Sales data processing system and program

Abstract

To provide a sales data processing system for registering products using portable terminals, which eliminates customer inconvenience in purchasing a product that is not registered in a product master.SOLUTION: A sales data processing system is provided, comprising acquisition means configured to acquire product information of a product specified by a portable terminal operated by a customer in a store, and notification means configured to, in a case where the product corresponding to the product information acquired by the acquisition means is a predetermined product that requires intervention of a store clerk, notify a terminal of the store clerk the fact that the product requires the intervention of the store clerk together with the product information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales data processing system and a program for identifying and managing product information. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, self-service POS systems that register products purchased by customers themselves have been widespread, but there are also portable registration devices that allow customers to register products at the same time they place them in a shopping cart, etc. In recent years, sales data processing systems have become known in which customers download a shopping application onto their own mobile devices, such as smartphones, and use the devices as registration devices to register their own products in stores. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6003989 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A sales data processing system using a smartphone allows customers to register products using a mobile device such as a smartphone that they are familiar with, thereby reducing the time required for registration processing at the cash register.

[0005] Therefore, it is preferable for stores to encourage as many customers as possible to use mobile terminals. However, since customers themselves must register products and, in some cases, pay for them themselves, customers may feel inconvenienced when a store clerk's intervention is required for products such as alcoholic beverages and medicines, or when trying to purchase products with unfixed prices, such as products not registered in the product master.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to eliminate the inconvenience that customers experience when attempting to purchase a product that is not registered in a product master in a sales data processing system that identifies a product based on an image captured by a mobile terminal or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment provides a sales data processing system having an acquisition means for acquiring product information of a product identified by a mobile terminal operated by a customer in a store, and a notification means for notifying a store clerk's terminal that the product related to the product information acquired by the acquisition means is a specified product that requires the intervention of a store clerk, together with the product information, that the product requires the intervention of a store clerk. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the sales data processing device of this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that customers may experience when attempting to purchase a product that is not registered in the product master and requires the intervention of a store clerk. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a store that employs a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of an implementation example of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an example of an implementation example of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of an implementation example of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]1 is an example of an implementation example of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a processing flow in a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of a processing flow in a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of the embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of the embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 22] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Diagram 23] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 24] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 26] 13 is an example of a process flow for displaying images on a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of one embodiment. [Figure 27] 13 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 29] 13 is an example of a process flow for displaying images on a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of one embodiment. [Diagram 30] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Diagram 31] 13 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of processing of NON file products. [Diagram 33] 13 is an example of a processing flow for a NON-file product. [Diagram 34] 13 is an example of processing on a mobile terminal for a non-file product. [Diagram 35] 13 is an example of a process for registering a non-file product in the product master. [Diagram 36] 1 is an example of a POS terminal displaying reserved items. [Figure 37] 13 is an example of a process for registering a non-file product in a product master at a POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A sales data processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. -Overall configuration of sales data processing system- As shown in FIG. 1, a sales data processing system 1 in one embodiment includes a higher-level device 10 having a storage means for storing a product master 110, a store master 120, a member master 130, a shopping file 140, etc., and a mobile terminal 20 connected to the higher-level device 10 via the Internet or the like.

[0011] The higher-level device 10 is, for example, a cloud server, and is linked to a store controller (management device) 60 that constructs the store's product sales system 6 via the Internet, etc., and the product master 110 etc. stored in the higher-level device 10 are updated appropriately, for example at predetermined times, based on each piece of information from the store controller 60.

[0012] For example, a smartphone that is personally owned by a customer is used as the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 includes a camera (input unit) 260 for capturing images, a display unit (display input unit) 250 such as a touch panel, and the like. The mobile terminal 20 may be a dedicated mobile terminal for rental in a store. By installing a dedicated application, the mobile terminal (smartphone) 20 has a function as a registration device that executes a registration process for products purchased when shopping at a store.

[0013] The mobile terminal 20 can appropriately exchange information with the product master 110, the store master 120, the shopping file 140, etc. stored in the higher-level device 10. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 can appropriately exchange information with a settlement device such as a POS terminal 70.

[0014] The store's product sales system 6 includes a store controller 60 and a plurality of POS terminals (registration and settlement devices) 70, and the POS terminals 70 can perform registration and settlement processes for products purchased by customers.

[0015] The store controller 60 is an information processing device that manages the entire product sales system 6 of the store, manages the POS terminals 70, and also manages various information such as a product master and a member master. The store controller 60 acquires the product master reflecting the latest product information from an external source (for example, a server at the headquarters, a removable storage medium) and stores it. A product master is a file that stores product information such as product name (product name, item name), sales price, and discount information, linked to product identification information (for example, JAN code) assigned to each product. The product master may also store warning information indicating that the product is a Class 2 drug, alcoholic beverage, or the like, which requires confirmation by a store clerk at the time of sale.

[0016] The POS terminal 70 is a device that performs registration and settlement processes for products purchased by customers, and has an input unit 760 such as a barcode reader, preset keys, or a CCD camera for reading information about products purchased by customers, a display unit 750 such as a touch panel for displaying the read product information, and a printing unit 770 for printing receipts, etc. When shopping identification information is input from the mobile terminal 20, the POS terminal 70 can request registration information and the like from the higher-level device 10 as necessary.

[0017] An example of the POS terminal 70 is a POS terminal dedicated to settlement. In this embodiment, a customer registers a product in a store using his / her own smartphone (mobile terminal) 20 and performs settlement processing using a POS terminal dedicated to settlement, thereby making it possible to trade products without the intervention of a store clerk.

[0018] The POS terminal 70 is not limited to a POS terminal dedicated to settlement, but may be a POS of a type in which a store clerk performs registration processing of products purchased by a customer and the customer performs settlement processing by himself (semi-self-service type). In the case of a semi-self-service type POS, the POS may be a POS in which a registration device performing registration processing and a settlement device are separate, and registration information registered by the registration device is output to the settlement device and the customer performs settlement processing by himself at the settlement device, or it may be a face-to-face POS that has a screen performing registration processing facing the store clerk and a screen performing settlement processing facing the customer, and a cash processing section. Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 may be a POS in which the customer performs the registration process and the payment process for the products he or she purchases, that is, a POS of a type without the intervention of a store clerk (full-self type).

[0019] In addition, the POS terminal 70 may be a switchable POS that can be switched between a semi-self-service POS in which the customer processes the payment themselves, the face-to-face semi-self-service POS, or the full-self-service POS, depending on the level of congestion, the availability of store staff, etc. An example of a switching type POS terminal 70 is shown in Fig. 2. The example of the POS terminal 70 shown in Fig. 2 includes a table 70a. Furthermore, the device may be a normal POS register in which a store clerk registers products purchased by a customer and processes payments, and there are no limitations as long as it is a device capable of processing payments.

[0020] Furthermore, the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment can be added on to, for example, a product sales system 6 of a store equipped with a store controller 60 and multiple POS terminals 70, to create a sales data processing system in which products can be registered in the store using smartphones owned by customers.

[0021] The outline of the overall configuration of the sales data processing system of this embodiment has been explained above, but further explanation will be given by giving some examples. Generally, when a customer purchases an item at a store, the customer takes the item to be purchased to a cash register, and a store clerk enters the price of each item into the cash register, and the prices of all the items are added up to determine the selling price for that transaction. When determining sales prices, stores try to attract customers by applying various discounts and other methods to lower sales prices.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a system that is used in supermarkets and other businesses that operate multiple stores. Typically, in a system for a supermarket or the like, a headquarters system (server) 50 is installed that oversees and manages all stores, and this headquarters system 50 manages a common product master, a store master, product master for each store, a common special sale plan master, special sale plan master for each store, and member master, etc.

[0023] In each store, a POS terminal 70 and a store controller 60 that manages the POS terminal 70 are installed, and a POS system is constructed. The store controller 60 of each store receives the common product master, store master, product master for each store, common sale plan master, and sale plan master for each store from the headquarters system 50, and also inputs (registers) the same data at the store. Note that the member master may be received from the headquarters system 50 in the same way as other masters, but it is not necessary for the store controller to hold the member master, and instead, the store controller may inquire of the headquarters system each time a member information inquiry is made.

[0024] Each store's POS system can use its own selling price determination logic. The selling price determination logic has several logics for calculating the selling price of the product purchased by the shopper, and also includes a function for determining which logic to apply when calculating the selling price of the product. For example, if a certain product is a single item discounted product, but is also a set match discounted product, the set match discount, which is the lower price, can be applied. Note that which discount logic is selected is determined by the settings.

[0025] Here, some examples of selling price determination logic for determining the selling price of a product will be described. First, the standard selling price determination logic is called the selling price determination logic (basic). In addition, the selling price determination logic unique to each company or store is called the selling price determination logic (company / store). The selling price determination logic (basic) has functions such as subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discount / discount, single item discount / discount, bundle / mix match discount, and set match discount.

[0026] The selling price determination logic (business / store) has, for example, the above-mentioned subtotal (calculation of the total amount), subtotal discounts / discounts, single item discounts / discounts, bundle / mix match discounts, and set match discounts, as well as discounts / discounts for special services for members and discounts / discounts for each payment type used for payment.The selling price determination logic (business / store) also has its own unique functions, such as deciding which condition to prioritize when multiple discount / discount conditions compete at the same time. In addition, the selling price determination logic (company / store) may also have its own logic for subtotals (calculation of the total amount), subtotal discounts / discounts, single item discounts / discounts, bundle / mix-match discounts, and set-match discounts.

[0027] The selling price determination logic will be described with reference to FIG. The subtotal (Logic A) is a logic for determining the selling price of the products to be purchased, and calculates the total amount by adding up the prices of the latest product information of each product. The subtotal discount (Logic B) is a process for discounting a specified amount or a specified percentage from the subtotal (total amount). Single item discounts (Logic C) are processes that give special discounts or discounts to specific individual items.

[0028] Bundle / mix-match discounting (Logic D) is the process of offering a discount or discount on the purchase of several products from a particular product range. Set-match discounts (Logic E) are processes that allow a discount or discount to be given on the purchase of specific products in combination.

[0029] Payment type discount (Logic F) is a process that gives a discount or deduction depending on the payment type used by the member at the time of payment. Membership type discount (Logic G) is a process that gives a discount or discount on a specific product or subtotal amount based on membership. The lowest price calculation logic (Logic H) is a process that determines which discount to apply in order to calculate the lowest price when a product meets multiple discount conditions (multiple logics are applicable).

[0030] Then, in each store, depending on the measures required by the store manager (company, etc.), a selling price determination logic for that store is set by combining several of the above logics A through H, and sales prices are determined. In addition, the logic for determining the selling price determination logic can be set by the store operator as appropriate in addition to the logic above (for example, setting which discount to select when multiple discounts are offered at the same time), and logic other than Logic A to Logic H above may be provided.

[0031] Next, an introduction model of the sales data processing system of this embodiment will be described. -An example of introducing a new sales data processing system with basic pricing logic- Figure 5 shows an outline of a model for introducing a sales data processing system with an independent selling price determination logic (basic) that is unrelated to the existing selling price determination logic when a new store is opened, etc.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the higher-level device 10 is configured as a store controller of a store, and the mobile terminal 20 is configured to directly communicate with the higher-level device 10, that is, the store controller. The product master 110, store master 120, etc. stored in the higher-level device 10 may be constructed by directly inputting product information and store information via a Web browser or the like.

[0033] In this example, the sales decision logic to be adopted in the new store is set in the store controller 10, so that the sales data processing system can be smoothly constructed. An example of the process flow in this example will be briefly explained below. Note that the numbers in parentheses in the explanation indicate the processes in FIG.

[0034] In this example, (1) when a member carrying a mobile terminal 20 starts an application on the mobile terminal 20, the application acquires GPS information and the like of the mobile terminal 20 and transmits the acquired location information to the higher-level device 10. Note that the means for acquiring location information is not limited to GPS.

[0035] (2) Upon receiving location information (or information for identifying a store) from the mobile terminal 20, the upper device 10 transmits to the mobile terminal 20 store information of one or more stores closest to the location of the mobile terminal 20 based on the received location information, etc. and the information stored in the store master 120.

[0036] If the location information of the mobile terminal 20 cannot be acquired, the app may display on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 a message urging the user to use the mobile terminal 20 to read a QR code (registered trademark) provided at the entrance of a store or the like. When a customer reads the QR code (registered trademark) with the mobile terminal 20, the app may transmit information for identifying the store, which has been converted into a QR code (registered trademark), to the higher-level device 10.

[0037] When transmitting shop information to the mobile terminal 20, the higher-level device 10 may also transmit customer information (such as the number of acquired points and member rank) together. In addition, the upper level device 10 may also transmit to the mobile terminal 20 sale information about the store information used by the member (such as the store name, information about special sales being held at the store, flyer information containing the store information, etc.).

[0038] The mobile terminal 20 that has received the store information displays the received store information on the display unit 250. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 20 displays a plurality of pieces of received store information on the display unit 250 in a selectable manner. When the member checks and selects a store displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 identifies the store where the shopping will be carried out. By identifying the store, the upper level device 10 links the product master of the identified store to the mobile terminal 20, and generates a shopping file (basket data).

[0039] (3) When the member reads the symbol code information of the product to be purchased at the specified store with the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the read symbol code information (product identification information) to the higher-level device 10. The product identification information is not limited in any way as long as it can identify the product and can be acquired as an image, such as a barcode, object recognition based on image features, or character recognition.

[0040] (4) The upper level device 10 that has received the product identification information extracts product information from the product master 110 based on the received product identification information and transmits the product information to the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 receives the product information and registers it as a product to be purchased by the member.

[0041] (5) The mobile terminal 20 transmits the registered product information as registered product information to the higher-level device 10. The higher-level device 10 stores the received registered product information in the shopping file 140 (basket data).

[0042] (6) The upper device 10 calculates the subtotal of the registered product information stored in the shopping file 140 according to a selling price determination logic for the products purchased by the member.

[0043] (7) The higher-level device 10 transmits the total (estimated) price of the products calculated by the subtotal calculation to the mobile terminal 20. This allows the member to proceed with shopping while viewing the current total amount (or an approximate total amount in some cases).

[0044] (8) When the member has finished shopping, the member displays symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) storing the shopping identification information on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20. The member then goes to the POS terminal 70 and, for example, has the symbol code information displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 read into the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70. As a result, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70.

[0045] (9) The POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information requests the upper device 10 to transmit shopping information (registered product information, etc.) linked to the shopping identification information.

[0046] (10) Having received the shopping identification information from the POS terminal 70, the upper device 10 extracts the calculated shopping information linked to the shopping identification information from the basket data and transmits it to the POS terminal 70.

[0047] (11) The POS terminal 70 receives the calculated shopping information and displays a payment screen based on the received shopping information. The member makes the payment according to the payment screen, thereby completing one transaction using the mobile terminal 20. The process flow in this example has been described above.

[0048] The subtotal calculation based on the selling price determination logic may be performed by the POS terminal 70. In this case, the higher-level device 10 may transmit (10) uncalculated shopping information related to the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70 in response to (9) a shopping information request from the POS terminal 70. Furthermore, the subtotal calculation based on the selling price determination logic may be performed by the mobile terminal 20.

[0049] -An example of introducing a sales data processing system into an existing store (part 1)- This example is an example in which accounting can be performed for an existing store shown in FIG. 4 using selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system, without using the selling price determination logic of the store. In this example, for example, a sales data processing system including the selling price determination logic (basic) can be added to an existing store where the selling price determination logic set is the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a sales data processing system is provided to the existing store shown in FIG. 4 by a cloud service, and the mobile terminal 20 communicates with the higher-level device 10 arranged in the cloud service.

[0051] In this example, the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system is similar to the selling price determination logic (basic) set in the existing store, so when determining the selling price based on the registered product information that has been registered, the mobile terminal 20 only needs to use the selling price determination logic (basic) of the added sales data processing system 1, and does not need to use the selling price determination logic of the existing store. The selling price determination logic set in an existing store and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0052] In this example, the sales data processing system periodically transmits product information (product master, special sale plan master, etc.) and store information from an existing headquarters system 50 or a store controller 60 installed in a store to a host device 10 provided by a cloud service via the Internet, etc. It is preferable that the product master and special sale plan master sent to the host device 10 are only information that is valid on the day. In addition, "master" is an abbreviation for master file.

[0053] In this example, the higher-level device 10 provided by the cloud service acquires and stores product information (product master, special sale plan master, etc.) and store information, and a sales data processing system can be constructed simply by adding a POS terminal 70 that performs settlement processing based on the registration information of products registered by the mobile terminal 20.

[0054] The sales data processing system may then periodically transmit the shopping information in the shopping file 140 located in the cloud service to the headquarters system 50 or the store's store controller 60 via the Internet, or to the store controller 60 via an in-store network, thereby enabling the system to store the history of transactions made by the mobile terminal 20.

[0055] The processing flow in this example is the same as that of the newly installed sales data processing system shown in Figure 5, except that the higher-level device 10 is not a store controller, but is an upper-level device 10 placed in a cloud service and obtaining information, etc. from the headquarters system 50 or the store controller 60, so a description of the processing flow will be omitted.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the subtotal calculation based on the selling price determination logic may also be performed by an application on the POS terminal 70 or the mobile terminal 20. Also, in this example, it is possible to deal with this by modifying the application of the existing POS terminal (payment settlement device) 70, without adding a new POS terminal 70.

[0057] - Example of introducing a sales data processing system to an existing store (part 2) - The example shown in Figure 7 is an example in which, for example, for an existing store as shown in Figure 4, the selling price is determined by the selling price determination logic of the store's POS terminal 70 while utilizing the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system, and then the transaction is carried out. In this example, the settlement amount is determined using the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store. The selling price determination logic (basic) provided by the sales data processing system can provide the mobile terminal with an estimated amount during shopping.

[0058] In this example, a sales data processing system is provided to an existing store shown in FIG. 4 by a cloud service, and a mobile terminal 20 communicates with a higher-level device 10 arranged in the cloud service. Furthermore, by modifying an existing settlement device (POS terminal) 70 so that it can communicate with the higher-level device 10 of the sales data processing system and introducing an application that supports, for example, QR code (registered trademark) reading on the mobile terminal 20, a sales data processing system that supports product registration processing by the mobile terminal 20 can be constructed.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 7, the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 does not correspond to the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store, so the accurate total amount cannot be displayed on the mobile terminal 20. Therefore, the sales data processing system calculates an estimated price according to the price determination logic (basic) set in the higher-level device 10, and displays the estimated price on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20. The customer can use the estimated price displayed on the display unit 250 as a guide for shopping.

