User terminal and shopping support program

Abstract

To utilize a personally owned communication terminal as a user terminal for self-registration and to avoid such a troublesome task as searching for a card or the like that can be used at a store.SOLUTION: A storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer in association with terminal identification data of a user terminal owned by the consumer. Selection means selects, from among the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal, identification information that is valid for a store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal. Second processing means executes a process related to a product that has been sold using the identification information selected by the selection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product sales processing system, a product sales processing device used in the system, a control program for the device, and a product sales processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is already known a product sales processing system in which, when a consumer picks up a product at a sales floor, the consumer operates a user terminal to read an identification code of the product, thereby registering the product himself / herself.

[0003] In this type of product sales processing system, a store generally lends a user terminal to a consumer. For example, the store prepares a shopping cart with a user terminal attached, and when a consumer places a purchased product in the shopping cart, the consumer operates the user terminal to read the identification code of the purchased product. In this method, the user terminal is a device dedicated to the store. Therefore, information specific to the store can be set in the user terminal in advance.

[0004] On the other hand, it is being considered that consumers will use their own communication terminals, such as smartphones, as user terminals. If a personal communication terminal can be used as a user terminal, the consumer will be able to register the products he or she has purchased by himself or herself at multiple stores that have introduced a product sales processing system.

[0005] In recent years, many stores have introduced point services and distribute point cards to consumers who become point members. Therefore, consumers who become point members at multiple stores must manage multiple point cards and find and present the point card of the store when shopping at the store.

[0006] In addition, there are various types of credit cards, including credit cards issued by credit companies, bank cards issued by banks, and distribution cards issued by distribution businesses such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and each type of card is determined by the store as to whether it can be used or not. Therefore, consumers who own multiple credit cards must find and present a credit card that can be used at the store when making a credit payment.

[0007] As such, even if consumers use their own communication terminals such as smartphones as user terminals, they cannot avoid the time-consuming task of searching for cards and other items that can be used at stores, and a solution is needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-516430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a product sales processing system that enables a user to use a personally owned communication terminal as a self-registration user terminal and avoids the time-consuming task of searching for cards, etc. that can be used in stores, as well as a product sales processing device used in this system, its control program, and a product sales processing method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, the product sales processing system includes a storage unit, a first acquisition means, an acceptance means, a second acquisition means, a first processing means, a selection means, and a second processing means. The storage unit stores a plurality of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer in association with terminal identification data of a user terminal owned by the consumer. The first acquisition means acquires store identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal. When the store identification data acquired from the user terminal by the first acquisition means is valid data, the acceptance means makes the user terminal available. The second acquisition means acquires product identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal that has become available by the acceptance means. The first processing means performs sales processing of a product identified by the product identification data based on the product identification data acquired from the user terminal by the second acquisition means. The selection means selects identification information valid for a store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal from among the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal. The second processing means executes a process related to the product sold by the first processing means, using the identification information selected by the selection means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product sales processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of store setting information. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a management table. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a store server. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a user terminal based on a shopping support program. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a user terminal based on a shopping support program. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a user terminal based on a shopping support program. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the store server based on a control program. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the virtual POS server based on a control program. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the virtual POS server based on a control program. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the store server based on a control program. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a check-in screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wireless connection screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a check-in completion screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment selection screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transaction barcode screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a credit card selection screen displayed on a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Below, we will use the drawings to explain one embodiment of a product sales processing system that allows a personally owned communication terminal to be used as a self-registration user terminal and avoids the need for time-consuming tasks such as searching for cards that can be used in stores, as well as a product sales processing device used in this system, its control program, and a product sales processing method.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product sales processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The product sales processing system 1 includes a product sales processing device 2 and a user terminal 3. The product sales processing device 2 has a store server 21, a virtual POS server 22, a communication server 23, a cashier 24, and an access point 25, which are connected by a wired LAN (Local Area Network) 26. The product sales processing device 2 is a device that properly connects a user terminal 3 to the store server 21, the virtual POS server 22, etc. in accordance with the product sales processing method according to this embodiment, and enables self-registration using the user terminal 3. Although not shown in the figure, the product sales processing device 2 connects multiple user terminals 3 to the store server 21, the virtual POS server 22, etc. at once, and enables self-registration using each user terminal 3.

[0014] The store server 21 is a computer that supports the overall store operations. The virtual POS server 22 is a computer that cooperates with the user terminal 3 to support the operation of a known POS terminal. The communication server 23 is a server that supports data communication with an external system via the network 4.

[0015] The accounting machine 24 is a terminal for settling the purchases. There are no particular limitations on the payment method. Well-known payment methods such as cash, credit card, and electronic money can be used.

[0016] The payment machine 24 may have a function for registering purchased items. For example, when the barcode of a purchased item is read by a scanner connected to the payment machine 24, the payment machine 24 queries the store server 21 with the item code contained in the barcode. In response to this query, the store server 21 retrieves item data such as the item name and price of the item identified by the item code from a product master file 61 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, and outputs a response to the payment machine 24, so that the payment machine 24 registers sales data for the purchased item based on this item data. The payment machine 24 then makes the payment for this purchased item.

[0017] Such payment machines 24 include manned payment machines in which a store clerk inputs payment information, and self-service payment machines in which the consumer inputs payment information. The product sales processing device 2 may be equipped with both a manned payment machine and a self-service payment machine, or may be equipped with only one of them. As the manned payment machine, a conventionally known POS terminal can be used. As the self-service payment machine, a conventionally known self-service or semi-self-service payment machine can be used.

[0018] The access point 25 is a communication facility installed in the store as a relay point when each server of the product sales processing device 2 (store server 21, virtual POS server 22, communication server 23, etc.) communicates data with the user terminal 3 via wireless LAN. The wireless LAN complies with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. Although only one access point 25 is shown in FIG. 1, the number of access points 25 is not limited. Multiple access points 25 may be connected to the wired LAN 26 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0019] The product sales processing device 2 having such a configuration is provided in each of a plurality of stores that enable self-registration of purchased products using a communication terminal such as a smartphone that a consumer personally owns as the user terminal 3. Alternatively, the product sales processing device 2 may be provided in a store that enables self-registration of purchased products using a communication terminal such as a tablet terminal that is attached to a shopping cart and owned by the store as the user terminal. In this case, the store can use both a personally owned communication terminal and a communication terminal owned by the store as a user terminal.

[0020] The user terminal 3 is a portable communication terminal. The user terminal 3 has hardware for reading at least a data code 5 of a two-dimensional code system, the details of which will be described later. For example, a commercially available smartphone or tablet terminal equipped with a digital camera can be used as the user terminal 3. In this embodiment, a communication terminal such as a smartphone that is personally owned by a consumer is used as the user terminal 3.

