Information terminal and program therefor

Abstract

To enable a customer to perform a code reading operation for a purchase commodity on a sales floor without feeling that the operation is complicated.SOLUTION: A reading unit reads a code for specifying a commodity. A display unit displays a first screen for assisting the reading of the code by the reading unit. A communication unit transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine and receives commodity data specified by the code from the host machine. Switching means switches between a continuous mode in which codes can be read continuously by the reading unit and a single reading mode in which codes cannot be read continuously. When in the continuous mode, control means causes the commodity data received by the communication unit to be displayed on part of the first screen on the display unit to enable continuous reading of codes by the reading unit. When in the single reading mode, the control means causes the commodity data received by the communication unit to be displayed on a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit to disable continuous reading of codes by the reading unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When a customer (consumer) purchases a product at a sales floor where products are displayed, a so-called self-checkout system in which the customer scans a barcode attached to the product using an information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal is already known. By introducing a self-checkout system in a supermarket or the like where the sales floor and the cashier are separated, the product registration operation at the cashier becomes unnecessary, so there is an advantage of alleviating the congestion at the cashier.

[0003] An information terminal used in this type of self-checkout system generally has a code reading function using a built-in camera. When the code reading function is enabled, a first screen showing a code reading area is displayed on the display of the information terminal. The customer holds the purchased product in front of the camera so that the barcode enters the reading area of the first screen. By doing so, the barcode is scanned and the purchased product is registered. Then, the image on the display transitions to a second screen showing the name, price, etc. of the purchased product. The customer can confirm that the product held in front of the camera has been correctly registered from the information on the second screen.

[0004] By the way, there are information terminals whose code reading function becomes invalid when transitioning to the second screen. In this case, it is necessary to enable the code reading function when reading the code of the next purchased item. As another mode, there are information terminals that continue to read the code of the purchased item without disabling the code reading function when the purchased item is read. Here, for example, there are customers who prefer to check the details of the item on the second screen that has transitioned from the first screen for reading the code every time the code of the purchased item is read, while there are also customers who prefer to continuously read the codes of the purchased items. In a self-service item registration system where the customer performs the item registration operation themselves, further improvement in the operability of the registration operation of the information terminal operated by the customer is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information terminal capable of enhancing the operability when a customer performs a code reading operation of a purchased item at a store.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the information terminal includes a reading unit, a display unit, a communication unit, a switching means, and a control means. The reading unit reads a code for identifying a product. The display unit displays a first screen for assisting the reading of the code by the reading unit. The communication unit transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host computer and receives product data specified by the code from the host computer. The switching means switches between a continuous reading mode in which the reading unit can continuously read codes and a single-shot reading mode in which the codes cannot be continuously read. The control means causes the product data received by the communication unit to be displayed on a part of the first screen by the display unit in the continuous reading mode to enable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit. Further, the control means causes the product data received by the communication unit to be displayed on a second screen different from the first screen by the display unit in the single-shot reading mode to disable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, in the sales floor of a retail store where the sales floor where products are displayed and the cashier area where the cash register is installed are separated, it is a case where a customer (consumer) self-performs a code reading operation of purchased products using a portable information terminal. A self-service product registration system is constructed in such a store. The information terminal is, for example, a smartphone owned by the customer, a dedicated portable terminal prepared by the store, a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart, etc. This embodiment will be described by taking the information terminal owned by the customer as an example.

[0010] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Product Registration System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a product registration system 100 according to this embodiment. The product registration system 100 includes a server system 10 that uses cloud computing and a POS (Point Of Sales) system 20 constructed in a franchise store. The server system 10 and the POS system 20 enable two-way data communication through a network 30 that uses the Internet protocol. 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. An information terminal 40 that uses a mobile phone communication network, such as a smartphone, can access the server system 10 via the network 30.

[0011] A franchise store is a store that has entered into a usage contract with the management company of the server system 10. In FIG. 1, the POS system 20 of one franchise store is shown. Needless to say, the POS systems of other franchise stores are also connected to the network 30 in the same manner. However, the POS systems of other franchise stores are not necessarily of the same configuration as the POS system 20 shown in FIG. 1. There may be cases where the configuration of the POS system differs depending on the franchise store.

[0012] The server system 10 includes a registration support server 11 and a router 12, and connects both of them via 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 registration support server 11 and the POS systems 20 of each franchise store.

[0013] The registration support server 11 is a computer for supporting the registration operation of the purchased products of customers who shop at franchise stores. For this support, the registration support server 11 manages a product master 14 for each franchise store. The product master 14 is an aggregate of product records created for each product. The product record is a data record that records product information such as the product name, price, attributes, etc. in association with a product code set for each product to individually identify each product. The attribute is information indicating, for example, whether the product is a target product for a lump-sum discount, whether it is a target product for a reduced tax rate, etc.

[0014] The registration support server 11 has at least the following two functions. The first function is a function of performing a registration process on product sales data based on the code of the product read by the information terminal 40. The second function is a function of creating or transmitting accounting data necessary for the settlement of transactions with the customers using the information terminal 40 in response to an accounting instruction from the information terminal 40. That is, the registration support server 11 functions as a host computer of the information terminal 40.

[0015] The POS system 20 includes a store server 21, a monitoring terminal 22, a POS terminal 23, and a dedicated accounting machine 24, and connects these via an in-store network 25. The POS system 20 also connects a router 26 to the in-store network 25 and connects to the network 30 via this router 26. Furthermore, the POS system 20 connects an access point 27 to the in-store network 25 and enables data communication with the information terminal 40 via wireless LAN through this access point 27.

[0016] The store server 21 is a computer for managing sales information, inventory information, ordering information, etc. of the franchise store based on information on transactions settled at the franchise store where the POS system 20 is built.

[0017] The monitoring terminal 22 is a terminal for monitoring customers who self-perform the code reading operation of purchased products 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 products purchased by the customers, etc. are displayed on the monitor.

[0018] The POS terminal 23 is a cash register for processing the settlement of transactions with customers who do not use the information terminal 40. The POS terminal 23 is operated by a store clerk. The POS terminal 23 may be a semi-self-service type separated into a registration machine and a cash register, where the registration machine is operated by the store clerk and the cash register is operated by the customer. The POS terminal 23 may also be a full-self-service type operated by the customer.

[0019] The dedicated cash register 24 is a cash register for processing the settlement of transactions with customers who use the information terminal 40. The dedicated cash register 24 is operated by the customer. The dedicated cash register 24 has functions such as scanning the accounting barcode displayed on the information terminal 40, payment processing functions corresponding to various payment methods such as electronic money, credit cards, and cash, and an electronic money recharge function.

