Information processing system, control program thereof, and information processing method

Abstract

To appropriately take measures when a registered purchase commodity is taken out from a shopping cart.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes storage means, measurement means, detection means, acceptance means, and update means. The storage means stores a purchase commodity list including the weight of registered purchase commodities. The measurement means measures the total weight of the purchase commodities. The detection means detects that the total weight of the purchase commodities measured by the measurement means has changed in a reducing direction. In a case where the detection means detects that the total weight of the purchase commodities has changed in the reducing direction, the acceptance means accepts a selection of whether to take out a purchase commodity targeted at reduction or to cancel registration. The update means updates the purchase commodity list so as to include information accepted by the acceptance means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system, a control program therefor, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cart POS (Point Of Sales) systems have been proposed for retail stores equipped with shopping carts. In such cart POS systems, an information terminal equipped with a touch panel, scanner, etc. is provided on the shopping cart. The customer, who is the user of the shopping cart, registers the product by reading the identification code of the product he or she wishes to purchase (the so-called purchased product) with a scanner, and places the purchased product in the shopping cart. In cart POS systems in which the user registers the product himself or herself, the introduction of a scale is being considered from the viewpoint of preventing fraudulent activities.

[0003] For example, a cart POS system issues a warning when the weight of a purchased item placed in a shopping cart by a user changes and the weight change does not match the set weight of the registered item. If a user lifts the purchased item from the shopping cart and registers a new item without performing a cancellation operation to cancel the registration of the purchased item, a warning is issued. Therefore, for example, if a child wants to take the purchased item out of the shopping cart and hold it in his / her hand, a warning is issued even if the purchased item has been properly registered. There is a demand for avoiding such a situation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-178005 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, its control program, and an information processing method that can appropriately handle the case where a registered purchased product is removed from a shopping cart. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the information processing system includes a storage means, a measuring means, a detection means, a receiving means, and an updating means. The storage means stores a purchased item list including weights of registered purchased items. The measuring means measures the total weight of the purchased items. The detecting means detects that the total weight of the purchased items measured by the measuring means has changed in a decreasing direction. When the detecting means detects that the total weight of the purchased items has changed in a decreasing direction, the receiving means receives a selection of whether to remove the purchased items that have been reduced or to cancel their registration. The updating means updates the purchased item list to include the information received by the receiving means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an information terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart provided with an information terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration memory. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchased item list. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 10]4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen displayed on an information terminal, informing the removal of a purchased product. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen displayed on an information terminal informing a user that a purchased product has been cancelled. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a store clerk confirmation screen displayed on the information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information terminal 10, a store server 30, a member server 40, a virtual POS (Point Of Sales) server 50, a payment machine 60, and an access point 70. The store server 30, the member server 40, the virtual POS server 50, the payment machine 60, and the access point 70 are connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The information terminal 10 is equipped with a wireless unit 14 (see FIG. 2). The information terminal 10 performs wireless communication with the access point 70. The access point 70 relays communication between the information terminal 10 and each device connected to the network 2, i.e., the store server 30, the member server 40, the virtual POS server 50, and the payment machine 60. Although only one access point 70 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more access points 70 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0010] The information terminal 10 is a device that enables a user to input data related to the registration of a product to be purchased, i.e., a purchased product, by himself / herself. The information terminal 10 is provided in a shopping cart 100. Hereinafter, the shopping cart 100 will be simply referred to as a cart 100. Each of the multiple carts 100 is provided with an information terminal 10. The cart 100 is an example of a carrier that carries purchased products by a user who is a user of the cart 100.

[0011] The store server 30 manages a product database. The product database stores product data records that describe data on products sold in the store. The product data records include items such as product code, product name, unit price, and set weight. The product code is product identification data set for each product to identify the product individually. The unit price is the price per unit of the product. The set weight is the weight set as the average weight per unit of the product.

[0012] The member server 40 manages a member database. The member database stores a member data record that describes member data for each member. The member data record includes items such as a member ID, name, gender, and email address. The member ID is an identification code for the member.

[0013] The virtual POS server 50 cooperates with the information terminal 10 to operate the information terminal 10 so as to realize the functions of a POS terminal.

[0014] The payment machine 60 is a device that allows a store clerk or a user to make a payment for purchased items. The payment machine 60 may be, for example, a manned payment machine, known as a manned payment machine 601, in which a store clerk inputs information for payment, or a self-service payment machine, known as a self-service payment machine 602, in which a user inputs information for payment. There is no particular limit on the number of manned payment machines 601. There is no particular limit on the number of self-service payment machines 602.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 includes a tablet terminal 110, a scanner 18, a reader 19, a camera 20, and a scale 21. The tablet terminal 110 is a cart terminal attached to a shopping cart. The tablet terminal 110 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a wireless unit 14, a touch panel 15, an interface 16, and a system transmission path 17. The system transmission path 17 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The tablet terminal 110 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the wireless unit 14, the touch panel 15, and the interface 16 to the system transmission path 17. The scanner 18, the reader 19, the camera 20, and the scale 21 are connected to the tablet terminal 110 via the interface 16. In the information terminal 10, a computer is configured by the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 17 that connects them.

