Payment device, payment method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows a store clerk or the like to grasp a progress state of settlement processing executed by a settlement device based on customer operations.SOLUTION: A settlement device, which performs settlement processing using settlement information for articles registered by an article registration device, includes display light control means for controlling a lighting state of the display light device provided for an own device. The display light control means changes the lighting state of the display light device when a state where a predetermined operation by a customer is not performed exceeds a predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for allowing store clerks or the like to grasp the progress of settlement processing executed by a settlement apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] At a checkout terminal in a store such as a supermarket, two types of processing are performed: (1) processing for registering products to be settled (such as reading barcodes), and (2) processing for settling payment for the registered products (such as receiving payment and returning change).

[0003] There is an operation method in which the functions of such a checkout terminal are separated into two apparatuses, and the processing of (1) and the processing of (2) are performed by different apparatuses. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses sales management in which a registration apparatus used for the processing of (1) and an accounting apparatus used for the processing of (2) are provided separately. A store clerk registers products using the registration apparatus. When the product registration is completed, the registration apparatus issues a registration receipt. A customer moves to the accounting apparatus with the registration receipt, and causes the accounting apparatus to read the registration receipt. Then, since an accounting process based on the content of the registration receipt becomes ready, the customer performs accounting by operating the accounting apparatus (such as inserting payment).

[0004] Furthermore, in a system where the functions of a cash register terminal are separated into two devices, there is an operational method in which multiple accounting devices are provided, and the store clerk designates which accounting device the customer will operate from among the multiple accounting devices. In this case, a registration receipt like the one described in Patent Document 1 below is not required. The specific flow of this operational method is as follows: First, the store clerk registers the products using the registration device. Then, the store clerk uses the registration device to designate the accounting device that the customer will operate to complete the payment process. In response to this operation by the store clerk, the registration device transmits the information necessary for the payment process to the designated accounting device. The store clerk then informs the customer of the accounting device designated as the device to be operated by the customer, either verbally or via a customer display. The customer goes to the designated accounting device and operates it to pay for the products registered with the registration device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-186495 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the operational method described above, some of the settlement processing that was previously handled by the cash register terminal is entrusted to the customer's payment device (referred to as the settlement device in this specification). Therefore, it is difficult for store employees to keep track of the progress of the settlement process based on the customer's actions.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows store employees and others to understand the progress of the settlement process performed by the settlement device based on customer operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, A settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information of products registered in a product registration device, comprising indicator light control means for controlling the lighting state of an indicator light device provided for the device itself, The indicator light control means changes the illumination state of the indicator light device if the customer does not perform a predetermined operation for a predetermined period of time. The aforementioned predetermined operation is an operation on the display screen of the device. and , An operation on the display screen includes at least one of the following: pressing the "Start Payment" button displayed on the display screen, and selecting a payment method displayed on the display screen. A payment device is provided.

[0009] According to the present invention, A settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information for products registered in a product registration device, This includes controlling the illumination state of an indicator light device provided for the device itself, Controlling the lighting state includes changing the lighting state of the indicator light device if a predetermined period of time is exceeded during which the customer does not perform a predetermined operation. The aforementioned predetermined operation is an operation on the display screen of the device. and , An operation on the display screen includes at least one of the following: pressing the "Start Payment" button displayed on the display screen, and selecting a payment method displayed on the display screen. A payment method will be provided.

[0010] According to the present invention, A settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information for products registered in a product registration device, The device is configured to control the illumination state of an indicator light device installed on its own device. It is a program , Controlling the lighting state involves changing the lighting state of the indicator light device if the customer does not perform a predetermined operation for a predetermined period of time. This includes , Said predetermined operation is an operation performed on the display screen of the own device, There is provided a program, wherein the operation on the display screen includes at least one of an operation of pressing a settlement start button displayed on the display screen and an operation of selecting a payment method displayed on the display screen.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a store clerk or the like can grasp the progress of settlement processing executed by a settlement device based on a customer's operation.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] The above object, and other objects, features and advantages will become further apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings described below.

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a flow in which a determining unit determines the progress of settlement information in a settlement device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of information defining the correspondence between the progress of settlement processing and the lighting state of an indicator light device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of each device included in the information processing system. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the information processing system when a server device functions as the information processing apparatus. [Figure 7] It is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the information processing system when a server device functions as the information processing apparatus. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the information processing system when a settlement device functions as the information processing apparatus. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of an information processing system when a settlement apparatus functions as an information processing apparatus. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a settlement information storage unit of a server apparatus. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of an information processing system when a server apparatus functions as an information processing apparatus. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of an information processing system when a server apparatus functions as an information processing apparatus. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a settlement information storage unit of each settlement apparatus. [Figure 15] It is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of an information processing system when a server apparatus functions as an information processing apparatus. [Figure 16] It is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of an information processing system when a server apparatus functions as an information processing apparatus. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of information that defines the correspondence between the progress status of settlement processing and the lighting state of an indicator lamp device, and the correspondence between the duration of the progress status and the lighting state of the indicator lamp device. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0015] In each of the following embodiments, the operation method in which the settlement device performs settlement processing using information obtained from a specific medium carried by the customer, as in Patent Document 1, will be referred to as the "account ticket method." In addition, in each of the following embodiments, the operation method in which the settlement device is performed by the product registration device or the other device itself, or by a settlement device designated by the operator of those devices, will be referred to as the "designated method."

[0016] [First Embodiment] [Processing Configuration] Figure 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing system 1 in the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a server device 40, a product registration device 20, and a settlement device 30, all of which are connected to each other via a network 50 so as to be able to communicate with one another. The settlement device 30 is also provided with an indicator light device 310. However, the configuration of the information processing system 1 is not limited to the example shown in this figure. For example, multiple product registration devices 20 and multiple settlement devices 30 may be connected to the server device 40 so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0017] Information processing system 1 uses a product registration device 20 and a payment device 30 to process payments for goods purchased by customers. First, the products to be processed are registered using the product registration device 20. Then, the payment device 30 is used to process payments (such as payment) for the registered products.

[0018] The product registration device 20 is a terminal operated by a store employee who is responsible for registering products to be settled. The product registration device 20 processes the registration of products to be settled in response to the employee's operations and generates settlement information. The settlement information is information related to the settlement process of products registered as to be settled. The settlement information includes the ID (Identifier), price, transaction number, and total amount of each product registered as to be settled.

[0019] In the specified method, the product registration device 20 outputs the generated settlement information to the server device 40 along with the identification information of the settlement device 30 that will perform the settlement processing. Alternatively, after transmitting the settlement information, the product registration device 20 may output the identification information of the settlement device 30 along with the identification information of the settlement information to the server device 40. Alternatively, the product registration device 20 may output the generated settlement information directly to the settlement device 30.

[0020] In the payment voucher system, the product registration device 20 outputs the generated settlement information along with identification information that identifies the settlement information to the server device 40. The product registration device 20 prints a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code, which encodes the identification information that identifies the settlement information, onto paper media. Alternatively, the product registration device 20 may acquire identification information that identifies the customer and output the settlement information along with that identification information to the server device 40.

[0021] The settlement device 30 is a terminal operated by the customer. The settlement device 30 uses the settlement information to process the settlement of products registered as items to be settled in the product registration device 20. Hereafter, settlement processing refers to the processes performed by the settlement device 30 from the time the settlement information is transmitted to the settlement device 30 until the settlement of the products included in that settlement information is completed.

[0022] In the designated method, the settlement device 30 acquires settlement information transmitted from the information processing device 10 or the product registration device 20 in accordance with the designated operation on the product registration device 20.

