Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and program capable of efficiently checking the usage situation of a registered terminal used in a shop.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment includes: acquisition means for acquiring state information indicating the state of a transaction in which a user operates a registered terminal that can be used in a shop to register a commodity and the user makes a payment for the commodity at a payment machine, from the registered terminal and the payment machine; storage means for storing the transaction state information acquired by the acquisition means in a storage device in association with terminal identification information capable of identifying the type of the registered terminal related to the transaction and date and time information indicating the date and time of acquisition; and provision means for providing, based on the information stored in the storage device, a screen showing the current or past usage situation of the registered terminal during a prescribed period, for each type of registered terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in stores such as supermarkets, a system in which customers themselves perform product registration in the sales floor has been adopted. As such a system, for example, there is one that uses a shopping cart equipped with a tablet terminal and a scanner.

[0003] A customer who is shopping scans a code symbol such as a barcode (hereinafter also referred to as a "product barcode") attached to the product to be purchased in the sales floor of the store with a scanner. Product registration is performed based on the product code read by the scanner, and the registered product information (product name, price, etc.) is stored in a tablet terminal or a store server. Then, the above product information is transferred to a cash register that performs cash register processing when the customer pays. The customer pays using a cash register that they operate themselves.

[0004] In addition, a system has also been adopted that enables product registration using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a customer instead of a tablet terminal or a scanner prepared by the store. In this system, a shopping application program is installed on the customer's smartphone. Then, the product barcode is imaged with the camera of the smartphone to read the product code.

[0005] By the way, in the above-described system, product registration is performed using various terminals (hereinafter also referred to as registration terminals). In a store, it is desired to grasp the usage status for each type of registration terminal for the purpose of understanding the characteristics of customers who use their own store and improving store operations.

[0006] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed that collects information indicating the state from an information terminal for product registration and a cash register, and generates a monitoring image in which the states of the collected information terminal and cash register are arranged in a single screen area. However, in the conventional technique, although it is possible to monitor the operating states of each device, it is difficult to grasp the usage status for each type of registration terminal, and there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of efficiently checking the usage status of registration terminals used in a store.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment operates a registration terminal that can be used by a user in a store to register a product, and acquires state information indicating the state of a transaction in which the user performs accounting for the product using a cash register from the registration terminal and the cash register. An acquisition unit, a storage unit that stores the transaction state information acquired by the acquisition unit in association with terminal identification information that can identify the type of the registration terminal related to the transaction and date and time information indicating the acquired date and time in a storage device, and based on the information stored in the storage device, a providing unit that provides a screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal for the current or a past predetermined period for each type of the registration terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus and program of the embodiment will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, an example in which the information processing apparatus is a server apparatus 2 will be described, but it is not limited thereto. The information processing apparatus may be another apparatus provided in the store. Further, in the embodiments described below, an example in which the terminals used for product registration are two types, a customer terminal owned by a customer and a store terminal owned by the store and lent to customers who visit the store, will be described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be either the customer terminal or the store terminal. Note that product registration means storing (registering) information on products purchased by customers. Further, hereinafter, the customer terminal and the store terminal are also collectively referred to as a "registration terminal".

[0011] Hereinafter, the transaction management system of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the transaction management system 1. The transaction management system 1 is used in a store that sells products, such as a supermarket. The transaction management system 1 includes a server apparatus 2 and a mobile self-checkout system 3. The server apparatus 2 and the mobile self-checkout system 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network such as the Internet.

[0012] The mobile self-checkout system 3 is a system adopted in a single store and includes a registration terminal 4, a cash register 5, and an attendant PC 6. The registration terminal 4, the cash register 5, and the attendant PC 6 are communicably connected to each other via an in-store network such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the registration terminal 4, the cash register 5, and the attendant PC 6 are communicably connected to the server device 2 via the in-store network.

[0013] Note that the registration terminal 4 may be communicable with the server device 2 without going through the in-store network. Also, various other devices may be separately connected to the in-store network. For example, a POS terminal for store employees to perform operations related to product registration and payment, a self-POS terminal for customers to perform operations related to product registration and payment, a semi-self-POS system where store employees perform operations related to product registration and customers perform operations related to payment, etc. may be connected to the in-store network. Furthermore, the numbers of the registration terminal 4 and the cash register 5 are not limited to the illustrated example.

[0014] The server device 2 is an example of an information processing device. The server device 2 receives in-store information from the registration terminal 4. The in-store information includes the company code and store code of the store where the customer is located. By receiving the in-store information from the registration terminal 4, the server device 2 can identify the store where the registration terminal 4 is located. The server device 2 issues a terminal code and a transaction code to the registration terminal 4 that sent the in-store information and transmits them to the registration terminal 4. The terminal code is terminal identification information for identifying the registration terminal 4, and the transaction code is transaction identification information for identifying a transaction.

[0015] Also, the server device 2 transmits mode information to the registration terminal 4. The mode information is information indicating the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 of the store where the customer is located. The details of the mode information will be described later.

[0016] When the registration terminal 4 transmits various information to the server device 2, by transmitting the above terminal code, the server device 2 can easily identify the registration terminal 4 that is the information transmission source. In this embodiment, a plurality of transaction codes are not issued for one registration terminal 4 while the customer is shopping. That is, since the terminal code and the transaction code are in a one-to-one correspondence, one of them can have the function of the other.

[0017] Specifically, a transaction can be identified by the terminal code. Therefore, the terminal code is also an example of transaction identification information. Also, the registration terminal 4 can be identified by the transaction code. Therefore, the transaction code is also an example of terminal identification information. For this reason, in the following description, the terminal code and the transaction code shall be replaceable with each other as appropriate. Also, the server device 2 may issue only one of the terminal code or the transaction code.

[0018] The server device 2 receives a registration request from the registration terminal 4. The registration request includes the terminal code and the product code read by the registration terminal 4. The server device 2 that manages the product information of each store reads out the product information corresponding to the product code included in the registration request received from the registration terminal 4 and registers it as a transaction target. In other words, the server device 2 registers the above product information as part of the transaction information. The transaction information includes various information necessary for the customer to make a payment, such as product information. The product information includes information such as the product name, price, and highlight information. The highlight information is information indicating that the product should be noted when the attendant checks. In this way, the server device 2 manages the transaction information in real time for each customer, in other words, for each terminal code.

[0019] The server device 2 transmits the transaction information of the store where the attendant PC 6 is installed (hereinafter also referred to as "store transaction information") among the transaction information to be managed to the attendant PC 6. The server device 2 periodically receives a store transaction information request from the attendant PC 6 at short time intervals, and transmits the store transaction information as a response to the store transaction information request. Thereby, the attendant PC 6 can acquire the transaction information of its own store substantially in real time. The attendant PC 6 manages the status for each customer based on the acquired transaction information. Note that the server device 2 may transmit the store transaction information of the store whose transaction information has been updated to the attendant PC 6 by itself each time the transaction information is updated. In this case, the attendant PC 6 does not need to transmit a store transaction information request.

[0020] The server device 2 receives check information from the attendant PC 6. The check information is information indicating that the attendant has checked the goods scanned by the customer with a barcode, that is, the purchased goods of the customer, and includes transaction identification information (transaction code or terminal code). In the following description, the check performed by the attendant on the purchased goods may be referred to as "attendant check". The server device 2 manages whether each transaction has been checked by the attendant by associating and storing the terminal code, the transaction code, and the check information.

[0021] The server device 2 receives a transaction information request from the cash register 5. The transaction information request requests transaction information for the customer to make a payment, and includes a transaction code for specifying the transaction to be paid. When the server device 2 receives the transaction information request, it determines whether the transaction specified by the transaction code included in the transaction information request (hereinafter also referred to as the target transaction) has been checked by the attendant.

[0022] And if the target transaction has been attended to and checked by the attendant, the server device 2 transmits the transaction information of the target transaction to the accounting machine 5. Also, if the target transaction has not been attended to and checked by the attendant, the server device 2 transmits error information to the accounting machine 5 without transmitting the transaction information. The error information is information indicating that the target transaction has not been attended to and checked by the attendant. Thereby, the server device 2 enables the customer to make a payment using the accounting machine 5 on the condition that it has been attended to and checked in advance by the attendant.

[0023] Also, the server device 2 acquires information indicating the state of a transaction performed using the registration terminal 4 from the registration terminal 4 or the accounting machine 5, and manages it in association with terminal identification information capable of identifying the type of the registration terminal 4 related to the transaction, date and time information indicating the acquired date and time, and the like. Then, based on the stored information, the server device 2 provides a screen (hereinafter also referred to as a usage status screen) representing the usage status of the registration terminal 4 for the current or a past predetermined period for each type of the registration terminal 4 to the attendant PC 6 or the like.

[0024] Note that the server device 2 may be configured by a plurality of computers. In other words, the functions of the server device 2 may be distributed among a plurality of computers.

[0025] The registration terminal 4 is a terminal device used by a customer for product registration. In the present embodiment, the registration terminal 4 is roughly classified into a "customer terminal A" such as a smartphone owned by the customer and a "store terminal B" prepared by the store. An application program for the mobile self-checkout system 3 is installed on the customer terminal A.

[0026] Also, the store terminal B is classified into a portable "first store terminal Ba" such as a smartphone lent by the store to the customer and a mobile unit integrated type "second store terminal Bb" such as a tablet terminal attached to the shopping cart of the store. Note that the customer terminal A and the store terminal B can be identified by, for example, a difference in the code system of the terminal codes.

[0027] The registration terminal 4 captures the product barcode by an imaging unit 44 (see FIG. 10) described later and reads the product code. Further, the registration terminal 4 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 2.

[0028] The accounting machine 5 is a so-called self-service accounting machine that is operated by the customer himself / herself. The accounting machine 5 is provided with a scanner unit capable of reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The accounting machine 5 reads the transaction code from the accounting barcode (hereinafter also referred to as the accounting barcode) on the accounting screen displayed on the registration terminal 4 by the scanner unit. The accounting machine 5 transmits a transaction information request including the read transaction code to the server device 2.

[0029] When the accounting machine 5 receives transaction information from the server device 2 as a response to the transaction information request, it executes accounting processing based on the transaction information. The accounting processing is processing for paying the price of the product purchased by the customer. In cash settlement, the accounting processing is, for example, display of transaction information, calculation of change amount, payout of change, etc., and in cashless settlement, it is transmission and reception of various information with the settlement server of the settlement operator.

[0030] When the accounting machine 5 receives error information from the server device 2 as a response to the transaction information request, it displays the error information on the display unit provided in the device itself. The displayed error information is information indicating, for example, a situation where payment cannot be made because the attendant check has not been completed. The accounting machine 5 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 2.

[0031] The attendant PC 6 is operated by a store clerk such as an attendant or an employee of the store and is an example of an attendant terminal. The attendant PC 6 is provided with a scanner unit 64 (see FIG. 12) capable of reading code symbols. The attendant PC 6 reads the transaction code from the accounting barcode on the attendant check screen displayed on the registration terminal 4 by the scanner unit 64. The attendant PC 6 acquires the transaction information corresponding to the read transaction code from the server device 2 and displays it on the display unit 62 (see FIG. 12).

[0032] Instead of reading the transaction code by the scanner unit 64, the attendant PC 6 can accept the input of the terminal code by the operation unit 63. The terminal code is displayed on the attendant check screen of the registered terminal 4. Since the terminal code is associated with the transaction code in the server device 2, the attendant PC 6 can also obtain the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code from the server device 2 by transmitting the terminal code to the server device 2. Thereby, the attendant PC 6 can obtain the necessary transaction information from the server device 2 even when the scanner unit 64 fails or the like.

[0033] The attendant performs an attendant check based on the transaction information displayed on the attendant PC 6. For example, when the transaction target includes age-verification products, the attendant verifies the customer's age. Also, when the transaction target includes unregistered products, the unregistered products are checked. An unregistered product is a product for which product information corresponding to the product code has not been registered in the product master due to some factor. When the attendant check is completed, a checked input is made on the attendant PC 6. When the checked input is made, the attendant PC 6 transmits the check information to the server device 2.

[0034] When the attendant checks an unregistered product, after making a checked input on the attendant PC 6, the attendant moves to the cash register 5 or a dedicated cash register with the customer. Then, the attendant operates the cash register 5 or the dedicated cash register to manually register the product information of the unregistered product as part of the transaction information.

[0035] Here, with reference to FIG. 2, the operation in the store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the accounting area of the store. The accounting area is an area where one or more accounting machines 5 are arranged, and customers who have completed product registration can pay for the products by operating the accounting machines 5 themselves. Near the entrance of the accounting area, in other words, on the route where the customer heads towards any of the accounting machines 5, an attendant and an attendant PC 6 operated by the attendant are arranged.