[0016] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 13 may be an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0019] The application programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 include a control program that describes information processing executed by the information terminal 10. The method of installing the control program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via a network, and installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. 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.

[0020] The wireless unit 14 wirelessly communicates data with the access point 70 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0021] The touch panel 15 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 10. The touch panel 15 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 11.

[0022] The interface 16 is an interface for communicating with a scanner 18 , a reader 19 , a camera 20 and a scale 21 .

[0023] The scanner 18 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. Products are provided with code symbols that represent their product codes. The scanner 18 outputs data of the read code symbols to the processor 11 via the interface 16. The scanner 18 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0024] The reader 19 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 11 via the interface 16. The reader 19 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a non-contact IC card or a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 19.

[0025] The camera 20 is provided on the cart 100 so as to photograph a shopping basket 150 (see FIG. 3) placed in the basket receiving portion 140 (see FIG. 3) of the cart 100 from above. The camera 20 is for monitoring whether or not a user who is a user of the cart 100 has correctly placed purchased items in the shopping basket 150. The imaging data output from the camera 20 is output to the processor 11 via the interface 16.

[0026] The scale 21 is provided to weigh the purchased items and the shopping basket 150 in which the purchased items are placed. The scale 21 weighs the total weight of items placed on the scale 21, and outputs the total weight as electronic data to the processor 11 via the interface 16. The scale 21 functions as a measuring unit. The measuring unit can be referred to as a measuring means.

[0027] The processor 11 has functions as an increase detection means 111, a decrease detection means 112, a first notification means 113, a second notification means 114, and a third notification means 115. The increase detection means 111 is a function of detecting that the total weight of the purchased goods measured by the scale 21, i.e., the measuring means, has changed in an increasing direction.

[0028] The decrease detection means 112 is a function for detecting whether the total weight of the purchased goods measured by the measuring means has changed in a decreasing direction.

[0029] The first notification means 113 is a function of notifying removal of the purchased product when a request to remove the purchased product that is the subject of reduction is accepted.

[0030] The second notification means 114 is a function of notifying the cancellation of the registration of the purchased product when a cancellation of the registration of the purchased product that is the subject of the reduction is accepted.

[0031] The third notification means 115 has a function of notifying a payment by the manned payment machine 601 when the updated purchased item list includes information for retrieving purchased items. The purchased item list will be described later.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart 100 provided with an information terminal 10. The cart 100 includes a caster unit 120 for movement, a handle frame unit 130, and a basket receiving unit 140. The caster unit 120 has four wheels 121 for smooth movement on a floor surface. The caster unit 120 also includes a receiving unit 122 for placing large luggage that does not fit into a shopping basket 150. The handle frame unit 130 includes a pair of vertical frames 131, 131 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster unit 120, and a handle bar 132 connecting the upper ends of the vertical frames 131, 131. The basket receiving unit 140 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame unit 130. The cart 100 can place a shopping basket 150 provided in the store on the basket receiving unit 140. The shopping basket 150 is for storing products. A scale 21 is provided on the portion of the basket receiving portion 140 on which the shopping basket 150 is placed.

[0033] The scanner 18 is located midway through the handle bar 132. The scanner 18 is attached to the handle bar 132 so that a reading window is located on the near side. The near side is the side on which a user standing while holding the handle bar 132 and pushing the cart 100 stands.

[0034] A pole 160 is attached to one of the vertical frames 131. The tip of the pole 160 is located above the handlebars 132. The tablet terminal 110 is attached to the tip of the pole 160 with the screen of the touch panel 15 facing forward. The reader 19 is attached to the tablet terminal 110 so that the card slit is located on the front side. In FIG. 3, the reader 19 is a magnetic card reader. The camera 20 is attached to the middle of the pole 160 so as to capture an image of the entire shopping basket 150 placed in the basket receiving section 140 from above.

[0035] The battery 170 is attached across the vertical frames 131, 131 at the lower end side of the handle frame portion 130. The battery 170 serves as a driving power source for the tablet terminal 110, the scanner 18, the reader 19, the camera 20, and the scale 21.

[0036] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 50. The virtual POS server 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a communication interface 54, and a system transmission path 55. The system transmission path 55 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The virtual POS server 50 connects the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, and the communication interface 54 to the system transmission path 55. In the virtual POS server 50, a computer is configured by the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, and the system transmission path 55 that connects them.

[0037] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 51 controls each part to realize various functions of the virtual POS server 50 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU.

[0038] The main memory 52 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 52 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 52 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 52 may store data required for the processor 51 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM. The main memory 52 functions as a storage unit. The storage unit can be rephrased as a storage means.

[0039] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 51. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the application programs described above.

