Information processing device, settlement device, checkout system, information processing method, settlement method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

This checkout system includes an information processing device and a plurality of settlement devices. The information processing device comprises: a reading unit that reads a wireless communication tag attached to a commodity passing through a passage; a transmission unit that selects one settlement device from among the plurality of settlement devices on the basis of a reading result of the wireless communication tag, and transmits the reading result of the wireless communication tag to the one settlement device; and a guidance unit that executes processing for guiding a person who purchases the commodity passing through one passage to the one settlement device. The one settlement device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the reading result of the wireless communication tag; a commodity identification unit that identifies a commodity by using information different from the reading result of the wireless communication tag; and a settlement processing unit that generates settlement information by using the reading result of the wireless communication tag and a result of identifying the commodity, and executes settlement processing on the basis of the settlement information.

Description

Information processing device, payment device, accounting system, information processing method, payment method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a payment device, an accounting system, an information processing method, a payment method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a processor uses a reader to read RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags attached to items passing from one end of an aisle to the other, and performs payment processing using the reading results.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-043528

[0004] In a system that identifies a product that a customer is attempting to purchase based on information read from a wireless communication tag such as an RFID tag, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a need for technology that can accurately identify the product that the customer is attempting to purchase.

[0005] The information processing device of the present disclosure comprises: a reading means for reading a wireless communication tag attached to a commodity passing through an aisle; a transmitting means for selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag and transmitting the reading result to the one payment device; and a guiding means for executing a process to guide a person who is purchasing a commodity passing through the aisle to the one payment device.

[0006] The payment device of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through an aisle; a product identification means for identifying the product using information different from the first reading result; and a payment processing means for generating payment information based on the first reading result and the product identification result, and for executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information.

[0007] The information processing method of the present disclosure includes at least one computer reading a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through an aisle, selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag, transmitting the reading result to the one payment device, and executing a process to guide a person who is purchasing a product passing through the aisle to the one payment device.

[0008] The payment method disclosed herein includes at least one computer obtaining a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through an aisle, identifying the product using information different from the first reading result, generating payment information based on the first reading result and the product identification result, and executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information.

[0009] A first non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in the present disclosure records a program for causing at least one computer to execute operations including: reading a wireless communication tag attached to a commodity passing through an aisle; selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag; transmitting the reading result to the one payment device; and executing a process for guiding a person who is going to purchase a commodity passing through the aisle to the one payment device.

[0010] A second non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in the present disclosure records a program that causes at least one computer to perform operations including: acquiring a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through an aisle; identifying the product using information different from the first reading result; generating payment information based on the first reading result and the product identification result; and executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a technique is provided that improves the accuracy of identifying a product that a customer is attempting to purchase using a wireless communication tag.

[0012] 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the configuration of a checkout system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the functional configuration of a payment device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes a payment device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing performed by an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing performed by a payment device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first example of processing performed by a guiding unit of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second example of processing performed by a guiding unit of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of processing performed by a guiding unit of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of processing performed by a guiding unit of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of a mat-type antenna. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the functional configuration of a payment device (specific payment device) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of processing performed by a payment device according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. Unless otherwise specified, each block in each block diagram represents a functional configuration, not a hardware configuration. When elements such as blocks in a diagram are linked by arrows, the direction of the arrows is merely intended to make the flow of information easier to understand. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrows does not limit the direction of communication (one-way communication / two-way communication).

[0014] In the following description, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device going to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and a device inputting data or information output from another device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may also mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0015] First Embodiment <System Configuration Example> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the configuration of a transaction system according to the present disclosure. The transaction system 1 shown in the diagram includes an information processing device 10 and multiple payment devices 20.

[0016] The information processing device 10 is provided in a predetermined passage 90 within the premises of a facility that handles merchandise (e.g., a retail store, a shopping mall, etc.). The predetermined passage 90 is, for example, a passage leading to a location where payment processing for purchased merchandise is performed (a location where multiple payment devices 20 for performing payment processing are installed).

[0017] The multiple payment devices 20 are devices that perform payment processing for products that have passed through the information processing device 10. As illustrated in the figure, the multiple payment devices 20 include a normal payment device 22 that has basic functions for performing payment processing, and a specific payment device 24 that has functions (additional functions) different from those of the normal payment device 22.

[0018] 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 illustrated in this diagram includes a reading unit 110, a transmitting unit 120, and a guiding unit 130.

[0019] The reading unit 110 reads information from the wireless communication tags attached to products passing through the passage. The transmitting unit 120 selects one payment device from among the plurality of payment devices based on the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reading unit 110. The transmitting unit 120 also transmits the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reading unit 110 to the specific payment device. The guiding unit 130 executes processing to guide a person who intends to purchase a product passing through the passage (a product attached with a wireless communication tag read by the reading unit 110) to the specific payment device.

[0020] 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the functional configuration of a payment device according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in this diagram, the multiple payment devices 20 include a normal payment device 22 having basic functions for performing payment processing and a specific payment device 24 having functions (additional functions) different from those of the normal payment device 22. As illustrated in this diagram, the normal payment device 22 includes an acquisition unit 210 and a payment processing unit 230. The specific payment device 24 has the basic functions of the normal payment device 22 (acquisition unit 210 and payment processing unit 230) as well as a function for identifying products that have passed through an aisle (product identification unit 220).

[0021] The acquisition unit 210 acquires the results of reading the wireless communication tags attached to products passing through the aisle. That is, the acquisition unit 210 acquires the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reading unit 110. The product identification unit 220 executes processing to identify products to be subject to payment processing. The payment processing unit 230 executes payment processing using the results of reading the wireless communication tags acquired by the acquisition unit 210.