[0036] Before making a payment at the accounting machine 5, the customer presents the attendant check screen displayed on the registration terminal 4 to the attendant. The attendant scans the accounting barcode on the attendant check screen with the scanner unit 64 of the attendant PC 6. The attendant PC 6 acquires the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code read from the accounting barcode from the server device 2 and displays it on the display unit 62. The attendant conducts an attendant check based on the displayed transaction information. When the attendant check is completed, the attendant inputs the checked information into the attendant PC 6. The attendant PC 6 transmits the checked information to the server device 2.

[0037] When the attendant check is completed, the customer can make a payment at any of the accounting machines 5. Even if a customer who has not completed the attendant check tries to make a payment at the accounting machine 5, error information is displayed on the accounting machine 5 and the payment cannot be made. In this case, the customer moves to the position of the attendant PC 6 to receive the attendant check. Since the attendant can conduct an attendant check for each customer at the location where the attendant PC 6 is installed, the checking work becomes easier.

[0038] Next, the server device 2, the registration terminal 4, and the attendant PC 6 that constitute the transaction management system 1 will be described in detail.

[0039] First, the server device 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, the storage unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25 or the like.

[0040] The control unit 20 has a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via the bus 25.

[0041] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the server device 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs such as programs used for driving the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes of the server device 2 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 202 and expanded in the RAM 203 from the storage unit 21.

[0042] The storage unit 21 is an example of a storage device. The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 21 stores a control program 211, a product master 212, a store terminal management table 213, a customer terminal management table 214, a transaction information management table 215, a mode management table 216, and an access management table 217.

[0043] The control program 211 is a program or the like for realizing functions such as transmitting and receiving information with external devices such as the registration terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6, managing transaction information for each customer, and receiving a transaction information request and determining whether the target transaction of the transaction information request has been checked by the attendant.

[0044] The product master 212 is a master file that stores information on products handled at each store. The product master 212 is updated based on information acquired from each store. Since the products handled at each store change daily, the product master 212 is updated as appropriate by the store. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master. The product master 212 stores the company code, store code, product code, product name, price, and highlight item No in association with each other.

[0045] The company code is information for identifying the company that operates the stores using the transaction management system 1. The store code is information for identifying the stores using the transaction management system 1. When a plurality of stores in one company use the transaction management system 1, a plurality of store codes are associated with the company code.

[0046] The product code is information for identifying a product. Since a plurality of products are sold at one store, a plurality of product codes are associated with the store code. The product name is information indicating the name of the product. The price is information indicating the price of the product. The highlight item No is information for identifying the highlight item to be noted during the attendant check. The highlight item No is associated only with products (hereinafter also referred to as "highlight products") that are set as products that the attendant should carefully check. The product name, price, and highlight item No are associated one-to-one with the product code.

[0047] The store terminal management table 213 is a data table that manages the store terminal B used in the mobile self-checkout system 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the store terminal management table 213. The store terminal management table 213 stores the terminal code, type code, notification destination, company code, and store code in association with each other.

[0048] The terminal code is information for identifying the store terminal B. The terminal code is held by each of the store terminals B. For example, the terminal code may adopt an identification number or the like that the store terminal B itself has, such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Also, for example, the terminal code may be an identification number issued by each store. In this case, the terminal code issued to each of the store terminals B shall be different from the identification code issued to the customer terminal A.

[0049] The type code is information indicating the type of the store terminal B. In the present embodiment, the type code is information for identifying either the first store terminal Ba or the second store terminal Bb. Note that the types of the store terminal B that can be identified by the type code are not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which types such as a POS terminal and a self-POS terminal are managed by the type code.

[0050] The notification destination is information indicating the notification destination of the store terminal B, such as the communication address of the store terminal B. The company code is information for identifying the company that operates the store where the store terminal B exists. The store code is information for identifying the store where the store terminal B exists.

[0051] Among the data entries in the store terminal management table 213, the number of registered terminal codes associated with the same company code and store code represents the total number of store terminals B installed in the store corresponding to the store code. Also, among the terminal codes associated with the same company code and store code, the number of registered terminal codes of terminal type 1st store terminal Ba represents the total number of 1st store terminals Ba installed in the store corresponding to the store code. Similarly, among the terminal codes associated with the same company code and store code, the number of registered terminal codes of terminal type 2nd store terminal Bb represents the total number of 2nd store terminals Bb installed in the store corresponding to the store code. That is, the store terminal management table 213 holds the total number of store terminals installed in each store and the composition ratio for each type of store terminal.

[0052] Note that the store terminal management table 213 may hold information not only about store terminal B but also about other terminals installed in the store. For example, the store terminal management table 213 may also hold information about a POS terminal, a self-POS terminal, a semi-self-POS system, an accounting machine 5, etc.

[0053] The customer terminal management table 214 is a data table that manages customer terminal A used in the mobile self-checkout system 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the customer terminal management table 214. The customer terminal management table 214 stores the terminal code, notification destination, company code, and store code in association with each other.

[0054] The terminal code is information for identifying customer terminal A that uses the transaction management system 1. When the server device 2 receives the store entry information from customer terminal A, it issues a terminal code to the customer terminal A and registers it in the customer terminal management table 214. Also, the terminal code may adopt an identification number or the like that customer terminal A itself has, such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). By issuing a terminal code dedicated to the transaction management system 1, there is an advantage that the number of digits of the terminal code can be reduced and the operation when it becomes necessary to manually input the terminal code can be facilitated.

[0055] The notification destination is information indicating the notification destination of the customer terminal A, such as the communication address of the customer terminal A. The company code is information for identifying the company that operates the store where the customer terminal A is located. The store code is information for identifying the store where the customer terminal A is located. The notification destination, the company code, and the store code are registered based on the store entry information received from the customer terminal A.

[0056] Here, among the data entries in the customer terminal management table 214, the number of registered terminal codes associated with the same company code and store code represents the total number of customer terminals existing in the store corresponding to the store code.

[0057] The transaction information management table 215 is a data table that manages the transaction information of each store on a per-transaction basis. The transaction information management table 215 is updated based on information from the registration terminal 4, the cash register 5, and the attendant PC 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the transaction information management table 215. The transaction information management table 215 stores the transaction code, terminal code, check-in time, accounting instruction time, accounting end time, cash register No., attendant check flag, transaction amount, accounted flag, product information, registration time, and cancellation flag in association with each other.

[0058] The transaction code is information for identifying a transaction. The terminal code is information for identifying the registration terminal 4. When the server device 2 receives store entry information from the registration terminal 4, it issues a transaction code and a terminal code and registers them in the transaction information management table 215. The check-in time is date and time information indicating the time and date when the customer entered the store, for example, the time and date when the server device 2 received the store entry information from the registration terminal 4.

[0059] The accounting instruction time is date and time information indicating the time and date when the server device 2 received the accounting instruction from the registration terminal 4. The accounting end time is date and time information indicating the time and date when the server device 2 received the accounting completion notice from the accounting machine 5. The accounting machine No is information for identifying the accounting machine 5 that executes the accounting process related to the transaction with the corresponding transaction code. In other words, the accounting machine No is information for identifying the accounting machine 5 that reads the corresponding transaction code from the accounting screen of the registration terminal 4. The accounting machine No is registered based on the transaction information request from the accounting machine 5.

[0060] The attendant check flag is information indicating whether the attendant check has been completed. If it has been completed, "1" is registered; if not, "0" is registered. The attendant check flag is rewritten to "1" based on the check information obtained from the attendant PC6. The attendant check flag with "1" registered is an example of the checked information registered when the attendant check is completed.

[0061] The transaction amount is information indicating the total amount of the product prices in one transaction. The accounted flag is information indicating whether the payment related to the transaction, in other words, whether the accounting process by the accounting machine 5 has been completed. If the payment related to the transaction has been completed, "1" is registered; if not, "0" is registered. The accounted flag is rewritten to "1" based on the accounting completion notice obtained from the accounting machine 5.

[0062] The product information is information indicating the product code, product name, and price. When multiple products are purchased in one transaction, a plurality of product information is registered corresponding to the transaction code. The registration time is date and time information indicating the time and date when the product information was registered. The cancellation flag is information indicating whether the product information has been cancelled. If it has been cancelled, "1" is registered; if not, "0" is registered. The cancellation flag is rewritten to "1" based on the cancellation information from the registration terminal 4. The cancellation information is information instructing to cancel the product registration and includes the product code of the product registration cancellation target.

[0063] Here, the information stored in the transaction information management table 215 indicates the status of transactions performed (or that have been performed) using the registration terminal 4. For example, the check-in time is an example of status information indicating that the transaction has started. Also, for example, the accounting end time and the accounting completed flag are examples of status information indicating that the transaction has ended.

[0064] Note that the transaction information management table 215 may hold information not only about the registration terminal 4 but also about other terminals provided in the store. For example, the transaction information management table 215 may also hold information about a POS terminal, a self-POS terminal, a semi-self-POS system, etc.

[0065] The mode management table 216 is a data table that manages the modes set in the mobile self-checkout system 3 of each store. The mode management table 216 is updated based on information acquired from each store. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the mode management table 216. The mode management table 216 stores the company code, store code, and mode in association with each other.

[0066] As described above, the company code is information for identifying the company operating the store, and the store code is information for identifying the store. The mode is information indicating the mode set in the mobile self-checkout system 3, and information indicating either the front check mode or the normal mode is registered.

[0067] The front check mode is a mode for operation in which an attendant check is performed before the customer makes a payment at the accounting machine 5 as described in FIG. 2. Specifically, the front check mode is a mode that enables a customer to make a payment at the accounting machine 5 on the condition that the attendant check has been received. The normal mode is a mode for performing conventional operation. Specifically, the normal mode is a mode that enables a customer to make a payment at the accounting machine 5 without receiving an attendant check. Each store can select the front check mode or the normal mode according to the operation.

[0068] The access management table 217 is a data table that manages users who can access information representing the usage status of stores provided by the server device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as usage status information). Information regarding employees of an enterprise or store whose access is permitted is registered in the access management table 217. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the access management table 217. The access management table 217 stores the enterprise code, store code, user code, password, and authority information in association with each other.

[0069] The enterprise code is information that identifies an enterprise whose access to the usage status information is permitted. The store code is information that identifies a store whose access to the usage status information is permitted. The user code is information that identifies an employee whose access to the usage status information is permitted. The password is a predetermined character string for authenticating the employee corresponding to the user code. The authority information is information that defines the authority of the employee corresponding to the user code. In the authority information, for example, it can be defined to permit access to the usage status information within the range of the store code associated with the user code, that is, within the range of the store to which the employee belongs. Also, in the authority information, for example, it can be defined to permit access to the usage status information within the range of the enterprise code associated with the user code, that is, within the range of the enterprise to which the employee belongs.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the server device 2 will be described.

[0071] The display unit 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. The display unit 22 displays the information stored in, for example, the product master 212, the store terminal management table 213, the customer terminal management table 214, the transaction information management table 215, and the mode management table 216 as needed.

[0072] The operation unit 23 is for inputting information to the control unit 20 and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, etc.

[0073] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the registration terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6. By being connected to an external device via the control unit 20, the control unit 20 can transmit and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0074] Next, the functional configuration of the server device 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the server device 2. The control unit 20 functions as an example of a transmission / reception unit 2001, an information management unit 2002, an information processing unit 2003, a mode setting unit 2004, and an information providing unit 2005 by operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 21 by the CPU 201. Note that each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0075] The transmission / reception unit 2001 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the registration terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6. For example, the transmission / reception unit 2001 receives store entry information from the registration terminal 4 and transmits a terminal code, a transaction code, and mode information to the registration terminal 4 that is the transmission source of the store entry information.

[0076] The transmission / reception unit 2001 receives a registration request including a terminal code and a product code from the registration terminal 4, and transmits the registered product information as a response to the registration terminal 4 that is the transmission source of the registration request. The transmission / reception unit 2001 receives an accounting instruction including a transaction code from the registration terminal 4, and transmits the transaction amount of the transaction specified by the transaction code and an attendant check screen display instruction to the registration terminal 4 that is the transmission source of the accounting instruction. The accounting instruction is information indicating that product registration for one transaction has been completed. The attendant screen display instruction is information for instructing the registration terminal 4 to display an accounting barcode to be read by the attendant PC 6. Note that the calculation of the transaction amount may be performed by the registration terminal 4.

[0077] The transmission / reception means 2001 periodically receives, at short time intervals, a store transaction information request including a store code from the attendant PC6, and as a response thereto, transmits the transaction information of the store specified by the store code. Thereby, the attendant PC6 can acquire the transaction information of its own store substantially in real time.