[0021] The data code 5 is a type of medium prepared for each store. The data code 5 is prepared, for example, at the entrance of the store. The data code 5 is obtained by coding store setting information 50 (see FIG. 2) specific to the store or the business entity that operates the store, using a predetermined two-dimensional code system. The items of the store setting information 50 are common regardless of the store. The information for each item differs for each store.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the store setting information 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the store setting information 50 includes a store entry flag, a company code, a store code, wireless connection information, and control information.

[0023] The store entry flag is 1-bit data for identifying whether or not a data code in the two-dimensional code system is a store entry data code 5. In this embodiment, the store entry flag of a store entry data code 5 is set to "1".

[0024] The company code is company identification data set for each company to identify the company that operates the store that has prepared the data code 5. The store code is store identification data set for each store to identify the store that has prepared the data code 5. Note that store codes do not prevent duplication between different companies.

[0025] The wireless connection information is information necessary for wirelessly connecting the product sales processing device 2 of a store specified by the company code and the store code to the user terminal 3. For example, the wireless connection information includes data such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​that is an identification name of the access point 25, a password set for the wireless LAN in the store, and an encryption key for the security method (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WEP, etc.) set for the wireless LAN in the store.

[0026] The control information is information necessary to control the operation of the user terminal 3. For example, the control information is a timeout period until an error occurs in communication via wireless LAN, a retry count when an error occurs, a threshold value for a battery check, etc. The threshold value is an arbitrary value set to prohibit use of the user terminal 3 when the remaining battery charge of the user terminal 3 is equal to or less than the threshold value, since there is a risk of the battery running out during shopping.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the user terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 3 includes a processor 31, an internal memory 32, an external memory 33, a touch panel 34, a camera 35, a wireless unit 36, a communication interface (I / F) 37, and a system transmission path 38. The user terminal 3 also includes a rechargeable battery 39 as a driving source.

[0028] The system transmission path 38 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The user terminal 3 connects the processor 31, the built-in memory 32, the external memory 33, the touch panel 34, the camera 35, the wireless unit 36, and the communication interface 37 to the system transmission path 38. In the user terminal 3, the processor 31, the built-in memory 32, the external memory 33, and the system transmission path 38 connecting them form a computer.

[0029] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or an application program to realize various functions of the user terminal 3. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0030] The built-in memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The built-in memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 32 stores data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 32 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0031] The external memory 33 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 33. The external memory 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The external memory 33 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0032] The touch panel 34 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the user terminal 3. The touch panel 34 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 31.

[0033] The camera 35 is an imaging device built into the user terminal 3. The camera 35 operates as a still or video image capturing device or as a data code scanning device for barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc., depending on an application program installed in the user terminal 3. The camera 35 is an example of a code reader.

[0034] The wireless unit 36 ​​is a circuit for performing data communication with the access point 25 in accordance with the communication protocol of the wireless LAN.

[0035] The communication interface 37 is a circuit for performing data communication with an external device connected via the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0036] The user terminal 3 configured as described above stores a shopping support program used when shopping at a store in which the product sales processing system 1 has been installed, as an application program stored in the built-in memory 32 or external memory 33. There is no particular limitation on the method of installing the shopping support program in the built-in memory 32 or external memory 33. The shopping support program can be installed in the built-in memory 32 or external memory 33 by recording a control program on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control program by communication via a network. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or USB memory.

[0037] The user terminal 3 stores a terminal ID in a non-volatile memory area in the built-in memory 32. The terminal ID is terminal identification data set for each user terminal 3 in order to individually identify each user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 also uses a part of the volatile memory area in the built-in memory 32 as an area 321 for store setting information 50. In the area 321, store setting information 50 obtained by analyzing an image of a data code captured by the camera 35 is selectively stored.

[0038] The user terminal 3 uses a part of the memory area in the external memory 33 as a management table 331. The management table 331 is an example of a storage unit that stores multiple pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal 3 owned by the consumer. In other words, the management table 331 is a data table for managing whether or not the identification information associated with a consumer can be used at a store that allows the consumer to self-register purchased items on the consumer's personally owned user terminal 3. Examples of the identification information include credit card identification information, membership card identification information, and electronic receipt user identification information.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the management table 331. As shown in Fig. 4, the management table 331 is composed of a first field F1 of type, a second field F2 of identification information, and a third field F3 of a setting flag. A plurality of third fields F3 are provided for each code An (n is 1, 2, 3, ...). Fig. 4 shows an example of the management table 331 provided with six third fields F3 for codes A1 to A6.

[0040] Code An is a code that combines a company code and a store code. For example, if the company code is "001" and the store code is "0001", code An is "0010001". Alternatively, code An may be "0001001". Hereinafter, code An is referred to as combination code An.

[0041] In this embodiment, the data stored in the first field F1 is "C", "P", or "R". Data "C" represents a credit card. Data "P" represents a point card. Data "R" represents an electronic receipt user.

[0042] The data stored in the second field F2 is determined by the data stored in the corresponding first field F1. Specifically, when the data stored in the first field F1 is "C", the corresponding second field F2 stores the identification information of the credit card. The identification information of the credit card may be the card number or the linkage ID set when linking the credit card.

[0043] There are various types of credit cards, including credit cards issued by credit card companies, bank cards issued by banks, and distribution cards issued by distribution businesses such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Whether or not any of these cards can be used depends on the store. The communication server 23 of a store that accepts credit card payments is connected to the server of the credit card issuing company or management company via network 4.

[0044] When the data stored in the first field F1 is “P”, the corresponding second field F2 stores the identification information of a membership card. The identification information of the membership card is, for example, a point card number.

[0045] A membership card is a card issued to consumers who become members to receive services provided by a store. Services include points services, discount services, etc. Membership cards can be used at the store that issued the card or at other stores that belong to the corporate entity that operates the store. Alternatively, membership cards can be used at stores affiliated with the company that operates the service.

[0046] When the data stored in the first field F1 is "R", the corresponding second field F2 stores the identification information of the electronic receipt user. The identification information of the electronic receipt user is an electronic receipt ID for identifying the communication terminal of the consumer who downloaded the application program of the electronic receipt service. Hereinafter, the application program of the electronic receipt service is referred to as an electronic receipt app.

[0047] A consumer who wants to receive a receipt as an electronic receipt downloads an electronic receipt app to a communication terminal such as a smartphone. Then, a new electronic receipt ID is set for the communication terminal. When shopping at a store that provides an electronic receipt service, the consumer can receive a receipt as an electronic receipt by presenting the electronic receipt ID to the store. A communication server 23 of the store that provides the electronic receipt service is connected to a server of the electronic receipt service operating company, that is, an electronic receipt server, via a network 4. The communication server 23 adds the electronic receipt ID to receipt data of a transaction presented with the electronic receipt ID and transmits the electronic receipt server. A consumer can access the electronic receipt server via the Internet by operating a communication terminal and notify the electronic receipt ID, thereby viewing the receipt data to which the electronic receipt ID has been added on the communication terminal.

