Checkout system

Abstract

The present invention makes it easy to monitor whether a customer leaving a store has completed payment.　A checkout system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a payment unit, an operation unit, and a first control unit. The payment unit settles payment of a price related to a transaction at the store. The operation unit is provided facing a checkout lane in the store, and performs a notification operation for causing a person in the vicinity to recognize that a customer is permitted to leave the store through the checkout lane. The first control unit controls the operation unit so as to perform the notification operation during a predetermined first permitted period after completion of the payment by the payment unit.

Description

Checkout System

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a checkout system.

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-49680

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout system that makes it possible to easily monitor whether a customer leaving a store has completed payment.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a product sales system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example layout of a checkout counter in a store incorporating the product sales system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the transaction processing device in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the POS terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the checkout gate in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the information processing terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the monitoring terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the POS server in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the general steps involved in registering transaction details using an information processing terminal and transferring the transaction related to the registered transaction to the checkout gate. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the checkout process. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first guide screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second guide screen. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the checkout gate and the POS server regarding invalidation of the payment completion code. Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the checkout gate and the POS server to confirm whether the payment completion code is invalid. Figure 16 is a flowchart of the incorrect passage process by the checkout gate processor and the warning process by the monitoring terminal processor. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a first warning screen. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of a second warning screen. Embodiment

[0006] A checkout system according to an embodiment includes a settlement unit, an operation unit, and a first control unit. The settlement unit settles a price for a transaction at a store. The operation unit is located facing a checkout lane at the store and performs a notification operation to notify people nearby that the customer is permitted to exit the store via the checkout lane. The first control unit controls the operation unit to perform the notification operation within a predetermined first permitted period after the payment is completed by the settlement unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0014] Processor 101, main memory unit 102, and auxiliary memory unit 103 are connected via transmission path 105 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling transaction equipment 100. Processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. Processor 101 executes information processing for controlling each unit to realize various functions of transaction equipment 100 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and an application program. Processor 101 may be a processing circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). Processor 101 is not limited to being configured as a single processing circuit, and may also be configured as processor 101 by combining multiple processing circuits. The same applies to other processors related to this embodiment.

[0015] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a volatile memory (random access memory) and a nonvolatile memory (read-only memory, nonvolatile random access memory). The main memory unit 102 stores information processing programs and data necessary for information processing. The processor 101 realizes a predetermined function by reading and executing the program stored in the main memory unit 102. Note that instead of storing the program in the main memory unit 102, the program may be directly embedded in the processor 101. In this case, the processor 101 realizes a predetermined function by reading and executing the embedded program. Furthermore, the predetermined function may not only be realized by the processor 101 executing a program, but also by a combination of logic circuits. Note that the same applies to the other main memory units according to this embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0022] The fixed scanner 206 has a reading window facing the store clerk. The fixed scanner 206 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window and recognizes the barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. The fixed scanner 206 then outputs the barcode information to the processor 201. The fixed scanner 206 may also be any other type of well-known device that optically reads barcodes using reflected laser light. The fixed scanner 206 may also be any well-known device that has the function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing an image of the product. The handheld scanner 207 is held by the store clerk CL and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading window. The handheld scanner 207 outputs the barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 201.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] The touch panel 304 displays a screen to provide information to the operator performing the transaction. The operator also inputs instructions by touching the screen on the touch panel 304. The operator of the transaction gate 300 is usually a customer CU. However, the store clerk CL may also operate the transaction gate 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0038] Checkout gate 300 is installed facing checkout lane LA, which is formed on the near side in Fig. 6. Checkout gate 300 includes a front housing 351, a rear housing 352, an upper housing 353, a base 354, and a support 355, in addition to the electrical devices shown in Fig. 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0057] When processor 101 in transaction equipment 100 is notified of the transaction start designation, the process proceeds to ACT 102. In ACT 102, processor 101 instructs information processing terminal 400 to display a transition screen.

[0058] When processor 401 of information processing terminal 400 is instructed to display a transfer screen, the process proceeds to ACT 403. In ACT 403, processor 401 displays the transfer screen on touch panel 404. The transfer screen is a screen used to transfer the user interface terminal function related to the transaction being processed from information processing terminal 400 to checkout gate 300. The transfer screen includes, for example, a two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as a transfer code) representing transfer data used by checkout gate 300 to request checkout data based on transaction data DAA from transaction processing device 100. If multiple checkout gates 300 are installed, the customer CU arbitrarily selects one of the checkout gates 300 that is in standby mode and holds the transfer code included in the transfer screen over barcode scanner 306 provided on that checkout gate 300.

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] When accounting data is requested by accounting gate 300, processor 101 in transaction processing device 100 proceeds to ACT 103. In ACT 103, processor 101 sends predetermined accounting data for accounting and settlement according to the transaction details represented by transaction data DAA to the requesting accounting gate 300. Then, in ACT 304, processor 301 in accounting gate 300 captures the accounting data sent in this manner and received by communication unit 311.