[0078] The transmission / reception means 2001 receives check information from the attendant PC6. The check information is information indicating that the attendant check has been completed, and includes transaction identification information (transaction code or terminal code). Based on the received check information, the transmission / reception means 2001 transmits an accounting screen display instruction to the registered terminal 4 of the customer for whom the attendant check has been completed. The accounting screen display instruction is information for instructing the registered terminal 4 to display an accounting barcode to be read by the accounting machine 5.

[0079] The transmission / reception means 2001 receives a transaction information request including a transaction code from the accounting machine 5, and as a response thereto, transmits the transaction information specified by the transaction code. The transmission / reception means 2001 receives an accounting completion notice from the accounting machine 5. The accounting completion notice is information indicating that the payment related to the transaction has been completed, and includes a transaction code.

[0080] The transmission / reception means 2001 receives login information including an employee's user code or the like from the attendant PC6 or the like, and as a response thereto, transmits an authentication result based on the login information. Further, the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a usage status request for requesting acquisition of the usage status from the attendant PC6 or the like, and as a response thereto, transmits the usage status information provided by the information providing means 2005.

[0081] Note that the transmission / reception means 2001 functions as an example of a providing means for providing a screen, together with the information providing means 2005.

[0082] The information management means 2002 is an example of a storage means. The information management means 2002 manages various information such as the information received by the transmission / reception means 2001. Here, managing information shall mean writing various information (data) into the storage unit 21 or reading it out.

[0083] For example, when the transmission / reception means 2001 receives the store entry information, the information management means 2002 writes the terminal code and the transaction code into the store terminal management table 213, the customer terminal management table 214, and the transaction information management table 215. Further, when the transmission / reception means 2001 receives the store entry information, the information management means 2002 reads out the mode information corresponding to the store code included in the store entry information from the mode management table 216. Also, when the transmission / reception means 2001 receives the store entry information, the information management means 2002 writes the received date and time into the transaction information management table 215 as the check-in time.

[0084] When registering information regarding terminals other than the registration terminal 4 in the transaction information management table 215, the information management means 2002 writes the transaction code, the terminal code, the check-in time, the accounting end time, the accounting machine No., the transaction amount, the accounting completed flag, the product information, the cancellation flag, etc. into the transaction information management table 215 based on the information transmitted from the other terminals.

[0085] When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a registration request, the information management means 2002 registers the product information corresponding to the product code included in the registration request in the transaction information management table 215. Specifically, the information management means 2002 refers to the store terminal management table 213 and the customer terminal management table 214 to read out the company code and the store code corresponding to the terminal code included in the registration request. Then, the information management means 2002 reads out the product information associated with the above company code and store code and corresponding to the product code included in the registration request from the product master 212, and registers it in the transaction information management table 215. The information management means 2002 functions as an example of a registration means for executing product registration. Also, when the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a registration request, the information management means 2002 writes the received date and time as the registration time in the transaction information management table 215.

[0086] When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives an accounting instruction, the information management means 2002 writes the received date and time as the accounting instruction time in the transaction information management table 215. Also, when the transmission / reception means 2001 receives an accounting completion notice, the information management means 2002 writes the received date and time as the accounting end time in the transaction information management table 215.

[0087] When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a store transaction information request, the information management means 2002 extracts the transaction information of the store specified by the store code included in the store transaction information request. Specifically, the information management means 2002 reads out all the terminal codes corresponding to the above store code from the store terminal management table 213 and the customer terminal management table 214. The information management means 2002 reads out all the transaction information corresponding to the read terminal codes from the transaction information management table 215.

[0088] When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a transaction information request, the information management means 2002 reads out the transaction information specified by the transaction code included in the transaction information request. When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives check information, the information management means 2002 rewrites the attendant check flag corresponding to the transaction specific information (transaction code or terminal code) included in the check information to "1" in the transaction information management table 215. For other information, the information management means 2002 writes to or reads from the storage unit 21 as necessary.

[0089] As described above, the information management means 2002 manages the transaction information management table 215 that stores the transaction specific information (transaction code or terminal code), the transaction information, and the checked information (attendant check flag) in association with each other, and is an example of the transaction management means.

[0090] The information processing means 2003 executes various information processes. For example, the information processing means 2003 calculates the transaction amount of one transaction. Further, the information processing means 2003 performs an assignment process of the transaction code and the terminal code and issues these transaction code and terminal code. The information processing means 2003 refers to the transaction information management table 215 to determine whether the transaction has been checked by the attendant.

[0091] The mode setting means 2004 sets the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 of each store to either the front check mode or the normal mode. Specifically, the mode setting means 2004 registers information indicating the front check mode or the normal mode in the mode management table 216 based on the information acquired from the store.

[0092] The information providing means 2005 generates usage status information representing the usage status of the terminals used in the store, and provides the generated usage status information to the requester via the transmission / reception means 2001.

[0093] Specifically, the information providing means 2005 collates the login information transmitted from the attendant PC 6 or the like with the access management table 217, and executes an authentication process for determining whether the access is from a regular employee registered in the access management table 217. The login information includes a company code and / or a store code, a user code, and a password. When a user code corresponding to the conditions of the login information included in the usage status request is registered in the access management table 217, the information providing means 2005 determines that the user is a regular employee. Also, when a user code corresponding to the conditions of the login information included in the usage status request is not registered in the access management table 217, the information providing means 2005 determines that the user is not a regular employee. The information providing means 2005 outputs the authentication result of the authentication process.

[0094] When the information providing means 2005 receives a usage status request from a regular employee, it provides usage status information within the scope of the authority information associated with the user code of the employee. Specifically, the information providing means 2005 generates usage status information representing the usage status of terminals such as the registered terminal 4 based on the above-described store terminal management table 213, customer terminal management table 214, transaction information management table 215, and the like. The usage status information includes information representing the usage status of terminals such as the registered terminal 4 at present or during a predetermined period from various viewpoints. The information providing means 2005 provides a screen (usage status screen) representing the usage status information generated according to an operation, together with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for assisting the operation, for example.

[0095] Next, the details of the registered terminal 4 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the registered terminal 4. The registered terminal 4 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, an imaging unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The control unit 40, the storage unit 41, the display unit 42, the operation unit 43, the imaging unit 44, and the communication unit 45 are connected to each other via a bus 46 or the like.

[0096] The control unit 40 has a computer configuration including a CPU 401, a ROM 402, and a RAM 403. The CPU 401, the ROM 402, and the RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 46.

[0097] The CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the registration terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs such as programs used to drive the CPU 401 and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401 and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 402 and the storage unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes of the registration terminal 4 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 402 or the storage unit 41 and expanded in the RAM 403 by the CPU 401.

[0098] The storage unit 41 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or a flash memory and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 41 stores a control program 411, a terminal code unit 412, a transaction information unit 413, and a mode information unit 414.

[0099] The control program 411 is an application program for a mobile self-checkout system or the like. The application program for the mobile self-checkout system causes the registration terminal 4 to function as an input device for product registration. Also, the application program for the mobile self-checkout system causes the registration terminal 4 to function as an accounting barcode display device.

[0100] The terminal code unit 412 stores the terminal code received from the server device 2. The terminal code is issued by the server device 2 according to the in-store information from the registration terminal 4.

[0101] The transaction information unit 413 stores transaction information in which the transaction code received from the server device 2 is associated with the product information registered in the server device 2. Specifically, the product information registered by the server device 2 is sequentially registered in the transaction information unit 413 in association with the transaction code.

[0102] The mode information unit 414 stores the mode information received from the server device 2. The mode information unit 414 stores the mode information received from the server device 2 corresponding to the store entry information from the registration terminal 4. The mode information is information indicating the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 of the store where the registration terminal 4 is located.

[0103] When the registration terminal 4 receives an accounting completion notification from the server device 2, the information stored in the terminal code unit 412, the transaction information unit 413, and the mode information unit 414 is cleared. The terminal code unit 412, the transaction information unit 413, and the mode information unit 414 store new information for each transaction. Note that when the registration terminal 4 is the store terminal B, even when it receives an accounting completion notification, it may be configured to hold the mode information stored in the mode information unit 414.

[0104] The display unit 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. The display unit 42 displays, for example, the product information of the products registered in the server device 2, the total amount of the registered products, etc. Further, the display unit 42 displays an attendant check screen and an accounting screen. An accounting barcode for the attendant PC 6 and the accounting machine 5 to read is displayed on these attendant check screens and accounting screens.

[0105] The operation unit 43 is composed of, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 42, and inputs information corresponding to the position touched by the user to the control unit 40. When the customer operates an operator displayed on the display unit 42, the operation unit 43 inputs information corresponding to the operator to the control unit 40.

[0106] The imaging unit 44 images a two-dimensional code, a product barcode, etc. displayed at the entrance of the store, and inputs data of an image (or video) obtained by imaging (hereinafter also referred to as imaging data) to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 reads store information from the image of the two-dimensional code and reads a product code from the image of the product barcode. Note that when the registration terminal 4 recognizes a product code using so-called object recognition, the imaging unit 44 images the appearance of the product and inputs it to the control unit 40.

[0107] The communication unit 45 is an interface for communicating with an external device such as the server device 2. By being connected to the external device via the control unit 40, transmission and reception of information (data) with the external device becomes possible.

[0108] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the registration terminal 4 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the registration terminal 4. The control unit 40 functions as a transmission / reception unit 4001, an input unit 4002, a reading unit 4003, an information management unit 4004, an information processing unit 4005, and a display control unit 4006 by operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 402 and the storage unit 41 by the CPU 401. Note that each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0109] The transmission / reception unit 4001 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the server device 2. For example, the transmission / reception unit 4001 transmits store entry information to the server device 2 and receives a terminal code, a transaction code, and mode information from the server device 2.

[0110] The transmission / reception unit 4001 transmits a registration request including a terminal code and a product code to the server device 2 and receives registered product information and a transaction amount from the server device 2 as a response. The transmission / reception unit 4001 transmits an accounting instruction including a transaction code to the server device 2 and receives the transaction amount of the transaction specified by the transaction code and an attendant check screen display instruction from the server device 2. The transmission / reception unit 4001 receives an accounting screen display instruction and an accounting completion notification from the server device 2.

[0111] Various types of information are input to the input unit 4002 from the operation unit 43 and the imaging unit 44. For example, a transaction start instruction and an accounting instruction are input to the input unit 4002 from the operation unit 43. Also, imaging data of a two-dimensional code displayed at the entrance of the store and imaging data of a product barcode are input to the input unit 4002 from the imaging unit 44.

[0112] The reading means 4003 extracts a two-dimensional code from the imaging data input to the input means 4002, decodes the two-dimensional code, and reads the store information. Further, the reading means 4003 extracts a product barcode from the imaging data input to the input means 4002, decodes the product barcode, and reads the product code. Note that the decoding of the two-dimensional code and the product barcode may be performed by the server device 2. In this case, the transmission / reception means 4001 transmits the imaging data of the two-dimensional code and the barcode to the server device 2, and receives the store information and the product code read by the server device 2 from the server device 2.

[0113] The information management means 4004 manages various information such as the information received by the transmission / reception means 4001. Here, managing information means writing various information (data) to the storage unit 41 or reading it out.

[0114] For example, the information management means 4004 writes the terminal code received by the transmission / reception means 4001 to the terminal code section 412. Further, the information management means 4004 writes the transaction code and the product information received by the transmission / reception means 4001 to the transaction information section 413. Specifically, when the transmission / reception means 4001 receives a transaction code, the information management means 4004 writes the transaction code to the transaction information section 413. Then, each time the transmission / reception means 4001 receives product information registered in the server device 2, the product information is written to the transaction information section 413 in association with the transaction code. The information management means 4004 writes the mode information received by the transmission / reception means 4001 to the mode information section 414.

[0115] The information processing means 4005 executes various information processes. For example, when the transmission / reception means 4001 receives an attendant check screen display instruction from the server device 2, the information processing means 4005 generates an accounting barcode for display on the display unit 42.

[0116] The display control means 4006 causes the display unit 42 to display various information. For example, the display control means 4006 causes the display unit 42 to display the product information and the transaction amount stored in the transaction information section 413. The transaction amount may be acquired from the server device 2, or may be calculated by the information processing means 4005 based on the transaction information stored in the transaction information section 413.

[0117] When information indicating the front check mode is registered in the mode information section 414, the display control means 4006 causes the display unit 42 to display an attendant check screen when the accounting barcode is generated by the information processing means 4005. Then, when the transmission / reception means 4001 receives an accounting screen display instruction, the display control means 4006 causes the display unit 42 to display an accounting screen.

[0118] When information indicating the normal mode is registered in the mode information section 414, the display control means 4006 causes the display unit 42 to display an accounting screen without displaying an attendant check screen when the accounting barcode is generated by the information processing means 4005. Details of the attendant check screen and the accounting screen will be described later.