[0023] In the case of a payment voucher system, the settlement device 30 obtains identification information of the settlement information and customer identification information from the portable medium held by the customer, sends a request to transmit settlement information, including the obtained information, to the information processing device 10, and obtains the settlement information identified using the information included in the transmission request from the information processing device 10. In addition, if the settlement information itself is contained in the medium, the settlement device 30 can obtain the settlement information directly from the medium.

[0024] The indicator light device 310 is a device that visualizes and notifies the progress of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 by illuminating in various lighting states.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing device 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 in this embodiment includes an indicator light control unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, and a determination unit 130. In the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1, either the settlement device 30 or the server device 40 functions as the information processing device 10. When the settlement device 30 functions as the information processing device 10, the indicator light control unit 110, the acquisition unit 120, and the determination unit 130 are provided in the settlement device 30. When the server device 40 functions as the information processing device 10, the indicator light control unit 110, the acquisition unit 120, and the determination unit 130 are provided in the server device 40.

[0026] The acquisition unit 120 acquires information indicating that the customer has performed a predetermined operation on the settlement device 30 (first information), and information indicating that the settlement process on the settlement device 30 has been completed (second information).

[0027] Here, "prescribed operation" refers to an operation that indicates that the customer has started paying for goods using the payment device 30. Specific examples of prescribed operations include, for example, operations on the display screen of the payment device 30 (e.g., operations on the screen for selecting the payment method, pressing the button displayed on the payment device 30 screen to start the payment process, touching the screen of the payment device 30, etc.). In the case of a payment voucher system, the "prescribed operation" may also be an operation that causes the payment device 30 to read a portable medium held by the customer. However, prescribed operations are not limited to those exemplified here.

[0028] For example, if the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10, the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 can detect and acquire the first information on its own. Alternatively, if the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10, after the first information is detected by the settlement device 30, a notification indicating that the first information has been detected is sent from the settlement device 30 to the server device 40, and the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 can acquire the first information upon receiving this notification.

[0029] Furthermore, "completion of settlement processing" means that the customer has finished the operation of inserting the payment for the items to be settled into the settlement device 30, and the items to be settled have been settled. Whether or not settlement processing is complete can be determined, for example, by whether or not the settlement device 30 has detected the completion of events such as the insertion of the payment for the items to be settled, the pressing of the button to complete settlement, or the output or collection of change or receipts.

[0030] Therefore, when the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10, the second information is detected and acquired by the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30. Also, when the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10, after the second information is detected by the settlement device 30, a notification indicating that the second information has been detected is sent from the settlement device 30 to the server device 40, and the server device 40 can acquire the second information by receiving it in the acquisition unit 120.

[0031] The determination unit 130 determines the progress status of the settlement process of the settlement device 30 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 120. As will be explained in detail later using Figure 3, "determining the progress status of the settlement process of the settlement device" means, for example, that the determination unit 130 associates data values ​​assigned to each progress status, which uniquely represent each progress status, with the settlement device 30. Here, "progress status" indicates the degree of processing progress of the settlement device 30 from a state in which the settlement device 30 does not have settlement information to process (i.e., waiting until settlement information is received) to a state in which it receives settlement information and the settlement process using that settlement information is completed. Specifically, the progress status includes at least a state in which there is no customer operating the settlement device 30 and the settlement device 30 is available, and a state in which a customer is operating the settlement device 30. However, the progress status is not limited to these. For example, the progress status may also include a state in which a customer is planning to use the settlement device to settle goods, as will be explained later.

[0032] When the first information is acquired by the acquisition unit 120, the determination unit 130 determines the progress of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 to a state indicating that the customer is operating the settlement device 30 (operation state). Here, "operation state" means the state in the settlement device 30 from the detection of an operation by the customer indicating the start of the settlement process to the detection of an operation by the customer indicating the completion of the settlement process. In other words, "operation state" does not only mean that the settlement device 30 is actually being operated by the customer. Furthermore, when the second information is acquired by the acquisition unit 120, the determination unit 130 determines the progress of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 to a state indicating that no settlement process is being performed in the settlement device 30 (available state). "Available state" can be rephrased as a state in which the settlement device 30 does not have settlement information to process, and is waiting for or monitoring settlement information to be transmitted from the product registration device 20 or the server device 40.

[0033] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 120 may acquire information (third information) indicating that settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device 30 or that settlement information has been received by the settlement device 30. The determination unit 130 may then determine the progress of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 to be "transmitted" if the third information is acquired by the acquisition unit 120. Here, "transmitted" means that settlement information has been transmitted from the product registration device 20 or the server device 40 to the settlement device 30, and that the settlement device 30 has not performed any predetermined operations by the customer (i.e., the first information has not been detected). By acquiring information corresponding to the "transmitted" state in the acquisition unit 120 and determining the progress of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 to be "transmitted" accordingly, the indicator light control unit 110, described later, can issue a control instruction to light up the indicator light device 310 to a state corresponding to the "transmitted" state. As a result, the store clerk can further understand from the illuminated state of the indicator light device 310 that the customer intends to use the payment device 30 to pay for the goods.

[0034] Specifically, when the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10, the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 detects that it has received settlement information from the product registration device 20 or the server device 40. When the determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30 detects that the settlement device 30 has received settlement information, it determines its own progress status to "transmitted". Also, when the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects that it has transmitted settlement information to the settlement device 30. When the determination unit 130 of the server device 40 detects that it has transmitted settlement information to the settlement device 30, it determines the progress status of the settlement device 30 to "transmitted".

[0035] An example of the process by which the decision unit 130 determines the progress status of settlement information in the settlement device 30 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the decision unit 130 determines the progress status of settlement information in the settlement device 30. The information shown in Figure 3 is, for example, held in a storage unit (not shown) of the information processing device 10. The table in Figure 3(a) is a table that defines the progress status corresponding to each piece of information acquired by the acquisition unit 120. In the example in Figure 3(a), data indicating "operating state", data indicating "free state", and data indicating "transmitted state" are associated with the first information, second information, and third information, respectively. The table in Figure 3(b) is a table that holds the progress status of the settlement process in each settlement device 30.

[0036] As a specific example, when the acquisition unit 120 detects that settlement information has been transmitted to a settlement device 30 (third information), the determination unit 130 refers to the table in Figure 3(a) and determines that the data indicating the progress associated with the settlement device 30 is "transmitted" data. Then, the determination unit 130 updates the progress status of the record corresponding to the settlement device 30 to which the settlement information was sent in the table in Figure 3(b) using the determined "transmitted" data. Similarly, when the first and second information are acquired, the data indicating the progress status is determined by referring to the table in Figure 3(a), and the information stored in the table in Figure 3(b) is updated.

[0037] The indicator light control unit 110 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 provided for the settlement device 30, according to the progress of the settlement process based on the settlement information of the settlement device 30, which performs settlement processing using the settlement information of the products registered in the product registration device 20. As will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 4, the information processing device 10 stores the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to each progress status in a storage unit (not shown), and the indicator light control unit 110 refers to this storage unit using the progress status determined by the determination unit 130 to identify the illumination state of the indicator light device 310. The indicator light control unit 110 then sends an instruction to the indicator light device 310 to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in the identified illumination state. For example, when the server device 40 functions as the information processing device 10, the indicator light control unit 110 sends an instruction to the settlement device 30. Furthermore, if the server device 40 and the indicator light device 310 can communicate directly via the network 50, the indicator light control unit 110 can also directly send control instructions for the lighting state to the indicator light device 310. Also, if the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10, the indicator light control unit 110 sends control instructions for the lighting state to the indicator light device 310, which is connected, for example, via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates the process by which the indicator light control unit 110 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310. Figure 4 shows an example of information defining the correspondence between the progress of the settlement process and the illumination state of the indicator light device 310. However, the information defining the correspondence between the progress of the settlement process and the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 is not limited to the example in Figure 4. The illumination state in Figure 4 may store the instruction to control the illumination state itself, or it may store information that identifies the instruction to control the illumination state.

