Information terminal and program of the same

Abstract

To enable a user to view a list of commodities to be purchased at any time without interfering with an operation of a commodity registration terminal.SOLUTION: An information terminal comprises a display unit, acquisition means, and control means. The display unit displays images used to enter data required to register commodities for purchase. The acquisition means acquires a list of commodities to be purchased. The control means causes the display unit to display the list of the commodities to be purchased in a manner that does not overlap with the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information terminal and a program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Self-product registration systems in which customers themselves input data necessary for registering purchased products using information terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals have already been introduced in supermarkets and the like. In this type of self-product registration system, it would be very effective if a list of products to be purchased could be displayed on the information terminal and the customer, who is the user of the information terminal, could shop at the store while looking at the list. However, on the other hand, if a list of products to be purchased is displayed, it may interfere with the operation of the information terminal and the like, and thus it is not practical.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information terminal that allows a user to view a list of products to be purchased at any time without interfering with operations such as those of a product registration terminal of a self-product registration system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment, a portable information terminal for a user to self-enter data necessary for registering purchased goods in a store includes a display unit, an acquisition means, and a control means. The display unit displays an image used for entering data necessary for registering purchased goods. The acquisition means acquires a list of goods to be purchased. The control means causes the display unit to display the list of goods to be purchased so as not to overlap with the image.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0006]

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[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information terminal that allows a user to view a list of planned purchase items at any time without interfering with operations such as those of a product registration terminal of a self-service product registration system will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the self-service product registration system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0008] [Description of the Configuration of the Self-Service Product Registration System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a self-service product registration system 100 according to the present embodiment. The self-service product registration system 100 includes a server system 10 and a POS (Point Of Sales) system 20. The server system 10 is typically a system that provides computer resources using cloud computing technology. The POS system 20 is installed in a store. The store is a retail store such as a supermarket where a sales floor where products are displayed and a checkout area (cash register) for settlement are separated. The store is, for example, a franchise store that has entered into a franchise contract with a corporate body that operates the server system 10. The franchise stores are not limited to one store. The self-service product registration system 100 is configured by connecting the POS systems 20 of one or more franchise stores to the server system 10 via a network 30.

[0009] The network 30 is a wide-area network that uses a public line or a dedicated line as a relay network and a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, a mobile phone communication network, etc. as access networks. The network 30 enables bidirectional data communication between the server system 10 and the POS system 20, for example, using the Internet protocol.

[0010] The self-merchandise registration system 100 requires an information terminal 40 that functions as a terminal for merchandise registration. The information terminal 40 is, for example, a portable wireless communication terminal that can access the server system 10 using a mobile phone communication network. The information terminal 40 is used by a customer, who is its user, to input by themselves the data necessary for registering the purchased merchandise at a franchise store. For example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. owned by a general consumer can be the information terminal 40.

[0011] The server system 10 includes a support server 11 and a router 12, and connects both of them with a communication line 13. The router 12 is also connected to the network 30, and serves as a relay point for data communication using the network 30 between the support server 11 and the POS system 20.

[0012] The support server 11 is a computer for supporting the self-registration operation in which a customer who visits a franchise store operates the information terminal 40 to input by themselves the data necessary for registering the purchased merchandise. For that support, the support server 11 has at least the following two functions. The first function is a function of generating data related to the transaction with the customer who operates the information terminal 40 based on the data necessary for registering the purchased merchandise input by the information terminal 40. The second function is a function of providing the POS system 20 with the data necessary for settling the transaction with the customer who operates the information terminal 40 in response to the accounting instruction from the information terminal 40.

[0013] Also, the support server 11 has, as a third function, a function of distributing a shopping memo to the information terminal 40. The shopping memo is a record of the information of the merchandise that a customer, who is the user of the information terminal 40, plans to purchase. The shopping memo is basically created by the user of the information terminal 40. The information of the shopping memo distributed to the information terminal 40 is displayed on a display device. Thus, the user of the information terminal 40 can shop while viewing the shopping memo.

[0014] To implement the third function, the support server 11 has at least a member file 14, a store file 15, and a shopping memo file 16. The member file 14 is an aggregate of member data 141 (see FIG. 2) created for each member. The store file 15 is an aggregate of store data 151 (see FIG. 3) created for each franchise store. The shopping memo file 16 is an aggregate of shopping memo data 161 (see FIG. 4) created for each shopping memo.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the member data 141. As shown in the figure, the member data 141 includes data items of a member ID, name, favorite store information, shared member information, and shopping memo identification information.

[0016] The member ID is unique identification information set for each member to identify each member. A member is a user who has performed member registration in order to input data necessary for registering purchased goods by operating the information terminal 40 at a franchise store. Member registration is performed by installing dedicated application software, so-called shopping app 421 (see FIG. 5), on the information terminal 40. When the user of the information terminal 40 performs member registration, a unique member ID is assigned to that user. Thus, the user can become a member. The member user can input the data necessary for registering purchased goods by himself / herself by operating the information terminal 40 at the franchise store.

[0017] The favorite store information is information for identifying the franchise store set as the favorite store by the member identified by the member ID, that is, the user of the information terminal 40. The information includes a store ID and a store name. The store ID is unique identification information assigned to each franchise store to individually identify each franchise store. The store name is the unique name of the franchise store specified by the store ID.

[0018] The user can operate the information terminal 40 to set one or more stores as favorite stores from among the affiliated stores. Each time the user sets a favorite store, the favorite store information including the store ID and store name of the favorite store is saved in the member data 141 of that user.

[0019] The shared member information is information for identifying members identified by the member ID, that is, other members who may share shopping memos with the user of the information terminal 40. Other members are also users of the information terminal 40. The information includes the shared member ID and name. The shared member ID is the member ID of other members who may share shopping memos. The name is the name of the member identified by the shared member ID. The shopping memo created by a member can be shared with other members who use the information terminal 40 installed with the shopping app 421. By sharing the shopping memo, other members can know the information of the products that the member plans to purchase.

[0020] The user can operate the information terminal 40 to set other members who may share shopping memos, so-called shared members. Each time the user sets a shared member, the shared member information including the shared member ID and name is saved in the member data 141 of that user.

[0021] The shopping memo identification information is information for identifying the shopping memo created by the member identified by the member ID, that is, the user of the information terminal 40. The information includes a memo code, a creation date, and a sharing flag. The memo code is a unique code generated each time a shopping memo is created. The memo code is generated by the support server 11. The memo code may be generated by the information terminal 40 and output to the support server 11. The creation date is the date when the shopping memo identified by the memo code was created. The sharing flag is 1-bit data for identifying whether the shopping memo identified by the memo code is shared with other members. In this embodiment, the sharing flag indicating being shared with other members is set to "1", and the sharing flag indicating not being shared is set to "0".

[0022] The user can create a shopping memo by operating the information terminal 40. Each time the user creates a shopping memo, shopping memo identification information including a memo code, a creation date, and a sharing flag is stored in the member data 141 of the user.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main part configuration of the store data 151. As shown in the figure, the store data 151 includes a store ID, a store name, a flyer site address, and a recipe site address. The store ID and the store name are as described above. The flyer site address is the address of a website that publishes information on flyers, which are advertising media of franchise stores specified by the store ID, on the Internet. The recipe site address is the address of a website that publishes information on recipes provided by franchise stores specified by the store ID on the Internet.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of the shopping memo data 161. As shown in the figure, the shopping memo data 161 includes a memo code, a shopping list, and free memo data. The memo code is as described above. The shopping list is a list of information on planned purchase items recorded in the shopping memo specified by the memo code. The information on planned purchase items includes a product name, a store ID, and a purchased flag. The product name is the item name of the planned purchase item. The store ID is the identification information of the store where the planned purchase item is sold. The user can determine the planned purchase items while browsing a web page specified by the flyer site address or the website address on the information terminal 40. The store ID that identifies the store of the website being browsed when the planned purchase items are determined is recorded in the shopping list as information on the planned purchase items. The purchased flag is 1-bit data for identifying whether the planned purchase item has been purchased. In this embodiment, the purchased flag indicating purchased is set to "1", and the purchased flag indicating not purchased is set to "0".

