Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: a list acquisition unit; an attribute acquisition unit; and an output unit. The list acquisition unit acquires a product list. The product list indicates products that a customer wishes to purchase. The attribute acquisition unit acquires attribute information indicating attributes of the customer. The output unit outputs prescribed information when the combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion. The first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating attributes of the customer for each of a plurality of the products or each of a plurality of product categories. In the target attribute information, at least one product or at least one product category differs from age-restricted products.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] In recent years, when a customer purchases a product at a store, the customer may register the product. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a customer registers a product using a payment device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 269694

[0004] When a customer registers products, there is a possibility that the customer will not register some of the products. Therefore, it is required to reduce this possibility with minimal effort.

[0005] The information processing device of the present disclosure comprises: a list acquisition means for acquiring a product list indicating products that a customer wishes to purchase; an attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer; and an output means for outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer for each of a plurality of products or for each of a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products.

[0006] The information processing method disclosed herein includes at least one computer acquiring a product list indicating products a customer wishes to purchase, acquiring attribute information indicating the customer's attributes, and outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, the first criterion being based on target attribute information indicating the customer's attributes for each of a plurality of products or a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products.

[0007] The recording medium in the present disclosure records a program, which causes at least one computer to realize: a list acquisition means for acquiring a product list indicating products that a customer wishes to purchase; an attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating the customer's attributes; and an output means for outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating the customer's attributes for each of a plurality of products or for each of a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the plurality of product categories is different from age-restricted products.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the possibility that a customer will not register some products can be reduced with little effort.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of predetermined information according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 includes a list acquisition unit 110, an attribute acquisition unit 120, and an output unit 130.

[0012] The list acquisition unit 110 acquires a product list. The product list indicates products that a customer wishes to purchase. The list acquisition unit 110 may create the product list or may acquire the product list from an external device.

[0013] The attribute acquiring unit 120 acquires attribute information indicating attributes of a customer. Examples of attributes indicated by the attribute information include at least one of age and gender. This attribute may include a combination of age and gender.

[0014] The output unit 130 outputs predetermined information when the combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion. The first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating customer attributes for each of a plurality of products or for each of a plurality of product categories. In the target attribute information, at least one product or at least one product category is different from age-restricted products such as tobacco and alcohol. The target attribute information may be stored in the information processing device 10 or in a device different from the information processing device 10.

[0015] For example, the target attribute information associates, for each of a plurality of products or a plurality of product categories, the attributes of customers who are likely not to register that product or products belonging to that product category. Therefore, products related to the target attribute information are not limited to age-restricted products. For example, if a customer does not register a product maliciously, there is a tendency for the products or product categories that are not registered to differ according to the customer's attributes. The target attribute information may be created according to this tendency.

[0016] An example of the first criterion is that at least some of the products included in the product list are included in the products or product categories corresponding to the customer's attribute information in the target attribute information. Another example of the first criterion is that at least some of the attributes indicated by the customer's attribute information are included in the attributes corresponding to the products included in the product list in the target attribute information.

[0017] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device 10. First, the list acquisition unit 110 acquires a product list (step S10). The list acquisition unit 110 may acquire a product list created by an external device. Alternatively, the list acquisition unit 110 may acquire the product list by creating the product list.

[0018] As one example, a customer has a reading device read the product identification information of a product they wish to purchase. As another example, a customer has a reading device capture an image of the product they wish to purchase. The product list creation device or list acquisition unit 110 generates the product list using the reading or image capture results of the reading device. In other words, the product list is a list of products whose product identification information has been read by the reading device or the products whose images have been captured by the reading device, and indicates the products that the customer wishes to purchase. For example, the product list includes a list of product identification information for the products that the customer wishes to purchase.

[0019] Furthermore, the attribute acquisition unit 120 acquires attribute information (S20).

[0020] This attribute information may be generated, for example, by processing an image of the customer. In this way, the store does not need to prepare customer attribute information in advance. In this case, the image processing may be performed by the attribute acquisition unit 120 or by a device other than the information processing device 10.

