Transaction processing system, information processor, and information processing program

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort of an attendant to locate mobile terminals that need to be coped with by the attendant.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system according to an embodiment includes registration means, determination means, and notification means. The registration means registers transaction articles in response to operations with a mobile terminal. The determination means determines a location of the mobile terminal. The notification means notifies an attendant different from an operator of the mobile terminal of the location determined by the determination means with respect to the mobile terminal in response to a predetermined call event occurring at the mobile terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a transaction processing system, an information processing device, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] A system has been proposed that recognizes products placed in a shopping cart by an operator such as a customer based on a photograph of the product and automatically registers the product as a transaction item. Such a system is called a frictionless cart, an AI (artificial intelligence) cart, a smart cart, or an intelligent cart. However, if some kind of trouble occurs in a mobile terminal operated by an operator in such a system, it may be necessary for an attendant to respond. However, because mobile terminals are movable, it is time-consuming for the attendant to find a mobile terminal in such a situation. Under these circumstances, it has been desirable to reduce the effort required of staff to locate mobile terminals that require staff attention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-108374 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a transaction processing system, an information processing device, and an information processing program that can reduce the effort required of an attendant to find a mobile terminal that requires an attendant's attention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The transaction processing system of the embodiment includes a registration means, a determination means, and a notification means. The registration means registers a transaction product in response to an operation on a mobile terminal. The determination means determines a location of the mobile terminal. The notification means notifies a staff member other than the operator of the mobile terminal of the location of the mobile terminal determined by the determination means in response to a predetermined call event occurring on the mobile terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment and a main circuit configuration of a cart terminal and an attendant terminal; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of transaction data. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the cart terminal is attached to the cart. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a transaction process. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of a transaction process. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a call screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 1 according to this embodiment and the main circuit configuration of a cart terminal 100 and an attendant terminal 400. As shown in FIG. The transaction processing system 1 is configured so that a cart terminal 100, a billing machine 200, a POS server 300, and an attendant terminal 400 can communicate with each other via a communication network 2.

[0008] The communication network 2 may be the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination. As an example, the communication network 2 may be a combination of the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0009] Although any number of cart terminals 100, accounting machines 200, POS servers 300, and attendant terminals 400 may be included in transaction processing system 1, only one of each is shown in Fig. 1. In particular, it is assumed that transaction processing system 1 is configured to include multiple cart terminals 100.

[0010] The cart terminal 100 is an information processing device attached to a shopping cart (hereinafter referred to as a cart) provided in a store. The cart terminal 100 is loaned to a customer who will be shopping in the store together with the cart. The cart terminal 100 is an information processing device that, in response to operations by the customer, executes a transaction process for registering the product that the customer plans to purchase as a transaction product. In other words, the cart terminal 100 is an example of a mobile terminal. Note that the operator of the cart terminal 100 may be a store clerk.

[0011] The payment machine 200 is an information processing device that is installed in a store and executes payment processing related to the settlement of the price of a transaction product registered by the cart terminal 100. The payment machine 200 is operated by an operator during payment processing. The operator of the payment machine 200 is usually a customer. In some cases, the operator of the payment machine 200 is a store clerk. The POS server 300 is an information processing device that executes management processing for managing the buying and selling of goods that is processed by the transaction processing in the cart terminal 100 and the transaction processing in the payment device 200 .

[0012] The attendant terminal 400 is an information processing terminal operated by a store clerk who plays the role of an attendant. The attendant terminal 400 is an information processing device for a user interface related to information processing to support the work of the store clerk regarding transactions processed by the transaction processing system 1. The work of the attendant is, for example, monitoring the implementation status of a transaction being processed and supporting customers appropriately. In this embodiment, the attendant is also a staff member who responds to calls from the cart terminal 100 used in the store.

[0013] The cart terminal 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a touch panel 104, a lamp unit 105, a sound unit 106, a positioning unit 107, a communication unit 108, an interface unit 109, and a transmission path 110. The processor 101 is capable of communicating with the main memory unit 102, the auxiliary memory unit 103, the touch panel 104, the lamp unit 105, the sound unit 106, the positioning unit 107, the communication unit 108, and the interface unit 109 via the transmission path 110.

[0014] The processor 101, the main storage unit 102, and the auxiliary storage unit 103 are connected via a transmission line 110 to constitute a computer that performs information processing for controlling the cart terminal 100. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 executes information processing for controlling each part to realize various functions of the cart terminal 100 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0015] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores a part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 102 may also store data required for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0016] The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 in performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores a cart terminal program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The cart terminal program PRA is an application program in which the procedure of the control process for realizing various functions of the cart terminal 100 is described. This control process includes a transaction process, which will be described later. A part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 103 is used as an area for storing transaction data DAA. The transaction data DAA is data representing a list of transaction products registered for one transaction.

[0017] The touch panel 104 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays a screen for presenting information to the operator. The touch panel 104 also includes an input device such as a touch sensor, and inputs instructions by the operator touching the screen. The lamp unit 105 includes a light-emitting device such as an LED (light emitting diode) lamp, and is switchable between a light-on state and an off state. The lamp unit 105 is provided in a state where it can be easily seen by people around the cart terminal 100 whether it is in a light-on state or an off state.