[0022] As illustrated in the figure, the specific payment device 24 includes a product identification unit 220. The product identification unit 220 identifies a product using information different from the wireless communication tag reading result acquired by the acquisition unit 210. The payment processing unit 230 generates payment information based on the wireless communication tag reading result acquired by the acquisition unit 210 and the product identification result by the product identification unit 220. The payment processing unit 230 then executes payment processing based on the generated payment information. Here, "payment information" refers to information used by the payment device 20 to perform payment processing, and includes at least information for identifying the product to be processed (for example, product identification information based on a specific standard such as the Japan Article Number (JAN)).

[0023] The normal payment device 22 does not have a product identification unit 220. The payment processing unit 230 of the normal payment device 22 generates payment information based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag acquired by the acquisition unit 210, and executes payment processing based on the generated payment information.

[0024] <Example of Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device> FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0025] The computer 1000 illustrated in this figure includes a bus 1010 , a processor 1020 , a memory 1030 , a storage device 1040 , an input / output interface 1050 , and a network interface 1060 .

[0026] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0027] The processor 1020 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0028] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a random access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0029] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage device 1040 stores at least program modules that realize the functions of the information processing device 10 described above (the reading unit 110, the transmitting unit 120, and the guiding unit 130).

[0030] The processor 1020 loads a program module read from the storage device 1040 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module. For example, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the reading unit 110 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the reading unit 110 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the transmitting unit 120 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the transmitting unit 120 described in the present disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the guiding unit 130 onto the memory 1030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function of the guiding unit 130 described in the present disclosure. This operation of the processor 1020 is common to each embodiment included in the present disclosure.

[0031] The above-described program modules may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 1040. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may include any non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 1000. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may have embedded therein program code that is readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020).

[0032] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to various input / output devices.

[0033] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to a network. This network includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 connects the computer 1000 (information processing device 10) to various networks via a wireless or wired connection. The computer 1000 (information processing device 10) can communicate with various other devices (e.g., the normal payment device 22 and the specific payment device 24) present on various networks via the network interface 1060.

[0034] The computer 1000 (information processing device 10) can also be connected to various devices (not shown) via the input / output interface 1050 or the network interface 1060. The "various devices" referred to here are not particularly limited, but include, for example, input devices such as operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and a microphone, and output devices such as a display, a speaker, and a printer.

[0035] <Example of Hardware Configuration of Payment Device> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the payment device according to the present disclosure.

[0036] The computer 2000 illustrated in this figure has a bus 2010 , a processor 2020 , a memory 2030 , a storage device 2040 , an input / output interface 2050 , and a network interface 2060 .

[0037] The bus 2010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 2020, memory 2030, storage device 2040, input / output interface 2050, and network interface 2060. However, the method of connecting the processor 2020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0038] The processor 2020 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0039] The memory 2030 is a main storage device realized by a random access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0040] The storage device 2040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. When the payment apparatus 20 is a normal payment apparatus 22, the storage device 2040 stores at least a program module that realizes the functions of the normal payment apparatus 22 (the acquisition unit 210 and the payment processing unit 230) described above. When the payment apparatus 20 is a specific payment apparatus 24, the storage device 2040 stores at least a program module that realizes the functions of the specific payment apparatus 24 (the acquisition unit 210, the product identification unit 220, and the payment processing unit 230) described above.

[0041] The processor 2020 loads a program module read from the storage device 2040 onto the memory 2030 and executes the program module, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module. For example, the processor 2020 reads a program module corresponding to the acquisition unit 210 onto the memory 2030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the acquisition unit 210 described in this disclosure. Similarly, the processor 2020 reads a program module corresponding to the product identification unit 220 onto the memory 2030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the product identification unit 220 described in this disclosure. Similarly, the processor 2020 reads a program module corresponding to the payment processing unit 230 onto the memory 2030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the payment processing unit 230 described in this disclosure. This operation of the processor 2020 is common to each embodiment included in this disclosure.

[0042] The above-described program modules may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 2040. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may include any non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 2000. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may have embedded therein program code that is readable by the computer 2000 (processor 2020).

[0043] The input / output interface 2050 is an interface for connecting the computer 2000 (payment device 20) with various input / output devices.

[0044] The network interface 2060 is an interface for connecting the computer 2000 (payment device 20) to a network. This network includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 2060 connects the computer 2000 (payment device 20) to various networks via a wireless or wired connection. The computer 2000 (payment device 20) can communicate with various other devices (e.g., information processing device 10) present on various networks via the network interface 2060.

[0045] Furthermore, the computer 2000 (payment device 20) can be connected to various devices (not shown) via the input / output interface 2050 or the network interface 2060. The "various devices" referred to here are not particularly limited, but include, for example, input devices such as operation buttons, keyboards, touch panels, mice, and microphones, and output devices such as displays, speakers, and printers.

[0046] <Example of Operation of Information Processing Apparatus> An example of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0047] First, the reader 110 reads information from a wireless communication tag attached to a commodity passing through the aisle (step S102). Then, the transmitter 120 selects one payment device from the plurality of payment devices 20 based on the results of reading the wireless communication tag acquired in step S102 (step S104). As an example, the transmitter 120 determines whether to select the normal payment device 22 or the specific payment device 24 as the first payment device using predetermined criteria for identifying the first payment device based on the results of reading the wireless communication tag. A specific example of this processing by the transmitter 120 will be described later. The transmitter 120 selects the specific payment device 24 as the first payment device in response to determining that the results of reading the wireless communication tag acquired in step S102 satisfy any of the predetermined criteria. Alternatively, the transmitter 120 selects the normal payment device 22 as the first payment device in response to determining that the results of reading the wireless communication tag acquired in step S102 do not satisfy any of the predetermined criteria. Then, the transmitting unit 120 transmits the result of reading the wireless communication tag to the selected one of the payment devices (step S106).