[0040] The communication interface 54 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 54 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0041] The virtual POS server 50 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 52 as an area for the purchase registration memory 521. The virtual POS server 50 can form a plurality of purchase registration memories 521 in this area.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchase registration memory 521. As shown in Fig. 5, purchase registration memory 521 has areas for storing a member ID, purchased item list 522 (see Fig. 6), total amount, and accounting code. The total amount is the sum of the purchase amounts included in purchased item list 522. The accounting code will be described later. Purchase registration memory 521 is created in association with the member ID of information terminal 10.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the purchased item list 522. As shown in FIG. 6, the purchased item list 522 includes, in a sequential numerical order, the item code, item name, price, number of items purchased, purchase amount, weight, cancellation flag, removal flag, and the like of the purchased items purchased by the user. The item code, item name, price, number of items purchased, purchase amount, weight, cancellation flag, removal flag, and the like of each number are also referred to as purchased item data. The number of items purchased is the number of items purchased that are identified by the item code, and the purchase amount is the total price based on the number of items purchased. The weight is a set weight included in the item data record stored in the item database. The cancellation flag is flag data for identifying a purchased item that was once registered as a purchased item but was subsequently canceled. The cancellation flag is set to "1" when the registration of the purchased item is canceled during shopping. The initial state of the cancellation flag is "0". The removal flag is flag data for identifying a purchased item that was once registered as a purchased item but is not placed in the shopping basket 150. An example of a case where a purchased item is not contained in the shopping basket 150 is when a child holds the purchased item in his / her hand. The removal flag is set to "1" when an instruction to remove the purchased item is given during shopping. The initial state of the removal flag is "0".

[0044] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4. The processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 has functions as a registration processing means 511, a reception means 512, and an update means 513. The registration processing means 511 has a function of creating a purchased product list 522 based on a product code and writing the purchased product list 522 to a purchase registration memory 521.

[0045] The reception means 512 has a function of receiving a selection of whether to remove the purchased products that have been reduced or to cancel the registration when the reduction detection means 112 detects that the total weight of the purchased products has changed in a decreasing direction.

[0046] The update means 513 is a function for updating the purchased item list 522 to include the information received by the reception means 512. The information received by the reception means 512 is removal information for removing the purchased item that is the subject of the reduction, or cancellation information for canceling the registration of the purchased item that is the subject of the reduction.

[0047] 7 to 10 are flow charts showing main control procedures executed by the processor 11 in the information terminal 10 according to a control program. Fig. 11 to 16 are flow charts showing main control procedures executed by the processor 51 in the virtual POS server 50 according to a control program.

[0048] Below, using these flow charts, the main operations of the information processing system 1 when a member user registers a purchased item by himself / herself using the information terminal 10 provided in the cart 100 will be explained. Note that the operations explained below are only an example. As long as similar results can be obtained, the procedure is not particularly limited.

[0049] First, a user who is shopping using the cart 100 touches the touch panel 15. When the touch panel 15 is touched, the processor 11, which has been in an idle state, starts up. The processor 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0050] Processor 11 displays a login screen on touch panel 15 as ACT1. The login screen is a screen for instructing members to perform a login operation. A user who is a member has a membership card on which his or her membership code is recorded. After checking the login screen, the user has reader 19 read the data on the membership card. When reader 19 reads the data on the membership card, the data on the membership card is provided to processor 11.

[0051] Processor 11, which has displayed the login screen, waits for login in ACT2. Processor 11 receives data from reader 19, and when it confirms that the data is membership card data including a membership ID, it determines that login has occurred. That is, processor 11 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0052] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a login command as ACT3 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The login command includes the member ID of the member card read by the reader 19.

[0053] When the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 receives a command from the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 54, the processor 51 checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 51 starts a command receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] Processor 51 detects the member ID from the login command as ACT61. Processor 51 then authenticates the member identified by that member ID as ACT62. Specifically, processor 51 queries member server 40 as to whether or not a member data record including that member ID exists in the member database. If processor 51 receives a response from member server 40 indicating that the corresponding member data record exists in the member database, processor 51 determines that the member authentication is valid. On the other hand, if processor 51 receives a response from member server 40 indicating that the corresponding member data record does not exist in the member database, processor 51 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

[0055] The processor 51 checks the result of the member authentication in ACT 63. If the authentication result is invalid, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 64. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to transmit a denial response command to the information terminal 10 in ACT 64. With this control, the denial response command is transmitted via the communication interface 54. The denial response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and received by the information terminal 10 that transmitted the login command. With this, the processor 51 ends the login command reception process.

[0056] If the authentication result is valid, the processor 51 determines YES in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 65. In ACT 65, the processor 51 requests the member server 40 for member data of the member identified by the member ID, and acquires the member data including the member ID from the member server 40.

[0057] The processor 51 forms a purchase registration memory 521 in the main memory 52 as the ACT 66. The processor 51 then writes the member ID in the purchase registration memory 521.

[0058] The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to transmit an acknowledgment response command to the information terminal 10 as ACT 67. This control causes the acknowledgment response command to be transmitted via the communication interface 54. The acknowledgment response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and received by the information terminal 10 that transmitted the login command. With this, the processor 51 ends the login command reception process.

