Portable terminal, information processing device, and control program therefor

Abstract

To enable self commodity registration through use of a portable terminal of a consumer to be easily performed not only for a commodity with a bar code, but also for a commodity without a bar code.SOLUTION: A portable terminal includes a reading unit, a display, and an output unit. The reading unit reads a code symbol. The display displays a first screen on which a first operator for transition to a second screen for registering a commodity with a code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator for transition to a third screen for registering a commodity without a code symbol by selection from a commodity list are arranged. When the first operator is operated, the first screen transitions to the second screen, and when the second operator is operated, the first screen transitions to the third screen. The output unit outputs data on the commodity registered via the second screen or the third screen to a commodity registration processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Self-service product registration systems are already known, which allow consumers to scan the barcodes on products themselves using the camera function of a mobile device such as a smartphone when purchasing products at a sales floor. Introducing a self-service product registration system in a supermarket or other store with a separate sales floor and cash register eliminates the need for scanning at the cash register, which means there is an advantage in that it can alleviate congestion at the cash register.

[0003] However, not all products are necessarily affixed with barcodes. For example, fruits or vegetables sold individually may be sold without barcodes. Assuming that a consumer uses a mobile terminal to register a product without a barcode, one possible method is to input the product code equivalent to the barcode using the numeric keypad to enter the quantity. However, this method is prone to input errors. It also places a heavy burden on consumers. For this reason, there is a need for a self-service product registration system that allows consumers to easily register products without barcodes using a mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-129335 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide technology that enables consumers to easily perform self-product registration using their mobile terminals, not only for products with barcodes but also for products without barcodes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the mobile terminal includes a reading unit, a display unit, and an output unit. The reading unit reads a code symbol. The display unit displays a first screen on which a first operator for transitioning to a second screen for registering a product with a code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator for transitioning to a third screen for registering a product without a code symbol by selecting it from a product list are arranged, and transition from the first screen to the second screen occurs when the first operator is operated, and transition from the first screen to the third screen occurs when the second operator is operated. The output unit outputs data of the product registered via the second screen or the third screen to the product registration processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a self-service product registration system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the main data structures stored in a transaction file. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing main information processing steps executed by a processor of a mobile terminal according to a self-registration program. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first registration assistance process executed by a processor of the portable terminal in accordance with a self-registration program. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second registration assistance process executed by a processor of the portable terminal in accordance with a self-registration program. [Figure 8]11 is a flowchart showing the steps of a quantity change process executed by a processor of the mobile terminal in accordance with a self-registration program. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a payment assistance process executed by a processor of the mobile terminal in accordance with a self-registration program. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a check-in notification process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server according to a registration control program. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scan notification process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server according to a registration control program. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a no-barcode notification process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server in accordance with a registration control program. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a quantity change notification process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server according to a registration control program. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a payment notification process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server in accordance with a registration control program. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in screen displayed on a display of a mobile terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a third screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. [Diagram 23]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a checkout screen displayed on the display of a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a consumer uses a mobile terminal to self-register products that he or she purchases at a sales floor in a store such as a supermarket where the sales floor and the cashier are separated. Products include both products with barcodes indicating product codes for identifying the products and products without barcodes.

[0009] [Explanation of the self-registration system] 1 is a schematic diagram of a self-service product registration system 10 installed in the store. The self-service product registration system 10 is a system that enables consumers to register products they have purchased at the sales floor using a mobile terminal 20.

[0010] The self-service product registration system 10 includes devices such as a store server 11, a virtual POS server 12, and a payment machine 13. The self-service product registration system 10 connects the devices via a communication network 14. The communication network 14 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. An access point 15 is connected to the communication network 14.

[0011] The access point 15 is a communication facility installed in the store as a relay point for data communication via wireless LAN between each device constituting the self-service product registration system 10 and the mobile terminal 20 used by the consumer. The wireless LAN complies with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. Although only one access point 15 is shown in FIG. 1, the number of access points 15 is not limited to one. Two or more access points 15 may be connected to the communication network 14, taking into consideration the size, layout, etc. of the store.

[0012] The mobile terminal 20 is a portable wireless communication terminal used by a consumer when shopping at a store. The mobile terminal 20 is typically owned by the consumer, but in some cases, the store may lend the mobile terminal 20 to the consumer. The mobile terminal 20 is provided with hardware for reading at least a two-dimensional code, a barcode, or other code symbol, as will be described in detail later. For example, a commercially available smartphone or tablet terminal equipped with a digital camera can be used as the mobile terminal 20.

[0013] The store server 11 is a computer that supports all aspects of store operations. To support this, the store server 11 manages various databases, including a product database. The product database is a collection of product records that describe data on each product sold in the store. The product records describe product data such as product code, classification code, price, and product name.

[0014] A product code is a unique identification code assigned to each product in order to identify the product individually. Each product is usually affixed with a barcode that represents the product code. However, some products, such as fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods, may not have a barcode. In the following, products that have a barcode attached will be referred to as products with a barcode, and products that do not have a barcode will be referred to as products without a barcode.

[0015] The category code is a unique identification code set for each category to identify the category of the product, such as vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, beverages, dairy products, meat, fresh fish, processed foods, and confectionery.

[0016] The virtual POS server 12 is a computer that cooperates with the mobile terminal 20 to assist in making it appear as if a known POS terminal is operating. For example, the virtual POS server 12 has the following three functions. The first function is to register sales data of products self-registered via the mobile terminal 20. The second function is to generate accounting data based on the sales data of each product self-registered via the mobile terminal 20 in response to an accounting instruction from the mobile terminal 20, and transmit the accounting data to the store server 11. The accounting data includes the total number of registered products, the total price, etc. The third function is to control the screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20. The virtual POS server 12 functions as a product registration processing device by the first function and the second function. The virtual POS server 12 functions as an information processing device by the third function.

[0017] The payment machine 13 is a terminal for settling the price of products that have been self-registered via the mobile terminal 20. The payment machine 13 obtains payment data from the store server 11 and performs payment based on the payment data. There are no particular limitations on the payment method. Well-known payment methods such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, points payment, code payment (also called mobile payment or smartphone payment, etc.) can be used.

[0018] Such payment machines 13 include manned payment machines in which a store clerk inputs payment information, and self-service payment machines in which a consumer inputs payment information. The self-service product registration system 10 may include both manned and self-service payment machines, or only one of them. As the manned payment machine, a conventionally known POS terminal can be used. As the self-service payment machine, a conventionally known self-service or semi-self-service payment machine can be used. It is also possible to settle the price of purchased items with mobile terminal 20 by setting, for example, credit card information in mobile terminal 20. When using such a mechanism, payment machine 13 can be removed from self-service item registration system 10.

[0019] [Mobile device description] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the mobile terminal 20 includes a processor 21, an internal memory 22, an external memory 23, a touch panel 24, a camera 25, a wireless unit 26, and a system transmission path 27. The mobile terminal 20 also includes a rechargeable battery 28 as a driving source.

[0020] The system transmission path 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The mobile terminal 20 connects the processor 21, the built-in memory 22, the external memory 23, the touch panel 24, the camera 25, and the wireless unit 26 to the system transmission path 27. In the mobile terminal 20, the processor 21, the built-in memory 22, the external memory 23, and the system transmission path 27 connecting them form a computer.

[0021] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the mobile terminal 20 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The built-in memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The built-in memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 stores data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 22 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The external memory 23 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 23. The external memory 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 21. The external memory 23 may also store the application programs.

