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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of taking an appropriate countermeasure to an information terminal being left behind, and a control program and an information processing method thereof.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes acquisition means, confirmation means, and execution means. The acquisition means acquires identification information for identifying an information terminal with which a user operates to register a purchase item. The confirmation means confirms a state of accounting regarding the purchase items registered in association with the identification information, when an operation input is not performed in a prescribed time period by the information terminal. The execution means executes a process corresponding to the state of accounting regarding the purchase items.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, 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 this system, an information terminal equipped with a touch panel, scanner, etc. is provided on the shopping cart. When a customer using a shopping cart places an item to be purchased in the shopping cart, the customer has the scanner read the identification code of the purchased item to register the item. The item data registered on the information terminal is sent to the cash register. The cash register then carries out the accounting process based on the data from the information terminal. In this way, the cart POS system has the advantage that the customer registers the items while shopping, eliminating the need for store clerks to register items at the cash register.

[0003] However, in this type of cart POS system, even if a customer leaves a shopping cart at a sales floor, cash register, or other location and leaves the area, the information terminal cannot detect that the cart has been left behind. Therefore, the shopping cart remains left behind until a store clerk finds it, which causes inconveniences such as the next customer being unable to use the shopping cart or the customer's fraudulent accounting not being noticed. Therefore, a solution to such abandonment was desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-67947 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 device, a control program therefor, and an information processing method that are capable of taking appropriate measures for an information terminal that has been left unattended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition means, a confirmation means, and an execution means. The acquisition means acquires identification information that identifies an information terminal operated by a user to register a purchased item. If no operation input is made on the information terminal within a predetermined time, the confirmation means checks the accounting status of the purchased item registered in association with the identification information. The execution means executes processing according to the accounting status of the purchased item. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a cart POS 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. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile controller. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchased item list. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state table. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a store server. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine. [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 mobile controller. [Figure 12]4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the mobile controller. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the mobile controller. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the mobile controller. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the accounting machine. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout information screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device that can take appropriate measures against abandoned information terminals will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is a case where a tablet terminal (so-called cart terminal) attached to a shopping cart as a cart POS system is used as the information terminal.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cart POS system 1 according to this embodiment. 1, the cart POS system 1 includes a store server 10, a member server 20, a mobile controller 30, a monitoring terminal 40, a payment machine 50, an information terminal 60, and an access point 70. The store server 10, the member server 20, the mobile controller 30, the monitoring terminal 40, the payment machine 50, and the access point 70 are connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0010] The information terminal 60 is a device that enables a customer, who is a purchaser, to input data related to the registration of a purchased item by himself / herself. The information terminal 60 is provided in a shopping cart C. Hereinafter, the shopping cart C will be simply referred to as a cart C. An information terminal 60 is provided in each of a plurality of carts C. The cart C is an example of a carrier that transports purchased items by a customer, who is a user of the cart C.

[0011] The information terminal 60 is equipped with a wireless unit. The information terminal 60 performs wireless communication with an access point 70. The access point 70 relays communication between the information terminal 60 and each device connected to the network 2, namely, the store server 10, the member server 20, the mobile controller 30, the monitoring terminal 40, and the payment machine 50. 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.

[0012] The payment machine 50 is a device that enables a store clerk or a customer to process the payment for purchased goods. The number of payment machines 50 is not particularly limited.

[0013] The store server 10 supports store operations. To support this, the store server 10 manages a product database, a sales database, etc. The product database stores product records that describe product data for each product sold in the store. The product data includes product code, product name, price, etc. The product code is an identification code for the product. The sales database stores sales records that describe sales data for each item, such as product, department, time period, date, week, month, etc. The sales data includes sales units, sales amount, etc.

[0014] The member server 20 supports the purchasing operations of customers who have registered as members, that is, members. To support this, the member server 20 manages a member database 21. The member database 21 stores a member record that describes member data for each member. The member data includes a member ID, name, gender, email address, etc. The member ID is an identification code for the member.

[0015] The mobile controller 30 cooperates with the information terminal 60 to assist the information terminal 60 in making it appear as if it is functioning as a POS terminal.