[0060] In addition, the selling price determination logic set in an existing store and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (company / store) and the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0061] The process flow in this example differs from the process flow shown in Figure 6 in that (6) the selling price determination logic used in calculating the subtotal does not match the store's selling price determination logic, and (7) the total amount sent when sending the subtotal amount is an estimated amount.

[0062] In addition, the process is the same as that of the newly installed sales data processing system shown in FIG. 5 except that the POS terminal 70 installed in the existing store is used as the POS terminal 70 that processes (8) shopping information output, (9) shopping information request, (10) calculated basket information transmission, and (11) payment. Therefore, a detailed description of the process flow will be omitted.

[0063] - Example of introducing a sales data processing system to an existing store (part 3) - The example shown in Figure 8 is an example in which, for an existing store such as that shown in Figure 4, a subtotal service is performed in which a headquarters system (server) or a store controller determines the selling price according to the store's selling price determination logic (company / store), and the transaction is carried out using a newly installed POS terminal 70 instead of an existing POS terminal.

[0064] According to this example, even if a POS terminal other than the POS terminal 70 that settles the bill using the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in an existing store is delivered, there is no need to modify the program of that POS terminal.

[0065] This example is provided by a cloud service to an existing store shown in Fig. 4. A mobile terminal 20 communicates with a higher-level device 10 arranged in the cloud service.

[0066] In this example, the higher-level device (cloud service) 10 is provided with a basket linking function for transferring shopping information stored in the shopping file to a subtotal service such as a headquarters system (server) or a store controller, as well as a function for updating the information in the shopping file based on the results calculated by the subtotal service, thereby making it possible to build a sales data processing system compatible with product registration processing by the mobile terminal 20. Note that a function for converting data when transferring information is provided as necessary.

[0067] In the present example shown in FIG. 8, the subtotal calculation is performed by a subtotal service of an existing store's headquarters system, etc., so there is no need to determine the selling price using the selling price determination logic of the existing POS terminal 70, and settlement can be made using a new POS terminal 70 even if there is no network connection to the existing POS terminal 70, etc. Data such as sales results can be managed by transmitting the data to the headquarters system (server) 50, the store controller 60, and the higher-level device (cloud service) 10, respectively.

[0068] In this example, too, the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system does not correspond to the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store, so the accurate total amount cannot be displayed on the mobile terminal 20. However, the estimated amount calculated using the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 can be displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, and can be used as a guide for shopping.

[0069] In addition, the selling price determination logic set in an existing store and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (company / store) and the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0070] An example of the process flow in this example will be briefly explained below. Note that the numbers in parentheses in the explanation indicate the processes in FIG. Incidentally, the steps (1) to (5) of the process in the sales data processing system of this embodiment are the same as the steps (1) to (5) shown in FIG. 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] (6) The upper device 10 performs an approximate calculation of the registered product information stored in the shopping file using the selling price determination logic (basic), and (7) transmits the calculated approximate amount to the mobile terminal 20. This allows the member to proceed with shopping while viewing the current estimated price.

[0072] (8) When the member finishes shopping, the member displays symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) storing the shopping identification information on the display unit 250 and has the symbol code information read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70, whereby the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping information to the POS terminal 70.

[0073] (9) The POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information transmits the shopping identification information to the higher-level device 10, and requests shopping information (registered product information, etc.) linked to the shopping identification information.

[0074] (10) The upper device 10 receives the shopping identification information from the POS terminal 70 and passes the shopping information linked to the shopping identification information to a subtotal service such as the headquarters system 50.

[0075] (11) Upon receiving the shopping information, the headquarters system 50 calculates the total amount using the subtotal service and transmits the calculated shopping information (subtotal information) to the upper device 10.

[0076] The higher-level device 10, which has received the calculated shopping information (subtotal information), updates the shopping information stored in the shopping file with the calculated shopping information, and transmits the calculated shopping information to the POS terminal 70.

[0077] (13) The POS terminal 70 receives the calculated shopping information and displays a settlement screen based on the received shopping information. The member makes the payment according to the settlement screen, thereby completing one transaction using the mobile terminal 20. The process flow in this example has been described above.

[0078] As described above, the sales data processing system of the present invention is not limited in its form. That is, the sales data processing system of the present invention can be a system consisting of the host device 10 and the mobile terminal 20 that can be linked to the product sales system of the store later, an entire system in which the host device 10 and the mobile terminal 20 are linked to the product sales system of the store, a system in which the host device 10 is configured as the store controller 60 of the product sales system of the store and the mobile terminal 20 is directly linked to the store controller 60 or the POS terminal 70 in the store, or a system in which a product transaction is performed based on product information registered by the mobile terminal 20.

[0079] In the following description, an embodiment is described in which product registration processing and the like is performed by the mobile terminal 20. This is just one example, and the mobile terminal 20 may simply function as an interface for product registration processing, with other processing being performed by a higher-level system such as the higher-level device 10. In other words, which device constituting the sales data processing system performs what processing can be set as appropriate.

[0080] -Higher equipment 10- The upper device 10 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment is provided with storage means for storing a product master 110, a store master 120, a member master 130, a shopping file 140, etc. The product master 110, the store master 120, etc. stored in the upper device 10 are updated based on the information of each master stored in the store controller 60 of the store.

[0081] The product master 110 stores product identification information unique to each product, and product information, store identification information, etc. linked to the product identification information. The sales data processing system 1 can identify product information from the product identification information using the information stored in the product master, and can identify product information handled at the store from the store identification information.

[0082] Furthermore, the product master 110 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment may store product identification information in association with sales conditions (plan numbers), as shown in FIG. 28(a), for example. In addition, the product master 110 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment may store a special sale table that links discount type information, identification information of the target product, discount establishment conditions, and discount amount when the conditions are established, for example, as shown in Figure 28(b) against sales conditions (plan number).

[0083] The sales conditions (plan number) are sales conditions set for each product, and include bulk discount information such as a discount price that applies when multiple loose products such as vegetables are purchased together, quantity-limited information in which the number of purchases per customer is set, and information indicating that each pack of a non-fixed-weight product has a different content volume and price, such as a packaged product such as meat with a set price per gram. The bulk discount information is not limited to loose products such as vegetables, but can also be set for products such as canned goods and instant noodles.

[0084] Furthermore, the product master 110 may store information (attention information) indicating that each product is a product that requires the intervention of a store clerk when selling it, such as a Category 2 medical product or alcoholic beverage. The information stored in the product master 110 is not limited to the above-mentioned product information, store identification information, and sales conditions.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the store master 120 stores store identification information (identification number), store name, location information such as GPS information of the store, and QR code (registered trademark) information indicating the store, all of which are linked together. The sales data processing system 1 can specify nearby stores from the information stored in the store master 120, for example, from location information.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3(c), member master 130 stores member identification information and member information such as member name (name, address, credit card number, etc.) in association with each other. Sales data processing system 1 can use the information stored in member master 130 to identify store information and credit card information used by a member, for example, from member identification information.

[0087] Furthermore, the member master 130 may store, linked to the member identification information, information such as the frequency of use when the member has used the mobile terminal 20 to register products in the past, the number of times a registered product was deleted (cancelled) when registering a product, and the number of times an error occurred.The member master 130 may also store information such as the member's level, which is determined based on the frequency of use (number of times) and the frequency of error (number of times).

[0088] For example, the higher-level device 10 may set member levels ranging from beginner level (L1) to preferred member (L5), and determine the member level for each member based on the frequency (number of times) of product registration using the mobile terminal 20 and the frequency (number of times) of erroneous operation, and store the determined member level in the member master 130. That is, the higher-level device 10 may store in the member master 130, caution information indicating that the member is a person who frequently makes operational errors.

[0089] The shopping file 140 is a file that stores registration information registered by the member via the mobile terminal 20 when shopping, and as shown in Fig. 3(d), shopping identification information that identifies the member's purchase is linked to registered product information (barcode information, product name, price, etc.) registered during the purchase and stored as shopping information. Note that the shopping identification information may be composed of, for example, a combination of store identification information, date, serial number, etc.

[0090] Furthermore, the purchase file 140 may store operations and actions performed by the member when shopping in association with purchase identification information. The higher-level device 10 stores in the shopping file 140 the operations performed by the member using the mobile terminal 20 when shopping, in association with the shopping identification information.

[0091] For example, the higher-level device 10 may store information on a product that the member was unable to register using the mobile terminal 20 when shopping as pending product information, linked to the shopping identification information, in the shopping file 140. In addition, the higher-level device 10 may store information on an operation to cancel a product registration performed by the member when shopping as cancellation operation information, linked to the shopping identification information, in the shopping file 140.

[0092] Furthermore, the higher-level device 10 may store in the shopping file 140 the operation history of the mobile terminal 20, such as product registration, failure of product registration processing, cancellation of product registration, etc., performed by the member when shopping, in association with the shopping identification information together with the operation time. Furthermore, the higher-level device 10 may store in the shopping file 140 the route and time traveled by the member in the store when shopping, in association with the shopping identification information. That is, the higher-level device 10 may store, in the shopping file 140 as necessary, attention-calling information indicating that a cancel operation has been performed in the shopping.

[0093] The mobile terminal 20 transmits operation history and location data of the mobile terminal 20 to the higher-level device 10 at predetermined time intervals, and the higher-level device 10 stores the received operation history and location data in a shopping file in association with shopping identification information.

[0094] The shopping information (registered product information) stored in the shopping file 140 is synchronized with the product registration information of the mobile terminal 20, and when a member changes or deletes the quantity of the registered information registered by the mobile terminal 20 while shopping, the upper device 10 changes or deletes the shopping information stored in the shopping file 140.

[0095] Furthermore, at the time of payment, the member outputs shopping identification information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70, and the POS terminal 70 requests the higher-level device 10 to transmit the registration information, etc., that is linked to the shopping identification information and stored in the shopping file 140. The higher-level device 10, which has been requested to provide the registration information, outputs the product information linked to the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70.

[0096] When the settlement process of one transaction is completed, the upper device 10 stores the shopping information of that transaction as settled shopping information in the shopping file 140. The member can use the mobile terminal 20 to access the shopping file 140 of the upper device 10 and refer to the past shopping history. The shopping file 140 is synchronized with the shopping file stored in the store controller 60 of the store, and may also store information about shopping made by the member without using the mobile terminal 20. By accessing the shopping file 140 in the upper device 10, the member can refer to the entire history of past purchases at the store.

[0097] In addition, the shopping file 140 may have a separate memory area for storing currently registered shopping information and a separate memory area for storing past history, and when a member's currently registered shopping information is finalized, it may be added to the memory area for storing past history.

[0098] Furthermore, the higher-level device 10 supplies, to the mobile terminal 20, an application program (shopping application) that runs on the mobile terminal 20. The shopping application may be provided from a site on the Internet that provides applications for the mobile terminal 20.

[0099] -Mobile terminal 20- The mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 10 and the screen display examples shown in FIGS. The mobile terminal 20 will be described by taking as an example a smartphone personally owned by a customer, on which a dedicated application provided from the higher-level device 10 or the like is installed.

[0100] (Advance preparation) In order to use a customer's smartphone as a mobile terminal 20 capable of performing store registration processing, the customer must register as a person who can perform registration processing using a smartphone (hereinafter referred to as a "member").

[0101] When registering as a new member, the customer preferably registers information that can be used to verify the customer's identity, such as name, address, telephone number, and email address, as well as credit card information. A customer can carry out the registration procedure either online or offline. For example, the customer may enter the necessary information on a registration form or tablet at the store, and then download a dedicated app by sending a download URL to the registered email address, or the customer may download and install a dedicated app from the higher-level device 10, and then launch a member registration screen to carry out the registration procedure. In addition, the customer may carry out the registration procedure from a site on the Internet that provides applications for the mobile terminal 20.

[0102] Furthermore, if the customer is already a card member of the store, the customer may register as a member by additionally registering only the credit card information, for example, in the member registration process. The information to be registered is not limited to the above information. For example, if the store is a chain store, the customer may register information about the store that the customer regularly uses. By registering the store, the customer can obtain information unique to the store through distribution. The higher-level device 10 stores information on the registered members in a member master 130 .

[0103] The sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment can use the operation history information stored in the member master 130 in a store other than the store. In other words, the sales data processing system 1 can use the information on the operation level of the member determined by the operation history in a store other than the store as a condition for displaying a confirmation screen for a store clerk at a payment device.

[0104] In addition, when the mechanism of the higher-level device 10 is used by multiple companies, it is preferable to utilize it beyond the use within the corporate group, and among multiple companies, if the use is limited to security purposes such as information on the member's operation level determined by the operation history. The security level can be set by each corporate group or each store, and it may be possible to freely set rank settings for membership level and operation level, conditions for the occurrence of confirmation events by store clerks, etc. Furthermore, the conditions may be stored on the settlement device side, received when the shopping file (basket data) is acquired, and the occurrence of confirmation events by store clerks may be controlled on the settlement device side.

[0105] (Store specific processing) When a member activates a dedicated application on the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 executes a process for identifying the store in order to function as a registration device in the store (S201).

[0106] For example, when a member launches a dedicated app on the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may identify a store based on location information obtained from the GPS or the like of the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the location information to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 that receives the location information transmits information on the store with the closest location information to the mobile terminal 20 based on the store master 120, thereby identifying the store where the shopping will be performed. If there are multiple applicable stores, the mobile terminal 20 may display a selection screen on the display unit 250 so that the member can select from among the multiple stores.

[0107] In addition, a QR code (registered trademark) containing QR code (registered trademark) information stored in the store master 120 may be attached to the entrance of the store, and the member may read the QR code (registered trademark) with the input section 260 of the mobile terminal 20, thereby allowing the mobile terminal 20 to identify the store.

[0108] When the mobile terminal 20 is unable to acquire location information, the mobile terminal 20 may display, for example, "Please read the store's QR code (registered trademark)" on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. When a member enters a store, the mobile terminal 20 may identify the store using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a beacon within the store.

[0109] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may display a selection screen for selecting a store on the display unit 250, and the member may select a store from the selection screen, thereby specifying the store selected by the member as the store where shopping will be carried out. There is no limitation on the means by which the mobile terminal 20 identifies a store.

[0110] By identifying the store, the upper level device 10 gives the mobile terminal 20 permission to access the product master of the store, and generates basket data (shopping file) linked to the mobile terminal 20.

[0111] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the member of information such as "sale information," "related / alternative products," "new products," and "out-of-stock information" at the store when the member enters the store. If the specified store is closed, the display unit 250 may display that fact. If the store is closing time, the transition to the registration screen may be prohibited. Registration through the app may be prohibited at a predetermined time before closing time, and customers who are registering may be notified of the closing time. However, customers who are registering may continue shopping, and registration may not be prohibited even when closing time arrives. Continuation is possible as long as the customer is within a specified range of the store's location. Notifications may be made to gradually encourage payment.

[0112] After identifying the store, the mobile terminal 20 displays a start screen 800 for starting shopping on the display unit 250, as shown in FIG. 12(a). The start screen 800 displays member point information 800a, a key 800b linked to store information for the identified store, a key 800c linked to notifications of special sales and the like, a key 800d linked to coupon information, and the like, as well as a "Start" key 800e that declares the start of product registration at the store.

[0113] When the member operates the "Start" key 800e on the start screen 800, the mobile terminal 20 displays a registration screen 810 as shown in FIG. 12(b). It should be noted that the mobile terminal 20 may directly display the registration screen 810 without displaying the start screen 800 by identifying the store.

[0114] The registration screen 810 is divided into two areas, an upper area and an lower area. The upper area of ​​the registration screen 810 is set as a first display area 811 for displaying image data captured by the camera (input unit) 260 of the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 displays a message 811a in a first display area 811 of the registration screen 810, such as "Please read the product barcode," and also visibly displays a mark 811b indicating the reading range for recognizing the barcode (product identification information).

[0115] (Reading operation detection process and product information acquisition process) Having identified the store and completed preparations for product registration, the mobile terminal 20 detects the member's attempt to read the barcode attached to the product (S202), and when this reading operation is performed (yes in S202), obtains product identification information from the read barcode (code information) (S203).

[0116] For example, when a member takes an item to be purchased from a display shelf and places it in a shopping cart, the member captures an image of the item using the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, the member captures an image of the barcode attached to the item within the mark 811b displayed in the first display area 811 of the registration screen 810, as shown in FIG.

[0117] When the image contained within the mark 811b displayed in the first display area 811 is a barcode, the mobile terminal 20 automatically recognizes it and acquires the product identification information (code information).

[0118] If the mobile terminal 20 is equipped with a distance sensor or the like, it can detect that the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 has been brought close to an article for a certain period of time, thereby detecting the member's operation of reading a barcode or the like. When the mobile terminal 20 repeatedly automatically recognizes barcodes, even if it is not equipped with a distance sensor or the like, it can detect a member's barcode reading operation by, for example, detecting that the same image is being captured for a predetermined period of time.

[0119] If the mobile terminal 20 detects that the same image has been captured for a predetermined period of time but is unable to acquire product identification information (code information), it may execute a timeout process, notify the user of "Product registration has not been successful. Would you like to purchase? (Yes / No)", and prompt the user to place the product on hold. The mobile terminal 20 may also confirm the purchase.

[0120] The mobile terminal 20 may read a barcode photographed by a shutter operation while the app is running, instead of automatically recognizing the barcode. In this case, the mobile terminal 20 can detect the member's operation to obtain a barcode by detecting that a shutter operation has been performed on the app screen.

[0121] The mobile terminal 20 may detect the member's reading operation of a barcode or the like by monitoring the state of the mobile terminal, such as the inclination, using a gyro sensor, etc. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 may make a judgment by combining the inclination and the movement state of the mobile terminal 20.

[0122] When the mobile terminal 20 is unable to acquire a barcode (product identification information) by imaging, the mobile terminal 20 may store an image of the product for which the product identification information could not be acquired as a reserved product. The member can keep the product stored as reserved in the mobile terminal 20 separate from the product that has been registered, and proceed to the registration process for the next product. By leaving an image of the reserved product on the mobile terminal 20, it becomes easier to identify the product during the later payment process, and it becomes easier for the store clerk to correct the product registration information.

[0123] In addition, there may be cases where the mobile terminal 20 does not execute the timeout process, in which case the customer will have to keep trying to register the product, which is inconvenient. The mobile terminal 20 may be configured to register the product as a reserved product instead of a normal product registration, based on the member's operation. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 may display a “register pending item” key on the registration screen 810, for example, and when the member operates the “register pending item” key, the mobile terminal 20 may switch to an image capture mode in which the shutter is manually released.