[0119] Next, the details of the attendant PC 6 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the attendant PC 6. The attendant PC 6 includes a control unit 60, a storage unit 61, a display unit 62, an operation unit 63, a scanner unit 64, and a communication unit 65. The control unit 60, the storage unit 61, the display unit 62, the operation unit 63, the scanner unit 64, and the communication unit 65 are connected to each other via a bus 66 or the like.

[0120] The control unit 60 has a computer configuration including a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603 are connected to each other via the bus 66.

[0121] The CPU 601 controls the overall operation of the attendant PC 6. The ROM 602 stores various programs such as programs used to drive the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a work area for the CPU 601 and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 602 and the storage unit 61. The control unit 60 executes various control processes of the attendant PC 6 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 602 and the storage unit 61 and expanded in the RAM 603 by the CPU 601.

[0122] The storage unit 61 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or a flash memory and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 61 stores the control program 611 and the status management table 612.

[0123] The control program 611 is a program for realizing functions such as a function of transmitting and receiving information to and from the server device 2 and a function of managing the status of customers in the store.

[0124] The status management table 612 is a data table for managing the status of customers whose payment has not been completed. The status management table 612 is updated as needed based on the information acquired from the server device 2. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the status management table 612. The status management table 612 stores the terminal code, transaction code, check-in time, wandering time, time of the previous operation, registered points, registered amount, status, and accounting device No. in association with each other.

[0125] As described above, the transaction code is information for specifying a transaction, and the terminal code is information for specifying the registration terminal 4. The check-in time is information indicating the time when the customer entered the store. The wandering time is the elapsed time since the customer entered the store and is calculated based on the current time and the check-in time. The time of the previous operation is information indicating the time when the customer last operated the registration terminal 4. Specifically, the time of the previous operation is information indicating the time of the most recent operation, such as the check-in time, registration time, and accounting instruction time.

[0126] The registered quantity is information indicating the quantity of the merchandise for which merchandise registration has been performed. The registered amount is information indicating the total amount of the merchandise for which merchandise registration has been performed. The registered amount has the same meaning as the transaction amount and may be the price including tax or the price excluding tax. The status is an example of status information indicating the state of the customer. A status such as "shopping" before accounting is registered. "Shopping" indicates a state in which merchandise registration has been performed for one or more items and no accounting instruction has been input to the registration terminal 4. Also, a status such as "accounting" or "accounting completed" may be registered in the status. "Accounting" indicates a state in which an accounting instruction has been input to the registration terminal 4 and payment has not been completed. "Accounting completed" indicates a state in which payment has been completed. The accounting device No is information for specifying the accounting machine 5 that is executing the accounting process for the corresponding transaction No.

[0127] Returning to FIG. 12, the hardware configuration of the attendant PC 6 will be described.

[0128] The display unit 62 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various types of information. For example, the display unit 62 displays a transaction list screen, a transaction details screen, a guidance screen, and a usage status screen, etc. The transaction list screen is a screen that displays a list of the statuses of customers. The transaction details screen is a screen that displays the details of a transaction for one customer. The guidance screen is a screen that displays guidance for the attendant during attendant check. The usage status screen is a screen that displays the usage status of the registration terminal 4. The details of each of these screens will be described later.

[0129] The operation unit 63 is for inputting information to the control unit 60 and is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, etc. For example, the operation unit 63 inputs information for setting the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 and information for setting highlighted merchandise to the control unit 60.

[0130] The scanner unit 64 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. For example, the scanner unit 64 scans the accounting barcode displayed on the attendant check screen of the registration terminal 4 and inputs the scan data to the control unit 60. The scanner unit 64 may be composed of an imaging unit that captures images. In this case, the scanner unit 64 inputs the imaging data to the control unit 60.

[0131] The communication unit 65 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 2. The control unit 60 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 65, enabling the transmission and reception of information (data) with the external device.

[0132] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6. The control unit 60 operates according to the control programs stored in the ROM 602 and the storage unit 61 by the CPU 601, thereby functioning as a transmission / reception means 6001, an input means 6002, a reading means 6003, an information management means 6004, and a display control means 6005. Note that each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0133] The transmission / reception means 6001 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 2. For example, the transmission / reception means 6001 transmits a store transaction information request including a store code to the server device 2 and receives the transaction information corresponding to the store code as a response. The transmission / reception means 6001 transmits a transaction information request including a transaction code to the server device 2 and receives the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code as a response. Also, the transmission / reception means 6001 transmits check information to the server device 2.

[0134] The transmission / reception means 6001 transmits various setting information to the server device 2. For example, the transmission / reception means 6001 transmits the mode setting information of the mobile self-checkout system 3 to the server device 2. Also, the transmission / reception means 6001 transmits the setting information for setting highlighted products to the server device 2. Note that the attendant PC 6 may transmit and receive information with the server device 2 by the function of a dedicated application program, or may transmit and receive information with the server device 2 by accessing a website using a browser.

[0135] Various types of information are input into the input means 6002 from the operation unit 63 and the scanner unit 64. The input means 6002 functions as an example of reception means for receiving various operations. Here, the operation is a concept that includes not only operations via the operation unit 63 but also the operation of reading a code symbol using the scanner unit 64. For example, checked information is input into the input means 6002 from the operation unit 43. The checked information is information indicating that the attendant check has been completed. Also, scan data of the accounting barcode displayed on the attendant check screen is input into the input means 6002 from the scanner unit 64.

[0136] The reading means 6003 decodes the scan data input into the input means 6002 and reads the transaction code. Note that the decoding of the scan data may be performed by the server device 2. In this case, the transmission / reception means 6001 transmits the above scan data to the server device 2 and receives the transaction code read by the server device 2.

[0137] The information management means 6004 manages various information such as the information received by the transmission / reception means 6001. Here, managing information means writing various information (data) to the storage unit 61 or reading it out.

[0138] For example, based on the transaction information of the store received by the transmission / reception means 6001, the information management means 6004 writes the necessary information into the status management table 612. Further, the information management means 6004 reads out, as necessary, the information to be displayed on the display unit 62 from the status management table 612.

[0139] The display control means 6005 causes the display unit 62 to display various information. The display control means 6005 functions as an example of the first display means and the second display means. For example, the display control means 6005 causes the display unit 62 to display a transaction list screen, a transaction details screen, a guidance screen, and a usage status screen. Note that these transaction list screen, transaction details screen, guidance screen, and usage status screen are screens that are displayed by accessing the website provided by the server device 2.

[0140] Although the description of the configuration of the cash register 5 has been omitted, similar to the server device 2, registration terminal 4, and attendant PC 6 described above, the cash register 5 is assumed to include a control unit having a computer configuration composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. Further, the cash register 5 includes a storage unit such as an HDD or flash memory that stores various programs, a display unit composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an operation unit composed of an input device such as a keyboard or touch panel, a scanner unit similar to the scanner unit 64, and a communication unit for communicating with an external device. The control unit of the cash register 5 executes various processes such as an attendant check determination process described later in cooperation with the programs stored in the storage unit.

[0141] Next, an outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 16 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation flow of the transaction management system 1. Note that this sequence chart shows the operation flow when the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 is set to the front check mode. Further, the above sequence chart shows the operation flow when the registration terminal 4 is the customer terminal A. Further, the above sequence chart shows the operation flow when the customer has received an attendant check before paying at the cash register 5.

[0142] The customer activates the application program for the mobile self-checkout system (step S1). Next, the customer reads the store entry information at the registration terminal 4 and makes a transaction start input (step S2). The registration terminal 4 transmits the store entry information including the company code, store code, and check-in time to the server device 2 (step S3).

[0143] When the registration terminal 4 is the store terminal B, steps S1 and S2 can be omitted, and the process can start from step S3. Specifically, the store terminal B stores the company code and store code in the storage unit 41 in advance, and in step S3, transmits the company code and store code stored in the storage unit 41 to the server device 2 as store entry information together with the check-in time. The processing after step S3 is the same as that of the customer terminal A.

[0144] The server device 2 issues a terminal code and a transaction code (step S4). At this time, the server device 2 registers the necessary information in the store terminal management table 213, customer terminal management table 214, and transaction information management table 215 based on the received store entry information. The server device 2 reads the mode information of the store code included in the store entry information from the mode management table 216 (step S5). The server device 2 transmits the issued terminal code, transaction code, and read mode information to the registration terminal 4 (step S6).

[0145] The registration terminal 4 registers the received information (step S7). Specifically, the registration terminal 4 registers the received terminal code in the terminal code section 412, the transaction code in the transaction information section 413, and the mode information in the mode information section 414, respectively.

[0146] Subsequently, when the customer captures the product barcode with the imaging unit 44, the registration terminal 4 reads a product code that identifies the product from the captured product barcode (step S8). Note that the product code of a product without a product barcode can be input, for example, from the operation unit 43. The registration terminal 4 transmits a registration request including the terminal code and the product code to the server device 2 (step S9). The registration terminal 4 may transmit a registration request including a transaction code instead of or together with the terminal code to the server device 2. In the following description, it is assumed that the registration terminal 4 transmits the terminal code when transmitting information to the server device 2.

[0147] The server device 2 executes product registration based on the registration request. Specifically, the server device 2 reads product information corresponding to the product code included in the registration request from the product master 212 and registers it in the transaction information management table 215 (step S10). The server device 2 transmits the read product information to the registration terminal 4 (step S11).

[0148] The registration terminal 4 stores the received product information in the transaction information section 413 and displays a transaction information display screen (step S12). Each time the customer captures the product barcode attached to the product, the processes of steps S8 to S12 are executed. Note that each time the registration terminal 4 reads the product code, it may acquire transaction information including all product information related to this transaction registered by the server in the transaction information management table 215.

[0149] Here, the transaction information display screen will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction information display screen displayed by the registration terminal 4. The display unit 42 of the registration terminal 4 displays a header section 421, a total information section 422, a product information section 423, and a footer section 424 on the transaction information display screen.

[0150] The header section 421 displays the company name "〇〇", the store name "△△ Store", the text "Registering" indicating that the customer is shopping, etc. Also, a terminal code section 4211 is formed in the header section 421. The terminal code section 4211 displays the terminal code.

[0151] In the total information section 422, the total points and total amount of the registered products are displayed. After a product is registered once, if the registration of that product is cancelled, it is not included in the total points and total amount.

[0152] In the product information section 423, information on the registered products and the products whose registration has been cancelled is displayed. The information of the displayed products is the product name, price, tax rate, points, and additional information. The additional information is, for example, information indicating age verification products, etc., but is set independently of the highlighted products. For the products whose registration has been cancelled, a strikethrough is attached to the product name, price, and points.

[0153] The footer section 424 displays various operators. Specifically, in the footer section 424, an "Without Barcode" icon, a "Scan" icon, and a "Payment" icon are displayed. The "Without Barcode" icon is an icon that displays a preset screen for registering products without product barcodes. The "Scan" icon is an icon for imaging product barcodes. The "Payment" icon is an icon for entering accounting instructions.

[0154] Returning to FIG. 16, the outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 will be described. On the other hand, the attendant PC 6 transmits a store transaction information request to the server device 2 (step S13). Note that the store transaction information request is shown as the process of step S13 for convenience of explanation, but is output to the server device 2 repeatedly in a short time independently of other processes. In other words, the store transaction information request is substantially always transmitted to the server device 2.

[0155] When the server device 2 receives a store transaction information request, it extracts transaction information associated with the store code included in the store transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215 as the store transaction information (step S14). The server device 2 transmits the extracted store transaction information to the attendant PC 6 (step S15).

[0156] Based on the received store transaction information, the attendant PC 6 updates the status management table 612 (step S16). Based on the information stored in the status management table 612, the attendant PC 6 displays a transaction list screen on the display unit 62 (step S17).

[0157] As described above, since the store transaction information request is repeatedly transmitted to the server device 2 at short time intervals, the processes of steps S14 to S17 executed along with the store transaction information request are also repeatedly executed. Therefore, the transaction list screen is automatically updated.

[0158] Here, the transaction list screen will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction list screen displayed by the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays an update button 621, a terminal code input field 622, a used cash register display unit 623, an end button 624, a highlight setting button 625, and a status display unit 626 on the transaction list screen.

[0159] The update button 621 is an operator for manually updating the information displayed in the status display unit 626. The terminal code input field 622 is an input field for inputting a terminal code to display a transaction details screen related to the terminal code. The terminal code input field 622 is utilized, for example, when the scanner unit 64 malfunctions and the accounting barcode cannot be read. The used cash register display unit 623 displays the number of cash registers 5 in use.

[0160] The end button 624 is an operator for ending the display of the transaction list. The screen displayed after the end button 624 is operated can be arbitrarily set by the store. The highlight setting button 625 is an operator for setting highlighted products (highlight items).

