JP2023030203A - Commodity registration device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity registration device, a control method, and a program that improve the efficiency of customer response.

SOLUTION: An information processing unit 2000 includes an association unit 2020 and a control unit 2040. The association unit 2020 associates settlement information with a settlement device 4000. The control unit 2040 controls the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information of a commodity registration device 3000 to be preferentially selected from a candidate group corresponding to the commodity registration device 3000.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a technique for improving the efficiency of customer service.

Cash register terminals in stores such as supermarkets perform (1) processing to register products to be settled (such as reading barcodes) and (2) processing to settle the registered products (such as receiving payment and returning change). Two processes are performed.

Then, there is an operation method of separating the function of such a cash register terminal into two devices. Specifically, the product registration device is provided with the function of performing the process (1), and the settlement device is provided with the function of performing the process (2). For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a sales management system composed of a commodity registration device and a settlement device in this way. The store clerk registers the product using the product registration device. When the product registration is completed, the product registration device issues a registration receipt. The purchaser moves to the settlement device with the registered receipt and causes the settlement device to read the registered receipt. Then, since the settlement process based on the contents of the registered receipt can be performed, the purchaser operates the settlement device (for example, inserts the price) to settle the settlement.

In addition, as described above, there is also a method of designating a settlement device for performing settlement processing for a product registered by a certain product registration device from that product registration device or another device without using a registration receipt or the like. In the case of this method, for example, the purchaser hears from the clerk which settlement device has been specified, moves to that settlement device, and settles the account.

Generally, in the method of designating a settlement device from a commodity registration device or another device, a settlement device corresponding to the commodity registration device is placed near each commodity registration device. Then, a product registration device designates a settlement device corresponding to the product registration device as a settlement device for performing settlement processing for the registered commodity.

JP 2013-186495 A

In a store or the like, there may be an imbalance in the degree of congestion at cash register terminals. For example, one product registration device may be busy, but another product registration device may be free. In such a case, although there is a vacancy in the settlement device corresponding to the vacant commodity registration device, there is no vacancy in the settlement device that can be specified from the busy commodity registration device. As a result, purchasers using a busy product registration device must wait for the checkout device to become available.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the efficiency of customer service.

The product registration device of the present invention is
Settlement processing for a product registered as a target for payment when all checkout devices belonging to a first candidate group, which is a candidate group associated with the product registration device, are in use among a plurality of checkout device candidate groups. Control means for switching a group of candidates that can select a settlement device as a destination of settlement information regarding to a group of candidates other than the first group of candidates;
and transmission means for transmitting the settlement information to the settlement device.

The control method of the present invention is
A control method executed by a computer functioning as a product registration device, comprising:
Settlement processing for a product registered as a target for payment when all checkout devices belonging to a first candidate group, which is a candidate group associated with the product registration device, are in use among a plurality of checkout device candidate groups. Switch the candidate group that can select the settlement device to which the settlement information is sent to a candidate group other than the first candidate group,
The settlement information is transmitted to the settlement device.

The program of the present invention is a computer,
It is a program for executing the above control method.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which improves the efficiency of customer correspondence is provided.

The above objectives, as well as other objectives, features and advantages, will become further apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings below.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating association information; 2 is a block diagram illustrating an environment in which a server device is added to the environment of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying a state in which settlement devices of a candidate group corresponding to a product registration device are provided near a customer's flow line; 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by a control unit that performs control in Example 1; 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by a control unit that performs control in Example 2; 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing device; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a first diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by a display control unit; FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by the display control unit; 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by the display control unit of modification 1; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed by a display control unit according to modification 2; 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus of the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment; 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating layouts of a product registration device and a checkout device in an example of Embodiment 4;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device 2000 according to the first embodiment. A dotted line in FIG. 1 represents the correspondence relationship between the product registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 . Furthermore, in FIG. 1, each block does not represent the configuration in units of hardware, but the configuration in units of functions.

In a store or the like using the information processing device 2000, the merchandise registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 are used for settlement of the merchandise purchased by the customer. The product registration device 3000 is a device used for registering products to be settled (products purchased by customers). The settlement device 4000 is used for settlement processing (such as payment of price) for products registered as settlement objects. Specifically, the settlement device 4000 acquires information (settlement information) regarding settlement processing of products registered as settlement targets, and performs settlement processing using the settlement information. A plurality of product registration devices 3000 and settlement devices 4000 are provided.

The information processing device 2000 associates the settlement information of the product registered by the product registration device 3000 with one of the plurality of settlement devices 4000 . The settlement device 4000 acquires settlement information associated with the settlement device 4000 and performs settlement processing using the settlement information. A specific method for associating the settlement information with the settlement device 4000 will be described later.

The information processing device 2000 has an association unit 2020 and a control unit 2040 . Association unit 2020 associates settlement information with settlement device 4000 . The control unit 2040 controls such that the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 is preferentially selected from among the candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000 . Here, the "settlement information of the product registration device 3000" means settlement information related to the settlement process of the product registered as the target of settlement by the product registration device 3000. FIG.

According to this embodiment, the information processing device 2000 controls so that the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 is preferentially selected from among the candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000. do. By doing this, by appropriately determining a group of candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000, it is possible to preferentially associate the settlement device 4000, which is preferably associated with the settlement information, with the settlement information.

For example, the checkout device 4000 installed near the product registration device 3000 is set as the checkout device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 . By doing this, the settlement device 4000 installed near a certain commodity registration device 3000 can use the commodity registration device 3000 preferentially over the settlement device 4000 not installed near the commodity registration device 3000. It is used as the settlement device 4000 used for the settlement processing of the purchased product of the customer. Therefore, a customer who has completed product registration by a store clerk on the product registration device 3000 can easily understand which payment device 4000 should be used for payment, thereby improving the convenience of a store or the like. Details of the candidate group will be described later.
The present embodiment will be described in further detail below.

<Product registration processing by product registration device 3000>
Various known techniques can be used for the registration process of registering the product for settlement using the product registration device 3000 . For example, the product registration device 3000 reads a symbol such as a bar code attached to the product to register the product as an object of payment.

A plurality of commodities can be included in the settlement objects in one settlement process. For example, the product registration device 3000 registers one or a plurality of registered products after receiving an operation instructing the start of the registration processing of the settlement object and before accepting an operation instructing the end of the registration processing of the settlement object. , is registered as a settlement object in one settlement process. Settlement information related to a certain settlement process indicates identification information (hereinafter referred to as ID (Identifier)) of each product registered as a target of the settlement process. The settlement information may further indicate the transaction number, the amount of each product, and the settlement amount (total amount paid by the customer).