[0124] The member may take an image of the front package of the product that could not be registered in the imaging mode, the product barcode, the price tag on the shelf, etc., at his / her own timing by pressing the shutter, and the mobile terminal 20 may store the imaged product as a reserved product. In other words, the member may be able to switch to the manual imaging mode at his / her will.

[0125] The mobile terminal 20 may detect the reading operation of a barcode or the like by any method, and the method is not particularly limited.

[0126] If the mobile terminal 20 is unable to acquire the product identification information (code information) in step S203, it detects that acquisition of the code information has failed (no in S204).

[0127] For example, if the barcode attached to the product is damaged or distorted due to the way the product is packaged, the mobile terminal 20 may not be able to read some or all of the code information recorded in the barcode (unreadable product). Furthermore, when a member images a part of a product that does not have a barcode, the mobile terminal 20 cannot obtain the code information. In such a case, the mobile terminal 20 cannot obtain the product identification information (code information) and cannot register the product. In step S204, the mobile terminal 20 detects a case in which the product identification information (code information) cannot be acquired due to the inability to read the barcode, and therefore the product cannot be registered.

[0128] When it is detected in step S204 that the product identification information (code information) has been acquired, the mobile terminal 20 determines whether or not the product identification information exists in the product master 110 (S205).

[0129] In step S205, if the acquired product identification information does not exist in the product master 110, the mobile terminal 20 determines that registration of the product information has failed, and proceeds to step S207 (no in S205).

[0130] For example, if the mobile terminal 20 transmits the acquired product identification information to the higher-level device 10, but the acquired product identification information is for a product that is not stored in the product master (hereinafter, this product is referred to as a "NON-file product"), or if there is a problem with the connection to the higher-level device 10, the mobile terminal 20 is unable to acquire the product information from the higher-level device 10 and is unable to register the product. In step S205, the mobile terminal 20 detects a case in which the product in the acquired product identification information cannot be registered because the product is a NON-file product or the like.

[0131] If the mobile terminal 20 downloads the product master after identifying the store, the mobile terminal 20 can determine whether or not the product information can be acquired by itself, and can further acquire the product information and register the registered product information of the product. The mobile terminal 20 may also make a determination based on the product master stored in the store controller 60 or the POS terminal 70.

[0132] In cases where the mobile terminal 20 constantly and automatically repeats barcode recognition and is not equipped with a function for detecting a reading operation such as a distance sensor, the mobile terminal 20 may omit step S202 for detecting the member's reading operation and judgment step S204, i.e., the detection process for when the product cannot be registered because the code information cannot be read.

[0133] (Product registration processing, registered product cancellation processing) In step S205, if the acquired product identification information exists in the product master and product information linked to the product identification information can be acquired, the mobile terminal 20 registers the product information as registered product information of the product purchased by the customer (step S206).

[0134] If the product identification information acquired by the mobile terminal 20 exists in the product master, the higher-level device 10 stores in the shopping file 140 product information based on the acquired registered product information.

[0135] (Display processing) When the mobile terminal 20 registers the product based on the acquired product information, it displays a second display area 812 displaying the registered product information and a third display area 813 displaying the current registration status in the lower area of ​​the registration screen 810, as shown in FIG. 13(a) (S209).

[0136] The mobile terminal 20 displays product information 812a, such as the product name, purchase quantity (operator) 812b and product price 812c in the second display area 812, and displays the current registered number of items 813a, an estimated total 813b and a ``Checkout'' key 813c for proceeding to checkout based on the registered information in the third display area 813.

[0137] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 displays the third display area 813 above the second display area 812, i.e., between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812. This allows the member to smoothly see the change in the estimated total amount when registering the product. As shown in FIG. 12(b), the mobile terminal 20 may display a third display area 813 showing the number of registered items as 0 and the estimated total amount as 0 yen before the item is registered.

[0138] The mobile terminal 20 may arrange the third display area 813 independently of the first display area 811 and the second display area 812, or may arrange it within the range of the second display area 812. It is preferable that the mobile terminal 20 displays the current accurate total amount in the estimated total 813b displayed in the third display area 813. However, for example, when a sales data processing system is introduced into an existing store with a complex price determination logic, an accurate subtotal calculation based on the store's price determination logic cannot be performed unless the registered product information is output to an existing POS terminal or the like (payment settlement device) 70, so the mobile terminal 20 may display the estimated total amount calculated by adding up the list prices of each product, etc., in the third display area 813 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0139] By displaying the third display area 813 on the registration screen 810 of the mobile terminal 20, the member can grasp the current number of items to be purchased and the estimated total amount while registering the item. The mobile terminal 20 according to this embodiment displays the third display area 813 above the second display area 812, i.e., between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812. This allows the member to smoothly see the change in the estimated total amount when registering the product.

[0140] The member can change the purchase quantity 812b of the product displayed in the second display area 812, or delete the registered product information of the product. For example, when a member operates (touches) the purchase quantity 812b displayed in the second display area 812, the mobile terminal 20 displays a quantity change screen (pop-up) 820 that allows the member to change the quantity of the product, as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0141] The quantity change screen 820 displays the current purchase quantity and price, and also provides a "+" key 820a and a "-" key 820b for changing the quantity of the product, as well as a "Cancel product" key 820c for deleting registered product registration information.

[0142] When the purchase quantity 812b of a product that does not support changes to the quantity, such as a clearance item or other limited quantity product or an indefinite quantity product registered by a member, is touched, the mobile terminal 20 may display a pop-up 821 that does not have a "+" key 820a or a "-" key 820b for changing the quantity of the product, as shown in Figure 14(b), and only accept the deletion of the product.

[0143] When a member operates the "+" key 820a or the "-" key 820b on the quantity change screen 820 to change the quantity, etc. of the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 changes the purchase quantity 812b of the product displayed on the registration screen 810. Then, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the changed registered product information to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 updates the registered information stored in the shopping file 140 based on the input registered product information.

[0144] When a member operates the “Cancel Product” key 820c to delete the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 cancels the registration of the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810. Then, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the registration product information whose registration has been cancelled (deleted) to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 updates the registration information stored in the shopping file 140 based on the input information.

[0145] When a member cancels registered product information, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the member that the product should be returned to the display shelf or the like. At this time, if the mobile terminal 20 can identify the member's position within the store, it may detect whether the product whose registered product information has been cancelled is more than a certain distance away from the shelf to which it should be returned, and display a screen allowing the member to select whether to return the product to the shelf or to move it to the holding basket.

[0146] When the registration of registered product information is cancelled by a member, the mobile terminal 20 may store the product information of the deleted product as cancelled product information by linking it with information indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed. In particular, when a process of moving a product whose registered product information has been cancelled to a reserved cart is performed, it is preferable that the mobile terminal 20 stores the product information as cancelled product information.

[0147] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may delete the registered product information whose registration has been cancelled without displaying it on the registration screen 810, but may also display it on the registration screen 810 so that it is clear that it has been cancelled, for example by drawing a line through it or by indicating that it is a cancelled product.

[0148] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may output information indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed by the member to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 may store the information in the shopping file 140 as cancellation operation information. Furthermore, the higher-level device 10 may store in the member master 130, after the settlement process for the purchase is completed, the number of times the member performed a cancellation operation on the registered product information during the purchase, etc.

[0149] (Notification processing) If it is determined in step S204 that the product cannot be registered because it is an unreadable product, or if it is determined in step S205 that the product cannot be registered because it is a NON-file product or the like, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the member that the product cannot be registered (S207). This notification may be made by any method, such as an in-store announcement, a notification to a monitoring device that monitors the status of POS registers staff are stationed at or all POS registers, a notification to a management device located in the back room or the like, or a notification to a portable device carried by a staff member.

[0150] For example, as shown in Fig. 13(b), the mobile terminal 20 displays a notification (pop-up) 830 on the registration screen 810 to the effect that the product that cannot be registered will be placed on hold. At this time, a notification that the two products will be treated differently may be displayed, such as a display 830a that prompts the user to place the product that was successfully registered and the product that cannot be registered in different baskets (or specific areas within the basket). The notification that the product cannot be registered is not limited to a pop-up message or the like.

[0151] When the product that cannot be registered is an unreadable product and the barcode of the product is displayed on the display shelf of the product, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the user to read the barcode attached to the display shelf.

[0152] In addition, if the product registered by the member is not a product that cannot be registered but requires the intervention of a store clerk, the mobile terminal 20 will display a pop-up or the like on the registration screen 810 to inform the user that the registered product requires the intervention of a store clerk and that a store clerk will be called at the time of payment.

[0153] Examples of products that require the intervention of a store clerk include "non-file products," "medicine," "products with security tags," and "products requiring age verification" such as alcohol. In addition, for some pharmaceuticals, expensive products, large products, etc., blank packages and price cards with bar codes are placed on the display shelves, and members can take the blank packages or price cards to the payment device and receive the actual product at the time of payment, etc., as "exchange products." For the sake of explanation, the above-mentioned products that require the intervention of a store clerk are sometimes referred to as "reserved products."

[0154] If the product registered by the member is a product that requires the intervention of a store clerk, the mobile terminal 20 will display information appropriate for each special product (display of warning information) such as that the registered product is a special product such as a "product with a security tag" and that "a staff member will remove the security tag when you pay the bill," and will also display an "OK" key to acknowledge this. When the member touches the "OK" key, the mobile terminal 20 will generate product information for the product that the member has acknowledged.

[0155] Furthermore, when the product registered by the member is an "exchange product," the mobile terminal 20 may notify the store clerk that the exchange product has been registered, such as "Transaction number 1111 Mr. XX has registered a second-class drug, a clothesline. Please prepare the product and hand it over to the service counter clerk." In other words, it is desirable to notify the store clerk that the exchange product has been registered and information about the exchange product.

[0156] This allows the store clerk to pick the actual product and have it ready at the checkout device before the member goes to the checkout device, allowing the product to be delivered quickly when the member arrives at the checkout device.

[0157] (Reserved product information generation process) The mobile terminal 20 generates reserved product information for the product that cannot be registered (S208). The reserved product information preferably includes, for example, member identification information, shopping identification information, and read time, and also stores information on whether the reserved product is a NON-file product or an unreadable product, and may further include image data captured when the code information is captured. In addition to notifying the store clerk, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the customer that the image data has been saved. Examples of notifying the customer on the mobile terminal include the following. That is, a message such as "The store clerk has been notified, so the price will be reflected at the time of payment" or "A store clerk will be there at the time of payment" may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20. In addition, a message such as "The captured image of the product has been saved" may also be displayed.

[0158] The mobile terminal 20 may generate pending product information for a product that requires the intervention of a store clerk, the pending product information including the fact that the product requires the intervention of a store clerk. The mobile terminal 20 stores the generated pending product information. (Addition of Attention Information)

[0159] (Display processing) The mobile terminal 20 that has generated the pending product information displays pending product information 812e indicating that there is a pending product in accordance with the registered product information 812d in the second display area 812 of the registration screen 810, as shown in FIG. 15(a) (S209).

[0160] It is preferable that the mobile terminal 20 displays the reserved product information 812e displayed in the second display area 812 in a display format different from that of the registered product information 812d. In the example shown in FIG. 15(a), the mobile terminal 20 displays two pieces of registered product information 812d together with reserved product information 812e, and the background color of the reserved product information 812e is made different from the background of the other registered product information 812d.

[0161] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may display the number of pending items in a display field 812g in the second display area 812, and may display a message 812f in the pending item information 812e, such as "please add to a special basket," encouraging the member to handle the pending items differently than with normally registered items, thereby informing the member that pending items exist and that the pending items will be handled differently. When displaying the information, it is preferable that the mobile terminal 20 also displays whether the reserved product is a "NON-FILE product" or an "UNREADABLE product." By displaying the information in this manner, the store clerk can provide a quicker response to the customer.

[0162] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may display in the second display area 812, for products that require the intervention of a store clerk, indications such as "Medicine", "Product requiring security tag", "Product requiring age verification" such as alcohol, "Exchange product" (display of warning information), and may also display a message such as "This product requires inspection by a store clerk."

[0163] It is also preferable that the reserved product information 812e displayed in the second display area 812 allows the quantity to be changed or deleted in the same manner as with normal registered product information. For example, if a member repeatedly performs a reading operation on the barcode of a product that cannot be registered, multiple pieces of pending product information 812e may be generated. In such a case, the mobile terminal 20 may delete the pending product information 812e in response to the member's operation. The mobile terminal 20 may output the reserved product information and information regarding a cancel operation of the reserved product information to the higher-level device 10 in the same manner as the registered product information. The higher-level device 10 may then store the input reserved product information, etc. in the shopping file 140.

[0164] (Export of registration information) After displaying the registration information, the mobile terminal 20 proceeds to step S210 and detects whether or not the member has instructed to proceed to the checkout (S210). When the mobile terminal 20 detects that the member has instructed it to proceed to checkout (Yes in S210), it outputs the instruction to proceed to checkout or the registration information together with the instruction to proceed to checkout (S211), and then completes the process.

[0165] The registration information output by the mobile terminal 20 may be shopping identification information. The registration information may also include registered product information for which product registration has been successful, pending product information for which product registration has not been successful, and may further include cancelled product information for which product registration has been cancelled.

[0166] Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 detects that the "Checkout" key 813c displayed on the registration screen 810 of the display unit 250 has been operated by the member. Then, when it is detected that the member has operated the "Checkout" key 813c, the mobile terminal 20 displays (outputs), for example, a QR code (registered trademark) 840a generated based on the shopping identification information, on the output screen 840, as shown in Fig. 15(b). Note that the mobile terminal 20 may also display (output) on the output screen 840 a QR code (registered trademark) 840a generated based on the registration information stored in the shopping file.

[0167] A member can have the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 read the QR code (registered trademark) 840a displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, and the POS terminal 70 can obtain registration information linked to the product identification information from the higher-level device 10.

[0168] Symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) may store registration information including registered product information and owned product information, or may store shopping identification information linked to the registration information including the registered product information and owned product information. For example, the shopping identification information may be path information such as a URL stored in a shopping file, or if the search destination for shopping information is common, it may be a combination of any of information such as a store identifier, a member identifier, and date and time, or may be identifiable by a sequence number, etc. There is no problem as long as the search destination is known on the settlement device side.

[0169] In addition, instead of outputting the symbol code information in which information is stored, the mobile terminal 20 may select a POS terminal 70, and the selected POS terminal 70 may obtain the registration information stored in a location other than the mobile terminal 20.

[0170] For example, when a member has the mobile terminal 20 read a QR code (registered trademark) that is generated on the screen of the POS terminal 70 and identifies a specific POS terminal 70, the mobile terminal 20 transmits a transaction instruction together with shopping identification information to the specific POS terminal 70. Then, the POS terminal 70 that receives the transaction instruction may obtain registration information linked to the shopping identification information. It should be noted that registration information may be obtained by setting a FeliCa (registered trademark) or NFC identifier of the mobile terminal in advance using an IC reader.

[0171] On the other hand, if the customer does not give an instruction to proceed to checkout (No in S210) and performs an operation such as reading the barcode of another product, the product registration in steps S202 to S209 is repeated until an instruction to proceed to checkout is given. The flow of processing in the mobile terminal 20 has been described above.

[0172] -POS terminal 70- Next, the POS terminal (payment settlement device) 70 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 11 and the display examples shown in FIGS.

[0173] (Input processing) The POS terminal (payment settlement device) 70 inputs the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) output by the mobile terminal 20, etc. (S701).

[0174] For example, when a member has the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 read the QR code (registered trademark) 840a displayed (output) on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, the POS terminal 70 inputs the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) stored in the QR code (registered trademark) 840a.

[0175] (Notification processing) The POS terminal 70 that has input the registration information (shopping identification information) requests the shopping information linked to the shopping identification information from the higher-level device 10. When the POS terminal 70 inputs the shopping information (registration information) from the higher-level device 10, it determines whether the input shopping information includes reserved product information or canceled product information (S702).

[0176] If the POS terminal 70 determines in step S702 that the registration information includes reserved product information, it issues a notification to call a store clerk (S703).

[0177] The POS terminal 70 issues a notification to call a store clerk by, for example, flashing a light (Patlite (registered trademark)) that visually notifies the store clerk. The method of notifying the store clerk is not limited to Patlite (registered trademark), and may be any method such as an in-store announcement, notification to a monitoring device that monitors the status of the POS register where the store clerk is stationed and all POS registers, notification to a management device located in the back yard, or the like, notification to a portable device held by the store clerk, or the like. Then, the POS terminal 70 displays, on the display unit 750, a pop-up 910, as shown in FIG. 18, indicating that there is a reserved item among the registered items and that a store clerk is currently being called.

[0178] Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 may also issue a notification to call a store clerk when it determines that the registration information includes canceled product information (S703). In addition, the POS terminal 70 may also issue a notification to call a store clerk when paying for a purchase that includes registered merchandise that requires the intervention of a store clerk, such as merchandise with an anti-theft tag attached. That is, in step S702 above, the POS terminal 70 may determine whether the registration information includes pending product information, canceled product information, etc., and if pending product information, canceled product information, etc. is included, issue an alert to call a store clerk.

[0179] (Settlement process) On the other hand, if the POS terminal 70 determines in step S702 that the registration information does not include reserved product information or canceled product information, the process proceeds to settlement processing. Specifically, the POS terminal 70 displays a registration confirmation screen 900 on the display unit 750, as shown in FIG. 19 (S709).

[0180] The registration confirmation screen 900 shown in FIG. 19 displays a list of registered product information 900a, and an arrow 900i is displayed at a predetermined position on the registration confirmation screen 900, allowing the member to scroll through the list of registered product information 900a by operating the arrow 900i. At the top of the registration confirmation screen 900, the total amount is displayed, along with the number of items 900k purchased in the shopping trip and the total amount 900m, and further a "Checkout" key 900b is provided.

[0181] Also, a price range registration quantity display 900d showing the registered quantity for each price range of products is located at the bottom of the registration confirmation screen 900. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the numbers "3", "4", "9", and "12", which indicate the quantity of products in each price range, are displayed for "1,000 yen or more", "500 yen to 999 yen", "300 yen to 499 yen", and "300 yen or less".