[0048] A consumer who owns a credit card performs an operation to set the identification information of the credit card in the management table 331. Through this operation, the identification information of the credit card is set, together with the type "R", in the first field F1 and the second field F2 of the management table 331. Then, in the third field F3, the setting flag corresponding to the combination code An of the store code and company code of the store where the credit card can be used becomes "1" indicating valid, and the setting flags corresponding to other combination codes An become "0" indicating invalid.

[0049] A consumer who owns a membership card performs an operation to set the identification information of that membership card in management table 331. Through this operation, the identification information of that membership card, together with the type "P", is set in the first field F1 and second field F2 of management table 331. Then, in the third field F3, the setting flag corresponding to the combination code An of the store code and company code of the store where that membership card can be used becomes "1", and the setting flags corresponding to other combination codes An become "0".

[0050] A consumer who has acquired an electronic receipt ID performs an operation to set the electronic receipt ID in the management table 331. Through this operation, the electronic receipt ID is set together with the type "R" in the first field F1 and the second field F2 of the management table 331. Then, in the third field F3, the setting flag corresponding to the combination code An of the store code and company code of the store that provides the electronic receipt service becomes "1", and the setting flags corresponding to the other combination codes An become "0".

[0051] The operation for setting various identification information in the management table 331 is not particularly limited. The consumer may set the information by operating the user terminal 3, or may set the information by operating a personal computer or the like to which the user terminal 3 is connected. For example, the store server 21 refers to the data in the management table 331 from the user terminal 3 connected wirelessly via the access point 25. The store server 21 sets the setting flag corresponding to the identification information usable in the store, among the setting flags belonging to the combination code An of the store ID and the company ID of the store in which the store server 21 is installed, to "1", and sets the setting flag corresponding to the identification information that cannot be used to "0". In this way, the management table 331 as shown in FIG. 4 is created in the external memory 33 of the user terminal 3.

[0052] 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 21. The store server 21 includes a processor 211, a main memory 212, an auxiliary storage device 213, a communication interface 214, and a system transmission path 215. The system transmission path 215 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The store server 21 connects the processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, and the communication interface 214 to the system transmission path 215. In the store server 21, the processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, and the system transmission path 215 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0053] The processor 211 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 211 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 21 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 211 is, for example, a CPU.

[0054] The main memory 212 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 212 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 212 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 212 may store data required for the processor 211 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 212 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 211. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0055] The auxiliary storage device 213 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 213. The auxiliary storage device 213 stores data used by the processor 211 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 211. The auxiliary storage device 213 may also store the above application programs.

[0056] The application programs stored in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213 include a control program that describes information processing executed by the store server 21. The method of installing the control program in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213 is not particularly limited. The control program can be installed in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control program by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0057] The communication interface 214 connects to the wired LAN 26. The communication interface 214 transmits and receives data to and from the virtual POS server 22, the communication server 23, the accounting machine 24, and the access point 25 via the wired LAN 26.

[0058] The processor 211 of the store server 21 can transmit and receive data to and from a user terminal 3 wirelessly connected to the access point 25 through the communication interface 214. Here, the communication interface 214 functions as a communication means for connecting to a user terminal 3 owned by a consumer using wireless communication.

[0059] The store server 21 thus configured stores, in a non-volatile memory area in the main memory 212, the store code of the store that manages the store server 21 and the company code of the business entity that operates the store.

[0060] The store server 21 also stores a product master file 61 in the auxiliary storage device 213. The product master file 61 is a collection of product records that describe data on products sold at the store. The product records describe product data such as product codes, prices, and product names. Product codes are product identification data that are set for each product to identify each product. Each product is usually affixed with a barcode that represents the product code.

[0061] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 22. The virtual POS server 22 includes a processor 221, a main memory 222, an auxiliary storage device 223, a communication interface 224, and a system transmission path 225. The system transmission path 225 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The virtual POS server 22 connects the processor 221, the main memory 222, the auxiliary storage device 223, and the communication interface 224 to the system transmission path 225. In the virtual POS server 22, the processor 221, the main memory 222, the auxiliary storage device 223, and the system transmission path 225 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0062] The processor 221 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 221 controls each part to realize various functions of the virtual POS server 22 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 221 is, for example, a CPU.

[0063] The main memory 222 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 222 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 222 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 222 may store data required for the processor 221 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 222 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 221. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0064] The auxiliary storage device 223 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 223. The auxiliary storage device 223 stores data used by the processor 221 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 221. The auxiliary storage device 223 may also store the application programs described above.

[0065] The application programs stored in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223 include control programs that describe information processing executed by the virtual POS server 22. There is no particular limitation on the method of installing the control program in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223. The control program can be installed in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control program by communication via a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0066] The communication interface 224 connects to the wired LAN 26. The communication interface 224 transmits and receives data between the store server 21, the communication server 23, the payment machine 24, and the access point 25 via the wired LAN 26.

[0067] The processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 can transmit and receive data to and from the user terminal 3 wirelessly connected to the access point 25 through the communication interface 224. Here, the communication interface 224 functions as a communication means for connecting to the user terminal 3 owned by the consumer using wireless communication.

[0068] The virtual POS server 22 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 222 as an area for creating a registration table 70. The registration table 70 is created for each user terminal 3 connected via a communication means. The registration table 70 is a data table for storing sales data and the like of products self-registered by the user terminal 3.

[0069] The virtual POS server 22 also stores a product file 62 in the auxiliary storage device 223. At least the product name and unit price of the product record stored in the product master file 61 are copied to the product file 62. Each time a unit price, for example, of a product record stored in the product master file 61 is changed, the product record stored in the product file 62 is also updated in real time. Note that a method for updating the product records stored in the product master file 61 is well known, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0070] Here, the product file 62 constitutes a storage unit that stores product data including the name and price of the product identified by the product identification data in association with the product identification data. The product master file 61 constitutes a master storage unit that stores at least the product data stored in the product file 62.

[0071] 7 to 9 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 based on the shopping support program. FIG. 10 and FIG. 13 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 211 of the store server 21 based on the control program stored in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 based on the control program stored in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223. FIG. 14 to FIG. 23 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3. Below, the main operations of the product sales processing system 1 including the product sales processing device 2 and the user terminal 3 will be described using these figures. This operation description will clarify the product sales processing method of the product sales processing device 2. Note that the contents of the operations described below are only examples. As long as similar results can be obtained, the operation procedures and contents of the operations are not particularly limited.

[0072] When a consumer visits a store in which the product sales processing system 1 is installed, before starting shopping, the consumer starts the shopping support program installed in the user terminal 3. Then, the processor 31 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts of Figs.

[0073] First, the processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 so that the check-in screen SC1 (see FIG. 14) is displayed as ACT101.

