JP7363097B2 - Sales system, gate device, server, cash register terminal, and sales method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sales system, a gate device, a server, a cash register terminal, and a sales method, and specifically relates to a technique for increasing the efficiency of product sales at event venues and the like.

A mechanism is provided in which an IC tag storing product identification information is attached to a product, and the product identification information is read from the IC tag and used for payment. For example, in Patent Document 1, a user uses a mobile terminal to read the tag ID of an IC tag attached to a product displayed in a store, transmits the read tag ID to a payment support server, and obtains the price of the product. It also describes a payment system that outputs a payment request screen to a mobile terminal.

Incidentally, at event venues such as sports viewing and concerts, services are provided that sell goods, photographs, and other products on the day of the match or event. This form of on-site sales can lead to queues or products being sold out and cannot be purchased, but buyers have a strong sense of purchase and the venue is also a place for fans to interact with each other, so the on-site sales themselves are It tends to be popular as an event. Also, unlike mail order sales using the Internet, there is the advantage that you can check the actual product before purchasing.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-025844

However, in the current venue sales, products such as photos, posters, key chains, etc. are displayed or displayed on product catalog signage, walls, shelves, etc., and customers fill out orders on prescribed order forms while viewing these products. , they verbally tell the counter staff about the products they want. At the counter, the staff checks the order form and verbally confirms the items, arranges the items in the backyard, calculates the price, and pays the bill. These tasks are often done manually by staff, which not only takes time, but also makes it easy for errors in quantities and amounts to occur. Therefore, there is a need for an efficient sales format for venue sales.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sales system and the like that can improve the efficiency of product sales at event venues and the like.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a sales system in which a gate device and a server are communicatively connected, and the gate device is configured to attach a product to a product when a user passes through the gate device. reading means for reading a product ID, which is information for identifying a product, from a product tag held by a user; and a reading means for reading a user ID, which is information for identifying a user, from an IC card held by a user, which does not have a function of reading information on the product tag;
transmitting means for transmitting the information read by the reading means to the server; the server includes a receiving means for receiving the product ID and the user ID transmitted from the gate device; a storage means that associates an ID and a user ID and stores them as purchase information; a payment information generation means that generates payment information for each user; and a payment information transmission means that transmits the payment information to a cash register terminal or a payment server; This is a sales system characterized by the following.

According to the sales system of the first invention, the gate device reads the product ID from the IC tag attached to the product, reads the user ID stored in the IC card held by the user, and stores the read product ID and user ID. Send to server. The server receives the product ID and user ID transmitted from the gate device, stores them as purchase information, generates payment information for each user ID, and transmits the payment information to the cash register terminal or payment server. As a result, when a user selects a desired product from among the displayed products and passes through the gate device while holding the product, the product ID of the product is read and the user ID of the IC card held by the user is read. It is linked and managed as purchase information on the server. Payment information is generated based on the purchase information, and payment can be made. Therefore, users do not have to take notes of the products they want or verbally communicate them to cashier staff; they can simply carry the products they want through the gate, making product purchases smoother and more efficient. We can provide a good sales system.

In the first invention, the cash register terminal includes a user ID reading means for reading a user ID from an IC card, and a payment information acquisition means for acquiring payment information corresponding to the user ID read by the user ID reading means from the server. , and a payment processing means for performing payment processing based on the payment information acquired by the payment information acquisition means. As a result, when a user who passes through the gate with a product simply holds the IC card over the user ID reading means of the cash register terminal, the user's payment information is transmitted from the server to the cash register terminal. The cashier terminal can process payments based on the received payment information. For example, customers can easily purchase products using unmanned cashier terminals.

Further, the cash register terminal further includes a payment completion information transmitting means for transmitting payment completion information to the server when payment processing for the product is completed, and when the server receives payment completion information from the cash register terminal, the server receives payment completion information from the cash register terminal. , a payment completion processing means for reflecting payment completion information in the purchase information stored in the storage means. Thereby, the payment status can be managed by the server in the sales system.

Further, in the first invention, the storage means of the server stores in advance payment information that is information used by the user for payment in association with the user ID, and the payment information transmission means of the server stores the payment information in association with the user ID. and transmits the user's payment information to the payment server, and the payment server includes a payment information receiving means for receiving the user's payment information and the payment information from the server, and a payment processing based on the payment information and the payment information. It is desirable to have a payment processing means for performing payment processing. As a result, the user's payment information is transmitted from the server to the payment server together with the payment information, so that the payment server can immediately process the payment. Therefore, the user can simply carry the product and pass through the gate, and the payment server will process the payment, making it possible to purchase the product very smoothly.

The payment server further includes a payment completion information transmitting means for transmitting payment completion information to the server when payment processing for the product is completed, and when the server receives payment completion information from the payment server, , a payment completion processing means for reflecting payment completion information in the purchase information stored in the storage means. Thereby, the payment status can be managed by the server in the sales system.