[0024] The touch panel 24 is an input device that combines a display 241 as a display unit and a touch sensor 242 as a detection unit. The display 241 has a screen for displaying various images. The touch sensor 242 detects a position on the screen touched by an operator. The touch panel 24 acquires data input by the operator from the position on the screen detected by the touch sensor 242 and information on the image displayed at that position.

[0025] Camera 25 is an imaging device built into mobile terminal 20. Camera 25 operates as a still or video image capturing device or as a scanning device for code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, depending on an application program installed in mobile terminal 20. That is, camera 25 functions as a reading unit that reads code symbols.

[0026] The wireless unit 26 is a circuit for performing data communication with the access point 15 in accordance with a wireless LAN communication protocol. That is, the wireless unit 26 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits data to each device of the self-service product registration system 10 connected via the access point 15, and a receiving unit that receives data transmitted from each device. The transmitting unit can also be referred to as an output unit.

[0027] The mobile terminal 20 configured as described above is equipped with a self-registration program 30. The self-registration program 30 is an application program for enabling the computer of the mobile terminal 20 to perform self-registration of products at a store in which the self-registration system 10 has been introduced. The self-registration program 30 is composed of a program ID and a program body. The program ID is unique identification information set for each program in order to identify each of the self-registration programs 30 installed on the mobile terminals 20 of multiple consumers. The program ID also functions as identification information for the mobile terminal 20.

[0028] The self-registration program 30 is installed in the external memory 23. The self-registration program 30 may be installed in the built-in memory 22. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the self-registration program 30 in the built-in memory 22 or the external memory 23. The self-registration program 30 can be installed in the built-in memory 22 or the external memory 23 by recording the self-registration program 30 on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the self-registration program 30 by communication via a network. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or USB memory.

[0029] [Virtual POS Server Description] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 12. The virtual POS server 12 includes a processor 121, a main memory 122, an auxiliary storage device 123, a clock 124, a communication interface 125, and a system transmission path 126. The system transmission path 126 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The virtual POS server 12 connects the processor 121, the main memory 122, the auxiliary storage device 123, the clock 124, and the communication interface 125 to the system transmission path 126. In the virtual POS server 12, the processor 121, the main memory 122, the auxiliary storage device 123, the clock 124, and the communication interface 125, and the system transmission path 126 connecting these, form a computer.

[0030] The processor 121 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 121 controls each part to realize various functions of the virtual POS server 12 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 121 is, for example, a CPU.

[0031] The main memory 122 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 122 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 122 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 122 stores data required for the processor 121 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The above data may be stored in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 122 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 121. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 123 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 123. The auxiliary storage device 123 stores data used by the processor 121 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 121. The auxiliary storage device 123 may also store the application programs described above.

[0033] The clock 124 keeps track of the date and time. The virtual POS server 12 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 124 as the current date and time.

[0034] The communication interface 125 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from each device connected via the communication network 14 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0035] The virtual POS server 12 having such a configuration is equipped with a registration control program 40. The registration control program 40 is an application program (control program) for controlling self-service product registration by a consumer using the mobile terminal 20 in cooperation with the self-service registration program 30 installed in the mobile terminal 20.

[0036] The registration control program 40 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 123. The registration control program 40 may be installed in the main memory 122. There is no particular limitation on the method of installing the registration control program 40 in the main memory 122 or the auxiliary storage device 123. The registration control program 40 can be installed in the main memory 122 or the auxiliary storage device 123 by recording the registration control program 40 on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the registration control program 40 by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as an SD memory card, USB memory, or the like, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0037] The virtual POS server 12 has a first product file 41 and a second product file 42 stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 as data files referenced by the registration control program 40. The first product file 41 is a data file that stores product data such as product code, classification code, price, product name, etc. of products with barcodes. The second product file 42 is a data file that stores product data such as product code, classification code, price, product name, etc. of products without barcodes.

[0038] The first product file 41 and the second product file 42 are created based on the product records stored in the product database. For example, when a product record of a new product to be sold is added to the product database, if the product has a barcode, the product data of the product is added to the first product file 41, and if the product does not have a barcode, the product data of the product is added to the second product file 42. Similarly, when a product record of a product to be discontinued is deleted from the product database, if the product has a barcode, the product data of the product is deleted from the first product file 41, and if the product does not have a barcode, the product data of the product is deleted from the second product file 42. Furthermore, if the price of the product is changed, the price of the product data related to the product stored in the first product file 41 or the second product file 42 is changed.

[0039] The virtual POS server 12 uses a part of the volatile area in the main memory 122 as a storage area for multiple transaction files 43. The transaction file 43 is a memory area for temporarily storing data of products registered according to the registration control program 40. A transaction file 43 is created for each consumer who performs self-registration of a product using the mobile terminal 20.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the transaction file 43. As shown in Fig. 4, the transaction file 43 stores each of the following data: program ID, store code, store entry date and time, one or more product sales data, total number of items, total amount, and accounting code.

[0041] The program ID is the program ID of the self-service registration program 30 installed in the mobile terminal 20. The store code is an identification code of the store in which the self-service product registration system 10 is installed. The store entry date and time is the date and time when the consumer who owns the mobile terminal 20 entered the store.

[0042] The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, sales quantity, sales amount, cancellation flag, etc. of the product that the consumer self-registered using the mobile terminal 20. The cancellation flag is one-bit data for identifying whether the product sales data is for a product whose purchase has been canceled. In this embodiment, the cancellation flag for product sales data of a product whose purchase has not been canceled is set to "0", and the cancellation flag for product sales data of a product whose purchase has been canceled is set to "1".

[0043] The total number of items is the total number of items for which the purchase has not been canceled, and the total amount is the total amount for which the purchase has not been canceled. The accounting code is a unique code generated for the mobile terminal 20 that issued the accounting instruction. Note that the data stored in the transaction file 43 is not limited to the data for each item described above.

[0044] The processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 has functions as a first control unit 51, a second control unit 52, a third control unit 53, a fourth control unit 54, a fifth control unit 55, a sixth control unit 56, and a seventh control unit 57. The first control unit 51, the second control unit 52, the third control unit 53, the fourth control unit 54, the fifth control unit 55, the sixth control unit 56, and the seventh control unit 57 are functions realized by the registration control program 40.

[0045] The first control unit 51 has a function of displaying a first screen on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20, i.e., the display 241. The first screen is a screen on which a first operator for transitioning to a second screen for registering products with barcodes by reading the barcodes, and a second operator for transitioning to a third screen for registering products without barcodes by selecting them from a product list are arranged. The first control unit 51 can be referred to as a first control means.

[0046] The second control unit 52 is a function that transitions the screen of the display 241 from a first screen to a second screen when a first operator is operated on the mobile terminal 20. The second control unit 52 can be referred to as a second control means.

[0047] The third control unit 53 is a function that transitions the screen of the display 241 from the first screen to the third screen when the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal 20. The third control unit 53 can be referred to as a third control means.

[0048] The fourth control unit 54 is a function that transitions the screen of the display 241 from the third screen to the second screen when the first operator of the third screen is operated on the mobile terminal 20. The fourth control unit 54 can be referred to as a fourth control means.

[0049] The fifth control unit 55 has a function of transitioning the screen of the display 241 to the first screen displaying the name and registered quantity of the product when the product is registered via the second screen or the third screen of the mobile terminal 20. The fifth control unit 55 can be referred to as a fifth control means.