[0020] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Registration Support Server] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration support server 11. The registration support server 11 includes a processor 111, a main memory 112, an auxiliary storage device 113, a clock 114, a communication interface 115, and a system bus 116. The system bus 116 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The registration support server 11 connects the processor 111, the main memory 112, the auxiliary storage device 113, the clock 114, and the communication interface 115 to the system bus 116. In the registration support server 11, a computer is constituted by the processor 111, the main memory 112, the auxiliary storage device 113, the clock 114, the communication interface 115, and the system bus 116 that connects these components.

[0021] The processor 111 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 111 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the registration support server 11 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 111 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The main memory 112 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 112 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 112 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 112 stores data necessary for the processor 111 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The above data may also be stored in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 112 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 111. 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 auxiliary storage device 113 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 113. The auxiliary storage device 113 stores data used when the processor 111 performs various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 111, etc. The auxiliary storage device 113 may store the above application program.

[0024] The clock 114 measures the date and time. The registration support server 11 acquires the date and time measured by the clock 114 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication interface 115 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data according to a predetermined communication protocol with each device connected via the network 30.

[0026] The registration support server 11 uses a part of the volatile area in the main memory 112 as the storage area of a plurality of transaction files 50. The transaction file 50 is created for each customer who performs a code reading operation of a purchased product using the information terminal 40. The transaction file 50 stores various data necessary for creating accounting data.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in the transaction file 50. FIG. 3 shows, as an example, the data of one record among a plurality of transaction records stored in the transaction file 50. The transaction file 50 stores data related to the transactions of customers who use the information terminal 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the transaction file 50 stores a transaction identification code, a store code, an entry date and time, the number n of detail data, the detail data of that number n, a total score, a total amount, a total discount amount, an accounting code, etc.

[0028] The transaction identification code is information for identifying a customer's transaction. The transaction identification code may be, for example, a code for identifying the information terminal 40 used by the customer. For example, the device ID of the information terminal 40, the mobile phone number, etc. may be the transaction identification code. The transaction identification code may be, for example, a transaction number for identifying a transaction, or may be a combination of a transaction number and date and time information such as a store code and the check-in date and time. Note that the transaction number is issued by the registration support server 11 when generating a transaction file, for example, as described later. The store code is a unique code set for each franchise store to individually identify each franchise store. The check-in date and time is the date and time when the customer starts an application for the product registration system operating on the information terminal 40 and checks in at the franchise store.

[0029] The detailed data is composed of the product code, product name, price, attributes, purchase points, discount amount, etc. of the purchased product. The detailed data includes an update flag F. The update flag F is 1-bit data for identifying whether the detailed data is updated data. In this embodiment, the update flag F of the updated detailed data is set to "1", and the update flag F of the non-updated detailed data is set to "0".

[0030] The total points are the points obtained by summing up the purchase points of each detailed data. The total amount is the amount obtained by summing up the purchase amounts of each detailed data. The purchase amount is calculated by multiplying the price by the purchase points and subtracting the discount amount. The total discount amount is the amount obtained by summing up the discount amounts of each detailed data. The accounting code is a code used by the customer who checks in at the check-in date and time at the franchise store specified by the store code using the information terminal 40 during the accounting of the transaction.

[0031] [Description of the Configuration of the Information Terminal] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the information terminal 40 includes a processor 41, a built-in memory 42, an external memory 43, a touch panel 44, a camera 45, a wireless unit 46, and a system transmission path 47.

[0032] The system transmission path 47 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The information terminal 40 connects a processor 41, a built-in memory 42, an external memory 43, a touch panel 44, a camera 45, and a wireless unit 46 to the system transmission path 47. In the information terminal 40, a computer is configured by the processor 41, the built-in memory 42, and the external memory 43, and the system transmission path 47 that connects them.

[0033] 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 (application software). The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0034] The built-in memory 42 corresponds to the main memory part of the above computer. The built-in memory 42 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 stores data necessary for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 41. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0035] The external memory 43 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 43. The external memory 43 stores data used when the processor 41 performs various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 41, etc. The external memory 43 may store the above application program.

[0036] The touch panel 44 is a device that combines a display as a display unit and a touch sensor as a detection unit. The display has a screen for displaying various images. The touch sensor detects the position on the screen touched by the operator. The touch panel 44 acquires the data input by the operator from the position on the screen detected by the touch sensor and the information of the image displayed at that position.

[0037] The camera 45 is an imaging device built into the information terminal 40. The processor 41 reads codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes from the image captured by the camera 45. Here, the processor 41 constitutes a reading unit in cooperation with the camera 45.

[0038] The wireless unit 46 is a communication device that performs data communication with the access point 27 according to the communication protocol of the wireless LAN. The wireless unit 46 constitutes the communication unit of the information terminal 40.

[0039] In the information terminal 40 with such a configuration, for example, the self-registration program 60 is installed in the external memory 43. The self-registration program 60 is application software for a product registration system executed on the information terminal 40. The self-registration program 60 may be installed in the built-in memory 42. The method of installing the self-registration program 60 in the built-in memory 42 or the external memory 43 is not particularly limited. The self-registration program 60 can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via a network, and then installed in the built-in memory 42 or the external memory 43. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program and can be read by the device, such as an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc.

[0040] In the information terminal 40 installed with the self-registration program 60, a list area 61, a total area 62, and a current area 63 are formed in a part of the built-in memory 42. Note that each of the areas 61, 62, and 63 may be formed in the external memory 43.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the list area 61. As shown in the figure, the list area 61 is an area for storing detail data such as product code, product name, price, attribute, purchase points, discount amount, and update flag F.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the total area 62. As shown in the figure, the total area is an area for storing the total points Ta, the total amount Tb, and the total discount amount Tc.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the current area 63. As shown in the figure, the current area 63 is an area for storing data such as product code, product name, price, attribute, purchase points, and discount amount in association with a consecutive number starting from "1".

[0044] The processor 41 realizes functions as switching means, control means, extraction means, and clearing means by executing information processing according to the self-registration program 60. The switching means has a function of switching between a continuous scan mode (continuous reading mode) in which a barcode can be continuously read by a reading unit using the camera 45 and a single-shot scan mode (single-shot reading mode) in which a barcode cannot be continuously read. The control means, in the continuous scan mode, causes the product data received by the wireless unit 46 which is a communication unit to be displayed on a part of the scan screen which is the first screen on the touch panel 44 which is a display unit, enabling continuous reading of the barcode by the reading unit, and in the single-shot scan mode, causes the product data received by the wireless unit 46 which is a communication unit to be displayed on the registration screen which is a second screen different from the first screen on the touch panel 44 which is a display unit, disabling continuous reading of the barcode by the reading unit. The extraction means has a function of extracting, from the product data received by the communication unit, the product data related to the product specified by the latest barcode read by the reading unit. The clearing means has a function of clearing the product data stored in the current area 63 which is a storage unit when the transition of the screen is instructed by a first instruction unit instructing the transition of the image of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen to the registration screen, or a second instruction unit instructing the transition of the screen from the registration screen to the scan screen. Details of these functions will be clarified in the operation explanation described later.