A second invention is a gate device that is communicatively connected to a server, and when a user passes through the gate device, reads a product ID, which is information for identifying the product, from a product tag attached to the product, and A reading means for reading a user ID, which is information for identifying a user, from an IC card that does not have a function of reading information on the product tag held by a user; and a transmitting means for transmitting the information read by the reading means to the server. This is a gate device characterized by comprising:

According to the second invention, the gate device in the sales system of the first invention can be provided.

A third invention is a server communicatively connected to a gate device, which stores a product ID and a user ID transmitted from the gate device, the product ID and user ID transmitted when a user passes through the gate device. a receiving means for receiving a user ID ; a storage means for linking the product ID received by the receiving means with the user ID and storing it as purchase information; a payment information generating means for generating payment information for each user; The server is characterized by comprising: payment information transmitting means for transmitting information to a cash register terminal or a payment server.

According to the third invention, a server in the sales system of the first invention can be provided.

A fourth invention is a cash register terminal communicatively connected to the server via a network in the sales system of the first invention in which a gate device and a server are communicatively connected, the cashier terminal comprising a user ID reading means for reading a user ID. , a payment information acquisition unit that acquires payment information corresponding to the user ID read by the user ID reading unit from the server, and a payment processing unit that performs payment processing based on the payment information acquired by the payment information acquisition unit; This is a cash register terminal characterized by comprising:

According to the fourth invention, it is possible to provide a cash register terminal that can be used in the sales system of the first invention.

A fifth invention is a sales method in a sales system in which a gate device and a server are communicatively connected, wherein the gate device detects the product from a product tag attached to the product when the user passes through the gate device. a step of reading a product ID, which is information that identifies the user, and a step of reading a user ID, which is information that identifies the user, from an IC card that does not have a function of reading information on the product tag held by the user; a step of transmitting information to the server; a step of the server receiving the product ID and user ID transmitted from the gate device; and a step of the server linking the received product ID and user ID to purchase purchase information. a payment information generating means for generating payment information for each user; and a step in which the server transmits the payment information to a cash register terminal or a payment server. .

According to the sales method of the fifth invention, the gate device reads the product ID from the IC tag attached to the product, reads the user ID stored in the IC card held by the user, and stores the read product ID and user ID. Send to server. The server receives the product ID and user ID transmitted from the gate device, stores them as purchase information, generates payment information for each user ID, and transmits the payment information to the cash register terminal or payment server. As a result, when a user selects a desired product from among the displayed products and passes through the gate device while holding the product, the product ID of the product is read and the user ID of the IC card held by the user is read. It is linked and managed as purchase information on the server. Payment information is generated based on the purchase information, and payment can be made. Therefore, users do not have to take notes of the products they want or verbally communicate them to cashier staff; they can simply carry the products they want through the gate, making product purchases smoother and more efficient. We can provide a good sales system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sales system and the like that can streamline product sales at event venues and the like.

A diagram showing the overall configuration of a sales system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention Diagram showing the internal configuration of IC card 2 A diagram showing the internal configuration of the non-contact IC chip 21 of the IC card 2 Example of data stored in the storage unit 25 of the IC card 2 Diagram showing the internal configuration of product tag 3 Diagram showing the internal configuration of the non-contact IC chip 31 of the product tag 3 Example of data stored in storage unit 35 of product tag 3 A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control device (gate control device 41) of the gate device 4. A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the operating company server 5 An example of data stored in the storage unit 502 of the operating company server 5. (a) User information 521, (b) Product price information 522 (a) Example of purchase information 523 stored in storage unit 502 of management company server 5, (b) Example of payment information 524 generated by management company server 5 A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cash register terminal 6 A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the payment server 7 Diagram showing the functional configuration of sales system 1 Diagram explaining user movements in walk-through venue sales using sales system 1 Flowchart showing the processing flow of the sales system 1 when a user passes through the gate device 4 Flowchart showing the flow of payment processing when account information (payment information) is linked to user information 521 Flowchart showing the flow of payment processing when account information (payment information) is not linked to user information 521

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a sales system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following explanation, an example of goods sales held at an event venue or the like will be explained. Note that the sales system 1 of the present invention can be used not only for selling goods at event venues, but also for selling products at stores, shopping malls, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sales system 1 of the first embodiment includes an IC card 2 storing a user ID 251, which is user identification information, and product tags 3a, 3b, 3c attached to each product. ,..., a gate device 4, an operating company server 5 which is a server managed by the operating company of the sales system 1, a cash register terminal 6 installed in the venue, and a payment server 7 communicatively connected to the operating company server 5. It is composed of: The gate device 4, the cash register terminal 6, and the payment server 7 are communicatively connected to the operating company server 5 via the network 8.

The IC card 2 is a non-contact IC card carried by the user when using the sales system 1, and is, for example, an IC card used as a membership card, an admission card, or the like. The configuration of the IC card 2 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the IC card 2 has a non-contact IC chip 21 and an antenna 27 inside. As shown in FIG. 3, the non-contact IC chip 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 25, and It is configured with an I/F (Interface) 26 and the like.