[0182] In the checkout process, accurate, speedy customer service is required. If the checkout process is delayed, the line of customers waiting to check out will become longer, resulting in a decline in customer service. In order to check out without errors and prevent customers from carelessly or fraudulently purchasing products, it is necessary to check all products in the cart, which causes the checkout process to take longer. Conversely, if samples of the products in the cart are checked, the checkout time can be shortened, but there is a higher possibility that errors in the total amount or carelessness or fraud on the part of the customer will be overlooked. It is necessary to deal with these conflicting demands. As a countermeasure, it is effective to have store clerks give priority to checking expensive products and products that are more likely to cause checkout errors. For example, when a store clerk operates each field of the price range registration number display 900d, the POS terminal 70 may highlight products in the corresponding price range in the list of registered product information 900a. For example, when the store clerk presses the "1,000 yen or more" key, the POS terminal 70 highlights registered product information with a price of 1000 yen or more. This makes it easier for the store clerk to check high-priced products priced at 1000 yen or more. By providing such a mechanism, the settlement process can be expedited and the amount of errors in the total amount can be reduced.

[0183] By displaying the registered quantities by price range on the registration confirmation screen 900, the store clerk can get an overview of the products purchased by the member. When a high-priced item is being purchased, the POS terminal 70 may notify a light (Patlite (registered trademark)) or other device (monitoring device), a service manager, etc., so that a store clerk can assist with packaging the high-priced item, etc. When displaying the product information on the registration confirmation screen 900, the POS terminal 70 preferably displays the product information in order from the most expensive product, i.e., based on the level of interest, rather than in the order in which the product information was registered by the mobile terminal 20.

[0184] When the member operates the "Payment" key 900b arranged on the registration confirmation screen 900, the POS terminal 70 executes the payment process using the registration information displayed on the registration confirmation screen 900 (S709), and completes the transaction. In this manner, if there are no reserved items among the items to be purchased, the member can complete the payment without the need for the intervention of a store clerk.

[0185] (Display processing of registered product information and reserved product information) On the other hand, when the member operates the "OK" key 910a of the pop-up 910, the POS terminal 70 that performed the notification process in step S703 displays a registration confirmation screen 920 showing a list of the entered registration information (registered product information and pending product information) on the display unit 750 (S704).

[0186] The registration confirmation screen 920 shown in FIG. 20 displays a list of registered product information 920a, and an arrow 920i is displayed at a predetermined position on the registration confirmation screen 920, allowing the member to scroll through the list of registered product information 920a by operating the arrow 920i. At the top of the registration confirmation screen 920, the word "Estimate" is displayed, along with the number of registered items to be purchased 920k and the estimated total amount 920m.

[0187] The registration confirmation screen 920 displays a list of registered product information 920a, along with two pending product information items 920b and 920c for which registration was not possible, and one cancelled product information item 920d for which registration was cancelled. Furthermore, the registration confirmation screen 920 also displays (displays warning information) products that require the intervention of a store clerk, such as "Drugs" 920e, "Products with security tags" 920f, and "Products requiring age verification" 920g, such as alcohol, so that the user can easily see them. The POS terminal 70 may also display discounted products, etc., as products that require confirmation by a store clerk along with a display of "discount" etc.

[0188] The POS terminal 70 displays the registered product information 920a, pending product information 920b, 920c, canceled product information 920d, "Medicines" 920e, "Products subject to security tags" 920f, and "Age verification products" 920g such as alcohol, shown in FIG. 20, in a display format different from the display format of the registration confirmation screen 900 displayed only by the registered product information shown in FIG. 19. For example, the POS terminal 70 may display the registration confirmation screen 920 including the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the cancelled product information 920d in different screen colours such as background colours, text colours or fonts.

[0189] Generally, when displaying the product information on the registration confirmation screen 920, the POS terminal 70 preferably displays the product information in order from the most expensive product to the least expensive product, rather than displaying the product information in the order in which the product information was registered by the mobile terminal 20. In addition, it is preferable that the POS terminal 70 places the pending product information 920b, 920c, the canceled product information 920d, the "pharmaceuticals" 920e, the "anti-theft tag target products" 920f, and the "age verification products" 920g such as alcohol at the top position of the list of registered product information 920a. That is, it is preferable that the POS terminal 70 displays, on the registration confirmation screen 920, a list of the warning information and the product information based on the degree of interest in the transaction.

[0190] By displaying pending product information, etc. at the top of the registration confirmation screen 920, and by displaying the most expensive products first, the store clerk can at a glance recognize the products that should be given priority, and can prevent forgetting to process age verification, etc.

[0191] The POS terminal 70 may be configured to set and change the priority order of multiple types of reserved product information in response to an operation by a store clerk. The priority order can be set for the reserved product information in the following order: "age verification" → "anti-theft tag" → "medicine" → "reserved product" → "exchange product" → "discount" and the like, and the POS terminal 70 displays the reserved product information on the registration confirmation screen 920 in accordance with the above priority order.

[0192] The display of the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the canceled product information 920d, etc. is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 20. For example, the POS terminal 70 may arrange the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the canceled product information 920d, etc. in the left region of the registration confirmation screen 920 and display the registered product information 920a in the right region. These displays allow the member or store clerk to easily see that among the items displayed in the list, there are items that are on hold, items that are cancelled, items that require the intervention of a store clerk, etc., and to easily see which items are on hold or cancelled.

[0193] Further, the POS terminal 70 displays a field 920j displaying the number of reserved items (including canceled items) in addition to a price range registration quantity display 900d showing the registered quantity of items by price range at the bottom of the registration confirmation screen 920. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the POS terminal 70 displays "6" in the field 920j displaying the number of reserved items (including canceled items). The POS terminal 70 may highlight the reserved product information by the store clerk operating the field 920j that displays the number of reserved products (including canceled products).

[0194] In addition, for products that require explanation by a registered salesperson or pharmacist, such as alcoholic beverages and second-class pharmaceuticals that require age authentication (products that require the intervention of a store clerk), the POS terminal 70 may display the quantity together with the reserved products, or may display a separate column to display the quantity. In this case, the POS terminal 70 may display the target products by changing the display mode, such as the background color or character font / size, or by adding a mark, etc.

[0195] (Prohibition process) If the input registration information includes pending product information 920b, 920c, canceled product information 920d, and products requiring store clerk intervention, the POS terminal 70 prohibits payment processing based on the registration information including the pending product information 920b, 920c, canceled product information 920d, and products requiring store clerk intervention (S705), following step S704.

[0196] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the execution of the settlement process by not displaying the “Checkout” key 900b that is displayed on the normal registration confirmation screen 900 on a registration confirmation screen 920 that includes pending product information 920b, 920c or canceled product information 920d, and products that require the intervention of a store clerk.

[0197] (Editing process) The called store clerk makes the POS terminal 70 read a store clerk code or the like, so that the POS terminal 70 that has prohibited the execution of the settlement process becomes able to edit the reserved product information. For example, when a store clerk has the POS terminal 70 read a store clerk code or the like, the POS terminal 70 will display a comment such as "Your store clerk ID has been read. Please register the pending items" on the display unit 750, and will also display a management screen 940 having a layout similar to that of the registration confirmation screen 920 shown in FIG. 20. The display of the management screen 940 differs from the registration confirmation screen 920 in that instead of displaying "A store clerk will be coming soon. Please check the product details and wait," it displays "Please register pending products on the management screen" 940n (see FIG. 22), and in that it does not display a "call store clerk" key (see FIG. 22).

[0198] When a store clerk touches pending product information 940b on the management screen 940 displayed on the display unit 750, the POS terminal 70 displays an editing screen 930 on the display unit 750 for editing the pending product information 940b, as shown in FIG. 21. Furthermore, even if the store clerk does not read the store clerk code and the member operates the pending product information 920b, 920c and the canceled product information 920d, "Medicine" 920e, "Products subject to security tags" 920f, "Age verification products" 920g such as alcohol, etc. on the registration confirmation screen 920 in Figure 20, the POS terminal 70 will not transition to the edit screen 930. This makes it possible to prevent a member from editing a document without going through a store clerk.

[0199] A scan button 930a is arranged at a predetermined position on the edit screen 930, and when a store clerk operates the scan button 930a, the POS terminal 70 displays image data obtained when the code information of the product is read. The store clerk can check the reserved items by looking at the displayed image data, and can learn the correct product information by going to the display shelf to check the price of the item, etc. Editing on the editing screen 930 may be performed in an appropriate manner.

[0200] If all reserved items are displayed in a list on the editing screen 930, it is possible to reduce the amount of switching back and forth between the management screen 940 and the editing screen 930. Alternatively, the reserved items may be displayed in half of the area of ​​the registration confirmation screen 920 (for example, only the left side), and the editing screen 930 may be displayed in the other half (the right side) overlaid on or in place of the registered item information. This reduces the effort required for the store clerk to transition between screens.

[0201] It should be noted that the editing screen 930 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 21. The editing screen 930 may be displayed as a pop-up, or may be displayed in a partial area (e.g., the left area) of the management screen 940.

[0202] For example, when a store clerk operates the reserved product NON file 940b on the management screen 940, the POS terminal 70 displays an edit screen 960 shown in FIG. 30(a). An edit screen 960 shown in FIG. 30( a ) is displayed as a pop-up on the management screen 940 , and includes a product information input field 961 for inputting a product, a quantity entry key 962 , a product cancellation key 963 , and a confirmation key 964 .

[0203] The POS terminal 70 has a product information input field 961 on an editing screen 960 for NON file products, which is arranged with a product information field 961a, a PLU field 961b, a quantity field 961c, a minus key 961d, and a plus key 961e. The read information is displayed in the PLU field 961b, and the product information field 961a is left blank.

[0204] The clerk selects an "amount" key such as the quantity entry keys 962, enters a quantity using the numeric keys to assign an amount according to the numeric value, and operates the enter key 964, which inputs the price into the product information field 961a. Similarly, the clerk selects a "subcategory" key, enters a quantity using the numeric keys to assign a subcategory according to the numeric value, and operates the enter key 964, which sets a subcategory in the product information field 961a and edits (confirms) the NON-file product as tradable information.

[0205] In another method, a subcategory selection screen is popped up by selecting an "amount" key such as the number entry key 962, entering a number with the numeric keys to assign an amount according to the number, and operating the enter key 964. When the target subcategory is selected on the subcategory selection screen, the NON-file product is edited (confirmed) as tradable information. Furthermore, if information on a NON-file product is modified before an editing operation, each piece of information is displayed in each field on the editing screen 960, and the product may be registered by the store clerk operating the enter key 964. In other words, for NON-file products, the store clerk can investigate and modify / register the data at a terminal in the back room or the like before the customer arrives at the POS terminal, so that the information on the NON-file product is registered in the master. This will be described later. FIG. 30(b) shows the state where editing of a NON file product is completed. In the product information column 961a, "Seasoning" is entered as the minor category selected by the clerk by pressing the minor category key, and the amount "350 yen" is entered using the numeric keypad. It takes time for the clerk to enter the specific name of the product at the POS terminal that processes the payment. Therefore, it is preferable that the name of the minor category of the product selected by the minor category key is used provisionally as the product name. Note that a full keyboard as shown in FIG. 37 may be displayed or a full hardware keyboard may be connected to have the clerk enter the specific product name.

[0206] Furthermore, when the store clerk operates the reserved product unscanned 940c on the management screen 940 (see FIG. 22), the POS terminal 70 displays an edit screen 960 shown in FIG. 31(a). An edit screen 960 of the POS terminal 70 shown in FIG. 31(a) is displayed as a pop-up on the management screen 940, and includes a product information input field 961 for inputting a product, a quantity entry key 962, a product cancellation key 963, and a confirmation key 964.

[0207] By selecting an "amount" key such as the number entry keys 962 and entering a number with the numeric keys, an amount according to the numeric value is assigned, and the price is entered in the product information field 961a by operating the confirmation key 964. Similarly, by selecting a "subcategory" key and entering a number with the numeric keys, a subcategory according to the numeric value is assigned, and by operating the confirmation key 964, a subcategory is set in the product information field 961a and the unscanned product is edited (confirmed) as tradable information.

[0208] In another method, a subcategory selection screen is popped up by selecting an "amount" key such as the number entry key 962, entering a number with the numeric keys to assign an amount according to the number, and operating the enter key 964. When the target subcategory is selected on the subcategory selection screen, the NON-file product is edited (confirmed) as tradable information. The edit screen 960 of the POS terminal 70 may be provided with a scan key 965, and the store clerk may operate the scan key 965 to display products that have not been scanned.

[0209] Furthermore, when the store clerk touches the canceled product information 940d on the management screen 940, the POS terminal 70 displays a cancellation confirmation screen 970 for the canceled product, as shown in FIG. 31(b). The cancellation confirmation screen 970 is displayed as a pop-up on the management screen 940 , and includes a cancellation product display field 971 for displaying canceled products, a quantity entry key 972 , a product cancellation key 974 , and a registration key 973 .

[0210] The POS terminal 70 displays the canceled product in the canceled product display field 971, and issues a notification 975 such as "Are there any products left in the basket?" When the store clerk checks the basket and operates the product cancellation key 974, the POS terminal 70 confirms the cancellation of the product. If there are any products remaining in the basket, the store clerk can operate the registration key 973 to newly register the products.

[0211] In the POS terminal 70, the cancellation product display field 971 has a product name field 971a, a PLU field 971b, a quantity field 971c, a minus key 971d, and a plus key 971e, and "1" may be input in advance in the quantity field 971c. When the store clerk operates the product cancellation key 974, the value in the quantity field 971c becomes "0", thereby confirming the cancellation of the product. The POS terminal 70 may input "0" in advance in the quantity field 971c.

[0212] In addition, the POS terminal 70 may display a screen for confirming the registration of the product by the store clerk operating the columns 940e to 940g of the product requiring the intervention of the store clerk on the management screen 940. The POS terminal 70 may display a notification appropriate to the type of product, such as "Please remove the tag," "Please confirm your age," or "Exchange product is available at the service counter. The transaction number is XXX," on the screen for confirming the registration of the product.

[0213] The POS terminal 70 may transmit the reserved product information, etc., that the store clerk has modified on the editing screen to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 may reflect the information in the product master, etc. For example, in the case of a new product being handled for the first time, a product from a new business partner, or when the barcode has been forgotten to be updated, even if the barcode attached to the sale product is read, it may not exist in the product master, and the product may become a NON-file product.

[0214] In such a case, the POS terminal 70 can prevent the product from becoming a reserved product by updating the product master with the correction of the reserved product information. The product information editing process here only requires items necessary for product registration and payment processing. For example, the product name, unit price, barcode (product identification information), and tax category (reduced tax rate, tax included, tax excluded, tax exempt, etc.).

[0215] In addition, for items whose prices, etc. are unclear, the POS terminal 70 may be configured to allow provisional correction by editing the department and amount.

[0216] Then, when the store clerk edits and updates the reserved product information 940b on the editing screen 930 to accumulating registered product information, the POS terminal 70 corrects and displays the reserved product information 940b on the management screen 940 as shown in Fig. 22. Specifically, the display of "reserved product" in the display field of the reserved product information 940b is changed to "confirmed."

[0217] The POS terminal 70 may display the revised pending product information 940b at the top of the list of registered product information 940a without moving the display position of the information, or may display the revised pending product information 940b at the top of the list of registered product information 940a by moving the information to match the display order of the other registered product information 940a after making the correction. In addition, when the pending product information 940b, 940c and the canceled product information 940d are arranged in the left region of the management screen 940, the POS terminal 70 may move the corrected pending product information 940b to the right region and display it.

[0218] Then, the POS terminal 70 changes the number of reserved items 940j displayed at the bottom of the management screen 940 to "5."

[0219] The POS terminal 70, which has modified the pending product information 940b, determines whether or not there is pending product information (including canceled product information) in the registered information, i.e., whether or not all pending product information has been modified (S707), and if it determines that all pending product information has been modified, it lifts the prohibition on the settlement process (S708). Then, the POS terminal 70 displays the management screen 940 in which all the reserved product information has been corrected, as shown in FIG. 23 (S709).

[0220] 23, the management screen 940 shows that correct product information has been entered and registered for two pending product information items 920b and 920c for which product registration was not possible, and that cancellation of registration has been confirmed for one canceled product information item 920d for which cancellation processing was performed at the time of registration. Furthermore, the products 920e to 920g that require the intervention of a store clerk are being confirmed by the store clerk.

[0221] The display indicating that the reserved product information has been corrected is not limited to displaying "Confirmed" in the display field of the reserved product information 940b as shown in FIG. For example, the POS terminal 70 may change only the display color or background color of the reserved product information before and after the correction, and may display the information in such a way that it is possible to understand, even after the correction, why the reserved product information was a reserved product.

[0222] By checking the reserved product information 940b, 940c and the cancelled product information 940d, the POS terminal 70 updates the total number of products 940k and the total amount 940m. Furthermore, once all of the pending product information, etc. has been confirmed, the POS terminal 70 changes the display of "Estimate" displayed at the upper position of the management screen 940 to "Total," and displays "0" in the number of pending products 940j displayed at the lower position of the management screen 940.

[0223] In addition, the POS terminal 70 changes the background color of the management screen 940 to a normal background color, and displays a “Checkout” key 920q at the top of the management screen 940. When the member or store clerk operates the "Payment" key 940q, the POS terminal 70 completes the product registration and correction process and transitions to the payment screen shown in FIG.

[0224] On the other hand, if the POS terminal 70 determines in step S707 that all of the reserved product information has not been corrected, the process returns to step S706 and repeats the correction process until all of the reserved product information has been corrected. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 22, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the execution of the settlement process until the pending product information 940c and the cancelled product information 940d are corrected. In this case, for example, the "Checkout" key 940q shown in Fig. 23 may not be displayed in Fig. 22. Alternatively, even if the "Checkout" key 940q is displayed, the "Checkout" key 940q may not function by informing the user that the pending products should be checked and processed.

[0225] The settlement screen 950 shown in FIG. 24 displays a "Cash" key 950a and a "Credit card" key 950b for selecting the payment amount and payment method, and the member can carry out the settlement process by operating either key (S710) and complete the transaction. The process flow in the POS terminal 70 has been described above.

[0226] -Function block diagram- FIG. 9 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the sales data processing system of this embodiment. The mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system of this embodiment has a control unit 200, a display unit 250 such as a touch panel, and an input unit 260 such as a camera.

[0227] The control unit 200 comprises control means 201 for controlling the entire mobile terminal 20, store identification means 202 for identifying the store where shopping will be done, acquisition means 203 for acquiring product identification information of the product to be purchased, detection means 204 for detecting an operation for acquiring the product identification information, product registration means 205 for identifying and registering product information based on the acquired product identification information, reserved product registration means 206 for generating and storing information about products for which product information cannot be registered, display means 207 for displaying on display unit 250 the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205 and the reserved product information generated and stored by the reserved product registration means 206, notification means 208 for notifying that product information cannot be registered, output means 209 for outputting the registered product information and the reserved product information, and registered product cancellation means 210 for canceling the registered product information of the member.