[0039] The indicator light control unit 110 uses information, for example, shown in Figure 4, to identify the control instruction for the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 provided to the payment device 30. Specifically, when the determination unit 130 determines that the progress status of the payment information in a certain payment device 30 is "transmitted," the indicator light control unit 110 identifies the control instruction to be transmitted to the indicator light device 310 of the payment device 30 as a control instruction to set the indicator light to "on (green / flashing)." The indicator light control unit 110 then transmits the control instruction to the payment device 30 to set the lighting state to "on (green / flashing)." The payment device 30 then lights up the indicator light device 310 in the "on (green / flashing)" state according to the received control instruction.

[0040] [Hardware configuration] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10.

[0041] The information processing device 10 included in the information processing system 1 comprises a CPU 101, memory 102, storage 103, input / output interface (I / F) 104, and communication module 105, as shown in Figure 5. The CPU 101, memory 102, storage 103, input / output I / F 104, and communication module 105 are connected to each other by a data transmission path for sending and receiving data.

[0042] Memory 102 is a type of memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). Storage 103 is a storage device such as a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card. Storage 103 stores program modules for realizing the functions of each processing unit (indicator light control unit 110, acquisition unit 120, and determination unit 130) of the information processing device 10 or the functions of each device. The CPU 101 realizes the functions of each processing unit by executing these program modules. For example, when the server device 40 functions as the information processing device 10, the CPU 101 of the server device 40 realizes the indicator light control unit 110, acquisition unit 120, and determination unit 130 by executing the program modules of the indicator light control unit 110, acquisition unit 120, and determination unit 130, respectively. Furthermore, when the product registration device 20 functions as an information processing device 10, the CPU 101 of the product registration device 20 executes the program modules of the indicator light control unit 110, the acquisition unit 120, and the determination unit 130, thereby realizing the indicator light control unit 110, the acquisition unit 120, and the determination unit 130, respectively. When the CPU 101 executes the above modules, it may read these modules into memory 102 before executing them, or it may execute them without reading them into memory 102.

[0043] The input / output interface 104 is connected to a display device and input device (not shown). The display device is a device that displays a screen corresponding to drawing data processed by the CPU 101 and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) (not shown), such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The input device is a device that accepts input from the user, and can be implemented as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch sensor. The display device and input device may be integrated and implemented as a touch panel.

[0044] The communication module 105 is used to send and receive data with external devices. The server device 40, the product registration device 20, and the settlement device 30 are each connected to other devices via the communication module 105. There are various ways to connect the information processing device 10 to external devices via the communication module 105. For example, this connection can be a bus connection via a bus line (e.g., a USB (Universal Serial Bus) line) or a network connection via a network line. The network line may be a wireless line or a wired line.

[0045] Furthermore, various devices necessary for registering products to be settled (such as barcode readers and other reading devices) are connected to the input / output I / F 104 of the product registration device 20. Similarly, various devices necessary for settlement processing (such as cash input devices and change dispensing devices) are connected to the input / output I / F 104 of the settlement device 30. Additionally, an indicator light device 310 is connected to the input / output I / F 104 of the settlement device 30. The indicator light device 310 has multiple light-emitting units that can express multiple colors, such as multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or full-color LEDs, each emitting light in a predetermined color, and illuminates these light-emitting units in a desired state (for example, a desired color, a desired blinking state (blinking / non-blinking), etc.) according to a control signal. The indicator light device 310 may also have a single-color light-emitting unit and be a device that can switch the illumination state of the light-emitting unit. The indicator light device 310 may not be connected to the settlement device 30 but may be provided in the vicinity of the settlement device 30. In this case, the indicator light device 310 is connected to other devices such as the server device 40 and the settlement device 30 via the network 50 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0046] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the server device 40, product registration device 20, and settlement device 30 included in the information processing system 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5.

[0047] [Example of operation] The processing flow of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 6 to 9. Figures 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams showing the processing flow of the information processing system 1 when the server device 40 functions as the information processing device 10. Figures 8 and 9 are sequence diagrams showing the processing flow of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 30 functions as the information processing device 10.

[0048] <Processing when the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10> Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the processing flow of the information processing system 1 when the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10.

[0049] First, the operator of the product registration device 20 (the cashier) registers the products to be paid for using the product registration device 20 (S101). At this point, the product registration device 20 generates information (payment information) to be used for the payment process of the products registered as products to be paid for, in accordance with the process of registering the products to be paid for. The generated payment information is transmitted to the server device 40 (S102).

[0050] The server device 40 transmits settlement information to the settlement device 30 (S103). Specifically, in the designated method, in S102, the server device 40 receives settlement information and information indicating the settlement device 30 designated as the destination for the settlement information from the product registration device 20, and transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 30 identified by the destination information. In the receipt method, after receiving the settlement information in S102, the server device 40 waits until it receives a request to transmit settlement information from the settlement device 30. The settlement device 30 then reads information identifying the settlement information from a specific portable medium carried by the customer and sends a request to transmit the settlement information to the server device 40. The server device 40 then receives the request to transmit settlement information from the settlement device 30 and transmits the settlement information corresponding to the transmission request to the settlement device 30.

[0051] In response to the transmission of settlement information in S103, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects that the settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device 30 (third information) (S104). Following this detection, the determination unit 130 of the server device 40 determines the progress status of the settlement process at the settlement device 30 to the "transmitted" state (S105). At this time, the determination unit 130 of the server device 40 associates and maintains the determined progress status together with the settlement device 30 to which the settlement information was sent. Specifically, the determination unit 130 of the server device 40 maintains both the progress status of "transmitted" and information that uniquely identifies the settlement device 30 to which the settlement information was sent (for example, information such as an identification ID unique to each settlement device 30 (device identification information)).

[0052] Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 identifies the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to the progress status "transmitted" from the storage unit which stores the illumination states of the indicator light devices 310 corresponding to each progress status (S106). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 transmits an instruction to the settlement device 30 associated with the progress status to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in the identified illumination state (the illumination state indicating "transmitted") (S107). Based on the instruction received in S107, the settlement device 30 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 (S108). As a result, the indicator light device 310 illuminates in an illumination state that indicates the settlement device 30 corresponding to the indicator light device 310 is in the "transmitted" state.

[0053] After receiving the settlement information transmitted in S103, the settlement device 30 performs settlement processing using the settlement information according to the customer's operation. Here, the settlement device 30 monitors whether or not it has detected a predetermined operation (first information) by the customer. For example, the settlement device 30 monitors whether or not it has detected an operation such as pressing a button to determine the payment method or an operation where the customer touches the standby screen displayed when the settlement device 30 is idle. When the settlement device 30 detects a predetermined operation (S109), it generates information indicating that the customer is operating and notifies the server device 40 of this information along with information that uniquely identifies itself (device identification information) (S110). In response to receiving the detection notification in S110, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 determines the progress of the settlement processing in the settlement device 30, as indicated by the device identification information transmitted with the detection notification, to be in the "operation state" (S111).