[0161] The status display section 626 displays a list of the customer status for each terminal code. Specifically, the status display section 626 displays by associating each item of the terminal code, the time of wandering, the time of the previous operation, the registered points, the registered amount, the status, and the cash register No. Since the content of each item is as described in the explanation of the status management table 612 of the attendant PC 6, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0162] For each item in the status display section 626, a sorting icon 6261 displayed by an upward arrow and a downward arrow is displayed. When the sorting icon 6261 of any one item is operated, the sorting of the customer status is performed using the said one item as a key. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 17, when the sorting icon 6261 of the item of the time of wandering is operated, each data is sorted in ascending order of the time of wandering. That is, the data in the bottom row with the smallest time of wandering is positioned at the top. Similarly, the data of all rows are sorted. In that state, when the sorting icon 6261 of the item of the time of wandering is operated again, this time each data is sorted in descending order of the time of collection.

[0163] The same applies when the sorting icon 6261 of other items is operated. When the numerical values of the items serving as keys for sorting in ascending or descending order are the same, the numerical value of the item located more to the left is preferentially sorted. For example, when sorting in ascending order of the time of wandering, in the example of FIG. 17, the third row (the row with the cash register No of 403) and the fourth row (the row with the cash register No of 404) have the same time of wandering, but the third row with the smaller value of the terminal code, which is the item located most to the left, is positioned above. In the default display form of the status display section 626, the data with the status item of "shopping" is set to be on top.

[0164] On the status display unit 626, a highlight icon 6262 is displayed for the status item. The highlight icon 6262 is an icon indicating that a highlighted product is included in the transaction information. The attendant can recognize that it is necessary to carefully conduct an attendant check for the transaction of the data on which the highlight icon 6262 is displayed.

[0165] Here, a status such as "shopping" displayed in the status item also functions as an operator that can accept a selection operation. When any one status is selected from the status display unit 626, a transaction details screen related to the terminal code of the selected status is displayed. That is, the status displayed on the status display unit 626 represents the customer's status and functions as an example of an operator for displaying a transaction details screen related to the corresponding terminal code. The status selection operation is utilized, for example, when checking the transaction details of an arbitrary registered terminal 4. Hereinafter, the status displayed in the status item of the status display unit 626 is also referred to as a "status operator".

[0166] Also, on the transaction list screen, it is possible to display a transaction details screen related to the transaction code included in the accounting barcode by reading the accounting barcode, and a message 627 guiding to that effect is displayed above the status display unit 626.

[0167] In this way, the transaction list screen displays the status of the transactions currently being conducted in the store, that is, the status of the registered terminal 4 being used in the store.

[0168] Returning to FIG. 16, the outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 will be described. When the customer finishes registering the purchased product and operates the payment icon on the transaction information display screen, an accounting instruction is input to the registered terminal 4 (step S18). The registered terminal 4 transmits the accounting instruction to the server device 2 (step S19).

[0169] Based on the received accounting instruction, the server device 2 updates the transaction information and calculates the transaction amount (step S20). Specifically, the server device 2 registers the accounting instruction time corresponding to the transaction code included in the accounting instruction in the transaction information management table 215. Also, the server device 2 calculates the transaction amount based on the product information corresponding to the above transaction code. The server device 2 transmits the calculated transaction amount and the attendant check screen display instruction to the registration terminal 4 (step S21).

[0170] The registration terminal 4 generates an accounting barcode indicating the transaction code (step S22). The registration terminal 4 checks the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 by referring to the mode information section 414 (step S23). If it is the front check mode, it displays an attendant check screen (step S24). When the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 is the normal mode, the registration terminal 4 displays an accounting screen described later.

[0171] Here, the attendant check screen will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the attendant check screen displayed by the registration terminal 4. The display unit 42 of the registration terminal 4 displays a header section 421, a total information section 422, and an accounting barcode section 425 on the attendant check screen.

[0172] The header section 421 displays the company name "〇〇", the store name "△△ store", and characters such as "Accounting Machine Settlement" indicating that the customer has input an accounting instruction. Also, a terminal code section 4211 is formed in the header section 421. The terminal code section 4211 displays the terminal code. Also, a return button 4212 is displayed in the header section 421. The return button 4212 is an operator for returning the display to the previous screen. For example, on the attendant check screen, when the return button 4212 is operated, the registration terminal 4 returns the display to the transaction information display screen (see FIG. 16).

[0173] The total information section 422 displays the total points and total amount of the products for which product registration has been completed. In the case where a discounted product has been registered in a transaction for which an accounting instruction has been input, the total information section 422 also displays the total amount of the discount.

[0174] The accounting barcode section 425 displays an accounting barcode indicating a transaction code. Further, the accounting barcode section 425 displays a guidance message for the customer, such as a message "Please present the 'accounting barcode' at the entrance of the accounting area." etc. Furthermore, the accounting barcode section 425 displays an illustration that gives an image of reading the accounting barcode with the scanner section 64 of the attendant PC 6. A customer who has seen the attendant check screen can recognize that it is necessary to move to the location where the attendant PC 6 is placed and present the accounting barcode.

[0175] Returning to FIG. 16, the outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 will be described. When the attendant scans the accounting barcode on the attendant check screen presented by the customer with the scanner section 64, the accounting barcode is input to the attendant PC 6 (step S25). The attendant PC 6 reads the transaction code from the accounting barcode and transmits a transaction information request including the transaction code to the server device 2 (step S26).

[0176] The server device 2 extracts the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215 (step S27). The server device 2 transmits the extracted transaction information to the attendant PC 6 (step S28).

[0177] Note that when the server device 2 receives a transaction information request including a terminal code from the attendant PC 6, in step S27, the server device 2 extracts the transaction information corresponding to the terminal code included in the transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215.

[0178] The attendant PC 6 switches the display from the transaction list screen and displays the transaction details screen (step S29).

[0179] Here, the transaction details screen will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction details screen displayed on the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays a terminal code display unit 721, a total amount display unit 722, a total points display unit 723, a display switching button 724, a display target display unit 725, a product details section 726, a return button 727, and an OK button 728 on the transaction details screen.

[0180] The terminal code display unit 721 displays the terminal code corresponding to the target transaction that is the display target on the transaction details screen. The total amount display unit 722 displays the transaction amount of the above target transaction. The total points display unit 723 displays the number of product points purchased in the above target transaction.

[0181] The display switching button 724 is an operator for switching the display target displayed in the product details section 726. The display switching button 724 switches the display target displayed in the product details section 726 between all the products that are the targets of the transaction and only the highlighted products. In the example of FIG. 19, only the highlighted products are displayed in the product details section 726, so the display switching button 724 is in a state where the character "All" is displayed. When the display switching button 724 is operated in this state, all the products that are the targets of the transaction are displayed in the product details section 726.

[0182] For example, in the case of a store that operates such that the attendant checks that all the products registered in the product registration and the products stored in the shopping cart match, the display target displayed in the product details section 726 is set to all the products that are the targets of the transaction. Also, in the case of a store that operates such that only the highlighted products among the products registered in the product registration are checked by the attendant, the display target displayed in the product details section 726 is set to only the highlighted products.

[0183] The display target display unit 725 displays the display target displayed in the product details unit 726. In the example of FIG. 19, since only the highlighted products are displayed in the product details unit 726, the display target display unit 725 displays "only highlights".

[0184] The product details unit 726 displays product details. Specifically, for each product, the product details unit 726 displays the items of scan order, product name, quantity, amount, tax, and confirmation points in association with each other. The scan order indicates the order in which the product was scanned. The product name indicates the name of the product. The quantity indicates the quantity in which the corresponding product was registered. The amount indicates the amount of the corresponding product, specifically, the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. The tax indicates the applicable tax type. The confirmation point indicates the preset display comment for the product.

[0185] In the product details unit 726, sorting icons 7261 are displayed for the items of scan order, quantity, and amount. Since the function of the sorting icon 7261 is the same as that of the sorting icon 6261 on the transaction list screen in FIG. 17, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0186] In the product details unit 726, a highlight icon 7262 and an important icon 7263 are displayed for the scan order item. The highlight icon 7262 is an icon indicating that the product is a highlighted product. The important icon 7263 is an icon indicating that the product has a high importance in the attendant check. The highlight icon 7262 and the important icon 7263 have the same shape but are displayed in different colors.

[0187] The back button 727 is an operator for returning to the transaction list screen. The OK button 728 is an operator for inputting information indicating that the attendant check has been completed. When the OK button 728 is operated, the attendant PC 6 transmits the check information to the server device 2.

[0188] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen displayed on the attendant PC 6. The guidance screen is a screen displayed before the transaction details screen is displayed. Whether to display the guidance screen can be arbitrarily set by the store. The guidance screen is in a form in which a guidance display unit 729 is pop-up displayed with respect to the transaction details screen.

[0189] The guidance display unit 729 is displayed only when the transaction includes a highlighted product. The guidance display unit 729 displays guidance on what the attendant should do in the attendant check. For example, a message indicating that a product that requires confirmation by the attendant is included in the transaction target product is displayed on the guidance display unit 729. Also, messages indicating that age confirmation is required for alcohol etc., and that unregistered products need to be registered at a dedicated cash register are displayed on the guidance display unit 729.

[0190] A return button 7291 and an OK button 7292 are displayed on the guidance display unit 729. The return button 7291 is an operator for returning to the transaction list screen. The OK button 7292 is an operator for inputting information indicating that the attendant has confirmed the content displayed on the guidance display unit 729. When the OK button 7292 is operated, the guidance display unit 729 is erased and the transaction details screen is displayed.

[0191] Returning to FIG. 16, the outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 will be described. When the OK button 728 is operated on the transaction details screen, a checked input is made to the attendant PC 6 (step S30). The attendant PC 6 transmits the check information to the server device 2 (step S31).

[0192] The server device 2 updates the attendant check flag (step S32). Specifically, the server device 2 rewrites the attendant check flag corresponding to the transaction code included in the check information to "1" in the transaction information management table 215. The server device 2 transmits an accounting screen display instruction to the registration terminal 4 (step S33).

[0193] When the registration terminal 4 receives the accounting screen display instruction, it invalidates the above-described return button 4212 (step S34). Then, the registration terminal 4 switches from the attendant check screen and displays the accounting screen on the display unit 42 (step S35).

[0194] Here, the accounting screen will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the accounting screen displayed on the registration terminal 4. The display unit 42 of the registration terminal 4 displays a header unit 421, a total information unit 422, and an accounting barcode unit 425 on the accounting screen. Since the accounting screen is a screen similar to the attendant check screen, differences from the attendant check screen will be described here, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0195] The header unit 421, similar to the attendant check screen, displays the company name "〇〇", the store name "△△ store", characters such as "Accounting Machine Settlement" indicating that the customer has input an accounting instruction, and the terminal code. Also, in the header unit 421 of the accounting screen, the return button 4212 displayed on the attendant check screen is in a state of being invalidated by the process of step S34. Here, invalidation means making it in a state where it cannot be operated. Due to the invalidation of the return button 4212, the return button 4212 is, for example, displayed in a grayed-out state or not displayed at all.

[0196] On the accounting screen of FIG. 22, the back button 4212 is shown in a grayed-out state and cannot be operated. Therefore, it is not possible to return from the accounting screen to the previous screen (attendant check screen). As a result, at the registration terminal 4, it is possible to prevent returning to the attendant check screen or a screen where it is possible to perform product registration before that, so that the registration state of the product at the stage when the attendant check is completed can be maintained.

[0197] Note that when the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 is selected as the normal mode, not limited to this form, a accounting screen with the back button 4212 enabled may be displayed in the same manner as the attendant check screen.

[0198] The accounting barcode section 425 displays a guidance message for the customer, such as "Please scan the accounting barcode on the screen with the scanner of the accounting machine." In addition, the accounting barcode section 425 displays an illustration that gives the impression of reading the accounting barcode with the scanner section of the accounting machine 5. A customer who sees the accounting screen can recognize that it is necessary to move to the accounting machine 5 and scan the accounting barcode.

[0199] Returning to FIG. 16, the outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 will be described. When the customer scans the accounting barcode with the scanner section of the accounting machine 5, the accounting barcode is input to the accounting machine 5 (step S36). The accounting machine 5 requests the server device 2 for the transaction information of the transaction code read from the accounting barcode (step S37).

[0200] The server device 2 executes an attendant check determination process (step S38). The attendant check determination process is a process for determining whether or not the attendant check has been completed for the transaction for which the transaction information has been requested. The details of the attendant check determination process will be described later.

[0201] If the attendant check has been completed, the server device 2 transmits the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request to the accounting machine 5 (step S39). At this time, the server device 2 stores the accounting machine No. of the destination accounting machine 5 in the transaction information management table 215 in association with the transaction code included in the transaction information request.