<Details of Associating Unit 2020>
The association unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the settlement device 4000 . For example, the associating unit 2020 associates the settlement device 4000 with the settlement information by generating association information that associates the settlement information with the ID of the settlement device 4000 (settlement device ID). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating association information. The list shown in FIG. 2 is called list 100 . The list 100 has a settlement device ID 102 and settlement information 104 . Settlement information 104 indicates an arbitrary number of product IDs 106 . All of the product IDs included in the settlement information 104 are products that are subject to settlement processing performed using the settlement information 104 .

However, the configuration of the settlement information 104 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the settlement information 104 may indicate information (product name, price, etc.) other than the product ID 106 for each product.

In addition, when a plurality of products of the same type are registered, the settlement information 104 may indicate the product ID 106 of the registered number, or may indicate the number registered in the settlement information 104 . The former means that, for example, if two products A are registered, two product IDs of product A are indicated.

In addition, various existing methods can be used as the method of configuring the settlement information.

The association information generated by the association unit 2020 is recorded in a storage device or the like provided inside or outside the information processing apparatus 2000, for example. For example, the association unit 2020 stores the association information in a storage device (hard disk drive, NAS (Network-Attached Storage), etc.) communicably connected to both the product registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 . Also, for example, the association unit 2020 transmits the association information to the server device 5000 communicably connected to both the product registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 . Server device 5000 stores the association information in an internal or external storage device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an environment in which a server device 5000 is added to the environment of FIG.

Note that a plurality of storage devices for storing settlement information and server devices 5000 serving as transmission destinations for settlement information may be provided. In this case, the association unit 2020 stores the settlement information in a storage device communicably connected to the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information, or stores the settlement information in the server device 5000 communicably connected to the settlement device 4000. Send settlement information to

The association unit 2020 transmits the ID of the settlement information to the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information. The settlement device 4000 that has acquired the ID acquires settlement information associated with the acquired ID from the above-described server device 5000 or the like.

The association unit 2020 may automatically determine the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information. In this case, the association unit 2020 associates one of the settlement devices 4000 selectable by the control unit 2040 with the settlement information. Further, the association unit 2020 may receive a designation of the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information from a store clerk or the like, and associate the designated settlement device 4000 with the settlement information. In this case, the checkout device 4000 that can be specified by the store clerk or the like is controlled by the control unit 2040 to be the checkout device 4000 that can be selected. A form in which specification of the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information is received from a store clerk or the like will be described in detail as a second embodiment.

Further, the association unit 2020 may associate the settlement device 4000 with the settlement information by transmitting the settlement information to be associated with the settlement device 4000 to the settlement device 4000 .

<Details of control unit 2040>
As described above, the control unit 2040 controls such that the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 is preferentially selected from among the candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000 . First, the candidate group will be specifically described below.

<<About Candidate Group>>
A candidate group is a set that includes one or more checkout devices 4000 . A candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is defined for the product registration device 3000 . Then, control unit 2040 gives priority to settlement devices 4000 included in a candidate group associated with product registration device 3000 as settlement devices 4000 associated with settlement information related to products registered by product registration device 3000. be used for

A group of candidates for a certain product registration device 3000 is composed of settlement devices 4000 installed near a certain product registration device 3000, for example. For example, such a group of candidates is installed near the line of flow of customers who use the product registration device 3000 . Therefore, from the point of view of settlement devices 4000 belonging to a group of candidates for a certain product registration device 3000 , that product registration device 3000 is positioned closer than other product registration devices 3000 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying a state in which settlement devices 4000 of a candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000 are provided near the line of flow of customer 10 . Dotted arrows represent flow lines of customers 10 . The store clerk 20 is a store clerk who uses the product registration device 3000 to register products for payment. In FIG. 4, three product registration devices 3000, product registration devices 3000-1, 3000-2, and 3000-3, are provided. Also, two checkout devices 4000 are provided near the line of flow of the customer 10 in each product registration device 3000 . Hereinafter, the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-i will be referred to as candidate group i. Candidate group i includes settlement device 4000-i-1 and settlement device 4000-i-2.

The association unit 2020, for example, associates the settlement information of the product registration device 3000-1 with the settlement device 4000 included in the candidate group 1 (the settlement device 4000-1- 1 or settlement device 4000-1-2).

Information indicating a group of candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is stored in a storage device provided inside or outside the information processing device 2000, for example. For example, this storage device is a storage device in which the association unit 2020 stores association information. The information processing device 2000 acquires a group of candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000 from this storage device.

<<Example 1 of Control by Control Unit 2040>>
For example, if the settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to a product registration device 3000 cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, the control unit 2040 associates the settlement device 4000 with the settlement information of the product registration device 3000. Selection can also be made from settlement devices 4000 that are not included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000.例文帳に追加

Various situations are conceivable as a specific situation representing "when the settlement device 4000 cannot perform settlement processing based on certain settlement information". For example, this situation is (1) a situation where the settlement device 4000 is performing settlement processing based on other settlement information. Further, for example, this situation is (2) a situation in which the settlement device 4000 is not processing settlement information and cannot process new settlement information. Specifically, failure of the settlement device 4000 and failure of the communication line between the settlement device 4000 and the outside can be considered. A situation where the settlement device 4000 is not powered on or a situation where the settlement device 4000 is restarted also corresponds to the situation (2). Hereinafter, the situation (1) will be called "in use" and the situation (2) will be called "offline".

The information processing device 2000 is in use or offline, or both, as “when the settlement device 4000 cannot perform settlement processing”. However, the information processing apparatus 2000 may handle situations other than in-use and offline as "when the settlement apparatus 4000 cannot perform settlement processing".

A definition of “when the settlement device 4000 cannot perform settlement processing” is set in the control unit 2040 in advance, for example. However, the control unit 2040 may acquire setting information representing the definition of “when the settlement device 4000 cannot perform settlement processing” from a storage device inside or outside the information processing device 2000 .

For example, in FIG. 4, assume that both settlement device 4000-1-1 and settlement device 4000-1-2 are in use. In this case, the control unit 2040 allows the settlement device 4000 included in the candidate group 2 or the candidate group 3 to be selected as the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information. Then, the association unit 2020 associates, for example, one of the settlement devices 4000 included in the candidate group 2 or the candidate group 3 with the settlement information. However, even in this case, the association unit 2020 may associate one of the settlement devices 4000 included in the candidate group 1 with the settlement information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the control unit 2040 that performs the control of Example 1 described above. The control unit 2040 determines whether or not each settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 (S102). If each settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information (S102: YES), the processing in FIG. 5 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if any settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information (S102: NO), the processing in FIG. 5 proceeds to step S106.