[0059] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the login command in ACT3, waits for a response command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT4. If a denial response command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT4 and returns to ACT2. Therefore, the user will log in again.

[0060] If an approval response command is received from virtual POS server 50, processor 11 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. Processor 11 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in main memory 12 in ACT5. Processor 11 also causes touch panel 15 to display purchase registration screen 200 (see FIG. 17) in ACT6.

[0061] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen 200. As shown in Fig. 17, the purchase registration screen 200 has an area for displaying the product name, unit price, number of items, purchase amount, and total amount of the product registered for purchase. Also, an image of a checkout button 201 for instructing checkout is displayed.

[0062] After checking the purchase registration screen 200, the user goes around the sales floor and places the purchased items in the cart 100. For example, the user places the purchased items in the shopping basket 150 placed on the basket receiving section 140. Before placing the purchased items in the shopping basket 150, the user operates the scanner 18 to read the barcodes attached to the purchased items.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. In ACT7, the processor 11 checks whether the barcode of the purchased item has been read by the scanner 18. If the processor 11 checks that the barcode has been read by the scanner 18, it determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT10.

[0064] In ACT10, the processor 11 checks whether the total weight output by the scale 21 has increased using the function of the increase detection means 111. For example, when the user puts the purchased item whose barcode has been read into the shopping basket 150, the total weight output by the scale 21 increases. In this case, if the increase in the total weight output by the scale 21 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 11 determines that the total weight output by the scale 21 has increased. Note that the reason why the processor 11 determines that the total weight has increased when the increase is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is to prevent the total weight from being determined to have increased in such cases, when the total weight output by the scale 21 may fluctuate due to factors such as vibration of the cart 100. If the total weight has increased, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 8. In this way, when the barcode of the purchased item is read by the scanner 18 and the total weight output by the scale 21 increases, it means that the item identified by the item code represented by the barcode is registered and placed in the shopping basket 150.

[0065] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a purchase registration command as ACT21 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the purchase registration command. The purchase registration command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The purchase registration command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12, the product code of the purchased product, and the increase amount.

[0066] Upon receiving the purchase registration command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the purchase registration command as ACT 71. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration memory 521 in which the member ID is written as the processing target as ACT 72.

[0067] The processor 51 queries the store server 30 as to whether or not a set weight identical to the increase amount included in the purchase registration command exists in the product data record associated with the product code included in the purchase registration command as ACT 73. At this time, if the difference between the set weight and the increase amount is equal to or less than the allowable value, the store server 30 regards the set weight and the increase amount as being the same.

[0068] If the processor 51 receives a response from the store server 30 in ACT74 indicating that a product data record including the same set weight as the increase amount exists in the product database, the processor 51 judges the result to be YES in ACT74 and proceeds to ACT75.

[0069] The processor 51 creates a purchased item list 522 based on the item code using the function of the registration processing means 511 in ACT75, and writes the purchased item list 522 to the purchase registration memory 521. The processor 51 also updates the total amount in the purchase registration memory 521 to an amount obtained by adding the purchase amount in the newly written purchased item list 522 in ACT76.

[0070] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to transmit the registered command to information terminal 10 as ACT 77. This control causes the registered command to be transmitted via communication interface 54. The registered command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2, and received by information terminal 10 which sent the purchase registration command. The registered command includes the member ID and purchased item list 522. With this, processor 51 ends the purchase registration command reception process.

[0071] If a response is received from the store server 30 indicating that a product data record containing the same set weight as the increase amount does not exist in the product database, then the result in ACT74 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to ACT78. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to send a registration error command to the information terminal 10 in ACT78. This control causes the registration error command to be sent via the communication interface 54. The registration error command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 10 which sent the weight reduction command. The registration error command includes screen data for a registration error screen. The registration error screen will be described later. With this, the processor 51 ends the purchase registration command receiving process.

[0072] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the purchase registration command in ACT21, waits for a registered command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT22. If a registered command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT22 and proceeds to ACT24.

[0073] The processor 11 updates the purchase registration screen 200 in ACT 24. That is, the processor 11 updates the purchase registration screen 200 so that the product name, unit price, number of items, and purchase amount of the product registered for purchase are added, and the purchase amount is added to the total amount. Then, the processor 11 returns to ACT 7 in FIG. 7.

[0074] If the processor 11 does not receive a registered command from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT22 and proceeds to ACT23. The processor 11 checks whether or not a registration error command has been received in ACT23. If the processor 11 does not receive a registration error command, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT23 and returns to ACT22. That is, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT22 to ACT23.

[0075] When a registration error command is received, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT25. The processor 11 displays a registration error screen on the touch panel 15 in ACT25. The registration error screen is a screen for notifying the user that, for example, the registration of a purchased product has not been performed normally. An image of a confirmation button is displayed on the registration error screen.