[0025] The free memo data is text data appropriately input by the user as a memo, for example, when creating a shopping memo by operating the information terminal 40.

[0026] Each time a shopping memo is created on the information terminal 40, the support server 11 creates shopping memo data 161 and stores it in the shopping memo file 16. Also, each time the support server 11 creates the shopping memo data 161, it creates shopping memo identification information and adds it to the member data 141 specified by the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0027] Return to the description of FIG. 1. The POS system 20 includes a store server 21, a monitoring terminal 22, POS terminals 23, a dedicated accounting machine 24, etc., and connects these with a store internal network 25. Also, the POS system 20 connects a router 26 to the store internal network 25 and connects to the network 30 via this router 26. Further, the POS system 20 connects an access point 27 to the store internal network 25 and enables data communication with the information terminal 40 via this access point 27 by wireless LAN.

[0028] The store server 21 is a computer for managing sales information, inventory information, order information, etc. of the franchise store based on the information of transactions settled at the franchise store where the POS system 20 is constructed.

[0029] The monitoring terminal 22 is a terminal for monitoring a customer who is performing a self-registration operation of purchased goods using the information terminal 40. The monitoring terminal 22 is equipped with a monitor, and the actions of customers in the store, data related to the goods purchased by the customers, etc. are projected onto the monitor.

[0030] The POS terminal 23 is an accounting machine for processing the settlement of transactions with customers who do not use the information terminal 40. The POS terminal 23 has a store clerk as the operator. The POS terminal 23 may be of a shared type separated into a registration machine and an accounting machine, where the registration machine is operated by the store clerk and the accounting machine is operated by the customer. The POS terminal 23 may also be of a full self-service type operated by the customer.

[0031] The dedicated accounting machine 24 is an accounting machine that processes the settlement of transactions with customers who use the information terminal 40. In the dedicated accounting machine 24, the customer serves as the operator. The dedicated accounting machine 24 has functions such as scanning the accounting barcode displayed on the information terminal 40, a payment processing function corresponding to various payment methods such as electronic money, credit cards, and cash, and a charging function for electronic money.

[0032] Note that the POS system 20 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. The configuration of the POS system 20 may vary for each franchise store.

[0033] [Description of the Configuration of the Information Terminal] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 40. The information terminal 40 includes a processor 41, an internal storage 42, a wireless communication unit 43, a memory interface 44, a touch panel 45, a camera 46, and a system transmission path 47, etc. The system transmission path 47 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 47 connects the processor 41 to other parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits the data signals exchanged between them.

[0034] The information terminal 40 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 41, the internal storage 42, and the wireless communication unit 43 via the system transmission path 47. Then, the information terminal 40 connects the memory interface 44, the touch panel 45, the camera 46, etc. to the system transmission path 47 via a signal input / output circuit (not shown) to this computer. The memory interface 44 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data signals to and from an external memory 58 that is detachably mounted. The external memory 58 is typically an SD memory card, a miniSD card, a microSD card, etc.

[0035] The touch panel 45 functions as a display unit and an input unit of the information terminal 40. The camera 46 functions as an imaging unit of the information terminal 40. The information terminal 40 can read a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code that is projected onto an image captured by the camera 46. That is, the camera 46 also functions as a reading unit for reading the machine-readable code.

[0036] A barcode indicating a product code for identifying the product is attached to the product. The information terminal 40 can register the product as a purchased product by reading the barcode of the product with the camera 46. In this regard, an image used for the user of the information terminal 40 to input data necessary for registering the purchased product is displayed on the touch panel 45. The image is an image indicating an area for the camera 46, which is a reading unit, to read the barcode, which is a machine-readable code. The user may block the purchased product with the barcode within the area as a registration operation of the purchased product for the camera 46.

[0037] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 41 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the information terminal 40 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0038] The internal storage 42 is a storage device built into the housing of the information terminal 40. The internal storage 42 stores an operating system or an application program. The internal storage 42 may store data necessary for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part.

[0039] The wireless communication unit 43 performs wireless data communication using, for example, a short-range wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi or a mobile communication network.

[0040] By installing the shopping app 421 in the internal storage 42, the information terminal 40 with such a configuration can be used as a product registration terminal of the self-product registration system 100. Note that the installation destination of the shopping app 421 is not limited to the internal storage 42. The shopping app 421 may be installed in the external memory 48 connected to the memory interface 44. The method of installing the shopping app 421 in the internal storage 42 or the external memory 48 is not particularly limited. The shopping app 421 can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication, and then installed in the internal storage 42 or the external memory 48. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program, such as an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc., and can be read by the device.

[0041] Then, in addition to the well-known functions necessary for a product registration terminal, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 in which the shopping app 421 is installed has functions as a creation means 411, an acquisition means 412, a control means 413, and a command means 414.

[0042] The creation means 411 is a function of creating a list of products to be purchased. That is, the creation means 411 creates a shopping list included in the shopping memo data 161. Specifically, the creation means 411 creates a shopping list using the product name of the product to be purchased and the store ID of the store where the product is sold. For example, based on the flyer information of the website displayed on the touch panel 45, the creation means 411 accepts the operation input on the touch panel 45 and acquires the product name and store ID of the product to be purchased. For example, based on the recipe information of the website displayed on the touch panel 45, the creation means 411 accepts the operation input on the touch panel 45 and acquires the product name and store ID of the product to be purchased, which are the ingredients of the recipe. The creation means 411 creates a shopping list using the acquired store name and store ID. Then, the creation means 411 transmits the created shopping list to the support server 11.

[0043] The acquisition means 412 is a function for acquiring a list of planned purchase items. That is, the acquisition means 412 acquires the shopping memo data 161 stored in the shopping memo file 16 of the support server 11. For example, the acquisition means 412 fetches the shopping memo data 161 specified by the memo code of the shopping memo selected by the user's operation via the network 30. The shopping list included in the shopping memo data 161 acquired by the acquisition means 412, that is, the list of planned purchase items, is displayed on the touch panel 45 which is the display unit of the information terminal 40.

[0044] The control means 413 is a function for causing the display unit on which an image used for inputting data necessary for registering purchased items is displayed to display the list of planned purchase items so as not to overlap with the above image. That is, on the touch panel 45 which is the display unit, an image showing an area for reading a machine-readable code such as a barcode by a reading unit, that is, a camera 46, is displayed as an image used for inputting data necessary for registering purchased items.

[0045] The command means 414 is a function for commanding to share the list of planned purchase items with other users. The other users are sharing members. The command means 414 transmits a signal for commanding to share the list of planned purchase items with other users to the support server 11 by the user of the information terminal 40 operating and inputting on the touch panel 45. By the function of the support server 11 that has received this signal, the list of planned purchase items is shared with the sharing members.