[0050] The sixth control unit 56 has a function of executing a quantity change process, which will be described later, when a change to the registered quantity displayed on the first screen of the mobile terminal 20 is accepted. The seventh control unit 57 has a function of executing a transaction process described below when a third operator for instructing a transaction and displayed on the first screen of the mobile terminal 20 is operated. Note that the functions of the processor 21 are not limited to the functions of the first control unit 51 to the seventh control unit 57.

[0051] [Explanation of the operation of the self-service product registration system] 5 to 9 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 in accordance with the self-registration program 30. FIG. 10 to FIG. 14 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 in accordance with the registration control program 40. FIG. 15 to FIG. 24 are examples of screens displayed on the display 241 of the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, FIG. 15 is an example of a check-in screen SCa. FIG. 16, FIG. 18, and FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 are examples of a first screen SCb. FIG. 17 is an example of a second screen SCc. FIG. 19 is an example of a third screen SCd. FIG. 24 is an example of a checkout screen SCe. Details of each screen SCa to SCe will be described later.

[0052] The main operations of the self-service product registration system 10 will be described below with reference to Figs. 5 to 24. The information processing procedures shown in each flow chart are not limited to those shown. As long as the same operational effect can be obtained, they can be modified as appropriate. Moreover, the screen examples are merely examples. The layout, images, text, etc. of each screen SCa to SCe are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0053] First, the general operation from entering the store to making a payment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 10, 15 and 16. A consumer who visits a store in which the self-service product registration system 10 is installed and uses a mobile terminal 20 to self-register a purchased product first starts the self-service registration program 30. When the self-service registration program 30 starts, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 starts information processing of the procedure shown in Fig. 5. The processor 21 causes the display 241 to display a check-in screen SCa (see Fig. 15) as ACT1.

[0054] FIG. 15 is an example of the check-in screen SCa. A two-dimensional code for entering the store is provided at the entrance of the store. The two-dimensional code is setting information related to the store coded using a predetermined two-dimensional coding system. The setting information includes a store code, in-store LAN data, mobile communication data, etc. The in-store LAN data is an SSID, password, security information, etc. required for the mobile terminal 20 to connect to the access point 15 using wireless LAN. The mobile communication data is a timeout period, number of retries, etc. required for the mobile terminal 20 to communicate with each device of the self-service product registration system 10.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 15, the check-in screen SCa displays a camera start button Ba together with guidance to scan the two-dimensional code for store entry. The camera start button Ba is a soft button for commanding the start of the camera 25. The soft button can also be called a soft key, an operator, or the like. After checking the check-in screen SCa, the consumer presses the camera start button Ba. This starts up the camera 25, and the consumer uses the camera 25 to scan the two-dimensional code for store entry.

[0056] The processor 21, which has displayed the check-in screen SCa, waits for check-in in ACT2. When the two-dimensional code for entering the store is scanned by the camera 25, the processor 21 determines that check-in has occurred. The processor 21 proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3. The processor 21 connects to the access point 15 via wireless LAN based on the in-store LAN data of the setting information that has been two-dimensionally coded in ACT3. Then, once connected to the access point 15, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a check-in notification to the virtual POS server 12 in ACT4.

[0057] This control causes a check-in notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via wireless unit 26. The check-in notification command is received by access point 15 and sent to virtual POS server 12 via communication network 14. The check-in notification command includes the program ID of self-registration program 30. The check-in notification command also includes the store code obtained from the two-dimensional code used for store entry. In virtual POS server 12 that receives the check-in notification command, a check-in notification process is executed.

[0058] 10 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the check-in notification process. When the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 receives a check-in notification command via the communication interface 125, it obtains a program ID from the check-in notification command as ACT 101. The processor 121 then checks whether the program ID is a valid ID.

[0059] For example, the store server 11 stores the program ID of a self-registration program installed by a consumer who has committed a fraudulent transaction. The processor 121 checks whether the program ID acquired from the check-in notification command matches the program ID stored in the store server 11. If the program IDs match, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT103. In ACT103, the processor 121 transmits a negative response command to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the check-in notification command.

[0060] On the other hand, if the program IDs do not match, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT104. The processor 121 acquires the store ID from the check-in notification command in ACT104. The processor 121 also sets the current date and time measured by the clock 124 as the store entry date and time in ACT105. The processor 121 then creates a transaction file 43 on the main memory 122 in ACT105. The program ID and store code acquired from the check-in notification command, and the store entry date and time are saved in the transaction file 43.

[0061] The processor 121 transmits an affirmative response command to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the check-in notification command (ACT106). Next, the processor 121 transmits data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 (ACT107). The data of the first screen SCb is data for displaying the first screen SCb on the display 241 of the mobile terminal 20. The data of the first screen SCb is created based on data of a prepared screen layout and data (store code, product sales data, total number of items, total amount) of the transaction file 43 in which the program ID included in the check-in notification command is saved. With this, the processor 121 ends the information processing when the check-in notification command is received.

[0062] In this way, when the consumer scans the two-dimensional code for entering the store with the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20, a check-in notification command is transmitted from the mobile terminal 20 to the virtual POS server 12. In response to the check-in notification command, the virtual POS server 12 creates a transaction file 43 for the consumer who is using the mobile terminal 20. In addition, an affirmative response command is transmitted from the virtual POS server 12 to the mobile terminal 20 together with the data of the first screen SCb.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. The processor 21 that has issued the check-in notification waits as ACT5 for a response command from the virtual POS server 12. If a negative response command is received, the processor 21 determines that a check-in error has occurred and ends the process.

[0064] On the other hand, if an affirmative response command is received, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6. The processor 21 stores the data of the first screen SCb received following the affirmative response command in the image memory in ACT6. The image memory is, for example, a part of the storage area of ​​the built-in memory 22. The processor 21 displays the first screen SCb (see FIG. 16) on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory in ACT7.

[0065] FIG. 16 is an example of the first screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the first screen SCb has a store name area ARa, a total area ARb, and multiple detail areas ARc. The store name area ARa displays the name of the store identified by the store code set in the two-dimensional code for entering the store. The total area ARb displays the total points and the total amount. The multiple detail areas ARc are blank at the moment. The first screen SCb also displays a scan button Bb, a no barcode button Bc, and a checkout button Bd. The scan button Bb is a soft button operated by the consumer when performing self-registration of a product with a barcode. The scan button Bb is an example of a first operator. The no barcode button Bc is a soft button operated by the consumer when performing self-registration of a product without a barcode. The no barcode button Bc is an example of a second operator. The checkout button Bd is a soft button operated by the consumer when moving to checkout of the purchased product that has been self-registered. The checkout button Bd is an example of a third operator.

[0066] After checking the first screen SCb, the consumer starts shopping. If the product to be purchased has a barcode, the consumer presses the scan button Bb. If the product to be purchased does not have a barcode, the consumer presses the no barcode button Bc. When the consumer has finished shopping, the consumer presses the checkout button Bd.

[0067] After displaying the first screen SCb, the processor 21 checks whether the scan button Bb has been pressed in ACT8. If the scan button Bb has not been pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9. The processor 21 checks whether the no barcode button Bc has been pressed in ACT9. If the no barcode button Bc has not been pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT10. The processor 21 checks whether a purchased item has been registered in ACT10. If a purchased item has not been registered, the processor 21 returns from ACT10 to ACT8. In this way, the processor 21 waits for the scan button Bb or the no barcode button Bc to be pressed until a purchased item is registered.