In step S<b>104 , the control unit 2040 controls such that the settlement device 4000 associated with the product registration device 3000 is selected from among the candidates corresponding to the product registration device 3000 . On the other hand, in step S<b>106 , the control unit 2040 performs control so that the settlement device 4000 associated with the product registration device 3000 can be selected from candidates other than the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 .

In this way, when the settlement device 4000 belonging to the candidate group cannot perform settlement processing, the settlement information can be associated with the settlement device 4000 that does not belong to the candidate group. There is no need to wait for the settlement device 4000 to become available. If a customer can use a settlement device capable of immediately starting settlement processing, even if the settlement device is installed at a somewhat inconvenient position, the customer can quickly complete the purchase of merchandise. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of the settlement device 4000 is improved, and the time required for the customer to purchase the product is shortened.

<<Example 2 of Control by Control Unit 2040>>
For example, when a predetermined operation is received from a user (clerk, etc.), the control unit 2040 selects the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000 from among the candidates corresponding to the commodity registration device 3000. To enable selection from settlement devices 4000 that are not included in . This predetermined operation is an input via various input devices. For example, the control unit 2040 displays a button on the display screen viewed by the store clerk for enabling selection of a settlement device 4000 other than the candidate group. The store clerk presses this button when he wants to associate settlement information with settlement devices 4000 other than the candidate group.

Depending on the situation of the store, even if the settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain commodity registration device 3000 can be used, the settlement information of the commodity registered by the commodity registration device 3000 may not belong to the candidate group. In some cases, it may be preferable to let the settlement device 4000 handle the transaction. For example, in the product registration device 3000, it is assumed that the quantity of products to be purchased by the next customer to be dealt with is larger than the quantity of products to be purchased by the customer currently being dealt with. Also, as described with reference to FIG. 4, it is assumed that the settlement device 4000 included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is the settlement device 4000 on the flow line of the customer using the product registration device 3000 .

In this case, it is preferable that the settlement device 4000 to be used by the next customer is closer to the commodity registration device 3000 than the settlement device 4000 to be used by the customer who is currently responding. This is because a customer who purchases a large amount of products is considered to take a longer time to move than a customer who purchases a small amount of products. Therefore, the clerk makes the customer who is currently serving use a settlement device 4000 that is not included in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000, and instructs the next customer to respond to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. The information processing device 2000 is operated so as to use the settlement device 4000 included in the .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the control unit 2040 that performs the control of Example 2 described above. Control unit 2040 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been received (S202). If the predetermined operation has not been received (S202: NO), the process of FIG. 6 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if a predetermined operation has been accepted (S202: YES), the process of FIG. 6 proceeds to step S106. The processing after step S104 and the processing after step S106 are the same as in the case of FIG.

<Details of payment device 4000>
The settlement device 4000 acquires settlement information associated with the settlement device 4000 by the information processing device 2000 . For example, the settlement device 4000 acquires settlement information associated with the settlement device ID of the settlement device 4000 from the storage device in which the product registration device 3000 stores the association information. Further, for example, the settlement device 4000 acquires settlement information associated with the settlement device 4000 from the server device 5000 that received the association information.

The settlement device 4000 performs settlement processing based on the acquired settlement information. Here, a known technique can be used as a method for performing settlement processing based on information (settlement information) used by the settlement device 4000 for the commodity settlement processing. Details of this known technique are omitted.

<Mounting Method of Information Processing Device 2000>
For example, the information processing device 2000 is implemented as a product registration device 3000 . Further, for example, the information processing device 2000 may be implemented as a server device 5000 communicably connected to the product registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 . In this case, the server device 5000 acquires settlement information from each of the arbitrary number of product registration devices 3000 . Then, the server device 5000 associates each of the acquired settlement information with the settlement device 4000 .

<Hardware configuration example>
Each functional configuration unit of the information processing apparatus 2000 may be implemented by hardware (eg, hardwired electronic circuit) that implements each functional configuration unit, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software (eg, combination of an electronic circuit and a program for controlling it, etc.).

The information processing apparatus 2000 is implemented as various computers such as a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, or a server machine. Here, the information processing device 2000 may be implemented in a dedicated computer for implementing the information processing device 2000, or may be implemented in a general-purpose computer including other applications.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2000. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 2000 has a bus 1020 , a processor 1040 , a memory 1060 , a storage 1080 , an input/output interface 1100 and a network interface 1120 . Bus 1020 is a data transmission path for processor 1040, memory 1060, storage 1080, input/output interface 1100, and network interface 1120 to mutually transmit and receive data. However, the method of connecting processors 1040 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection. The processor 1040 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 1060 is memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), for example. The storage 1080 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card. Also, the storage 1080 may be a memory such as RAM or ROM.

The input/output interface 1100 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 2000 and input/output devices. An input/output device is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, display, or the like. When the information processing device 2000 is implemented as the product registration device 3000, the input/output device further includes a barcode reader or the like used for product registration.

The network interface 1120 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 2000 with an external device (such as the settlement device 4000). The network interface 1120 may be a network interface for connecting with a wired line or a network interface for connecting with a wireless line.

The storage 1080 stores programs for realizing functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 . Specifically, it stores program modules that implement the functions of the association unit 2020 and the control unit 2040, respectively. The processor 1040 realizes the functions of the association unit 2020 and the control unit 2040 by executing each program module. Here, when executing each module, the processor 1040 may execute these modules after reading them onto the memory 1060 , or may execute them without reading them onto the memory 1060 .

The hardware configuration of the information processing device 2000 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, each program module may be stored in memory 1060 . In this case, the information processing device 2000 does not have to include the storage 1080 .

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device 2000 according to the second embodiment. A dotted line in FIG. 8 represents the correspondence relationship between the product registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 . Furthermore, in FIG. 8, each block does not represent the configuration in units of hardware, but the configuration in units of functions. The functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the second embodiment are the same as the functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

The control unit 2040 of the second embodiment has a display control unit 2042 and a selection reception unit 2044. The display control unit 2042 displays candidates for the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information. The selection reception unit 2044 receives an input for selecting one of the displayed settlement devices 4000 . The associating unit 2020 of the second embodiment associates the settlement information with the settlement device 4000 indicated by the input received by the selection receiving unit 2044 .

Assume that the settlement information of a product registration device 3000 is associated with the settlement device 4000 . At this time, when each settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the commodity registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, the display control unit 2042 corresponds to the commodity registration device 3000 other than the commodity registration device 3000. The settlement devices 4000 of the candidate group are displayed in a non-selectable state or not displayed. On the other hand, when each settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the commodity registration device 3000 cannot perform the settlement processing based on the settlement information, the display control unit 2042 corresponds to the commodity registration device 3000 other than the commodity registration device 3000. The settlement devices 4000 of the candidate group are displayed in a selectable state.