The CPU 22 calls a program stored in the ROM 23 or EEPROM 25 to a work memory area on the RAM 24 and executes the program. The ROM 23 is a read-only memory and permanently stores programs, data, and the like. The RAM 24 temporarily stores loaded programs and data, and also includes a work area used by the CPU 22 to perform various processes.

The EEPROM 25 is a nonvolatile memory in which data can be rewritten, and has a storage area for storing information.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data stored in the storage unit 25 (EEPROM) of the IC card 2. As shown in FIG. 4, a user ID 251 is stored in the storage unit 25 (EEPROM) of the IC card 2. The user ID 251 is information that identifies a user, and is issued when using the sales system 1, for example. The user ID 251 may be linked to a member number of a fan club or the like or another user ID.

The I/F 26 of the IC card 2 is an interface for a non-contact IC card, and is based on the ISO18092 standard, for example. The CPU 22 of the non-contact IC chip 21 communicates with the reader (IC card R/W (Reader/Writer)) 42 of the gate device 4 and the user ID reader of the cash register terminal 6 via the I/F 26 and the antenna 27 in FIG. (IC card R/W) 61 to transmit and receive information. The antenna 27 circulates within the substrate and is connected to the non-contact IC chip 21 at both ends.

Next, the configuration of the product tag 3 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.
As shown in FIG. 5, the internal configuration of the product tag 3 is similar to that of the IC card 2, and includes a non-contact IC chip 31 and an antenna 37. As shown in FIG. 6, the non-contact IC chip 31 includes a CPU 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, an EEPROM 35, an I/F 36, and the like. The configurations of the CPU 32, ROM 33, RAM 34, EEPROM 35, and I/F 36 of the product tag 3 are similar to those of the IC card 2, so the explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage unit 35 (EEPROM) of the product tag 3. In the sales system 1 of this embodiment, the storage unit 35 (EEPROM) of the product tag 3 stores a product ID 351 that is information for identifying each product. A product tag 3 is attached to all products sold in the venue, and each product tag 3 stores a product ID 351 that is information for identifying the product.

Next, the configuration of the gate device 4 will be explained. The gate device 4 is a gate installed at a sales venue, and includes a gate body, a gate control device 41, and a reading section (IC card R/W) 42.

The gate control device 41 is a device that controls the operation of a reading section (IC card R/W) 42 installed in the gate body, and is composed of a computer or the like. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer used as the gate control device 41. As shown in FIG. 8, the gate control device 41 includes a control section 411, a storage section 412, a communication section 413, a peripheral device I/F section 416, and the like connected via a bus 417. An IC card R/W, which is a reading section 42, is connected to the peripheral device I/F section 416. However, the configuration of the gate control device 41 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the application.

The control unit 411 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The CPU calls a program stored in the storage unit 412, a storage medium such as a ROM, to a work area on the RAM, and executes the program. ROM is a nonvolatile memory that permanently stores programs such as a boot program and BIOS, data, and the like. The RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and data loaded from the storage unit 412, ROM, etc., and includes a work area used by the control unit 411 to perform various processes.

The storage unit 412 is a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, or the like, and stores programs to be executed by the gate control device 41 during processing to be described later, data necessary for program execution, an OS, and the like. These programs and data are read and executed by the control unit 411 as necessary.

The communication unit 413 is a communication interface that has a communication control device, a communication port, etc., and mediates communication via the network 8. The gate control device 41 is communicatively connected to the operating company server 5 and the like via the network 8, and is capable of transmitting and receiving various data. The network 8 is a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide
area network) or public communication lines such as the Internet.
The peripheral device I/F section 416 is a port for connecting peripheral devices such as an IC card R/W (reading section) 42.

The IC card R/W (reading unit) 42 performs contactless communication with the IC card 2 and the product tag 3 and reads data stored in the IC card 2 and the product tag 3. Note that the IC card R/W (reading section) 42 needs to read information from one or more product tags 3 and IC cards 2 within a short period of time when the user passes through the gate device 4. Therefore, a plurality of IC card R/Ws 42 (reading sections) may be provided in the gate device 4. Further, the IC card 2 and the product tag 3 must be capable of contactless communication within the distance between the user passing through the gate device 4 and the reader (IC card R/W) 42.

The control unit 411 of the gate control device 41 transmits the information (user ID 251, product ID 351) read by the reading unit (IC card R/W) 42 to the operating company server 5. The operating company server 5 generates purchase information 523 based on the information (user ID 251, product ID 351) received from the gate control device 41, and stores it in the storage unit 502 (FIG. 11(a)).