[0021] The attribute acquisition unit 120 may acquire customer attribute information from a customer information storage unit that stores customer information. In this case, the customer information storage unit stores customer identification information, such as a membership ID, a facial image, or fingerprint information, in association with the customer's attribute information, purchase history, etc. The attribute acquisition unit 120, for example, acquires the customer's customer identification information and acquires attribute information corresponding to this customer identification information from the customer information storage unit. In this way, the accuracy of the customer information is increased.

[0022] Note that steps S10 and S20 may be performed in this order, or step S20 may be performed before step S10.

[0023] Next, the output unit 130 determines whether the combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion (step S30). If the first criterion is satisfied (step S30: Yes), the output unit 130 outputs predetermined information (step S40). The destination of this information may be, for example, a device operated by a store clerk or a device operated by a customer.

[0024] According to the information processing device 10, the output unit 130 outputs predetermined information when a combination of the product list and attribute information satisfies a first criterion. The first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating customer attributes for each of a plurality of products or a plurality of product categories. Therefore, for example, at least one of the store clerk and the customer can recognize that a product corresponding to the customer's attributes has not been registered by confirming that the predetermined information has not been output. Therefore, at least one of the store clerk and the customer can recognize that the customer has forgotten to register the product by confirming that the product is in a container such as a cart or shopping basket and that the predetermined information has not been output.

[0025] Furthermore, the products for which this confirmation is performed are limited to the products indicated in the target attribute information. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can prevent an increase in the effort required by the store clerk or the customer to prevent forgetting to register the product.

[0026] A detailed example of the information processing device 10 will be described below.

[0027] The information processing device 10 is used together with, for example, a reading device 20, a store clerk device 30, and a payment device 40 as shown in Fig. 3. The information processing device 10 may be part of a POS system. The information processing device 10 may be provided for each store, or may be a cloud server.

[0028] The reading device 20 reads the product identification information attached to the product. This reading is performed to process the payment for the purchased product. An example of the product identification information read by the reading device 20 is code information attached to the packaging of the product. This code information may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. An example of the reading device 20 is a portable communication device such as a smartphone, which moves with the customer. As an example, the reading device 20 is attached to a container, such as a cart or shopping basket, into which the customer places the product before payment in the store. The reading device 20 may also be a portable communication terminal brought into the store by the customer.

[0029] The reading device 20 may include an imaging device that captures images of products. In this case, the reading device 20 identifies the products by processing the images captured by the imaging device and obtains product identification information for the products from a storage means, such as a product master. This storage means, for example, stores, for each of a plurality of products, the product's appearance features and the product identification information in association with each other. In this example, the imaging device of the reading device 20 and the device that performs image processing may be physically separate devices. In this case, the imaging device may be a portable device, and the device that performs image processing may be a stationary device, such as a server in a store or a cloud server. Note that the reading device 20 may perform at least a part of the image processing.

[0030] The reading device 20 may have a display, and the reading device 20 displays information related to the reading of the product on the display.

[0031] The clerk device 30 is a device that outputs information for clerks and has a display. Predetermined information output by the information processing device 10 is displayed on this display. The clerk device 30 may be a device operated by a clerk, such as a device for managing a full-self-service POS terminal. The clerk device 30 is used, for example, to notify the clerk of a customer who needs support.