Here, the selectable state is a state in which "the information processing device 2000 receives an operation to select the settlement device 4000 and associates the selected settlement device with settlement information". On the other hand, the unselectable state means "a state in which the information processing apparatus 2000 does not accept a selection operation of the settlement apparatus 4000" or "a state in which the information processing apparatus 2000 accepts a selection operation of the settlement apparatus 4000, but the selected settlement apparatus 4000 and settlement information are not associated". In the former case, the display control unit 2042 displays, for example, a selection button for selecting the settlement device 4000 in a state in which it cannot be pressed, or does not display the selection button. In the latter case, the display control unit 2042 displays, for example, a selection button for selecting the settlement device 4000 in a depressible state. However, even if the selection button is pressed, for example, the information processing apparatus 2000 either ignores the pressing or performs error processing (such as processing to display a warning pop-up).

When there are three or more product registration devices 3000, the above-mentioned "product registration device 3000 other than the product registration device 3000" may mean all the product registration devices 3000 other than the product registration device 3000. It may mean a part of the product registration device 3000 other than the product registration device 3000 . In the latter case, for example, the display control unit 2042, when each settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to a certain commodity registration device 3000 cannot perform the settlement processing based on the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000, the commodity registration device 3000 , are displayed in a selectable state.

Further, there are various display modes of the settlement device 4000 in a situation in which the settlement processing based on the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000 cannot be performed. For example, the display control unit 2042 displays the corresponding settlement device 4000 in a non-selectable state or does not display it. However, the display control unit 2042 may selectably display the corresponding settlement device 4000 . When a settlement device 4000 is selected that cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000, the customer waits in line, for example, until the settlement device 4000 becomes available. It will happen.

The display by the display control unit 2042 is performed on a display screen such as a display. This display or the like is viewed by a store clerk who operates the product registration device 3000 . The display or the like may be provided integrally with the product registration device 3000, or may be provided separately.

The display control unit 2042 and the selection reception unit 2044 are implemented inside the product registration device 3000, for example. However, part of the functions of the display control unit 2042 may be implemented inside the server device 5000 . For example, the server device 5000 determines a candidate for the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information, and notifies the product registration device 3000 of the determined candidate. In this case, product registration device 3000 displays the candidates notified from server device 5000 .

The selection accepting unit 2044 accepts an input for selecting one of the settlement devices 4000 displayed by the display control unit 2042 . Selection of the settlement device 4000 is performed by input using, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse. Also, the selection of the settlement device 4000 may be performed by voice input using a microphone. The information processing device 2000 includes various input devices according to the method of receiving the selection of the settlement device 4000 .

<Specific example of display and selection of settlement device 4000>
9 and 10 are diagrams exemplifying the selection screen 30 displayed on the display or the like by the display control unit 2042. FIG. The settlement device area 40 is a display area for displaying the current state of each settlement device 4000 and the like. Specifically, the name of the settlement device 4000, the state of the settlement device 4000 (standby, in use, offline, etc.), the number of items (number) of products registered for settlement, the total amount, and the settlement device 4000 The time (transmission time) with which the settlement information was previously associated and the submit button 50 are shown.

A send button 50 in the settlement device area 40 of a certain settlement device 4000 is a button that is pressed to associate settlement information with that settlement device 4000 . In other words, the send button 50 is a button for the selection accepting unit 2044 to accept the selection of the settlement device 4000 . When settlement information can be associated with a settlement device 4000, the send button 50 corresponding to the settlement device 4000 is enabled (pressable). On the other hand, when settlement information cannot be associated with a certain settlement device 4000, the send button 50 corresponding to that settlement device 4000 is disabled (cannot be pressed). In FIG. 9, when the frame of the send button 50 is a solid line, the send button 50 is enabled. On the other hand, when the frame of the send button 50 is dotted, the send button 50 is disabled.

9 and 10, the case where the product registration device 3000-1 associates the settlement information with the settlement device 4000 will be described. Here, settlement devices 1 and 2 belong to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-1, and settlement devices 3 and 4 belong to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-2. Suppose you are

FIG. 9 illustrates a case where settlement device 4000 capable of performing settlement processing based on settlement information of product registration device 3000-1 exists among settlement devices 4000 belonging to a candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-1. there is The state of the settlement device 1 is "standby", which is a state in which settlement processing based on the settlement information can be performed. Therefore, the state of the send button 50-1 is enabled. On the other hand, the state of the settlement device 2 is "in use". This indicates that new settlement information cannot be associated with the settlement device 2 because settlement processing based on other settlement information is being performed in the settlement device 2 . Therefore, the state of the send button 50-2 is disabled. Since settlement device 1 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-1 is in a selectable state, settlement devices 3 and 4 are not displayed on selection screen 30. FIG.

The store clerk who operates product registration device 3000-1 associates the settlement information of product registration device 3000-1 with settlement device 1 by pressing send button 50-1 which is enabled.

On the other hand, FIG. 10 illustrates a case where there is no settlement device 4000 that can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of product registration device 3000-1 among settlement devices 4000 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-1. are doing. In FIG. 10, the states of the settlement device 1 and the settlement device 2 are both "in use". Therefore, in FIG. 10, the settlement device 3 and the settlement device 4 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-2 are displayed on the selection screen 30. FIG. Here, since the state of the settlement device 3 is "offline", the state of the send button 50-3 is disabled. On the other hand, since the state of the settlement device 4 is "standby", the state of the send button 50-4 is enable. Therefore, the clerk pushes the enabled send button 50-4 to transmit the settlement information of the product registration device 3000-1 to the settlement devices 4 that do not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000-1. associated with.

The method of displaying the candidate settlement devices 4000 on the selection screen 30 is not limited to the method shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 . For example, the display control unit 2042 may display on the selection screen 30 only the settlement devices 4000 that are in a state associated with settlement information (“standby” in FIGS. 9 and 10). In this case, only the settlement device 1 is displayed on the selection screen 30 in the case of FIG. 9, and only the settlement device 4 is displayed on the selection screen 30 in the case of FIG.

In addition, for example, the display control unit 2042 may display the settlement device 4000 with which settlement information is associated with more emphasis than the settlement device 4000 with which settlement information cannot be associated. As a method of emphasis, there is a method of enlarging the settlement device area 40 or setting the background color of the settlement device area 40 to a conspicuous color (for example, red). Further, the settlement devices 4000 may be rearranged according to whether they are in a state in which settlement information can be associated. Specifically, the display control unit 2042 moves the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 4000 with which the settlement information is associated before the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 4000 with which the settlement information cannot be associated. to display.