[0074] Fig. 14 is an example of the check-in screen SC1. As shown in Fig. 14, the check-in screen SC1 displays a message instructing the consumer to scan the two-dimensional code for store entry, as well as an image of a "Yes" button BT1 for indicating that the consumer has confirmed the message. After confirming the check-in screen SC1, the consumer touches the "Yes" button BT1.

[0075] When processor 31 detects that the "Yes" button BT1 on check-in screen SC1 has been touched by a signal from touch panel 34, processor 31 starts camera 35 in ACT102. Then, processor 31 controls touch panel 34 so that camera screen SC2 (see FIG. 15) is displayed in ACT103.

[0076] Fig. 15 is an example of a camera screen SC2. As shown in Fig. 15, an image AR1 showing a reading area of ​​a two-dimensional code is displayed on the camera screen SC2. After checking the camera screen SC2, a consumer points the lens of the camera 35 built into the user terminal 3 at a data code 5 prepared at the entrance of the store so that the data code 5 fits within the image AR1.

[0077] After displaying the camera screen SC2, the processor 31 waits for the data code of the two-dimensional code system to be read by the camera 35 in ACT104. When the data code of the two-dimensional code system falls within the image AR1 as shown in Fig. 16, the processor 31 determines that the data code has been read. The processor 31 determines YES in ACT104 and proceeds to ACT105.

[0078] In ACT 105, processor 31 analyzes the data encoded by the data code from the image of the data code captured by camera 35. Then, in ACT 106, processor 31 determines whether the read data code is data code 5 which sets the store entry flag to "1".

[0079] If the data code read by the camera 35 is other than the data code 5, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 106 and returns to ACT 104. The processor 31 waits again for the camera 35 to read a data code of the two-dimensional code system.

[0080] If the data code read by camera 35 is data code 5 with the store entry flag set to "1", processor 31 determines YES in ACT 106 and proceeds to ACT 107. In ACT 107, processor 41 analyzes data code 5 to obtain store setting information 50 including the store entry flag, company code, store code, wireless connection information, and control information, and stores the information in area 321 of built-in memory 32.

[0081] The processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 so that the wireless connection screen SC4 (see FIG. 17) is displayed as ACT108.

[0082] Fig. 17 is an example of the wireless connection screen SC4. As shown in Fig. 17, the wireless connection screen SC4 displays a message indicating that the user terminal 3 is connected to the in-store wireless network and that shopping will be possible once the connection is complete. The shopper then waits for the user terminal 3 to connect to the in-store wireless network.

[0083] The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​based on the wireless connection information of the store setting information 50 stored in the area 321 as ACT109, and waits for the user terminal 3 to connect to the wireless in the store. If the user terminal 3 is not connected to the wireless in the store even after a time equivalent to the timeout time included in the control information of the store setting information 50 has elapsed, the processor 31 repeats retries for the number of retries included in the control information. If the user terminal 3 is unable to connect to the wireless in the store even after repeated retries, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT109 and determines a communication error. The processor 31 waits a certain amount of time, for example, and then executes the process for connection again.

[0084] 10, the processor 211 of the store server 21 waits for a user terminal 3 to be connected in ACT201. When the user terminal 3 is connected to the store server 21 via the access point 25 so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with the store server 21, the processor 211 judges YES in ACT201 and proceeds to ACT202. The processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit a command requesting a company code and a store code to the user terminal 3 in ACT202. This control causes the communication interface 214 to transmit a code request command addressed to the user terminal 3. The code request command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3.

[0085] 7, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 judges YES when connected to the wireless in the store, and proceeds to ACT 110. In response to a code request command from the store server 21 in ACT 110, the processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the company code and store code included in the store setting information 50. This control causes the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the company code and store code data, and this data is received by the store server 21 via the access point 25.

[0086] 10, the processor 211 of the store server 21 that controlled the transmission of the code request command waits for the company code and store code data in ACT 203. When the company code and store code data is received via the communication interface 214, the processor 211 judges YES in ACT 203 and proceeds to ACT 204. In ACT 204, the processor 211 compares the received store code and company code with the store code and company code stored in the main memory 212. Then, in ACT 205, the processor 211 judges whether the store code and company code match.

[0087] If the result of the comparison is that at least one of the store code and the company code does not match, the processor 211 determines NO in ACT 205 and proceeds to ACT 206. The processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit a negative response command to the user terminal 3 in ACT 206. With this control, the negative response command is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the user terminal 3. The negative response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3. After controlling the transmission of the negative response command, the processor 211 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0088] On the other hand, if the comparison result shows that both the store code and the company code match, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT205 and proceeds to ACT207. The processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit an acceptance response command to the user terminal 3 in ACT207. By this control, the acceptance response command is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the user terminal 3. The acceptance response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3.

[0089] The processor 211, which has controlled the transmission of the acceptance response command, performs an update process of the management table 331 of the user terminal 3 as ACT208. Specifically, the processor 211 checks whether or not the management table 331 contains a third field F3 in which a combination code An of the company code and the store code of the store server 21 is set. If the third field F3 does not exist, the processor 211 adds the third field F3 in which the combination code An is set to the management table 331. Then, the processor 211 sets a setting flag in the third field F3. That is, for the setting flag of the first field type "C", if the credit card specified by the identification information of the second field can be used at the store, the setting flag is set to "1", if the credit card cannot be used, the setting flag is set to "0". For the setting flag of the first field type "P", if the membership card specified by the identification information of the second field can be used at the store, the setting flag is set to "1", if the membership card cannot be used, the setting flag is set to "0". For the setting flag of the first field type "R", if the store provides an electronic receipt service, the setting flag is set to "1", if the store does not provide an electronic receipt service, the setting flag is set to "0".

[0090] On the other hand, if a third field F3 already exists in which a combination code An of a company code and a store code held by the store server 21 is set, the processor 211 examines the setting flag of that third field F3 in the same manner as described above.

[0091] When updating of the management table 331 is thus completed, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit a command requesting a terminal ID to the user terminal 3 as ACT 209. By this control, the ID request command is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the user terminal 3. The ID request command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3.

[0092] 7, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the transmission of the company code and the store code waits for reception of an approval response command in ACT 111. In this waiting state, if a negative response command is received, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 111 and ends this process as an error.

[0093] On the other hand, if an acceptance response command has been received, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT111 and proceeds to ACT112. In response to the ID request command from the store server 21, the processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the terminal ID stored in the built-in memory 32. Through this control, the terminal ID is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless unit 36, and this terminal ID is received by the store server 21 via the access point 25. The processor 31 also controls the touch panel 44 to display a check-in completion screen SC5 (see FIG. 18) in ACT113.

[0094] Fig. 18 is an example of the check-in completion screen SC5. As shown in Fig. 18, the check-in completion screen SC5 displays an image of a "Yes" button BT2 along with a message indicating that preparations for shopping are complete. After checking the check-in completion screen SC5, the consumer touches the "Yes" button BT2.