[0045] [Explanation of the Operation of the Product Registration System] Figs. 8 to 15 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the information processing executed by the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 according to the self-registration program 60. Figs. 16 to 20 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the information processing executed by the processor 111 of the registration support server 11 according to the program. Figs. 21 to 24 are examples of screen transitions displayed on the touch panel 44 of the information terminal 40. Hereinafter, the main operations of the product registration system will be described with reference to each figure. Note that the procedure and content of the operations described below are examples. The procedure or content can be appropriately changed if the same effect can be achieved. Also, the screen is an example. The layout, image, text, etc. of each screen are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0046] A customer who uses the information terminal 40 to shop at a retail store where the self-product registration system 100 is constructed first activates the self-registration program 60. When the self-registration program 60 is activated, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 starts the information processing of the procedure shown in Fig. 8. As ACT1, the processor 41 displays a check-in screen SCa (see Fig. 21(a)) on the touch panel 44. Then, as ACT2, the processor 41 activates the camera 45.

[0047] At the entrance of the store, an entry code is prepared. The entry code is the setting information related to the store encoded in a two-dimensional code system. The setting information includes the store code, 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-product registration system 100.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 21(a), the check-in screen SCa arranges a frame CM indicating a code reading area, along with guidance for scanning the check-in code. The customer holds the camera 45 of the information terminal 40 over the check-in code so that the check-in code fits within the frame CM. Then, the check-in code is read by the function of the reading unit of the information terminal 40.

[0049] In the above description, it is assumed that the camera 45 is activated at the timing when the check-in screen SCa is displayed on the touch panel 44. However, the timing at which the camera 45 is activated is not limited to this. For example, a camera activation button may be displayed on the check-in screen SCa, and when this camera activation button is touched, the camera 45 may be activated.

[0050] The processor 41 that displays the check-in screen SCa waits for check-in as ACT3. When the processor 41 detects that the check-in code has been scanned by the camera 45, it proceeds to ACT4, assuming that the check-in has been performed. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 as ACT4.

[0051] The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a check-in notification as ACT5. By this control, the wireless unit 46 connects to the access point 27 via a wireless LAN based on the in-store LAN data obtained from the in-store code. After connecting to the access point 27, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a check-in notification command. The check-in notification command is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The check-in notification command includes the terminal identification code set in the information terminal 40. The terminal identification code may be, for example, a code for identifying the information terminal 40 used by a customer. For example, the device ID of the information terminal 40, the mobile phone number, etc. may be the terminal identification code. Alternatively, the terminal identification code may be a code for identifying the self-registration program 60 stored in the information terminal 40 or the user who uses the program. For example, it may be a unique number automatically issued when the program is installed or a membership number issued when the customer registers as a member. Also, the store code obtained from the in-store code is included in the check-in notification command. In the registration support server 11 that has received the check-in notification command, a check-in notification process is executed.

[0052] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the check-in notification process. When the processor 111 of the registration support server 11 receives a check-in notification command via the communication interface 115, it obtains the terminal identification code from the check-in notification command as ACT121. Also, the processor 111 obtains the store ID from the check-in notification command as ACT122. Further, the processor 111 sets the current date and time measured by the clock 124 as the check-in date and time as ACT123. Then, the processor 111 creates a transaction file 50 as ACT124. The transaction file 50 stores a transaction identification code, the store code obtained from the check-in notification command, and the check-in date and time. The transaction identification code may be the terminal identification code obtained from the check-in notification command. The transaction file 50 is stored, for example, in the main memory 112.

[0053] As ACT125, the processor 111 transmits a start command to the information terminal 40 which is the source of the check-in notification command, for example, based on the terminal identification code. Here, when using the transaction number as the transaction identification code, it may be transmitted to the information terminal 40 including the transaction identification code using the transaction number in the start command. In this case, when registering a product, the information terminal 40 can include the transaction identification code in the registration notification command described later, and the registration support server 11 can manage the information of the product registered by the customer based on the transaction identification code. Thus, the processor 111 ends the information processing when receiving the check-in notification command. Although the processor 111 was assumed to create the transaction file 50 in ACT124, the timing for creating the transaction file 50 is not limited to this. The processor 111 may generate the transaction file 50 when receiving the product code transmitted as the registration notification command when the information terminal 40 reads the barcode of the first product in a new transaction.

[0054] Return to the description of FIG. 8. The processor 41 that has performed the check-in notification waits for the start command as ACT6. When receiving the start command via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT7. As ACT7, the processor 41 sets the mode flag MF to "0".

[0055] The mode flag MF is 1-bit data for identifying whether the operation mode of the information terminal 40 is the continuous scan mode or the single-shot scan mode. The continuous scan mode is a mode in which a plurality of product barcodes can be continuously read by the reading unit. The single-shot scan mode is a mode in which product barcodes are read one by one by the reading unit. In the single-shot scan mode, a plurality of product barcodes cannot be continuously read. In this embodiment, the mode flag indicating the continuous scan mode is set to "1", and the mode flag indicating the single-shot scan mode is set to "0". That is, the information terminal 40 is set to the single-shot scan mode at the initial stage when the check-in is performed.

[0056] The processor 41 with the mode flag MF set to "0" switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the check-in screen SCa to the registration screen SCb (see Fig. 21(b)) as ACT8. As shown in Fig. 21, on the registration screen SCb, a scan button BTa, a no-barcode button BTb, and a payment button BTc are arranged. Also, a part of the screen is used as a total display section ARa for transactions, and the rest is used as a detailed list display section ARb for purchased items. At this point, since shopping has not started, the total points are 0 and the total amount is 0 yen. Also, the detailed list display section ARb is blank.

[0057] The scan button BTa is an operator for instructing the scanning of the barcode attached to the product. The no-barcode button BTb is an operator for instructing the registration of a product without a barcode. The payment button BTc is an operator for instructing the payment of the transaction amount. Since shopping has not started at this point, the payment button BTc is grayed out and disabled. The registration screen SCb with the payment button BTc disabled may be referred to as the registration start screen.

[0058] The customer who has confirmed the registration screen SCb starts shopping. Then, as the customer walks around the store and finds a purchased item, the customer checks whether the purchased item has a barcode attached. If the purchased item has a barcode attached, the customer touches the scan button BTa. If the purchased item does not have a barcode attached, the customer touches the no-barcode button BTb.