<Process flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2000 of the second embodiment. The display control unit 2042 determines whether or not each settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 (S302). If the settlement process can be performed (S302: YES), the process of FIG. 11 proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the settlement process cannot be performed (S302: NO), the process of FIG. 11 proceeds to step S308.

In step S304, the display control unit 2042 is in a state in which the settlement device 4000 capable of performing settlement processing based on the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000 can be selected from among the settlement devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the commodity registration device 3000. to display. Furthermore, the display control unit 2042 displays the settlement devices 4000 other than the settlement devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 in a non-selectable state (S306). Note that S304 and S306 may be executed at the same time, or may be executed in the order opposite to that in the case of FIG.

In step S308, the display control unit 2042 selects the settlement device 4000 that can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000 among the settlement devices 4000 other than the settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the commodity registration device 3000. , is displayed in a selectable state.

Then, the selection reception unit 2044 receives an input for selecting one of the settlement devices 4000 displayed by the display control unit 2042 (S310).

<Hardware configuration example>
The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the second embodiment is represented, for example, in FIG. 7 as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module stored in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that implements each function described in this embodiment. The storage 1080 further stores program modules that implement the functions of the display control unit 2042 and the selection reception unit 2044, respectively. These program modules are then executed by the processor 1040 in the same manner as the other program modules described in the first embodiment. As a result, the functions of the display control unit 2042 and the selection reception unit 2044 are realized.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to present settlement devices 4000 that are candidates for association in a settlement layer so that the use efficiency of the settlement devices 4000 can be improved for a store clerk or the like who operates the product registration device 3000 . Therefore, a store clerk or the like can efficiently use the settlement device 4000 with a simple operation.

<Modification 1>
Control by the display control unit 2042 is not limited to the control described above. For example, the display control unit 2042 determines whether or not each settlement device 4000 of the candidate group can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, but rather “whether or not a predetermined operation has been received from a store clerk or the like”. 4000 display method may be determined. Specifically, when a product is registered by a certain product registration device 3000 and a predetermined operation is not received from a store clerk or the like, the display control unit 2042 does not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000. The checkout device 4000 is displayed in a non-selectable state or is not displayed. On the other hand, when receiving the predetermined operation, the display control unit 2042 displays the settlement devices 4000 that do not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state.

The operation of the display control unit 2042 in Modification 1 corresponds to “Example 2 of control by the control unit 2040” described in the first embodiment. The predetermined operation is the predetermined operation described in "Example 2 of control by control unit 2040".

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying the selection screen 30 displayed by the display control unit 2042 of Modification 1. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 12, the settlement device 1 belongs to the candidate group of the product registration device 3000 that registered the product. On the other hand, the settlement device 2 does not belong to this candidate group.

FIG. 12(a) shows the selection screen 30 before the store clerk performs a predetermined operation. Here, the predetermined operation is an operation of pressing the other candidate display button 60 . In FIG. 12A, only the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 1 belonging to the candidate group is displayed, and the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 2 is not displayed.

FIG. 12(b) shows the selection screen 30 after the other candidate display button 60 is pressed by the store clerk. In FIG. 12(b), the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 2 is displayed. In this way, the display control unit 2042 selectably displays the checkout device 4000 (checkout device 2) that does not belong to the candidate group when the store clerk presses a predetermined operation (other candidate display button 60). The store clerk can also press the other candidate non-display button 70 to change the state of the selection screen 30 from the state of FIG. 12(b) to the state of FIG. 12(a).

<Modification 2>
Further, for example, when a product is registered by a certain product registration device 3000, the display control unit 2042 selects the settlement devices 4000 belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 from the settlement devices 4000 not belonging to the candidate group. may also be highlighted. In this case, the display control unit 2042 may selectably display both the settlement device 4000 belonging to the candidate group and the settlement device 4000 not belonging to the candidate group. The highlighted checkout device 4000 is more noticeable to a store clerk or the like than the unhighlighted checkout device 4000 . Therefore, the settlement device 4000 belonging to the candidate group is more likely to be selected than the settlement device 4000 not belonging to the candidate group (becomes preferentially selected).

There are various methods for the control unit 2040 to highlight and display the settlement devices 4000 belonging to the candidate group. For example, the control unit 2040 displays the settlement devices 4000 that belong to the candidate group in a larger size than the settlement devices 4000 that do not belong to the candidate group, or displays them in a conspicuous color. Further, for example, the control unit 2040 may perform highlighting based on the display order of the settlement device 4000 . Specifically, control unit 2040 displays settlement devices 4000 belonging to the candidate group before settlement devices 4000 not belonging to the candidate group.

FIG. 13 is a diagram exemplifying the selection screen 30 displayed by the display control unit 2042 of Modification 2. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13 as well, the settlement device 1 belongs to the candidate group of the commodity registration device 3000 that registered the commodity, and the settlement device 2 does not belong to the candidate group. In FIG. 13 , the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 1 is displayed larger than the settlement device area 40 of the settlement device 2 . In this way, the display control unit 2042 selects the settlement device 4000 (settlement device 1) belonging to the candidate group of the product registration device 3000 that has performed product registration from the settlement device 4000 (settlement device 2) that does not belong to the candidate group. are also highlighted.

It should be noted that the settlement device 4000 may also be highlighted in the modification 1 as well. For example, in FIG. 12(b), the settlement device 1 is emphasized more than the settlement device 2 and displayed. By doing this, even if both the settlement device 4000 belonging to the candidate group and the settlement device 4000 not belonging to the candidate group are displayed by pressing the other candidate display button 60, the clerk can easily identify them. can.

[Embodiment 3]
An information processing apparatus 2000 according to the third embodiment is represented, for example, in FIG. 1, like the information processing apparatus 2000 according to the first embodiment. The functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the third embodiment are the same as the functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

The association between the settlement device 4000 and the product registration device 3000 by the association unit 2020 of the third embodiment is performed as follows.

First, assume that each settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of that product registration device 3000 . In this case, the association unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 .

On the other hand, it is assumed that each settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to a certain product registration device 3000 cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 . In this case, the association unit 2020 associates the settlement information with settlement devices 4000 other than settlement devices 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 .