[0048] The guiding unit 130 executes a process of guiding the person to the one payment device selected in the process of step S104 (step S108). The guiding unit 130 controls output devices such as an indicator light, a display, and a speaker (not shown) to guide the person to the payment device 20 (the normal payment device 22 or the specific payment device 24) selected as the "one payment device." If the address of a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) carried by the person to be guided is registered in the system, the guiding unit 130 may output information (visual and / or auditory information) to the terminal of the person to be guided to guide the person to the selected payment device 20.

[0049] In the present disclosure, a "first payment device" is selected using the results of reading the wireless communication tags attached to products passing through the passage 90. Specifically, either a payment device 20 that performs normal payment processing (normal payment device 22) or a payment device 20 that has the function of independently identifying products (specific payment device 24) is selected as the "first payment device." In the case where the specific payment device 24 is selected, as described below, the results of reading the products by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 can be reinforced by utilizing the function of independently identifying products of the specific payment device 24. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a process is executed to guide a person attempting to purchase a product to the "first payment device" selected based on the results of reading the wireless communication tag. As a result, when the specific payment device 24 is selected as the "first payment device," the person can be guided to perform payment processing at the specific payment device 24. In other words, according to the present disclosure, an information processing device is provided that solves the problem of improving the accuracy of identifying products that a customer is attempting to purchase using wireless communication tags. The present disclosure also provides an information processing method executed by the information processing device, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores a program that realizes the functions of the information processing device.

[0050] <Example of Operation of Payment Device> An example of operation of the payment device according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing executed by the payment device according to the present disclosure.

[0051] First, the acquisition unit 210 acquires the reading result of the wireless communication tag transmitted from the transmission unit 120 of the information processing device 10 in the process of step S106 in Fig. 6 (step S202). The process to be executed after acquiring the reading result of the wireless communication tag branches depending on whether the device that acquired the reading result of the wireless communication tag is the normal payment device 22 or the specific payment device 24.

[0052] <<In the Case of a Regular Payment Device>> If the device that acquired the wireless communication tag reading results is a regular payment device 22, the payment processing unit 230 generates payment information based on the wireless communication tag reading results acquired in step S202 (step S206). As an example, the payment processing unit 230 operates as follows. First, the payment processing unit 230 identifies products to be paid for based on the reception strength of radio waves from the wireless communication tags attached to each product. For example, the payment processing unit 230 identifies products corresponding to wireless communication tags from which the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 received radio waves with an intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold as products to be paid for. Then, the payment processing unit 230 acquires various information about the products (e.g., product unit price, whether or not a discount is offered, etc.) from, for example, a product master (not shown). Then, the payment processing unit 230 calculates the total price of the purchased products based on the acquired information and generates information (payment information) to be used for the payment process.

[0053] The payment processor 230 then executes payment processing using the payment information generated in step S206 (step S208). Based on the payment information, the payment processor 230 displays a payment processing screen that displays a list of purchased items and the total amount. The payment processor 230 also performs processes such as tallying up bills and coins inserted by the person purchasing the items, paying out change, and issuing paper or electronic receipts.

[0054] <<In the case of a specific payment device>> If the device that has acquired the reading result of the wireless communication tag is the specific payment device 24, the product identification unit 220 identifies the product before the payment process is executed (step S204). Here, the product identification unit 220 identifies the product using information that is different from the reading result of the wireless communication tag read in the process of step S102 in Fig. 6. In other words, the product identification unit 220 executes the process of identifying the product independently of the information processing device 10.

[0055] The payment processing unit 230 then generates payment information based on the results of reading the wireless communication tag obtained in step S202 and the product identification results obtained in step S204 (step S206). The payment processing unit 230 then executes payment processing using the payment information generated in step S230. These processes are the same as those performed by the regular payment device 22, except that the product identification results obtained in step S204 are also used.

[0056] As described above, in a case where payment processing is performed by the specific payment device 24 of the present disclosure, the product identification unit 220 independently identifies a product using information different from the reading result by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10. Then, payment information to be used in the payment processing is generated based on the reading result by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 and the product identification result by the product identification unit 220. The results of product identification independently performed by the specific payment device 24 can be used to reinforce the reading result by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10. For example, if a wireless communication tag passes through the aisle 90 but for some reason no radio waves or only weak radio waves are detected, the specific payment device 24 can separately identify the product and detect the product corresponding to the wireless communication tag. In other words, the present disclosure provides a payment device that solves the problem of improving the accuracy of identifying a product a customer is attempting to purchase using a wireless communication tag. The present disclosure also provides a payment method executed by the payment device and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program implementing the functions of the payment device.

[0057] In addition, by accumulating information about products that are not detected by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 but are detected by the processing of the specific payment device 24, it is possible to generate information that indicates the characteristics of products that are difficult to detect using wireless communication tags. Such information is useful for store managers and others when making adjustments to facilitate payment processing in the store.