[0076] The processor 11 checks whether or not the confirmation button displayed on the registration error screen has been touched in ACT 26. If the confirmation button has been touched, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 26 and returns to ACT 7 in FIG.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. If the barcode of the purchased item is not read by the scanner 18, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 11 checks whether the total weight output by the scale 21 has changed in a decreasing direction by the function of the decrease detection means 112. For example, when the user lifts an already registered purchased item from the shopping basket 150, the total weight output by the scale 21 changes in a decreasing direction. In this case, if the decrease in the total weight output by the scale 21 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 11 considers that the total weight output by the scale 21 has changed in a decreasing direction. Note that the reason why the total weight is considered to have changed in a decreasing direction when the decrease is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is to prevent the total weight from being considered to have changed in a decreasing direction in cases where the total weight output by the scale 21 fluctuates due to factors such as vibration being applied to the cart 100. If the total weight output by the scale 21 has decreased, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT 11. If the total weight output by the scale 21 has decreased in this way, it means that a purchased item has been lifted from the shopping basket 150.

[0078] In ACT11, the processor 11 checks whether the barcode of the purchased item has been read by the scanner 18. If the processor 11 checks that the barcode has been read by the scanner 18, it determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT31 in FIG.

[0079] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a weight reduction command as ACT31 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the weight reduction command. The weight reduction command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The weight reduction command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12, and the product code and reduction amount of the purchased product.

[0080] The processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 that has received the weight reduction command starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the weight reduction command as ACT 81. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration memory 521 in which the member ID is written as the processing target as ACT 82.

[0081] The processor 51 checks in ACT83 whether the weight written in the purchased item list 522 of the purchase registration memory 521 on the same line as the item code included in the weight reduction command is the same as the reduction amount included in the weight reduction command. At this time, if the difference between the weight in the purchased item list 522 and the reduction amount is equal to or less than the allowable value, the processor 51 considers the weight in the purchased item list 522 and the reduction amount to be the same. If the weight written is the same as the reduction amount, the processor 51 judges YES in ACT83 and proceeds to ACT84.

[0082] Processor 51 extracts purchased product data in which the same weight as the amount of reduction is written from purchased product list 522 as ACT84. Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send a product extraction command to information terminal 10 as ACT85. This control causes the product extraction command to be sent via communication interface 54. The product extraction command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2, and received by information terminal 10 which sent the weight reduction command. The product extraction command includes the member ID and purchased product data in which the same weight as the amount of reduction is written. With this, processor 51 ends the weight reduction command receiving process.

[0083] On the other hand, if a weight equal to the amount of reduction has not been written, the processor 51 judges NO in ACT83 and proceeds to ACT86. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to send a warning command to the information terminal 10 in ACT86. This control causes the warning command to be sent via the communication interface 54. The warning command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and received by the information terminal 10 which sent the weight reduction command. The warning command includes screen data of a warning screen. The warning screen will be described later. With this, the processor 51 ends the weight reduction command receiving process.

[0084] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the weight reduction command in ACT31, waits for a product extraction command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT32. If the product extraction command is not received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT33.

[0085] The processor 11 checks in ACT33 whether or not a warning command has been received from the virtual POS server 50. If a warning command has not been received, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT33 and returns to ACT32. That is, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT32 to ACT33.

[0086] When a warning command is received, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT 33 and proceeds to ACT 34. The processor 11 displays a warning screen on the touch panel 15 in ACT 34. The warning screen is, for example, a screen for notifying that an unauthorized operation has been performed. With this, the processor 11 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 9.

[0087] If a product extraction command has been received, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 35. In ACT 35, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display a selection screen 300 (see FIG. 18).

[0088] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the selection screen 300. The selection screen 300 is a screen for selecting whether to remove the purchased product lifted from the shopping basket 150 or to cancel the registration of the purchased product. As shown in FIG. 18, the selection screen 300 displays text data inquiring whether to remove the purchased product lifted from the shopping basket 150 or to cancel the registration of the purchased product. The selection screen 300 has an area for displaying the product name, unit price, number of items, and purchase amount of the purchased registered product lifted from the shopping basket 150. The selection screen 300 also displays an image of a remove button 301 and an image of a cancel button 302. The remove button 301 is touched by the user when removing the purchased product from the shopping basket 150. The cancel button 302 is touched by the user when canceling the registration of the purchased product. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 18 is an example.

[0089] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. In ACT 36, the processor 11 checks whether or not the Eject button 301 on the selection screen 300 has been touched. If the Eject button 301 has been touched, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 36 and proceeds to ACT 38.

[0090] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a take-out command as ACT38 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the take-out command. The take-out command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The take-out command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the purchased product for which the take-out button 301 was touched.

[0091] The processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 receives the take-out command through the function of the reception means 512. Then, the processor 51 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the fetch command as ACT 91. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration memory 521 in which the member ID is written as the processing target as ACT 92.

[0092] Processor 51, as ACT93, updates the take-out flag in the same row as the product code included in the take-out command in purchased product list 522 of purchase registration memory 521 by the function of update means 513 from "0" to "1".

[0093] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send a retrieved command to information terminal 10 as ACT94. This control causes the retrieved command to be sent via communication interface 54. The retrieved command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2 and received by information terminal 10 which sent the retrieved command. The retrieved command includes the member ID, purchased item list 522, and image data of the retrieved display image. The retrieved display image will be described later. With this, processor 51 ends the retrieved command receiving process.