[0032] The settlement device 40 acquires the product list generated by the information processing device 10 and performs settlement processing using the product list. For example, the settlement device 40 is a device operated by a customer. For example, the settlement device 40 is a POS terminal that acquires the prices corresponding to the product identification information included in the product list from the product master and calculates the total of these prices as the settlement amount. The settlement device 40 then performs settlement processing for this settlement amount.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the reading device 20 may also function as a settlement device. In this case, the reading device 20 has a settlement unit 22. The processing performed by the settlement unit 22 is similar to the processing performed by the settlement device 40 shown in Fig. 3. In the example shown in Fig. 4, an example of the reading device 20 is a fully self-service POS terminal.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5 , the information processing device 10 may be used together with an imaging device 50. The imaging device 50 is provided for at least capturing an image of a customer. An example of the imaging device 50 is a surveillance camera that monitors the inside of a store. The imaging device 50 may be provided in the reading device 20. In this case, the imaging device 50 is an imaging device different from, for example, a barcode reader. Images generated by the imaging device 50 are used to generate customer attribute information. However, when the imaging device 50 is provided in the reading device 20, the images generated by the imaging device 50 may also be used to create a product list. The imaging device 50 may also be attached to a container that moves with the customer, such as a cart or shopping basket.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6, the information processing device 10 can use the target attribute information stored in the target attribute storage unit 150. A detailed example of the target attribute information is as described using Fig. 1. The target attribute information is generated and registered in the target attribute storage unit 150 by, for example, a store clerk. The target attribute storage unit 150 may be provided inside the information processing device 10 or outside the information processing device 10.

[0036] 6, the information processing device 10 can use customer information stored in the customer information storage unit 140. The customer information is used, for example, when the attribute acquisition unit 120 acquires customer attribute information. An example of customer information is customer identification information, such as a member ID, linked to customer personal information such as customer attribute information and purchase history. The customer information storage unit 140 may be provided within the information processing device 10 or may be provided externally to the information processing device 10.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the information processing apparatus 10 has, as its hardware configuration, for example, a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0040] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0041] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information processing device 10 (e.g., the list acquisition unit 110, the attribute acquisition unit 120, and the output unit 130). The processor 1020 loads and executes each of these program modules into the memory 1030, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as at least one of the customer information storage unit 140 and the target attribute storage unit 150.

[0042] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 10 to various input / output devices. For example, the information processing device 10 may communicate with at least one of the reading device 20 and the store clerk device 30 via the input / output interface 1050.

[0043] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 10 to a network. This network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information processing device 10 may communicate with at least one of the reading device 20 and the clerk device 30 via the network interface 1060.

[0044] The information processing device 10 may be realized by a plurality of devices each having the configuration shown in FIG.

[0045] Next, a detailed example of the operation of the information processing device 10 will be described. When a customer enters a store, the customer registers customer identification information, such as a membership number, a facial image, or fingerprint information, in the reading device 20. The reading device 20 transmits the registered customer identification information to the information processing device 10 together with the device identification information of the reading device 20. This allows the information processing device 10 to manage a product list by linking it to the device identification information and the customer identification information.

[0046] Thereafter, the information processing device 10 operates as shown in, for example, FIG. 8 . First, the reading device 20 repeatedly reads the product identification information. As described above, the reading device 20 may read the product identification information by reading a code or by using an image showing the product's appearance. If the reading device 20 is attached to a container such as a cart or shopping basket, the customer causes the reading device 20 to read the product identification information of that product every time the customer places a product in the container. If the reading device 20 is a fully self-service POS terminal, the customer removes a product from a container such as a cart or shopping basket and causes the reading device 20 to read the product identification information of that product.

[0047] The list acquisition unit 110 of the information processing device 10 acquires the commodity identification information every time the reading device 20 reads the commodity identification information (step S12), and updates the commodity list (step S14).

[0048] When the reading device 20 finishes reading the commodity identification information (step S16: Yes), the attribute acquisition unit 120 of the information processing device 10 acquires the attribute information (step S20). For example, the attribute acquisition unit 120 acquires the attribute information by processing an image of the customer. The attribute acquisition unit 120 may also acquire attribute information corresponding to the customer identification information acquired before step S12 from the customer information storage unit 140.

[0049] Step S20 may be performed before step S12, or may be performed at any timing during the loop of steps S12 to S16.