[0068] In this standby state, when the processor 21 detects that the scan button Bb has been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT11. The processor 21 executes a first registration support process as ACT11. The first registration support process is a process that cooperates with the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 to support the registration of purchased items that are items with barcodes. The first registration support process will be described in detail later. Upon completing the first registration support process, the processor 21 returns to a standby state for input of the scan button Bb or the no barcode button Bc.

[0069] In this standby state, when the processor 21 detects that the no barcode button Bc has been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT12. The processor 21 executes a second registration support process as ACT12. The second registration support process is a process that cooperates with the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 to support the registration of purchased items that are no barcode items. The second registration support process will be described in detail later. Upon completing the second registration support process, the processor 21 returns to a standby state for input of the scan button Bb or the no barcode button Bc.

[0070] When the first registration support process or the second registration support process is executed, the purchased items are registered. Therefore, processor 21 proceeds from ACT10 to ACT13. Processor 21 checks whether a quantity change has been instructed in ACT13. The instruction to change the quantity will be described later. If a quantity change has not been instructed, processor 21 proceeds from ACT13 to ACT14. Processor 21 checks whether a checkout has been instructed in ACT14. When the checkout button Bd on the first screen SCb is pressed, processor 21 determines that a checkout has been instructed. If a checkout has not been instructed, processor 21 returns from ACT14 to ACT8. In this way, after the purchased items have been registered, processor 21 waits for the scan button Bb, no barcode button Bc, or checkout button Bd on the first screen SCb to be pressed, or for a quantity change to be instructed.

[0071] In this standby state, when the scan button Bb is pressed, the processor 21 executes a first registration support process. When the no barcode button Bc is pressed, the processor 21 executes a second registration support process.

[0072] On the other hand, if a quantity change is instructed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT13 to ACT15. The processor 21 executes quantity change support processing in ACT15. The quantity change support processing is processing that cooperates with the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 to support a change in the registered quantity of a purchased item. The quantity change support processing will be described in detail later. Upon completing the quantity change support processing, the processor 21 returns to a standby state for input of the scan button Bb, no barcode button Bc or checkout button Bd, or a quantity change instruction.

[0073] In this standby state, when processor 21 detects that checkout button Bd has been pressed, it proceeds from ACT14 to ACT16. Processor 21 executes a payment support process in ACT16. The payment support process cooperates with processor 121 of virtual POS server 12 to support payment of the registered purchased items. Details of the payment support process will be described later. Upon completing the payment support process, processor 21 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0074] Next, the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when a consumer self-registers a product with a barcode will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, when the purchased product is a product with a barcode, the consumer inputs the scan button Bb displayed on the first screen SCb. Then, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 starts the first registration support process.

[0075] 6 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the first registration support process. When the processor 21 starts the first registration support process, it controls the wireless unit 26 as ACT 21 so as to send a scan notification to the virtual POS server 12. This control causes a scan notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The scan notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The scan notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. In the virtual POS server 12 that receives the scan notification command, the scan notification process is executed.

[0076] The scan notification process will be described in detail later. As a result of the scan notification process, data of the second screen SCc is sent from the virtual POS server 12, and the processor 21 stores the data of the second screen SCc in the image memory as ACT 22. Then, the processor 21 displays the second screen SCc (see FIG. 17) on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory as ACT 23.

[0077] 17 is an example of the second screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the second screen SCc has a store name area ARa and a reading guidance area ARd. In the reading guidance area ARd, a window W showing the barcode reading range is displayed together with guidance instructing to read the barcode. A close button Be is also displayed.

[0078] In this way, when the consumer inputs the scan button Bb on the first screen SCb, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the first screen SCb to the second screen SCc. After checking the second screen SCc, the consumer points the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20 at the purchased product so that the barcode attached to the purchased product is within the window W. The barcode is then scanned by the camera 25. If the consumer wishes to stop scanning, he or she inputs the close button Be.

[0079] Processor 21, which has displayed the second screen, checks in ACT24 whether the barcode of the purchased item has been scanned. If the barcode has not been scanned, processor 21 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT25. Processor 21 checks in ACT25 whether the close button Be has been pressed. If the close button Be has not been pressed, processor 21 returns to ACT24. In this way, processor 21, which has displayed the second screen, waits for the barcode of the purchased item to be scanned or the close button Be to be pressed.

[0080] In this standby state, when the barcode of the purchased item is scanned by camera 25, processor 21 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT26. Processor 21 controls wireless unit 26 to perform a registration notification in ACT26. This control causes a registration notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via wireless unit 26. The registration notification command is received by access point 15 and sent to virtual POS server 12 via communication network 14. The registration notification command includes the program ID of self-registration program 30 as well as the data of the scanned barcode.

[0081] In the standby state, if the close button Be is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT25 to ACT27. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to issue a stop notification in ACT27. This control causes a stop notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The stop notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The stop notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30.

[0082] When the virtual POS server 12 executing the scan notification process receives a registration notification command or a stop notification command, data of the first screen SCb is transmitted from the virtual POS server 12 to the mobile terminal 20. The processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the registration notification command or the stop notification command stores the data of the first screen SCb in an image memory as ACT28. Then, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory as ACT29. With this, processor 21 ends the first registration support process.

[0083] Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the scan notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives a scan notification command from the mobile terminal 20, it starts information processing of the steps shown in the flow chart of Fig. 11. First, the processor 121 transmits data of the second screen SCc to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the scan notification command as ACT111. The data of the second screen SCc is created based on the layout data prepared in advance and the data (store code) of the transaction file 43 in which the program ID included in the scan notification command is saved.

[0084] After transmitting the data of the second screen SCc, the processor 121 checks whether or not a registration notification command has been received in ACT112. If a registration notification command has not been received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT112 to ACT113. The processor 121 checks whether or not a stop notification command has been received in ACT113. If a stop notification command has not been received, the processor 121 returns from ACT113 to ACT112. In this way, the processor 121 waits to receive a registration notification command or a stop notification command.

[0085] In this standby state, when a stop notification command is received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT 113 to ACT 122. In ACT 122, the processor 121 transmits data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the stop notification command.

[0086] In this way, when a consumer who has pressed the scan button Bb to register a product with a barcode presses the close button Be on the second screen SCc to cancel the registration of the product with a barcode, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the second screen SCc to the first screen SCb. The first screen SCb at this time is the same as the first screen SCb before transitioning to the second screen SCc.

[0087] In the standby state, if a registration notification command is received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT112 to ACT114. The processor 121 acquires a program ID from the registration notification command in ACT114. Then, the processor 121 selects a transaction file 43 in which the program ID is saved in ACT115.

[0088] Processor 121 also acquires a product code from the barcode data included in the registration notification command in ACT116. Processor 121 then searches first product file 41 for that product code in ACT117. Processor 121 reads out the product name, price, etc. stored in association with the product code from first product file 41 in ACT118. Processor 121 generates product sales data in ACT119. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, number of items sold, sales amount, cancellation flag, etc. The number of items sold is "1". The sales amount is the price multiplied by the number of items sold. The cancellation flag is "0" indicating non-cancellation.