[0094] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the take-out command in ACT38, waits for a taken-out command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT39. If the taken-out command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT39 and proceeds to ACT40. In ACT40, the processor 11 notifies the removal of the purchased item by using the function of the first notification means 113. Specifically, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display the purchase registration screen 200 in which the removal of the purchased item is notified. The processor 11 then returns to ACT7 in FIG. 7.

[0095] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen 200 in which removal of a purchased item is notified. As shown in FIG. 19, a removal display image P is displayed on the purchase registration screen 200. The removal display image P is an image for identifying the purchased item that the user has removed from the shopping basket 150, i.e., the removed item. The removal display image P is displayed corresponding to the removed item displayed on the purchase registration screen 200. The removal display image P is not limited to a graphic image, and may be anything that can identify the removed item. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 19 is just an example.

[0096] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. On the other hand, if the Eject button 301 on the selection screen 300 is not touched, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT36 and proceeds to ACT37. The processor 11 checks whether the Cancel button 302 is touched in ACT37. If the Cancel button 302 is not touched, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT37 and returns to ACT36. That is, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT36 to ACT37.

[0097] If the cancel button 302 on the selection screen 300 is touched, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT37 and proceeds to ACT41.

[0098] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a registration cancellation command as ACT41 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the registration cancellation command. The registration cancellation command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The registration cancellation command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the purchased product whose registration has been cancelled.

[0099] The processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 receives the registration cancellation command through the function of the reception means 512. In response to this, the processor 51 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the registration cancellation command in ACT 101. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration memory 521 in which the member ID is written as the processing target in ACT 102.

[0100] As ACT103, processor 51 uses the function of update means 513 to update the cancellation flag in the same row as the product code included in the registration cancellation command from "0" to "1" in purchased product list 522 in purchase registration memory 521. Also, processor 51 updates the total amount in purchase registration memory 521 to the amount obtained by subtracting the purchase amount of the product whose purchase registration has been cancelled as ACT104.

[0101] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send a cancellation command to information terminal 10 as ACT105. This control causes the cancellation command to be sent via communication interface 54. The cancellation command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2, and received by information terminal 10 which sent the registration cancellation command. The cancellation command includes the member ID and purchased item list 522. With this, processor 51 ends the registration cancellation command receiving process.

[0102] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the registration cancellation command in ACT41, waits for a cancellation command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT42. When the cancellation command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT42 and proceeds to ACT43. In ACT43, the processor 11 notifies the cancellation of the registration of the purchased item by the function of the second notification means 114. Specifically, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display the purchase registration screen 200 in which the cancellation of the registration of the purchased item is notified. The processor 11 then returns to ACT7 in FIG. 7.

[0103] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen 200 on which cancellation of the registration of a purchased item has been notified. As shown in Fig. 20, the purchase registration screen 200 displays a strikethrough through the item name, unit price, number of items, and purchase amount of the item whose purchase registration has been cancelled. The total amount displayed on the purchase registration screen 200 is also reduced by the purchase amount of the item whose purchase registration has been cancelled. Note that the content of the text data displayed in Fig. 20 is an example.

[0104] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. If the weight output by scale 21 does not change in a decreasing direction, processor 11 judges NO in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 9. Processor 11 checks in ACT 9 whether or not a payment has been instructed.

[0105] As described above, an image of the checkout button 201 is displayed in part of the purchase registration screen 200. When the user has completed their purchase, they touch the checkout button 201. When the checkout button 201 is touched, processor 11 recognizes that a checkout has been instructed. If a checkout has not been instructed, processor 11 judges NO in ACT9 and returns to ACT7. That is, processor 11 returns to the standby state for ACT7 to ACT9.

[0106] When the processor 11 confirms that a transaction has been instructed, it judges YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 51 in Figure 10. In ACT 51, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to send a transaction command to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the transaction command. The transaction command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via network 2. The transaction command includes the member ID stored in main memory 12.

[0107] Upon receiving the transaction command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processor 51 detects the member ID from the transaction command as ACT 111. The processor 51 then generates transaction code data as ACT 112. The transaction code is used to identify the user performing the transaction on the transaction device 60. An transaction code is generated for each user performing the transaction on the transaction device 60.

[0108] The processor 51 extracts, as a processing target, the purchase registration memory 521 in which the member ID detected in the processing of ACT 111 is described in ACT 113. The processor 51 checks, as ACT 114, whether or not purchased product data whose take-out flag is "1" exists in the purchased product list 522. If purchased product data whose take-out flag is "1" does not exist, the processor 51 judges NO in ACT 114 and proceeds to ACT 115.

[0109] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send an accounting information command to information terminal 10 in ACT115. This control causes the accounting information command to be sent via communication interface 54. The accounting information command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2 and received by information terminal 10, the source of the accounting command. The accounting information command contains image data of the accounting barcode representing the accounting code generated in ACT112. With this, processor 51 ends the accounting command receiving process.