[0095] 10, the processor 211 of the store server 21 that controlled the transmission of the ID request command waits for reception of a terminal ID from the user terminal 3 as ACT 210. When the terminal ID is received via the communication interface 214, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 so as to notify the virtual POS server 22 of the terminal ID. By this control, the terminal ID is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the virtual POS server 22. The terminal ID is received by the communication interface 224 of the virtual POS server 22. The processor 211 of the store server 21 that controlled the notification of the terminal ID to the virtual POS server 22 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0096] 11, the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 waits for notification of a terminal ID in ACT 301. When the processor 221 receives the terminal ID notified from the store server 21 via the communication interface 224, the processor 221 judges YES in ACT 301 and proceeds to ACT 302. The processor 221 acquires the terminal ID notified from the store server 21 in ACT 302. Then, the processor 221 creates a registration table 70 in the main memory 222 that associates the terminal ID with the terminal ID.

[0097] Furthermore, the processor 221 wirelessly connects to the user terminal 3 whose terminal ID is set as ACT304 via the access point 25. Then, once the processor 221 has wirelessly connected to the user terminal 3, the processor 221 waits for reception from the user terminal 3 as ACT305.

[0098] In ACT113 of Fig. 7, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the display of the check-in completion screen SC5 waits for an instruction to start shopping as ACT121 of Fig. 8. When it detects that the "Yes" button BT2 on the check-in completion screen SC5 has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 34, the processor 31 determines that an instruction to start shopping has been given. The processor 31 determines YES in ACT121 and proceeds to ACT122. The processor 31 searches the management table 331 with the company code and store code of the store setting information 50 described in the area 321 as ACT122. Then, the processor 31 determines whether or not a setting flag set to "1" exists in the third field F3 to which the combination code An of the company code and store code is assigned as ACT123.

[0099] If there is at least one setting flag set to "1" in the third field F3, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT123 and proceeds to ACT124. The processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the type and identification information described in the first field F1 and the second field F2 corresponding to the setting flag set to "1" in ACT124. This control causes the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the type and identification information data, and this data is received by the virtual POS server 22 via the access point 25.

[0100] After controlling the wireless transmission of the type and identification information in ACT124, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT125. On the other hand, if there is no setting flag set to "1" in the third field F3, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT123, skips the processing of ACT124, and proceeds to ACT125. The processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 so that a registration screen SC6 (see FIG. 19) is displayed in ACT125.

[0101] Fig. 19 is an example of the registration screen SC6. As shown in Fig. 19, the registration screen SC6 has an area for displaying the name and price of the purchased item and the purchase amount. Also, an image of a checkout button BT3 for instructing checkout is displayed. When the consumer picks up the purchased item and places it in a container such as a shopping basket or shopping cart, the consumer holds the lens of the camera 35 over the barcode attached to the purchased item. The camera 35 then scans the barcode. The barcode contains the product code of the purchased item.

[0102] 11, when the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data wirelessly transmitted from the user terminal 3 via the communication interface 224, the processor 221 judges the result as YES in ACT 305 and proceeds to ACT 306. In ACT 306, the processor 221 checks whether the received data is data of type and identification information. If the received data is data of type and identification information, the processor 221 judges the result as YES in ACT 306 and proceeds to ACT 307. In ACT 307, the processor 221 stores the data of type and identification information in the registration table 70 associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3. After that, the processor 221 returns to ACT 305 and waits to receive the next data from the user terminal 3.

[0103] The processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the display of the registration screen SC6 in ACT125 of Fig. 8 checks whether a product code has been entered in ACT126. If a product code has not been entered, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT126 and proceeds to ACT129. The processor 31 checks whether the checkout button BT3 has been touched in ACT129. If the checkout button BT3 has not been touched, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT129 and returns to ACT126. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT126 and ACT129 for the product code to be entered or the checkout button BT3 to be pressed.

[0104] In the standby state of ACT126 and ACT129, when a barcode is scanned by the camera 35 and a product code is input from the barcode data, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT126 and proceeds to ACT127. The processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the product code in ACT127. With this control, the wireless unit 36 ​​wirelessly transmits the product code, and the product code is received by the virtual POS server 22 via the access point 25.

[0105] In the reception waiting state in ACT305 of FIG. 11, the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data from the user terminal 3 and confirms that the received data is not data of type and identification information, and judges NO in ACT306 and proceeds to ACT308. The processor 221 checks whether the received data is a product code in ACT308. If the received data is a product code, the processor 221 judges YES in ACT308 and proceeds to ACT309. The processor 221 searches the product file 62 for the product code in ACT309 and acquires product data such as the product name and price stored in association with the product code. If the product data is acquired, the processor 221 generates sales data of the product identified by the product code based on the product data in ACT310 and registers the sales data in the registration table 70 associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3. The processor 221 also controls the communication interface 224 to transmit data indicating the registration contents of the registration table 70 including the sales data to the user terminal 3 in ACT311. This control causes data indicating the registration contents to be transmitted from the communication interface 224, and the data indicating the registration contents is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. The processor 221, which has controlled the transmission of the data indicating the registration contents, returns to ACT 305 and waits to receive the next data.

[0106] The processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the transmission of the product code in ACT127 of FIG. 8 updates the registration screen SC6 based on the data indicating the registration contents received from the virtual POS server 22 in ACT128.

[0107] Fig. 20 is an example of the registration screen SC6 after updating. Fig. 20 shows the registration screen SC6 after the product code of product NN, which has a unit price of 189 yen, is entered as the first purchased item. The name and unit price of product NN are displayed on the registration screen SC6. The purchase amount of 189 yen is also displayed.

[0108] After updating the registration screen SC6, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT129. That is, the processor 31 enters a standby state for ACT126 and ACT129.

[0109] When the consumer finishes shopping, they touch the checkout button BT3 on the registration screen SC6. When the processor 31 detects that the checkout button BT3 has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 34, it determines YES in ACT129 and proceeds to ACT131 in Fig. 9. In ACT131, the processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 to display the payment selection screen SC7 (see Fig. 21).

[0110] Fig. 21 is an example of the payment selection screen SC7. As shown in Fig. 21, the payment selection screen SC7 displays images of buttons BT4 and BT5 for selecting a payment method along with the total purchase points and total purchase amount. Button BT4 is a button for selecting machine payment as the payment method. Button BT5 is a button for selecting mobile payment as the payment method.

[0111] The accounting machine payment is a method of paying for purchased goods by cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. using the accounting machine 24. The mobile payment is a method of paying for purchased goods electronically using a barcode or two-dimensional code using the user terminal 3. Mobile payment is also called code payment or smartphone payment.

[0112] After checking the payment selection screen SC7, the consumer decides whether to use machine payment or mobile payment. If the consumer uses machine payment, the consumer touches button BT4. If the consumer uses mobile payment, the consumer touches button BT5.