[0016] The monitoring terminal 40 is a monitoring terminal provided at an attendant counter where a store clerk, a so-called attendant, is always present. The monitoring terminal 40 is equipped with a display device for displaying the status of each information terminal 60 and the payment machine 50. The attendant monitors the status of each information terminal 60 and the payment machine 50 in real time from the information displayed on the display device.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 includes a processor 611, a main memory 612, an auxiliary storage device 613, a timer 614, a wireless unit 615, a touch panel 616, a scanner 617, a reader 618, a camera 619, and a system transmission path 620. The system transmission path 620 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The information terminal 60 connects the processor 611, the main memory 612, the auxiliary storage device 613, the wireless unit 615, the touch panel 616, the scanner 617, the reader 618, and the camera 619 to the system transmission path 620. In the information terminal 60, the processor 611, the main memory 612, the auxiliary storage device 613, and the system transmission path 620 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0018] The processor 611 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 611 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 60 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 611 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0019] The main memory 612 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 612 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 612 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 612 may store data required for the processor 611 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 612 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 611. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0020] The auxiliary storage device 613 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 613. The auxiliary storage device 613 stores data used by the processor 611 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 611. The auxiliary storage device 613 may also store the above application programs.

[0021] The timer 614 measures a set time under the control of the processor 611 . The wireless unit 615 wirelessly communicates data with the access point 70 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0022] The touch panel 616 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 60. The touch panel 616 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 611.

[0023] The scanner 617 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 617 outputs data of the read code symbols to the processor 611. The scanner 617 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0024] The reader 618 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 611. The reader 618 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 618.

[0025] The camera 619 is provided on the cart C so as to photograph from above the shopping basket placed in the basket receiving portion of the cart C. The camera 619 is for monitoring whether or not the customer who is the user of the cart C has correctly placed the purchased items in the shopping basket.

[0026] In the information terminal 60 having the circuit components as described above, the processor 611, the main memory 612, the auxiliary storage device 613, the timer 614, the wireless unit 615, and the touch panel 616 are configured as a tablet terminal TM. The information terminal 60 is configured by electrically connecting a scanner 617, a reader 618, and a camera 619 to this tablet terminal TM.

[0027] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile controller 30. The mobile controller 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication interface 35, and a system transmission path 36. The system transmission path 36 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. In the mobile controller 30, the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the clock 34, and the communication interface 35 are connected to the system transmission path 36. In the mobile controller 30, the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 36 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0028] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the mobile controller 30 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0029] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0031] The clock 34 functions as a time information source for the mobile controller 30. The processor 31 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 34.

[0032] The communication interface 35 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 35 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0033] The mobile controller 30 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 32 as an area for creating the purchased item list 321. The mobile controller 30 can create multiple purchased item lists 321 (see FIG. 4) in this area.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the purchased item list 321. As shown in FIG. 4, the purchased item list 321 has areas for storing a member ID, date and time, one or more purchased item data, and a total amount. The date and time are the date and time when the purchased item list 321 is created by the mobile controller 30. The purchased item data consists of the item code, item name, price, number of items purchased, purchase amount, etc. of the purchased item purchased by the customer. The number of items purchased is the number of items identified by the item code purchased, and the purchase amount is the total price based on the number of items purchased. The total amount is the total purchase amount included in the purchased item data.

[0035] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3. The mobile controller 30 having such a configuration stores a state table 331 (see FIG. 5) in the auxiliary storage device 33.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the status table 331. As shown in FIG. 5, the status table 331 is a data table consisting of purchased item information, transaction information, and status. The purchased item information indicates whether or not a purchased item file, which will be described later, exists in the store server 10. If the purchased item file exists, it is marked "Yes", and if the purchased item file does not exist, it is marked "No". The transaction information indicates whether or not a transaction file, which will be described later, exists in the store server 10. If the transaction file exists, it is marked "Yes", and if the transaction file does not exist, it is marked "No". The status is information indicating the state related to the accounting of the purchased item identified by the purchased item information and the transaction information, that is, the accounting state. The statuses are "before accounting", "in accounting", "accounting completed", and "error". "Before accounting" is a state in which the accounting process of the purchased item has not yet been completed. "In accounting" is a state from when the accounting process is approved to when the accounting process is completed. "Accounting completed" is a state in which the accounting process of the purchased item has been completed. "Error" is an abnormal state of the cart POS system 1. In this embodiment, if the purchased product information is "Yes" and the transaction information is "No", the status is "Before checkout". If the purchased product information is "No" and the transaction information is "No", the status is "Checkout in progress". If the purchased product information is "No" and the transaction information is "Yes", the status is "Checkout completed". If the purchased product information is "Yes" and the transaction information is "Yes", the status is "Error". Note that the statuses are not limited to "Before checkout", "Checkout in progress", "Checkout completed", and "Error". Furthermore, the items in status table 331 are not limited to the items listed above.