[0059] The processor 41 that controls the display of the registration screen SCb waits for the scan button BTa to be input as ACT9 or the barcode-free button BTb to be input as ACT10. In the waiting state of ACT9 and ACT10, when the scan button BTa is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT11. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCb to the scan screen SCc (see Fig. 21(c)) in the single-scan mode as ACT11. Then the processor 41 proceeds to ACT12 in Fig. 9. The processor 41 activates the camera 45 as ACT12.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 21, on the scan screen SCc in the single-scan mode, a frame CM indicating the code reading area is arranged together with guidance for bar code scanning of the product. Also, the scan screen SCc arranges the barcode-free button BTb and the button BTd to return to the details. The button BTd to return to the details is an operator for instructing to return to the registration screen. The code reading area is an image for assisting in reading the barcode. That is, the scan screen SCc is an example of the first screen.

[0061] The scan screen SCc further arranges a mode switch SW. The mode switch SW is a switch for switching between the single-scan mode and the continuous-scan mode. Since the scan screen SCc is a screen in the single-scan mode, the mode switch SW indicates that the single-scan mode is selected by the display of [OFF].

[0062] A customer who has confirmed the scan screen SCc decides whether to change to the continuous scan mode. If the customer does not change to the continuous scan mode, that is, when reading the barcode of the purchased item in the single-shot scan mode, the customer holds the camera 45 of the information terminal 40 over the purchased item so that the barcode fits inside the frame CM. Then, the barcode is read by the function of the reading unit of the information terminal 40. If there is no barcode attached to the purchased item, the customer touches the barcode-free button BTb. Also, when returning to the registration screen SCb, the customer touches the return-to-detail button BTd. On the other hand, when changing to the continuous scan mode, the customer switches the mode change switch SW.

[0063] The processor 41 that activated the camera in ACT12 waits for whether a barcode is read as ACT13, whether the barcode-free button BTb is input as ACT14, whether the return-to-detail button BTd is input as ACT15, or whether the mode change switch SW is switched as ACT16.

[0064] In the waiting state of ACT13 to ACT16, when a barcode is read, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 10. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF as ACT31. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "0", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT32. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 as ACT32. Also, the processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a registration notification as ACT33. By this control, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a registration notification command. The registration notification command is received at the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The registration notification command includes the barcode data read from the purchased item. Also, the registration notification command includes a transaction identification code, which is information for identifying the customer's transaction, in the transaction file 50. For example, when the transaction identification code is a terminal identification code, the registration notification command includes the terminal identification code set in the information terminal 40.

[0065] In the registration support server 11 that has received the registration notification command, a registration notification process is executed. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the registration notification process. When the processor 111 of the registration support server 11 receives a registration notification command via the communication interface 115, it acquires a transaction identification code from the registration notification command as ACT131. Then, the processor 111 selects a transaction file 50 in which the transaction identification code is stored as ACT132. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the selected transaction file is referred to as transaction file 51.

[0066] The processor 111 acquires a product code from the barcode data included in the registration notification command as ACT133. Then, the processor 111 searches the product master 14 with the product code as ACT134. At this time, the processor 111 searches the product master 14 of the franchise store identified by the store code stored in the transaction file 51.

[0067] The processor 111 reads out product data such as product name, price, and attributes associated with the product code from the product master 14 as ACT135. The processor 111 generates detailed data of the purchased product as ACT136. As described above, the detailed data is composed of the product code, product name, price, attributes, purchase points, discount amount, update flag F, etc. of the purchased product.

[0068] The processor 111 adds "1" to the number n of the detail data in the transaction file 51 as ACT137. Then the processor 111 checks whether the number n of the detail data is greater than "1". If the number n of the detail data is greater than "1", the processor 111 proceeds to ACT139. The fact that the number n of the detail data is greater than "1" means that other detail data is stored in the transaction file 51. The processor 111 resets the update flag F of the other detail data to "0" as ACT139. Then the processor 111 proceeds to ACT140. On the other hand, if the number n of the detail data is "1", that is, if no other detail data is stored in the transaction file 51, the processor 111 skips the process of ACT139 and proceeds to ACT140. The processor 111 stores the detail data created in ACT136 in the transaction file 51 as ACT140. Then the processor 111 sets the update flag F of the detail data to "1" as ACT141.

[0069] After finishing the above processing, the processor 111 sends a detail response command to the information terminal 40 which is the source of the registration notification command as ACT142. The detail response command includes the detail data for the number n of the detail data stored in the transaction file 51, the total score, the total amount, the total discount amount, and the like.

[0070] Return to the description of FIG. 10. The processor 41 that controls the transmission of the registration notification command waits for a detail response command as ACT34. When receiving the detail response command via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT35. The processor 41 extracts the detail data with the update flag F set to "1" from the detail response command as ACT35. Then the processor 41 adds the detail data to the list area 61 as ACT36. Also, the processor 41 acquires the total score, the total amount, and the total discount amount from the detail response command as ACT37 and overwrites them in the total area 62.

[0071] Thereafter, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 as ACT38 from the scan screen SCc in the single-shot scan mode to the registration screen SCd (see FIG. 21(d)). The registration screen SCd displays a list of information on all the products whose barcodes have been scanned as the purchased products, and a screen (registration product list) including the total points and the total amount. That is, the registration screen is a product details screen showing the information on all the products for which the registration process has been performed as the purchased products. The registration screen SCd is an example of the screen when the barcode of the first purchased product is scanned. In the total display section ARa, the total points and the total amount stored in the total area 62 are displayed. When the discounted total amount is greater than 0 yen, the discounted total amount is also displayed in a part of the total display section ARa. In the details list display section ARb, based on the details data stored in the list area 61, the product name (product AAAAAA), price (￥100), purchased points ([1]), etc. of the purchased products are displayed for each product. That is, the registration screen SCd is an example of the second screen.

[0072] With the screen of the touch panel 44 set as the registration screen SCd, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT51 in FIG. 11. The processor 41 waits for the scan button BTa to be input as ACT51, the barcode-free button BTb to be input as ACT52, the payment button BTc to be input as ACT53, or any of the purchased products displayed in the details list display section ARb to be selected as ACT54.

[0073] When the scan button BTa is input due to the customer's touch, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT55. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF as ACT55. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "0", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT56. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCd to the scan screen SCc (see FIG. 21(c)) in the single-shot scan mode as ACT56. Then the processor 41 proceeds to ACT12 in FIG. 9. After restarting the camera 45, the processor 41 enters the waiting states of ACT13 to ACT16.

[0074] When the customer changes the operation mode from the single-scan mode to the continuous-scan mode, the customer switches the mode change switch SW from off to on. In the standby states of ACT13 to ACT16, when the mode change switch SW is switched from off to on, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT17. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF as ACT17. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "0", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT18. The processor 41 sets the mode flag MF to "1" as ACT18. Further, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCc in the single-scan mode to the scan screen SCe in the continuous-scan mode (see Fig. 22(a)) as ACT19. Then the processor 41 enters the standby states of ACT13 to ACT16.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 22(a), the state of the mode change switch SW has changed in the scan screen SCe in the continuous-scan mode as compared with the scan screen SCc in the single-scan mode. That is, the mode change switch SW indicates that the continuous-scan mode is selected by the display of [ON].