[0089] The processor 121 saves the product sales data in the transaction file 43 selected in ACT115 as ACT120. Then, the processor 121 updates the data of the first screen SCb based on the data of this transaction file 43 as ACT121. That is, the processor 121 updates the data so that the product sales data saved in the transaction file 43, that is, the product name, sales quantity, and sales price of the barcoded product, are displayed in the details area ARc of the first screen SCb. The processor 121 also updates the data so that the total quantity and total price of each product sales data are displayed in the total area ARb. The processor 121 transmits the data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the registration notification command as ACT122.

[0090] In this way, when a consumer scans the barcode of a purchased item using the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20, the product sales data of the purchased item is stored in the transaction file 43 of the consumer in the virtual POS server 12. That is, the product sales data of the barcoded item is registered. Also, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the second screen SCc to the first screen SCb. At this time, the first screen SCb becomes a screen updated with the product sales data of the purchased item.

[0091] Fig. 18 is an example of the first screen SCb after the product sales data for five items has been registered. As shown in the figure, the details area ARc of the first screen SCb displays the product name, sales price, and number of items sold for each product sales data. Incidentally, the number of items sold is displayed in a pull-down box. The purpose of the pull-down box will be described later. The total area ARb of the first screen SCb displays the total number of items and the total price for the five items.

[0092] Next, the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when a consumer self-registers a product without a barcode will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, when the purchased product is a product without a barcode, the consumer inputs the "No barcode" button Bc displayed on the first screen SCb. Then, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 starts the second registration support process.

[0093] 7 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the second registration support process. When processor 21 starts the second registration support process, processor 21 controls wireless unit 26 to perform a no-barcode notification as ACT31 to virtual POS server 12. This control causes a no-barcode notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via wireless unit 26. The no-barcode notification command is received by access point 15 and sent to virtual POS server 12 via communication network 14. The no-barcode notification command includes the program ID of self-registration program 30. In virtual POS server 12 that receives the no-barcode notification command, a no-barcode notification process is executed.

[0094] The details of the no barcode notification process will be described later. Since the data of the third screen SCd is sent from the virtual POS server 12 by the no barcode notification process, the processor 21 stores the data of the third screen SCd in the image memory as ACT32. Then, the processor 21 displays the third screen SCd (see FIG. 19) on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory as ACT33.

[0095] FIG. 19 is an example of the third screen SCd. As shown in the figure, the third screen SCd has a list area ARe of products without barcodes, along with a store name area ARa and a total area ARb. In the list area ARe, a plurality of category buttons Bf and a plurality of product buttons Bg to which product codes of products belonging to the category of the selected category button Bf are respectively assigned are displayed. Also displayed are a scan button Bb and a back button Bh. Each category button Bf displays a category of products that includes products without barcodes. The product button Bg displays the product name and price of the product without barcodes. Note that the information displayed in the product button Bg is not limited to the product name and price. FIG. 19 is an example of a screen when fruit is selected as the category.

[0096] In this way, when the consumer presses the no barcode button Bc on the first screen SCb, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the first screen SCb to the third screen SCd. After checking the third screen SCd, the consumer operates the touch panel 24 to input the category button Bf to which the purchased product belongs, and then to input the product button Bg showing the product name of the purchased product. By doing so, the product code assigned to the input product button Bg is captured by the processor 21. If the consumer notices that the product has a barcode attached, he or she presses the scan button Bb. If the consumer wishes to stop registering a product without a barcode, he or she presses the back button Bh.

[0097] The processor 21 that has displayed the third screen SCd checks whether or not the scan button Bb has been input in ACT34. If the scan button Bb has not been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT34 to ACT35. The processor 21 checks whether or not the back button Bh has been input in ACT35. If the back button Bh has not been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT35 to ACT36. The processor 21 checks whether or not the classification button Bf has been input in ACT36. If the classification button Bf has not been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT36 to ACT37. The processor 21 checks whether or not the product button Bg has been input in ACT37. If the product button Bg has not been input, the processor 21 returns to ACT34. In this way, the processor 21 that has displayed the third screen SCd waits for any one of the scan button Bb, the back button Bh, the classification button Bf, or the product button Bg to be input.

[0098] In this standby state, when it is detected that the scan button Bb has been pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT34 to ACT38. In ACT38, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to perform a scan notification to the virtual POS server 12. By this control, as described above, a scan notification command is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. In the virtual POS server 12 that receives the scan notification command, the scan notification process described with reference to Fig. 11 is executed. Therefore, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT22 in Fig. 6, and executes the processes of ACT22 to ACT29 in the same manner as described above.

[0099] In the standby state, if the back button Bh is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT35 to ACT39. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to perform a back notification in ACT39. This control causes a back notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The back notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 through the communication network 14. The back notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30.

[0100] When the virtual POS server 12 executing the no barcode notification process receives a return notification command, data of the first screen SCb is transmitted from the virtual POS server 12. The processor 21 that issued the return notification stores the data of the first screen SCb in the image memory as ACT42. The processor 21 then displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory as ACT43.

[0101] In the standby state, if any of the classification buttons Bf is input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT36 to ACT40. In ACT40, the processor 21 updates the product buttons Bg based on the data of the third screen SCd so that the product code of the product belonging to the classification of the selected classification button Bf is assigned to each product button Bg. Then, the processor 21 returns to the standby state.

[0102] In this standby state, if any of the product buttons Bg is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT37 to ACT41. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to perform a registration notification in ACT41. This control causes a registration notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The registration notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The registration notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30 and the product code assigned to the selected product button Bg.

[0103] When the virtual POS server 12 executing the no barcode notification process receives the registration notification command, data of the first screen SCb is transmitted from the virtual POS server 12. The processor 21 that has issued the registration notification stores the data of the first screen SCb in the image memory as ACT 42. The processor 21 then displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory as ACT 43. With this, processor 21 ends the second registration support process.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the no-barcode notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives a no-barcode notification command from the mobile terminal 20, the processor 121 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 12. First, the processor 121 transmits data of the third screen SCd to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the no-barcode notification command as ACT131. The data of the third screen SCd is created based on the layout data prepared in advance and the product data stored in the second product file 42. Specifically, the classification name of the classification code that exists as the product data is assigned to each classification button Bf. In addition, when any classification button Bf is selected, the data is edited so that the product name and price of the product belonging to that classification are assigned to each product button Bg. Therefore, the classification button Bf and product button Bg of the product without barcode displayed on the third screen SCd differ depending on the store in which the self-service product registration system 10 is built.

[0105] After transmitting the data of the third screen SCd, the processor 121 checks whether or not a registration notification command has been received in ACT132. If a registration notification command has not been received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT132 to ACT133. The processor 121 checks whether or not a scan notification command has been received in ACT133. If a scan notification command has not been received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT133 to ACT134. The processor 121 checks whether or not a return notification command has been received in ACT134. If a return notification command has not been received, the processor 121 returns from ACT134 to ACT132. In this way, the processor 121 waits to receive a registration notification command, a scan notification command, or a return notification command.

[0106] In this standby state, when the processor 121 receives a scan notification command, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT133 to ACT111 in Fig. 11. Then, the processor 121 executes the processes of ACT111 to ACT122 in the same manner as described above.

[0107] In this way, when a consumer who has pressed the no barcode button Bc to register a product without a barcode notices that the product has a barcode and presses the scan button Bb on the third screen SCd, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the third screen SCd to the second screen SCc. Therefore, the consumer can quickly register a product with a barcode using the mobile terminal 20.