[0054] Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 identifies the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to each progress status from the storage unit which stores the illumination states of the indicator light devices 310 corresponding to each progress status (S112). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 transmits an instruction to the settlement device 30 associated with the progress status to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in the identified illumination state (the illumination state indicating "operation status") (S113). Based on the instruction received in S113, the settlement device 30 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 (S114). As a result, the indicator light device 310 illuminates in an illumination state that indicates the settlement device 30 corresponding to the indicator light device 310 is in the "operation status".

[0055] The settlement device 30 monitors whether the completion of the settlement process (second information) has been detected. The settlement device 30 monitors whether events such as the completion of payment for the items to be settled, the pressing of the button to complete settlement, and the output or collection of change or receipts have been performed, and determines that the settlement process is complete when these events are detected. When the settlement device 30 detects an event indicating the completion of the settlement process (S115), it generates information indicating that the settlement process is complete and notifies the server device 40 of this information along with information that uniquely identifies itself (device identification information) (S116). In response to receiving the detection notification in S116, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 determines the progress status of the settlement process in the settlement device 30, as indicated by the device identification information transmitted with the detection notification, to be "available" (S117).

[0056] Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 identifies the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to the progress status from the storage unit which stores the illumination states of the indicator light devices 310 corresponding to each progress status (S118). The indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 then transmits an instruction to the settlement device 30 associated with the progress status to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in the identified illumination state (the illumination state indicating "available") (S119). Based on the instruction received in S119, the settlement device 30 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 (S120). As a result, the indicator light device 310 illuminates in an illumination state that indicates the settlement device 30 corresponding to the indicator light device 310 is in an "available" state.

[0057] <Processing when the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10> Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the processing flow of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10.

[0058] The processing in the product registration device 20 (processing S201 and S202) is the same as the processing S101 and S102 in Figure 6. The processing for transmitting settlement information (processing S203) is also the same as S103 in Figure 6.

[0059] In response to receiving the settlement information transmitted in S103, the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 detects information (third information) indicating that the settlement information has been received (S204). Following this detection, the determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30 determines the progress status of the settlement process in its own device to "transmitted" (S205).

[0060] Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30 identifies the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to the progress status of each progress status from the storage unit which stores the illumination states of the indicator light devices 310 corresponding to each progress status (S206). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 based on the identified illumination state (the illumination state indicating "transmission status") (S207). As a result, the indicator light device 310 illuminates in an illumination state that indicates the settlement device 30 corresponding to that indicator light device 310 is in the "transmission status".

[0061] Furthermore, after receiving the settlement information transmitted in S103, the settlement device 30 performs settlement processing using the settlement information according to the customer's operation. Here, the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 monitors whether or not it has detected a predetermined operation (first information) by the customer. For example, the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 monitors whether or not it has detected an operation such as pressing a button to determine the payment method or the customer touching the standby screen displayed when the device is available. When the determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30 detects a predetermined operation (S208), it determines the progress status of the settlement processing in its device to "operation in progress" (S209).

[0062] Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30 identifies the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to the progress status of each progress status from the storage unit which stores the illumination states of the indicator light devices 310 corresponding to each progress status (S210). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 based on the identified illumination state (the illumination state indicating "operation status") (S211). As a result, the indicator light device 310 illuminates in an illumination state that indicates the settlement device 30 corresponding to that indicator light device 310 is in "operation status".

[0063] The acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 monitors whether or not the completion of the settlement process (second information) has been detected. The acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 monitors whether events such as the completion of payment for the items to be settled, the pressing of the button to complete settlement, the dispensing of change, and the issuance of a receipt have been performed, and determines that the settlement process has been completed when these events are detected. When the acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30 detects an event indicating the completion of the settlement process (S212), it determines the progress status of the settlement process in its own device to "available" (S213).

[0064] Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30 identifies the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to the progress status of each progress status from the storage unit which stores the illumination states of the indicator light devices 310 corresponding to each progress status (S214). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30 controls the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 based on the identified illumination state (the illumination state indicating "available") (S215). As a result, the indicator light device 310 illuminates in an illumination state that indicates the settlement device 30 corresponding to that indicator light device 310 is in an "available" state.

[0065] [Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the progress of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 is determined by the information processing device 10 (settlement device 30 or server device 40). The indicator light device 310 provided for the settlement device 30 is then illuminated in a state corresponding to the determined progress. As a result, according to this embodiment, store employees can understand the progress of the settlement process in each settlement device 30 by the illumination state of the indicator light device 310, without having to go to the vicinity of the settlement device 30 to check the situation.

[0066] [Second Embodiment] In the designated method, when the product registration device 20 transmits new settlement information to the settlement device 30, there may be no settlement devices 30 that are "available". For example, if all the settlement devices 30 installed in the store are being operated by customers, there will be no settlement devices 30 that are "available" at that time.

[0067] Even in such a situation, it is preferable that the product registration device 20 be configured to transmit settlement information to one of the settlement devices 30 to complete processing for the current customer, in order to register the products to be settled for the next customer without delay. In such a case, the transmitted settlement information will be stored in the queue of the destination settlement device 30 as the settlement information to be processed next. At this time, the progress of settlement processing in the destination settlement device 30 can be said to be that the settlement information to be processed next has been transmitted.

[0068] Therefore, when the second information is acquired, the decision unit 130 in this embodiment further determines whether or not the settlement device 30 has settlement information to be processed next. If the decision unit 130 determines that the settlement device 30 has settlement information to be processed next, it determines the progress status of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 to "transmitted". On the other hand, if the decision unit 130 determines that the settlement device 30 does not have settlement information to be processed next, it determines the progress status of the settlement process in the settlement device 30 to "available". Similar to the first embodiment, the decision unit 130 in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program module that realizes the functions of the decision unit 130 stored in the storage 103.

[0069] [Processing Configuration] Figure 10 is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing device 10 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the information processing device 10 in this embodiment further comprises a management unit 140 and a settlement information storage unit 142.

[0070] The settlement information storage unit 142 stores whether or not the settlement process using each settlement information transmitted to the settlement device 30 has been completed. The management unit 140 updates the settlement information storage unit 142 in response to the transmission of settlement information to the settlement device 30 and the completion of the settlement process in the settlement device 30.

[0071] <When the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10> When the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10, the settlement information storage unit 142 of the server device 40 stores information as shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored by the settlement information storage unit 142 of the server device 40. In the example in Figure 11, the settlement information storage unit 142 of the server device 40 stores a settlement information ID that uniquely identifies each settlement information, a settlement device ID that indicates the destination to which the settlement information is sent, and a status ("completed" or "incomplete") indicating whether or not the settlement process using the settlement information has been completed, in association with each other. However, the information stored by the settlement information storage unit 142 is not limited to the example in Figure 11.

[0072] In the example in Figure 11, settlement device 30, with settlement device ID: A, has two settlement records with a status of "incomplete". That is, settlement device 30 with settlement device ID: A has settlement records to be processed in addition to the settlement records it is currently processing. Therefore, when settlement device 30 with settlement device ID: A completes the settlement process using the first settlement record, the decision unit 130 of the server device 40 determines the progress status of settlement device 30 to "sent". On the other hand, settlement device 30 with settlement device ID: B has two settlement records, but one of them has a status of "completed" and the other has a status of "incomplete". That is, settlement device 30 with settlement device ID: B does not have any settlement records to be processed in addition to the settlement records it is currently processing. Therefore, when the settlement process using the first settlement information is completed at settlement device 30, which has "Settlement Device ID: B", the determination unit 130 of the server device 40 determines the progress status of settlement device 30 to "available".