[0037] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 10. The store server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication interface 14, and a system transmission path 15. The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The store server 10 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the communication interface 14 to the system transmission path 15. In the store server 10, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 15 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0038] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0039] 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. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0040] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application programs described above.

[0041] The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 14 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0042] The store server 10 configured as above saves a purchased item file 131 and a transaction file 132 in the auxiliary storage device 13. The purchased item file 131 stores a purchased item list 321 and a transaction barcode for each customer. The transaction barcode will be described later. The transaction file 132 stores the purchased item list 321, the transaction barcode, and transaction data for each customer. The transaction data includes data indicating the transaction details and transaction results, etc. The transaction data includes, for example, the payment amount, the change amount, the payment type (cash, credit card, points, gift certificate, etc.), etc.

[0043] 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 50. The accounting machine 50 includes a processor 511, a main memory 512, an auxiliary storage device 513, a clock 514, a change machine interface 515, a communication interface 516, a touch panel 517, a scanner 518, a reader 519, a printer 520, and a system transmission path 521. The system transmission path 521 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 521 interconnects the processor 511 with the main memory 512, the auxiliary storage device 513, the clock 514, the change machine interface 515, the communication interface 516, the touch panel 517, the scanner 518, the reader 519, and the printer 520. The processor 511, the main memory 512, and the auxiliary storage device 513 are connected by the system transmission path 521 to form a computer of the accounting machine 50.

[0044] The processor 511 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 511 controls each part to realize various functions of the payment machine 50 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 511 is, for example, a CPU.

[0045] The main memory 512 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 512 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 512 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 512 may store data required for the processor 511 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 512 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 511. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0046] The auxiliary storage device 513 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 413. The auxiliary storage device 513 stores data used by the processor 511 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 511, etc. The auxiliary storage device 513 may also store the above application programs.

[0047] The application programs stored in the main memory 512 or the auxiliary storage device 513 include a control program that describes information processing executed by the accounting machine 50. There is no particular limitation on the method for installing the control program into the main memory 512 or the auxiliary storage device 513. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via a network, and installed into the main memory 512 or the auxiliary storage device 513. 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.

[0048] The clock 514 functions as a time information source for the payment device 50. The processor 511 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 514.

[0049] The change machine interface 515 performs data communication with the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 515 receives data on the inserted amount, data on the number of stored coins, etc. from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 515 transmits change data to the automatic change machine.

[0050] The communication interface 516 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 516 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0051] The touch panel 517 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the payment device 50. The touch panel 517 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 511.

[0052] The scanner 518 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 518 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.

[0053] Reader 519 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to processor 511. Reader 519 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 such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as reader 519.

[0054] The printer 520 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. A thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, for example, can be used as this type of printer 520. The printer 520 functions as a printing device for the accounting machine 50.

[0055] Figs. 8 to 10 are flow charts showing the main steps of the main processing executed by the processor 611 of the information terminal 60 in accordance with a control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 612 or the auxiliary storage device 613. Figs. 11 to 14 are flow charts showing the main steps of the main processing executed by the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 in accordance with a control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the main processing executed by the processor 511 of the payment machine 50 in accordance with a control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 512 or the auxiliary storage device 513.

[0056] Below, using these flow charts, we will explain the main operations of the cart POS system 1, from when a member customer uses the information terminal 60 installed in the cart C to register purchased items, to when the customer completes the transaction at the transaction machine 50. Note that the operations described below are just an example. There are no particular limitations on the procedure as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0057] First, a customer using cart C to do shopping touches touch panel 616. When touch panel 616 is touched, processor 611, which has been in an idle state, starts up. Processor 611 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0058] As ACT1, processor 611 causes touch panel 616 to display a login screen. The login screen is a screen for instructing members to perform a login operation. Customers who are members have a membership card on which their membership code is recorded. After checking the login screen, the customer causes reader 618 to read the data on the membership card. When reader 618 reads the data on the membership card, the data on the membership card is provided to processor 611.

[0059] The processor 611 that has displayed the login screen waits for login in ACT2. The processor 611 receives data from the reader 618, and when it confirms that the data is membership card data including a membership ID, it determines that login has been performed. That is, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0060] The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a login command as ACT3 to the mobile controller 30. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via the network 2. The login command includes the member ID of the member card read by the reader 618.