[0113] In ACT131, the processor 31, which has controlled the display of the payment selection screen SC7, checks whether or not payment by payment machine has been selected in ACT132. If payment by payment by payment machine has not been selected, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT132 and proceeds to ACT133. The processor 31 checks whether or not mobile payment has been selected in ACT133. If mobile payment has not been selected, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT133 and returns to ACT132. Here, the processor 31 waits for payment by payment by payment machine or mobile payment to be selected in ACT132 and ACT133.

[0114] When processor 31 detects that button BT4 on payment selection screen SC7 has been touched by a signal from touch panel 34, it determines that payment by payment machine has been selected. Processor 31 determines YES in ACT132 and proceeds to ACT134. Processor 31 controls wireless unit 36 ​​to notify payment by payment machine in ACT134. This control causes data to be wirelessly transmitted from wireless unit 36 ​​to notify payment by payment machine, and this data is received by virtual POS server 22 via access point 25.

[0115] In the reception waiting state of ACT305 in Fig. 11, the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data from the user terminal 3 and confirms that the received data is not type and identification information data, nor a product code, judges NO in ACT308 and proceeds to ACT321 in Fig. 12. The processor 221 checks whether the received data is data notifying a payment machine settlement in ACT321. If the received data is data notifying a payment machine settlement, the processor 221 judges YES in ACT321 and proceeds to ACT322. The processor 221 generates an accounting code in ACT322. The accounting code is a unique code generated to identify the registration table 70 with which the terminal ID of the user terminal 3 is associated.

[0116] The processor 221 saves the accounting code in the registration table 70 associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3 as ACT 323. The processor 221 also controls the communication interface 224 to transmit the accounting code to the user terminal 3 as ACT 324. This control causes the accounting code to be transmitted from the communication interface 224, and the accounting code is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. Having controlled the transmission of the accounting code, the processor 221 transfers the data in the registration table 70 in which the accounting code is saved to the store server 21 as ACT 325. With this, the processor 221 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0117] The processor 31 of the user terminal 3, which controlled the notification of the accounting machine settlement in ACT134 of Figure 9, controls the touch panel 44 to display the accounting barcode screen SC8 (see Figure 22) based on the accounting code received from the virtual POS server 22 in ACT135.

[0118] Fig. 22 is an example of the accounting barcode screen SC8. As shown in Fig. 22, the accounting barcode screen SC8 displays an accounting barcode BC1, which is a barcode representation of the accounting code, along with a message encouraging the consumer to scan this accounting barcode BC1 with the accounting device 24. The accounting barcode screen SC8 also displays an image of a "Yes" button BT6, which indicates that the consumer has confirmed the message, and a "Back" button BT7, which instructs the consumer to return to shopping.

[0119] After checking the accounting barcode screen SC8, the consumer touches the "Yes" button BT6. Then, they go to a location where a accounting machine 24 is installed and have the accounting barcode BC1 read by the scanner of an available accounting machine 24. After reading the accounting barcode BC1, the accounting machine 24 makes an inquiry to the store server 21 using the accounting code represented by the accounting barcode BC1.

[0120] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. When the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 detects that button BT5 on the payment selection screen SC7 has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 34, it determines that mobile payment has been selected. The processor 31 determines YES in ACT133 and proceeds to ACT136. The processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to notify mobile payment in ACT136. This control causes the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit data for notifying mobile payment, and this data is received by the virtual POS server 22 via the access point 25.

[0121] In the reception waiting state of ACT305 in Fig. 11, when the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data from the user terminal 3 and confirms that the received data is not type and identification information data, is not a product code, and is not data notifying a payment machine settlement, the processor 221 judges NO in ACT321 in Fig. 12 and proceeds to ACT326. The processor 221 checks whether the received data is data notifying a mobile payment in ACT326. If the received data is not data notifying a mobile payment, the processor 221 judges NO in ACT326, performs processing according to the received data, and then returns to the reception waiting state of ACT305.

[0122] If the received data is data notifying mobile payment, the processor 221 judges YES in ACT326 and proceeds to ACT327. The processor 221 checks whether or not to approve the mobile payment in ACT327. For example, some stores approve mobile payment and some do not. Or, even if a store normally approves mobile payment, it may not approve mobile payment temporarily for some reason. If mobile payment is not approved at that store, the processor 221 judges NO in ACT327 and proceeds to ACT328. The processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to transmit a negative response to the user terminal 3 in ACT328. This control causes the communication interface 224 to transmit negative response data, which is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. After controlling the transmission of the negative response, the processor 221 returns to the reception waiting state in ACT305.

[0123] On the other hand, if mobile payment at that store is approved, the processor 221 determines YES in ACT 327 and proceeds to ACT 329. The processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to transmit an acceptance response to the user terminal 3 in ACT 329. This control causes the communication interface 224 to transmit acceptance response data, which is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. With this, the processor 221 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0124] In ACT136 of Fig. 9, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that has notified the mobile payment checks whether or not an acceptance response has been received in ACT137. If a negative response has been received instead of an acceptance response, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT137 and returns to ACT132. At this time, a pop-up message indicating that mobile payment is not available is displayed on the payment selection screen SC7. The processor 31 waits for payment by cash machine to be selected.

[0125] If the processor 31 receives an acceptance response in ACT 137, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 138. The processor 31 executes mobile payment processing in ACT 138. This mobile payment processing is a well-known process, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0126] Processor 31 executes mobile payment processing in ACT 138, or controls the display of checkout barcode screen SC8 in ACT 135, and then waits for the payment to be completed in ACT 139. When the payment is completed, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 139 and proceeds to ACT 140. Processor 31 clears store setting information 50 stored in area 321 in ACT 140. With this, processor 31 ends information processing in accordance with the shopping support program.

[0127] 13 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 211 of the store server 21 that has received data transfer of the registration table 70 from the virtual POS server 22. That is, the processor 211 waits for the data transfer of the registration table 70 in ACT 221. When the data of the registration table 70 is received via the communication interface 214, the processor 211 judges YES in ACT 221 and proceeds to ACT 222. In ACT 222, the processor 211 stores the data of the registration table 70 in the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 212. Alternatively, the processor 211 stores the data of the registration table 70 in the auxiliary storage device 213.

[0128] The data of the registration table 70 stored in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213 includes the type and identification information saved by the processing of ACT307 in Fig. 11. The processor 211 checks whether or not the data of the registration table 70 includes identification information of type "P" in ACT223. If identification information of type "P" is not included, the processor 211 judges NO in ACT223, skips the processing of ACT224, and proceeds to ACT225.

[0129] If the identification information type is "P", the processor 211 judges YES in ACT223 and proceeds to ACT224. The processor 211 executes service processing based on the identification information in ACT224. For example, if the identification information is identification information related to a membership card for a point service, a service is executed in which points are calculated based on the sales data of each product registered in the registration table 70 and awarded to the consumer. For example, if the identification information is identification information related to a membership card for a discount service, a service is executed in which a discount is applied to the purchase amount of the product registered in the registration table 70. When the processor 211 finishes the service processing, it proceeds to ACT225.