[0046] [Explanation of the operation of the self-merchandise registration system] Figures 6 to 12 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of information processing executed by the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 on which the shopping app 421 is launched. Figures 13 to 15 are sequence diagrams of the main data signals exchanged between the information terminal 40 and the support server 11. Figures 16 to 31 are examples of the screens displayed on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40. Hereinafter, the operation of the self-product registration system 100 will be described with reference to each figure. Note that the procedure of the operation described below is an example. The procedure can be appropriately changed as long as the same effects as those of the present embodiment can be achieved. Also, the images, texts, etc. displayed on the screen are also examples. Needless to say, they are not limited to the images or texts of the illustrated screens.

[0047] When the shopping app 421 is launched, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 starts the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6. First, as ACT1, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the top screen SCa of the shopping app (see FIG. 16).

[0048] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the top screen SCa. As shown in the figure, various software keys such as a shopping start button BTa, a store search button BTb, a favorite button BTc, a shopping memo button BTd, and an app termination button BTe are arranged on the top screen SCa.

[0049] The shopping start button BTa is an operator for the user of the information terminal 40 to give an instruction to start self-registration of purchased products when entering a franchise store. By inputting the shopping start button BTa at the franchise store, the user can use the information terminal 40 to self-register the purchased products.

[0050] The store search button BTb is an operator for the user to give an instruction to search for franchise stores. For example, when the user inputs the store search button BTb at home, the user can check the list of franchise stores on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40. Then, by operating the touch panel 45, the user can set a desired store as a favorite store from among those franchise stores.

[0051] The favorite button BTc is an operator for instructing the user to check the affiliated stores set as favorite stores. For example, the user can check the list of favorite stores on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40 by inputting the favorite button BTc at home. Then, the user can cancel the favorite status of the desired favorite store by operating the touch panel 45.

[0052] The shopping memo button BTd is an operator for instructing the user to create or check a shopping memo. For example, the user can create a shopping memo including a list of planned purchase items, so-called a shopping list, and free memo data such as notes related to shopping by inputting the shopping memo button BTd at home. Also, the user can import and check the shopping memo created in the past from the support server 11.

[0053] The app termination button BTe is an operator for instructing the user to terminate the shopping app 421. When the user wants to terminate the shopping app 421, the user inputs the app termination button BTe.

[0054] Now, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 displaying the top screen SCa waits for whether the shopping start button BTa is input as ACT2, whether the store search button BTb is input as ACT3, whether the favorite button BTc is input as ACT4, whether the shopping memo button BTd is input as ACT5, or whether the app termination button BTe is input as ACT6.

[0055] In the waiting state of ACT2 to ACT6, when the shopping start button BTa is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT7. The processor 41 executes a shopping support process as ACT7. Details of the shopping support process will be described later. When the processor 41 finishes the shopping support process, it returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the top screen SCa and again enters the waiting state of ACT2 to ACT6.

[0056] When the store search button BTb is input in the waiting state of ACT2 to ACT6, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT8. The processor 41 executes store search processing as ACT8. That is, the processor 41 causes the touch panel 45 to display a list of affiliated stores created based on the store data 151 registered in the store file 15 of the support server 11. Then, when a favorite store is selected from the list of affiliated stores by operating the touch panel 45, the processor 41 transmits the information of that store to the support server 11. The support server 11 adds favorite store information including the store ID and store name of the favorite store to the member data 141 of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0057] When the processor 41 finishes the store search processing, it returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the top screen SCa and again enters the waiting state of ACT2 to ACT6.

[0058] When the favorite button BTc is input in the waiting state of ACT2 to ACT6, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT9. The processor 41 executes favorite store processing as ACT9. That is, the processor 41 causes the touch panel 45 to display a list of favorite stores created based on the favorite store information in the member data 141 registered in the member file 14 of the support server 11. Then, when a store to unfavorite is selected from the list of favorite stores by operating the touch panel 45, the processor 41 transmits the information of that store to the support server 11. The support server 11 deletes the favorite store information of the store whose favorite has been canceled from the member data 141 of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0059] When the processor 41 finishes the favorite store processing, it returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the top screen SCa and again enters the waiting state of ACT2 to ACT6.

[0060] When the shopping memo button BTd is input in the waiting states of ACT2 to ACT6, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT10. The processor 41 executes shopping memo processing as ACT10. Details of the shopping memo processing will be described later. When the processor 41 finishes the shopping memo processing, it returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the top screen SCa and again enters the waiting states of ACT2 to ACT6.

[0061] When the application termination button BTe is input in the waiting states of ACT2 to ACT6, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT11. The processor 41 erases the top screen SCa as ACT11. Thus, the processor 41 finishes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0062] [Explanation of Shopping Memo Processing] FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the shopping memo processing. The shopping memo processing is processing related to the creation, editing, deletion, sharing, etc. of shopping memos. Since the shopping memo processing can be executed before the shopping start button BTa is input, it is a process that can be executed outside the store, such as at home or away from home. When starting the shopping memo processing, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the shopping memo list screen SCb (see FIG. 17) as ACT21.

[0063] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of a shopping memo list screen SCb. The shopping memo list screen SCb includes a display area APa for the shopping memo list. In the display area APa, the creation dates of the shopping memos created by the member are displayed in a list format. The creation date of the shopping memo is included in the shopping memo identification information that constitutes the member data 141 of the member. The processor 41 creates a shopping memo list based on the shopping memo identification information of the member data 141 provided from the support server 11 and causes it to be displayed in the display area APa. For example, the creation dates of the shopping memos are displayed in the display area APa, divided into the shopping memos for the past one week and the shopping memos before that. The shopping memos more than one week old are displayed, for example, divided by month. Then, the user of the information terminal 40 can touch the creation date displayed in the shopping memo list to check the content of the shopping memo created on that creation date, that is, the shopping list and the free memo. Furthermore, the user can edit, delete, or share the confirmed shopping memo with other members.

[0064] The shopping memo list screen SCb displays a creation button BTf and an end button BTg as software keys. The creation button BTf is an operator for instructing the creation of a shopping memo. The user can create a new shopping memo by inputting the creation button BTf. The end button BTg is an operator for instructing the end of the shopping memo process. The user can end the shopping memo process by inputting the end button BTg. When the shopping memo process ends, the shopping memo list screen SCb is erased.

[0065] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the shopping memo list screen SCb waits for either the creation button BTf to be input as ACT22, the end button BTg to be input as ACT23, or any one shopping memo to be selected from the shopping memo list as ACT24. A user who newly creates a shopping memo performs an input operation on the creation button BTf. A user who edits, deletes, or shares a created shopping memo with other members touches and selects the date of the created shopping memo. A user who ends the shopping memo process performs an input operation on the end button BTg.

[0066] In the waiting state of ACT22 to ACT24, when the creation button BTf is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT41 in FIG. 8. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a creation request signal Sa to the support server 11 as ACT41. By this control, the creation request signal Sa is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The creation request signal Sa is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The creation request signal Sa includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of data signals exchanged between the information terminal 40 and the support server 11 in response to the transmission of the creation request signal Sa from the information terminal 40 to the support server 11. As shown in FIG. 13, the support server 11 that has received the creation request signal Sa searches the member file 14 using the member ID included in the creation request signal Sa. Then, the support server 11 acquires the favorite store information Da from the member data 141 including the member ID and transmits it to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the creation request signal Sa.

[0068] Return to the description of FIG. 8. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the creation request signal Sa proceeds to ACT42. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the store list screen SCc (see FIG. 18) based on the favorite store information Da received from the support server 11 as ACT42.