[0065] Once the processor 301 has acquired the transaction data in this manner, it proceeds to ACT 305 in FIG. 11 . In ACT 305, the processor 301 performs transaction processing based on the acquired transaction data. That is, the processor 301 performs accounting processing to determine the payment amount for the transaction based on the acquired transaction data. This accounting processing may be similar to the processing performed by existing semi-self-service POS system cash registers. The processor 301 then performs payment processing to settle the payment amount determined as described above. For example, the payment processing may be performed using electronic money provided independently by the store operator. In this case, the customer CU's identifier is acquired when the information processing terminal 400 is first used, and payment is made using the electronic money balance associated with this identifier. However, various payment methods, such as credit card payment, code payment, prepaid payment, point payment, gift certificate payment, or cash payment, may be used for payment at the transaction gate 300. Furthermore, electronic money payments provided by a payment service provider other than the company that operates the store may be used for payments at checkout gate 300. Thus, processor 301 executes information processing based on checkout processing program PRC, causing the computer with processor 301 as its central component to function as a payment unit. Note that accounting processing may also be performed by another device, such as transaction processing device 100 or POS server 600.

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

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

[0068] On the other hand, if the processor 301 confirms that an electronic receipt should be applied, it determines YES in ACT 306 and proceeds to ACT 308. In ACT 308, the processor 301 registers an electronic receipt including the transaction details, the transaction result, etc., and a payment completion code in the electronic receipt server 3. That is, the processor 301 transmits predetermined request data for requesting the registration of an electronic receipt, along with a notification of the transaction details, the transaction result, etc., and the payment completion code, to the electronic receipt server 3. Upon receiving this request data, the electronic receipt server 3 makes an electronic receipt screen showing the notified transaction details, the transaction result, etc., and the payment completion code viewable from any information terminal.

[0069] After completing ACT 307 or ACT 308, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT 309. In ACT 309, the processor 301 starts a passage permission notification. The passage permission notification is a notification to let people in the vicinity know that they are allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA. To notify people in the vicinity, the processor 301, for example, lights up both lamps 3091 and 3092 in blue. To notify people in the vicinity, the processor 301 outputs a voice message such as "Please pass through the gate" to the sound unit 310. Alternatively, the processor 301 may perform another operation, such as outputting a predetermined notification sound from the sound unit 310, to notify people in the vicinity. However, the processor 301 may execute only some of these operations to notify people in the vicinity that they are allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA and exit the store. The various displays and sound outputs exemplified here are all examples of notification operations to let people in the vicinity know that the customer CU is allowed to pass through the checkout lane LA and exit the store. Thus, lamps 3091 and 3092 and sound unit 310 are examples of operating units. In addition to the above, processor 301 also displays, for example, a first guide screen on touch panel 304 when notifying passage permission. In addition to the above, processor 301 also displays, for example, a second guide screen on display unit 305 when notifying passage permission.

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

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

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

[0073] The processor 301 proceeds to ACT 310 while issuing the passage permission notification. In ACT 310, the processor 301 checks whether a person has passed through the checkout lane LA. If the processor 301 cannot confirm the event, it determines "NO" and proceeds to ACT 311.

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

[0075] If the customer CU passes through the checkout lane before the allowed time has elapsed and the human presence sensor 308 detects the passage of a person, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT 310 and proceeds to ACT 312. In ACT 312, the processor 301 invalidates the payment completion code included in the paper receipt or electronic receipt in ACT 307 or ACT 308. That is, the processor 301 requests the POS server 600 to invalidate the code, along with a notification of the completion identifier included in the payment completion code.

[0076] 14 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange between the accounting gate 300 and the POS server 600 regarding the invalidation of the settlement completion code. When the processor 601 in the POS server 600 receives the above request, it proceeds to ACT 601 in the processing according to the transaction management program PRF.

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

[0078] In response to being notified of the completion of invalidation in this manner, the processor 301 at the accounting gate 300 ends ACT 312 and proceeds to ACT 313 in Figure 11. In ACT 313, the processor 301 stops the passage permission notification. The processor 301 then returns to the standby state of ACT 301 and ACT 302. Thus, the accounting gate 300 sends a passage permission notification and allows the customer CU to pass through the checkout lane LA from the time a paper receipt or electronic receipt is issued upon completion of payment until the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA.