[0110] On the other hand, if there is purchased item data whose take-out flag is "1", the processor 51 judges YES in ACT 114 and proceeds to ACT 116. In ACT 116, the processor 51 extracts purchased item data whose take-out flag is "1" from the purchased item list 522.

[0111] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send a clerk identification command to information terminal 10 in ACT 117. This control causes the clerk identification command to be sent via communication interface 54. The clerk identification command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2 and received by information terminal 10, which sent the accounting command. The clerk identification command contains image data of the accounting barcode representing the accounting code generated in ACT 112, and purchased item data whose removal flag is "1". With this, processor 51 ends the accounting command receiving process.

[0112] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the sending of the transaction command in ACT51, waits for a transaction information command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT52. If a transaction information command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT52 and proceeds to ACT53.

[0113] As ACT53, processor 11 causes a payment information screen to be displayed on touch panel 15. The payment information screen may display, for example, a payment barcode and a message encouraging the user to scan the payment barcode with payment device 60. With this, processor 11 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of Figures 7 to 10.

[0114] If a transaction information command is not received from virtual POS server 50, processor 11 judges NO in ACT52 and proceeds to ACT53. In ACT53, processor 11 checks whether a store clerk confirmation command has been received. If a store clerk confirmation command is not received, processor 11 judges NO in ACT53 and returns to ACT52. That is, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT52 to ACT53.

[0115] If a store clerk confirmation command is received, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 54 and proceeds to ACT 55. In ACT 55, the processor 11 notifies the payment at the manned accounting machine 601 using the function of the third notification means 115. Specifically, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display the store clerk confirmation screen 400 (see FIG. 21). With this, the processor 11 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0116] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the store clerk confirmation screen 400. As shown in Fig. 21, the store clerk confirmation screen 400 displays, for example, the product name and unit price of the product to be taken out, a billing barcode, and a message urging the customer to pay at the manned billing machine 601 because there is a product to be taken out. Note that the contents of the text data and images displayed in Fig. 21 are merely examples.

[0117] After checking the accounting information screen, the user goes to the location of an available accounting machine 60 (manned accounting machine 601 or self-service accounting machine 602) and has the accounting barcode read by the scanner installed in that accounting machine 60. The virtual POS server 50 then sends to the accounting machine 60 the purchase registration memory 521 in which the accounting code of the accounting barcode is set. Thereafter, the accounting machine 60 carries out well-known accounting procedures such as cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment.

[0118] Meanwhile, after checking the clerk confirmation screen 400, the user goes to where the manned accounting machine 601 is installed and presents the accounting barcode to the clerk. The clerk reads the accounting barcode with a scanner. The purchase registration memory 521, in which the accounting code of the accounting barcode is set, is then sent from the virtual POS server 50 to the manned accounting machine 601. Then, a take-out display image P is displayed on the touch panel of the manned accounting machine 601 corresponding to the product to be taken out, along with, for example, the product name, unit price, number of items, purchase amount, and total amount of the registered purchased product. The clerk checks whether the user is holding the product to be taken out for which the take-out display image P is displayed. Thereafter, the manned accounting machine 601 carries out well-known payment processes such as cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment.

[0119] Therefore, in such an information processing system 1, when the total weight output by the scale 21 changes in a decreasing direction and the barcode attached to the purchased item is read by the scanner 18 of the information terminal 10, a weight decrease command is sent to the virtual POS server 50. Then, when the same weight as the amount of decrease is written in the purchased item list 522 of the virtual POS server 50, the purchased item data is extracted as the purchased item lifted from the shopping basket 150. The touch panel 15 of the information terminal 10 displays a selection screen 300 for notifying the purchased item and allowing the user to select whether to remove the purchased item from the shopping basket 150 or to cancel the registration of the purchased item. When the user touches the remove button 301 to remove the purchased item from the shopping basket 150, a remove command including the member ID and the item code is sent to the virtual POS server 50. Then, the remove flag in the purchased item list 522 of the virtual POS server 50 is updated. When the user touches the cancel button 302 to cancel the registration of a purchased item, a cancel command including the member ID and item code is sent to the virtual POS server 50. Then, the cancel flag in the purchased item list 522 of the virtual POS server 50 is updated. Therefore, even if the user lifts the purchased item from the shopping basket 150, it will not be determined that fraud has been committed as long as the purchased item that has been properly registered is removed from the shopping basket 150 or the registration of the purchased item is cancelled.

[0120] Furthermore, when the take-out button 301 on the selection screen 300 is touched, a take-out display image P is displayed on the purchase registration screen 200 displayed on the touch panel 15 of the information terminal 10, corresponding to the take-out product, which is the purchased product that the user has taken out of the shopping basket 150. Therefore, the display of the take-out display image P allows the user or the store clerk to easily understand the take-out product.

[0121] When the cancel button 302 on the selection screen 300 is touched, a strikethrough is displayed on the purchased product whose registration has been cancelled by the user on the purchase registration screen 200 displayed on the touch panel 15 of the information terminal 10. Therefore, the strikethrough allows the user or the store clerk to easily understand the product whose registration has been cancelled.