[0069] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the store list screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the store list screen SCc includes an area ARb where a store list listing the store names of favorite stores is displayed. And in this area RAb, a list of store names included in the favorite store information Da is displayed. The user can select a favorite store of the desired store name by touching the desired store name.

[0070] The store list screen SCc displays a back button BTh as a software key. The back button BTh is an operator for instructing to return the screen of the touch panel 45 to the top screen SCa. The user who finishes the operation of creating the shopping list inputs the back button BTh.

[0071] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that displays the store list screen SCc waits for either one store to be selected from the store list displayed in the area ARb as ACT43 or for the back button BTh to be input as ACT44. In the waiting state of ACT43 and ACT44, when the back button BTh is input, the processor 41 returns to ACT21 in FIG. 7. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the top screen SCa. And the processor 41 returns to the waiting state of ACT22 to ACT24.

[0072] When a store is selected in the waiting state of ACT43 and ACT44, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT45. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a selected store notification signal Sb to the support server 11 as ACT45. By this control, the selected store notification signal Sb is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The selected store notification signal Sb is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The selected store notification signal Sb includes the store ID of the store selected from the store list.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 13, the support server 11 that has received the selected store notification signal Sb searches for the store file 15 using the store ID included in the selected store notification signal Sb. Then, the support server 11 acquires the flyer site address from the store data 151 including the store ID, and transmits the flyer information Db published at the flyer site address to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the selected store notification signal Sb.

[0074] Return to the description of FIG. 8. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the selected store notification signal Sb proceeds to ACT46. As ACT46, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 to the store flyer screen SCd (see FIG. 19) based on the flyer information Db received from the support server 11.

[0075] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the store flyer screen SCd. As shown in the figure, the store flyer screen SCd includes a display area ARc for a flyer image Pa that images a flyer as an advertising medium. Then, the store flyer screen SCd displays the flyer image Pa based on the flyer information Db in this display area ARc. The flyer image Pa arranges a product image, a product name, a price, etc. for each of a plurality of products that are advertising targets. When the user of the information terminal 40 finds a product to be purchased from among the flyer images Pa, the user touches and selects the product image of that product.

[0076] The store flyer screen SCd displays a recipe button BTi and a save button BTj as software keys. The recipe button BTi is an operator for instructing switching to a recipe image Pb (see FIG. 20). The save button BTj is an operator for instructing saving of a shopping list. When the user of the information terminal 40 creates a shopping list using a recipe provided by the store, the user inputs the recipe button BTi. When the user saves the created shopping list, the user inputs the save button BTj.

[0077] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that displays the store flyer screen SCd waits for either a product image to be selected as ACT47, a recipe button BTi to be input as ACT48, or a save button BTj to be input as ACT49. When a product image is selected in the waiting state of ACT47 to ACT49, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT50. The processor 41 adds, as ACT50, the product code of the product specified by the selected product image and the store ID of the store where the product is sold to the shopping memory.

[0078] The shopping memory is, for example, a part of the storage area secured in the internal storage 42. The shopping memory is initialized, for example, when the creation request signal Sa is transmitted in ACT41. The processor 41 has a function of recognizing the product code of the product specified by the product image selected by the touch operation on the flyer image Pa. The processor 41 also has a function of recognizing the store ID of the store specified from the flyer image Pa. In ACT50, the processor 41 adds the recognizable product code and store ID to the shopping memory. After finishing the process of ACT50, the processor 41 returns to the waiting state of ACT47 to ACT49.

[0079] When the recipe button BTi is input in the waiting state of ACT47 to ACT49, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT51. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a recipe request signal Sc to the support server 11 as ACT51. By this control, the recipe request signal Sc is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The recipe request signal Sc is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The recipe request signal Sc includes the store ID of the store selected from the store list.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, the support server 11 that has received the recipe request signal Sc searches for the store file 15 using the store ID included in the recipe request signal Sc. Then, the support server 11 acquires the recipe site address from the store data 151 including the store ID, and transmits the recipe information Dc published at the recipe site address to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the recipe request signal Sc.

[0081] Return to the description of FIG. 8. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the recipe request signal Sc proceeds to ACT52. As ACT52, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the store recipe screen SCe (see FIG. 20) based on the recipe information Dc received from the support server 11.

[0082] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the store recipe screen SCe. As shown in the figure, the store recipe screen SCe includes a display area ARd for a recipe image Pb that visualizes recipes showing ingredients, cooking methods, etc. for each of a plurality of food items. Then, the store recipe screen SCe displays the recipe image Pb based on the recipe information Dc in this display area ARd. The recipe image Pb is a list of recipes for each food item. When the user of the information terminal 40 finds a desired food item from the recipe image Pb, the user touches and selects that food item.

[0083] The store recipe screen SCe displays a flyer button BTk and a save button BTm as software keys. The flyer button BTk is an operator for instructing switching to the flyer image Pa (see FIG. 19). The save button BTm is an operator for instructing saving of the shopping list. When the user of the information terminal 40 creates a shopping list using the flyer again, the user inputs the flyer button BTk. When the user saves the created shopping list, the user inputs the save button BTm.

[0084] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that displays the store recipe screen SCe waits for a cooking item to be selected as ACT53, the flyer button BTk to be input as ACT54, or the save button BTm to be input as ACT55. In the waiting state of ACT53 to ACT55, when a cooking item is selected, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT56. As ACT56, the processor 41 adds the product code of the product that is the ingredient of the selected cooking item and the store ID of the store where the product is sold to the shopping memory. Note that a list of products that are ingredients of the selected cooking item may be displayed, and the product code of the product selected from this list and the store ID of the store where the product is sold may be added to the shopping memory. Alternatively, first, the product codes of all products that are ingredients of the cooking item and the store IDs of the stores where the products are sold may be added to the shopping memory, and then they may be deleted as appropriate.

[0085] The processor 41 has a function of recognizing the product code of a product that can be an ingredient of a cooking item selected by a touch operation on the recipe image Pb. The processor 41 also has a function of recognizing the store ID of the store specified from the recipe image Pb. In ACT56, the processor 41 adds the recognized product code and store ID to the shopping memory. After finishing the processing of ACT56, the processor 41 returns to the waiting state of ACT53 to ACT55.

[0086] In the waiting state of ACT53 to ACT55, when the flyer button BTk is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT57. As ACT57, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a flyer request signal Sd to the support server 11. By this control, the flyer request signal Sd is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The flyer request signal Sd is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The flyer request signal Sd includes the store ID of the store selected from the store list.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, the support server 11 that has received the flyer request signal Sd searches for the store file 15 using the store ID included in the flyer request signal Sd. Then, the support server 11 acquires the flyer site address from the store data 151 including the store ID, and transmits the flyer information Db published at the flyer site address to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the flyer request signal Sd.

[0088] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the flyer request signal Sd returns to ACT46. That is, based on the flyer information Db received from the support server 11, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the store flyer screen SCd (see FIG. 19). Thereafter, the processor 41 executes the processes after ACT47 in the same manner as described above.

[0089] Thus, the user can add the product code and the store ID to the shopping memory while alternately viewing the store flyer screen SCd and the store recipe screen SCe.