[0061] When the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 receives a command from the information terminal 60 via the communication interface 35, the processor 31 checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 31 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0062] Processor 31 detects the member ID from the login command as ACT31. Processor 31 authenticates the member identified by that member ID as ACT32. Specifically, processor 31 queries member server 20 as to whether or not a member record including that member ID exists in member database 21. If processor 31 receives a response from member server 20 indicating that the corresponding member record exists in member database 21, processor 31 determines that the member authentication is valid. On the other hand, if processor 31 receives a response from member server 20 indicating that the corresponding member record does not exist in member database 21, processor 31 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

[0063] After performing member authentication, processor 31 checks the authentication result in ACT 33. If the authentication result is invalid, processor 31 determines NO in ACT 33 and proceeds to ACT 34. Processor 31 controls communication interface 35 to output a denial response command to information terminal 60 in ACT 34. This control causes communication interface 35 to transmit the denial response command. The denial response command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2 and received by information terminal 60, which transmitted the login command.

[0064] If the authentication result is valid, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 33 and proceeds to ACT 35. In ACT 35, the processor 31 creates a purchased item list 321 in the main memory 32. The processor 31 then writes the member ID included in the login command and the current date and time measured by the clock 34 into the purchased item list 321.

[0065] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 as ACT 36 to output an approval response command to the information terminal 60. This control causes the communication interface 35 to transmit the approval response command. The approval response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 60 that transmitted the login command.

[0066] In this way, the mobile controller 30 that has received the login command transmits a denial response command or an approval response command to the information terminal 60 that transmitted the login command. When the processor 31 has finished transmitting either response command, it ends this command reception process.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. The processor 611 of the information terminal 60 that controlled the output of the login command in ACT3 waits for a response command from the mobile controller 30 in ACT4. If a denial response command is received from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT4 and treats the login as an error.

[0068] If the login fails, the customer, who is the operator of the information terminal 60, performs an operation to clear the error from the touch panel 616. When the clearing operation is performed, the processor 611 resumes the process from ACT1. Therefore, the customer will log in again.

[0069] If an approval response command is received from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT 5. The processor 61 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in the main memory 612 in ACT 5.

[0070] The processor 611, as ACT6, displays a product registration screen on the touch panel 616. Although not shown, the product registration screen is a screen for displaying purchased product data such as the product name and price of the product purchased by the customer, and the total amount.

[0071] After checking the product registration screen, the customer walks around the sales floor and places the products they wish to purchase, so-called purchased products, in the cart C. For example, the customer places the purchased products in a shopping basket. Before placing the purchased products in the shopping basket, the customer operates the scanner 617 to read the code symbol attached to the products. When the code symbol is read by the scanner 617, the product code represented by the code symbol is entered into the information terminal 60. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0072] Some products, such as fresh foods, may not have a code symbol attached to them. When a code symbol is not attached to the purchased product, the customer touches a product button displayed on the touch panel 616 that corresponds to the purchased product. When the product button is touched, the product code of the product that corresponds to that product button is input to the information terminal 60. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0073] The processor 611 starts the timer 614 in ACT7. The processor 611 checks whether the count value of the timer 614 has passed a predetermined time without any operation input to the information terminal 60 in ACT8. The operation input to the information terminal 60 is, for example, touching the touch panel 616 or reading a code symbol with the scanner 617 during the product registration process. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily. If the predetermined time has passed without the processor 611 performing any operation input to the information terminal 60, it is assumed that the customer has left the site leaving the cart C unattended. If the predetermined time has passed, the processor 611 judges YES in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT25 in FIG. 12. The processing of ACT25 will be described later.

[0074] If the predetermined time has not elapsed, processor 611 determines NO in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 9. Processor 611 checks whether or not product registration has been performed in ACT 9.

[0075] If product registration has been performed, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 10. Here, the fact that product registration has been performed means that an operational input has been performed on the information terminal 60. The processor 611 resets the timer 614 in ACT 10.

[0076] The processor 611 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a product registration command to the mobile controller 30 as ACT11. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the product registration command. The product registration command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via the network 2. The product registration command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 612 and the product code of the purchased product.

[0077] The processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 that receives the product registration command starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 31 detects the member ID from the product registration command as ACT 41. Processor 31 extracts purchased product list 321 in which the member ID is written as a processing target as ACT 42.

[0078] The processor 31 creates purchased item data based on the item code included in the item registration command (ACT43), and writes the purchased item data to the purchased item list 321. The processor 31 also updates the total amount in the purchased item list 321 to an amount obtained by adding the purchase amount in the newly written purchase registration data (ACT44).