[0058] Below, detailed examples of the information processing device and payment device (specific payment device) that make up the accounting system according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0059] <Specific Example of Reading Unit 110> The reading unit 110 emits radio waves that activate a wireless communication tag via an antenna (not shown). The wireless communication tag is not particularly limited, but may be any tag that complies with a wireless communication standard that uses radio waves in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, for example. The wireless communication tag attached to a product is activated in response to radio waves emitted from an antenna (not shown) of the reading unit 110. The activated wireless communication tag encodes information stored in its memory area and transmits a response radio wave. The reading unit 110 receives the response radio wave transmitted from the wireless communication tag via an antenna (not shown). In this way, the reading unit 110 reads information from the wireless communication tag attached to the product.

[0060] <Information Processing Device: Specific Example of Transmitter> The transmitter 120 determines whether to select the specific payment device 24 or the normal payment device 22 as the "first payment device" depending on whether the result of reading the wireless communication tag by the reader 110 satisfies predetermined criteria. For example, the transmitter 120 selects the specific payment device 24 as the "first payment device" in response to determining that the result of reading the wireless communication tag obtained in the processing of step S102 of FIG. 6 satisfies any of the preset criteria. Alternatively, the transmitter 120 selects the normal payment device 22 as the "first payment device" in response to determining that the result of reading the wireless communication tag obtained in the processing of step S102 of FIG. 6 does not satisfy any of the preset criteria. Then, the transmitter 120 transmits the result of reading the wireless communication tag to the selected first payment device. Below, several specific examples of the processing executed by the transmitter 120 are given.

[0061] As an example, if the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reader 110 include accuracy information for each product, the transmitter 120 may select a payment device based on the accuracy information for each product. In this case, for example, the transmitter 120 may use, as a criterion, whether the number of products with accuracy near a first threshold that separates "confirmed products" from "candidate products" exceeds a predetermined number. Alternatively, for example, the transmitter 120 may use, as a criterion, whether the number of "candidate products" with accuracy near the first threshold that separates "confirmed products" from "candidate products" exceeds a predetermined number. Here, the "predetermined number" is an arbitrary number. For example, the "predetermined number" may be an integer greater than or equal to 1, or may be an integer obtained by multiplying the total number of products calculated based on the results of reading the wireless communication tags by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%). If the number of products with accuracy near the first threshold or the number of "candidate products" exceeds the predetermined number, the transmitter 120 selects the specified payment device 24 as "one payment device." On the other hand, if the number of products having a probability close to the first threshold or the number of "candidate products" is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the transmission unit 120 normally selects the payment device 22 as "one payment device."

[0062] As another example, the transmitter 120 may select one payment device based on the number of products that passed through the aisle 90. The transmitter 120 may acquire information indicating the "number of products that passed through the aisle 90" (hereinafter also referred to as "passed product number information"), for example, from the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reader 110. Specifically, the transmitter 120 may calculate the "number of products that passed through the aisle 90" based on the number of tag identifiers included in the results of reading the wireless communication tags. Here, the transmitter 120 may calculate the "number of products that passed through the aisle 90" by limiting the "number of products that passed through the aisle 90" to "confirmed products" and "candidate products," or may calculate the "number of products that passed through the aisle 90" for all products detected by the reader 110 (i.e., all products including "non-candidate products"). Furthermore, the transmitter 120 may capture images of products passing through the aisle 90 using one or more cameras (not shown) and analyze the images captured by the one or more cameras to calculate the "number of products that passed through the aisle 90." In this case, the transmitting unit 120 uses as a criterion whether the "number of products passing through the aisle 90" exceeds a predetermined number. Here, the "predetermined number" is an arbitrary numerical value. For example, the "predetermined number" may be an integer greater than or equal to 1, or may be an integer obtained by multiplying the total number of products calculated based on the results of reading the wireless communication tags by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%). If the "number of products passing through the aisle 90" indicated by the passing product number information obtained from the results of reading the wireless communication tags exceeds the predetermined number, the transmitting unit 120 selects the specific payment device 24 as the "first payment device." On the other hand, if the "number of products passing through the aisle 90" indicated by the passing product number information obtained from the results of reading the wireless communication tags is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the transmitting unit 120 selects the normal payment device 22 as the "first payment device."

[0063] As another example, the transmitter 120 may select one payment device based on whether or not a predetermined product is included among the products passing through the aisle 90. Here, a "predetermined product" refers to, for example, a product that is considered to have a higher probability of causing a reading error by the reader 110 compared to other products. The "predetermined product" is not particularly limited, but includes products containing materials that block radio waves (e.g., moisture or metals) and products sold as a set in a store. If the reading results by the reader 110 include identification information for each product read from a wireless communication tag attached to each product, the transmitter 120 can determine whether or not a "predetermined product" is present based on the identification information for each product included in the reading results. In this case, the identification information for the "predetermined product" is pre-registered in a storage area accessible to the transmitter 120 (e.g., the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, or a storage area of ​​a server device (not shown) connected via the network interface 1060). The transmitting unit 120 can determine whether the identification information of the "predetermined product" is included in the reading result by comparing the identification information of the registered "predetermined product" with the identification information of each product included in the reading result of the reading unit 110. If the identification information of the "predetermined product" is included in the reading result of the reading unit 110, the transmitting unit 120 selects the specific payment device 24 as "one payment device." On the other hand, if the identification information of the "predetermined product" is not included in the reading result of the reading unit 110, the transmitting unit 120 selects the normal payment device 22 as "one payment device."