Note that if multiple users carrying IC cards 2 pass through the gate device 4 at the same time, multiple user IDs 251 will be read by the reading unit 42, so it is not possible to accurately combine the user ID 251 and product ID 351. . As a measure for this purpose, for example, it is desirable to provide the gate device 4 with a purchaser selection input section so that the user or the staff can specify which user will purchase the product. In addition, when passing through the gate device 4, a revolving door type gate device is adopted to ensure that only one person passes through the gate at a time, or a level crossing gate method such as that used in ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) on toll roads is used. A gate device may also be employed.

Next, the configuration of the operating company server 5 will be explained. The operating company server 5 is a server managed by a company or the like that operates the sales system 1, and is composed of a computer or the like that manages purchase information 523, payment information 524, user information 521, etc. in the sales system 1.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer used as the operating company server 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the operating company server 5 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, a communication unit 503, an input unit 504, a display unit 505, a peripheral device I/F unit 506, etc. connected via a bus 507. It consists of However, the configuration of the operating company server 5 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose. The control unit 501, storage unit 502, communication unit 503, and peripheral device I/F unit 506 of the operating company server 5 have the same configuration as the control unit 411, storage unit 412, communication unit 413, and peripheral device I/F unit of the gate control device 41. Since the configuration is similar to that of the section 416, a description thereof will be omitted.

The input unit 504 is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse, or a touch panel provided integrally with a display, and inputs data to the control unit 501.
The display unit 505 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a CRT monitor, and a logic circuit (video adapter, etc.) for performing display processing in cooperation with the display device. display the data on the display device.

In the sales system 1, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 generates purchase information 523 based on the information (user ID 251, product ID 351) transmitted from the gate device 4, and sequentially stores it in the storage unit 502. Further, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 generates payment information 524 for each user and transmits it to the cash register terminal 6 or the payment server 7. Details of these processes will be described later.

10 and 11 are diagrams showing examples of data managed by the operating company server 5. The storage unit 502 of the operating company server 5 stores user information 521, product price information 522, purchase information 523, and the like. Payment information 524 is information generated based on purchase information 523.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the user information 521 stores a user ID, user registration information, and account information in association with each other. The user ID is the user ID 251 stored in each IC card 2, and is, for example, user identification information (user ID) issued when using the sales system 1. The user ID 251 may be linked to a fan club membership number or other user identification information. The user registration information is information such as the user's name, gender, date of birth, etc., and is information registered by the user when using the sales system 1. Account information is information (payment information) necessary when performing payment processing, and includes bank account information, credit card information, electronic money authentication information, and the like. Note that the account information does not necessarily have to be registered in the user information 521. A user whose account information is registered in association with the user information 521 can perform payment processing for products when passing through the gate. A user whose account information is not registered in the user information 521 needs to perform payment processing at the cashier terminal 6 after passing through the gate.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the product price information 522 stores at least price information in association with a product ID as information regarding each product.

Purchase information 523 is generated based on information (user ID 251, product ID 351) transmitted from gate device 4 to operating company server 5 when the user passes through gate device 4. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the purchase information 523 includes records having data items of "user ID", "user information", "product ID", "product unit price", "quantity", and "payment". This is accumulated information. When the information of the user ID 251 and product ID 351 is transmitted from the gate device 4, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 adds a new record to the purchase information 523, and sets the received user ID 251 and product ID 351 to the data item "user ID". and "Product ID" respectively. The data item "number" is the number of the same product, and if the gate device 4 transmits a plurality of the same product ID 351 for the same user ID 251, that number is input. Further, the data item "Payment" is stored as "Not yet" until the payment is completed. Further, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 acquires user information 521 corresponding to the user ID 251 and inputs it into the data item "user information". Further, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 obtains the product price corresponding to the product ID 351 from the product price information 522 and inputs it into the data item “product unit price” to generate purchase information 523.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 11(a), the first record of the purchase information 523 includes user information "K. Yamada", product ID "a", and product unit price "100" for user ID "0001". ”, the number of items “1”, and payment “not yet” are stored. In addition, the second record stores user information "S.Morita", product ID "a", product unit price "100", number of items "1", and payment "not yet" for user ID "0002". . In addition, the third record stores user information "S.Morita", product ID "b", product unit price "200", number of items "1", and payment "not yet" for user ID "0002". . In addition, the fourth record stores user information "K. Yamada", product ID "c", product unit price "300", number of items "2", and payment "not yet" for user ID "0001". . In this way, each time the user ID 251 and product ID 351 are transmitted from the gate device 4, the operating company server 5 sequentially stores the received information as the purchase information 523.

The payment information 524 is information that summarizes the unpaid purchase information 523 for each user ID 251, and as shown in FIG. ” and “number” of data items. When the operating company server 5 receives the payment information acquisition request together with the user ID 251 from the cash register terminal 6, it generates payment information 524 for the corresponding user ID 251 and returns it to the cash register terminal 6 that made the request. The cash register terminal 6 calculates the total amount based on the received payment information 524 and performs payment processing. When the payment process is completed, the cash register terminal 6 transmits the payment completion information and the user ID 251 to the operating company server 5, and the operating company server 5 updates and stores the "payment" item of the purchase information 523 to "completed".