[0202] If the attendant check has not been completed, the server device 2 transmits error information to the accounting machine 5. The accounting machine 5 that has received the error information displays, for example, a message prompting the customer to undergo an attendant check.

[0203] The accounting machine 5 that has received the transaction information executes accounting processing (step S40). The accounting machine 5 executes accounting processing related to cash settlement or accounting processing by cashless settlement based on the customer's operation. If unregistered items are included in the customer's purchased items or if the operation of the attendant is required, the accounting machine 5 is also operated by the attendant. When the accounting processing is completed, the accounting machine 5 transmits an accounting completion notification to the server device 2 (step S41).

[0204] The server device 2 updates the transaction information based on the received accounting completion notification (step S42). Specifically, the server device 2 rewrites the accounted flag corresponding to the transaction code included in the accounting completion notification to "1" in the transaction information management table 215.

[0205] The server device 2 transmits the accounting completion notification to the registration terminal 4 (step S43). The server device 2 transmits the accounting completion notification to the registration terminal 4 specified by the terminal code corresponding to the transaction code included in the accounting completion notification received from the accounting machine 5.

[0206] The registration terminal 4 displays information indicating that the accounting has been completed on the display unit 42 (step S44).

[0207] By the above operation, the customer can make a payment at the accounting machine 5 on the condition that the customer has received an attendant check by an attendant arranged near the entrance of the accounting area.

[0208] Incidentally, the server device 2 receives various information from other devices such as the registration terminal 4, acquires information indicating the state of transactions performed at each of the registration terminals 4, and stores and manages the information using the transaction information management table 215. The state of transactions stored in the transaction information management table 215 includes not only information regarding the currently used registration terminal 4 but also information regarding the registration terminals 4 used in the past.

[0209] The server device 2 of the present embodiment uses, in addition to the transaction information management table 215, a store terminal management table 213, a customer terminal management table 214, etc., to provide an attendant PC 6 or the like with a usage status screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal 4 for a current or past predetermined period for each type of the registration terminal 4.

[0210] Next, the operation when the attendant PC 6 accesses the server device 2 for displaying the usage status screen will be described. When obtaining the usage status screen, an employee operating the attendant PC 6 authenticates himself / herself by accessing the server device 2.

[0211] FIG. 23 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation flow related to the authentication process of an employee in the transaction management system 1. An employee such as an attendant operating the attendant PC 6 accesses the attendant PC 6 prior to obtaining the usage status screen (step S51). For example, when an operation for obtaining the usage status is performed on the attendant PC 6, the transmission / reception means 6001 accesses the server device 2.

[0212] The control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits an instruction to display a login screen to the attendant PC 6 in response to the access from the attendant PC 6 (step S52). The attendant PC 6 displays the login screen in response to the response from the server device 2 (step S53).

[0213] Here, the login screen will be described. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the login screen displayed on the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays a company code input section 811, a user code input section 812, a password input section 813, and a login button 814 on the login screen.

[0214] The company code input section 811 is an input field for entering the company code. The user code input section 812 is an input field for entering the user code. The password input section 813 is an input field for entering the password. The login button 814 is an operator for instructing the transmission of login information.

[0215] An employee operating the attendant PC 6 enters, for example, the company code to which he / she belongs, his / her own user code assigned in advance, and password into each input field, and operates the login button 814. Note that an input field for entering the store code may be provided on the login screen.

[0216] Returning to FIG. 23, the outline of the operation of the transaction management system 1 will be described. When the employee finishes entering the login information on the login screen and operates the login button, a login instruction input is made to the attendant PC 6 (step S54). When the attendant PC 6 receives the login instruction input, it transmits the login information to the server device 2 (step S55).

[0217] The control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 executes an authentication process by collating the received login information with the access management table 217 (step S56).

[0218] When a user code that meets the conditions of the login information is registered in the access management table 217, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 determines that the access is from a regular employee. In this case, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits an authentication result of successful authentication to the attendant PC 6 (step S57). Next, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 generates usage status information representing the usage status of the registered terminal 4 at the store to which the user code included in the login information belongs, based on the store terminal management table 213, the customer terminal management table 214, the transaction information management table 215, etc. (step S58). Then, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits a display instruction for a usage status screen including the generated usage status information and information such as a GUI to the attendant PC 6 (step S59).

[0219] Based on the received information, the attendant PC 6 displays a usage status screen representing the usage status of the registered terminal 4 (step S60). The usage status screen will be described later.

[0220] Also, when a user code that meets the conditions of the login information is not registered in the access management table 217, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 determines that the access is from someone other than a regular employee. In this case, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits an authentication result of failed authentication to the attendant PC 6 (step S61). Based on the received authentication result, the attendant PC 6 displays a message or the like indicating failed authentication (step S62).

[0221] Here, the usage status screen provided by the server device 2 will be described. The control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 provides the attendant PC 6 with a portal screen provided at the time of successful login and an operation rate screen provided according to the designation of the type of the registered terminal 4 (store terminal B) as the usage status screen.

[0222] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a portal screen displayed on the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays a business menu section 911, an information display section 912, etc. on the portal screen.

[0223] The business menu section 911 displays business menus that can be executed via the portal screen. The information display section 912 displays information corresponding to the business selected in the business menu section 911.

[0224] The business menu section 911 displays a portal 9111, a front check business 9112, and a management / maintenance business 9113.

[0225] The portal 9111 is an operator for checking the usage status of the registration terminal 4. For example, the portal 9111 is configured to be selected by default when the portal screen is first displayed. The front check business 9112 is an operator for performing the business of the attendant PC 6 in the above-described front check mode. The management / maintenance business 9113 is an operator for performing management and maintenance operations such as setting changes. In FIG. 25, a state where the portal 9111 is selected is shown, and the usage status of the registration terminal 4 is displayed on the information display section 912.

[0226] The information display section 912 includes a header section 9121, a usage status display section 9122, and a transaction status display section 9123.

[0227] The header section 9121 includes a store name display section 91211, a time display section 91212, and an update button 91213. The store name display section 91211 displays the store name of the store that is the target of the usage status display. For example, in the default state, the store name of the store to which the logged-in employee belongs is displayed. Hereinafter, the store name displayed on the store name display section 91211 or the store code corresponding to the store name is also referred to as the "target store".

[0228] In addition, when the permission information of the logged-in employee is permitted within the scope of the company to which the employee belongs, the store to be displayed for the usage status can be switched. The method of the store switching operation is not particularly limited. For example, the store name display section 91211 may also be used as an operator for switching the store name.

[0229] The time display section 91212 displays the time when the portal screen is displayed (hereinafter, also referred to as the current time). The update button 91213 is an operator for instructing the update of the portal screen. When the update button 91213 is operated, the attendant PC 6 updates the portal screen by acquiring again the usage status information (hereinafter, also referred to as the first usage status information) related to the display of the portal screen from the server device 2. Note that the time of the time display section 9211 is also updated along with the update of the portal screen.

[0230] The usage status display section 9122 displays the current usage status of the registered terminal 4 in the store displayed on the store name display section 91211. In the usage status display section 9122, the first usage status information representing the usage status at the current time is displayed for each type of the customer terminal A, the first store terminal Ba, and the second store terminal Bb.

[0231] For example, the number of customer terminals A currently in use is displayed on the usage status display section 9122. The number of customer terminals A currently in use can be derived, for example, by counting the data entries in the transaction information management table 215 including the store code of the target store that include the terminal code registered in the customer terminal management table 214 and associated with the store code of the target store and in which the accounting completed flag is in the state of "0".

[0232] In addition, on the usage status display unit 9122, the current operating rate of the first store terminal Ba is displayed together with the number of first store terminals Ba currently in use and the total number of first store terminals Ba provided in the target store. The number of first store terminals Ba currently in use can be derived, for example, by counting the data entries in the transaction information management table 215 that include the store code of the target store, where the type code registered in the store terminal management table 213 associated with the store code of the target store includes the terminal code of the first store terminal Ba and the accounting completed flag is in the state of "0". The total number of first store terminals Ba can be derived by counting the total number of type codes registered in the store terminal management table 213 associated with the store code of the target store that include the terminal code of the first store terminal Ba. The current operating rate of the first store terminal Ba can be derived, for example, by dividing the "number of first store terminals Ba currently in use" by the "total number of first store terminals Ba". Note that the operating rate of the first store terminal Ba may be calculated based on time, for example, it may be a value derived by calculating the ratio per predetermined time of the time used for transactions.

[0233] In addition, on the usage status display unit 9122, the current operating rate of the second store terminal Bb is displayed together with the number of second store terminals Bb currently in use and the total number of second store terminals Bb provided in the target store. The number of second store terminals Bb currently in use, the total number of second store terminals Bb, and the current operating rate of the second store terminal Bb can be derived in the same manner as the above-described first store terminal Ba.

[0234] Note that in FIG. 25, the current usage status information of the store terminal B is displayed separately for the first store terminal Ba and the second store terminal Bb, but it is not limited to this, and it may be displayed in units of the store terminal B.

[0235] In addition, on the usage status display unit 9122, an operating rate button 91221 is displayed in association with the usage status information of each of the first store terminal Ba and the second store terminal Bb. When the operating rate button 91221 is operated, the attendant PC 6, in cooperation with the server device 2, displays an operating rate screen showing the operating rate by time zone for the store terminal B of the operated type.

[0236] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of an operation rate screen displayed on the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays a header unit 921, an information display unit 922, a footer unit 923, etc. on the operation rate screen.

[0237] The header unit 921 includes a time display unit 9211, an update button 9212, a usage status display unit 9213, and an explanation unit 9214.

[0238] The time display unit 9211 displays the time when the operation rate screen is displayed (hereinafter also referred to as the current time). The update button 9212 is an operator for instructing an update of the operation rate screen. When the update button 9212 is operated, the attendant PC 6 updates the operation rate screen by acquiring usage status information (hereinafter also referred to as second usage status information) related to the display of the operation rate screen from the server device 2. Note that the time of the time display unit 9211 is also updated as the usage status screen is updated.

[0239] The usage status display unit 9213 displays the type of the store terminal B indicated by the operation rate button 91221 on the portal screen and the current usage status (number of used units, total number, current operation rate) of the store terminal B of the type. FIG. 26 shows an example in which the first store terminal Ba is indicated as the type of the store terminal B. Note that the current usage status of the store terminal B displayed on the usage status display unit 9213 is the same as that on the portal screen. Hereinafter, the type of the store terminal B displayed on the usage status display unit 9213 or the type code corresponding to the type is also referred to as the "target type". The explanation unit 9214 displays information for explaining the operating / standby time in the graph displayed on the information display unit 922.

[0240] The information display unit 922 displays graphs arranged to represent the operating rate for each store terminal B of the target type. Each graph is displayed with the terminal code of the corresponding store terminal B associated therewith, and the operating rate of the corresponding store terminal B is displayed to the left of the terminal code. Here, the operating rate for each store terminal B is a value derived by dividing the time during which the store terminal B has been in a state of being used for transactions by the elapsed time from the opening time of the day to the current time.

[0241] The time in the operating state can be derived, for example, by the following method. Among the data entries in the transaction information management table 215 that include the store code of the target store, data entries that include the terminal code of the target type and whose check-in time is within the time range from the opening time to the current time are extracted. Next, the extracted data entries are classified for each terminal code of the target type. Then, for each classified data entry, the time from the check-in time to the accounting end time is counted, and by summing the counted times, the time in the operating state from the opening time to the current time can be derived. In the case where the accounting end time is blank, the time from the check-in time to the current time may be counted. Also, the method for deriving the time in the operating state is not limited to this.

[0242] Also, the graph represents, in a distinguishable manner, the time during operation or standby within the elapsed time from the opening time to the current time. A common time axis is displayed above the graph, and based on this time axis, the time during operation or standby is represented on the graph. Here, the time during operation can be derived by specifying the time from the check-in time to the accounting end time (or, if the accounting end time is blank, the time from the check-in time to the current date and time) based on the data entries classified for each terminal code of the target type described above.

[0243] Note that for terminals that have not been operated in any time zone, an emphasis display such as an exclamation mark is performed to prompt the confirmation of the state. In FIG. 26, since the operating rate of the store terminal B (the first store terminal Ba) with the terminal code "003" is "0%", an example with an exclamation mark attached is shown.

[0244] Also, between the time axis and the graph, the operation rate of the entire store terminal B of the target type (hereinafter referred to as the overall operation rate by time period) is displayed every predetermined time. FIG. 26 shows an example in which the overall operation rate by time period is displayed every hour.