[0079] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output the registered command to the information terminal 60 as ACT45. This control causes the communication interface 35 to transmit the registered command. The registered command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the product registration command. The registered command includes the purchased product list 321. With this, the processor 31 ends the product registration command receiving process.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. The processor 611 of the information terminal 60 that controlled the output of the product registration command in ACT11 waits for a registered command in ACT12. Then, when the registered command is received from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 judges YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT13. The processor 611 updates the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 616 in ACT13. That is, the processor 611 updates the product registration screen so that the product name and purchase amount of the product registered for purchase are added based on the purchased product list 321 included in the registered command, and the purchase amount is added to the total amount. After that, the processor 611 returns to ACT7. The processor 611 executes the processes of ACT7 to ACT13 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in the mobile controller 30, the processor 31 executes the product registration command reception process shown in FIG. 12 again.

[0081] If the product has not been registered, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 14. The processor 611 checks in ACT 14 whether a transaction has been instructed.

[0082] An image of a checkout button is displayed on part of the product registration screen. When a customer has finished shopping, they touch the checkout button. When the checkout button is touched, processor 611 recognizes that a checkout has been instructed. If a checkout has not been instructed, processor 611 judges NO in ACT14 and returns to ACT8. Processor 611 then waits in ACT9 and ACT14 for product registration or for a checkout to be instructed.

[0083] When it is detected that the checkout touch button has been touched, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT14 and proceeds to ACT15. Here, touching the checkout touch button means that an operation input has been performed on the information terminal 60. The processor 611 resets the timer 614 in ACT15.

[0084] The processor 611 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a transaction command to the mobile controller 30 as ACT16 in FIG. 11. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the transaction command. The transaction command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via network 2. The transaction command includes the member ID stored in main memory 612.

[0085] When the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 receives the accounting command, it starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0086] Processor 31 detects the member ID from the checkout command in ACT 51. Processor 31 extracts purchased item list 321 in which the detected member ID is written as the processing target in ACT 52.

[0087] The processor 31 generates transaction barcode data as ACT 53. The transaction barcode is used to identify a customer making a transaction at the transaction machine 50. The transaction barcode is generated for each customer making a transaction at the transaction machine 50.

[0088] The processor 31 transmits the purchased item list 321 extracted in the process of ACT 52 and the accounting barcode generated in the process of ACT 53 to the store server 10 in ACT 54. By transmitting this, the store server 10 saves the purchased item file 131 in which the purchased item list 321 and the accounting barcode are stored.

[0089] Processor 31 controls communication interface 35 as ACT 55 to output a display command to information terminal 60 that sent the accounting command. This control causes communication interface 35 to send the display command. The display command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2 and received by information terminal 60 that sent the accounting command. The display command includes an accounting barcode.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 611 of the information terminal 60, which controlled the output of the payment command in ACT 16, waits for a display command in ACT 17. In this standby state, when a display command is received, the processor 611 judges YES in ACT 17 and proceeds to ACT 18. In ACT 18, the processor 611 causes the payment guide screen 100 (see FIG. 16) to be displayed on the touch panel 616.

[0091] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout guide screen 100. As shown in FIG. 16, the checkout guide screen 100 displays a checkout barcode, a message encouraging the customer to scan the checkout barcode with the checkout machine 50, and an image of an end button 101. After the customer scans the checkout barcode with the checkout machine 50, the customer touches the end button 101. Although not shown, when the end button 101 is touched, a message screen is displayed notifying the customer that use of the information terminal 60 will be terminated. The message displayed on the message screen is, for example, "Thank you for using our service." When a predetermined time, such as five minutes, has elapsed since this message screen was displayed, the information terminal 60 is reset. In this embodiment, the information terminal 60 is reset to a state in which the next member who uses the information terminal 60 can perform a login operation. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 16 is an example.

[0092] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. After displaying the checkout information screen 100, the processor 611 starts the timer 614 in ACT 19. In ACT 20, the processor 611 checks whether the count value of the timer 614 has reached a predetermined time without any operational input being made to the information terminal 60. If the predetermined time has passed, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT 20 and proceeds to ACT 25 in Figure 10. The processing of ACT 25 will be described later.

[0093] If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT 20 and proceeds to ACT 21. The processor 611 checks whether the accounting barcode has been scanned in ACT 21. If the accounting barcode has not been scanned, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT 21 and returns to ACT 20. After checking the transaction information screen 100, the customer goes to the location of the transaction machine 50 and has the transaction barcode read by the scanner 518 provided on that transaction machine 50.