[0076] The customer who has changed to the continuous-scan mode holds the barcode of the purchased product over the camera 45. The processor 41 that was in the standby states of ACT13 to ACT16 proceeds to ACT31 in Fig. 10. At this point, since the mode flag MF is "1", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT39. The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a registration notification as ACT39. By this control, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a registration notification command. The registration notification command is received at the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The registration notification command includes the barcode data read from the purchased product and the transaction identification information.

[0077] In the registration support server 11 that has received the registration notification command, the registration notification process already described with reference to FIG. 17 is executed. Therefore, the processor 41 that controls the transmission of the registration notification command waits for the detail response command as ACT40. When receiving the detail response command via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT41. The processor 41 extracts, as ACT41, the detail data in which the update flag F is set to "1" from the detail response command. Then, the processor 41 adds, as ACT42, the detail data to the list area 61. Also, the processor 41 acquires, as ACT43, the total score, total amount, and total discount amount from the detail response command and overwrites them in the total area 62. Further, the processor 41 adds, as ACT44, the product code, product name, price, attribute, score, amount, and discount amount included in the detail data to the current area 63. At this time, if data is already stored in the area associated with the serial number "1" of the current area 63, the data below the serial number "1" is shifted down to below the serial number "2". Then, new data is added to the area with the serial number "1" that has become an empty area. Then, the processor 41 causes, as ACT45, the product name, price, attribute, and purchase score of the data associated with the serial number "1" of the current area 63 to be displayed on a part of the scan screen SCe.

[0078] Here, the processor 41 realizes the function as the extraction means by executing the process of ACT41. And the processor 41 stores, as ACT44, the data extracted by the extraction means, that is, the product data with the update flag F being "1", in the current area 63 which is a storage unit.

[0079] The scan screen SCf in Fig. 22(b) is a scan screen after scanning the barcode of the purchased product with the product name (Product AAAAAA) in the continuous scan mode. As shown in the figure, the scan screen SCf secures a current display area CR in a part of the area that does not overlap with the frame CM. In this current display area CR, the product name (Product AAAAAA) of the purchased product, the price (￥100), the purchase points ([1]), etc. are displayed. Also, a round number MC is displayed on the button BTd to return to the details. The round number MC indicates the number of data stored in the current area 63. In a state where such a scan screen SCf is displayed, when the customer holds the barcode of the purchased product in front of the camera 45 so that it fits inside the frame CM, the information terminal 40 can read the barcode. That is, the scan screen SCf is an example of the first screen.

[0080] The processor 41 with the screen of the touch panel 44 as the scan screen SCf returns to the standby states of ACT13 to ACT16 in Fig. 9. In this standby state, when a barcode is read, the processor 41 executes the processes of ACT31 and ACT39 to ACT45 in Fig. 10 in the same manner as described above.

[0081] Therefore, for example, if the barcode of the purchased product with the product name (Product BBBBBB) is read following the purchased product with the product name (Product AAAAAA), the screen of the touch panel 44 becomes the scan screen SCg in Fig. 22(c). That is, in the current display area CR, the product name (Product BBBBBB), the price (￥200), the purchase points ([1]), etc. are displayed. Also, the round number MC increases from "1" to "2". With this round number MC, the customer can know the number of products scanned continuously.

[0082] Here, when the customer wants to check the data of the previously scanned item, the customer swipes the current display area CR, for example, from left to right towards the screen. Then, as shown in the scan screen SCh of FIG. 22(d), the content of the current display area CR is changed from the data of the purchased item with the item name (item BBBBBB) to the data of the purchased item with the item name (item AAAAAA). The circled numbers MC do not change.

[0083] In this way, by selecting the continuous scan mode, the customer can subsequently continuously scan the barcodes of the purchased items without operating the scan button BTa. At this time, since the data of the latest purchased item is displayed in the current display area CR, the customer can check information such as the item name and price of the item whose barcode has been scanned. Also, the information of the items scanned until switching from the scan screen in the continuous scan mode to another screen, that is, the information of the items before the latest purchased item, can also be confirmed by swiping the current display area CR. However, even if the customer moves from the scan screen to another screen, for example, the registration screen (detail screen), and then returns to the scan screen in the continuous scan mode again, not all purchased items can be confirmed in the current display area CR. If the customer wants to check all purchased items, the customer touches the return to detail BTd.

[0084] When the return to detail button BTd is input in the standby states of ACT13 to ACT16, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT81 in FIG. 13. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 as ACT81. Also, the processor 41 clears the data of the current area 63 as ACT82. Then, based on the data stored in the list area 61, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCg in the continuous scan mode to the registration screen (item name re-screen) SCi (see FIG. 23(a)). And the processor 41 enters the standby states of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11.

[0085] The registration screen SCi is a screen that displays the names, prices, etc. of the purchased items registered by the customer for each item. The registration screen SCi is an example of the second screen. Also, the button BTd to return to the details of the scan screen SCe functions as the first instruction unit.

[0086] When a customer who has checked the registration screen SCi then touches the scan button BTa if they want to scan the barcode of the purchased item. The processor 41 in the waiting state of ACT51 to ACT54 proceeds to ACT55 when the scan button BTa is input. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF as ACT55. At this point, since the mode flag MF is "1", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT57. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCi to the scan screen SCe in continuous scan mode (see Fig. 22(a)) as ACT57. Then the processor 41 proceeds to ACT12 in Fig. 9. After restarting the camera 45 again, the processor 41 enters the waiting state of ACT13 to ACT16. Therefore, the customer can continuously scan the barcodes of the purchased items again. At this point, since the current area 63 has been cleared in ACT82, the current display area CR is not displayed on the scan screen SCe. Here, the scan button BTa on the registration screen SCi functions as the second instruction unit. And the processor 41 realizes the function as a clearing means by executing the process of ACT82.

[0087] When the customer returns the operation mode from the continuous scan mode to the single scan mode, the mode change switch SW on the scan screen SCe is switched from on to off. When the mode change switch SW is switched from on to off in the waiting states of ACT13 to ACT16 in FIG. 9, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT17. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF as ACT17. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "1", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT20. The processor 41 sets the mode flag MF to "0" as ACT20. Further, the processor 41 clears the data in the current area 63 as ACT21. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode to the scan screen SCc in the single scan mode as ACT22. Then the processor 41 enters the waiting states of ACT13 to ACT16. Therefore, even if the customer selects the single scan mode by switching the mode change switch SW without touching the detail return button BTd in the continuous scan mode, the data in the current area 63 is cleared.