[0122] Furthermore, if there are products to be taken out, a store clerk confirmation screen 400 including a message urging the user to pay at a manned cash register because there are products to be taken out is displayed on the touch panel 15 of the information terminal 10. Therefore, since the store clerk confirms the products to be taken out, the user will not be judged to have committed fraud.

[0123] Although the information processing system, the control program thereof, and the information processing method have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 10 is attached to the cart 100. The information terminal 10 does not necessarily have to be attached to the cart 100. For example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like owned by a user may be the information terminal 10.

[0125] In the above embodiment, when the total weight output by the scale 21 changes in a decreasing direction, a purchased product is lifted from the shopping basket 150. Also, when the barcode of the purchased product is read by the scanner 18 and the total weight output by the scale 21 changes in an increasing direction, a product identified by the product code represented by the barcode is registered and placed in the shopping basket 150. For example, a reader / writer may be attached to the shopping basket 150. In this case, a wireless tag is attached to the purchased product. The wireless tag is, for example, an RFID tag. The wireless tag may store a history of the movement of the purchased product, such as putting the purchased product into the shopping basket 150 or lifting it from the shopping basket 150.

[0126] In the above embodiment, a registration error screen and a warning screen are displayed on the touch panel 15. For example, a registration error may be notified by sound, or a warning may be issued.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the weights in the purchased item list 522 are set weights included in the item data records stored in the item database. For example, the weights in the purchased item list 522 may be the increase or decrease in the total weight output by the scale 21.

[0128] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the processor 11 of the information terminal 10 has the functions of the increase detection means 111, the decrease detection means 112, the first notification means 113, the second notification means 114, and the third notification means 115. It has also been described that the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 has the functions of the registration processing means 511, the reception means 512, and the update means 513. For example, the functions of the increase detection means 111 and the decrease detection means 112 may be possessed by the processor 51. For example, the function of the reception means 512 may be possessed by the processor 11. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the purchase registration memory 521 is formed in the main memory 52 of the virtual POS server 50. For example, the purchase registration memory 521 may be formed in the main memory 12 of the information terminal 10. In this case, the processor 11 may have the functions of the reception means 512 and the update means 513.

[0129] 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]

[0130] 1...information processing system, 2...network, 10...information terminal, 11,51...processor, 12,52...main memory, 13,53...auxiliary storage device, 14...wireless unit, 15...touch panel, 16...interface, 17,55...system transmission path, 18...scanner, 19...reader, 20...camera, 21...scale, 30...store server, 40...membership server, 44,54...communication interface, 50...virtual POS server, 60...accounting machine, 70...access point, 100...shopping cart, 110...tablet terminal, 120...caster portion, 121...wheel, 122...receiving portion, 130...handle frame portion, 131...vertical frame, 132...handle bar, 140...basket receiving portion, 150...shopping basket, 160...pole, 170...battery, 521...purchase registration memory, 522...purchased item list, 601...manned checkout machine, 602...self-service checkout machine, 111...increase detection means, 112...decrease detection means, 113...first notification means, 114...second notification means, 115...third notification means, 511...registration processing means, 512...reception means, 513...update means.

Claims

1. a storage means for storing a purchased item list including the weights of registered purchased items; A measuring means for measuring a total weight of the purchased goods; a detection means for detecting a change in the total weight of the purchased goods measured by the measuring means in a decreasing direction; a receiving means for receiving a selection of whether to remove the purchased product that has been reduced in total weight or to cancel the registration when the detecting means detects a change in the total weight of the purchased products that has been reduced; an update means for updating the purchased item list so as to include the information received by the reception means; An information processing system comprising:

2. a first notification means for notifying the removal of the purchased product when the reception means receives a request to remove the purchased product that is the subject of the reduction; The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. a second notification means for notifying the user of the cancellation of the registration of the purchased product when the cancellation of the registration of the purchased product that is the subject of the reduction is accepted by the accepting means; The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. a third notification means for notifying a customer of a payment at a manned cash register when the purchased item list updated by the update means includes information for retrieving the purchased item; The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. An information processing method for an information processing system including a storage unit that stores a purchased item list including weights of registered purchased items, and a measurement unit that measures a total weight of the purchased items, comprising: Detecting a decrease in the total weight of the purchased products measured by the measuring unit; If it is detected that the total weight of the purchased goods has decreased, the user is asked to select whether to remove the purchased goods that have been decreased or to cancel the registration of the purchased goods; updating said purchase list to include said received information; Information processing methods.

6. A computer of an information processing system including a storage unit that stores a purchased item list including weights of registered purchased items, and a measuring unit that measures the total weight of the purchased items, a detection means for detecting a decrease in the total weight of the purchased products measured by the measuring unit; a receiving means for receiving a selection of whether to remove the purchased product that has been reduced or to cancel the registration when the detecting means detects that the total weight of the purchased products has decreased; and an update means for updating the purchased item list so as to include the information received by the reception means; A control program that functions as a

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