[0090] When the save button BTj or the save button BTm is input in the waiting state of ACT47 to ACT49 or the waiting state of ACT53 to ACT55, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT58. As ACT58, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit the shopping memo information Dd to the support server 11. The shopping memo information Dd is data stored in the shopping memory, that is, paired data of the product code and the store ID. By this control, the shopping memo information Dd is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The shopping memo information Dd is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The shopping memo information Dd includes the member ID that identifies the user of the information terminal 40.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13, the support server 11 that has received the shopping memo information Dd updates the shopping memo data based on the shopping memo information Dd. Specifically, the support server 11 adds a purchase completed flag indicating non-purchase to the pair data of the product code and store ID included in the shopping memo information Dd to obtain the data of the shopping list. Then, the support server 11 attaches a new memo code to the data of this shopping list to obtain the shopping memo data 161, and adds it to the shopping memo file 16. Further, the support server 11 attaches a sharing flag indicating no sharing to the pair data of the memo code and the creation date to generate shopping memo identification information, and adds it to the member data 141 of the member ID included in the shopping memo information Dd.

[0092] Thus, the user of the information terminal 40 can create a shopping list of the shopping memo data 161 by using the flyer image Pa or the recipe image Pb displayed on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40. For example, the shopping list of the shopping memo data 161 can be created while alternately browsing the flyer image Pa and the recipe image Pb. Here, the processor 41 functions as the creation means 411 by the processes of ACT42 to ACT58 in FIG. 8.

[0093] In addition, a button for returning to the flyer screen SDd is added. Then, in the waiting state of ACT47 to ACT49, the processor 41 also waits for the input of the return button. When the return button is input, the processor 41 returns to the process of ACT42. Similarly, a button for returning to the recipe screen SCe is added. Then, in the waiting state of ACT53 to ACT55, the processor 41 also waits for the input of the return button. When the return button is input, the processor 41 returns to the process of ACT42. By adding such processes, one shopping list can be created using the flyer information or recipe information of different stores.

[0094] In addition, an other-store selection button is added to the recipe screen SCe. Then, in the standby states of ACT53 to ACT55, the processor 41 also waits for the input of the other-store selection button. When the other-store selection button is input, the processor 41 returns to the process of ACT42. However, thereafter, the processor 41 proceeds to the process of ACT51 following the process of ACT45. By doing so, it is possible to view the recipe screen SCe of another store following the recipe screen SCe of one store and create one shopping memo.

[0095] Return to the description of FIG. 7. In the standby states of ACT22 to ACT24, when any one shopping memo is selected from the shopping memo list, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT25. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a memo request signal Se to the support server 11 as ACT25. By this control, the memo request signal Se is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The memo request signal Se is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The memo request signal Se includes a memo code constituting the shopping memo identification information together with the creation date of the selected shopping memo.

[0096] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of data signals exchanged between the information terminal 40 and the support server 11 in response to the transmission of the memo request signal Se from the information terminal 40 to the support server 11. As shown in FIG. 14, the support server 11 that has received the memo request signal Se searches the shopping memo file 16 with the memo code included in the memo request signal Se. Then, the support server 11 acquires the shopping memo data 161 including the memo code and transmits it to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the memo request signal Se.

[0097] Return to the description of FIG. 7. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the memo request signal Se proceeds to ACT26. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the shopping memo screen SCf (see FIG. 21) based on the shopping memo data 161 received from the support server 11 as ACT26.

[0098] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the shopping memo screen SCf. As shown in the figure, the shopping memo screen SCf includes a free memo area ARe and a shopping list area ARf. Further, the creation date MD of the selected shopping memo is displayed on a part of the screen. In the area ARe, the free memo data of the shopping memo data 161 is displayed. In the area ARf, the shopping list of the shopping memo data 161 is displayed. The shopping list is a list of the names of the items scheduled to be purchased in a list format. The item names are displayed regardless of the store ID. That is, regardless of which store's flyer site or recipe site was referred to, the shopping list of the shopping memo data 161 created on the creation date MD is displayed. And a check box CBa for the user to check when purchasing is attached to each item name.

[0099] The shopping memo screen SCf displays an edit button BTn, a delete button BTo, a share button BTp, and a return button BTq as software keys. The edit button BTn is an operator for instructing the editing of the shopping memo. By inputting the edit button BTn, the user can edit the shopping list or free memo data of the shopping memo displayed on the shopping memo screen SCf.

[0100] The delete button BTo is an operator for instructing the deletion of the shopping memo. By inputting the delete button BTo, the user can delete the shopping memo data 161 of the shopping memo displayed on the shopping memo screen SCf.

[0101] The share button BTp is an operator for instructing the sharing of the shopping memo. By inputting the share button BTp, the user can share the shopping memo displayed on the shopping memo screen SCf with other members.

[0102] The return button BTq is an operator for instructing to return the screen of the touch panel 45 to the shopping memo list screen SCb. A user who finishes the confirmation work of the shopping memo inputs the return button BTq.

[0103] Return to the description of FIG. 7. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the shopping memo screen SCf waits for whether the edit button BTn is input as ACT27, whether the delete button BTo is input as ACT28, whether the share button BTp is input as ACT29, or whether the return button BTq is input as ACT30. When the return button BTq is input in the waiting state of ACT27 to ACT30, the processor 41 returns to ACT21. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 to the shopping memo list screen SCb. Then, the processor 41 returns to the waiting state of ACT22 to ACT24.

[0104] When the edit button BTn is input in the waiting state of ACT27 to ACT30, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT61 in FIG. 8. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit an edit request signal Sf to the support server 11 as ACT61. By this control, the edit request signal Sf is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The edit request signal Sf is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The edit request signal Sf includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 14, the support server 11 that has received the edit request signal Sf searches the member file 14 for the member ID included in the edit request signal Sf. Then, the support server 11 acquires the favorite store information Da from the member data 141 including the member ID and transmits it to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the creation request signal Sa.

[0106] Return to the description of FIG. 8. The processor 41 that has transmitted the edit request signal Sf proceeds to the process of ACT42 described as the process when the creation button BTf is input in the waiting state of ACT22 to ACT24. Thereafter, the processor 41 executes the processes of ACT42 to ACT58 in the same manner as described above.

[0107] Thus, the user of the information terminal 40 can edit the shopping list of the shopping memo data 161 by using the flyer image Pa or the recipe image Pb displayed on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40. Specifically, the user can add the product name and the store ID of a new planned purchase product to the shopping list. Also, the user can delete the data of the planned purchase product that is no longer needed from the shopping list.

[0108] In the standby state of ACT27 to ACT30, when the delete button BTo is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT31. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a deletion notification signal Sg to the support server 11 as ACT31. By this control, the deletion notification signal Sg is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The deletion notification signal Sg is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The deletion notification signal Sg includes the memo code of the selected shopping memo.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 14, the support server 11 that has received the deletion notification signal Sg searches the shopping memo file 16 for the memo code included in the deletion notification signal Sg. Then, the support server 11 deletes the shopping memo data 161 including the memo code from the shopping memo file 16.

[0110] Return to the description of FIG. 7. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the deletion notification signal Sg returns to the standby state of ACT27 to ACT30. Therefore, the user can edit or delete the shopping memo that was not deleted from the shopping memo screen SCf, or share it with other members.

[0111] When the shared button BTp is input in the waiting state of ACT27 to ACT30, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT71 in FIG. 9. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit an editing request signal Sf to the support server 11 as ACT71. By this control, a sharing request signal Sh is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The sharing request signal Sh is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The sharing request signal Sh includes the memo code of the selected shopping memo. The sharing request signal Sh also includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 14, the support server 11 that has received the sharing request signal Sh searches the member file 14 with the member ID included in the sharing request signal Sh. Then, the support server 11 acquires the shared member information De from the member data 141 including the member ID and transmits it to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the sharing request signal Sh.

[0113] Return to the description of FIG. 9. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the sharing request signal Sh proceeds to ACT72. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as a shared member list screen SCg (see FIG. 22) based on the shared member information De received from the support server 11 as ACT72.