[0108] In the standby state, if a back notification command is received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT 134 to ACT 143. In ACT 143, the processor 121 transmits data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that is the source of the back notification command.

[0109] In this way, when a consumer who has pressed the No Barcode button Bc to register a product without a barcode presses the Back button Bh on the third screen SCd to cancel the registration of the product without a barcode, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the third screen SCd to the first screen SCb. The first screen SCb at this time is the same as the first screen SCb before transitioning to the third screen SCd.

[0110] In the standby state, if a registration notification command is received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT 132 to ACT 135. The processor 121 acquires a program ID from the registration notification command in ACT 135. Then, the processor 121 selects a transaction file 43 in which the program ID is saved in ACT 136.

[0111] Processor 121 also acquires the product code from the registration notification command in ACT137. Processor 121 then searches second product file 42 for that product code in ACT138. Processor 121 reads out the product name, price, etc. stored in association with the product code from second product file 42 in ACT139. Processor 121 generates product sales data in ACT140. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, number of items sold, sales amount, cancellation flag, etc. The number of items sold is "1". The sales amount is the price multiplied by the number of items sold. The cancellation flag is "0" indicating non-cancellation.

[0112] The processor 121 saves the product sales data in the transaction file 43 selected in ACT136 as ACT141. Then, the processor 121 updates the data of the first screen SCb based on the data of this transaction file 43 as ACT142. That is, the processor 121 updates the data so that the product sales data saved in the transaction file 43, that is, the product name, sales quantity, and sales price of the product without a barcode, are displayed in the details area ARc of the first screen SCb. The processor 121 also updates the data so that the total quantity and total price of each product sales data are displayed in the total area ARb. The processor 121 transmits the data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the registration notification command as ACT143.

[0113] In this way, when the consumer selects a purchased item from the list of items without barcodes displayed on the display 241 of the mobile terminal 20, the product sales data of the purchased item is stored in the transaction file 43 of the consumer in the virtual POS server 12. That is, the product sales data of the item without barcodes is registered. Also, the screen of the display 241 transitions from the third screen SCd to the first screen SCb. At this time, the first screen SCb becomes a screen updated with the product sales data of the purchased item, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0114] That is, the first screen SCb displays product sales data of products with barcodes that the consumer has self-registered, as well as product sales data of products without barcodes that the consumer has also self-registered. The total points and total price of products with barcodes and products without barcodes are also displayed. Therefore, a consumer who checks the first screen SCb can know the product sales data of the purchased products that the consumer has self-registered by operating the mobile terminal 20, as well as the total points and total price, regardless of whether the products have barcodes or not.

[0115] Next, the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when a consumer changes the sales quantity of a registered product will be described with reference to Figures 8, 13, 20 to 23. The sales quantity can be increased when adding the same product, or decreased when returning a product.

[0116] As described above, the details area ARc of the first screen SCb displays the number of units sold along with the product name and sales price of the registered product. The number of units sold is displayed in a pull-down box. When changing the number of units sold of a registered product, the consumer selects the pull-down box for the number of units sold that is displayed along with the product name of the product.

[0117] When the pull-down box is selected, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 recognizes that a quantity change has been instructed. The processor 21 judges YES in ACT13 of Fig. 5, and starts a quantity change support process in ACT15.

[0118] 8 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the quantity change support process. The processor 21 acquires the product code of the product sales data displayed in the details area ARc of the pull-down box in which the quantity change is specified as ACT51. The processor 21 also displays the pull-down menu PD (see FIG. 20) in the pull-down box in which the quantity change is specified as ACT52.

[0119] Fig. 20 is an example of a screen when the pull-down box for the sales quantity displayed together with the product name of product BBB is selected on the first screen SCb of Fig. 18. As shown in the figure, a pull-down menu PD with numbers from "0" to "10" is displayed in the selected pull-down box.

[0120] The consumer selects the new quantity of product BBB from the pull-down menu PD. For example, if one more unit of product BBB is to be added, making the total two units, the consumer selects "2." For example, if all units of product BBB are to be returned, the consumer selects "0." If the unit quantity is to be increased to ten or more units, the consumer selects "10." Then, as shown in FIG. 21, numeric keypad buttons PUa and a change quantity box PUb pop up, so the consumer operates numeric keypad buttons PUa to input the new sales unit quantity. The entered sales unit quantity is displayed in the change quantity box PUb, so the consumer presses the confirm button Bi included in numeric keypad buttons PUa.

[0121] That is, having displayed the pull-down menu PD in ACT52, the processor 21 waits in ACT53 for a quantity to be selected from the pull-down menu PD. When a quantity is selected, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT53 to ACT54. The processor 21 checks whether or not "10" has been selected in ACT54. If the selected number is any number from "0" to "9," the processor 21 proceeds from ACT54 to ACT57. The processor 21 acquires the selected number in ACT57 as the post-change quantity N.

[0122] On the other hand, if "10" is selected, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT54 to ACT55. The processor 21 displays the numeric keypad button PUa in ACT55. Then, the processor 21 waits for a numeric value to be input via the numeric keypad button PUa in ACT56. When a numeric value is input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT56 to ACT57. The processor 21 acquires the selected numeric value as the post-change quantity N in ACT57.

[0123] Upon completing the processing of ACT57, processor 21 controls wireless unit 26 to perform a quantity change notification in ACT58. This control causes a quantity change notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via wireless unit 26. The quantity change notification command is received by access point 15 and sent to virtual POS server 12 via communication network 14. The quantity change notification command includes the program ID of self-registration program 30. The quantity change notification command also includes the product code acquired in ACT51 and the changed quantity N acquired in ACT57. In virtual POS server 12 that has received the quantity change notification command, a quantity change notification process is executed.

[0124] The quantity change notification process will be described in detail later. By the quantity change notification process, data of the first screen SCb after the quantity change is sent from the virtual POS server 12. However, if the post-change quantity N is smaller than the pre-change quantity M, a registration cancellation image PUc (see FIG. 22) is sent from the virtual POS server 12 before the data of the first screen SCb.

[0125] The processor 21 checks whether or not a registration cancellation image PUc has been received in ACT59. If data of the first screen SCb has been received without receiving a registration cancellation image PUc, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT59 to ACT60. The processor 21 stores the data of the first screen SCb in the image memory in ACT60. Then, the processor 21 causes the display 241 to display the first screen SCb based on the data in the image memory in ACT61.

[0126] On the other hand, when the registration cancellation image PUc is received, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT59 to ACT62. In ACT62, the processor 21 displays the registration cancellation image PUc in a pop-up on the first screen SCb.

[0127] 22 is an example of a screen in which a registration cancellation image PUc is popped up on the first screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the registration cancellation image PUc displays an OK button Bj together with a message instructing the consumer to return the cancelled product to the shelf. After checking the registration cancellation image PUc, the consumer returns the product to be returned to the shelf and presses the OK button Bj.

[0128] After displaying the registration cancellation image PUc as a pop-up, the processor 21 waits for the OK button Bj to be pressed in ACT63. When the OK button Bj is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT63 to ACT64. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to perform a confirmation notification in ACT64. This control causes a confirmation notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The confirmation notification command is received by the access point 15 and transmitted to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The confirmation notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. Data of the first screen SCb is transmitted from the virtual POS server 12 that has received the confirmation notification command.

[0129] After transmitting the confirmation notification command, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 60. The processor 21 stores the data of the first screen SCb in the image memory in ACT 60. Then, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory in ACT 61.