[0088] In this way, the processor 41 realizes the function as the switching means by executing the processing of ACT18 or ACT20 in FIG. 9 in cooperation with the mode change switch SW. Further, the processor 41 realizes the function as the control means by executing the processing of ACT19 or ACT21.

[0089] Next, the case where the purchased product is not attached with a barcode will be described. Some products such as fresh food are not attached with a barcode. When the purchased product is not attached with a barcode, the customer touches the barcode-less button BTb.

[0090] The processor 41 has a scan screen in single scan mode or continuous scan mode displayed on the touch panel 44, and when the barcode-free button BTb is input in the waiting state of ACT13 to ACT16 where the camera 45 is activated, it proceeds to ACT61 in FIG. 12. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 as ACT61. After that, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT62. When the barcode-free button BTb is input in the waiting state of ACT9 and ACT10 where the registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 44 and the camera 45 is stopped, or in the waiting state of ACT51 to ACT54, the processor 41 skips the process of ACT61 and proceeds to ACT62. The processor 41 causes a target list of barcode-free items to be displayed on the touch panel 44 as ACT62. Then the processor 41 waits for a purchased item to be selected.

[0091] The customer touches and selects a purchased item from the list. When a purchased item is selected, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT64. The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a registration notification. By this control, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a registration notification command. The registration notification command is received at the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The registration notification command includes the product code and transaction identification code of the selected purchased item.

[0092] In the registration support server 11 that has received the registration notification command, the registration notification process already described with reference to FIG. 17 is executed. Therefore, the processor 41 that controls the transmission of the registration notification command waits for the detail response command as ACT65. When the detail response command is received via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT66. The processor 41 extracts, as ACT66, the detail data in which the update flag F is set to "1" from the detail response command. Then, the processor 41 adds, as ACT67, the detail data to the list area 61. The processor 41 also acquires, as ACT68, the total score, total amount, and total discount amount from the detail response command and overwrites them in the total area 62. Further, the processor 41 clears, as ACT69, the data in the current area 63. Then, the processor 41 sets, as ACT70, the screen of the touch panel 44 as the registration screen. At this time, the product name, price, purchase score, etc. of the product without barcode are added to the detail list display section ARb of the registration screen. Also, the total score and total amount in the total display section ARa are added by the amount of the product without barcode.

[0093] Thereafter, the processor 41 enters the waiting states of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11. Therefore, when the customer touches the scan button BTa to continue reading the barcode of the purchased product, if the single scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode. On the other hand, if the continuous scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCe of the continuous scan mode. Therefore, the customer can continuously scan the barcode of the purchased product again. At this point, since the current area 63 is cleared in ACT69, the current display area CR is not displayed on the scan screen SCe.

[0094] Incidentally, the continuous scan mode is effective when purchasing multiple identical items together. For example, assume a case where three of a certain item are purchased. In the single scan mode, every time the barcode of an item is read, an input of the scan button BTa is required, which is cumbersome. In contrast, in the continuous scan mode, if the scan button BTa is input first, then subsequently, the barcodes of three items can be continuously read. Alternatively, the barcode of one item may be continuously read three times. Therefore, there is no cumbersome feeling. At this time, although the display in the current display area CR does not change, the round number MC changes from "1" → "2" → "3". Due to such a change in the round number MC, the customer can recognize that three items have been correctly registered.

[0095] However, when purchasing a large number of identical items together, since the same barcode will be repeatedly read by the information terminal 40, it may feel cumbersome in some cases. In such cases, the customer may change the number of items of the relevant item displayed on the registration screen to the number of items to be purchased. Therefore, next, the function for changing the number of items to be purchased will be described.

[0096] For example, when the registration screen SCi shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the touch panel 44, when changing the number of items of the product name "Product AAAAAA" from "1" to "8", the customer taps on the column where the product name "Product AAAAAA" is displayed to select the target product. Then, the processor 41, which was in the standby state of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT91 in FIG. 14.

[0097] As ACT91, the screen of the touch panel 44 is switched from the registration screen SCi to the number change screen SCj (see FIG. 23(b)) by the processor 41. As shown in FIG. 23, on the number change screen SCj, in addition to the product name, price, etc. of the product for which the number is to be changed, the current number of items to be purchased is displayed in the area ARc. Also, an addition button BTe is arranged on one side of the area ARc, and a subtraction button BTf is arranged on the other side. Furthermore, a return without change button BTg and an OK button BTh are arranged.

[0098] A customer who has checked the point change screen SCj touches the addition button BTe seven times. Then, as shown in the point change screen SCk in Fig. 23(c), since the numerical value in the area ARc becomes "8", the customer touches the OK button BTh.

[0099] The processor 41 that has displayed the point change screen SCj waits for the OK button BTh to be input as ACT92 or for the return button BTg to be input without change as ACT93. In the waiting state of ACT92 and ACT93, when the OK button BTh is input, the processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a change notification as ACT95. By this control, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a change notification command. The change notification command is received at the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The change notification command includes both the product code of the product to be changed and the points in the area ARc, that is, the purchase points after the change. The change notification command also includes the transaction identification code stored in the information terminal 40.

[0100] In the registration support server 11 that has received the change notification command, a change notification process is executed. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the change notification process. When the processor 41 of the registration support server 11 receives a change notification command via the communication interface 115, it acquires the transaction identification code from the change notification command as ACT151. Then the processor 111 selects the transaction file 51 in which the said transaction identification code is stored as ACT152.

[0101] The processor 111 selects the detailed data of the product code included in the change notification process from the detailed data stored in the transaction file 51 as ACT153, and changes the purchase points of the detailed data to the purchase points included in the change notification process. Then the processor 41 recalculates the total points, total amount, etc. of the transaction file as ACT154.

[0102] The processor 111 sets the update flag F of other detail data to "0" as ACT155. Also, the processor 111 sets the update flag F of the detail data with the purchase points changed to "1" as ACT156. Then, the processor 111 transmits a detail response command to the information terminal 40 which is the source of the change notification command as ACT157.

[0103] Return to the description of FIG. 14. The processor 41 that controls the transmission of the change notification command waits for a detail response command as ACT96. When receiving the detail response command via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT97. The processor 41 extracts the detail data with the update flag F set to "1" from the detail response command as ACT97. Then, the processor 41 changes the points of the data in the list area 61 including the same product code as the detail data to the changed purchase points as ACT98. Also, the processor 41 acquires the total points, total amount, and total discount amount from the detail response command and overwrites them in the total area 62 as ACT99.

[0104] The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the points change screen SCk to the registration screen SCl (see FIG. 23(d)) as ACT100. The registration screen SCl is an example of the screen when the purchase points of the purchased product with the product name "Product AAAAAA" are changed from "1" to "8". After that, the processor 41 enters the waiting states of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11. Therefore, when the customer touches the scan button BTa to read the barcode of the purchased product again, if the single scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCc in the single scan mode. On the other hand, if the continuous scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode. Therefore, the customer can continuously scan the barcode of the purchased product again. At this point, since the current area 63 is cleared, the current display area CR is not displayed on the scan screen SCe.