Furthermore, for users whose account information is registered in association with the user information 521, the operating company server 5 transmits the account information together with the payment information 524 to the payment server 7, and the payment server 7 performs payment processing. When the payment process is completed, the payment server 7 transmits the payment completion information and the user ID 251 to the operating company server 5, and the operating company server 5 updates and stores the "payment" item of the purchase information 523 to "completed".

Next, the configuration of the cash register terminal 6 will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.
The cashier terminal 6 is a terminal used when a user makes checkout (payment) for products, and one or more cashier terminals are installed in the venue. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the cash register terminal 6 includes a control section 601, a storage section 602, a communication section 603, an input section 604, a display section 605, a peripheral device I/F section 606, a change processing section 607, and a receipt printer 608. etc. are connected via a bus 610. An IC card R/W, which is a user ID reading section 61, is connected to the peripheral device I/F section 606. However, the configuration of the cash register terminal 6 can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose. The configurations of the control unit 601, storage unit 602, communication unit 603, and peripheral device I/F unit 606 are similar to those of the control unit 411, storage unit 412, communication unit 413, and peripheral device I/F unit 416 of the gate control device 41. Since this is a configuration, the explanation will be omitted.

The change processing unit 607 is a device that calculates the amount of change based on the price of the product and the deposit amount, and withdraws the money.
The input unit 604 includes an input device such as a numeric keypad or a keyboard, and inputs data to the control unit 601.
The display unit 605 has a main display used by a store clerk and a customer display having a display screen on the customer side, and displays input display data on each display device under the control of the control unit 601.
The receipt printer 608 is a printer that prints the product name and price of the sold product, the amount of deposit and change, etc. on a predetermined receipt paper.
The IC card R/W 61 is a user ID reading unit 61 that reads the user ID 251 stored in the IC card 2 owned by the purchaser. The IC card R/W 61 inputs the user ID 251 read from the IC card 2 to the control unit 601.

The control unit 601 of the cash register terminal 6 acquires the payment information 524 corresponding to the user ID 251 read from the IC card 2 from the operating company server 5, calculates the total price of the products based on the payment information 524, and displays it on the display unit 605. indicate. It also processes payments using cash, credit cards, electronic money, etc. When the payment process is completed, the cash register terminal 6 transmits the payment completion information and the user ID 251 to the operating company server 5. The operating company server 5 updates and stores the "payment" item in the purchase information 523 of the corresponding user to "completed". Further, the purchase information 523 may be modified at the cash register terminal 6. That is, it is desirable to be able to change, delete, add, etc. the number of products.

Next, the configuration of the payment server 7 will be explained.
The payment server 7 is a server of a payment institution or the like that performs payment processing for the payment information 524, and is communicatively connected to the operating company server 5 via the network 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the payment server 7 has a control unit 701, a storage unit 702, a communication unit 703, an input unit 704, a display unit 705, a peripheral device I/F unit 706, etc. connected via a bus 707. It consists of However, the configuration of the payment server 7 can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose. The configuration of the control unit 701, storage unit 702, communication unit 703, and peripheral device I/F unit 706 of the payment server 7 includes the control unit 411, storage unit 412, communication unit 413, and peripheral device I/F unit of the gate control device 41. 416, and the configurations of the input section 704 and display section 705 of the payment server 7 are the same as the input section 504 and display section 505 of the operating company server 5, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 701 of the payment server 7 performs payment processing for products based on the payment information 524 and user information 521 (including account information) transmitted from the operating company server 5. When the payment process is completed, the payment server 7 transmits payment completion information and the user ID 251 to the operating company server 5. The operating company server 5 updates and stores the "payment" item in the purchase information 523 of the corresponding user to "completed".

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the functional configuration of the sales system 1 of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the sales system 1, the gate device 4 includes a reading section 42, a read information transmitting section 43, and the like. The IC card 2 includes a storage section 25 that stores a user ID 251. The storage unit 25 corresponds to the EEPROM 25 in FIG. The product tag 3 includes a storage unit 35 that stores a product ID 351. The storage unit 35 corresponds to the EEPROM 35 in FIG.

The operating company server 5 includes a communication section 51, a storage section 502, a payment information generation section 53, a payment information transmission section 54, a payment completion processing section 55, and the like. The storage unit 502 stores user information 521, product price information 522, purchase information 523, and the like. The cash register terminal 6 includes a user ID reading section 61, a payment information acquisition section 62, a payment processing section 63, a payment completion information transmission section 64, and the like. The payment server 7 includes a payment information receiving section 71, a payment processing section 72, a payment completion information transmitting section 73, and the like.

The reading unit 42 of the gate device 4 is an IC card R/W that performs contactless communication with the IC card 2 and the product tag 3, and reads the user ID 251 from the IC card 2 held by the user who has passed through the gate device 4. The product ID 351 is read from the product tag 3 attached to the purchased product held by the user.