[0114] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the shared member list screen SCg. As shown in the figure, the shared member list screen SCg includes an area ARg where a shared member list listing the names of shared members is displayed. And in this area RAb, a list of the names included in the shared member information De is displayed. The user can select the shared member of the desired name by touching the desired name.

[0115] The shared member list screen SCg displays a selection button BTr and a return button BTs as software keys. The selection button BTr is an operator for instructing a member with the selected name from among the names displayed in the area ARg to be a shared member. When the user wants to make a selected member a shared member, the user inputs the selection button BTr. The return button BTs is an operator for instructing to return to the state before the share button BTp is input. A user who interrupts the sharing of the shopping memo inputs the return button BTs.

[0116] Return to the description of FIG. 9. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the shared member list screen SCg waits for either the selection button BTr to be input as ACT73 or the return button BTs to be input as ACT74. In the waiting states of ACT73 and ACT74, when the return button BTs is input, the processor 41 returns to ACT26 in FIG. 7. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 to the previous shopping memo screen SCf. Thereafter, the processor 41 executes the processing after ACT26 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the user can edit or delete the shopping memo displayed on the shopping memo screen SCf. Also, the user can return the screen of the touch panel 45 to the shopping memo list screen SCb by inputting the return button BTq. Note that when the return button BTs of the shared member list screen SCg is input, the processor 41 may return to ACT1 in FIG. 6. That is, the screen of the touch panel 45 may be returned to the shopping memo list screen SCb.

[0117] In the waiting states of ACT73 and ACT74, when the selection button BTr is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT75. As ACT75, the processor 41 checks whether any shared member with a name displayed in the area RAb is selected. If no shared member is selected, the processor 41 returns to the waiting states of ACT73 and ACT74.

[0118] On the other hand, if a shared member is selected, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT76. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a shared member notification signal Si to the support server 11 as ACT76. By this control, the shared member notification signal Si is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The shared member notification signal Si is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The shared member notification signal Si includes the memo code of the selected shopping memo. The shared member notification signal Si also includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40 and the member ID of the member selected by the user as the shared member, that is, the shared member ID.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 14, the support server 11 that has received the shared member notification signal Si searches the member file 14 with the member ID included in the shared member notification signal Si. Then, the support server 11 sets the shared flag of the shopping memo identification information including the memo code included in the shared member notification signal Si to "1" among the shopping memo identification information of the member data 141 including the member ID. In addition, the support server 11 outputs a sharing request signal Sj to the information terminal where the shared member ID included in the shared member notification signal Si is set in the shopping app 421, that is, the shared destination information terminal 400. The sharing request signal Sj includes the memo code included in the shared member notification signal Si.

[0120] The processor 41 of the shared destination information terminal 400 that has received the sharing request signal Sj notifies the user that there is a sharing request. For example, the processor 41 notifies by setting the screen of the touch panel 45 to the shared memo capture screen SCh shown in FIG. 23. The shared memo capture screen SCh displays the name of the user who made the sharing request and the memo code of the shopping memo for which there is a sharing request. In addition, an input box INa for the memo code and an OK button BTt are also displayed. Note that a share button may be displayed on the shopping memo list screen SCb shown in FIG. 17, and when the share button is input, the screen may transition to a screen where an input box INa for the memo code and an OK button BTt are displayed, like the shared memo capture screen SCh.

[0121] The user of the shared destination information terminal 400 who has confirmed the shared memo capture screen SCh inputs the memo code on the screen into the input box INa and inputs the OK button BTt. When the OK button BTt is input, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a capture signal Sk to the support server 11. By this control, the capture signal Sk is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The capture signal Sk is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The capture signal Sk includes the memo code input into the input box INa of the shared memo capture screen SCh. It also includes the member ID set in the shopping app 421, that is, the shared member ID.

[0122] The support server 11 that has received the capture signal Sk searches the shopping memo file 16 with the memo code included in the capture signal Sk and acquires the shopping memo data 161 including the same memo code. The support server 11 transmits the acquired shopping memo data 161 to the shared destination information terminal 400 that is the transmission source of the capture signal Sk. Also, the support server 11 adds shopping memo identification information with a shared flag of "1" attached to the paired data of the memo code and the creation date to the member data 141 of the shared member ID. Note that the creation date is the date of today. Therefore, the creation date can be paraphrased as the shared date.

[0123] Return to the description of FIG. 9. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the shared member notification signal Si to the support server 11 returns to ACT21 in FIG. 7. That is, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 to the shopping memo list screen SCb. Then the processor 41 returns to the standby state of ACT22 to ACT24.

[0124] FIG. 24 is an example of the shopping memo list screen SCb after the user has shared the shopping memo created on July 12, 2023 with other users. As shown in the figure, on the shopping memo list screen SCb, a shared mark MA is displayed for the date of the shared shopping memo. Therefore, the user can easily identify the shopping memos shared with other users and those not shared.

[0125] Here, the processor 41 realizes the function as the command means 414 through the processing of ACT71 to ACT76 in FIG. 9. Thus, the user of the information terminal 40 can share the shopping memo created by himself / herself with other users. For example, by sharing the shopping memo with family members, family members can be asked to purchase the planned purchase items.

[0126] [Explanation of Shopping Support Processing] FIGS. 10 to 12 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the shopping support processing. The shopping support processing is a process that supports the user to operate the information terminal 40 in the franchise store to perform the registration operation of the purchased goods. When starting the shopping support processing, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the check-in screen SCi (see FIG. 25) as ACT81.

[0127] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the check-in screen SCi. As shown in the figure, the check-in screen SCi arranges a frame CRa indicating the code reading area together with the guidance for scanning the in-store code. The in-store code is, for example, prepared at the entrance of the store. The in-store code encodes the setting information related to the store in a two-dimensional code system. The setting information includes the store ID, in-store LAN data, mobile communication data, etc. The in-store LAN data is the SSID, password, security information, etc. necessary for the information terminal 40 to connect to the access point 27 using the wireless LAN. The mobile communication data is the timeout time, retry count, etc. necessary for the information terminal 40 to communicate with each device of the self-service product registration system 100.

[0128] When the user shades the camera 46 of the information terminal 40 over the in-store code so that the in-store code is within the frame CRa of the check-in screen SCi, the in-store code is read by the camera 46. Thus, the operation of shading the camera 46 of the information terminal 40 over the in-store code is called the check-in operation. The user who has confirmed the check-in screen SCi performs the check-in operation before starting shopping.

[0129] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the check-in screen SCi waits for a check-in operation to be performed as ACT82. When a check-in operation is performed in this waiting state and the in-store code is read by the camera 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT83. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a check-in signal SSa to the support server 11 as ACT83. By this control, the wireless communication unit 43 connects to the access point 27 via a wireless LAN based on the in-store LAN data obtained from the in-store code. Then, after connecting to the access point 27, the wireless communication unit 43 wirelessly transmits the check-in signal SSa. The check-in signal SSa is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The check-in signal SSa includes the member ID set in the information terminal 40.

[0130] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of data signals exchanged between the information terminal 40 and the support server 11 in response to the transmission of the check-in signal SSa from the information terminal 40. As shown in FIG. 15, the support server 11 that has received the check-in signal SSa determines whether the check-in is valid. For example, if there is a record in the support server 11 that the member identified by the member ID included in the check-in signal SSa, that is, the user of the information terminal 40, has not performed a settlement operation after the previous check-in operation, the current check-in is invalid. If the check-in is invalid, the support server 11 transmits a denial signal to the information terminal 40 that is the source of the check-in signal SSa. On the other hand, if the check-in is valid, the support server 11 transmits an approval signal SSb to the information terminal 40 that is the source of the check-in signal SSa.