[0050] Next, the output unit 130 determines whether the combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion (step S30). A detailed example of the first criterion is as described with reference to FIG. 1. If the first criterion is satisfied (step S30: Yes), the output unit 130 outputs predetermined information (step S40). The destination of this information may be, for example, a device operated by a store clerk or a device operated by a customer.

[0051] If step S20 is performed before step S12, the output unit 130 may determine whether the first criterion is satisfied each time product identification information is acquired (step S12). In this case, the output unit 130 may output the predetermined information as soon as the first criterion is satisfied, or may output the predetermined information after all product identification information has been acquired.

[0052] 9 is a flowchart showing a first detailed example of step S30. In the example shown in this figure, the first criterion is that at least some of the products included in the product list are included in the products or product category corresponding to the customer's attribute information in the target attribute information.

[0053] First, the output unit 130 of the information processing device 10 acquires target attribute information from the target attribute storage unit 150 (step S102). Next, the output unit 130 identifies target products that correspond to the customer's attribute information in the target attribute information (step S104). Note that the target products may be products included in a product category that corresponds to the customer's attribute information. Then, if at least one of the target products is included in the product list (step S106: Yes), the output unit 130 outputs predetermined information (step S108).

[0054] According to the example shown in this figure, the output unit 130 can output predetermined information when the target product is included in the product list.

[0055] 10 is a flowchart showing a second detailed example of step S30. In the example shown in this figure, the first criterion is that at least a part of the attributes indicated by the customer's attribute information is included in the attributes corresponding to the products included in the product list in the target attribute information.

[0056] First, the output unit 130 of the information processing device 10 acquires target attribute information from the target attribute storage unit 150 (Step S102). Next, for each product included in the product list, the output unit 130 identifies attributes corresponding to the product in the target attribute information (Step S112). Then, if at least a portion of the attributes identified in Step S112 matches at least a portion of the attributes indicated by the attribute information (Step S114: Yes), the output unit 130 outputs predetermined information (Step S108).

[0057] According to the example shown in this figure, the output unit 130 can output specified information when at least a portion of the attributes identified using the target attribute information matches at least a portion of the attributes indicated by the attribute information.

[0058] Note that other conditions may be added as conditions for the output unit 130 to output the predetermined information. An example of this case will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . In this example, the output unit 130 sets the necessary condition for outputting the predetermined information as the updated content of the product list satisfying the second criterion. In this way, the conditions for outputting the predetermined information can be made more complex, thereby preventing the predetermined information from being output at an undesired time.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the processes shown in steps S12 to S16 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

[0060] The output unit 130 then determines whether the updated product list satisfies the second criterion (Step S18). If the second criterion is satisfied (Step S18: Yes), the output unit 130 performs the processes from Step S20 onward.

[0061] The second criterion may be, for example, that at least one of the following (1) to (4) has occurred a predetermined number of times. Here, the predetermined number may be 1, or 2 or more. Here, the second criterion may be that, when limited to the target product, at least one of the following (1) to (4) has occurred a predetermined number of times. (1) When the customer inputs the number of products numerically, the number of products is always the minimum unit, for example, 1. (2) A product that has already been registered is deleted from the product list. (3) At least one of the registered products is manually corrected. This correction is at least one of correcting the type of product and correcting the quantity of that product. (4) The product is not registered in the product list.

[0062] An example of (4) above is as follows:

[0063] (4-1) By processing the image captured by the imaging device 50, it was detected that a product had been placed in a container such as a cart or shopping basket, but the product was not added to the product list. (4-2) The weight of the contents contained in the cart or shopping basket increased, but the product was not added to the product list. The weight described above is measured by a weight sensor provided in the cart or shopping basket, or a weight sensor provided on the stand on which registered products of a full-self-service POS terminal are placed.

[0064] When the above-mentioned example of the second criterion is used, predetermined information can be output only when there is a possibility that a customer has maliciously not registered a product, thereby reducing the number of customers that store staff need to keep an eye on.