[0245] The overall operation rate by time period can be derived, for example, by the following method. First, for each store terminal B of the target type, the operation time is counted every unit time (1 hour), and the operation rate per unit time is calculated by dividing the counted time by the unit time. Then, the operation rate per unit time calculated for each store terminal B is added in the same time period, and the average is calculated by the number of store terminals B to derive the overall operation rate by time period. Note that the method for deriving the overall operation rate by time period is not limited to this.

[0246] The footer part 923 has an OK button 9231. The OK button 9231 is an operator for instructing to close the operation rate screen. When the attendant PC 6 receives the operation of the OK button 9231, it closes the operation rate screen and displays the portal screen again.

[0247] The employee operating the attendant PC 6 can confirm the transition of the operation rate from the opening of each store terminal B of the target type to the current time by viewing the operation rate screen. Thereby, the employee can confirm, on a daily time scale, the time when the operation rate becomes high at each store terminal B, etc., so that it is possible to easily confirm the usage status of each store terminal B. Also, when there is a store terminal B with a significantly low operation rate, the employee can easily grasp its existence, so that countermeasures such as situation confirmation can be efficiently carried out.

[0248] Also, the employee operating the attendant PC 6 can confirm the operation rate of the entire store terminal B of the target type every predetermined time by viewing the operation rate screen. Thereby, the employee can easily confirm the usage status of the entire store terminal B of the target type at present or up to now.

[0249] Return to FIG. 25 to continue the description of the portal screen. The transaction status display section 9123 of the portal screen displays the usage status (hereinafter also referred to as the transaction status) of transactions conducted using the registration terminal 4 at the target store for a predetermined period. Specifically, the usage status display section 9122 displays usage status information indicating the transaction status of transactions for a predetermined period for each type such as the customer terminal A, the first store terminal Ba, and the second store terminal Bb.

[0250] In FIG. 25, an example is shown in which the transaction status for a predetermined period, the transaction status today (from the opening time to the current time), and the transaction status for the current month (from the beginning of the month to the current date and time) are displayed. Here, transaction information for items such as the number of users, the number of transactions, the transaction amount, the average number of points, and the average unit price is displayed in the transaction status display section 9123.

[0251] The number of users indicates the number of transaction cases for a predetermined period of transactions conducted using the registration terminal 4. For example, the number of users of the customer terminal A can be derived in the following way. First, among the data entries in the transaction information management table 215 that include the store code of the target store, extract the data entries that include the terminal code registered in the customer terminal management table 214 in association with the store code of the target store. Then, by counting the number of registered data entries among the extracted data entries whose accounting end time (or check-in time) is within the range of the predetermined period, the number of users of the customer terminal A can be derived. Note that the data entries extracted from the transaction information management table 215 may be narrowed down to those in a state where the accounted flag is "1".

[0252] The number of transaction points indicates the total number of points of the products purchased in the transactions using the registration terminal 4. For example, the number of transaction points of the customer terminal A can be derived by summing up the points of the products included in the data entries whose accounting end time (or check-in time) is within the range of the predetermined period among the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the number of users.

[0253] The transaction amount indicates the total amount of goods purchased in transactions using the registration terminal 4. For example, the transaction amount of the customer terminal A can be derived by summing up the transaction amounts included in the data entries where the accounting end time (or check-in time) falls within the range of a predetermined period among the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the number of users.

[0254] The average score indicates the average score of the goods purchased in transactions using the registration terminal 4. For example, the average score of the customer terminal A can be derived by dividing the total value of the transaction scores of the customer terminal A derived for a predetermined period by the number of users of the customer terminal A during the same period.

[0255] The average unit price indicates the average unit price of the goods purchased in transactions using the registration terminal 4. For example, the average unit price of the customer terminal A can be derived by dividing the transaction amount of the customer terminal A derived for a predetermined period by the number of transaction scores of the customer terminal A during the same period.

[0256] In addition, transaction information of items such as average shopping time, Min shopping time, Max shopping time, average accounting time, Min accounting time, and Max accounting time is displayed on the transaction status display section 9123.

[0257] The average shopping time indicates the average of the time required for shopping in transactions using the registration terminal 4. For example, the average shopping time of the customer terminal A can be derived by counting the elapsed time (i.e., the wandering time) from the check-in time to the accounting end time for each of the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the number of transaction scores, and calculating the average of the calculated wandering times. In the case where the accounting end time is blank, the elapsed time from the check-in time to the current time may be counted.

[0258] The Min shopping time indicates the minimum time required for shopping in transactions using the registration terminal 4. For example, the Min shopping time of the customer terminal A can be derived by counting the wandering time from the check-in time to the accounting end time for each of the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the number of transaction scores, and extracting the minimum time of the counted wandering times.

[0259] The maximum shopping time indicates the maximum time taken for shopping in a transaction using the registration terminal 4. For example, the maximum shopping time of the customer terminal A can be derived by counting the elapsed time from the check-in time to the accounting end time for each of the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the transaction count, and extracting the maximum time of the counted elapsed times.

[0260] The average accounting time indicates the average time taken for accounting in a transaction using the registration terminal 4. For example, the average accounting time of the customer terminal A can be derived by counting the elapsed time from the accounting instruction time to the accounting end time for each of the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the transaction count, and calculating the average of the counted elapsed times.

[0261] The minimum accounting time indicates the minimum time taken for accounting in a transaction using the registration terminal 4. For example, the minimum accounting time of the customer terminal A can be derived by counting the elapsed time from the accounting instruction time to the accounting end time for each of the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the transaction count, and extracting the minimum time of the counted elapsed times.

[0262] The maximum accounting time indicates the maximum time taken for accounting in a transaction using the registration terminal 4. For example, the maximum accounting time of the customer terminal A can be derived by counting the elapsed time from the accounting instruction time to the accounting end time for each of the data entries extracted in the process of deriving the transaction count, and extracting the maximum time of the counted elapsed times.

[0263] The employee operating the attendant PC 6 can check the transaction status of the transactions conducted using the registration terminal 4 during a predetermined period by viewing the transaction status display section 9123. Therefore, the employee can check the usage status of the registration terminal 4 used in their own store from multiple perspectives. Also, an employee who can check the usage status of other stores can check the usage status of the registration terminal 4 in multiple stores, so the usage status of the registration terminal 4 can be compared between multiple stores.

[0264] In addition, an employee who operates the attendant PC 6 can check the usage status for each type of registration terminal 4 by looking at the transaction status display section 9123. As a result, the employee can easily check which type of registration terminal 4 is frequently used, which is not used, etc. Also, by looking at the transaction status display section 9123, the employee can check the shopping tendencies of users who use each type of registration terminal 4 from the number of transactions, transaction amount, average number of points, average unit price, etc., and thus can also be used as a reference for considering increasing the number of purchased points. In addition, the employee can check the tendencies related to shopping and accounting when using each type of registration terminal 4 from various shopping times and accounting times. As a result, the employee can easily check the effect of shortening the accounting waiting time by using, for example, the front check mode.

[0265] Next, the process related to the display of the usage status screen described above will be explained. FIG. 27 is a sequence chart showing an example of the detailed operation flow related to the display of the usage status screen in the transaction management system 1. Note that FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the process executed between the attendant PC 6 and the server device 2 in steps S58 to S60 after successful authentication described in FIG. 23.

[0266] When the authentication of the employee is successful, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 generates first usage status information related to the display of the portal screen based on the store code of the store to which the employee belongs (step S71). Specifically, the information providing means 2005 derives various types of information displayed on the usage status display section 9122 and the transaction status display section 9123 described above based on the store terminal management table 213, the customer terminal management table 214, the transaction information management table 215, etc., and generates first usage status information including the derived various types of information. Next, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits a display instruction for the portal screen including the GUI of the portal screen, etc., together with the generated first usage status information, to the attendant PC 6 (step S72).

[0267] The control unit of the attendant PC 6 displays a portal screen based on a display instruction from the server device 2 (step S73).

[0268] Also, when the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 receives an operation to switch the target store on the portal screen (step S74), it transmits a switching request to the server device 2 (step S75). The switching request includes, for example, the company code and store code of the store to which its own attendant PC 6 belongs, the user code of the logged-in employee, and the store code of the store after switching.

[0269] If information (company code, store code, and user code) related to the logged-in employee is held by the server device 2 while the communication (session) between the server device 2 and the attendant PC 6 is in progress, the attendant PC 6 may transmit a switching request including the store code after switching to the server device 2.

[0270] When the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 receives a switching request, it refers to the authority information of the user code indicated in the switching request and determines whether it has the authority to refer to the usage status of other stores (step S76).

[0271] If it has the authority, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 generates first usage status information based on the store code after switching indicated in the switching request (step S77). Next, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 provides an update instruction for the portal screen including the generated first usage status information to the attendant PC 6 (step S78). The control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 updates the portal screen based on the update instruction (step S79).

[0272] On the other hand, when not having the authority, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits an error notification notifying that the switching of the store is not permitted to the attendant PC 6 (step S80). When receiving the error notification, the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 notifies an error of authentication failure (step S81).

[0273] Also, when the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 receives a display instruction of the operation rate for a specific type of the store terminal B based on the portal screen (step S82), it transmits an operation rate acquisition request to the server device 2 (step S83). The operation rate acquisition request includes, for example, the company code of the store to which its own attendant PC 6 belongs, the store code of the store displayed on the portal screen, the user code of the employee who is logged in, and the type code of the specified store terminal B.

[0274] Note that while the session between the server device 2 and the attendant PC 6 is being performed, when information related to the employee who is logged in and information related to the portal screen being displayed (store code) are held by the server device 2, the attendant PC 6 may transmit an operation rate acquisition request including the type code of the specified store terminal B to the server device 2.

[0275] When the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 receives a utilization rate acquisition request, based on the type code indicated in the utilization rate acquisition request, among the store terminals B of the store with the store code indicated in the utilization rate acquisition request, it generates second usage status information related to the display of the utilization rate screen (step S84). Specifically, the information providing means 2005 derives various types of information displayed on the above-described operation information screen based on the store terminal management table 213, the customer terminal management table 214, the transaction information management table 215, etc., and generates second usage status information including the derived various types of information. Next, the control unit 20 (information providing means 2005) of the server device 2 transmits a display instruction for the utilization rate screen including the GUI of the utilization rate screen, etc., together with the generated second usage status information, to the attendant PC 6 (step S85). The control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 displays the utilization rate screen based on the display instruction from the server device 2 (step S86).

[0276] Next, the attendant check determination process executed by the server device 2 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the attendant check determination process by the control unit 20 of the server device 2.

[0277] The control unit 20 determines whether the transmission / reception means 2001 has received a transaction information request from the accounting machine 5 (step S91). If not received (N in step S91), the process returns to step S91 and waits.

[0278] When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a transaction information request (Y in step S91), the information management means 2002 reads out the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215 (step S92).

[0279] Subsequently, the information processing means 2003 determines whether the read transaction information has been checked by the attendant (step S93). Specifically, the information processing means 2003 determines whether "1" is registered in the attendant check flag of the read transaction information.

[0280] When the read transaction information has been checked by the attendant (Y in step S93), the transmission / reception means 2001 transmits the transaction information to the accounting machine 5 which is the transmission source of the transaction information request (step S94). Then, the control unit 20 ends the attendant check determination process.

[0281] When the read transaction information has not been checked by the attendant (N in step S93), the transmission / reception means 2001 transmits error information to the accounting machine 5 which is the transmission source of the transaction information request (step S95). The error information is information indicating that the transaction information is not transmitted because the attendant check has not been completed. Then, the control unit 20 ends the attendant check determination process.

[0282] By the above attendant check determination process, the server device 2 transmits the transaction information to the accounting machine 5 only for the transactions for which the attendant check has been completed.

[0283] Next, a modified example of the attendant check determination process will be described. In the above-described example, the server device 2 executes the attendant check determination process, whereas in the modified example, the accounting machine 5 performs the attendant check determination process.

[0284] On the premise, it is assumed that the accounting barcode read by the scanner unit of the accounting machine 5 is encoded with a check code indicating whether or not it has been checked by the attendant in addition to the transaction code. For example, in the sequence chart shown in FIG. 16, when the registration terminal 4 receives an accounting screen display instruction in step S33, it generates an accounting barcode to be displayed on the accounting screen. The accounting barcode to be displayed on the accounting screen is encoded with a check code indicating whether or not it has been checked by the attendant in addition to the transaction code. The customer causes the accounting machine 5 to read the above accounting barcode with the scanner unit.

[0285] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the attendant check determination process executed by the control unit of the accounting machine 5.

[0286] The control unit determines whether an accounting barcode has been input (step S101). If not (N in step S101), it returns to the process of step S91 and waits. When the accounting barcode is input, the control unit reads the check code encoded in the accounting barcode (step S102).