In the latter situation, there are various ways to determine which checkout device 4000 to associate with checkout information. For example, the associating unit 2020 determines the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information from among the settlement devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 adjacent to the product registration device 3000 . More specifically, the associating unit 2020 is "a state in which the settlement device 4000 corresponds to the commodity registration device 3000 adjacent to the commodity registration device 3000 and can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000." The settlement information is associated with the settlement device 4000 closest to the product registration device 3000 among the settlement devices 4000 that say "there is". In addition, the association unit 2020 randomly selects one settlement device 4000 from among the settlement devices 4000 that are ready to perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000, and associates the settlement device 4000 with the settlement information. may

<Notification of settlement device 4000 associated with settlement information>
The association unit 2020 notifies the customer, salesclerk, or the like of which settlement device 4000 is associated with the settlement information. For example, the association unit 2020 outputs the settlement device ID of the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information. For example, this output is screen output on a display screen, audio output from a speaker, or the like. The customer moves to the settlement device 4000 notified by the association unit 2020 and settles the settlement.

<Process flow>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2000 of the third embodiment. The association unit 2020 determines whether or not each settlement device 4000 in the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000 (S402). If the settlement process can be performed (S402: YES), the process of FIG. 14 proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if the settlement process cannot be performed (S402: NO), the process of FIG. 14 proceeds to step S408.

In step S404, the associating unit 2020 satisfies the condition that "it is the settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000, and the settlement device 4000 can perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000". associated with the settlement information.

On the other hand, in step S406, the associating unit 2020 associates one of the settlement devices 4000 that satisfies the condition that "the settlement process can be performed based on the settlement information of the product registration device 3000" with the settlement information.

<Hardware configuration example>
The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, for example, as in the case of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module included in the storage 1080 described above includes a program that implements each function described in this embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when settlement devices 4000 in a candidate group corresponding to a product registration device 3000 can perform settlement processing based on settlement information, the settlement information of the commodity registration device 3000 is Associated with a candidate set of checkout devices 4000 corresponding to device 3000 . Therefore, the settlement device 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to the product registration device 3000 is preferentially used. Therefore, for the same reason as described in the first embodiment, the convenience of the store from the customer's point of view is improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information of a certain product registration device 3000 is automatically determined according to the status of the candidate group of settlement devices 4000 corresponding to the product registration device 3000 . Therefore, it is possible to improve the usage efficiency of the settlement devices 4000 by taking into consideration the situation of each settlement device 4000 while eliminating the trouble of manually selecting the settlement device 4000 by the store clerk.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device 2000 according to the fourth embodiment. A dotted line in FIG. 15 represents the correspondence relationship between the product registration device 3000 and the settlement device 4000 . Furthermore, in FIG. 15, each block does not represent the configuration in units of hardware, but the configuration in units of functions. The functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the fourth embodiment are the same as the functions of the information processing apparatus 2000 of any one of the first to third embodiments, except for the points described below.

In the fourth embodiment, the information processing device 2000 handles two types of settlement devices 4000 . The first type of settlement device 4000 acquires settlement information ID for specifying settlement information from the storage device or server device 5000 . Here, this storage device is a storage unit in which the association unit 2020 stores the association information. Also, this server device 5000 is a storage unit to which the association unit 2020 transmits association information. The first type of settlement device 4000 belongs to a group of candidates corresponding to one of the product registration devices 3000 .

On the other hand, the second type of settlement device 4000 reads the settlement information ID from the portable medium. A second type of checkout device 4000 does not belong to any candidate group.

The information processing apparatus 2000 of Embodiment 4 further has an identification information output unit 2060 . The identification information output unit 2060 outputs a settlement information ID that specifies the settlement information when the settlement device 4000 is associated with the settlement information.

The method by which the information processing device 2000 outputs the settlement information ID depends on the type of the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information. Specifically, the settlement information ID is output as follows.

Assume that the checkout device 4000 associated with the checkout information is the first type of checkout device 4000 . In this case, identification information output unit 2060 outputs the settlement information ID of the settlement information to storage device or server device 5000 . On the other hand, it is assumed that the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information is the second type of settlement device 4000 . In this case, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the settlement information ID of the settlement information to the portable medium.

Note that the settlement information ID output to the portable medium may be the settlement information itself, or may be an ID associated with the settlement information. In the latter case, the settlement information itself is stored, for example, in the storage device or server device 5000 described above. After acquiring the settlement information ID, the settlement device 4000 acquires the settlement information associated with the settlement information ID from the storage device or the server device.

<About portable media>
The portable medium to which the settlement information ID is to be output may be the portable medium output from the product registration device 3000 or the portable medium that the customer has in advance.

A portable medium output from the product registration apparatus 3000 is, for example, a sheet of paper, plastic, or the like. The identification information output unit 2060 prints the settlement information ID on this sheet and issues this sheet. In this case, the settlement information ID is printed on the sheet as various codes (character string, bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.). The customer brings the sheet issued by the product registration device 3000 to the settlement device 4000 and causes the settlement device 4000 to read the settlement information ID printed on the sheet. The sheet may be a disposable one, or a rewritable card or the like that can be reused.

Various types of portable media are conceivable as the portable media that the customer has in advance. For example, this portable medium is a magnetic stripe card or an IC (Integrated Circuit) card on which data can be recorded. Also, this portable medium may be a card capable of displaying various codes representing an ID. Furthermore, this portable medium may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone.

When the portable media owned by the customer are various cards, this card is, for example, a membership card owned by the customer.

If the portable medium owned by the customer is a mobile terminal, this mobile terminal has a function of acquiring the settlement information ID from the identification information output unit 2060 and displaying it. In this case, the identification information output unit 2060 first transmits the settlement information ID to the customer's portable terminal. Then, this mobile terminal receives the settlement information ID transmitted by the identification information output unit 2060 and displays the received settlement information ID on the display screen. This function may be implemented by a general-purpose application such as a mailer, or may be implemented by a dedicated application provided by a store.

<Method of Using Settlement Information by Settlement Device 4000>
The method by which the first type of settlement device 4000 uses settlement information is the same as the method described in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the method by which the second type of settlement device 4000 uses settlement information is as follows. First, when settlement information is associated with the settlement device 4000 of the second type, a settlement information ID specifying the settlement information is output to the portable medium. The customer takes the portable medium on which the settlement information ID is output, goes to any settlement device 4000 (second type settlement device 4000) that can read this settlement information ID, and reads the portable medium. is read by the settlement device 4000 . Thereby, the second type of settlement device 4000 acquires the settlement information ID. The settlement device 4000 that has acquired the settlement information ID performs settlement processing using this settlement information ID.

As described above, the settlement information ID may be the settlement information itself, or may be an ID associated with the settlement information. In the former case, the settlement device 4000 reads the settlement information itself from the portable medium, and performs settlement processing using the settlement information. On the other hand, in the latter case, the settlement device 4000 acquires the settlement information associated with the settlement information ID read from the portable medium from the storage device storing the settlement information or the server device 5000 .