[0065] Note that step S18 may be performed at any timing during the loop of steps S12 to S16. Furthermore, if step S20 is performed before step S12, the output unit 130 may determine whether both the first criterion and the second criterion are satisfied while the product identification information is being acquired. In this case, the output unit 130 may output the predetermined information as soon as both the first criterion and the second criterion are satisfied, or may output the predetermined information after all product identification information has been acquired.

[0066] Here, the predetermined information output by the output unit 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] Figure 12 shows the recipients of the specified information, the timing of outputting the specified information, specific examples of the specified information, and the work of the store clerk after the specified information is output when the reading device 20 is a full-self-service POS terminal, i.e., a full-self-service product registration and settlement device, as shown in Figure 4.

[0068] The predetermined information is notified to both the store clerk device 30 and the reading device 20 .

[0069] The predetermined information notified to the store clerk device 30 includes, for example, at least one of the following: the reading device that satisfies the second criterion; the content of the second criterion that has been satisfied; and the product for which the second criterion has been satisfied.

[0070] The predetermined information notified to the reading device 20 includes, for example, at least one of the following: the content of the second criterion that has been met; and the target product for which the second criterion has been met.

[0071] The timing at which the predetermined information is notified is, for example, at least one of the following: Immediately after the second criterion is satisfied; Immediately after product registration is completed; When a product for which the customer is to input the quantity is selected in the reading device, even though this is not related to the second criterion being satisfied.

[0072] After the information processing device 10 outputs the specified information, the store clerk device 30 performs at least one of the following processes, for example: - Output of an alert. This alert is displayed, for example, on a display, and includes the reading device that met the second criterion, the target product, and the second criterion that was met. - Notification of the action to be taken by the store clerk. The action is, for example, at least one of registering the customer as a customer requiring attention and making an in-store announcement to the customer. The in-store announcement made here includes content that makes it difficult for the customer to intentionally not register the product, for example, information about the presence of a surveillance camera.

[0073] After the information processing device 10 outputs the predetermined information, the reading device 20 performs at least one of the following processes, for example: - Transition to a screen indicating that the user should wait for a store clerk and lock the screen - Disable continuation of the product registration work.

[0074] After the reading device 20 and the store clerk device 30 have performed the above-mentioned processes, the store clerk will perform at least one of the following tasks: - Unlock the reading device 20 - Display a product list on the reading device 20 and check whether the product in the container held by the customer matches the product list. For example, for products for which the customer has registered the quantity, check whether the quantity on the product list matches the quantity in the container. Here, the reading device 20 may display only information about the target product.

[0075] Figure 13 shows the destination of the specified information, the timing of outputting the specified information, specific examples of the specified information, and the work of the store clerk after the specified information is output when the reading device 20 moves with the customer, for example, when it is a portable communication device carried by the customer or a communication device attached to a cart or shopping basket.

[0076] In this case, the predetermined information is notified to at least one of the reading device 20 and the store clerk device 30, and preferably both.

[0077] The predetermined information notified to the store clerk device 30 is, for example, at least one of the following: - The reading device that satisfied the second criterion - The details of the satisfied second criterion - The target product. Here, only the target products that satisfy the second criterion may be notified. If all the target products are notified here, the store clerk can easily recognize products that the customer is likely to leave unregistered.

[0078] The predetermined information notified to the reading device 20 is, for example, at least one of the following: - Details of the second criterion that has been met - Target product for which the second criterion has been met Note that the predetermined information may be output to the reading device 20 only when the second criterion that has been met is (4) above.

[0079] Here, the output unit 130 may estimate the category of the unregistered product based on the location of the reading device 20 in the store when the unregistered product occurred, and may include information indicating the category in the predetermined information. The location of the reading device 20 may be identified using, for example, multiple beacons installed in the store.

[0080] In this process, the output unit 130 uses, for example, map information of the store. This map information stores, for each product category, the locations within the store where products belonging to that product category are displayed. The output unit 130 then identifies the location of the reading device 20 when the unregistered product is detected, and identifies the product category corresponding to this location in the map information.