[0094] If the accounting barcode has been scanned, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT22. Here, the scanning of the accounting barcode means that an operational input has been made to the information terminal 60. The processor 611 restarts the timer 614 in ACT22. Note that in this embodiment, restarting means starting the count value of the timer 614 from "0".

[0095] In ACT23, the processor 611 checks whether the end button 101 on the transaction information screen 100 has been touched. If the end button 101 has not been touched, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT23 and returns to ACT20.

[0096] If the end button 101 is touched, the processor 611 judges YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24. Here, the fact that the end button 101 is touched means that an operation input has been performed on the information terminal 60. The processor 611 stops the timer 614 in ACT24.

[0097] The processor 511 of the payment device 50 waits for the payment barcode to be read in ACT81 of Figure 15. If the payment barcode has been read, the processor 511 determines YES in ACT81 and proceeds to ACT82.

[0098] The processor 511 queries the store server 10 for the purchased item file 131 using the read accounting barcode in ACT82. In response to this query, the store server 10 extracts the purchased item file 131 in which the queried accounting barcode is stored, and transmits the purchased item file 131 to the accounting device 50. The processor 511 then waits to receive the purchased item file 131 in ACT83. If the purchased item file 131 is received, the processor 511 determines YES in ACT83 and proceeds to ACT84.

[0099] The processor 511 executes the transaction process based on the data of the purchased item list 321 in the purchased item file 131 received as ACT 84. This transaction process is an existing process that is well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0100] In ACT 85, the processor 511 creates transaction data based on the transaction process. In ACT 86, the processor 511 creates a transaction file 132 that stores the transaction barcode read in ACT 81, the purchased item list 321 of the purchased item file 131 received in ACT 83, and the transaction data created in ACT 85. In ACT 87, the processor 511 sends the transaction file to the store server 10. As a result of this transmission, the store server 10 saves the transaction file 132. With this, the processor 511 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15.

[0101] As described above, when a predetermined time has elapsed in ACT8 of Fig. 8 and ACT20 of Fig. 9, the processor 611 proceeds to ACT25 of Fig. 10. The processor 611 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a confirmation command to the mobile controller 30 in ACT25. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the confirmation command. The confirmation command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via the network 2. The confirmation command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 612.

[0102] The processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 that receives the confirmation command starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0103] The processor 31 detects the member ID from the confirmation command in ACT61. The processor 31 checks whether or not a purchased item list 321 exists in which the detected member ID is described in ACT62. In this embodiment, when the purchased item list 321 is sent to the store server 10 in the processing of ACT54 in FIG. 13, the purchased item list 321 does not exist in the mobile controller 30. Before the purchased item list 321 is sent to the store server 10, that is, before the checkout button is touched, the purchased item list 321 exists in the mobile controller 30. Therefore, when the purchased item list 321 exists in the mobile controller 30, it means that the customer is registering items in the sales floor. If the purchased item list 321 exists, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT72. The processing of ACT72 will be described later.

[0104] If the purchased item list 321 does not exist, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT63.

[0105] The processor 31 inquires as ACT63 whether a file exists at the store server 10 with the member ID detected in the process of ACT61. In response to this inquiry, the store server 10 responds to the mobile controller 30 with the presence or absence of the purchased item file 131 and the transaction file 132 in which the inquired member ID is described. Note that if the purchased item list 321 and the transaction barcode are sent to the store server 10 in the process of ACT54 in FIG. 13, the store server 10 stores the purchased item file 131. In other words, the purchased item file 131 exists at the store server 10. Also, if the transaction file 132 is sent to the store server 10 in the process of ACT85 in FIG. 15, the store server 10 stores the transaction file 132. In other words, the transaction file 132 exists at the store server 10. The processor 31 then waits for a response as to whether the file exists or not in ACT64.

[0106] If there is a response from the store server 10 that the file exists, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 64 and proceeds to ACT 65. In ACT 65, the processor 31 checks whether the file existing in the store server 10 is the purchased item file 131.

[0107] If it is the purchased item file 131, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 65 and proceeds to ACT 66. The processor 31 checks whether the files present in the store server 10 include the transaction file 132 in ACT 66.

[0108] If the transaction file 132 is also present, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT66 and proceeds to ACT67. In ACT67, the processor 31 stores in the main memory 32 that the status is "error" based on the status table 331. After that, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT72.

[0109] If the transaction file 132 does not exist, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT66 and proceeds to ACT68. In ACT68, the processor 31 stores in the main memory 32 that the status is “before checkout” based on the status table 331. After that, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT72.