[0131] Return to the description of FIG. 10. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the check-in signal SSa waits for the approval signal SSb as ACT84. When a denial signal is received from the support server 11, the processor 41 regards the check-in as an error. On the other hand, when an approval signal SSb is received from the support server 11, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT85. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the registration screen SCj (see FIG. 26) as ACT85.

[0132] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the registration screen SCj. As shown in the figure, the registration screen SCj includes an area ARh for displaying the total score and total amount, and an area ARi for displaying the detailed data such as the product name and price of the purchased product one line at a time. The registration screen SCj also displays a scan button BTu, a checkout button BTv, and a shopping memo button BTw as software keys. The scan button BTu is an operator for instructing the scanning of the barcode attached to the product. The checkout button BTv is an operator for instructing the checkout of the transaction. The shopping memo button BTw is an operator for the user to instruct the creation or confirmation of a shopping memo, similar to the shopping memo button BTd on the top screen SAa. The user of the information terminal 40 who has confirmed that the registration screen SCj is displayed on the touch panel 45 starts shopping in the store. Then, when the user finds the product to be purchased, the user inputs the scan button BTu and performs a registration operation to read the barcode of the product with the camera 46 of the information terminal 40. After that, when the shopping in the store is completed, the user inputs the checkout button BTv and proceeds to checkout. The checkout is performed by the dedicated cash register 24. On the other hand, when the user wants to check the shopping memo created in the past during shopping or wants to create a new shopping memo, the user inputs the shopping memo button BTw.

[0133] Return to the description of FIG. 10. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the registration screen SCj proceeds to ACT86. The processor 41 waits for the scan button BTu to be input as ACT86, the shopping memo button BTw to be input as ACT87, or the checkout button BTv to be input as ACT88.

[0134] When the scan button BTu is input in the standby state of ACT86 to ACT88, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT101 in FIG. 11. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as a scan screen SCk (see FIG. 27) as ACT101.

[0135] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the scan screen SCk. As shown in the figure, the scan screen SCk arranges a frame CRb indicating a code reading area together with a guidance for guiding the barcode scan. Further, the scan screen SCk includes a current area ARj for displaying the product name, price, etc. of the product specified from the barcode read in the code reading area. The user who has confirmed the scan screen SCk holds the product in front of the camera 46 so that the barcode of the product to be purchased is within the frame CRb. By doing so, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 can read the barcode.

[0136] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the scan screen SCk waits for the barcode to be read as ACT102. When the barcode is read, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT103. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a product registration signal SSc to the support server 11 as ACT103. By this control, the wireless communication unit 43 wirelessly transmits the product registration signal SSc. The product registration signal SSc is received at the access point 27 and transmitted to the support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The product registration signal SSc includes the barcode data of the product read by the camera 46.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15, the support server 11 that has received the product registration signal SSc executes the registration process of product sales data. That is, the support server acquires a product code that can identify the product from the barcode data included in the product registration signal SSc, acquires the price of the product specified by the product code from the price file, and performs the registration process on the product sales data consisting of items such as product code, product name, price, sales volume, and sales amount. The registered product sales data is transmitted to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the product registration signal SSc.

[0138] Return to the description of FIG. 11. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the product registration signal SSc waits for the product registration to be performed as ACT104. When receiving the product sales data from the support server 11, the processor 41 recognizes that the product registration has been performed. The processor 41 updates the registration screen SCj as ACT105. Specifically, the processor 41 displays the detailed data such as the product name and price of the purchased product in the area ARi. Also, the processor 41 adds the sales volume and sales amount of the registered product to the total volume and total amount displayed in the area ARh. The processor 41 that has updated the registration screen SCj returns to the waiting state of ACT86 to ACT88 in FIG. 10.

[0139] In the waiting state of ACT86 to ACT88, when the shopping memo button BTw is input, the processor 41 executes the same process as the shopping memo process described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 as ACT89. That is, the processor 41 causes the shopping memo list screen SCb to be displayed on the touch panel 45 (ACT21). Then, when the creation button BTf of the shopping memo list screen SCb is input by the user, the processor 41 executes the shopping memo creation process described in ACT41 to ACT58 of FIG. 8.

[0140] When any one shopping memo is selected from the shopping memo list by the user, the processor 41 executes the editing, deletion, or sharing process of the shopping memo described in ACT25 to ACT30 of FIG. 7, ACT61 and ACT42 to ACT58 of FIG. 8, and further ACT71 to ACT77 of FIG. 9.

[0141] As a result, when the shopping memo button BTw is input while the registration screen SCj shown in FIG. 26 is displayed on the touch panel 45, the screen of the touch panel 45 transitions to the shopping memo list screen SCb shown in FIG. 17. Here, when the user selects the date of any shopping memo, the shopping memo created on that date is displayed on the touch panel 45.

[0142] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, when the shopping memo button BTw is input, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a member notification signal SSd to the support server 11. By this control, the member notification signal SSd is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The member notification signal SSd is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The member notification signal SSd includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0143] The support server 11 that has received the member notification signal SSd searches the member file 14 using the member ID included in the member notification signal SSd. Then, the support server 11 acquires the shopping memo identification information DDb from the member data 141 including the member ID and transmits it to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the member notification signal SSd. Thus, the shopping memo list screen SCb is displayed on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40.

[0144] Here, when any one shopping memo is selected, the processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a memo request signal SSe to the support server 11. By this control, the memo request signal SSe is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The memo request signal SSe is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The memo request signal SSe includes the memo code of the selected shopping memo.

[0145] The support server 11 that has received the memo request signal SSe searches the shopping memo file 16 with the memo code included in the memo request signal SSe. Then, the support server 11 acquires the shopping memo data 161 including the memo code and transmits it to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the memo request signal SSe.

[0146] In this way, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 can acquire the list of planned purchase items, that is, the shopping memo data 161, by transmitting the memo request signal SSe to the support server 11. Here, the processor 41 realizes the function as the acquisition means 412.

[0147] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has received the shopping memo data 161 displays the shopping memo on the touch panel 45. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display when the shopping memo MMa is displayed on the registration screen SCj. As shown in the figure, the shopping memo MMa is displayed superimposed on the registration screen SCj. Moreover, due to the function of the control means 413, the list of planned purchase items, that is, the shopping memo MMa, is displayed on the touch panel 45 where the images used for inputting data necessary for registering purchased goods, that is, the scan button BTu and the checkout button BTv, are displayed, so as not to overlap with the above images. Therefore, the user can operate the scan button BTu or the checkout button BTv while viewing the information of the shopping memo MMa. The shopping memo MMa is erased when touched on the close button BTz.

[0148] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a scan screen SCk after a scan button BTu is input on the registration screen SCj of FIG. 28. As shown in the figure, the scan screen SCk displays a frame CRb indicating a code reading area and a current area ARj in the upper half of the screen, and a shopping memo MMa in the lower half of the screen. That is, due to the function as the control means 413, for the touch panel 45 on which an image used for inputting data necessary for registering purchased goods, that is, the frame CRb, is displayed, a list of goods to be purchased, that is, the shopping memo MMa, is displayed so as not to overlap with the above image. Therefore, the user can read the barcode attached to the goods with the camera 46 while viewing the information of the shopping memo MMa. In the scan screen SCk, the frame CRb and the current area ARj may be displayed in the lower half of the screen, and the shopping memo MMa may be displayed in the lower half.