[0073] The information stored in the settlement information storage unit 142 of the server device 40 is updated by the management unit 140 of the server device 40, for example, as follows: First, when the server device 40's acquisition unit 120 detects the transmission of settlement information (third information), the management unit 140 of the server device 40 generates information having the settlement information ID, the settlement device ID of the settlement device 30 to which the settlement information was sent, and the status "incomplete," and stores it in the settlement information storage unit 142 of the server device 40. Next, when the server device 40's acquisition unit 120 receives a notification indicating that the settlement processing using the settlement information (second information) has been detected from the settlement device 30 of the server device 40, the management unit 140 of the server device 40 updates the status of the settlement information to "completed."

[0074] An example of the operation of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 are sequence diagrams showing the processing flow of the information processing system 1 when the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10. In the following description, it is assumed that the server device 40 is connected to two payment devices 30 (payment device 30A and payment device 30B).

[0075] First, the product registration device 20 generates the first settlement information to be sent to the settlement device 30A and sends it to the server device 40 (S301). The server device 40 then sends the first settlement information received from the product registration device 20 to the settlement device 30A (S302). At this time, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects the transmission of settlement information to the settlement device 30A (third information). In response, the management unit 140 of the server device 40 stores the settlement information ID indicating the first settlement information, the settlement device ID indicating the settlement device 30A, and the status "incomplete" in the settlement information storage unit 142 (S303). The determination unit 130 of the server device 40 also determines the progress status of the settlement device 30A to "transmitted" and sends an instruction to the settlement device 30B to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in the "transmitted" state.

[0076] Next, the product registration device 20 generates second settlement information to be sent to the settlement device 30B and sends it to the server device 40 (S304). The server device 40 then sends the second settlement information received from the product registration device 20 to the settlement device 30B (S305). At this time, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects the transmission of settlement information to the settlement device 30B (third information). In response, the management unit 140 of the server device 40 stores the settlement information ID indicating the second settlement information, the settlement device ID indicating the settlement device 30B, and the status "incomplete" in the settlement information storage unit 142 (S306). The determination unit 130 of the server device 40 also determines the progress status of the settlement device 30B to "transmitted" and sends an instruction to the settlement device 30B to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in the "transmitted" state.

[0077] Furthermore, before the settlement device 30A completes the settlement process using the first settlement information, the product registration device 20 generates a third settlement information to be sent to the settlement device 30A and sends it to the server device 40 (S307). Then, the server device 40 sends the third settlement information received from the product registration device 20 to the settlement device 30A (S308). At this time, the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects the transmission of settlement information (third information) to the settlement device 30A. In response, the management unit 140 of the server device 40 causes the settlement information storage unit 142 to store the settlement information ID indicating the third settlement information, the settlement device ID indicating the settlement device 30A, and the status "incomplete" (S309). In this case, the settlement information storage unit 142 has two settlement information entries with the status "incomplete" registered. In this case, since settlement processing using the first settlement information is being performed by the settlement device 30A, the decision unit 130 of the server device 40 determines that the transmission of the third settlement information does not affect the progress status of the settlement device 30A, and therefore does not update the progress status of the settlement device 30A.

[0078] Then, when the settlement device 30A detects the completion of settlement processing using the first settlement information (second information), the settlement device 30A sends a notification of the detection of the second information to the server device 40, along with its own settlement device ID and the settlement information ID of the first settlement information (S310). When the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 receives this detection notification, the management unit 140 of the server device 40 uses the settlement information ID acquired in S310 to identify the first settlement information stored in the settlement information storage unit 142 and updates its status from "incomplete" to "completed" (S311). Then, the decision unit 130 of the server device 40 uses the settlement device ID acquired in S310 to refer to the settlement information storage unit 142, check whether the settlement device 30A has the next settlement information to process, and determines the progress status of the settlement device 30A. Here, since the settlement device 30A has the third settlement information to be processed next, the decision unit 130 of the server device 40 determines the progress status of the settlement device 30A to "transmitted" (S312). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the server device 40 sends an instruction to the settlement device 30A to light up the indicator light device 310 in a lit state indicating "transmitted" (S313). Based on the instruction received in S313, the settlement device 30 lights up the indicator light device 310 in a lit state indicating "transmitted" (S314).

[0079] Furthermore, when the settlement device 30B detects the completion of settlement processing using the second settlement information (second information), the settlement device 30B sends a notification of the detection of the second information to the server device 40, along with its own settlement device ID and the settlement information ID of the second settlement information (S315). When the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 receives this detection notification, the management unit 140 of the server device 40 uses the settlement information ID acquired in S315 to identify the second settlement information stored in the settlement information storage unit 142 and updates its status from "incomplete" to "completed" (S316). Then, the decision unit 130 of the server device 40 uses the settlement device ID acquired in S315 to refer to the settlement information storage unit 142, check whether the settlement device 30B has the settlement information to process next, and determines the progress status of the settlement device 30B. Here, since settlement device 30A does not have settlement information to process next, the determination unit 130 of server device 40 determines the progress status of settlement device 30B to "available" (S317). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of server device 40 transmits an instruction to settlement device 30B to illuminate the indicator light device 310 in a lit state indicating "available" (S318). Based on the instruction received in S318, settlement device 30 illuminates the indicator light device 310 in a lit state indicating "available" (S319).

[0080] <When the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10> When the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10, the settlement information storage unit 142 of each settlement device 30 stores information such as that shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored by the settlement information storage unit 142 of each settlement device 30. In the example of Figure 14, the settlement information storage unit 142 of each settlement device 30 stores a settlement information ID that uniquely identifies each settlement piece of information and a status ("completed" or "incomplete") indicating whether the settlement process using the settlement information has been completed or not, in association with each other. However, the information stored by the settlement information storage unit 142 is not limited to the example in Figure 14.

[0081] In the example in Figure 14, settlement device 30 with "Settlement Device ID: A" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30A) has two settlement information entries with a status of "Incomplete". That is, settlement device 30A has settlement information to be processed in addition to the settlement information it is currently processing. Therefore, when settlement device 30A completes the settlement process using the first settlement information entry, the determination unit 130 of settlement device 30A determines its progress status to "Sent". On the other hand, settlement device 30 with "Settlement Device ID: B" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30B) has two settlement information entries, but the status of one of them is "Completed" and the status of the other is "Incomplete". That is, settlement device 30B does not have any settlement information to be processed in addition to the settlement information it is currently processing. Therefore, once the settlement process using the first settlement information is completed in the settlement device 30B, the determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30B determines its own progress status to "available".

[0082] The information stored in the settlement information storage unit 142 of each settlement device 30 is updated by the management unit 140 of each settlement device 30, for example, as follows: First, when the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects the receipt of settlement information (third information), the management unit 140 of the settlement device 30 generates information having the settlement information ID and the status "incomplete" for that settlement information, and stores it in its own settlement information storage unit 142. Next, when the acquisition unit 120 of the server device 40 detects the completion of the settlement process using that settlement information (second information), the management unit 140 of the server device 40 updates the status of that settlement information to "completed".

[0083] Figures 15 and 16 will be used to illustrate another example of operation of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. Figures 15 and 16 are sequence diagrams showing the processing flow of the information processing system 1 when the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10. In the following description, it is assumed that the server device 40 is connected to two payment devices 30 (payment device 30A and payment device 30B).

[0084] First, the product registration device 20 generates the first settlement information to be sent to the settlement device 30A and sends it to the server device 40 (S401). The server device 40 then sends the first settlement information received from the product registration device 20 to the settlement device 30A (S402). The acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30A detects the receipt of the first settlement information (third information). In response, the management unit 140 of the settlement device 30A stores the settlement information ID and status "incomplete" information indicating the first settlement information in the settlement information storage unit 142 of the settlement device 30A (S403). The determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30A determines its own progress status to "sent," and lights up the indicator light device 310 provided for itself in a state indicating "sent."