[0287] The control unit determines whether the read check code indicates that it has been checked by the attendant (step S103). If it has been checked by the attendant (Y in step S103), the control unit executes accounting processing (step S104). The accounting processing is the same as the example described above. Subsequently, the control unit transmits an accounting completion notification to the server device 2 (step S105). Then, the control unit ends the attendant check determination process.

[0288] In the process of step S103, if it has not been checked by the attendant (N in step S103), the control unit causes the display unit of the accounting machine 5 to display error information (step S106). The error information to be displayed is information indicating, for example, a situation where payment cannot be made because the attendant check has not been completed. Then, the control unit ends the attendant check determination process.

[0289] As described above, the server device 2 of the embodiment acquires status information indicating the status of a transaction made by a customer from the registration terminal 4 and the accounting machine 5 used in the store, and stores it in the transaction information management table 215 in association with terminal identification information that can identify the registration terminal 4 related to the transaction and date and time information. Further, based on the information stored in the transaction information management table 215, the server device 2 provides an attendant PC 6 with a usage status screen representing the current or past usage status of the registration terminal 4 for each type of the registration terminal 4.

[0290] As a result, by viewing the usage status screen provided by the server device 2, an employee of the store can check the current or past usage status of the registration terminal 4 used in the store for a predetermined period. In addition, the store employee can check the usage status of the registration terminal 4 for each type of the registration terminal 4. Therefore, in the transaction management system 1 of the present embodiment, the usage status of the registration terminal 4 used in the store can be efficiently checked.

[0291] In addition, the server device 2 classifies the registration terminal 4 into a customer terminal A held by a customer and a store terminal B provided in the store, and provides a screen representing the usage status for each type of the customer terminal A and the store terminal B.

[0292] As a result, by viewing the usage status screen provided by the server device 2, an employee of the store can check the usage status of the customer terminal A and the store terminal B used in the store, and can compare the usage status between different types. Therefore, in the transaction management system 1 of the present embodiment, the usage status of the registration terminal 4 used in the store can be efficiently checked, and support for store operation and the like can be provided.

[0293] In addition, the server device 2 derives an operation rate indicating the ratio per predetermined time of the time when the registration terminal 4 is used for transactions as the usage status of the registration terminal 4, and provides a usage status screen representing the operation rate.

[0294] As a result, by viewing the usage status screen provided by the server device 2, an employee of the store can intuitively grasp how much the registration terminal 4 is used. Therefore, in the transaction management system 1 of the present embodiment, the usage status of the registration terminal 4 used in the store can be efficiently checked, and support for store operation and the like can be provided.

[0295] In addition, when the type of the registration terminal 4 is specified, the server device 2 derives an operation rate indicating the ratio per predetermined time of the time when each registration terminal 4 of the specified type is used for transactions as the usage status of each registration terminal 4 of the type, and provides a usage status screen representing the operation rate.

[0296] As a result, by looking at the usage status screen provided by the server device 2, an employee of the store can intuitively grasp how much each of the registration terminals 4 of the specified type is being used. In addition, by looking at the usage status screen provided by the server device 2, an employee of the store can easily find the registration terminal 4 in a state where the operation rate has decreased. Therefore, in the transaction management system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently check the usage status of the registration terminals 4 used in the store and to support store operations and the like.

[0297] In addition, the server device 2 manages transactions in association with store identification information that can identify a store, such as a company code and a store code, and provides a screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal 4 for each store. As a result, by looking at the usage status screen provided by the server device 2, an employee of the store can check the usage status of the registration terminal 4 in each store and can compare the usage status between different stores. Therefore, in the transaction management system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently check the usage status of the registration terminals 4 used in each store and to support store operations and the like.

[0298] Note that the above-described plurality of embodiments can also be appropriately modified and implemented by changing a part of the configuration or function of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, below, some modification examples according to the above-described embodiments will be described as other embodiments. Note that below, the points different from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and detailed descriptions of the points common to the already described content will be omitted. In addition, the modification examples described below may be implemented individually or may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0299] (Modification Example 1) In the above-described embodiment, as the usage status of the registration terminal 4, a form of providing a usage status screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal 4 in a specific store has been described. In this modification example, a form of providing a usage status screen that allows comparison of the usage status of the registration terminal 4 between stores will be described.

[0300] As described above, when an employee who operates the attendant PC 6 or the like is permitted to access the usage status information within the scope of the company to which the employee belongs, it is possible to access the usage status information of a plurality of stores. In such a case, the information providing means 2005 of the server device 2 may provide the attendant PC 6 or the like with a screen that can compare the usage status of the registration terminal 4 between stores based on the usage status information related to a plurality of store codes belonging to the same company code. In this case, for example, the information providing means 2005 of the server device 2 provides the attendant PC 6 with the screen shown in FIG. 30 as an example of the usage status screen.

[0301] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the usage status screen displayed on the attendant PC 6 of this modification. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays a total period display unit 931, an information display unit 932, etc. on the usage status screen of FIG. 30.

[0302] The total period display unit 931 displays the year, month, day, or period for which the usage status is to be totaled. Also, the total period display unit 931 is an operator by which the year, month, day, or period can be specified, and the year, month, day, or period displayed on the total period display unit 931 is set as the total period.

[0303] The information display unit 932 displays the usage status of the registration terminal 4 used in a plurality of stores in a form that allows comparison. Specifically, in the information display unit 932, for each store of the company to which the employee who logged in belongs, the usage status of the registration terminal 4 and other terminals used in the store during the total period is displayed in tabular form.

[0304] In FIG. 30, an example showing the usage status is presented in terms of five device units: a "registration terminal", a "customer terminal", a "first store terminal", a "second store terminal", and "other cash registers". Here, the "registration terminal" is the combination of customer terminal A and store terminal B. The "customer terminal" corresponds to customer terminal A. The "first store terminal" and "second store terminal" respectively correspond to first store terminal Ba and second store terminal Bb. The "other cash registers" correspond to the POS terminal, self-POS terminal, and semi-self-POS system. Note that the usage status of the "other cash registers" may be collected by the above-described transaction management system 1 or may be collected by other systems.

[0305] Also, in FIG. 30, an example showing the derivation of "number of customers", "utilization rate", and "average number of transactions" as usage status is presented. The "number of customers" corresponds to the number of users in the above-described embodiment and represents the number of users during the aggregation period set by the aggregation period display unit 931. The "utilization rate" corresponds to the operation rate in the above-described embodiment and indicates the ratio of the time used for transactions per aggregation period set by the aggregation period display unit 931. The "average number of transactions" corresponds to the average number of transactions in the above-described embodiment and represents the average number of transactions during the aggregation period set by the aggregation period display unit 931. Also, the item "total number of customers" indicates the total number of customers in the above-described five device units.

[0306] By looking at the usage status screen in FIG. 30, the employee operating the attendant PC6 can easily compare the usage status of each of the "registration terminal", "customer terminal", "first store terminal", "second store terminal", and "other cash registers" in transactions conducted at multiple stores. As a result, the employee can derive improvement items such as increasing the registration terminal 4 in a form considered to contribute to the store's sales from, for example, the differences in usage status between their own store and other stores.

[0307] Note that the usage status screen according to this modification example is not limited to FIG. 30. For example, the information providing means 2005 of the server device 2 may provide the screen shown in FIG. 31 to the attendant PC6 as an example of the usage status screen.

[0308] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another example of the usage status screen displayed on the attendant PC 6 of this modification. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays an aggregation period display unit 941, an information display unit 942, a transition table display unit 943, etc. on the usage status screen of FIG. 31.

[0309] The aggregation period display unit 941 has a year-month display unit 9411 and a unit switching unit 9412. The year-month display unit 9411 displays the year and month that are the aggregation target of the usage status. Also, the year-month display unit 9411 is an operator that can specify the year and month, and the year and month displayed in the aggregation period display unit 941 are set as the aggregation period. The unit switching unit 9412 is an operator for switching the aggregation unit. In the unit switching unit 9412, "daily unit" and "weekly unit" can be selectively switched. Note that FIG. 31 shows an example in which the "weekly unit" is selected.

[0310] The information display unit 942 displays the usage status of the registered terminals 4 used in a plurality of stores in a comparable form. Specifically, in the information display unit 932, for each store of the company to which the employee who logged in belongs, the usage status in the aggregation unit of the registered terminals 4 used in the store is displayed in a table format.

[0311] FIG. 31 shows an example in which the "utilization rate" of the "registered terminal" described in FIG. 30 is adopted as the usage status, and the "utilization rate" of each store is derived in the aggregation unit set by the unit switching unit 9412. Also, FIG. 31 shows an example in which the stores are displayed in a ranking format in order from the store with the highest "utilization rate".

[0312] The transition table display unit 943 displays the transition of the ranking shown in the information display unit 942 in a graph format. Specifically, the transition table display unit 943 displays a graph representing the transition of the ranking of a predetermined number of stores with the highest utilization rate in a time series for each aggregation unit.

[0313] By viewing the usage status screen in Fig. 31, an employee operating the attendant PC 6 can check the ranking and its trend regarding the usage status in transactions conducted at multiple stores. Thereby, the employee can, for example, check the relationship between the store with a higher ranking and the usage status of the registration terminal 4. Also, for example, when the ranking changes (e.g., increases) for a specific store, the employee can check the relationship between the usage status of the registration terminal 4 and the factors causing the change.

[0314] (Modification Example 2) In the above-described embodiment, the form in which the attendant PC 6 displays the usage status screen by accessing the server device 2 using the attendant PC 6 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, other terminals operable by store employees or terminals provided at the company's headquarters may be used to access the server device 2.

[0315] Also, accessing the server device 2 is not limited to store employees. For example, an employee at the company's headquarters may access the server device 2. However, it is assumed that the employee's user code and password are registered in the access management table 217 in association with the company code.

[0316] (Modification Example 3) In the above-described embodiment, the form in which the server device 2 (information providing means 2005) generates the usage status information related to the display of the usage status screen has been described, but it is not limited to this. It may also be in a form generated by a device (e.g., the attendant PC 6) that accesses the server device 2. In this case, for example, the attendant PC 6 can generate usage status information based on various data managed by the server device 2 by having a functional unit similar to the information providing means 2005.

[0317] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the control programs executed by the server device 2, the registration terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6 may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the control programs executed by the respective devices of the above-described embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be configured to be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0318] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, combinations, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0319] 1 Transaction management system 2 Server device (information processing device) 2001 Transmission / reception means 2002 Information management means (acquisition means, storage means) 2003 Information processing means 2004 Mode setting means 2005 Information providing means (providing means) 4 Portable terminal 4001 Transmission / reception means 4002 Input means 4003 Reading means 4004 Information management means 4005 Information processing means 4006 Display control means 5 Accounting machine 6 Attendant PC 6001 Transmission / reception means 6002 Input means 6003 Reading means 6004 Information management means 6005 Display control means

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0320]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An acquisition means for performing product registration by operating a registration terminal that can be used by a user in a store, and acquiring state information indicating the state of a transaction in which the user performs accounting of the product using a cash register from the registration terminal and the cash register; A storage means for storing, in a storage device, the transaction state information acquired by the acquisition means in association with terminal identification information capable of identifying the type of the registration terminal related to the transaction and date / time information indicating the acquired date and time; A providing means for providing a screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal at present or in a past predetermined period for each type of the registration terminal based on the information stored in the storage device; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The providing means classifies the types of the registration terminals into a first registration terminal possessed by the user and a second registration terminal provided in the store, and provides a screen representing the usage status for each type of the registration terminal. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The providing means derives an operating rate indicating a ratio per predetermined time of the time during which the registration terminal was used for the transaction as the usage status, and provides a screen representing the operating rate. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. When the type of the registration terminal is specified, the providing means derives an operating rate indicating a ratio per predetermined time of the time during which the registration terminal was used for the transaction as the usage status of each registration terminal of the specified type, and provides a screen representing the operating rate. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The acquisition means acquires the state information from the registration terminals and the cash registers of a plurality of stores; The storage means stores, in the storage device, the state information acquired by the acquisition means in association with store identification information capable of identifying the store, the terminal identification information, and the date / time information; The providing means provides a screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal for each store based on the information stored in the storage device. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

6. Causing a computer of an information processing apparatus to function as: An acquisition means for performing product registration by operating a registration terminal that can be used by a user in a store, and acquiring state information indicating the state of a transaction in which the user performs accounting of the product using a cash register from the registration terminal and the cash register; A storage means for storing, in a storage device, the transaction state information acquired by the acquisition means in association with terminal identification information capable of identifying the type of the registration terminal related to the transaction and date / time information indicating the acquired date and time; Providing means for providing a screen representing the usage status of the registration terminal at present or in a past predetermined period for each type of the registration terminal based on the information stored in the memory device; A program for causing it to function.

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