<Process flow>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2000 of the fourth embodiment. The association unit 2020 associates the settlement information with the settlement device 4000 (S502). Note that the processing performed before step S502, such as the processing of determining which settlement device 4000 can be selected as the settlement device 4000 to be associated with the settlement information, is performed with the information processing device 2000 according to any one of the first to third embodiments. It is the same.

The identification information output unit 2060 determines whether or not the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information belongs to the candidate group corresponding to any product registration device 3000 (S504). If the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information belongs to the candidate group corresponding to any of the product registration devices 3000 (S504: YES), the processing in FIG. 16 proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information does not belong to any candidate group (S504: NO), the process of FIG. 16 proceeds to step S508.

In step S506, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the settlement information ID to the storage device or server device 5000 communicably connected to the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information. On the other hand, in S508, the identification information output unit 2060 outputs the settlement information ID to the portable medium.

<Hardware configuration example>
The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2000 of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, for example, as in the case of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each program module included in the storage 1080 described above further includes a program that implements each function described in this embodiment. Storage 1080 further stores a program module that implements the function of identification information output unit 2060 . This program module, like other program modules, is executed by processor 1040 . As a result, the function of the identification information output unit 2060 is realized.

<Example>
A specific usage method of the information processing apparatus 2000 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating layouts of the product registration device 3000 and the checkout device 4000 in the example of the fourth embodiment.

First, in FIG. 17 , similar to FIG. 4 , settlement devices 4000 of the candidate group corresponding to each product registration device 3000 are installed near the line of flow of the customer 10 of each product registration device 3000 . In addition to these, in FIG. 17, settlement devices 4000-A to 4000-D that do not belong to any candidate group for product registration device 3000 are located at positions away from settlement devices 4000 in the candidate group for each product registration device 3000. is set up. Settlement devices 4000-A to 4000-D are settlement devices 4000 having a function of reading settlement information ID from a portable medium.

Here, a case where product registration device 3000-1 associates settlement information with settlement device 4000 will be described as an example. First, at least one of settlement device 4000-1-1 and settlement device 4000-1-2, which are candidates corresponding to commodity registration device 3000-1, can perform settlement processing based on settlement information of commodity registration device 3000-1. state. In this case, product registration device 3000-1 is selected from settlement device 4000-1-1 and settlement device 4000-1-2 as settlement device 4000, which is capable of settlement processing based on the settlement information of commodity registration device 3000-1. , and associate the settlement information. The customer 10 moves to the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information and pays the price.

On the other hand, both settlement device 4000-1-1 and settlement device 4000-1-2 included in the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-1 perform settlement processing based on the settlement information of product registration device 3000-1. Suppose that it is in a state where it cannot be performed. In this case, product registration device 3000-1 includes checkout devices 4000-2-1 and 4000-2-2 that belong to the candidate group corresponding to product registration device 3000-2, and checkout devices that do not belong to any candidate group. The settlement information is associated with one of the settlement devices 4000-A through 40000-D.

The operation performed by the product registration device 3000-1 when the settlement information is associated with the settlement device 4000-2-1 or the settlement device 4000-2-2 is This is the same as the operation performed by product registration device 3000-1 when associating settlement information with . Then, the customer 10 moves to the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information and pays the price.

On the other hand, when the settlement information is associated with any of the settlement devices 4000-A to 4000-D, the product registration device 3000-1 outputs the settlement information ID to the portable medium. In this case, the customer 10 takes this portable medium and moves to the settlement device 4000 associated with the settlement information. Then, the customer 10 causes the settlement device 4000 to read the portable medium, and pays the price.

In this way, when the candidate group of settlement devices 4000 corresponding to the product registration device 3000 can be used, the customer 10 uses the settlement device 4000 specified by the product registration device 3000 among the candidate group of settlement devices 4000 . On the other hand, when the settlement device 4000 of the candidate group cannot be used, the customer 10 uses an arbitrary settlement device 4000 that uses a portable medium and can read the settlement information ID from the portable medium.

The settlement device 4000 that can read the settlement information ID from the portable medium is shared by each product registration device 3000 . In this way, by installing the settlement device 4000 that can be shared by each commodity registration device 3000, even if any of the commodity registration devices 3000 is congested, the customer using the commodity registration device 3000 can be settled without waiting for a long time. An apparatus 4000 can be provided. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of the settlement device 4000 can be improved, and the time required for customers to purchase products can be shortened.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are examples of the present invention, and combinations of the above embodiments and various configurations other than the above embodiments can also be adopted.