[0081] The timing at which the specified information is notified is, for example, at least one of the following. Note that the timing of notification to the reading device 20 and the timing of notification to the store clerk device 30 may be different. Immediately after the second criterion is met. As an example, the specified information is notified immediately after the second criterion (4) above is met. Immediately after product registration is completed. When the customer enters the payment area in the store.

[0082] The notification to the reading device 20 may be sent by email or via an application program installed in the reading device 20 .

[0083] After the information processing device 10 outputs the predetermined information, the process performed by the store clerk device 30 and the process performed by the reading device 20 are the same as the example described with reference to FIG.

[0084] After the reading device 20 and the clerk device 30 have performed the above-described processing, an example of the work performed by the clerk is the same as in the case of a fully self-service system. Further examples of the work performed by the clerk include the following: The clerk in charge of monitoring the product display area begins monitoring the customer. The clerk in charge of monitoring the checkout area checks the products purchased by the customer. In this check, a list of the customer's products may be displayed on the clerk device 30. At this time, the target products may be highlighted.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 14 , the information processing device 10 may include a product number acquisition unit 160 .

[0086] A customer places the products they wish to purchase in a container that moves with them, such as a cart or shopping basket. The product number acquisition unit 160 acquires product number information indicating the number of products in this container. The output unit 130 may also output predetermined information when the number indicated by the product number information does not match the number of products included in the product list. This can further reduce the possibility that a customer will not register some products. Note that the number of products here may be the number of specific products or the number of all products.

[0087] The product number information is generated, for example, using the change in the weight of the products in the container. For example, if a weight sensor is installed in the container, it can be determined that the number of products has increased each time the detected value of the weight sensor increases. Therefore, the product number information is generated by counting the number of increases in the detected value of the weight sensor. In this way, the product number information can be generated.

[0088] The product quantity information may be generated using an image of a container such as a cart or shopping basket, or an image of a product when the product is placed in the container. These images are generated, for example, by an imaging device 50. These images may be generated by an imaging device 50 attached to the container, or may be generated by an imaging device 50 serving as a surveillance camera. In this manner, the product quantity information can also be generated.

[0089] As described above, according to the information processing device 10, the output unit 130 outputs predetermined information when the combination of the product list and attribute information satisfies a first criterion. The first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating customer attributes for each of a plurality of products or a plurality of product categories. Therefore, for example, at least one of the store clerk and the customer can recognize that a product corresponding to the customer's attributes has not been registered by confirming that the predetermined information has not been output. Therefore, at least one of the store clerk and the customer can recognize that the customer has forgotten to register the product by confirming that the product is in a container such as a cart or shopping basket and that the predetermined information has not been output.