The read information transmitting unit 43 transmits the read information of the user ID 251 and product ID 351 to the operating company server 5.

The communication unit 51 of the operating company server 5 transmits and receives data such as purchase information 523 and payment information 524 to and from the gate device 4, cash register terminal 6, and payment server 7.
The storage unit 502 of the operating company server 5 stores user information 521, product price information 522, and purchase information 523 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

The payment information generation unit 53 extracts information from the purchase information 523 using the user ID 251 as a key, and generates payment information 524 for each user.
The payment information transmitter 54 transmits the payment information 524 generated by the payment information generator 53 to the cash register terminal 6 and the payment server 7.
Upon receiving the payment completion information transmitted from the cash register terminal 6 or the payment server 7, the payment completion processing unit 55 performs a process of reflecting the payment completion information in the purchase information 523.

The user ID reading unit 61 of the cash register terminal 6 reads the user ID 251 stored in the IC card 2. The user ID reading unit 61 corresponds to the IC card R/W 61 in FIGS. 1 and 12.
The payment information acquisition unit 62 requests the operating company server 5 for payment information 524 corresponding to the user ID 251 read by the user ID reading unit 61, and acquires the payment information 524.

The payment processing unit 63 calculates the total amount of products included in the payment information 524 based on the payment information 524 acquired by the payment information acquisition unit 62, and performs payment processing.
When the payment processing unit 63 completes the payment process for the product, the payment completion information transmitting unit 64 transmits the payment completion information to the operating company server 5 and records the payment completion information in the purchase information 523 stored in the storage unit 502. Reflect information.

Note that the cash register terminal 6 may include a modification unit (not shown) that performs modifications such as changing the number of products, deleting products, adding products, etc. to the products included in the payment information 524 acquired by the payment information acquisition unit 62. In that case, the payment processing unit 63 performs payment processing for the product based on the payment information corrected by the correction unit.

The payment information receiving unit 71 of the payment server 7 receives the payment information 524 transmitted from the operating company server 5.
The payment processing unit 72 calculates the total amount of the products included in the payment information 524 based on the payment information 524 received by the payment information receiving unit 71, and performs payment processing.
When the payment process for the product is completed in the payment processing unit 72, the payment completion information transmitting unit 73 transmits the payment completion information to the operating company server 5, and stores the payment completion information in the purchase information 523 stored in the storage unit 502. To reflect.

Next, the flow of processing executed in the sales system 1 of this embodiment will be explained.
First, the movements of users who use the sales system 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 15.
The user goes to the goods sales venue with the IC card 2. The IC card 2 is an IC card issued by, for example, performing a user registration procedure from a website or the like in advance, and has a user ID 251 stored therein. The IC card 2 may be a fan club membership card or the like. In that case, the fan club membership number is registered in the sales system 1 in association with the user ID 251.

There are multiple products on display in the goods sales venue. Product tags 3a, 3b, 3c, . . . are attached to all products, respectively. Each product tag 3a, 3b, 3c, . . . stores a product ID 351, which is information for identifying the product. The user selects the desired product and passes through the gate device 4 with the product.

The gate device 4 reads the product ID 351 from the product tag 3 attached to the product and also reads the user ID 251 from the IC card 2 when the user passes through. If the user's account information (payment information) has been registered in advance, payment processing is performed immediately using the account information, and the product purchase is completed. Note that if the account information (payment information) is not registered in advance, the user passes through the gate device 4 and then goes to the cash register terminal 6 to process the payment for the product.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16, the processing executed by each device when passing through the gate will be described. It is assumed that the user has the IC card 2 and the product he or she wishes to purchase.

When the user passes through the gate device 4 with the product he/she wants to purchase (step S101), the reader (IC card R/W) 42 of the gate device 4 reads the IC card 2 in the user's possession and the product attached to the product. Start contactless communication with Tag 3. The IC card 2 transmits the user ID 251 stored in the storage unit 25 to the reading unit (IC card R/W) 41 (step S102). The control unit 411 of the gate control device 41 acquires the user ID 251 from the IC card 2 (step S103). Further, the product tag 3 transmits the product ID 351 stored in the storage unit 35 to the reading unit (IC card R/W) 42 (step S104). The control unit 411 of the gate control device 41 acquires the product ID 351 from the product tag 3 (step S105). Note that if the user has multiple products, in step S105, the control unit 411 determines whether or not the same product exists based on the read product ID 351, and if the same product is included, acquires the number of products. do.

The control unit 411 (read information transmitting unit 43) of the gate device 4 transmits the information (user ID 251, product ID 351, number of each product ID 351) read in step S103 and step S105 to the operating company server 5 (step S106).