[0085] Next, the product registration device 20 generates second settlement information to be sent to the settlement device 30B and sends it to the server device 40 (S404). The server device 40 then sends the second settlement information received from the product registration device 20 to the settlement device 30B (S405). The acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30B detects the receipt of the second settlement information (third information). In response, the management unit 140 of the settlement device 30B stores the settlement information ID and status "incomplete" information indicating the second settlement information in the settlement information storage unit 142 of the settlement device 30B (S406). The determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30B also determines its own progress status to "sent," and lights up the indicator light device 310 provided for itself in a state indicating "sent."

[0086] Furthermore, before the settlement device 30A completes the settlement process using the first settlement information, the product registration device 20 generates a third settlement information to be sent to the settlement device 30A and sends it to the server device 40 (S407). The server device 40 then sends the third settlement information received from the product registration device 20 to the settlement device 30A (S408). The acquisition unit 120 of the settlement device 30A then detects the receipt of the third settlement information (third information). In response, the management unit 140 of the settlement device 30A stores the settlement information ID and status "incomplete" information indicating the third settlement information in the settlement information storage unit 142 of the settlement device 30A (S409). In this case, the settlement information storage unit 142 has two settlement information entries with the status "incomplete" registered. In this case, since settlement processing using the first settlement information is in progress, the determination unit 130 of the settlement device 30A determines that the reception of the third settlement information does not affect its own progress status, and therefore does not update the progress status of the settlement device 30A.

[0087] Then, when the settlement device 30A detects the completion of the settlement process using the first settlement information (second information) (S410), the management unit 140 of the settlement device 30A refers to the settlement information storage unit 142 using the settlement information ID of the first settlement information and updates the status of the first settlement information from "incomplete" to "completed" (S411). Then, the decision unit 130 of the settlement device 30A refers to the settlement information storage unit 142 to check whether it has the settlement information to be processed next and determines its own progress status. Here, since the settlement device 30A has the third settlement information as the settlement information to be processed next, the decision unit 130 of the settlement device 30A determines its own progress status to "transmitted" (S412). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30A lights up the indicator light device 310 provided for itself in a lit state indicating the "transmitted" state (S413).

[0088] Furthermore, when the settlement device 30B detects the completion of settlement processing using the second settlement information (second information) (S414), the management unit 140 of the settlement device 30B refers to the settlement information storage unit 142 using the settlement information ID of the second settlement information and updates the status of the second settlement information from "incomplete" to "completed" (S415). Then, the decision unit 130 of the settlement device 30B refers to the settlement information storage unit 142 to check whether it has settlement information to process next and determines its own progress status. Here, since the settlement device 30B does not have settlement information to process next, the decision unit 130 of the settlement device 30B determines its own progress status to "available" (S416). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 of the settlement device 30B lights up the indicator light device 310 provided for itself in a lit state indicating "available" (S417).

[0089] [Operation and Effects of the Second Embodiment] In this embodiment, when a settlement process is completed in a settlement device 30, it is further determined whether or not that settlement device 30 has settlement information to process next. If that settlement device 30 has settlement information to process next, its progress status is determined to be "transmitted," and if that settlement device 30 does not have settlement information to process next, its progress status is determined to be "available." According to this embodiment, when the product registration device 20 transmits new settlement information to a settlement device 30, even if there are no settlement devices 30 in the "available" state, the progress status of the settlement process of each settlement device 30 can be appropriately determined.

[0090] [Third Embodiment] [Processing Configuration] Figure 17 is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing device 10 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the information processing device 10 in this embodiment further includes a duration management unit 150. In the example of Figure 17, a configuration based on the configuration of the first embodiment is illustrated, but the information processing device 10 in this embodiment may further include the configuration described in the second embodiment. The duration management unit 150 is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program module of the duration management unit 150 stored in the storage 103, similar to the first embodiment.

[0091] The duration management unit 150 manages the duration of the progress status of the settlement process. The duration management unit 150 can manage the duration of each state by, for example, acquiring the system time as the current time at predetermined intervals and calculating the difference between the current time and the time at which each piece of information (first to third information) was acquired by the acquisition unit 120. However, the method of managing the duration of each state by the duration management unit 150 is not limited to this example.

[0092] In this embodiment, the indicator light control unit 110 controls the lighting state of the indicator light device provided to the settlement device to which settlement information has been transmitted, based on the progress status determined by the determination unit 130 and the duration managed by the duration management unit 150.

[0093] The information processing device 10 holds information indicating the correspondence between a combination of progress status and duration and the lighting state, as shown in Figure 18, for example. The indicator light control unit 110 determines the control instruction for the indicator light device 310 based on the combination of the progress status determined by the determination unit 130 and the duration managed by the duration management unit 150. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of information defining the correspondence between the progress status of the settlement process and the lighting state of the indicator light device 310, and the correspondence between the duration of the progress status and the lighting state of the indicator light device 310. However, the information used by the indicator light control unit 110 in this embodiment is not limited to the example in Figure 18.

[0094] In the example in Figure 18, the lighting status corresponding to each progress status is defined as follows: "Off" when the progress status is "Available", "On (Yellow)" when the progress status is "Transmitted", "On (Green)" when the progress status is "Operating", and "On (All Colors)" when the progress status is "Calling". Note that the progress status "Calling" means, for example, that an operation to call a store clerk has been performed in the payment device 30. The acquisition unit 120 receives a notification from another device indicating that a store clerk calling operation has been detected, and accordingly, the decision unit 130 determines the progress status to "Calling". In this case, for example, the table in Figure 3(a) further registers information about a call operation performed by a store employee as "fourth information," and as the acquisition unit 120 acquires the fourth information from the payment device 30, the determination unit 130 determines and updates the progress status of the payment device 30 to "calling state."

[0095] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 18, the lighting state corresponding to the duration is defined as "non-flashing" when the duration is 0 to 59 seconds, "slow flashing" when the duration is 60 to 119 seconds, and "fast flashing" when the duration is 120 seconds or longer. However, this is just an example, and the length of the duration and the lighting state corresponding to the duration are not limited to the example in this figure.

[0096] [Example of operation] An example of the operation of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 19. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the information processing device 10 in the third embodiment. The processing described below is repeatedly executed in the acquisition unit 120 after one piece of information has been acquired and until another piece of information has been acquired.

[0097] First, the management unit 140 determines whether the progress status has been updated by the determination unit 130 following the acquisition of new information by the acquisition unit 120 (S501). If the progress status has not been updated (S501: NO), the management unit 140 waits until the progress status is updated. On the other hand, if the progress status has been updated (S501: YES), the management unit 140 starts the process of managing the duration of the progress status (S502). Then, the indicator light control unit 110 identifies the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 based on the progress status determined by the determination unit 130 and the duration of the progress status managed by the duration management unit 150 (S503). For example, consider the case where the information processing device 10 holds the information shown in Figure 18, and the elapsed time since the progress status was updated to "transmitted" is 60 [s]. In this case, the indicator light control unit 110 uses the information shown in Figure 18 to identify the lighting state as "yellow (slow blinking)". The indicator light control unit 110 then determines whether or not it is necessary to change the current lighting state of the indicator light device 310 (S504). The indicator light control unit 110 can, for example, maintain the lighting state corresponding to the instruction sent to each settlement device 30, and determine whether or not it is necessary to change the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 based on whether or not that lighting state is the same as the lighting state of the instruction in S503. If it is not necessary to change the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 (S504: NO), the indicator light control unit 110 does not send an instruction to control the lighting state, and the above process is repeated. On the other hand, if it is necessary to change the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 (S504: YES), the indicator light control unit 110 outputs a control instruction to light up the indicator light device 310 in the lighting state specified in S503 (S505).