[0228] The control means 201 controls the mobile terminal 20 as a whole, and, for example, stores each piece of input (acquired) or detected information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each piece of information from the storage device and displays it on the display unit 250, and exchanges information with other devices. Furthermore, the control means 201 executes various types of determination processing as necessary. For example, in step S204 of the flow shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not product identification information has been acquired, in step S205 it is determined whether or not product information has been identified based on the acquired product identification information, and in step S209 it is determined whether or not a payment instruction has been given by the member.

[0229] Furthermore, the control means 201 functions as an adding means for adding acquired product information, operation information at the time of member's product registration, or attention information regarding transactions such as discounts, as necessary.

[0230] The store identification means 202 executes a store identification process. For example, the store identification means 202 outputs location information of the mobile terminal 20 to the higher-level device 10 and inputs information on the store where shopping will be performed from the store master of the higher-level device 10, thereby identifying the store where shopping will be performed.

[0231] The acquiring means 203 executes a product information acquiring process. For example, the acquiring means 203 acquires the product identification information of the product based on code information attached to the product imaged using the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20. Note that, in the sales data processing system of the above embodiment, an example is used in which the product identification information is acquired by reading the barcode attached to the product, but the method of acquiring the product identification information by the acquiring means is not limited to reading the barcode.

[0232] For example, product identification information may be acquired by the mobile terminal 20 through non-contact detection using an RFID tag or by capturing a QR code. Furthermore, image recognition technology may be used to identify the product based on characteristics such as the product's appearance (shape, color, material, etc.). In addition, images taken by customers when registering products can be stored on a server and AI learning can be performed to improve the recognition rate of the image recognition. The acquiring means 203 also acquires the scanning action by the member using the mobile terminal and operation information at that time (pretending to read, route traveled, time required, etc.).

[0233] The detection means 204 executes a reading operation detection process. For example, the detection means 204 detects that an operation for capturing an image of code information attached to a product has been performed by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 .

[0234] The product registration means 205 executes a product registration process. For example, the product registration means 205 identifies a product based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition process and the information stored in the product master, acquires the product information, and registers it as registered product information.

[0235] The reserved product registration means 206 executes a reserved product information generation process. For example, when the product identification information cannot be acquired by the acquisition process or when the product identification information acquired by the acquisition process is not stored in the product master, the reserved product registration means 206 generates and stores information about the product as reserved product information. The reserved product registration means 206 functions as an addition means for adding, as necessary, attention-calling information such as product information of a product that requires the intervention of a store clerk.

[0236] The display means 207 executes a display process. For example, the display means 207 displays on the display unit 250 the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205 and the reserved product information generated by the reserved product registration means 206 . In addition, when the acquisition means 203 acquires product information or operation information, the display means 204 functions as a second display means for displaying the attention-calling information added by the addition means.

[0237] The notification means 208 executes notification processing in the mobile terminal 20 . For example, when there is a product that cannot be registered by the member's product registration operation, the notification means 208 notifies the operator of the mobile terminal 20 via the display unit 250 or the like. The output means 209 outputs the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205, the reserved product information generated by the reserved product registration means 206, and the like.

[0238] The registered product cancellation means 210 executes a registered product cancellation process. For example, the registered product cancellation means 210 detects that a member has performed an operation to cancel a product registration, and creates registration deletion information and outputs information regarding the operation to cancel the registered product information to the higher-level device 10.

[0239] The POS terminal 70 of the sales data processing system of this embodiment includes a control unit 700, a display unit 750 such as a touch panel, an input unit 760 such as a camera, a printing unit 770 such as a printer, and the like.

[0240] The control unit 700 includes a control means 701 for controlling the entire POS terminal 70, an input means 702 for inputting product registration information, a display means 703 for displaying the inputted registration information on the display unit 750, a settlement means 704 for settling the product based on the registration information, a notification means 705 for notifying a store clerk or the like when reserved product information is input, an editing means 706 for correcting the reserved product information, and a prohibition means 707 for prohibiting the settlement process by the settlement means 704 when reserved product information is included in the product information.

[0241] The control means 701 controls the POS terminal 70 as a whole, and for example, stores each piece of input (acquired) or detected information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each piece of information from the storage device and displays it on the display unit 750, and exchanges information with other devices. Moreover, the control means 701 executes various types of determination processing and the like as necessary. For example, in step S702 of the flow shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not there is reserved product information in the registered information, and in step S707, it is determined whether or not there is any uncorrected reserved product information.

[0242] Furthermore, the control means 701 functions as an adding means for adding acquired product information, operation information at the time of member's product registration, or attention information regarding transactions such as discounts, as necessary. The control means 701 also functions as a permission means for permitting the settlement prohibited by the prohibition means 707 when the editing means (confirmation means) performs an editing process (confirmation).

[0243] The input means 702 executes an input process. For example, the input unit 702 inputs the registration information output by the output unit 209 of the mobile terminal 20 . The display means 703 executes a process for displaying the registration information. For example, the display means 703 displays the input registration information (product information and reserved products) on the display unit 750. In addition, the display form of the displayed registration information (product information and reserved products) is changed as necessary. The display means 703 also functions as a first display means for displaying the attention-calling information added by the adding means at the time of settlement by the settlement means 704.

[0244] The settlement means 704 executes the settlement process. For example, the settlement means 704 performs a settlement process for the product based on the registered information. Prior to the settlement process, the payment method by which the customer will make the settlement is acquired.

[0245] The notification means 705 executes a notification process. For example, when the input registration information contains reserved product information or canceled product information, the notification means 705 displays on the display unit 750 that a reserved product (cancelled product) exists, and executes a call process to call a store clerk to the POS terminal 70. The notification means 705 also executes a call process to call a store clerk according to the member's situation or other needs.

[0246] The editing means 706 executes an editing process. For example, the editing means 706 displays an editing screen for amending the pending product information, etc., input by the input means 702. A store clerk or the like edits the pending product information (including information on products that require the intervention of a store clerk) on the editing screen to confirm the registered information, that is, the editing screen functions as a confirmation means for confirming the warning information. The amendment screen may be displayed by inputting a store clerk code, etc.

[0247] The prohibition means 707 executes the prohibition process. For example, when the registration information contains reserved product information or canceled product information, the prohibition means 707 prohibits the settlement process until the reserved product information is corrected by the editing means 706 and registered as registration information.

[0248] The functions of the mobile terminal 20 or the POS terminal 70 of this embodiment will be further described below. -How to display the list of registered details- Next, the screen display of the mobile terminal 20 during product registration will be further described. (Normal registration operation) During shopping, the mobile terminal 20 displays on the display unit 250 a registration screen 810 shown in FIG. When a member reads information such as a barcode attached to a product using the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 displays the products in order in a second display area 812 located in the lower area of ​​the registration screen 810 shown in Figure 16 (a), with the most recently registered product being located in the upper position of the second display area 812.

[0249] As a member proceeds with registering products, the second display area 812 of the registration screen 810 of the mobile terminal 20 is filled with information about the registered products, and the product information whose barcode was previously read is no longer displayed in the second display area 812. Members can check the registered products by looking at the second display area 812, but when purchasing many products, they have to scroll through the list displayed in the second display area 812 a lot in order to check the information of the products they have previously registered, making the process cumbersome. The mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment can expand the second display area 812 of the display unit 250 as necessary, allowing the member to more easily check the registered products.

[0250] Specifically, when a member has registered multiple products and it becomes impossible to display all of the product information registered in the second display area 812, the mobile terminal 20 displays an “Expand” key (operator) 813d in the third display area 813. When a member operates the “Expand” key 813d, the mobile terminal 20 expands the second display area 812, as shown in FIG. 16(b), and displays the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 using the entire area of ​​the display unit 250. Furthermore, by expanding second display area 812, a "reduce" key (operator) 813e may be displayed in third display area 813 for reducing second display area 812 to the original range before expansion.

[0251] It goes without saying that if all the products cannot be displayed even when the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 are displayed using the entire area of ​​the display unit 250, they can be displayed by scrolling. It should be noted that the method for expanding the second display area 812 is not limited to the method using the “expand” key 813 d arranged in the third display area 813 .

[0252] When the mobile terminal 20 uses the entire area of ​​the display unit 250 to display the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 and hides the first display area 811, it is preferable to disable the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 in conjunction with this.

[0253] It should be noted that the mobile terminal 20 does not necessarily have to expand the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 to fill the entire area of ​​the display unit 250 by operating the "expand" key 813d. The mobile terminal 20 may set the expansion range based on the member's operation, or may set the expansion range in a state in which all products can be confirmed according to the number of products.

[0254] The portable terminal 20 may immediately disable the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the portable terminal 20 when the second display area 812 is changed to a range including the first display area 811, and may also disable the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the portable terminal 20 when the second display area 812 is expanded to the reading range visibly displayed in the first display area 811. As described above, the mobile terminal 20 can suppress unnecessary power consumption by disabling imaging by the input unit 260 at the point in time when it becomes impossible to check the imaging data using the first display area 811.

[0255] Furthermore, as the member performs the product registration process, the mobile terminal 20 may sequentially expand and display the second display area 812. In this case, by setting the maximum expansion state of the second display area 812, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically expand the second display area 812 while securing the first display area 811.

[0256] If a barcode (product identification information) is not recognized within the reading range of the first display area 811 for a predetermined period of time, the mobile terminal 20 may disable image capture by the input unit 260 in order to save power.

[0257] Since the mobile terminal 20 has the first display area 811 located at the top of the screen, when the operator operates the mobile terminal, the line of sight of the object to be actually photographed is beyond the top edge of the mobile terminal according to the position of the camera of the mobile terminal, which provides excellent operability. Also, the reason why the second display area 812 is located at the bottom of the screen is that it is sufficient to be able to see the screen when checking purchased products, and when products exceeding the predetermined number of display lines are registered, the full screen can be displayed by using the expansion key of the third display area 813 located at the center of the screen, and when the full screen display is insufficient, all products can be checked by scrolling or the like.

[0258] Furthermore, since the operation is performed while checking the current number of items purchased and the purchase amount during the imaging process, it is extremely advantageous in that the third display area 813 is located between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812, which display the imaged screen, and does not burden the operator with moving his or her line of sight. Also, the operation of the above-mentioned expansion keys is easy.

[0259] The mobile terminal 20 may change the display position of the controls on the screen depending on the member information or at any timing. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 usually has controls arranged in consideration of the operability of right-handed people, so it is difficult to use for left-handed people or left-handed operation. In this case, the mobile terminal 20 places the "checkout" key 813c at a position approximately the same distance from the center line of the screen as shown in Fig. 27(a), and the purchase quantity 812b, etc. may be moved in the same way, or may be placed at the top of the product name display as shown in Fig. 27(b). That is, the mobile terminal 20 can store the locations of the controls suitable for right-handed and left-handed operation, and automatically switch based on switching instructions, membership information, etc. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may purposely place the "checkout" key 813c in a location that is difficult to operate, for example, on the opposite side.

[0260] A process flow relating to the above-mentioned method for displaying the list of registered details is shown in Fig. 26. This process flow corresponds to a subroutine of step S209 in the process flow shown in Fig. 7. In step S401, the mobile terminal 20 displays the first display area 811 and the second display area 812 on the display unit 212. Then, the mobile terminal 20 detects that an expansion operation has been performed on the second display area 812 by the member (S402), and upon detecting that the expansion operation has been performed, executes an expansion process for the second display area 812 (S403).

[0261] Then, it is determined whether the expanded second display area 812 has reached a predetermined range (S404). The predetermined range in step S404 may be, for example, a range that includes at least the range of first display area 811, a range that includes a reading range where a barcode can be recognized, or a range that includes the entire first display area 811.

[0262] When mobile terminal 20 determines in step S404 that second display area 812 has reached a predetermined range, it proceeds to step S406 and disables acquisition means 203. Specifically, it turns off the imaging function of the camera (imaging means by input unit 260).

[0263] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S402 that an expansion operation has been performed by the member, the process proceeds to step S405, where it is detected that a barcode has not been recognized within the reading range of the second display area 812 for a predetermined time, and if it is determined that a barcode has not been recognized for a predetermined time, the mobile terminal 20 proceeds to step S406 and disables the acquisition means.

[0264] If the barcode is recognized in step S405, the process returns to step S401 to continue displaying the registration information. The above describes the process related to the method of displaying the product registration screen.

[0265] -Multiple purchases of the same product- When registering a product using the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment, if a member purchases multiple copies of the same product, this can be done by changing the quantity displayed in the registered product information 812d on the registration screen 810, or the code information of the same product can be imaged multiple times.

[0266] However, if the code information of the same product is captured multiple times, either consecutively or at intervals, the mobile terminal 20 displays a message to confirm whether or not it is OK to purchase the same product multiple times, or changes the confirmation sound or vibration pattern when acquiring the product identification information. For example, it displays a message such as "The same product has been scanned twice. Is the registration correct?" to inform the customer whether the operation was correct or incorrect. This allows the member to recognize that the product registration process he or she is currently performing is the acquisition of code information multiple times.

[0267] Specifically, when a member photographs the same product and confirms the product, the mobile terminal 20 may display a message saying "The same product has been registered. Would you like to purchase?" along with a "Yes / No" selection key to request confirmation. At the time of confirmation, the mobile terminal 20 may display a screen that allows the user to add or subtract the quantity. This method is efficient when registering the same product consecutively, since there is a possibility that the quantity may be further increased.

[0268] When a member registers the same product, registers another product, and then registers the same product again, the mobile terminal 20 performs the same confirmation. To prevent fraud, the mobile terminal 20 may allow registration of multiple products by reading the same number of times as the purchased quantity. Similarly, the mobile terminal 20 may delete products by deleting the same number of times as the deleted quantity. Either operation or both may be adopted for the operation of purchasing multiple copies of the same product on the mobile terminal 20. Also, the mobile terminal 20 may change the operation method according to the operation level (proficiency) of the member.

[0269] When a member registers the same product by capturing images multiple times, the mobile terminal 20 sets the purchase quantity of the registered product information of the product to the multiple purchases and displays it in the latest line of the list display. It goes without saying that registrations of the same product by capturing images multiple times may be displayed in multiple lines.

[0270] -Registering products sold separately- For products that are not suitable for affixing a barcode, such as fruits and vegetables like cucumbers and products sold individually like fish, the product registration process may be performed, for example, by capturing an image of the barcode attached to the shelf or container on which the product is displayed. Alternatively, the barcode displayed on an electronic shelf tag may be captured. Needless to say, if a barcode is directly attached to the product, the barcode may be photographed.

[0271] The mobile terminal 20 may identify products by capturing an image of the product that is not suitable for affixing a barcode and performing object recognition. In addition, the registration process may be performed by voice or the like, or by displaying preset keys on the display unit and having the member select one of them.

[0272] Furthermore, when selling loose products, etc., discounts are often applied for bulk purchases (multiple purchases). When a member captures the barcode of a product to which a bulk purchase discount applies, the mobile terminal 20 displays a pop-up 850, as shown in FIG. 17(a), in which the number of items that will be cheaper when bought in bulk is set as the initial number to be purchased.

[0273] Pop-up 850 displays the product name 850a, price per unit 850b, quantity to be purchased 850c, and selling price 850d for the loose product, as well as a "+" key 850e and a "-" key 850f, which are used to change the quantity to be purchased, and a "Cancel product" key 850g and a "Confirm" key 850h.

[0274] In the example shown in FIG. 17(a), the mobile terminal 20 displays a pop-up 850 in which a product with the product name "Corn from Hokkaido" is registered, and displays that by buying three of the product, which costs 120 yen each, a savings of 60 yen can be achieved. The mobile terminal 20 sets the purchase quantity 850c to "3", which represents the number of products in a bundle, as the initial value. The member can learn from the pop-up 850 that the product is a discounted product for bulk purchases, and can easily set product registration for bulk purchases by operating the "Enter" key 850h.

[0275] In addition, members can change the quantity purchased by operating the "+" key 850e and the "-" key 850f, and can cancel the registration of a product by operating the "Cancel Product" key 850g, just like with normal product registration.

[0276] When the member operates the "-" key 850f to change the number of purchases, the mobile terminal 20 changes the display of the pop-up 850 as shown in FIG. 17(b). In the pop-up 850 shown in Figure 17(b), the quantity to be purchased 850c has been changed to "1", the selling price (120 yen) without the discount applied is displayed, and it is indicated that a savings of 60 yen will be achieved by buying three bottles at once.

[0277] The content and timing of the display encouraging bulk buying are not particularly limited, and when the member changes the number of items to be purchased, the mobile terminal 20 may display a message indicating that the bulk buying discount will no longer be applied.

[0278] Then, when the member operates the "Enter" key 850h (confirmation operation), the mobile terminal 20 registers the registration information according to the number of items set in the purchase quantity 850c. In this way, the member can know from the pop-up 850 that the item is a discounted product for bulk purchases, and can easily set the bulk purchase by operating the "Enter" key 850h. Even if a bulk purchase discount is applied to the product, the initial value may be set to "1."

[0279] This registration operation is also applied to normal single-item sales. In other words, the registration operation can be performed in the same way by setting sales conditions such as bundle sales and bulk purchases. The sales conditions are set using product master data or special sale master data, and are generated as information that allows a mobile terminal to identify the product. Furthermore, special sales that are not applicable to general customers may also be applied to members.

[0280] In addition, for products with sales quantity restrictions, such as a sales condition of up to XX units per person, the "+" in the upper limit quantity may be disabled or hidden. In addition, only "+" may be used to count up in the quantity unit set in the sales conditions, and further, the manner in which the addition / subtraction keys are displayed and functioned in "sales condition quantity" units may be changed.

[0281] Furthermore, when the "sales condition quantity" is subtracted, the non-fulfillment of the sales condition is notified, and the display format of the explanation of the sales condition may be changed. Also, when "1" is added to the "sales condition quantity", the display may be switched to the next sales condition fulfillment quantity and the total discount amount, etc. This makes it possible to encourage members to purchase the quantity specified in the sales conditions.

[0282] FIG. 29 shows an example of a process flow relating to the above-mentioned registration operation of loose products. The mobile terminal 20 inputs product information of the product that the member wishes to purchase (S501). Specifically, the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires product identification information by reading a barcode attached to the product, and acquires (inputs) product information of the product from the product master 110 based on the product identification information.