[0110] If the file present on the store server 10 is not the purchased item file 131, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 65 and proceeds to ACT 69. The processor 31 checks whether the file present on the store server 10 is the transaction file 132 in ACT 69.

[0111] If it is the transaction file 132, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT69 and proceeds to ACT70. In ACT70, the processor 31 stores in the main memory 32 that the status is "transaction completed" based on the status table 331. After that, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT74. The processing of ACT74 will be described later.

[0112] If the transaction file 132 is not present, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 69 and proceeds to ACT 71. In ACT 71, the processor 31 stores in the main memory 32 that the status is "checkout in progress" based on the status table 331.

[0113] The processor 31 creates a monitoring screen 200 (see FIG. 17) based on the status stored in the main memory 32 as ACT72.

[0114] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the monitoring screen 200. In this example, there are three payment machines 50 and eight information terminals 60 in use. As shown in FIG. 17, the monitoring screen 200 has a payment machine status display section 201 for each payment machine 50 and a terminal status display section 202 for each information terminal 60. The payment machine status display section 201 and the terminal status display section 202 are touch buttons. The payment machine status display section 201 displays the payment machine number. Although not shown, touching the payment machine status display section 201 displays the payment machine status. For example, the status of the payment machine 50 is displayed, whether it is "idle" before a payment process or "in progress" when a payment process is being performed. In addition, the information of the purchased goods of the customer using the payment machine 50 in which a payment process is being performed can be confirmed. The terminal status display section 202 displays the information terminal number. Although not shown, touching the terminal status display section 202 displays the terminal status. For example, the status of the information terminal 60 is displayed as "error", "before checkout", "checkout in progress" or "checkout completed". In addition, the information of the purchased items of the customer using the information terminal 60 in the relevant state can be confirmed. Furthermore, the terminal status display unit 202 has an area 203. The area 203 is an area that allows the state of the information terminal 60 to be identified by color or the like. When a predetermined time has passed without the processor 611 performing any operation input to the information terminal 60 and the checkout process of the purchased items is not completed, that is, when the status is "error", "before checkout" or "checkout in progress", the background color of the area 203 is changed. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 17 and the shape, size, arrangement and number of the display unit are merely examples.

[0115] Return to Figure 16. The processor 31 transmits data of the monitoring screen 200 to the monitoring terminal 40 as ACT73. This transmission causes the monitoring terminal 40 to display the monitoring screen 200 on the touch panel. Therefore, a store clerk who checks the area 203 of the monitoring screen 200 displayed on the touch panel of the monitoring terminal 40 searches for the cart C that has been left unattended in the sales floor, the checkout area, or the like.

[0116] The processor 31 creates a message screen to be displayed on the information terminal 60 as ACT74 based on the status stored in the main memory 32. For example, if the status is "Error", "Before checkout" or "Checkout in progress", the checkout process for the purchased item has not been completed and the checkout is incomplete, so the message is "A store clerk will be there shortly, please wait a moment." If the status is "Checkout completed", the message is "Thank you for your patronage." If the status is "Checkout completed", the information terminal 60 is reset when a predetermined time, such as five minutes, has passed since the message was displayed, in the same way as when the end button 101 on the checkout guide screen 100 described above is touched. Note that the messages are not limited to those described above.

[0117] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 so as to output a screen command to the information terminal 60 as ACT 75. This control causes the communication interface 35 to transmit the screen command. The screen command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 60 which is the source of the screen command. The screen command includes data for a message screen. With this, the processor 31 ends the confirmation command reception process.

[0118] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 611 of the information terminal 60, which controlled the output of the confirmation command in ACT 25, waits for a screen command in ACT 26. Then, when the processor 611 receives a screen command from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 judges YES in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27. The processor 611 causes a message screen to be displayed on the touch panel 616 in ACT 27. With this, the processor 611 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0119] As is clear from the above description, the mobile controller 30, which is an example of an information processing device, constitutes an acquisition means by the processor 31 executing the process of ACT61 in Fig. 14. That is, the mobile controller 30 acquires identification information for identifying the information terminal 60 operated by a user, i.e., a customer, to register a purchased item.

[0120] The mobile controller 30 constitutes a confirmation means by the processor 31 executing the processes of ACT62 to ACT71 in Fig. 14. That is, if no operation input is made to the information terminal 60 within a predetermined time, the mobile controller 30 confirms the accounting status of the purchased item registered in association with the identification information.