[0105] Incidentally, the score change screen SCj is also used when a customer cancels the purchase of a purchased item during shopping. The customer taps on the column where the product name of the item to be canceled is displayed on the registration screen to select the target product. Then, since the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the score change screen SCj, the customer touches the subtraction button BTf to set the value in the area ARc to "0". Then the customer touches the OK button BTh. As a result, the processor 41 executes the processes of ACT95 to ACT100 in FIG. 14 in the same manner as described above. As a result, since the purchase score of the product becomes "0", the product is excluded from the purchased items. Note that it is preferable to leave the product with a purchase score of "0" on the registration screen, for example, by overlaying a strikethrough on the product name or the like, or by making the text color different from that of other products with a purchase score of "1" or more.

[0106] Now, the customer who has finished shopping touches the payment button BTc on the registration screen SCl. The processor 41 in the standby state of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11 proceeds to ACT111 in FIG. 15 when the payment button BTc is input. The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to issue a payment notification as ACT111. By this control, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a payment notification command. The payment notification command is received at the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The payment notification command includes a transaction identification code.

[0107] In the registration support server 11 that has received the payment notification command, a payment notification process is executed. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the payment notification process. When the processor 41 of the registration support server 11 receives the payment notification command via the communication interface 115, it acquires the transaction identification code from the payment notification command as ACT161. Then the processor 111 selects the transaction file 51 in which the transaction identification code is stored as ACT162.

[0108] The processor 111 analyzes the data stored in the transaction file 51 as ACT163 to check whether settlement is possible. For example, for products for which product names, prices, etc. cannot be read for the product codes, detailed error data remains. In this case, the settlement becomes impossible.

[0109] If the settlement is impossible, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT164. The processor 111 notifies the store terminal used by the attendant for monitoring that a customer including error products has declared settlement. Then, the processor 111 transmits a negative response command to the information terminal 40 that is the source of the payment notification command as ACT165. Note that the attendant who has received the notification will take measures such as checking the products purchased by the customer.

[0110] On the other hand, if the settlement is possible, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT166. The processor 111 creates a unique accounting code as ACT166. The processor 111 stores the accounting code in the transaction file 51 as ACT167. The processor 111 transmits a permission response command to the information terminal 40 that is the source of the payment notification command as ACT168.

[0111] Return to the description of FIG. 15. The processor 41 that controls the transmission of the payment notification command waits for a response command as ACT112. When receiving a negative response command from the registration support server 11, the processor 41 performs error processing. For example, the processor 41 displays an error message such as "Settlement cannot be made by self. Please make settlement at the manned accounting machine" on the touch panel 44.

[0112] When receiving a permission response command, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT113. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCi to the accounting screen SCm (see FIG. 24) as ACT113. As shown in FIG. 24, the accounting code is displayed as the barcode BC on the accounting screen SCm. Also, a return button BTi is arranged.

[0113] The processor 41 waits for the return button BTi to be input as ACT114 or for the settlement completion response command to be received as ACT115. When the return button BTi is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT116. The processor 41 returns the screen of the touch panel 44 from the accounting screen SCm to the immediately previous registration screen SCl as ACT116. The processor 41 enters the waiting states of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11.

[0114] The settlement completion response command is sent from the registration support server 11 when the customer finishes accounting on the dedicated accounting machine 24. The customer who has confirmed the accounting screen SCm scans the barcode BC on the accounting screen SCm with the scanner of the dedicated accounting machine 24. Then, a settlement request command is sent from the dedicated accounting machine 24 to the registration support server 11. The settlement request command includes the data of the barcode BC, that is, the accounting code.

[0115] The processor 111 of the registration support server 11 that has received the settlement request command starts the settlement request process in the procedure shown in FIG. 20. That is, the processor 1111 acquires the accounting code from the settlement request command as ACT171. Then, the processor 111 selects the transaction file 51 in which the transaction identification code is stored as ACT172.

[0116] The processor 111 transmits the data of the transaction file 51 to the dedicated accounting machine 24 that is the source of the settlement request command as ACT173. As a result, the details of the transaction are displayed on the display of the dedicated accounting machine 24, so the customer pays the amount after confirming the details. Then, when the payment of the amount is completed, a settlement completion command is sent from the dedicated accounting machine 24 to the registration support server.

[0117] The processor 111 that has transmitted the data of the transaction file 51 to the dedicated accounting machine 24 waits for a settlement completion command as ACT174. When the settlement completion command is received, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT175. The processor 111 transmits a settlement end response command to the information terminal 40 specified by the transaction identification code of the transaction file 51 as ACT175.

[0118] When the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 that has displayed the accounting screen SCm receives the settlement end response command, it proceeds to ACT117. The processor 41 clears the list area 61 as ACT117. Also, the processor 41 clears the total area 62 as ACT118. Then, the processor 41 erases the accounting screen SCm as ACT119. Thus, the self-checkout shopping using the information terminal 40 ends.

[0119] [Function and Effect of Information Terminal] As described in detail above, when the customer switches the mode change switch SW of the scan screen SCc displayed on the touch panel 44 of the information terminal 40 from off to on, the operation mode is changed from the single scan mode to the continuous scan mode. When the operation mode is changed to the continuous scan mode, the screen of the touch panel 44 becomes the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode. Since a frame CM indicating the code reading area is displayed on the scan screen SCe, the customer holds the camera 45 of the information terminal 40 over the purchased item so that the barcode is within the frame CM. Then, the barcode is read by the function of the reading unit of the information terminal 40. And the product data such as the product name and price of the product specified by the barcode is displayed in the current display area CR which is a part of the scan screen SCe. At this time, the frame CM remains displayed on the scan screen SCe. Therefore, the customer can have the next purchased item's barcode read without performing a special button input operation. In this way, by selecting the continuous scan mode, the customer can perform the barcode reading operation of the purchased items without feeling it is cumbersome.

[0120] When returning from the continuous scan mode to the single-shot scan mode, it is only necessary to switch the mode change switch SW on the scan screen SCc from on to off. Therefore, the single-shot scan mode and the continuous scan mode can be switched with a simple operation.

[0121] The product data displayed in the current display area CR of the scan screen SCe is stored in the current area 63 in the registration order. When the current display area CR is swiped by the customer, the display content of the current display area CR is changed to the data of the previous purchased product. Therefore, the customer can easily confirm not only the data of the latest purchased product but also the data of the previously scanned purchased products on the scan screen SCe. In addition, the number of continuously scanned products is also displayed in a part of the scan screen SCe. Therefore, the customer can easily grasp the information on how many products have been scanned continuously.