[0064] <Information Processing Device: Specific Example of Guidance Unit> Hereinafter, a specific example of the operation of the guidance unit 130 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0065] As an example, the guiding unit 130 may execute a process for controlling the lighting state of an indicator light corresponding to the payment device 20 selected as the "first payment device," as shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a process executed by the guiding unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure. The example illustrated in this diagram illustrates a process performed when a specific payment device 24 is selected as the "first payment device." Specifically, the guiding unit 130 transmits a control signal to the specific payment device 24 to control the lighting state of the indicator light 30B corresponding to the specific payment device 24 (the payment device designated "No. 2" in the diagram). For example, the guiding unit 130 transmits a control signal to the specific payment device 24 instructing it to light up the indicator light 30B in a predetermined color (e.g., green) and / or in a predetermined state (e.g., constantly lit, flashing, etc.). Upon receiving the control signal transmitted from the guiding unit 130, the specific payment device 24 controls the lighting state of the indicator light 30B according to the instruction included in the control signal. A person carrying a product that has passed through aisle 90 (i.e., a product that they plan to purchase) can easily determine which payment device to use to proceed with the payment process by checking the status of the indicator lights on each payment device.

[0066] As another example, the guiding unit 130 may execute a process of outputting predetermined guidance information via a display provided near the exit side of the passage 90, as shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the process executed by the guiding unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure. The example illustrated in this figure illustrates the process when a specific payment device 24 is selected as the "first payment device." Specifically, the guiding unit 130 outputs information informing the person of the payment device to be used via a display 40 provided in an area visible to the person as they pass through the passage 90. In the example of FIG. 9 , the guiding unit 130 outputs a video signal to the display 40 displaying a message such as "Please use payment device No. 2." The display 40 displays an image based on the video signal received from the guiding unit 130 on its display surface. A person carrying a product (i.e., a product they plan to purchase) who has passed through the passage 90 can easily determine which payment device to use to proceed with the payment process by checking the information displayed on the display 40.

[0067] As another example, the guiding unit 130 may execute a process of outputting predetermined guidance information via a speaker provided near the exit side of the passage 90, as shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the process executed by the guiding unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure. The example illustrated in this figure illustrates the process when a specific payment device 24 is selected as the "first payment device." Specifically, the guiding unit 130 outputs information informing the person of the payment device to be used via a speaker 50 provided near the area through which the person passes through the passage 90. In the example of FIG. 10 , the guiding unit 130 outputs an audio signal to the speaker 50 to output a message such as "Please use payment device No. 2." The speaker 50 plays audio based on the audio signal received from the guiding unit 130. A person carrying a product that has passed through the passage 90 (i.e., a product to be purchased) can easily determine which payment device to use to proceed with the payment process by listening to the audio played from the speaker 50.

[0068] As another example, the guiding unit 130 may execute a process of outputting predetermined guidance information via a mobile device carried by a person passing through the passage 90, as shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the process executed by the guiding unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure. The example illustrated in this figure illustrates the process when a specific payment device 24 is selected as the "first payment device." Specifically, the guiding unit 130 outputs information informing the person passing through the passage 90 of the payment device that the person should use via the mobile device 60 carried by the person. In the example of FIG. 11 , the guiding unit 130 transmits a video signal and / or an audio signal to the mobile device 60 using a short-range wireless communication module (not shown) to output a message such as "Please use payment device No. 2." The mobile device 60 executes a process of outputting a video on the display of the mobile device 60 and / or a process of playing audio from the speaker of the mobile device 60 based on the video signal and / or audio signal received from the guiding unit 130. A person carrying a product that has passed through aisle 90 (i.e., a product that is intended for purchase) can easily understand which payment device to use to proceed with the payment process by checking the image displayed on the display of mobile terminal 60 or the audio played from the speaker of mobile terminal 60.

[0069] The guiding unit 130 may be configured to execute a process that combines two or more of the specific examples described above. For example, the guiding unit 130 may execute a process that combines a process of controlling the display state of the indicator light corresponding to the payment device 20 selected as "one or more payment devices" and a process of outputting predetermined guidance information via the display 40 and speaker 50 provided near the passage 90.

[0070] <Specific example of acquisition unit of specific payment device> The acquisition unit 210 acquires the reading result of the wireless communication tag transmitted from the transmission unit 120 of the information processing device 10 via the network interface 2060. Furthermore, if the payment device 20 is equipped with an indicator light, the acquisition unit 210 can acquire a control signal for the indicator light output from the guiding unit 130 via the network interface 2060.

[0071] <Specific example of product identification unit: specific payment device> As an example, the product identification unit 220 in the present disclosure is configured to read a wireless communication tag, similar to the reading unit 110. For example, the product identification unit 220 is configured to generate information indicating the product identification result using the result (second reading result) of reading the wireless communication tag by one or more antennas connected to the specific payment device 24.

[0072] Here, "one or more antennas" refers to, for example, a mat-type antenna installed on the floor in an area in front of the specified payment device 24 (the area where a person purchasing a product stops to operate the specified payment device 24). FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the installation of a mat-type antenna. In this figure, the mat-type antenna is installed in an area 222 in front of the specified payment device 24. In this case, the wireless communication tags of each product can be read under conditions (positional relationship) different from those of the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10. In other words, by utilizing the detection results of the mat-type antenna, the product identification unit 220 may be able to recognize wireless communication tags that were difficult to read or could not be read by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10. Furthermore, when a mat-type antenna is used, no intentional action is required from the person purchasing the product. In other words, the person purchasing the product can proceed with the product payment process without being aware of whether the payment device 20 is a regular payment device 22 or a specified payment device 24. In this way, using a mat-type antenna is expected to improve the accuracy of the product identification results without reducing usability.