[0283] Next, the mobile terminal 20 detects whether or not special sales conditions are set in the sales conditions of the input product information (S502). For example, in the table shown in Fig. 28(a), it detects whether or not sales conditions (project number) exist for the product with the input product identification number. The special sales conditions referred to here are sales conditions in which some condition is set regarding the number of items sold, such as items that are subject to bulk sales or an upper limit is set on the number of items that can be purchased per person. Furthermore, if the number of items to be purchased is stored in advance in a shopping list or the like, the number of items may be included in the sales conditions. Also, the sales conditions may indicate that the item is one that the customer frequently purchases (item with purchase history).

[0284] In step S502, if it is detected that special sales conditions are set in the product information, the mobile terminal 20 acquires information on the number of items that will be sold and that is set in the sales conditions, for example, by referring to the product master sale data shown in Figure 28 (b). Then, the mobile terminal 20 determines the number of items to be purchased when the member purchases the item based on the acquired information on the number of items that have been sold, that is, based on the detected sales conditions (S503).

[0285] For example, the mobile terminal 20 detects from the acquired product identification information 0001 (corn) that the product is a target product for which a bulk discount is set for project number 1, acquires that the number of units for which the sales conditions for project number 1 are met is 3, and determines the number of units to be discounted as "3". In addition, for example, if the product is a limited quantity product for which sales conditions are set, such as up to 2 units per person, the mobile terminal 20 determines the limited quantity as the number of units. Furthermore, if the product is one that the customer frequently purchases (a product with a purchase history), the mobile terminal 20 may determine the number of units purchased last time.

[0286] After deciding the number, the mobile terminal 20 displays a confirmation screen for confirming the registration of the product on the display unit 250 with the number set in advance as the purchase quantity (S504). Ordinarily, when a member scans the barcode of a product, the mobile terminal 20 sets the purchase quantity to "1" and registers the product. However, if the product obtained by scanning the barcode has special sales conditions, for example if it is a product eligible for a bulk discount, a confirmation screen will be displayed with the bulk purchase quantity set, as shown in FIG. 17(a).

[0287] In step S504, the mobile terminal 20 that has displayed the confirmation screen waits for the "Enter" key 850h arranged on the confirmation screen to be operated. It should be noted that, if an operation to change the number of items to be purchased is performed on the confirmation screen, the number of items to be purchased is changed in accordance with the operation.

[0288] In step S506, when it is detected that the "Enter" key 850h has been operated by the member, the mobile terminal 20 registers the product based on the purchased quantity at the time when the "Enter" key 850h was operated, and completes the process.

[0289] On the other hand, if it is detected in step S502 that no special sales conditions are set in the product information, the process proceeds to step S505, the purchase quantity is set to "1", and without displaying the confirmation screen, the process proceeds to step S507, the product is registered, and the process is completed. The above describes the process related to the registration operation of loose products.

[0290] -Registering products with variable weights- When registering products sold by weight, such as meat and prepared foods, a pricing label on which product information is recorded is printed using a scale that weighs the product sold by weight, and the mobile terminal 20 performs the product registration process by reading the barcode printed on the pricing label.

[0291] By connecting the weighing device to a store controller, the product information recorded on the issued pricing label can be added to the product master. It should be noted that for variable weight commodities, the purchase quantity may not be changed by operating the list display on the registration screen 810.

[0292] Furthermore, when the weighing device is connected to a network, the weighing device and mobile terminal 20 may be connected by short-range wireless communication or the like, the barcode of the product to be weighed may be read by mobile terminal 20, the product to be weighed may be specified by operating a key to specify the product, and the product may be weighed on the weighing device, and information on the weighed product may be registered in mobile terminal 20. In this case, the label issued by the weighing device may be a label that lists only information such as the expiration date, and then affixed to the product.

[0293] Furthermore, if membership information and app user IDs can be recognized using ICs or other devices, shopping data can be generated even from bulk-only weighing devices and uploaded as customer shopping data, and by comparing the two sets of data, it will be possible to prevent fraud. In addition, if the product has only been specified and the mass has not been determined, i.e., the purchase price has not been determined, the product may be treated as a reserved product.

[0294] -Register coupon information- The mobile terminal 20 can register coupon information on a paper coupon. For example, by reading a barcode printed on the coupon, the recorded discount information can be acquired and reflected in the registered product information. If the recorded coupon information is unique, the coupon information can be invalidated by reading the coupon information. Also, if it is necessary to collect a coupon ticket, a store clerk may be called during shopping to input the information, or the POS terminal 70 that performs the settlement process may be specified as a manned POS or the like to carry out the settlement.

[0295] The mobile terminal 20 may automatically calculate the maximum discount condition based on the read coupon information, and output the registration information reflecting the price of the product. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may include the read coupon information in the product registration information and output it as code information such as a symbol code, and have the POS terminal 70 read the code information, thereby outputting the coupon information to the POS terminal 70, etc., and performing discount processing, etc.

[0296] In this case, shopping identification information and coupon identification information may be recorded in code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) output by the mobile terminal 20, and the POS terminal 70 that has acquired the identification information may acquire registration information and coupon information from the higher-level device 10 based on each identification information.

[0297] -Using a shopping list- A member uses mobile terminal 20 to identify a store and specify all or part of the store's product master data for download, and mobile terminal 20 creates a list of products the member plans to purchase (hereinafter, "shopping list") in response to the member's operation.

[0298] For example, the mobile terminal 20 creates a shopping list by a member selecting and registering products to be purchased from a list of product information displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically register products that are purchased on a daily basis as products to be purchased when creating a shopping list.

[0299] When registering products at a store, the member can display the shopping list on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 and use the shopping list. The order of the products to be purchased in the displayed shopping list may be in the order of store aisles or departments, or may be freely set or changed. Also, by voice input such as "vegetables" or "food," the mobile terminal 20 may display only the relevant department, or may display it at the upper position of the display area.

[0300] When a member registers a product, the mobile terminal 20 changes the display of the product information on the shopping list and deletes the item from the shopping list. This allows the member to know that the product he or she plans to purchase has been registered. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to cancel or the like by notifying the planned purchase quantity for a product in which multiple purchases are planned and registering the planned quantity.

[0301] Also, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured so that the member cannot register the product until the product to be registered from the shopping list has been specified. This allows the member to reliably purchase the product he or she plans to purchase, and also prevents excessive impulse buying, such as the purchase of products other than those planned.

[0302] If the member images a product other than the product after specifying the product, the mobile terminal 20 may display an error message, etc. Also, the mobile terminal 20 may display an error message, etc. when the member images a product other than the product registered in the shopping list.

[0303] The mobile terminal 20 allows the registration process of products that are not on the shopping list, but in that case, it is preferable to inform the user that the product is not on the shopping list, for example by displaying a screen to confirm the purchase. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may display, in the list display of the registered information, products that are on the shopping list and products that are not on the shopping list in a distinguishable manner.

[0304] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may allow the member to complete product registration by clicking on the product name displayed in the shopping list. The member does not need to read the product's barcode, allowing for smoother product registration. Also, by using the shopping list to register products, the registration process can be easily performed for products that do not have a barcode attached.

[0305] The mobile terminal 20 may automatically add products that are purchased regularly to the shopping list based on past shopping history information, and may create a "shopping list" by scanning barcodes of empty containers at home. The mobile terminal 20 may also be limited to functioning as a preset key for products that do not have barcodes attached. There is no need to take the trouble to read barcodes on price plates, etc. An operation button may also be provided to display alternative products, such as the place of origin (manufacturer), specifications, and capacity.

[0306] In addition, if there is a product registered in the shopping list but with no registration information, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the member of the fact that the product has been forgotten to be purchased by displaying a registration screen or the like, and may further inquire as to whether or not to purchase the forgotten product.

[0307] -Registration information output process- The process of outputting the registration information at the time of settlement will now be described in further detail. The registration information is output by converting the shopping identification information into a QR code (registered trademark), displaying it on the mobile terminal 20, and having the POS terminal 70 read it. The POS terminal 70 that reads the QR code (registered trademark) requests shopping information from the higher-level device 10 using the acquired shopping identification information, and upon receiving the request from the POS terminal 70, the higher-level device 10 calculates a subtotal using the shopping information linked to the shopping identification information and transmits the calculated shopping information to the POS terminal 70.

[0308] A QR code (registered trademark) that encodes the shopping information may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20 and output to the POS terminal 70. In this case, the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) displayed on the output screen 830 of the mobile terminal 20 is read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 to output the registration information and perform the settlement process, but if there is a lot of registration information and one piece of code information is not enough, multiple pieces of code information are displayed in succession and read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 in succession to output all of the registration information. In this case, it is preferable that the mobile terminal 20 displays the total number of pieces of code information and the number of the currently displayed piece of code information on the output screen 830.

[0309] In addition, instead of reading shopping identification information, etc. using a QR code (registered trademark), the POS terminal 70 may acquire and receive information on registered products by having the mobile terminal 20 display information in the memory area of ​​the shopping file, and the POS terminal 70, having acquired the information in the memory area, acquire a "shopping file" based on that information. Furthermore, the information output to the POS terminal 70 is not limited to a QR code (registered trademark), and may be a one-dimensional code. Furthermore, the information may be something that can identify member information, such as an NFC identification code of the mobile terminal 20. By setting the identifier in the shopping file, the shopping file can be easily identified.

[0310] When the registration information output process is performed by displaying code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) on the output screen 840 of the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 does not stop displaying the code information until the POS terminal 70 completes the registration information input process.

[0311] For example, when the POS terminal 70 has completed reading the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a), it may communicate this to the mobile terminal 20, and when the input of the code information in the POS terminal 70 is completed, the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 may display a message such as "Product registration is complete. Subsequent operations will be carried out at the settlement device," and then the display of the code information may end.

[0312] This allows the member to know that the product registration process using the mobile terminal 20 has been completed, and allows the member to concentrate on the payment process using the POS terminal 70. When the product registration process is completed, the mobile terminal 20 such as a smartphone closes the output screen 830 displayed on the display unit 250 and returns to the start screen 800.

[0313] Furthermore, the output of the registration information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70 is not limited to displaying code information. For example, a customer may complete the registration process using the mobile terminal 20 and select a POS terminal 70 to perform the settlement process, whereby the mobile terminal 20 may identify the POS terminal 70 and output the registration information to the POS terminal 70 via the network.

[0314] Furthermore, the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 may read the identification information of the POS terminal 70 attached to or displayed on the screen of the POS terminal 70, and output the registration information to the POS terminal 70 of the read identification information via a network. In this case, the registration information may not be output directly to the POS terminal 70 selected by the mobile terminal 20, but may be output via a higher-level system such as the higher-level device 10 or the store controller 60. That is, the mobile terminal 20 may output the shopping identification information to the selected POS terminal 70, and the POS terminal 70 to which the shopping identification information has been input may request and acquire the corresponding registration information from the higher-level system based on the shopping identification information.

[0315] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may receive status information of the POS terminal 70 and display a status button or the like of the POS terminal 70 on the display unit 250, and when a member selects a POS terminal 70, output the registration information to the selected POS terminal 70. Furthermore, based on the status information transmitted from the POS terminal 70 to the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically select the POS terminal 70 that outputs the registration information or shopping identification information, and output the information. The method of outputting the registration information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70 is not particularly limited and may be performed by any appropriate method.

[0316] During shopping, the member may remember that he or she forgot to buy an item during the payment process. In such a case, the member can operate a cancel button or the like displayed on the display unit of the POS terminal 70 during the payment process, which will cause the POS terminal 70 to display a notification screen on the display unit 730 stating, for example, "Payment will be canceled. Subsequent operations will be performed on your smartphone." and the registration screen 810 can be displayed again on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, allowing the member to continue registering the item.

[0317] -Settlement process- The member selects a payment method to be used for payment processing of the product on the payment screen 950, but if the payment method is registered in advance when the member registers, the POS terminal 70 does not need to display the screen for selecting the payment method. Note that even if the payment method is registered, it is preferable to be able to change the payment method.

[0318] Products that require age verification, such as alcoholic beverages, require a store clerk to be called in the same way as reserved products. In addition, for pharmaceutical products, explanations from a pharmacist or registered salesperson are mandatory for second-class pharmaceuticals, so a store clerk may be called in a separate manner from reserved products.

[0319] The sales data processing system may treat these items in the same way as reserved items, store them as reserved item information, and call a store clerk by a notification means at the time of payment. Furthermore, it is preferable that the POS terminal 70 prohibits the transaction by prohibition means unless editing (confirmation processing) is performed in the same manner as with the reserved product information. Furthermore, a notification may be given when a pharmacist or registered distributor is not present.

[0320] Payment can be made with gift certificates or points earned by point members. Coupons and other discount tickets can also be used, and payment can be made in the same way as with regular payment processing, including the payment of change and the issuance of receipts. The sales data processing system may automatically call a store clerk when a store clerk's intervention is required for the collection of a gift certificate, etc. Alternatively, a display on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20 or the POS terminal 70 may display a message directing the user to a service counter or a manned POS.

[0321] It is also preferable that the sales data processing system controls so that payment processing is not performed based on registered product information registered in a store other than the store specified by the member. In other words, the basket data (shopping file) generated by identifying the store contains store identification information, and when another store outputs the registration information processed by the identified mobile terminal 20 and attempts to perform the payment process using the POS terminal 70, an error message such as "This is not a purchase from this store" is displayed on the display unit 750 of the POS terminal 70, and a store clerk is called.

[0322] In addition, when the product registration process is performed using a mobile terminal 20 that has identified another store, the display screen of the mobile terminal 20 may display a message such as "Payment at the other store has not been completed. Would you like to create basket data for our store?" or "You are logged in to another store. Cannot log in," thereby preventing shopping at the other store.

[0323] It is also preferable that the sales data processing system have a store clerk check the payment as necessary during the settlement process. The check by the store clerk may be performed in the store clerk calling process in step S703 of the flow in FIG. 11, but may also be performed at another timing. Furthermore, the check of the settlement process by the store clerk may be carried out randomly as a spot check, but it is preferable to check according to the operation status and operation level of the mobile terminal 20 of the member.

[0324] For example, the sales data processing system may perform a check by a store clerk for members whose membership level stored in the customer file is the lowest level L1. This ensures that a store clerk will always check and support a member who is using the service for the first time. On the other hand, for high level L5 members who have completed the registration process multiple times using the mobile terminal 20 and have few operational errors using the mobile terminal 20, checks and support by store clerks are omitted, thereby reducing the burden on the store.

[0325] -Prevent forgetting to pay- If the member moves outside the store without completing the payment process for the purchased item, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the member that the payment process for the item is incomplete. Specifically, the location of the mobile terminal 20 is identified by GPS location information, and if the mobile terminal 20 moves outside the store premises without completing the payment process, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the customer via their registered email address or app screen.

[0326] In addition, when a product registration process is performed using the app, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the customer by not forcibly terminating the app until the payment process is completed and by prohibiting the launch of other apps. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the user by e-mail or the like that automatic payment will be made using a payment method such as a credit card that has been registered in advance.

[0327] Furthermore, the sales data processing system of this embodiment may be operated without settlement processing at the settlement device by registering credit, electronic money, or a withdrawal account at a financial institution, etc. However, since members can shop with peace of mind if they confirm the contents of their purchases, the method may be such that the member can freely decide to confirm the contents at the settlement device or a device with a similar function.

[0328] In addition, if there are no pending items or if there is no need to handle cash payments, gift certificates, coupons, etc., depending on conditions such as the member's operation level, in other words, if there is no need to use the settlement device for online payment or direct debit, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the user that operation of the settlement device may be skipped when displaying the registration information or shopping identification information in the registration completion operation in a QR code (registered trademark) or the like, or may display a notification or guidance such as "No operation is required on the settlement device" instead of the screen.

[0329] - View purchase history - The sales data processing system of this embodiment stores the operation history of the member using the mobile terminal 20 from the time he or she enters the store until the time the member completes the settlement process at the settlement device, and the status of the mobile terminal 20, and can display (display warning information) on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 or the display unit of the POS terminal (settlement device) 70 as necessary.

[0330] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when a member uses the mobile terminal 20 to read a product's barcode, the POS terminal 70 displays a situation in which the product registration information could not be read as "pending product not scanned" 920c, and also displays a situation in which the member was able to obtain product identification information by reading the product's barcode, but the product information does not exist in the product master as "pending product non-file" 920b. Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 displays a situation in which a member uses the mobile terminal 20 to register a product and then cancels the registration of the product as a "cancelled product" 920d.

[0331] The operation history displayed by the sales data processing system of this embodiment is not limited to the operation of canceling reserved products. For example, during a limited time sale, a member may use the mobile terminal 20 to display discount information (such as a discount sticker) applied to a product as "discounted product" 920h on the display unit (display of warning information).

[0332] In addition, service information (discounts, discounts) regarding service items is usually stored in the upper device 10 in association with the product, and the service information (discounts, discounts) is automatically reflected based on the product identification information by reading the product barcode.

[0333] On the other hand, when it comes to discounts and time-limited sales on prepared foods or clearance sales of vegetables, discounts are sometimes given by store clerks who see the items and then put discount stickers or the like on them at their discretion. In this case, since it is difficult to link the service information to the higher-level device 10, the member may first read the barcode (discount information) printed on the discount sticker that he or she has attached himself or herself, and then read the barcode of the product to apply the discount to that product. The discount may be applied by reading the discount information on the discount sticker after reading the bar code of the product. In addition, the discount information on the discount sticker is not limited to a barcode, but may be text such as "50% off" or symbols such as "◯" or "◎", and is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by the mobile terminal 20.

[0334] When applying discounts in this manner, for example, if service information for a 50% discount is attached to product A, there is a risk of fraud occurring by reading the barcode information of product B, which has no discount applied, and then reading the service information for product A, resulting in a 50% discount being applied to product B as well.

[0335] In order to reduce these fraudulent transactions as much as possible, if a member registers a 50% discount five or more times, the POS terminal 70 may classify the member's transaction as a transaction requiring caution (add warning information) and, like other pending items, display the transaction at the top of the registered item information 920a on the registration confirmation screen 920 as a discount transaction requiring the intervention of a store clerk (display warning information). Here, the POS terminal 70 may thereafter manage the member as a cautioned customer.

[0336] The sales data processing system may set a discount availability flag and a discount upper limit value in association with the product identification information in the product master 110, thereby making it impossible to register products with illegal discounts.

[0337] For example, the sales data processing system may set the product identification information of product B on the product master 110 to "no discount available," thereby prohibiting the execution of discount processing when a member reads the product B barcode information and the 50% discount service information, and may notify the member that "This product is not eligible for discounts. It is possible that a discount sticker for another product has been read."

[0338] Furthermore, the sales data processing system may set the product identification information of product C on the product master 110 to "upper limit: 20% off", thereby prohibiting the execution of discount processing when a member reads the barcode information of product C and service information that exceeds the upper limit, and may also notify a similar error message.