[0130] The processor 211 waits for an inquiry about the accounting code from the payment machine 24 in ACT225. As described above, when the payment machine 24 reads the payment barcode BC1, an inquiry is made to the store server 21 using the accounting code represented by that payment barcode. When the processor 211 receives the inquiry about the accounting code, it determines YES in ACT225 and proceeds to ACT226. In ACT226, the processor 211 generates accounting data based on the sales data of the product registered in the registration table 70 in which that accounting code is stored. The processor 211 then controls the communications interface 224 to output this accounting data to the payment machine 24 that made the inquiry. Through this control, the accounting data is provided to the payment machine 24. The payment machine 24 that receives the accounting data selects a payment method. Payment methods include cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment.

[0131] The processor 211 of the store server 21 that controlled the output of the transaction data checks whether or not credit card payment has been selected in ACT 227. If a payment method other than credit card payment has been selected, the processor 211 judges NO in ACT 227 and proceeds to ACT 231. The processing of ACT 231 will be described later.

[0132] On the other hand, if credit card payment is selected, the processor 211 judges YES in ACT227 and proceeds to ACT228. The processor 221 checks whether credit card payment is possible in ACT228. Specifically, the processor 211 checks whether identification information of type "C" is stored in the registration table 70. If identification information of type "C" is not stored, the credit card held by the consumer performing the transaction cannot be used in this store. The processor 211 judges NO in ACT228 and proceeds to ACT229. The processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to output a negative response to the payment device 24 in ACT229. With this control, negative response data is sent from the communication interface 224 to the payment device 24. The payment device 24, which has received the negative response data, notifies the consumer that credit card payment is not possible.

[0133] On the other hand, if identification information of type "C" is stored in the registration table 70, the credit card held by the consumer making the transaction can be used in this store. The processor 211 determines YES in ACT 228 and proceeds to ACT 230. In ACT 230, the processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to output an approval response to the payment machine 24. This control causes the communication interface 224 to send approval response data to the payment machine 24. When the payment machine 24 receives the approval response data, the credit card payment is carried out.

[0134] Here, if there are multiple credit cards that can be used in the store, the consumer needs to select one of them. Then, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 controls the touch panel 44 to display a credit card selection screen SC9 (see FIG. 23).

[0135] Fig. 23 is an example of the credit card selection screen SC9. As shown in Fig. 23, the credit card selection screen SC9 displays a list L1 of available credit cards. The list L1 also displays the name, expiration date, etc. of the credit card. The consumer selects the credit card to be used from the list L1. Information on the selected credit card is sent from the access point 25 via the store server 21 to the payment device 24, and the credit card payment is carried out.

[0136] The processor 211, which has controlled the output of the negative response or the acceptance response in ACT229 or ACT230, proceeds to ACT231. In ACT231, the processor 211 waits for the payment to be completed at the payment device 24. When the payment is completed, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT231 and proceeds to ACT232. In ACT232, the processor 211 checks whether or not to issue a receipt as an electronic receipt. That is, the processor 211 checks whether or not identification information of type "R" exists in the registration table 70.

[0137] If there is no identification information of type "R", it indicates that the settlement with the consumer who does not issue a receipt as an electronic receipt has been completed. In this case, the processor 211 judges NO in ACT232 and ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0138] On the other hand, if there is identification information of type "R", the settlement with the consumer to whom the receipt is issued as an electronic receipt has been completed, so the processor 211 determines YES in ACT232 and proceeds to ACT233. The processor 231 executes electronic receipt processing in ACT233. Specifically, the processor 211 executes a process of transmitting electronic receipt data obtained by converting receipt print data into a structured format, for example, together with an electronic receipt ID, which is identification information of type "R", to the electronic receipt server. The process of converting receipt print data into a structured format may be performed by the store server 21 or the accounting machine 24. Alternatively, it may be performed by a device other than the store server 21 or the accounting machine 24. When the processor 211 finishes the electronic receipt processing, it ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13.

[0139] Here, the processor 31, which is the main part of the computer equipped in the user terminal 3, constitutes a first input means by executing the processes of ACT101 to ACT107 according to the shopping support program. That is, the processor 31 inputs store identification data such as the store code and company code of the store, as well as wireless connection information and control information, from the data code 5, which is a medium prepared in the store.

[0140] The processor 31 configures a second input means by executing the processes of ACT126 and ACT127 according to the shopping support program. That is, the processor 31 inputs product identification data by scanning the barcodes of products sold in the store with the camera 35.

[0141] The processor 211, which is the main component of the computer provided in the store server 21, configures a first acquisition means by executing the processes of ACT201 to ACT203 according to the control program. That is, the processor 211 acquires the store identification data input to the user terminal 3 connected via the communication interface 14 from the user terminal 3.

[0142] The processor 211 configures an allowing means by executing the processes of ACT204 and ACT205, and further ACT207 and ACT209 in accordance with the control program. That is, when the store identification data acquired from the user terminal 3 by the first acquiring means is valid data, the processor 211 makes the user terminal 3 available.

[0143] The processor 221, which is the main component of the computer provided in the virtual POS server 22, configures a second acquisition means by executing the processes of ACT305 and ACT308 according to the control program. That is, the processor 221 acquires the product identification data input to the user terminal 3 from the user terminal 3 that has become available by the permission means.

[0144] The processor 221 constitutes a processing means by executing the processes of ACT309 and ACT310 according to the control program. That is, the processor 221 acquires from the product file 62 product data of a product identified by the product identification data acquired from the user terminal 3 by the second acquisition means, and processes sales data of a product purchased by a consumer who uses the user terminal 3 based on the product data. Specifically, the processor 221 registers the sales data of the purchased product in the registration table 70 for the user terminal 3 from which the product identification data was acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0145] The processor 211, which is the main component of the computer provided in the store server 21, configures a selection means by executing the processes of ACT223, ACT228, and ACT232 in accordance with the control program. That is, the processor 211 selects, from the identification information stored in the management table 331 in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal 3, identification information valid for the store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal 3.

[0146] The processor 211 constitutes a second processing means by executing the processes of ACT224, ACT229, ACT230, and ACT233. That is, the processor 211 executes a process related to the product sold by the first processing means with the identification information selected by the selection means. Specifically, if the identification information is identification information of a membership card, the processor executes service processing such as a point service or discount service. Also, if the identification information is identification information of a credit card, the processor executes a process to allow credit card payment. If the identification information is an electronic receipt ID, the processor executes a process to transmit electronic receipt data.

[0147] In this embodiment, the store server 21 of the product sales processing device 2 has the first acquisition means and the permission means, and the virtual POS server 22 has the second acquisition means and the first processing means. The product sales processing system 1 is composed of the product sales processing device 2 and the user terminal 3 having the first input means and the second input means.