[0073] Furthermore, the "one or more antennas" may be provided in an area where a container for transporting products (such as a shopping basket) is placed. For example, the specific payment device 24 may have a recess for placing a shopping basket or the like, and the "one or more antennas" may be provided on the bottom or wall of the recess. Even with this configuration, the wireless communication tag of each product can be read under different conditions (positional relationship) than the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10. Furthermore, this configuration does not require significant action from the person purchasing the product. Therefore, this configuration is expected to improve the accuracy of the product identification results without significantly impairing usability.

[0074] Furthermore, the product identification unit 220 in the present disclosure may be configured to generate information indicating the product identification result based on a code symbol attached to the product or an image of the product, instead of the result of reading the wireless communication tag. For example, the specific payment device 24 may have a scanner device that reads a code symbol attached to the product packaging or a camera that captures an image of the product's exterior, and the product identification unit 220 may identify the product based on the output of these devices. This configuration makes it possible to identify the product purchased by a person with higher accuracy.

[0075] <Specific Payment Device: Specific Example of Payment Processing Unit> The payment processing unit 230 basically identifies products that have passed through the aisle 90, i.e., products that are subject to payment processing, using the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10. Here, the strength of radio waves from the wireless communication tags attached to products that have passed through the aisle 90 is generally greater than the strength of radio waves from the wireless communication tags attached to products located outside the aisle 90. That is, when the results of reading the wireless communication tags include the radio wave strength received from each wireless communication tag, the payment processing unit 230 can use the radio wave strength received from each wireless communication tag as information indicating the probability that the product corresponding to each wireless communication tag passed through the aisle 90 (hereinafter also referred to as "accuracy information"). As an example, the payment processing unit 230 can classify the products corresponding to each wireless communication tag into classes according to the accuracy by comparing the radio wave strength of each wireless communication tag (accuracy information for each product) included in the results of reading the wireless communication tags by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 with a predetermined threshold. As a specific example, the payment processing unit 230 can classify products corresponding to wireless communication tags into one of the following three classes based on the radio wave intensity of the wireless communication tags. In this case, the payment processing unit 230 identifies products classified into the "determined product class" as products eligible for payment processing, and creates a list of products eligible for payment processing.

[0076] <<Examples of product class classification>> (1) Confirmed product class: The communication strength of the wireless communication tag is equal to or greater than the first threshold. (2) Candidate product class: The communication strength of the wireless communication tag is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than the second threshold. (3) Non-candidate product class: The communication strength of the wireless communication tag is less than the second threshold.

[0077] Note that the "first threshold" in the above example is a threshold used to determine that "passed through aisle 90." Also, the "second threshold" in the above example is a threshold used to determine that "there is a possibility that the person has passed through aisle 90." Therefore, the numerical value set as the "first threshold" is greater than the numerical value set as the "second threshold." The "first threshold" and the "second threshold" are stored in advance in a storage area accessible by the payment processing unit 230 (for example, memory 1030 or storage device 1040).

[0078] Here, even if a product with a wireless communication tag passes through the aisle 90, the wireless communication tag may not be activated for some reason. In this case, the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 cannot receive radio waves from the wireless communication tag, and the product is not recognized by the accounting system 1 as a whole. However, the specific payment device 24 disclosed herein has a function to independently identify products (product identification unit 220). By further using the product identification results from the product identification unit 220 of the specific payment device 24, it may be possible to recognize products not detected by the information processing device 10 (undetected products) in the accounting system 1. For example, the payment processing unit 230 can classify products that are not included in the reading results from the reading unit 110 but are included in the identification results from the product identification unit 220 of the specific payment device 24 into a fourth class (undetected product class) of undetected products. As a specific example, consider a case in which the following results are obtained. Reading result by the reading unit 110: Product A (confirmed product class), product B (candidate product class) Identification result by the product identification unit 220: Product A, Product B, Product C

[0079] In the above case, the payment processing unit 230 classifies "product C," which is included only in the identification result by the product identification unit 220, into the fourth class, the "undetected product class." Note that products belonging to the "undetected product class" have not been read by the information processing device 10, and therefore can be treated as products with the lowest probability of having passed through aisle 90.

[0080] Then, the payment processing unit 230 uses the results of reading the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 and the results of identifying the product by the product identifying unit 220 to determine the product to be treated as the product subject to payment processing.

[0081] For example, the specific payment device 24 may have a scanner that reads a code symbol or a configuration that identifies a product using image recognition. In this case, the payment processing unit 230 may prioritize the identification result of the product identification unit 220 over the reading result of the reading unit 110, and identify the product to be subject to payment processing based on the product identification result of the product identification unit 220.

[0082] Furthermore, it is assumed that the specific payment device 24, like the reading unit 110, has an additional component (e.g., a mat-type antenna as shown in FIG. 12 ) for reading the wireless communication tag attached to each product. In this case, the payment processing unit 230 may be configured to correct the target product for payment processing, which is identified based on the first reading result of the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110, using the product identification result by the product identification unit 220. In this case, the payment processing unit 230 may be configured to change the criteria (hereinafter also referred to as the “correction criteria”) for determining whether to correct the target product using the product identification result by the product identification unit 220, based on accuracy information included in the reading result of the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110. In this case, the correction criteria may be, for example, a threshold value for the reading result by the product identification unit 220 (the radio wave intensity received from each wireless communication tag). For example, the payment processing unit 230 sets stricter correction criteria as the radio wave reception strength indicated by the reading result of the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 (i.e., the accuracy that the product passed through the aisle 90) becomes lower. Specifically, the payment processing unit 230 increases the threshold for radio wave reception strength as the radio wave reception strength indicated by the reading result of the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 (i.e., the accuracy of the product having passed through the aisle 90) decreases. Here, assume that the product identification unit 220 receives radio waves with an intensity exceeding the set correction standard (threshold for radio wave strength) for the wireless communication tag attached to a certain product. In this case, the payment processing unit 230 determines that the product is a "product that has passed through the aisle 90" and adds the product to the list of products eligible for payment processing. In this way, by using the reading result of the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 and the reading result of the wireless communication tag by another reading unit provided in the payment device 20, it is expected that the accuracy of identifying products that have passed through the aisle 90 can be improved.