[0339] Furthermore, when the execution of the discount process is prohibited, the sales data processing system may store the member in question in the member master 130 as a customer to be warned about and set up so that a store clerk will be involved at the time of payment, or may display the member as a product requiring confirmation (display warning information) on the registration confirmation screen 920 along with a message such as "discount" in the same way as other reserved products.

[0340] In addition, when a member's smartphone is used as the mobile terminal 20, a battery for the smartphone may be lent. A member can use a mobile terminal 20 to read a QR code (registered trademark) or the like attached to the battery to link and manage the battery with the member. In this case, the POS terminal 70 may display on the display unit the status that the battery is being loaned out (display warning information), and may even issue a notification urging the member to return the battery after the settlement process is completed.

[0341] Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 may display the battery as a product requiring confirmation (displaying warning information) along with the wording "battery" or the like, alongside other reserved products, on the registration confirmation screen 920 of the member who rented the battery.

[0342] In addition, when registering a product, a member may attach his / her mobile terminal (smartphone) 20 to a smartphone holder placed in a predetermined position on the shopping cart (e.g., at the handle position) so that the camera portion is exposed, and register the product by reading the barcode of the product with the mobile terminal 20. This will enable members to shop while constantly monitoring the status of their shopping cart and their personal bags.

[0343] Furthermore, while the mobile terminal 20 is fixed to a smartphone holder, the camera may be activated to monitor changes in the products in the basket, either constantly or when hand movement is detected. This allows the mobile terminal 20 to detect when an unregistered product has been placed in the basket, and when this is detected, it may determine that this is fraudulent and notify a store clerk or the like.

[0344] In addition, when the mobile terminal 20 detects that an unregistered product has been added to the basket, it may display (display warning information) such as "An unregistered product may have been added to the basket. Please register the correct product."

[0345] In order to avoid the need to transfer items from the basket to a shopping bag after payment is complete, the mobile terminal 20 may display a screen on the display unit 250 at the start of shopping to confirm whether the member has brought their own bag. If the member selects on the confirmation screen that he / she does not have his / her own bag, the mobile terminal 20 may transition to a screen for purchasing a plastic bag and encourage the member to purchase one, or may display a message urging the member to purchase a plastic bag provided by the store. This allows members to place their own bag or plastic bag in the shopping cart before starting shopping, eliminating the need to transfer items from the basket to a shopping bag after payment is complete. In such a store, it is preferable that a space where plastic bags can be purchased is provided at the store entrance.

[0346] Moreover, if the member refuses to purchase the plastic bag, the mobile terminal 20 may add warning information to the shopping information, and the POS terminal 70 may issue a notification to call a store clerk at the time of payment. In addition, if a member selects to purchase plastic bags, the mobile terminal 20 may add warning information to the shopping information, and the POS terminal 70 may display, at the time of payment, on a registration confirmation screen or the like, an indication of the number of plastic bags purchased, and may prohibit the payment process unless confirmation is received from a store clerk. In order to monitor the status of the plastic bag using mobile terminal 20 while the plastic bag is placed in the shopping cart, it is preferable that the plastic bags distributed at the store have a large opening, and it is also preferable that my bag have a large opening.

[0347] When a product is registered, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the member by flashing the screen for a moment. Alternatively, the member may be notified by generating a reading sound such as a shutter sound. Furthermore, if the member is holding the mobile terminal 20 in his / her hand while performing the registration operation, the member may be notified that the product has been registered by applying vibrations.

[0348] In addition, whether the member is shopping with mobile terminal 20 fixed to a shopping cart or holding it in his / her hand can be determined using a gyro sensor or the like built into mobile terminal 20, and mobile terminal 20 can provide alerts by using an appropriate combination of flash alerts, reading sound alerts, and vibration alerts depending on the situation.

[0349] The POS terminal 70 may notify the customer to take the mobile terminal 20, such as a smartphone, home with them when making the payment. For example, when a member uses the POS terminal 70 to read the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the mobile terminal 20 during payment, the POS terminal 70 may display a message on the registration confirmation screen 920 such as, "Payment will begin. Operation of the mobile terminal has been completed. Please put it away so you do not forget."

[0350] In addition, the higher-level device (cloud service) 10 or the POS terminal 70 may display a registration confirmation screen 920 and notify the mobile terminal 20 that the transaction has progressed to settlement processing, and upon receiving the notification, the mobile terminal 20 may display a message such as "Please settle the bill" on the display unit.

[0351] Furthermore, when the settlement process is completed at the POS terminal 70, the POS terminal 70 notifies the mobile terminal 20 that the transaction has been completed, and the mobile terminal 20 that has received the notification displays "Settlement has been completed. Thank you for your use." on the display unit 250. After that, when a predetermined operation is performed or a predetermined time has elapsed, a start screen 800 shown in FIG. 12(a) or a registration screen 810 shown in FIG. 12(b) may be displayed.

[0352] In addition, the sales data processing system may identify the route taken by the member from entering the store to the POS terminal 70 based on the GPS information of the mobile terminal 20 or information on registered products, etc., store the route taken, and display the route on the display unit of the POS terminal 70 as the status of the mobile terminal 20 (display warning information). In addition, the sales data processing system may identify the length of time a member stays in the store from the time the member enters the store to the POS terminal 70 in relation to the route of movement, store the information in relation to the route of movement, and display the information on the display unit of the POS terminal 70 as the status of the mobile terminal 20 (display warning information).

[0353] In addition, the sales data processing system may store the time when the product registration operation was performed from the time the member entered the store to the time when the member accessed the POS terminal 70, and display the product registration operation status in chronological order on the POS terminal 70 (display warning information).

[0354] Furthermore, the sales data processing system of this embodiment may accumulate data on the registration operation status of the stored products, and determine the display position of the products in the store by analyzing the registration operation pattern based on the accumulated data.

[0355] Furthermore, the sales data processing system of this embodiment may infer unauthorized operations by store staff by analyzing registered operation patterns based on the accumulated data. When a registration operation by a member is suspected to be an unauthorized operation, the sales data processing system may display a message to that effect on the display unit of the POS terminal 70 (display of warning information).

[0356] For example, if, during a member's registration operation, there is a pending product whose code information cannot be read or if the member performs a cancellation operation on the registered product information, it is preferable that the sales data processing system notify the member on the display so that a store clerk can check and provide support.

[0357] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 or the POS terminal 70 may refer to the member file to obtain the number of past cancellations and have a store clerk check members who have made a predetermined number of cancellations or more, or may refer to the shopping file to have a store clerk check members who have made a predetermined number of registration deletion (cancellation) operations during the same purchase.

[0358] Specifically, the POS terminal 70 may be set to call a store clerk for a transaction in which the product registration cancellation operation is performed multiple times (e.g., three times) or more during the transaction. The number of times that the sales data processing system is to notify may be set by the store clerk as appropriate. Furthermore, when calling a store clerk based on a registration cancellation operation, the POS terminal 70 may take into consideration the past shopping history. For example, the POS terminal 70 may be set to call a store clerk when the total number of registration cancellation operations from the current, previous, and previous to previous operations is five or more.

[0359] This allows store clerks to check, for example, customers who pretend to register products by scanning areas of the product where there is no barcode, or customers who delete registration information without returning the product.

[0360] Furthermore, the sales data processing system may be configured to notify, at the time of settlement, a member who has made multiple discount operations with large discount rates.

[0361] When notifying the member at the time of settlement, the POS terminal 70 may display information in a manner that does not reveal to the member that the registration operation is suspected to be an unauthorized operation. Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 may display a message to the member requesting that a store clerk be called when the member makes a payment if the member suspects that the registration operation is an unauthorized operation.

[0362] By setting whether or not the store clerk checks the payment process based on the operation history of the mobile terminal 20 during the member's registration process, it is possible to improve service quality, efficiency, and security by actively having the store clerk intervene, focusing on members who frequently cancel registration or make incorrect operations, or members who are likely to be unfamiliar with registering using the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, a notice may be issued that the use of the app is prohibited.

[0363] Regarding the intervention of the store clerk based on the operation history of the mobile terminal 20 during the membership registration process, it is not limited to the settlement process, and it may also be at the time of entering the store or registering a product. For members who use the service for the first time, by intervening at the time of entering the store rather than at the time of settlement, a smooth product registration process can be promoted.

[0364] <Mode of processing non-file products> FIG. 32 is an example of a block diagram of the processing of non-file products. As described above, in this specification, a non-file product refers to a product for which product information does not exist in the product master. The product master is a master file that manages the product names, prices, etc. of the products handled by the store. The product master is an example of a product database.

[0365] In FIG. 32, the store's sales data processing system includes an acquisition means 302 for acquiring a product code (e.g., PLU) read by the mobile terminal 20, a notification means 304, a product data acquisition means 306 for receiving product information from an external database 312, a product information editing means 308, a DB update means 309 for updating the product database 110, a product information transmission means 310, the product database 110, a shopping file 140, and the like. Note that the file of the data acquired by the acquisition means 302 and the shopping file 140 may be composed of one file. Also, the product database 110 may be the product master described above. These components do not necessarily have to be implemented in one computer system (or device), and may be implemented distributively by a plurality of computer systems capable of communicating comprehensively via a network.

[0366] Also, the program for realizing this embodiment may be executed distributively by a plurality of computers communicably connected via a network. First, the symbol code of the product is read by the mobile terminal 20 operated by the customer, and a product code such as a PLU for specifying the product is acquired. The product code is first obtained by the obtaining means 302. The product database 110 is searched using the product code of the data obtained by the obtaining means 302 as a key. The product database may be located in the store or in an organization that manages multiple stores. A copy of the product database may also be located in the mobile terminal.

[0367] There are cases where product information such as the price of a product corresponding to a product code (PLU) cannot be obtained from the product database. Such products are called NON-file products, and the obtaining means 302 obtains this information. If information including the price can be obtained from the product database 110, the product information can be registered in the virtual shopping file 140.

[0368] In the case of a non-file product, notification means 304 is activated to inform the customer that the product is a non-file product. Notification means 304 notifies the customer of this fact via a terminal located in the back room or the like and managed by a store clerk. Since the mobile terminal 20 does not provide product price information, it is desirable to notify the customer on the mobile terminal screen that the product will be treated as a reserved product and that the product will be placed in a reserved basket (notification means 208 in FIG. 9). The notification to the store clerk may be made via a device located in the back room or the like and other than a terminal (or a server) managed by the store clerk. For example, the notification to the store clerk may be made via a mobile terminal that the store clerk can carry, a POS terminal for settlement, or a terminal at the service counter.

[0369] Even if a customer is in the middle of shopping, a store clerk in the back room or elsewhere can respond to this notification and perform tasks such as storing information about the NON file product in the product database. Also, if a customer is processing a payment in front of a POS terminal where a store clerk is stationed, the store clerk can use the POS terminal to register the NON file product. This process will be described later.

[0370] If a customer is in the middle of shopping, it is desirable for the product information transmission means 310 to transmit the product name and price of the NON file product to the customer's terminal when the NON file product is registered. By doing so, the customer can also check the price of a NON file product whose price was previously unknown from his / her mobile terminal. In this case, since the task of transferring the product placed in the holding basket to a normal basket may confuse the customer, it is not necessary to notify the customer of this. In this case, NON file products whose prices, etc. have been determined remain in the holding basket, so that the store clerk operating the POS terminal at the time of payment can check the held products and perform the appropriate payment operation depending on whether or not NON files have been consumed. It is also anticipated that customers may be confused by a sudden change in the display of NON-file products on their mobile devices. To avoid such confusion, as will be described later, it is possible to prevent the product names and prices of NON-file products from being sent to the customer's mobile devices.

[0371] The product information collection means in Fig. 32 functions to allow a store clerk to collect and edit information about NON file products. The collected information about NON file products is stored in product database 110 from product information editing means via DB update means 309. When there are multiple product databases, they can be mutually updated so that the multiple product databases hold the latest information.

[0372] It is desirable that the product information editing means is configured to present an image of the NON file product captured by the mobile terminal 20. The store clerk can confirm what kind of product the NON file product is by checking this captured image. Once the product has been confirmed, the store clerk inputs the price, name, subcategory, and the like of the product. The inputted information about the NON file product is stored in the product database 110, and thereafter, the product can be prevented from being treated as a NON file product.

[0373] The product data acquisition means 306 plays a role in acquiring information about products that do not exist in the product database managed by the store. For example, it can access JICFS (JAN code integrated product information database) and acquire information about NON file products. Note that the external database is not limited to JICFS. The product data acquisition means 306 performs a search in the JICFS (external database 321) using, for example, the PLU code of the NON-file product acquired from the mobile terminal as a key. For example, information such as product image data and product names can be obtained from JICFS (external database 321).

[0374] The product data acquisition means 306 transmits the acquired information to the product information editing means 308. The product information editing means 308 presents the transmitted information to the store clerk. This enables the store clerk to identify what type of product the NON file product is. This allows appropriate editing of product data. Furthermore, the store clerk can more reliably identify the NON file product by comparing the captured image of the product sent from the mobile terminal with the image of the product acquired from the external database 321.

[0375] Fig. 33 is an example of a processing flow for a NON-file product. Each processing step of this flow is described below. The subject of this processing is a sales data processing system used by a store. Some hardware of the sales data processing system may exist on a cloud that is physically separated from the store via a network. [S330] First, the product code included in the symbol code of the product imaged by the mobile terminal is received. The process proceeds to step S332. [S332] The product code is used to search the product master 110. The process proceeds to S333. [S333] It is checked whether product information corresponding to the product code has been searched for in the product master. If the product information has been obtained by the search (Yes), the process proceeds to step S334. If the product information has not been obtained by the search (No), the process proceeds to step S335.

[0376] [S334] Since the product information has been searched and the price, product name, etc. of the product to be purchased by the customer have been obtained, the product information, etc. are registered in the virtual shopping file as a normal product intended for purchase, and the process ends. [S335] When the process moves to this step, information such as the price of the product purchased by the customer has not been registered in the product master. In other words, this product is called a NON-file product. The product is assigned the status of a reserved product and registered in the virtual shopping file. This registration may be performed by further adding a flag indicating that the reserved product is a NON-file product to the status of the reserved product, and then registering the product in the virtual shopping file. The process proceeds to step S336.

[0377] [S336] In the case of non-file products, the selling price and other information is unknown. For this reason, it is desirable to store product information relating to non-file products in the product master as soon as possible. If a store clerk creates or edits product information for non-file products and registers it in the product master while the customer continues shopping, the customer's payment process will be smoother thereafter. For this reason, the product code of the non-file product is obtained. Processing proceeds to step S337.

[0378] [S337] A notice is issued that the intervention of a store clerk is required since the acquisition, editing, and registration of product information of the NON file product are required. This notice may be transmitted to a management terminal in the back yard of the store. Alternatively, it may be transmitted to one of the POS terminals that perform the settlement process. It is desirable that the identification code (PLU) of the NON file product is presented to the store clerk. Alternatively, this notice may be issued to a mobile terminal operated by the store clerk. When the notice is issued to the mobile terminal of the store clerk, the sales location of the NON file product in the store, etc. may be displayed on the mobile terminal. The sales location of the NON file product may be specified, for example, by acquiring the location where the customer's mobile terminal captured the NON file product. The store clerk can check the selling price written on the sales tag of the NON file product by going to the sales location of the NON file product. Then, immediately after checking, the store clerk can create, edit, and register the product information of the NON file product on the mobile terminal of the store clerk. In addition, when issuing the notice, an image of the NON file product captured by the mobile terminal may be presented to the store clerk. The process proceeds to step S338.

[0379] [S338] An external database (for example, JICFS (external database 321)) may be searched using the identification code (PLU) of the non-file product as a key. By searching such an external database, the price, name, etc. of the product corresponding to the identification code can be obtained. It is desirable that the searched product name, price, etc. are presented to the store clerk. The process proceeds to step S340. The external database is not limited to JICFS.

[0380] [S340] An image of the NON-file product captured by the mobile terminal may be presented to the clerk. In addition, it is preferable that the name and price of the product searched for in the external database be presented to the clerk. The clerk may decide the selling price of the product on the spot by checking this image information, or may check a predetermined selling price. It is also preferable that the name of the product retrieved from the external database be presented to the clerk. The process proceeds to step S342.

[0381] [S342] The salesperson checks the presented image, product name, etc., and inputs the product information of the non-file product. If the product name presented by the search of the external database is to be used as is, the product name may be input by touching the copy key described later. Since the price of the product is often the fixed price obtained from an external database, the price at the store may be decided on the spot by a store clerk or a predetermined selling price may be checked and this price may be adopted. The process proceeds to step S344.

[0382] [S344] The product master is updated based on the product data entered and edited by the sales clerk. If there are multiple product masters, it is preferable to update all of the product masters synchronously. The process proceeds to step S346. [S346] It is desirable that the edited product data of the NON-file product is also sent to the customer's mobile terminal. This is because the customer's mobile terminal still displays the NON-file product, and the price and name of the product are not displayed. It is anticipated that when edited product data for NON-file products is sent to a customer's mobile terminal, the display on the customer's mobile terminal may change during shopping, causing confusion to the customer. For this reason, even if edited product data for NON-file products is sent to a customer's mobile terminal, the display on the customer's mobile terminal may not change, or the edited product data for NON-file products may not be sent to the customer's mobile terminal, but may be sent only to a terminal other than the customer's mobile terminal (such as a POS terminal).

[0383] In this manner, the product data of the non-file product is registered in the product master and is also used in the settlement process. If the customer does not wish to purchase the non-file product, the store clerk can cancel the non-file product purchase at the time of payment. Even if the product information of a non-file product is registered in the product master by a store clerk before the checkout process, the non-file product may be treated as a pending product.Whether or not to include a non-file product in the checkout may be left to the store clerk's key operation at a POS terminal in which the store clerk is present.

[0384] 34 shows an example of processing on a mobile terminal for a non-file product. The mobile terminal operated by the customer may be a mobile terminal owned by the customer himself or a mobile terminal lent to the customer by the store. It is desirable for the mobile terminal to run a program that executes at least the following processes. The process flow is explained below.

[0385] [S360] The mobile terminal reads the symbol code of the product that the customer wishes to purchase. Then, the product master is searched for using the product code contained in the symbol code. Through this search, product information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase is obtained, and the product information is stored in a virtual shopping file. The product master may be downloaded into a mobile terminal. Alternatively, the product master may be stored in a sales data processing system of a store. Product data is obtained based on the product code. If product data corresponding to the product code is not registered in the product master, the selling price, name, etc. of the product cannot be obtained. As already mentioned, such products are called NON-file products. This flow is based on the assumption that a NON-file product exists, so processing proceeds to S362.