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

[0080] Thus, the checkout gate 300 issues a pass permission notification and allows the customer CU to pass through the checkout lane LA from the time a paper or electronic receipt is issued upon completion of payment until the allowable time has elapsed without the customer CU passing through the checkout lane LA. The period during which the checkout gate 300 allows passage through the checkout lane LA is the period from the time a paper or electronic receipt is issued upon completion of payment until the customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA, or the period from the time a paper or electronic receipt is issued upon completion of payment until the allowable time has elapsed. These periods constitute the first allowable period. By having the processor 301 execute information processing based on the checkout processing program PRC, the computer with the processor 301 as its core functions as a first control unit. This pass permission notification makes it easy to monitor whether a customer CU leaving the store has completed payment. Furthermore, this pass permission notification allows the customer CU to reliably recognize whether they are allowed to leave the store.

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

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

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

[0084] Then, when the payment completion code is read by the barcode scanner 306, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT 301 and NO in ACT 303, and proceeds to ACT 314. In ACT 314, the processor 301 checks whether the two-dimensional code read by the barcode scanner 306 is a payment completion code. If the two-dimensional code read by the barcode scanner 306 is not a payment completion code, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to other processing according to the read two-dimensional code. For example, the processor 301 checks that the read two-dimensional code is not the one that is intended to be read, and performs error processing to notify the customer CU that an incorrect two-dimensional code has been held up.

[0085] On the other hand, if the payment completion code held over the card as described above is read by the barcode scanner 306, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT 314 and proceeds to ACT 315. In ACT 315, the processor 301 checks whether the payment completion code read above is invalid.

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

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

[0088] Furthermore, if the processor 601 in the POS server 600 cannot confirm that the notified completion identifier is included in the exit management data DAB, the processor 601 determines NO in ACT 611 and proceeds to ACT 613. In ACT 613, the processor 601 sends a "no" notification in response to the inquiry to the accounting gate 300 that made the inquiry. When the processor 301 in the accounting gate 300 receives this "no" notification, the processor 301 determines NO in ACT 315.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0095] When a customer CU passes through the checkout lane LA of a checkout gate 300 that is in a waiting state and this is detected by the human presence sensor 308, the processor 301 at that checkout gate 300 determines YES in ACT 302 and proceeds to ACT 317. In ACT 317, the processor 301 executes an erroneous passage process.

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

[0097] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the first warning screen. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the second warning screen. As ACT332 in Fig. 16, the processor 301 requests an alarm to a predetermined request destination. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the monitoring terminal 500 is specified as the alarm request destination.

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

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

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

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

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

[0103] After requesting an alarm in ACT 322, the processor 301 in the checkout gate 300 proceeds to ACT 323. In ACT 323, the processor 301 waits for the erroneous passage notification termination condition to be met. The termination condition may be determined as appropriate, for example, by the creator of the checkout processing program PRC or the administrator of the checkout gate 300. For example, the termination condition may be when the duration of the erroneous passage notification exceeds a predetermined time. Alternatively, the release condition may be when an instruction to release the alarm processing is issued from the monitoring terminal 500. In this case, the processor 501 in the monitoring terminal 500 determines YES in ACT 502 as the release condition being met when the release instruction is issued, and notifies the checkout gate 300 that the release instruction has been issued around the time of ACT 503. Alternatively, the termination condition may be when a store clerk performs a predetermined release operation at the checkout gate 300. If the termination condition is met, the processor 301 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 324. In ACT 324, the processor 301 stops the erroneous passage notification. The processor 301 then ends this erroneous passage process and returns to the standby state of ACT 301 and ACT 302 in Figure 11. As described above, the checkout gate 300 makes it easy to monitor whether a customer leaving the store has completed payment.

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

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

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

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

[0108] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in an electronic device, or may be transferred without being stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be a medium capable of storing a program and being readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, and its form is not important. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A checkout system comprising: a payment unit that settles the amount of a transaction made at a store; an operation unit that is disposed facing a checkout lane in the store and that performs a notification operation to let people nearby know that a customer is permitted to leave the store via that checkout lane; and a first control unit that controls the operation unit to perform the notification operation within a predetermined first allowable period after completion of payment by the payment unit.

2. A checkout system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a first detection unit that detects a customer entering the checkout lane; and an alarm unit that performs predetermined alarm processing to issue an alarm in response to the first detection unit detecting an entry outside the first permissible period.

3. A checkout system as described in claim 1, further comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires completion information indicating that a customer has completed payment; and a second control unit that controls the operation unit to perform a notification operation within a second predetermined allowable period after the completion information is acquired by the acquisition unit.

4. The checkout system of claim 3, further comprising: a second detection unit that detects a customer's exit through the checkout lane; and an invalidation unit that invalidates completion information related to the payment when the second detection unit detects an exit within the first allowable period after the payment is completed by the payment unit, wherein the second control unit does not cause the operation unit to perform a notification operation even if the acquisition unit acquires completion information that has been invalidated by the invalidation unit.

5. The checkout system according to claim 4, wherein the invalidation unit invalidates the completion information acquired by the acquisition unit when exit is detected by the second detection unit within a second permissible period after the completion information is acquired by the acquisition unit.

Images