[0083] - Second embodiment The specific payment device 24 may be configured to provide a predetermined notification to the person purchasing the product based on the consistency between the results of reading the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 of the information processing device 10 and the results of product identification by the product identification unit 220.

[0084] <Example of functional configuration of specific payment device> Figure 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the functional configuration of a payment device (specific payment device) according to the present disclosure. The specific payment device 24 shown in this figure includes an alarm output unit 240 in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3. The alarm output unit 240 outputs an alarm when a result of comparing the result of reading the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 with the result of identifying the product by the product identification unit 220 satisfies a predetermined alarm output condition.

[0085] 14 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing executed by the payment device according to the present disclosure. Of the steps included in the flowchart, the steps (S210 to S214) related to the alarm output unit 240 will be mainly described here.

[0086] The alarm output unit 240 compares the wireless communication tag reading result obtained in step S202 with the product identification result obtained in step S204 (step S210). The alarm output unit 240 then determines whether the comparison result of step S212 satisfies a predetermined alarm output condition (step S212). If the comparison result of step S212 satisfies the predetermined alarm output condition (step S212: YES), the alarm output unit 240 outputs an alarm (step S214). On the other hand, if the comparison result of step S212 does not satisfy the predetermined alarm output condition (step S212: NO), no alarm is output. In this case, the payment process of the specified payment device 24 is executed as exemplified above.

[0087] <Steps SS210 to S214: Specific example of alarm output operation> As one example, when a product that has been identified as a "product subject to payment processing" based on the results of reading the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 is not included in the product identification results by the product identification unit 220, the alarm output unit 240 identifies the product as a product subject to the alarm. As another example, when a product that has not been identified as a "product subject to payment processing" based on the results of reading the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 is included in the product identification results by the product identification unit 220, the alarm output unit 240 identifies the product as a product subject to the alarm.

[0088] The alarm output unit 240 then outputs an alarm, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm output from the alarm output unit 240. The alarm output unit 240 outputs alarm-target product information (product name and product image) for the product identified as the alarm-target product on a display provided in the specific payment device 24, for example, to prompt the person operating the specific payment device 24 to confirm the alarm-target product. The alarm output unit 240 can obtain the product name and product image from a product master (not shown). The person operating the specific payment device 24 confirms whether the alarm-target product is a product they plan to purchase, and operates a button on the screen, for example, as illustrated in this figure. In response to this input operation, the payment processing unit 230 determines whether to modify the "product subject to payment processing."

[0089] With this configuration, whether or not the "item to be paid for" identified based on the result of reading the wireless communication tag by the reading unit 110 needs to be corrected can be determined based on the operation of the person operating the specific payment device 24. This reduces the possibility of erroneously correcting the "item to be paid for."

[0090] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0091] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show a sequence of steps (processes), the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the sequence shown in the flowcharts. In each embodiment, the order of steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0092] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: 1. An information processing device comprising: a reading means for reading a wireless communication tag attached to a commodity passing through a passage; a transmitting means for selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag and transmitting the reading result to the one payment device; and a guiding means for executing a process for guiding a person who is purchasing a commodity passing through the passage to the one payment device. 2. The information processing device described in 1., wherein the one payment device has a commodity identification function for identifying a commodity that has passed through the passage, and the transmitting means selects the one payment device in response to determining that the reading result satisfies a predetermined standard. 3. The information processing device described in 2., wherein the reading result includes, for each commodity, certainty information indicating the certainty that the commodity has passed through the passage, and the transmitting means selects the one payment device based on the certainty information for each commodity. 4. 2. The information processing device described in 2., wherein the reading result includes passed product number information indicating the number of products that have passed through the passage, and the transmission means selects the one payment device based on the passed product number information. 5. The information processing device described in 2., wherein the reading result includes identification information of each product that has passed through the passage, and the transmission means selects the one payment device if the identification information of each product included in the reading result includes specific identification information indicating a predetermined product. 6. A payment device comprising: acquisition means for acquiring a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through the passage; product identification means for identifying the product using information different from the first reading result; and payment processing means for generating payment information based on the first reading result and the product identification result, and executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information. 7. The payment device described in 6., wherein the product identification means generates information indicating the product identification result using a second reading result of the wireless communication tag read by one or more antennas connected to the payment device. 8. 7. The payment device according to Item 7, wherein the one or more antennas are mat-type antennas that are installed on the floor.9. The payment device described in 6., wherein the commodity identification means generates information indicating the commodity identification result based on a code symbol attached to the commodity or an image of the commodity. 10. The payment device described in any one of 6. to 9., further comprising alarm output means that outputs an alarm when a result of comparing the first read result with the commodity identification result satisfies a predetermined alarm output condition. 11. The payment device described in 7. or 8., wherein the payment processing means determines the probability that each commodity has passed through the passage using the first read result and the second read result, and determines whether to correct the first read result using the second read result based on a correction criterion corresponding to the probability of each commodity. 12. The payment device described in 11., wherein the correction criterion is a threshold for radio wave intensity of the wireless communication tag, and the magnitude of the threshold increases as the probability based on the first read result decreases. 13. The payment device described in any one of 1. to 5., and 13. A checkout system comprising: a plurality of payment devices, some of which include the payment device described in any one of the preceding items. 14. An information processing method including: at least one computer reading a wireless communication tag attached to an item passing through a passage, selecting one payment device from among the plurality of payment devices based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag, transmitting the reading result to the one payment device, and executing a process to guide a person passing through the passage to purchase an item to the one payment device. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing at least one computer to execute operations including: reading a wireless communication tag attached to an item passing through a passage, selecting one payment device from among the plurality of payment devices based on the reading result of the wireless communication tag, transmitting the reading result to the one payment device, and executing a process to guide a person passing through the passage to purchase an item to the one payment device.16. A payment method including: at least one computer acquiring a first read result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through a passage, identifying the product using information different from the first read result, generating payment information based on the first read result and the product identification result, and executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information. 17. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes at least one computer to perform operations including: acquiring a first read result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through a passage, identifying the product using information different from the first read result, generating payment information based on the first read result and the product identification result, and executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information.