[0130] With this, processor 21 ends the quantity change process.

[0131] 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a quantity change notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives a quantity change notification command from the mobile terminal 20, the processor 121 starts information processing of the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0132] The processor 121 acquires the program ID from the quantity change notification command in ACT 151. Then, the processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 in which the program ID is saved in ACT 152.

[0133] The processor 121 acquires the product code from the quantity change notification command in ACT 153. Then, the processor 121 acquires the sales quantity of the product sales data including the product code as the pre-change quantity M from the product sales data stored in the selected transaction file 43 in ACT 154.

[0134] The processor 121 obtains the changed quantity N from the quantity change notification command in ACT155. Then, the processor 121 compares the pre-change quantity M with the post-change quantity N in ACT156. As a result, if the post-change quantity N is smaller than the pre-change quantity M, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT156 to ACT157. The processor 121 transmits data of the registration cancellation image to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the quantity change notification command in ACT157. The data of the registration cancellation image is set in the main memory 122 or the auxiliary storage device 123. The processor 121 waits for a confirmation notification command in ACT158. When the confirmation notification command is received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT158 to ACT159. On the other hand, if the post-change quantity N is equal to or larger than the pre-change quantity M, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT156 to ACT159. That is, the processor 121 skips the processes in ACT157 and ACT158.

[0135] The processor 121 changes the sales quantity of the product sales data from pre-change quantity M to post-change quantity N in ACT159. The processor 121 checks whether the post-change quantity N is "0" in ACT160. If the post-change quantity N is "0", the processor 121 proceeds from ACT160 to ACT161. In ACT161, the processor 121 changes the cancellation flag of the product sales data in which the post-change quantity N is "0" to "1". If the post-change quantity N is not "0", the processor 121 proceeds from ACT160 to ACT162. In other words, the processor 121 skips the processing of ACT161.

[0136] The processor 121 updates the data on the first screen SCb as ACT162. That is, the processor 121 controls the details area ARc on the first screen SCb so that the product name, sales quantity, and sales amount of the product sales data stored in the transaction file 43 are displayed. Also, the processor 121 controls so that the product name and sales amount of the product sales data whose cancellation flag has been changed to "1" are struck through. The processor 121 transmits the data on the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the registration notification command as ACT163.

[0137] 23 is an example of the first screen SCb after the sales quantity of product BBB has been changed to "0." As shown in the figure, a strikethrough is displayed on the product name and sales price of product BBB whose sales quantity has been changed to "0." This allows the consumer to know that the registration of product BBB has been canceled before payment.

[0138] Next, the operation of self-service product registration system 10 when a consumer pays for purchased products will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, when moving to checkout for the purchased product for which the consumer has self-registered, the consumer presses the checkout button Bd displayed on the first screen SCb. Then, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 starts the payment support process.

[0139] 9 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the payment support process. When processor 21 starts the payment support process, it controls wireless unit 26 as ACT 71 to send a payment notification to virtual POS server 12. This control causes a payment notification command to be wirelessly transmitted via wireless unit 26. The payment notification command is received by access point 15 and sent to virtual POS server 12 via communication network 14. The payment notification command includes the program ID of self-registration program 30. In virtual POS server 12 that receives the payment notification command, the payment notification process is executed.

[0140] The details of the payment notification process will be described later. As a result of the payment notification process, data for the billing screen SCe is sent from the virtual POS server 12, and the processor 21 stores the data for the billing screen SCe in image memory in ACT 72. The processor 21 then displays the billing screen SCe (see FIG. 24) on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory in ACT 73.

[0141] 24 is an example of the billing screen SCe. As shown in the figure, a billing barcode BCD is displayed on the billing screen SCe. In addition, a back button Bh is displayed on the billing screen SCe.

[0142] After checking the payment screen SCe, the consumer goes to the location of the payment machine 13. At this time, if the payment machine 13 is a manned payment machine, the consumer presents the payment barcode BCD on the payment screen SCe to a store clerk. The store clerk scans the payment barcode BCD with the scanner of the payment machine 13. On the other hand, if the payment machine 13 is a self-service payment machine, the consumer scans the payment barcode BCD themselves with the scanner of the payment machine 13. If the consumer wishes to cancel the payment, they press the back button Bh.

[0143] When the accounting barcode BCD is scanned by the scanner of the accounting machine 13, the accounting machine 13 executes the payment process based on the data in the transaction file 43 identified by the accounting barcode BCD. In addition, a payment completion command is sent from the virtual POS server 12 to the mobile terminal 20.

[0144] After displaying the accounting screen SCe, the processor 21 checks whether or not a payment end command has been received in ACT74. If the payment end command has not been received, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT74 to ACT75. In ACT75, the processor 21 checks whether or not the back button Bh has been pressed. If the back button Bh has not been pressed, the processor 21 returns to ACT74. In this way, the processor 21 waits for either receiving the payment end command or for the back button Bh to be pressed.

[0145] In this standby state, if the back button Bh is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT75 to ACT76. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to issue a transaction cancellation notice in ACT76. This control causes a transaction cancellation notice command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The transaction cancellation notice command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communications network 14. The transaction cancellation notice command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30.

[0146] If a payment end command is received in this standby state, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT74 to ACT77. The processor 21 erases the accounting screen SCe in ACT77. With this, the processor 21 ends the information processing according to the self-registration program 30.

[0147] 14 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the accounting notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. Upon receiving a accounting notification command from the mobile terminal 20, the processor 121 begins the information processing steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0148] The processor 121 obtains the program ID from the accounting notification command in ACT 171. The processor 121 then selects the transaction file 43 in which the program ID is saved in ACT 172. The processor 121 generates a unique accounting barcode BCD in ACT 173. The processor 121 then saves the data of the accounting barcode BCD in the selected transaction file 43 in ACT 174.

[0149] In ACT175, the processor 121 sends data of the accounting screen SCe, including the accounting barcode BCD, to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the accounting notification command. Then, in ACT176, the processor 121 checks whether or not accounting barcode BCD data has been received from the accounting device 13. If accounting barcode BCD data has not been received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT176 to ACT177. In ACT177, the processor 121 checks whether or not a accounting cancellation notification command has been received from the mobile terminal 20. If a accounting cancellation notification command has not been received, the processor 121 returns from ACT177 to ACT176. In this way, the processor 121 waits to receive accounting barcode BCD data or to receive a accounting cancellation notification command.

[0150] As described above, when the consumer presses the back button Bh on the checkout screen SCe, a checkout cancellation notification command is sent from the mobile terminal 20 to the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 confirms that the checkout cancellation notification command has been received, it proceeds from ACT177 to ACT178. In ACT178, the processor 121 clears the data of the checkout barcode BCD that was saved in the transaction file 43 in the processing of ACT174.

[0151] As described above, when the accounting barcode BCD is scanned by the scanner of the accounting machine 13, the accounting barcode BCD data is sent from the accounting machine 13 to the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives the accounting barcode BCD data, it proceeds from ACT176 to ACT179. In ACT179, the processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 in which the accounting barcode BCD data is saved. In ACT180, the processor 121 edits payment data from the product sales data and the total data of the total number of items and total amount stored in the transaction file 43, and sends this to the accounting machine 13 that sent the accounting barcode BCD data. In ACT181, the processor 121 also sends a payment completion command to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the accounting notification command. With this, the processor 121 ends the information processing performed when the accounting notification command is received.