[0121] The mobile controller 30 constitutes an execution means by the processor 31 executing the processes in ACT72 to ACT75 of Fig. 14. That is, the mobile controller 30 executes processes according to the status related to the transaction for the purchased item.

[0122] Thus, according to this embodiment, if a predetermined time has passed without any operation input to the information terminal 60, a process is executed according to the transaction status of the customer who is the user of the cart C. Specifically, if the transaction status is "transaction completed", a message screen is displayed on the information terminal 60, and the information terminal 60 is reset. If the transaction status is "before transaction", "transaction in progress", or "error", that is, if the transaction is incomplete, a message screen is displayed on the information terminal 60 and a notification is sent to the monitoring terminal 40. Therefore, the store clerk does not need to search for the cart C that has been left abandoned after a predetermined time has passed, and if the transaction is completed, to make the information terminal 60 installed in the cart C available for the next member to use to perform a login operation. If the transaction is incomplete, the store clerk can easily find out about the existence of a cart C that has been left abandoned due to fraudulent transaction by checking the area 203 of the monitoring screen 200. This reduces the time and burden on the store clerk.

[0123] Although the information processing device, 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, a case where a member card is used to log in to the information terminal 60 has been exemplified. The method of logging in is not particularly limited, and for example, a code symbol indicating a member code may be displayed on the display of a smartphone carried by a customer, and the customer may log in by having the scanner 617 read this code symbol. In this case, the reader 618 can be omitted from the information terminal 60.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 60 is attached to the cart C. The information terminal 60 does not necessarily have to be attached to the cart C. For example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like owned by a customer may serve as the information terminal 60.

[0126] In the above embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which a member ID is stored in purchased item list 321. For example, a terminal ID, which is an identification code of information terminal 60, may be stored, or both the member ID and the terminal ID may be stored.

[0127] In the embodiment described above, the processor 611 of the information terminal 60 that has received the screen command displays a message screen on the touch panel 616. For example, the output is not limited to a display, and may be a sound output or the like. The information terminal 60 may be provided with a lamp that lights up or flashes.

[0128] The cart POS system 1 of the embodiment is not limited to the one shown in Fig. 1. For example, the store server 10, the member server 20, and the mobile controller 30 may be configured as one or two servers. Also, for example, the member server 20 may not be directly connected to the network 2, but may be provided on the Internet as cloud computing.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the control program has been described as being stored in advance in the main memory 612 or the auxiliary storage device 613 of the information terminal 60. In this regard, the monitoring program transferred separately from the information terminal 60 may be written in a writable storage device provided in the information terminal 60 in response to a user operation. The control program may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or 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 the program and is readable by the device.

[0130] 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]

[0131] 1... cart POS system, 2... network, 10... store server, 11, 31, 511, 611... processor, 12, 32, 512, 612... main memory, 13, 33, 513, 613... auxiliary storage device, 14, 35, 516... communication interface, 20... member server, 21... member database, 30... mobile controller, 34, 514... clock, 36, 521, 620... system transmission path, 40... monitoring Terminal, 50...accounting machine, 60...information terminal, 131...purchased item file, 132...transaction file, 321...purchased item list, 331...status table, 515...change machine interface, 517, 616...touch panel, 518, 617...scanner, 519, 618...reader, 520...printer, 614...timer, 615...wireless unit, 619...camera, C...cart (shopping cart), TM...tablet terminal.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying an information terminal operated by a user to register a purchased item; a confirmation means for confirming, when no operation input is made to the information terminal within a predetermined time, a transaction status of the purchased product registered in association with the identification information; an execution means for executing a process according to a transaction status of the purchased product; An information processing device comprising:

2. the execution means outputs a notification corresponding to a status of the transaction for the purchased item to the information terminal.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. the execution means resets the information terminal when the status of the transaction for the purchased item is transaction completed.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2.

4. When the status of the transaction for the purchased item is incomplete, the execution means notifies a monitoring terminal of that fact.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. Acquire identification information for identifying an information terminal operated by a user to register a purchased item; If no operation input is made to the information terminal within a predetermined time, the transaction status of the purchased product registered in association with the identification information is checked; Execute a process according to a status of the transaction for the purchased item. Information processing methods.

6. The computer of the information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying an information terminal operated by a user to register a purchased item; a confirmation means for confirming a transaction status of the purchased product registered in association with the identification information when no operation input is made to the information terminal within a predetermined time; and an execution means for executing a process according to a status related to the transaction for the purchased product; A control program that functions as a

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