Examples of reference forms are added below.
1. association means for associating settlement information relating to settlement processing for products registered as settlement targets with one of the plurality of settlement devices;
a control means for controlling such that the settlement device associated with the settlement information is selected from settlement devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the own device;
Information processing device having
2. association means for associating settlement information relating to settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement target in the commodity registration device with one of the plurality of settlement devices;
control means for controlling such that the settlement device associated with the settlement information is selected from settlement devices belonging to a group of candidates corresponding to the product registration device;
Information processing device having
3. When the settlement device of the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the settlement information cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, the control means associates the settlement device with the settlement information, Make it possible to select from settlement devices that do not belong to the candidate group. or 2. The information processing device according to .
4. When a predetermined operation is received, the control means selects the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information from among the settlement devices that do not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the settlement information. 1. or 2. The information processing device according to .
5. The control means is
Display control means for displaying candidates for the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information;
selection receiving means for receiving an input to select one of the displayed settlement devices;
The display control means is
If settlement processing based on the settlement information can be performed in settlement devices belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the target settlement information, the settlement devices that do not belong to the candidate group are in a non-selectable state. display or not display,
When each settlement device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, the settlement devices not belonging to the candidate group are displayed in a selectable state,
3. The associating means associates the settlement information with the settlement device indicated by the input received by the selection receiving means. The information processing device according to .
6. The control means is
Display control means for displaying candidates for the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information;
selection receiving means for receiving an input to select one of the displayed settlement devices;
The display control means is
if the predetermined operation is not accepted, the checkout devices that do not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the target checkout information are displayed in a non-selectable state or are not displayed;
when the predetermined operation is received, displaying a checkout device that does not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state;
3. The associating means associates the settlement information with the settlement device indicated by the input received by the selection receiving means. The information processing device according to .
7. The control means is
Display control means for displaying candidates for the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information;
selection receiving means for receiving an input to select one of the displayed settlement devices;
The control means displays the checkout apparatus belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the apparatus that registered the product related to the target checkout information in a more emphatic manner than the checkout apparatus not belonging to the candidate group.1. to 5. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
8. The association means is
If settlement processing based on the settlement information can be performed in each settlement device belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the target settlement object, one of the settlement devices belonging to the candidate group is selected. and associate the payment information with the selected payment device,
When each settlement device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, one of the settlement devices not belonging to the candidate group is selected, and the selected settlement device is associated with the settlement information.1. or 2. The information processing device according to .
9. The settlement device closest to the device that registers the product to be settled belongs to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registers the product to be settled. to 8. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
10. There is a checkout device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The information processing device has identification information output means for outputting identification information of the settlement information associated with the settlement device by the association means,
The identification information output means is
when the settlement information is associated with a settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a storage means or a server device;
when the settlement information is associated with a settlement device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a portable medium;
A settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of the settlement device from the storage means or the server device,
A checkout device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires the identification information of the checkout device from the portable medium.1. to 9. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
11. An information processing system having a plurality of product registration devices and a plurality of checkout devices,
an association means for associating settlement information relating to settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement target by the product registration device with one of a plurality of settlement devices;
control means for controlling such that the settlement device associated with the settlement information is preferentially selected from among the settlement devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device that has registered the commodity related to the settlement information;
identification information output means for outputting identification information of the settlement information to be associated with the settlement device;
There is a checkout device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The identification information output means is
When a settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups is associated with settlement information, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a storage means or a server device,
When associating a settlement device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups with settlement information, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a portable medium,
The settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires the identification information of the settlement information from the storage means or the server device,
The information processing system, wherein the settlement device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires the identification information of the settlement information from the portable medium.
12. a computer; to 10. A program that operates as the information processing apparatus according to any one of the above.
13. A control method implemented by a computer, comprising:
an associating step of associating settlement information relating to settlement processing for products registered as settlement targets with one of a plurality of settlement devices;
a control step of controlling such that the settlement device associated with the settlement information is selected from settlement devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the computer;
A control method with
14. A control method implemented by a computer, comprising:
an associating step of associating settlement information relating to settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement target in the commodity registration device with one of the plurality of settlement devices;
a control step of controlling such that the settlement device associated with the settlement information is selected from settlement devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device;
A control method with
15. In the control step, when settlement processing based on the settlement information cannot be performed in the settlement device of the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the settlement information, the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information, 13. Make it possible to select from settlement devices that do not belong to the candidate group. or 14. The control method described in .
16. In the control step, when a predetermined operation is received, the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information is selected from among the settlement devices that do not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the settlement information. 13. or 14. The control method described in .
17. The control step includes:
a display control step of displaying candidates for the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information;
a selection receiving step of receiving an input to select one of the displayed settlement devices;
The display control step includes:
If settlement processing based on the settlement information can be performed in settlement devices belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the target settlement information, the settlement devices that do not belong to the candidate group are in a non-selectable state. display or not display,
When each settlement device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, the settlement devices not belonging to the candidate group are displayed in a selectable state,
15. The associating step associates the settlement information with the settlement device indicated by the input received by the selection receiving step. The control method described in .
18. The control step includes:
a display control step of displaying candidates for the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information;
a selection receiving step of receiving an input to select one of the displayed settlement devices;
The display control step includes:
if the predetermined operation is not accepted, the checkout devices that do not belong to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registered the product related to the target checkout information are displayed in a non-selectable state or are not displayed;
when the predetermined operation is received, displaying a checkout device that does not belong to the candidate group in a selectable state;
16. The associating step associates the settlement information with the settlement device indicated by the input received by the selection receiving step. The control method described in .
19. The control step includes:
a display control step of displaying candidates for the settlement device to be associated with the settlement information;
a selection receiving step of receiving an input to select one of the displayed settlement devices;
13. The control step displays the checkout apparatus belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the apparatus that has registered the product related to the target checkout information in a more emphatic manner than the checkout apparatus that does not belong to the candidate group. to 17. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims.
20. The associating step includes:
If settlement processing based on the settlement information can be performed in each settlement device belonging to the candidate group corresponding to the device that has registered the product related to the target settlement object, one of the settlement devices belonging to the candidate group is selected. and associate the payment information with the selected payment device,
13. When each settlement device belonging to the candidate group cannot perform settlement processing based on the settlement information, one of the settlement devices not belonging to the candidate group is selected, and the settlement information is associated with the selected settlement device. or 14. The control method described in .
21. 13. The settlement device closest to the device that registers the product to be settled belongs to the candidate group corresponding to the device that registers the product to be settled. 20. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims.
22. There is a checkout device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The control method has an identification information output step of outputting identification information of the settlement information associated with the settlement device in the association step,
The identification information output step includes:
when the settlement information is associated with a settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a storage means or a server device;
when the settlement information is associated with a settlement device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a portable medium;
A settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of the settlement device from the storage means or the server device,
A checkout device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires the identification information of the checkout device from the portable medium13. 21. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims.
23. A control method executed by an information processing system having a plurality of product registration devices and a plurality of checkout devices,
an associating step of associating settlement information relating to settlement processing of a product registered as a settlement target by the product registration device with one of a plurality of settlement devices;
a control step of controlling such that the settlement device associated with the settlement information is preferentially selected from among the settlement devices belonging to a candidate group corresponding to the product registration device that registered the product related to the settlement information;
an identification information output step of outputting identification information of the settlement information to be associated with the settlement device;
There is a checkout device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups,
The identification information output step includes:
When a settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups is associated with settlement information, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a storage means or a server device,
When associating a settlement device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups with settlement information, outputting identification information of the settlement information to a portable medium,
The settlement device belonging to any of the candidate groups acquires the identification information of the settlement information from the storage means or the server device,
A control method in which a settlement device that does not belong to any of the candidate groups acquires identification information of settlement information from the portable medium.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-039629 filed on February 27, 2015, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein.

Claims (5)

A product registration device,
Settlement processing for a product registered as a target for payment when all checkout devices belonging to a first candidate group, which is a candidate group associated with the product registration device, are in use among a plurality of checkout device candidate groups. Control means for switching a group of candidates that can select a settlement device as a destination of settlement information regarding to a group of candidates other than the first group of candidates;
and transmitting means for transmitting the settlement information to the settlement device. 2. The product registration device according to claim 1, further comprising an association unit that associates the settlement information with one settlement device. 3. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein a settlement device closest to said product registration device belongs to said first candidate group. A control method executed by a computer functioning as a product registration device, comprising:
Settlement processing for a product registered as a target for payment when all checkout devices belonging to a first candidate group, which is a candidate group associated with the product registration device, are in use among a plurality of checkout device candidate groups. Switch the candidate group that can select the settlement device to which the settlement information is sent to a candidate group other than the first candidate group,
A control method, wherein the settlement information is transmitted to a settlement device. to the computer,
A program for executing the control method according to claim 4.

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