[0148] According to the product sales processing system 1 configured as above, a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by a consumer who enters a store can be properly connected to the store server 21 and the virtual POS server 22 of the store, and the communication terminal can be used as a self-registration user terminal 3. Therefore, a consumer can use a personally owned communication terminal as a user terminal 3 to register purchased products by himself / herself in a plurality of stores in which the product sales processing system 1 is installed.

[0149] Moreover, in this embodiment, the user terminal 3 includes the management table 331, and the store server 21 includes the selection means and the second processing means. Therefore, according to the product sales processing system 1, identification information valid in the store is automatically selected from the multiple identification information stored in the management table 331, and processing related to the product sold with that identification information is executed, so that the consumer can avoid the troublesome task of searching for, for example, a credit card, membership card, etc. that can be used in the store. In addition, the consumer can also avoid the task of presenting the electronic receipt ID to a store clerk.

[0150] In this embodiment, the virtual POS server 22 further includes a creation means for creating a registration table 70 for each user terminal 3. Therefore, even if multiple consumers simultaneously use a communication terminal as a user terminal 3 to perform self-registration, the virtual POS server 22 can process the data correctly.

[0151] Although one embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the store server 21 of the product sales processing device 2 includes the first acquisition means, the permission means, the selection means, and the second processing means, and the virtual POS server 22 includes the second acquisition means and the first processing means. In another embodiment, the store server 21 and the virtual POS server 22 may be realized by a single server, and this server may include each of the means. Also, for example, the processing routine of the store server 21 shown in Fig. 10 may be performed by the virtual POS server 22. In this case, when the processor 221 judges YES in ACT 210 in Fig. 10, it executes the processing of ACT 302 in Fig. 11.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the medium prepared for each store is a data code 5 of a two-dimensional code system. The medium is not limited to the data code 5. Depending on the amount of information to be included in the medium, a one-dimensional barcode may be used as the medium. In addition, if the user terminal 3 is equipped with contactless IC card technology, an antenna for short-range wireless communication may be provided as a medium in each store, and the user terminal 3 may acquire the store setting information 50 through contactless wireless communication.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the data code 5 includes a shop entry flag. In another embodiment, the data code 5 does not need to include the shop entry flag. In this case, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 omits the processing step of ACT106 in FIG. 7, and proceeds to the processing of ACT107 after analyzing the data code 5 in ACT105.

[0154] The data structure of the store setting information 50 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2. For example, when it is assumed that the implementation will be limited to the stores of a single company, the company code can be omitted from the store setting information 50.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the management table 331 is provided in the external memory 33 of the user terminal 3. The management table 331 does not necessarily have to be included in the user terminal 3. The management table 331 may be provided on a cloud accessible to the user terminal 3 and the product sales processing device 2. When the management table 331 is provided on the cloud, the user terminal 3 does not necessarily have to be a smartphone or the like that is personally owned by the consumer. For example, it may be a user terminal owned by a store and attached to a shopping cart, a so-called cart terminal. In the case of a cart terminal, the consumer performs a login operation before starting to use it. For example, the store server 21 identifies the consumer by receiving a login operation from the cart terminal, and acquires the management table 331 related to the consumer. This makes it possible to avoid the consumer having to perform a time-consuming task of searching for a card or the like that can be used at the store. On the other hand, when the management table 331 is provided in the user terminal 3, there is an advantage that the product sales processing system can be configured without using a cloud environment.

[0156] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1...product sales processing system, 2...product sales processing device, 3...user terminal, 4...network, 5...data code, 21...store server, 22...virtual POS server, 23...communication server, 24...accounting machine, 25...access point, 26...wired LAN, 31...processor, 32...built-in memory, 33...external memory, 34...touch panel, 35...camera, 36...wireless unit, 37...communication interface, 61...product master file, 62...product file, 70...registration table, 211,221...processor, 212,222...main memory, 213,223...auxiliary memory device, 214,224...communication interface, 331...management table.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer in association with terminal identification data of a user terminal owned by the consumer; a first acquisition means for acquiring store identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal; an authorization means for making the user terminal available when the store identification data acquired from the user terminal by the first acquisition means is valid data; a second acquisition means for acquiring product identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal that has become available by the permission means; a first processing means for processing the sale of a product identified by the product identification data based on the product identification data acquired from the user terminal by the second acquisition means; a selection means for selecting, from the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal, identification information valid for a store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal; a second processing means for executing a process related to the product sold by the first processing means using the identification information selected by the selection means; A product sales processing system comprising:

2. the storage unit is included in the user terminal identified by the terminal identification data associated with the identification information stored in the storage unit; the allowing means, the second obtaining means, the first processing means, the selecting means, and the second processing means are included in a product sales processing device having a communication means for connecting to the user terminal using wireless communication, The user terminal, a first input means for inputting store identification data of the store from a medium prepared in the store; and a second input means for inputting product identification data of products sold in the store.

2. The product sales processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The product sales processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the medium further includes connection information for enabling wireless communication with the product sales processing device.

4. 4. The product sales processing system according to claim 2, wherein the medium is a data code of a two-dimensional code system.

5. A communication means for connecting to a user terminal owned by a consumer via wireless communication; a first acquisition means for acquiring store identification data input to a user terminal connected via the communication means; an authorization means for making the user terminal available when the store identification data acquired from the user terminal by the first acquisition means is valid data; a second acquisition means for acquiring product identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal that has become available by the permission means; a first processing means for processing the sale of a product identified by the product identification data based on the product identification data acquired from the user terminal by the second acquisition means; a selection means for selecting, from a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer who owns the user terminal, identification information that is valid for a store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal; a second processing means for executing a process related to the product sold by the first processing means using the identification information selected by the selection means; A merchandise sales processing device comprising:

6. A computer of a product sales processing device having a communication means for connecting to a user terminal owned by a consumer via wireless communication, a function of acquiring store identification data inputted into a user terminal connected via the communication means; a function of making the user terminal available when the store identification data acquired from the user terminal is valid data; a function of acquiring product identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal that has become available; A function of processing the sale of a product identified by the product identification data based on the product identification data acquired from the user terminal; A function of selecting, from a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of the consumer who owns the user terminal, identification information that is valid for the store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal; and a control program for realizing a function of executing a process related to the product that has been sold using the selected identification information.

7. A product sales processing device having a communication means for connecting to a user terminal owned by a consumer via wireless communication, Acquire store identification data input to a user terminal connected via the communication means; If the store identification data acquired from the user terminal is valid data, the user terminal is made available for use; Acquire product identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal that has become available; Based on the product identification data acquired from the user terminal, a sales process is performed for the product identified by the product identification data; selecting, from a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of the consumer who owns the user terminal, identification information that is valid for the store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal; a process for processing the sales of the merchandise using the selected identification information;

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