When the operating company server 5 receives the user ID 251, product ID 351, and quantity information from the gate device 4, it stores the received information in the storage unit 502 as purchase information 523 (step S107). In step S107, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 acquires the user information 521 linked to the user ID 251 from the storage unit 502 and inputs it into the "user information" item of the purchase information 523, and also inputs it into the "user information" item of the purchase information 523. The linked product price information 522 is acquired, inputted into the "product unit price" item of the purchase information 523, and stored (FIG. 11(a)). At this stage, the "payment" item of the purchase information 523 is recorded as "not yet completed."

The control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 refers to the user information 521 linked to the user ID 251 and determines whether account information (payment information) is linked (step S108). If account information is linked to the user information 521 (step S108; Yes), the process moves to "1" (FIG. 17), and if account information is not linked to the user information 521 (step S108). ;No), the process moves to "2" (FIG. 18).

In step S108, if it is determined that the account information (payment information) is linked to the user information 521, the control unit 501 (payment information generation unit 53) of the operating company server 5 generates the payment information 524 corresponding to the user ID 251. (Step S201 in FIG. 17). In step S201, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 extracts records that correspond to the user ID 251 from the purchase information 523 in the storage unit 502 and that have the “payment” item set to “not yet”, and generates payment information 524. (Figure 11(b)). Then, the control unit 501 (payment information transmitting unit 54) of the operating company server 5 transmits the payment information 524 and the user's account information (payment information) to the payment server 7 (step S202).

When the payment server 7 (payment information receiving section 71, payment processing section 72) receives the payment information 524 and the user's account information (payment information) (step S203), it performs payment processing (step S204). When the payment process is completed, the payment server 7 (payment completion information transmitting unit 73) transmits the payment completion information and the user ID 251 to the operating company server 5 (step S205). When the control unit 501 (payment completion processing unit 55) of the operating company server 5 receives the payment completion information, it reflects it in the purchase information 523 of the corresponding user (step S206). That is, the control unit 501 of the operating company server 5 changes the “payment” item of the purchase information 523 stored in the storage unit 502 from “unfinished” to “finished” for the product for which payment has been completed. Alternatively, records of products for which payment has been completed are deleted from the purchase information 523.

On the other hand, in step S108 of FIG. 16, if it is determined that the account information is not linked to the user information 521, the user takes the product to be purchased to the cash register terminal 6 and performs payment processing. The payment process at the cash register terminal 6 will be explained with reference to FIG.

A user (purchaser) holds the IC card 2 over the user ID reading section (IC card R/W) 61 of the cash register terminal 6 (step S301). Then, the user ID 251 stored in the IC card 2 is transmitted from the IC card 2 to the cash register terminal 6 (step S302). The cashier terminal 6 acquires the user ID 251 (step S303).

The control unit 601 (payment information acquisition unit 62) of the cash register terminal 6 transmits a payment information acquisition request to the operating company server 5 together with the user ID 251 read from the IC card 2 (step S304). Upon receiving the payment information acquisition request and user ID 251 from the cash register terminal 6, the control unit 501 (payment information generation unit 53) of the operating company server 5 acquires the purchase information 523 corresponding to the received user ID 251 from the storage unit 502, Payment information 524 is generated (step S305). Then, the control unit 501 (payment information transmission unit 54) of the operating company server 5 transmits the payment information 524 to the requesting cashier terminal 6 (step S306). When the control unit 601 (payment information acquisition unit 62) of the cash register terminal 6 receives the payment information 524 (step S307), it performs payment processing based on the received payment information 524 (step S308). In step S308, the control unit 601 (payment processing unit 63) of the cash register terminal 6 calculates the total price of the products based on the payment information 524, displays it on the display unit 605, and notifies the purchaser. The cashier terminal 6 performs payment processing using cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like. In the payment process, the receipt printer 608 outputs a receipt on which the product name, quantity, price, total amount, change amount, etc. are printed.

When the payment process is completed, the control unit 601 (payment completion information transmitting unit 64) of the cash register terminal 6 sends payment completion information to the operating company server 5 (step S309). The control unit 501 (payment completion processing unit 55) of the operating company server 5 changes the “payment” item of the purchase information 523 stored in the storage unit 502 from “unfinished” to “completed” for the product for which the payment has been completed. Alternatively, the record of the product for which payment has been completed is deleted from the purchase information 523 (step S310). The purchaser receives the receipt output from the cashier terminal 6.

As explained above, in the sales system 1 of the present embodiment, a product tag 3 is attached to each product, and a user with an IC card 2 selects the product he or she wants to purchase and brings the product to the gate. 4, the gate device 4 reads the product ID 351 from the product tag 3 and the user ID 251 from the IC card 2, transmits them to the operating company server 5, and manages them as purchase information 523. Payment information 524 for each user is generated based on purchase information 523, and payment processing can be performed at payment server 7 or cash register terminal 6. In this way, the user ID 251 and the product ID 351 are linked and managed by the operating company server 5 simply by the purchaser passing through the gate device 4 with the product he/she wants to purchase, so that the product can be settled smoothly. becomes possible. In particular, if the payment information (account information) necessary for payment is registered in advance, the payment process is performed immediately and the purchase of the product is completed, so the purchase of the product is completed very smoothly.

