply to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0094] The program may be transferred while stored on an electronic device, or it may be transferred without being stored on an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary, tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0095] 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 in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1...Server, 2...POS terminal, 3...Sensor, 4...Attendant terminal, 5...Cart, 11...Processor, 12...Main memory, 13...Auxiliary storage device, 14...Communication interface, 21...Processor, 22...Main memory, 23...Auxiliary storage device, 24...Communication interface, 25...Connection interface, 26...Display device, 27...Speaker, 28...Input device, 29...Camera, 100...Information processing system, 110...Acquisition unit, 111...Registration processing unit, 112...Output unit, 210...First acquisition unit, 211...Second acquisition unit, 212...Determination unit, 213...Point processing unit, 214...Display processing unit, 215...Output unit, 250...Scanner, Ima...Notification image, Imb...Status confirmation image, Ma...Notification.

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires detection results from a sensor that detects the increase or decrease in the number of items placed in the cart, A second acquisition unit for acquiring product registration management information, A determination unit that determines fraudulent operation based on the detection results and the product registration management information, A point processing unit compares time information indicating the detection date and time included in the detection result with time information indicating the date and time the product registration management information included in the product registration management information was updated, and calculates fraudulent points based on the time difference between the time information indicating the detection date and time and the time information indicating the update date and time. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a display processing unit that displays a notification on the display unit based on the aforementioned fraudulent points, The point processing unit determines whether the fraudulent points have exceeded a threshold, The display processing unit displays the notification on the display unit based on the fact that the fraudulent points have exceeded the threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fraudulent points are accumulated points over a certain period of time.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an output unit that outputs a notification based on the aforementioned fraudulent points.

5. On the computer, A function that acquires detection results from sensors that detect increases or decreases in the number of items added to the shopping cart, A function to retrieve product registration management information, A function to determine fraudulent activity based on the aforementioned detection results and the aforementioned product registration management information, A function that compares time information indicating the detection date and time included in the detection result with time information indicating the date and time the product registration management information included in the product registration management information was updated, and calculates fraud points based on the time difference between the time information indicating the detection date and time and the time information indicating the update date and time, An information processing program capable of executing [the specified action].

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