[0098] [Operation and Effects of the Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 is controlled according to the progress status and the duration of that progress status. As a result, store employees can understand the progress status of the settlement process at each settlement device 30 in more detail by observing the illumination state of the indicator light device 310.

[0099] [Fourth Embodiment] In this embodiment, we will describe an information processing device 10 having the minimum configuration necessary to achieve the effects of the present invention.

[0100] [Processing Configuration] Figure 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the processing configuration of the information processing device 10 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, the information processing device 10 in the fourth embodiment has an indicator light control unit 110. The indicator light control unit 110 in this embodiment is the same as in the first to third embodiments. Similar to the first embodiment, the indicator light control unit 110 in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program module that realizes the functions of the indicator light control unit 110 stored in the storage 103. [Example of operation] An example of the operation of the information processing device 10 in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 21. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the information processing device 10 in the fourth embodiment.

[0101] <When the server device 40 functions as an information processing device 10> The indicator light control unit 110 acquires information indicating the progress of the settlement device 30, along with information identifying the settlement device 30 (S601). The indicator light control unit 110 then identifies the lighting state corresponding to the progress indicated by the information acquired in S601 (S602). For example, the server device 40 has a storage unit that stores the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to each progress, and the indicator light control unit 110 refers to this storage unit to identify the lighting state. The indicator light control unit 110 then sends an instruction to the settlement device 30 identified by the information identifying the settlement device 30 acquired in S601 to light up the indicator light device 310 in the lighting state identified in S602, thereby controlling the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 (S603).

[0102] <When the settlement device 30 functions as an information processing device 10> The indicator light control unit 110 acquires information indicating the progress of its own device (S601). For example, the indicator light control unit 110 acquires information indicating that settlement information has been received from the product registration device 20 or the server device 40 (third information), information indicating that the customer has performed a predetermined operation on the settlement device 30 (first information), and information indicating that the settlement process has been completed (second information). The indicator light control unit 110 then identifies the lighting state corresponding to the progress indicated by the information acquired in S601 (S602). For example, the settlement device 30 has a storage unit that stores the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 corresponding to each progress state, and the indicator light control unit 110 refers to this storage unit to identify the lighting state. The indicator light control unit 110 then sends an instruction to the indicator light device 310 provided for its own device to light up in the lighting state identified in S602, and controls the lighting state of the indicator light device 310 (S603).

[0103] [Fourth Embodiment's Function and Effects] As described above, according to this embodiment, the illumination state of the indicator light device 310 provided for the payment device 30 is controlled according to the progress of the payment processing in the payment device 30. Therefore, according to this embodiment, store employees can grasp the progress of the payment processing in each payment device 30 from the illumination state of the indicator light device 310.

[0104] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0105] Furthermore, while the sequence diagrams and flowcharts used in the above description show multiple processes in order, the execution order of the processes performed in each embodiment is not limited to that order. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated processes can be changed to the extent that it does not impede the content. Also, the above embodiments can be combined to the extent that their contents do not conflict.