In addition, if the payment information (account information) required for payment is not registered in advance, the payment process will be performed at the cash register terminal 6, but even in that case, the cash register terminal 6 simply reads the user ID 251 from the IC card 2. Since the payment information 524 of the corresponding user can be acquired from the operating company server 5, it is possible to easily pay for the product even at the unmanned cash register terminal 6.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in this application, and these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

1......Sales system 2...IC card 5...Management company server 6... - Cash register terminal 7...Payment server 8...Network 21, 31...Contactless IC chip 25, 35... Memory unit (EEPROM)
42...Reading section (IC card R/W)
43...Reading information transmitting unit 51...Communication unit 53...Payment information generating unit 54... Payment information transmission unit 55...Payment completion processing unit 61...User ID reading unit (IC card R/W)
62...Payment information acquisition unit 63...Payment processing unit 71...Payment information acquisition unit 72...・Payment processing unit 73...Payment completion information transmission unit 251...User ID
351・・・・・・・・・Product ID
521...User information 522...Product price information 523...Purchase information 524...Payment information

Claims (9)

A sales system in which a gate device and a server are connected by communication,
The gate device includes:
When the user passes through the gate device, the product ID, which is information that identifies the product, is read from the product tag attached to the product, and the user also reads the product ID, which is information that identifies the product, from the product tag attached to the product, and also reads the product ID from the IC card held by the user, which does not have a function to read the information on the product tag. reading means for reading a user ID, which is information for identifying the user;
Transmitting means for transmitting information read by the reading means to the server,
The server is
receiving means for receiving the product ID and user ID transmitted from the gate device;
storage means for storing the product ID and user ID received by the receiving means as purchase information in association with each other;
a payment information generation means for generating payment information for each user;
a payment information transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to a cash register terminal or a payment server;
A sales system comprising: The cash register terminal is
a user ID reading means for reading a user ID from an IC card;
payment information acquisition means for acquiring payment information corresponding to the user ID read by the user ID reading means from the server;
a payment processing means that performs payment processing based on the payment information acquired by the payment information acquisition means;
The sales system according to claim 1, further comprising: The cash register terminal is
Further comprising payment completion information transmitting means for transmitting payment completion information to the server when payment processing for the product is completed,
When the server receives payment completion information from the cash register terminal, payment completion processing means reflects the payment completion information in the purchase information stored in the storage means;
The sales system according to claim 2, further comprising: In the storage means of the server, payment information, which is information used by the user for payment, is stored in advance in association with the user ID,
The payment information transmitting means of the server transmits the user's payment information together with the payment information to the payment server,
The payment server is
Payment information receiving means for receiving payment information and payment information of the user from the server;
a payment processing means that performs payment processing based on the payment information and the payment information;
The sales system according to claim 1, further comprising: The payment server is
Further comprising payment completion information transmitting means for transmitting payment completion information to the server when payment processing for the product is completed,
When the server receives payment completion information from the payment server, payment completion processing means reflects the payment completion information in the purchase information stored in the storage means;
5. The sales system according to claim 4, further comprising: A gate device communicatively connected to a server,
When the user passes through the gate device, the product ID, which is information that identifies the product, is read from the product tag attached to the product, and the user also reads the product ID, which is information that identifies the product, from the product tag attached to the product, and also reads the product ID from the IC card held by the user, which does not have a function to read the information on the product tag. reading means for reading a user ID, which is information for identifying the user;
a transmitting means for transmitting the information read by the reading means to the server;
A gate device comprising: A server communicatively connected to a gate device,
Receiving means for receiving the product ID and user ID transmitted from the gate device when the user passes through the gate device ;
storage means for storing the product ID and user ID received by the receiving means as purchase information in association with each other;
a payment information generation means for generating payment information for each user;
a payment information transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to a cash register terminal or a payment server;
A server characterized by comprising: A cash register terminal communicatively connected to the server via a network in the sales system according to claim 1, wherein the gate device and the server are communicatively connected,
a user ID reading means for reading a user ID;
payment information acquisition means for acquiring payment information corresponding to the user ID read by the user ID reading means from the server;
a payment processing means that performs payment processing based on the payment information acquired by the payment information acquisition means;
A cash register terminal comprising: A sales method in a sales system in which a gate device and a server are connected by communication,
The gate device has a function of reading a product ID, which is information for identifying the product, from a product tag attached to the product when the user passes through the gate device, and reading information on the product tag held by the user. a step of reading a user ID, which is information for identifying a user, from an IC card that does not exist ;
the gate device transmitting the read information to the server;
the server receiving the product ID and user ID transmitted from the gate device;
a step in which the server associates the received product ID and user ID and stores them as purchase information;
a payment information generation means for generating payment information for each user;
the server transmitting the payment information to a cash register terminal or a payment server;
A sales method characterized by including.

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