[0152] [Explanation of the effects of the self-service product registration system] As described above in detail, when the consumer, who is the operator, inputs the scan button Bb on the first screen SCb of the mobile terminal 20, the first screen SCb transitions to the second screen SCc corresponding to the registration of a product with a barcode. In this state, when the consumer scans the barcode of a product with a barcode using the camera 25, the virtual POS server 12 registers the product sales data of the product with the barcode. Also, when the consumer inputs the no barcode button Bc on the first screen SCb, the first screen SCb transitions to the third screen SCd corresponding to the registration of a product without a barcode. In this state, when the consumer selectively inputs the category button Bf or the product button Bg on the third screen SCd to specify a product without a barcode, the virtual POS server 12 registers the product sales data of the product without a barcode. In other words, a product without a barcode can be registered without inputting the product code of the product without a barcode using the numeric keypad.

[0153] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a mobile terminal 20 that allows correct self-registration with a simple operation not only for products with barcodes but also for products without barcodes. The above-mentioned screen transition is realized by the third function of the virtual POS server 12. Therefore, it is possible to provide a virtual POS server 12 (information processing device) that can control the screen of the mobile terminal 20 so that correct self-registration with a simple operation not only for products with barcodes but also for products without barcodes.

[0154] Furthermore, when the consumer presses the scan button Bb on the third screen SCd, the third screen SCd transitions to the second screen SCc on the mobile terminal 20. Therefore, when the consumer is trying to register a product without a barcode and realizes that the product has a barcode, he or she can move on to registering a product with a barcode with a simple operation.

[0155] Furthermore, when a product is registered via the second screen SCc or the third screen SCd, the mobile terminal 20 transitions to the first screen SCb, which displays the name and registered quantity of the product. Therefore, the consumer can easily know the data of the purchased product that he / she self-registered by operating the mobile terminal 20, regardless of whether the product has a barcode or not. Incidentally, the first screen SCb may display product sales data of products with barcodes and product sales data of products without barcodes in a distinguishable manner. By doing so, the consumer can easily distinguish whether the product sales data displayed on the first screen SCb is data of a product with a barcode or data of a product without a barcode.

[0156] On the first screen SCb, the sales points of the product sales data are displayed in a pull-down box. When the consumer operates the pull-down box to select a desired number from the numbers displayed as a pull-down menu, the points of the product sales data are changed to the selected number. Moreover, to change the number to 10 or more, the consumer selects "10" from the pull-down menu. This causes the numeric keypad buttons PUa to be displayed, so the consumer can enter a desired number of two or more digits. The points of the product sales data are then changed to the entered number. As described above, according to this embodiment, the sales quantity of a registered product can be changed with a simple operation.

[0157] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the virtual POS server 12 has been described as having a third function of controlling a screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20. The information processing device having the third function is not limited to the virtual POS server 12. For example, the store server 11 may have the third function. Alternatively, a server specialized in the third function may be one aspect of the information processing device.

[0158] When an attempt is made to scan a barcode with camera 25 of mobile terminal 20, it may happen that the barcode is dirty and cannot be scanned. Therefore, a manual input button is displayed on second screen SCc. When the manual input button is pressed, processor 21 displays numeric keypad buttons PUa shown in Fig. 21 to accept manual input of the product code. By adding such a configuration, products with barcodes can be self-registered even when the barcode cannot be scanned with camera 25.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 used by the consumer accesses the virtual POS server 12 of the self-service product registration system 10 via the access point 15. For example, if the virtual POS server 12 is a server that provides services as cloud computing, the mobile terminal 20 may access the virtual POS server 12 via an external line, such as the Internet line.

[0160] 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]

[0161] 10...self-service product registration system, 11...store server, 12...virtual POS server, 13...accounting machine, 14...communication network, 15...access point, 20...mobile terminal, 21...processor, 22...built-in memory, 23...external memory, 24...touch panel, 25...camera, 25...wireless unit, 27...system transmission path, 27...battery, 30...self-service registration program, 40...registration control program, 41...first product file, 42...second product file, 43...transaction file, 51...first control unit, 52...second control unit control unit, 53...third control unit, 54...fourth control unit, 55...fifth control unit, 56...sixth control unit, 57...seventh control unit, 121...processor, 122...main memory, 123...auxiliary storage device, 124...clock, 125...communication interface, 126...system transmission path, Bb...scan button (first operator), Bc...barcode button (second operator), Bd...accounting button (third operator), SCa...check-in screen, SCb...first screen, SCc...second screen, SCd...third screen, SCe...accounting screen.

Claims

1. A reading unit for reading a code symbol; a display unit which displays a first screen on which a first operator is arranged to transition to a second screen for registering a commodity having the code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator to transition to a third screen for registering a commodity not having the code symbol by selecting it from a commodity list, the display unit transitioning from the first screen to the second screen when the first operator is operated, and transitioning from the first screen to the third screen when the second operator is operated; an output unit that outputs data of the product registered via the second screen or the third screen to a product registration processing device; A mobile terminal comprising:

2. the third screen has the first operator arranged thereon; The mobile terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit transitions from the third screen to the second screen when the first operator on the third screen is operated.

3. 3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein when a product is registered via the second screen or the third screen, the display unit transitions to the first screen displaying the name and registered quantity of the product.

4. The display unit includes a means for displaying a change acceptance section that accepts changes to the registered quantity displayed on the first screen, The mobile terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the output unit, when accepting a change to the registered quantity from the change accepting unit, outputs data on the registered quantity after the change to the product registration processing device.

5. the first screen further includes a third operator for instructing a transaction; 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the output section outputs data instructing a transaction to the product registration processing device when the third operating element is operated.

6. a first control means for displaying on a display unit of the portable terminal a first screen on which a first operator for transitioning to a second screen for registering a product having a code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator for transitioning to a third screen for registering a product not having the code symbol by selecting it from a product list are arranged; a second control means for changing a screen of the display unit from the first screen to the second screen when the first operator is operated on the mobile terminal; a third control means for changing a screen of the display unit from the first screen to the third screen when the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal; An information processing device comprising:

7. the third screen has the first operator arranged thereon; a fourth control means for transitioning a screen of the display unit from the third screen to the second screen when the first operator on the third screen is operated on the mobile terminal; The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising:

8. a fifth control means for transitioning a screen of the display unit to the first screen displaying a name and a registered quantity of the product when the product is registered via the second screen or the third screen on the mobile terminal; 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising:

9. A computer of an information processing device that communicates with a mobile terminal, a function of displaying, on a display unit of the mobile terminal, a first screen on which a first operator for transitioning to a second screen for registering a commodity with a code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator for transitioning to a third screen for registering a commodity without the code symbol by selecting it from a commodity list are arranged; a function of transitioning a screen of the display unit from the first screen to the second screen when the first operator is operated on the mobile terminal; and a function of transitioning a screen of the display unit from the first screen to the third screen when the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal; A control program to achieve this.

10. On your mobile computer, a function of displaying, on a display unit of the mobile terminal, a first screen on which a first operator for transitioning to a second screen for registering a commodity having a code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator for transitioning to a third screen for registering a commodity not having the code symbol by selecting it from a commodity list are arranged; a function of transitioning a screen of the display unit from the first screen to the second screen when the first operator is operated on the mobile terminal; and a function of transitioning a screen of the display unit from the first screen to the third screen when the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal; A control program to achieve this.

Images