[0122] The information terminal 40 extracts the detail data in which the update flag F is set to "1" from the detail data sent from the registration support server 11 which is a host computer, and stores it in the current area 63 which is a storage unit. Therefore, every time the detail data is sent from the registration support server 11, the processing load on the processor 41 can be reduced compared to rewriting the data in the current area 63 with all the detail data. Furthermore, for example, when the customer touches the button BTd to return to the details on the scan screen SCe and sets the screen of the touch panel 44 to the registration screen SCi, the information terminal 40 clears the current area 63. Therefore, when the scan button BTa is touched thereafter, the screen of the touch panel 44 becomes the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode. However, since the current area 63 is cleared, the current display area CR is not displayed. Similarly, when the customer touches the barcode-free button BTb in the continuous scan mode, or when the mode change switch is switched once from the continuous scan mode to the single scan mode and then switched back to the continuous scan mode, the information terminal 40 clears the current area 63. As such, the product data stored in the current area 63 is limited to the products whose barcodes are continuously read. Therefore, the storage capacity of the current area 63 can be made smaller compared to the list area 61.

[0123] [Modification Example] In the above embodiment, a smartphone is assumed as the information terminal 40. The information terminal 40 may be, for example, a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart or a portable terminal lent by a store to a customer. In this case, the processes of ACT1 to ACT5 in FIG. 8 are omitted. Specifically, a shopping start declaration button is displayed on the initial screen of the tablet terminal or the portable terminal. When the customer touches this declaration button, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT6 and starts the process from ACT7. By using such a configuration, the above tablet terminal or portable terminal can be applied as the information terminal 40.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the registration support server 11 included the detail data for n, the number of detail data stored in the transaction file 51, in the detail response command and transmitted it to the information terminal 40. Regarding this point, the processor 111 of the registration support server 11 may extract the detail data with the update flag F set to "1" and include it in the detail response command and transmit it to the information terminal 40. By doing so, in the information terminal 40, the processes of ACT35, ACT41, ACT66, and ACT97 can be omitted.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 determines whether the operation mode is the single scan mode or the continuous scan mode as the operation mode. In the case of the single scan mode, the scan screen SCc is displayed, and in the case of the continuous scan mode, the scan screen SCe is displayed. In this regard, the registration support server 11 determines the operation mode of the information terminal 40. Then, in the case of the single scan mode, the information necessary to display the scan screen SCc is provided to the information terminal 40, and in the case of the continuous scan mode, the information necessary to display the scan screen SCe is provided to the information terminal 40. By adopting such a configuration, as the product registration system 100 including the registration support server 11 and the information terminal 40, the operational effects of the present embodiment can be achieved.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the case where the points of the purchased product are changed on the points change screen SCj is exemplified. The change of the points does not necessarily require the use of the points change screen SCj. For example, the purchased points displayed in the detail list display section ARb of the registration screen SCi may be displayed in the cell of the pull-down list, and the changed purchased points may be selected from the pull-down list. Alternatively, instead of the points change screen SCj, a numeric keypad screen may be displayed, and the changed purchased points may be entered by setting.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the processor 41 cleared the data in the current area 63 as the process of ACT20, ACT69, or ACT82. The timing for clearing the data in the current area 63 is not limited to this. For example, the data in the current area 63 may be cleared at the timing when the scan button BTa is input in ACT51 of FIG. 11. Further, for example, the data in the current area 63 may be cleared before or after setting the mode flag MF to "1" in ACT18 of FIG. 9.

[0128] The code read by the reading unit of the information terminal 40 is not limited to the barcode. For example, it may be a two-dimensional code in which information for identifying a product is encoded.

[0129] The registration support server 11 does not have to be a single server. The functions as the registration support server 11 may be distributed among a plurality of servers. Also, the registration support server 11 does not have to utilize cloud computing. For example, a store server 21 or other servers may have the functions as the registration support server 11.

[0130] In addition, although some 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 Reference Numerals

[0131] 10... server system, 11... registration support server, 14... product master, 20... POS system, 21... store server, 22... monitoring terminal, 23... POS terminal, 24... dedicated accounting machine, 30... network, 40... information terminal, 41... processor, 42... built-in memory, 43... external memory, 44... touch panel, 45... camera, 46... wireless unit, 50... transaction file, 60... self-registration program, 61... list area, 62... total area, 63... current area, 111... processor, 112... main memory, 113... auxiliary storage device, 114... clock, 115... communication interface, SCa... check-in screen, SCb, SCd, SCi, SCl... registration screens, SCc, SCe, SCf, SCg, SCh... scan screens, SCj, SCj... score change screens, SCm... accounting screen, BTa... scan button, BTb... barcode-free button, BTc... payment button, BTd... return to details button, CR... current display area, SW... mode change switch.

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads a code for identifying a product; a display unit that displays a first screen for assisting the reader in reading the code; a communication unit that transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine and receives product data identified by the code from the host machine; a switching means for switching between a continuous reading mode in which the reading unit can read the code continuously and a single shot reading mode in which the reading unit cannot read the code continuously; a control means for displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a part of the first screen on the display unit in the continuous reading mode to enable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit, and for displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a second screen separate from the first screen on the display unit in the single-shot reading mode to disable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit; An information terminal comprising:

2. a storage unit that sequentially stores the product data identified by the code read by the reading unit; Further equipped with 2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the latest product data stored in the memory unit to be displayed on a portion of the first screen when in the continuous reading mode, and causes the product data stored in the memory unit to be displayed in reverse order of storage in place of the latest product data in response to a go back instruction.

3. an extracting means for extracting, from the product data received by the communication unit, the product data relating to the product identified by the latest code read by the reading unit; Further comprising:

3. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit sequentially stores the product data extracted by the extraction means.

4. a first instruction unit that instructs the image on the display unit to transition from the first screen to the second screen; a second instruction unit that instructs the image on the display unit to be changed from the second screen to the first screen; a clearing unit that clears the product data stored in the storage unit when a screen transition is instructed by the first instruction unit or the second instruction unit; 4. The information terminal according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

5. the display unit is a touch panel, the first instruction unit is a touch button displayed on the display unit together with the first screen, The information terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the second instruction unit is a touch button displayed on the display unit together with the second screen.

6. a computer of an information terminal including a reading unit that reads a code for identifying a product, a display unit that displays a first screen for assisting the reading unit in reading the code, and a communication unit that transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine and receives product data identified by the code from the host machine; a switching means for switching between a continuous reading mode in which the reading unit can read the code continuously and a single reading mode in which the reading unit cannot read the code continuously, and a control means for, in the continuous reading mode, displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a part of the first screen on the display unit to enable the reading unit to read the code continuously, and for, in the single reading mode, displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a second screen separate from the first screen on the display unit to disable the reading unit to read the code continuously. A program to function as a

Images