[0093] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 5 that are subordinate to the above-mentioned Supplementary Note 1 (information processing device) may also be subordinate to the information processing method of Supplementary Note 14 and the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of Supplementary Note 15 in the same subordinate relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 5. Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 7 to 12 that are subordinate to the above-mentioned Supplementary Note 6 (payment device) may also be subordinate to the payment method of Supplementary Note 16 and the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of Supplementary Note 17 in the same subordinate relationship as Supplementary Notes 7 to 12. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, some or all of the configurations described as the supplementary notes may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems within the scope of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0094] 1 Accounting system 10 Information processing device 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage device 1050 Input / output interface 1060 Network interface 110 Reading unit 120 Transmission unit 130 Guidance unit 20 Payment device 2000 Computer 2010 Bus 2020 Processor 2030 Memory 2040 Storage device 2050 Input / output interface 2060 Network interface 22 Ordinary payment device 24 Specific payment device 210 Acquisition unit 220 Product identification unit 230 Payment processing unit 240 Alarm output unit 30 Indicator light 40 Display 50 Speaker 60 Mobile terminal 90 Passage

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a reading means for reading a wireless communication tag attached to an item passing through an aisle; a transmitting means for selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the result of reading the wireless communication tag and transmitting the result of the reading to the one payment device; and a guiding means for executing a process for guiding a person who is purchasing an item passing through the aisle to the one payment device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the one of the payment devices has a product identification function for identifying a product that has passed through the passage, and the transmission means selects the one of the payment devices in response to determining that the reading result satisfies a predetermined criterion.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the reading result includes probability information for each product indicating the probability that the product passed through the passage, and the transmission means selects the one payment device based on the probability information for each product.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the read result includes passed product number information indicating the number of products that have passed through the passage, and the transmission means selects the one of the payment devices based on the passed product number information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the reading result includes identification information of each commodity that has passed through the passage, and the transmitting means selects the one of the payment devices when the identification information of each commodity included in the reading result includes specific identification information indicating a predetermined commodity.

6. A payment device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through an aisle; a product identification means for identifying the product using information different from the first reading result; and a payment processing means for generating payment information based on the first reading result and the product identification result, and for executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information.

7. The payment device according to claim 6, wherein the product identification means generates information indicating a result of identifying the product using a second reading result of the wireless communication tag read by one or more antennas connected to the payment device.

8. The payment device according to claim 7, wherein the one or more antennas are mat-type antennas that are installed on the floor.

9. The settlement device according to claim 6, wherein the product identification means generates information indicating a result of identifying the product based on a code symbol given to the product or an image of the product.

10. A payment device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising an alarm output means for outputting an alarm when a result of comparing the first reading result with the product identification result satisfies a predetermined alarm output condition.

11. A payment device as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the payment processing means uses the first reading result and the second reading result to determine the probability that each product has passed through the passage, and determines whether or not to correct the first reading result using the second reading result based on a correction criterion corresponding to the probability of each product.

12. The payment device according to claim 11, wherein the correction criterion is a threshold for radio wave strength of the wireless communication tag, and the magnitude of the threshold becomes larger as the accuracy based on the first reading result becomes lower.

13. An accounting system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a plurality of payment devices including, in part, a payment device according to any one of claims 6 to 12.

14. An information processing method including: at least one computer reading a wireless communication tag attached to an item passing through an aisle; selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the result of reading the wireless communication tag; transmitting the result of reading to the one payment device; and executing a process for guiding a person who is going to purchase an item passing through the aisle to the one payment device.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing at least one computer to execute operations including: reading a wireless communication tag attached to a commodity passing through an aisle; selecting one payment device from among a plurality of payment devices based on the result of reading the wireless communication tag; transmitting the result of reading to the one payment device; and executing a process for guiding a person who is purchasing a commodity passing through the aisle to the one payment device.

16. A payment method including: at least one computer obtaining a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to an item passing through an aisle; identifying the item using information different from the first reading result; generating payment information based on the first reading result and the item identification result; and executing payment processing for the item based on the payment information.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes at least one computer to perform operations including: obtaining a first reading result of a wireless communication tag attached to a product passing through an aisle; identifying the product using information different from the first reading result; generating payment information based on the first reading result and the product identification result; and executing payment processing for the product based on the payment information.

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