[0090] Furthermore, the products for which this confirmation is performed are limited to the products indicated in the target attribute information. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can prevent an increase in the effort required by the store clerk or the customer to prevent forgetting to register the product.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. Supplementary Note 1. An information processing device comprising: a list acquisition means for acquiring a product list indicating products that a customer wishes to purchase; an attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the customer; and an output means for outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating customer attributes for each of a plurality of products or a plurality of product categories, and wherein in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products. Supplementary Note 2. An information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the list acquisition means updates the product list using product identification information read by a reading device operated by the customer, and the output means makes it a necessary condition for outputting the predetermined information that the updated content of the product list satisfies a second criterion. Supplementary Note 3. In the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 2, the second criterion includes at least one of deleting a target product that is a product corresponding to the attribute information in the target attribute information from the product list, and modifying at least one of the type and quantity of the target product in the product list. Supplementary Note 4. In the information processing device described in any one of Supplements 1 to 3, the customer places products desired to be purchased in a container, and the information processing device is equipped with a product number acquisition means for acquiring product number information indicating the number of products in the container, and the output means outputs the predetermined information when the number indicated by the product number information does not match the number of products included in the product list. Supplementary Note 5. In the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 4, the information processing device is generated using a change in weight of the products in the container. Supplementary Note 6. In the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 4, the information processing device is generated using an image of the container or an image of the product taken at the time the product is placed in the container.Supplementary Note 7. The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the attribute acquisition means acquires customer identification information that identifies the customer, and acquires the attribute information corresponding to the acquired customer identification information from a customer information storage means that stores the attribute information in association with the customer identification information. Supplementary Note 8. The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, wherein the attribute information is generated by processing an image of the customer. Supplementary Note 9. The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 8, wherein the output means uses the target attribute information to identify a target product that is a product that corresponds to the attribute information in the target attribute information, and the first criterion includes that the target product is included in the product list. Supplementary Note 10. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the output means uses the target attribute information to identify the attributes corresponding to products included in the product list in the target attribute information, and the first criterion includes a match between at least a portion of the attributes identified by the output means and at least a portion of the attributes indicated by the attribute information.Supplementary Note 11. An information processing method, wherein at least one computer acquires a product list indicating products that a customer wishes to purchase, acquires attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer, and outputs predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating the customer attributes for each of a plurality of products or a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products.Supplementary Note 12. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, wherein the program causes at least one computer to realize: a list acquisition means for acquiring a product list indicating products a customer wishes to purchase; an attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the customer; and an output means for outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating customer attributes for each of a plurality of products or for each of a plurality of product categories, and wherein in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products.

[0094] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 10, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 11 and 12 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 10. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 11, and 12, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0095] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing device 20 Reading device 22 Checkout unit 30 Store clerk device 40 Checkout device 50 Imaging device 110 List acquisition unit 120 Attribute acquisition unit 130 Output unit 140 Customer information storage unit 150 Target attribute storage unit 160 Product number acquisition unit

Claims

1. A list acquisition means for acquiring a product list indicating products that a customer wishes to purchase, an attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer, and an output means for outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer for each of a plurality of products or each of a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products, an information processing apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list acquisition means updates the product list using product identification information read by a reading device operated by the customer, and the output means makes it a necessary condition for outputting the predetermined information that the update content of the product list satisfies a second criterion.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second criterion includes at least one of the following: a target product that is a product corresponding to the attribute information in the target attribute information is deleted from the product list, and at least one of the type and quantity of the target product in the product list is modified.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the customer stores products that the customer wishes to purchase in a container, and the apparatus includes a product quantity acquisition means for acquiring product quantity information indicating the number of products in the container, and the output means outputs the predetermined information when the number indicated by the product quantity information does not match the number of products included in the product list.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the product quantity information is generated using the transition of the weight of the products in the container.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the product quantity information is generated using an image of the container or an image of the product taken at the timing when the product is stored in the container.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attribute acquisition means acquires customer identification information for identifying the customer, and acquires the attribute information corresponding to the acquired customer identification information from customer information storage means that stores the attribute information in association with the customer identification information.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the attribute information is generated by processing an image of the customer.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output means uses the target attribute information to identify a target product that is a product corresponding to the attribute information in the target attribute information, and the first criterion includes that the target product is included in the product list.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output means uses the target attribute information to identify the attribute corresponding to the product included in the product list in the target attribute information, and the first criterion includes that at least a part of the attribute identified by the output means coincides with at least a part of the attribute indicated by the attribute information.

11. An information processing method, wherein at least one computer acquires a product list indicating products that a customer desires to purchase, acquires attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer, outputs predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer for each of a plurality of products or for each of a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from age-restricted products.

12. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, wherein the program causes at least one computer to implement: a list acquisition means for acquiring a product list indicating products that a customer wishes to purchase; an attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer; and an output means for outputting predetermined information when a combination of the product list and the attribute information satisfies a first criterion, wherein the first criterion is based on target attribute information indicating the attributes of the customer for each of a plurality of products or for each of a plurality of product categories, and in the target attribute information, at least one of the products or at least one of the product categories is different from an age-restricted product.

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