[0149] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the registration screen SCj after reading the barcode of a product with the product name "Product AA" and the price "100 yen" on the scan screen SCk of FIG. 29. As shown in the figure, the product name "Product AA" and the price "100 yen" of the product whose barcode has been read are displayed in the top row of the area ARi for displaying detailed data. This row is not hidden by the shopping memo MMa. Therefore, the user can check the product name, price, etc. of the latest registered product without being disturbed by the shopping memo MMa. The shopping memo MMa may be made to have a variable display position, for example, by sliding it up and down. However, even when it can be slid, it is preferable to limit the movement range so that the scan button BTu, the shopping memo button BTw, and the checkout button BTv are not hidden by the shopping memo MMa. Also, the shopping memo MMa may be made to be able to be reduced, enlarged, or displayed in full screen by accepting user operations.

[0150] Return to the description of FIG. 10. In the standby state of ACT86 to ACT88, when the accounting button BTv is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT111 in FIG. 12. The processor 41 controls the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit an accounting request signal SSf to the support server 11 as ACT111. By this control, the accounting request signal SSf is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication unit 43. The accounting request signal SSf is received by the support server 11 via the network 30. The accounting request signal SSf includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the information terminal 40.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 15, the support server 11 that has received the accounting request signal SSf generates an accounting code. The accounting code is a unique code for identifying the purchase transaction of the member specified by the member ID included in the accounting request signal SSf, that is, the user of the information terminal 40. The support server 11 transmits accounting data DDc to the information terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the accounting request signal SSf. The accounting data DDc includes the accounting code.

[0152] The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has transmitted the accounting request signal SSf waits for the accounting data DDc as ACT112. Then, when receiving the accounting data DDc from the support server 11, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT113. The processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 45 as the accounting screen SCm (see FIG. 31) as ACT113.

[0153] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the accounting screen SCm. As shown in the figure, the accounting screen SCm includes an area ARk for displaying the total score and total amount, and an area ARm for displaying guidance for accounting operations and the like. And in the area ARm, the barcode BCa of the accounting code included in the accounting data DDc is displayed. The accounting screen SCm also displays a return button BTy as a software key. The return button BTy is an operator for instructing to return to the state before inputting the accounting button BTv.

[0154] The user who has confirmed the accounting screen SCm scans the barcode BCa of the accounting screen SCm with the scanner of the dedicated accounting machine 24. Then, a settlement command is sent from the dedicated accounting machine 24 to the support server 11. The settlement command includes the data of the barcode BCa, that is, the accounting code.

[0155] The support server 11 that has received the settlement command obtains the accounting code from the settlement command. Then, the support server 11 sends the data of the purchase transaction to which the accounting code is assigned to the dedicated accounting machine 24. As a result, the content of the purchase transaction is displayed on the display of the dedicated accounting machine 24, so the user pays the price after confirming the content. Then, when the payment of the price is completed, the dedicated accounting machine 24 notifies the support server 11 that the settlement of the purchase transaction specified by the accounting code has been completed.

[0156] The support server 11 that has sent the data of the purchase transaction to the dedicated accounting machine 24 waits for the settlement of the purchase transaction to be completed. Then, when receiving a notification indicating that the settlement of the purchase transaction has been completed from the dedicated accounting machine 24, the support server 11 sends a settlement completion signal SSg to the information terminal 40 as shown in FIG. 15.

[0157] Return to the description of FIG. 12. The processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the accounting screen SCm waits for the settlement completion signal SSg as ACT114. When receiving the settlement completion signal SSg via the wireless communication unit 43, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT115. The processor 41 erases the accounting screen SCm as ACT115. Thus, the user can finish the shopping behavior at the store where the information terminal 40 is used.

[0158] [Other Embodiments] For example, on the registration screen SCj, a barcode-free button may be arranged. The barcode-free button is an operator used for registering products without barcodes, such as fresh food. Therefore, the control means 413 may display the list of products to be purchased on the touch panel 45 so as not to overlap with the image of the barcode-free button.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the case where the memo code is notified to the sharing members by transmitting a sharing request signal Sj to the shared destination information terminal 400 has been exemplified. As another embodiment, the memo code may be notified to the sharing members using the medium of SNS (Social Networking Service) using the Internet.

[0160] Alternatively, other users may be selected using SNS and the memo code may be notified to other users. In this case, another user who has received the memo code via SNS starts the shopping app 421 and displays, for example, the shared memo capture screen SCh shown in FIG. 23. Then, the other user inputs the memo code received via SNS into the input box INa of the shared memo capture screen SCh. Thus, the shopping memo can be shared. By adopting such a method, even other users who are not registered as sharing members in advance can share the shopping memo.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the case where the shopping memo of the creation date selected by the user after check-in is displayed on the touch panel 45 has been exemplified. In this regard, since the store is specified by check-in, the support server creates a list of products whose store IDs attached to the product names are not those of the store and have not been purchased from all the shopping memos created by the user, and may display it on the touch panel 45 of the information terminal 40. By doing so, the user can shop while looking at the list of products planned to be purchased at the store, so that forgetting to buy can be prevented.

[0162] The top screen SCa is not limited to that shown in FIG. 16. For example, the top screen SCa may display a shopping start button BTa and a shopping support button. Then, when the shopping support button is input, the shopping start button BTa, the store search button BTb, the favorite button BTc, the shopping memo button BTd, etc. may be displayed.

[0163] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Signs

[0164] 10… Server system, 11… Support server, 12… Router, 13… Communication line, 14… Member file, 15… Store file, 16… Shopping memo file, 20… POS system, 21… Store server, 22… Monitoring terminal, 23… POS terminal, 24… Dedicated accounting machine, 25… In-store network, 26… Router, 27… Access point, 30… Network, 40… Information terminal, 41… Processor, 42… Internal storage, 43… Wireless communication section, 44… Memory interface, 45… Touch panel, 46… Camera, 47… System transmission path, 48… External memory, 100… Self-merchandise registration system, 411… Creation means, 412… Acquisition means, 413… Control means, 414… Command means, 421… Shopping app.

Claims

1. A portable information terminal for a user to self-enter data necessary for registering purchased goods in a store, comprising: a display unit for displaying an image used for entering the data; an acquisition means for acquiring a list of goods to be purchased; control means for causing the display unit to display the list of goods to be purchased so as not to overlap with the image; An information terminal comprising.

2. further comprising a reading unit for a machine-readable code; The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the image is an image showing an area for reading the machine-readable code by the reading unit.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the image is an image of a software key used for entering the data.

4. further comprising a creation means for creating the list of goods to be purchased; The information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising.

5. The information terminal according to claim 4, wherein the creation means creates the list of goods to be purchased based on data of menu items posted on a recipe site.

6. The information terminal according to claim 4, wherein the creation means creates the list of goods to be purchased based on data of menu items posted on a recipe site and data of goods posted on a flyer site.

7. further comprising a command means for commanding to share the list of goods to be purchased with other users; The information terminal according to claim 4, wherein the control means causes the display unit to display the list approved for sharing with other users in a distinguishable manner from the list not shared with other users.

8. A program for causing a computer of a portable terminal, which is a portable information terminal for a user to self-enter data necessary for registering purchased goods in a store and includes a display unit for displaying an image used for entering the data, to function as: an acquisition means for acquiring a list of goods to be purchased; and control means for causing the display unit to display the list of goods to be purchased so as not to overlap with the image. ​ ​ ​

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