[0386] [S362] It is desirable that the mobile terminal display differently products that require the intervention of a store clerk, including non-file products, and products that do not. By displaying differently in this way, the customer can know whether or not the product he is about to purchase requires the intervention of a store clerk. If a product that requires the intervention of a store clerk is displayed on the mobile terminal, it is clear that the customer is required to use a POS terminal operated by a store clerk at the time of payment. If all the products the customer purchases do not require the intervention of a store clerk, it is possible to pay using only the mobile terminal. In this case, the customer can leave the store by simply completing the payment on the mobile terminal without using the POS terminal. The process proceeds to step S364.

[0387] [S364] After the symbol code has been read, the product code of the NON-file product is transmitted to the store's sales data processing system. Therefore, while the customer continues shopping, the store clerk can conduct research on the NON-file product. The store clerk uses the terminal he or she operates to create and edit product information for the NON-file product. The product information for the NON-file product is then registered in the product master, and the product information is also sent to the mobile terminal. Processing proceeds to step S366.

[0388] [S366] If the mobile terminal is not currently using the POS terminal to process the payment (while the customer is shopping), it is desirable for the mobile terminal to receive product information about the NON-file product from the store's sales data processing system. This product information reveals the name, price, etc. of the NON-file product, and this information can be displayed on the mobile terminal.

[0389] Note that even after receiving the product information of the NON file product, the mobile terminal may continue to handle the NON file product in the reserved product category. Therefore, even if the selling price of the NON file product becomes known, the subtotal amount on the mobile terminal may not be changed. This is because if the subtotal amount were to be automatically changed as soon as the product information of the NON file product is acquired by the mobile terminal, it may confuse the customer. Therefore, the selling price of the NON file product may be included in the subtotal when the payment is processed at the POS terminal operated by the store clerk.

[0390] The above is the process flow of the program executed on the mobile terminal. As mentioned above, when purchasing only products that do not require the intervention of a store clerk, the mobile terminal can simply read the symbol code of the product, display the purchased product, and execute payment using only the mobile terminal to complete the purchase of the product.

[0391] 35 shows an example of a process for registering a non-file product in the product master. This screen 660 is displayed on a terminal operated by a store clerk in the back room of the store, a POS terminal operated by a store clerk, or the like.

[0392] Using this screen 660, the store clerk can be notified of NON file products. Also, using this screen 660, the store clerk can create and edit product information for NON file products. In addition, this screen 660 can send product information to a product master or a mobile terminal. Also, using this screen 660, the store clerk can confirm the purchase of a NON file product, cancel the purchase, and the like.

[0393] In the PLU display field 661b, the PLU code obtained from the symbol code read by the mobile terminal 20 is displayed. The quantity display section 661c displays the number of items. The quantity of items can be incremented by using the plus button 661. The quantity of items can be decremented by using the minus button 660e. The PLU value can be edited by touching the PLU button 662a. The editing process is performed by touching the virtual keyboard 667 or by using a physical keyboard (not shown). To edit the subcategory of an item, the subcategory button 662b should be touched. To edit the price (selling price), the price button 662c should be touched.

[0394] The captured image area 661k displays a captured image of a non-file product captured by a mobile terminal. The external DB product image area displays product images acquired from an external database. The store clerk can identify the product by referring to these images.

[0395] In addition, the external DB product name column 668a displays the name of the NON-file product acquired from the external database. If this name is to be used in the store, the data in the external DB product name column 668a is copied to the store product name column 661f by touching the copy button 669. This operation not only saves the store clerk the trouble of inputting the product name, but also allows the accurate product name to be used.

[0396] In the price column 661h, if the list price of the product is available from an external database, the list price of the product may be entered by default. If the selling price at the store is to be changed, a virtual keyboard 667 or the like may be used. The minor category field 661h is used to input the minor category of the product. When the store clerk touches the minor category key 662b, preset keys (not shown) for selecting a minor category may be popped up. In this case, the store clerk can select an appropriate minor category from the popped up minor category keys.

[0397] If the customer wishes to scan the product again, the customer touches the scan button 665 . The cancel product button 663 may be used to cancel editing of a non-file product, or may be used when the customer cancels purchasing the product. The confirm button 664 is touched when the creation and editing of the product information is completed. When the confirm button 664 is touched, the product information is registered in the product master and the product information may be transmitted to the mobile terminal.

[0398] Screen 660 is displayed when a store clerk creates or edits product information for a non-file product in the back of the store, or when a store clerk operates a POS terminal when a customer pays for a product. In the case of a screen operated by a store clerk in the back of the store, it is not necessary to change, for example, the number of products. For this reason, the screen for the back of the store terminal and the screen for the POS terminal for the payment process may be different.

[0399] Fig. 36 is an example of a POS terminal 70 (payment machine) displaying reserved products. This example shows an example of the screen of a POS terminal using a vertical screen. This POS terminal screen may be not only the screen of a POS terminal operated by a store clerk, but also the screen of a self-service POS terminal operated by the customer himself, or the customer's screen of a semi-self-service POS terminal operated by both a store clerk and a customer. On screen 680, reserved products 682a, 682b, 682c, and 682d are displayed. In addition, two products registered in the product master, Mont Blanc cake 682e and baguette 682f, are displayed.

[0400] The reserved items are classified into non-file items and items requiring age verification. The reserved items indicate that they require the intervention of a store clerk. It is preferable that the reserved items are placed in a reserved basket. Since the reserved items are displayed, the message "Please register the reserved items" is displayed. In addition, the reserved items button 683 displays the number of reserved items, "4."

[0401] The reserved product 680a was a NON-file product, but because the product information was registered in the product master before checkout, the product name "A Sausage" and selling price "150 yen" are displayed. However, this amount has not been added to the total. Because it is a reserved product and exists in the reserved basket, it has not been added to the total. It is desirable that when the store clerk touches the Confirm button 664, the added total amount is displayed. Note that if the Cancel button 663 is subsequently touched, the amount may be deducted from the total. In this case, it is desirable that the identification code of the created / edited NON-file product remain saved in the product master.

[0402] The reserved product 682b is a NON file product, but because the product information is still unknown or the clerk was unable to edit it in time, the PLU code is displayed, and the product name and selling price are not displayed. In this case, the clerk operating the POS terminal can touch the reserved product button 683 to pop up a screen for creating and editing product information for the NON file product. This will be described later. In this way, it is desirable to display differently NON file products whose product information has been registered in the product master by the clerk through editing by the clerk until the time of payment, and NON file products whose editing by the clerk was unable to complete in time. If the editing process for all NON-file products has been completed by a store clerk before payment is made at the self-service POS terminal operated by the customer, the customer may complete the payment without the intervention of a store clerk by performing an operation to read the symbol code of the NON-file product of the reserved product. (Note that if there are products other than NON-file products that require the intervention of a store clerk, the store clerk will also be involved at the self-service POS terminal.) The other two reserved items are age verification items. The process by the store clerk for age verification items has already been described, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0403] 37 shows an example of a process for registering a non-file product in the product master at a POS terminal. When the store clerk touches the reserved product button 683, this screen is displayed. It is preferable that when the reserved item button 683 is touched, a product list 687 containing only reserved items is displayed. This makes it easier for the store clerk to identify the reserved items. It is also preferable that when a product in the reserved item list 687 is touched, a screen for processing the appropriate reserved item is displayed in a pop-up display in a position on the screen that is easily visible to the store clerk.

[0404] In FIG. 37, a pop-up 660 for registering a NON-file product is displayed when the store clerk touches a NON-file product 687b. This pop-up 660 is the same as the registration screen for NON-file products shown in Fig. 35. The operation of the pop-up 660 will be omitted. In order to make the pop-up screen easier to see, other screens may be displayed in the background and grayed out. The configuration and operation of this embodiment for non-file products have been described above. With this embodiment, non-file products can be quickly processed when purchasing products using a mobile terminal, thereby improving customer convenience.

[0405] Next, an example of a block diagram of the mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system will be described with reference to FIG. 25(a). The sales data processing system of this embodiment has, as a control section, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory 24, a network I / F 25, an input section I / F 26, a display section I / F 27, and the like.

[0406] The CPU 21 constitutes the computer and executes instructions of software programs. The ROM 22 prestores programs and the like for operation by the CPU 21. The programs and the like may be stored in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

[0407] The RAM 23 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and for the software to operate. The memory 24 is composed of a hard disk device or the like, and stores information such as product master data. The network I / F 25 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to a network. The input unit I / F 26 is a circuit for performing input / output with the input unit 260 . The display unit I / F 27 is a circuit for performing input / output with a display unit 250 such as a touch panel.

[0408] Next, an example of a block diagram of the POS terminal 70 of the sales data processing system will be described with reference to FIG. 25(b). The sales data processing system of this embodiment has, as a control unit, a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory 74, a network I / F 75, an input unit I / F 76, a display unit I / F 77, a printing unit I / F 78, and the like.

[0409] The CPU 71 constitutes a computer and executes instructions of a software program. The ROM 72 prestores programs and the like for operation by the CPU 71. The programs and the like may be stored in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

[0410] The RAM 73 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and for the software to operate. The memory 74 is composed of a hard disk device or the like, and stores information such as product master data. The network I / F 75 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to a network. The input unit I / F 76 is a circuit for performing input / output with the input unit 760 . The display unit I / F 77 is a circuit for performing input / output with a display unit 750 such as a touch panel. The printing unit I / F 78 is a circuit for performing input / output with a printing unit 770 such as a printer.

[0411] As described above, the sales data processing system of this embodiment generates reserved product information for products that could not be registered when the customer uses a mobile terminal to register the product, and guides the product to the basket as a reserved product, thereby reducing the number of times the customer gives up on purchasing the product and preventing loss of opportunity. If the product cannot be registered, the customer is notified of this and the product is registered as a reserved product, so that shopping is not delayed by the product that cannot be registered, and shopping can be carried out smoothly.

[0412] In addition, when a reserved product is registered, a store clerk is called to prompt the customer to correct the information, and the settlement process is prohibited when there is a reserved product, so that the settlement process cannot be completed when a product that could not be registered is included, and erroneous transactions can be prevented. Then, pending product information is generated for the product that was placed in the shopping cart by pretending to read the product's code information, and a store clerk is called at the POS terminal 70, thereby preventing fraudulent conduct.

[0413] Furthermore, when a customer scans a non-file product that is not registered in the product master with a mobile terminal, the store clerk is notified that it is a non-file product. Therefore, while the customer is continuing shopping, the store clerk can add or edit product information about the non-file product and update the product master from a terminal for the store clerk installed in the back room of the store. This updated information about the non-file product is also sent to the customer's mobile terminal, and the price and other information about the non-file product are also displayed on the display of the customer's mobile terminal. Furthermore, when the customer has finished selecting products and is making the payment at the POS terminal, information such as the price of non-file products whose product master registration has already been updated is also displayed at the POS terminal. This eliminates the need for the store clerk to check the price of the non-file product when making the payment at the POS terminal. This further reduces the time required for payment at the POS terminal. In addition, when a customer scans an item with their mobile device, the store clerk is notified that the item is a medicine, a security tag item, or an age authentication item, allowing the store clerk to prepare for each item while the customer continues shopping, further shortening the time it takes to make a payment at the POS terminal.

[0414] Furthermore, the sales data processing system of this embodiment stores and displays the status of the mobile terminal and the operation status of the product registration performed by the customer using the mobile terminal, thereby making it possible to prevent unauthorized operations by customers. Furthermore, by accumulating and analyzing the operation history of customers when registering products, it is possible to predict fraud while the customer is performing product registration operations, thereby preventing fraudulent operations without increasing the burden on store staff.

[0415] In addition, the sales data processing system of this embodiment can prevent customers from forgetting the smartphone used to register a product at the store by notifying them of the status of their mobile terminal, and can also prevent customers from forgetting to return loaned batteries, etc.

[0416] Needless to say, the above embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims, but are treated as examples. For example, in the sales data processing system of this embodiment, when the registration information includes reserved product information, the POS terminal 70 displays the registration information and the reserved product information together in a list, but it may also be possible to display only the reserved product information in a list. When the store clerk modifies all the reserved product information, the POS terminal 70 may display a list of the product information.

[0417] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 can be provided with various additional functions. For example, a member may launch a dedicated app to detect and notify the remaining battery level and signal strength of a smartphone. If the battery is low, the mobile terminal may notify the member by displaying a message such as "The battery may run out at ...:..." or "The battery may run out due to the reading process of ... point."

[0418] Also, when the mobile terminal is switched to offline due to poor radio wave conditions, the mobile terminal may notify the user by displaying a message such as "Only barcode information is displayed. Prices are not displayed." By obtaining (entering) only the barcode information and quantity offline, the data can be updated by referencing the product master when the online system is restored; it is also possible to obtain and register product information by connecting to the product master via a communication medium such as a wired LAN at the time of checkout.

[0419] The higher-level device 10 may transmit the shopping file information to the product sales system 6 (headquarters system or store controller) as the member's sales record. The product sales system 6 may also centrally manage the member's sales record other than that of the higher-level device 10. In other words, the product sales system 6 may also manage both the sales record of shopping at a store and the sales record of shopping on a mobile terminal.

[0420] The higher-level device 10 may also cooperate with an electronic receipt server (not shown). If the member desires an electronic receipt, the higher-level device 10 may provide the member with an electronic receipt based only on the sales record. The product sales system and the electronic receipt server may be linked together. In this case, all purchase records can be viewed and downloaded as electronic receipts.

[0421] The higher-level device 10 transmits the sales record at a predetermined timing to the product sales system 6. In addition, a member who uses the cloud service of the higher-level device 10 may be able to view and download the purchase records of other companies and stores as electronic receipts. As a result, members will find it convenient even if the same sales data processing system is adopted at other stores of the same company, and if members have experience using the sales data processing system at other companies and other stores, it will be easier for them to accept it.

[0422] In addition, in cases such as (1) and (3) where a sales data processing system is introduced, even if the sales results are not transmitted from the POS terminal to the product sales system 6 but are only received from the higher-level device 10, it is possible to grasp the sales results, sales flash report, and inventory status of the store.

[0423] The mobile terminal 20 may also display the purchase history by using an application installed on it. If the customer wishes to create an electronic receipt for tax purposes, the customer may specify the product from the purchase history and instruct the electronic receipt to be created. If medical deductions and self-medication target flags are managed, it is possible to output a list of the relevant items (either in CSV or PDF format) and use the information for medical deductions, etc. Other tax deductions can also be collected, and the collected information can be provided to members. If the same type of tax deduction applies to different products, or if the tax deduction conditions are different, the two can be compared and output, displayed, printed, and converted into electronic receipts. Members can also select the tax deduction that is most advantageous to them.

[0424] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 may acquire product information by referring to the product master of the higher-level device 10, etc., but the product master may also be downloaded to the mobile terminal 20 so that the product information can be acquired at the mobile terminal 20. In addition, although the mobile terminal 20 acquires the product identification information from the captured image data, the mobile terminal 20 may only acquire the captured image data, and the process of acquiring the product identification information from the captured image data and subsequent processes may be performed in a higher-level system.

[0425] In other words, each process performed in this embodiment may be performed by any of the higher-level device 10, the mobile terminal 20, the store controller 60, the POS terminal 70, etc., and there is no limitation on which device it is executed by as long as no contradiction arises.

[0426] The camera for capturing an image of a barcode or the like attached to a product may be a camera built into the smartphone, or a separate camera connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. It should be noted that the processing flows described in this specification may be executed in a different order as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, multiple flows may be executed simultaneously. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and that it is permissible to combine a part of one embodiment with another embodiment. Furthermore, the process flow or program may be executed on a single computer, or on multiple computers communicatively connected via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0427] 10: Upper device 20: Mobile devices 60: Store Controller 70: POS terminal 201: Control means 202: Store identification method 203 :Acquisition means 204: Detection means 205: Product registration method 206: Means of registering reserved items 207:Display means 208: Notification means 209: Output method 302: Acquisition method 304: Notification means 306: Product data acquisition method 308: Product information editing means 309 :DB update method 310: Product information transmission means 312 : External database 321: External database 700: Control section 701: Control means 702: Input means 703:Display means 704: Payment method 705: Notification means 706: Editing methods 707: Prohibited means 750:Display section 760: Input section 770: Printing Department

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring product information of a product specified by a mobile terminal operated by a customer of the store; a notification means for notifying a terminal of a store clerk that the product related to the product information acquired by the acquisition means is a predetermined product that requires the intervention of a store clerk together with the product information, when the product related to the product information acquired by the acquisition means is a predetermined product that requires the intervention of a store clerk; A sales data processing system having:

2. The predetermined product is a product about which price information cannot be obtained from the product database of the store.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

3. the notification means presents, as product data related to the predetermined product, a product code acquired by the mobile terminal and an image captured by the mobile terminal; 3. A sales data processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The method further includes a product data acquisition unit that acquires product data, including images, related to the predetermined product from an external database different from the product database of the store, the notification means presents the product data acquired by the mobile terminal and the product data acquired from the external database; 4. The sales data processing system according to claim 3.

5. editing means for editing product information relating to the predetermined product in response to an operation by a store clerk; a store database update means for updating the store database based on the product information edited by the editing means; a product information transmitting means for transmitting the product information edited by the editing means without updating the product information displayed on the mobile terminal and transmitting the edited product information so as to update the product information on terminals other than the mobile terminal; 5. The sales data processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The method further includes a payment machine having a display means for displaying product information requiring the intervention of a store clerk, and allowing the customer to make a payment by himself / herself, The display means is When displaying the product information, different displays are performed depending on whether the editing by the editing means has been completed or not.

6. A sales data processing system according to claim 5.

7. A step of acquiring product information of a specified product by a mobile terminal operated by a customer of the store; a step of notifying the customer that a store clerk's intervention is required when the product related to the product information acquired by the acquiring step is a predetermined product that requires a store clerk's intervention; A program for causing one or more computers communicatively connected via a network to execute instructions having the above-mentioned components.

8. A step of identifying a product by reading a symbol code attached to the product that a customer of the store wishes to purchase; a step of controlling the display mode of a specific product that requires the intervention of a store clerk to be different from that of another product that does not require the intervention of a store clerk when the specified product is displayed; A program for causing a mobile terminal operated by the customer to execute instructions including the above-mentioned.

9. The instruction: receiving product information including the price of the predetermined product from a sales data processing system of the store; Further comprising: The step of controlling to change the display manner includes displaying the received product information. The program according to claim 8.

Images