[0106] Examples of reference formats are provided below. 1. An information processing device that performs settlement processing using settlement information of products registered in a product registration device, and is equipped with indicator light control means that controls the lighting state of an indicator light device provided on the device according to the progress of the settlement processing. 2. An acquisition means for acquiring first information indicating that the customer has performed a predetermined operation on the device, and second information indicating that the settlement process has been completed, The system further comprises a determination means for determining the progress of the settlement process based on the information obtained by the acquisition means, The aforementioned determination means is When the aforementioned first information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be in a state of being operated by the customer. When the aforementioned second information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be available. The indicator light control means illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for the operating state and the idle state. The information processing device described in 1. 3. The acquisition means acquires, as the first information, information indicating that a customer operation has been performed on the screen displayed on the device, or information indicating that a portable medium has been read. The information processing device described in 2. 4. The acquisition means further acquires third information indicating that the settlement information has been received, When the third information is acquired, the determination means determines the progress status to the state that the settlement information has been transmitted to its own device. The indicator light control means illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for each of the following states: operating state, idle state, and transmitted state. The information processing device described in 2. or 3. 5. The aforementioned determination means is When the second information is obtained, it is further determined whether the device has the settlement information to be processed next. If the device determines that it does not have the settlement information to be processed next, it sets the progress status to the "empty" state. When the device determines that it has settlement information to be processed next, it sets the progress status to the "transmitted" state. The information processing device described in 4. 6. The system further includes a duration management means for managing the duration of the progress status of the settlement process, The indicator light control means controls the illumination state of the indicator light device based on the progress status and the duration managed by the duration management means. An information processing device as described in any one of items 1 through 5. 7. Computers An information processing method that includes controlling the illumination state of an indicator light device provided to a settlement device in accordance with the progress of the settlement process based on settlement information of a product registered in a product registration device. 8. The aforementioned computer, The system obtains first information indicating that the customer has performed a predetermined operation on the device, and second information indicating that the settlement process has been completed. When the aforementioned first information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be in a state of being operated by the customer. When the aforementioned second information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be available. The indicator light device is illuminated in different states during operation and in the idle state. The information processing method described in 7. further includes the following. 9. The aforementioned computer, As the aforementioned first information, the device acquires information indicating that a customer has performed an operation on the screen displayed on the device, or information indicating that a portable medium has been read. The information processing method described in 8. further includes the following. 10. The aforementioned computer, Further information is obtained indicating that the aforementioned settlement information has been received. When the aforementioned third information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be "transmission of settlement information to the local device," The indicator light device is illuminated in different states for each of the following states: the operating state, the idle state, and the transmitted state. The information processing method described in 8. or 9. further includes the following: 11. The aforementioned computer, When the second information is obtained, it is further determined whether the device has the settlement information to be processed next. If the device determines that it does not have the settlement information to be processed next, it sets the progress status to the "empty" state. When the device determines that it has settlement information to be processed next, it sets the progress status to the "transmitted" state. The information processing method described in 10. further includes the following. 12. The aforementioned computer, The duration of the progress of the aforementioned settlement process is managed, Based on the progress status and the managed duration, the illumination state of the indicator light device is controlled. An information processing method described in any one of paragraphs 7 to 11, further including the above. 13. Computers, A program to function as an indicator light control means for a settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information of products registered in a product registration device, in accordance with the progress of the settlement processing based on said settlement information, and which controls the illumination state of an indicator light device provided for the device. 14. The aforementioned computer, Acquisition means for acquiring first information indicating that a customer has performed a predetermined operation on the device, and second information indicating that the settlement process has been completed. A determination means that determines the progress of the settlement process based on the information obtained by the acquisition means. A determination means that determines the progress status to a state of being operated by the customer when the first information is obtained, and determines the progress status to a state of being available when the second information is obtained. The indicator light control means that illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for the operating state and the idle state, The program described in section 13 for further functionality. 15. The aforementioned computer, The acquisition means acquires, as the first information, information indicating that a customer has performed an operation on the screen displayed on the device, or information indicating that a portable medium has been read. The program described in section 14 to make it function as such. 16. The aforementioned computer, The acquisition means further acquires third information indicating that the settlement information has been received. When the third information is acquired, the determination means determines the progress status to a state where the settlement information has been transmitted to the device. The indicator light control means illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for each of the following states: operating state, idle state, and transmitted state. The program described in section 14 or 15 to function as such. 17. The aforementioned computer, When the second information is obtained, it is further determined whether the device has the settlement information to be processed next. If the device determines that it does not have the settlement information to be processed next, it sets the progress status to the "empty" state. The determination means determines that the device has settlement information to be processed next, and determines the progress status to the transmitted state. The program described in section 16 to make it function as such. 18. The aforementioned computer, Duration management means for managing the duration of the progress status of the settlement process, Based on the progress status and the duration managed by the duration management means, the indicator light control means controls the lighting state of the indicator light device. A program described in one of sections 13 through 17 to function as such. 19. An information processing device comprising indicator light control means for controlling the illumination state of an indicator light device provided for a settlement device, according to the progress of the settlement process based on settlement information of a settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information of a product registered in a product registration device. 20. An acquisition means for acquiring first information indicating that a customer has performed a predetermined operation on the settlement device, and second information indicating that the settlement process has been completed. The system further comprises a determination means for determining the progress of the settlement process of the settlement device based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, The aforementioned determination means is When the aforementioned first information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be in the state of the customer operating the payment device. When the second information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be the availability status of the settlement device. The indicator light control means illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for the operating state and the idle state. The information processing device described in 19. twenty one. The acquisition means acquires, as the first information, information indicating that an operation has been performed, or information indicating that a portable medium has been read. The information processing device described in 20. twenty two. The acquisition means further acquires third information indicating that the settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device, When the third information is acquired, the determination means determines the progress status to a state where the settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device. The indicator light control means illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for each of the following states: operating state, idle state, and transmitted state. The information processing device described in 20. or 21. twenty three. The aforementioned determination means is When the second information is obtained, it is further determined whether the settlement device has settlement information to be processed next. If the settlement device determines that it does not have settlement information to process next, it determines the progress status to the "empty" state. When the settlement device determines that it has settlement information to be processed next, it determines the progress status to the "transmitted" state. The information processing device described in 22. twenty four. The system further includes a duration management means for managing the duration of the progress status of the settlement process, The indicator light control means controls the illumination state of the indicator light device provided for the settlement device to which the settlement information has been transmitted, based on the progress status and the duration managed by the duration management means. An information processing device as described in any one of items 19 to 23. twenty five. Computers An information processing method that includes controlling the illumination state of an indicator light device provided for a settlement device, according to the progress of the settlement process based on settlement information of a settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information of a product registered in a product registration device. 26. The aforementioned computer, First information indicating that the customer has performed a predetermined operation on the settlement device, and second information indicating that the settlement process has been completed are obtained. When the aforementioned first information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be in the state of the customer operating the payment device. When the second information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be the availability status of the settlement device. The indicator light device is illuminated in different states during operation and in the idle state. The information processing method described in 25. further includes the following. 27. The aforementioned computer, As the aforementioned first information, information indicating that an operation has been performed, or information indicating that a portable medium has been read, is obtained. The information processing method described in 26. further includes the following. 28. The aforementioned computer, Further, a third piece of information is obtained indicating that the settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device. When the third information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be "transmitted to the settlement device," The indicator light device is illuminated in different states for each of the following states: the operating state, the idle state, and the transmitted state. The information processing method described in 26 or 27, further including the following: 29. The aforementioned computer, When the second information is obtained, it is further determined whether the settlement device has settlement information to be processed next. If the settlement device determines that it does not have settlement information to process next, it determines the progress status to the "empty" state. When the settlement device determines that it has settlement information to be processed next, it determines the progress status to the "transmitted" state. The information processing method described in 28. further includes the following. 30. The aforementioned computer, The duration of the progress of the aforementioned settlement process is managed, Based on the progress status and the managed duration, the lighting state of the indicator light device provided for the settlement device to which the settlement information was transmitted is controlled. An information processing device according to any one of paragraphs 25 to 29, further including the following: 31. Computers, A program to function as an indicator light control means for controlling the illumination state of an indicator light device provided to a settlement device, in accordance with the progress of the settlement process based on settlement information of products registered in a product registration device. 32. The aforementioned computer, Acquisition means for acquiring first information indicating that a customer has performed a predetermined operation on the settlement device, and second information indicating that the settlement process has been completed. When the first information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be in a state where the customer is operating the payment device; when the second information is obtained, the progress status is determined to be in a state where the payment device is available. The indicator light control means that illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for the operating state and the idle state, The program described in 31. for further functionality. 33. The aforementioned computer, The acquisition means acquires, as the first information, information indicating that an operation has been performed, or information indicating that a portable medium has been read. The program described in section 32 for further functionality. 34. The aforementioned computer, The acquisition means further acquires third information indicating that the settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device. When the third information is obtained, the determination means determines the progress status to the state that the settlement information has been transmitted to the settlement device. The indicator light control means illuminates the indicator light device in different lighting states for each of the following states: operating state, idle state, and transmitted state. The program described in 32 or 33 for further functionality. 35. The aforementioned computer, When the second information is obtained, it is further determined whether the settlement device has settlement information to be processed next. If the settlement device determines that it does not have settlement information to process next, it determines the progress status to the "empty" state. When the settlement device determines that it has settlement information to be processed next, the determination means determines the progress status to the transmitted state. The program described in section 34 to make it function as such. 36. The aforementioned computer, Duration management means for managing the duration of the progress status of the settlement process, Based on the progress status and the duration managed by the duration management means, the indicator light control means controls the lighting state of the indicator light device provided to the settlement device to which the settlement information has been transmitted. A program described in any one of sections 31 through 35 to function as such.

[0107] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-39635, filed on 27 February 2015, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

Claims

1. A settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information of products registered in a product registration device, It is equipped with indicator light control means for controlling the lighting state of an indicator light device provided for the device itself, The indicator light control means changes the illumination state of the indicator light device if the customer does not perform a predetermined operation for a predetermined period of time. The aforementioned predetermined operation is an operation on the display screen of the device itself. The operation on the display screen includes at least one of the following: pressing the "Start Payment" button displayed on the display screen, and selecting the payment method displayed on the display screen. Payment device.

2. A determination means that, upon receiving the settlement information, determines the progress of the settlement process to be in a state where the customer has not performed the predetermined operation, The system further includes a duration management means for managing the duration of the settlement process's progress, When the determination means determines that the predetermined operation is not being performed, the indicator light control means controls the illumination state of the indicator light device based on the duration managed by the duration management means. The settlement device according to claim 1.

3. The indicator light control means controls the illumination state based on information indicating the correspondence between the combination of the state in which the predetermined operation is not performed and the duration thereof, and the illumination state. The settlement device according to claim 2.

4. The system further includes acquisition means for acquiring first information indicating that the customer has performed the predetermined operation, The state in which the customer does not perform the predetermined operation is the state in which the first information has not been acquired by the acquisition means after the settlement information has been received. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information for products registered in a product registration device, This includes controlling the illumination state of an indicator light device provided for the device itself, Controlling the lighting state includes changing the lighting state of the indicator light device if a predetermined period of time is exceeded during which the customer does not perform a predetermined operation. The aforementioned predetermined operation is an operation on the display screen of the device itself. The operation on the display screen includes at least one of the following: pressing the "Start Payment" button displayed on the display screen, and selecting the payment method displayed on the display screen. Payment method.

6. A settlement device that performs settlement processing using settlement information for products registered in a product registration device, A program that controls the lighting state of an indicator light device provided for the device itself, Controlling the lighting state includes changing the lighting state of the indicator light device if a predetermined period of time is exceeded during which the customer does not perform a predetermined operation. The aforementioned predetermined operation is an operation on the display screen of the device itself. A program that includes at least one of the following operations on the display screen: pressing the "Start Payment" button displayed on the display screen, and selecting a payment method displayed on the display screen.

Images