[0018] The sound unit 106 includes a sound processor, an amplifier, a speaker, and the like, and reproduces various sounds such as voice, chimes, buzzers, and music. The positioning unit 107 determines the current position of the cart terminal 100. The positioning unit 107 may be an existing positioning device that uses a well-known positioning system, such as a beacon or a global positioning system (GPS). Alternatively, the positioning unit 107 may be any of various other positioning devices that determine the position based on the communication status with multiple wireless access points included in the communication network 2.

[0019] The communication unit 108 executes communication processing for wirelessly performing data communication via the communication network 2. For example, an existing wireless communication device for wireless LAN can be used as the communication unit 108. Note that a wired communication device may be used instead of or in addition to the wireless communication device.

[0020] An external device such as a camera 199 is connected to the interface unit 109. The interface unit 109 interfaces data transmission and reception with the connected external device. As the interface unit 109, an existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used. The transmission path 110 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals between the connected components.

[0021] The camera 199 captures an image of a shooting range that includes the entire internal space of the shopping basket placed on the cart. The camera 199 then outputs image data that represents the image obtained by shooting. The camera 199 may repeat shooting at regular intervals, or may take pictures in response to an instruction from the processor 101. In other words, the camera 199 is an example of a shooting device. Instead of the camera 199, a shooting device attached to the surface of the cart terminal 100 opposite to the touch panel 104 may be used.

[0022] The basic hardware of the cart terminal 100 is assumed to be, for example, the hardware of a tablet-type information processing device. The cart terminal 100 is generally transferred in a state in which the cart terminal program PRA is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the cart terminal program PRA may be transferred separately from the hardware in a state in which the cart terminal program PRA is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103, or in a state in which a different version of the same type of application program is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The cart terminal 100 may be configured by writing the cart terminal program PRA to the auxiliary storage unit 103 in response to an operation by an arbitrary worker. The cart terminal program PRA may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of transaction data DAA. The transaction data DAA is generated in relation to a transaction being processed at the cart terminal 100 and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 . The transaction data DAA includes a field FAA, and may further include any number of fields following the field FAB. A transaction code is set in the field FAA as an identifier for the transaction. If there are registered trading products as the subject of the transaction, fields FAB, FAC, ... associated with each of the trading products are added to the transaction data DAA. Product data DAB relating to each separate trading product is set in the fields FAB, FAC, ....

[0024] One item of product data DAB includes fields FBA, FBB, FBC, and FBD. Field FBA contains a product code as an identifier for the associated trading product. Field FBB contains a product name defined for the associated trading product. Field FBC contains a unit price for the associated trading product. Field FBD contains a quantity for the associated trading product. The product data may contain various other information, such as discount information.

[0025] 1, the attendant terminal 400 includes a processor 401, a main memory unit 402, an auxiliary memory unit 403, a display unit 404, an input unit 405, a sound unit 406, a communication unit 407, and a transmission path 408. The processor 401, the main memory unit 402, the auxiliary memory unit 403, the display unit 404, the input unit 405, the sound unit 406, and the communication unit 407 are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 408.

[0026] The processor 401, the main storage unit 402, and the auxiliary storage unit 403 are connected via a transmission line 408 to constitute a computer that performs information processing for controlling the attendant terminal 400. The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 401 executes information processing for controlling each part to realize various functions of the attendant terminal 400 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0027] The main memory unit 402 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 402 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 402 stores a part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 402 may also store data required for the processor 401 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 402 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 401.

[0028] The auxiliary storage unit 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 403 may be, for example, an EEPROM, a HDD, an SSD, or any other known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 403 stores data used by the processor 401 in performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 401. The auxiliary storage unit 403 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 403 stores an attendant program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The attendant program PRB is an application program in which information processing procedures for realizing various functions of the attendant terminal 400 are described.

[0029] The display unit 404 displays a screen for presenting information to the operator. The display unit 404 is, for example, a display device provided on a touch panel. The display unit 404 may be an external liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 404 may include a plurality of types of display devices. The operator of the attendant terminal 400 is, for example, a person who monitors the implementation status of hand washing.

[0030] The input unit 405 inputs instructions from an operator. The input unit 405 is, for example, a touch sensor provided on a touch panel. The input unit 405 may be another type of input device such as a full keyboard. The input unit 405 may also include multiple types of input devices. The sound unit 406 includes a sound processor, an amplifier, a speaker, and the like, and reproduces various sounds such as voice, chimes, buzzers, and music.

[0031] The communication unit 407 executes communication processing for wirelessly performing data communication via the communication network 2. If a wireless LAN is used as the communication network 2 as described above, an existing wireless communication device for the wireless LAN can be used as the communication unit 407. Note that a wired communication device may be used instead of or in addition to the wireless communication device. The transmission path 408 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals between the connected components.

[0032] As the basic hardware of the attendant terminal 400, it is assumed that various general-purpose information processing devices such as a book type or a tower type, or the hardware of a general-purpose information processing device for a server, are used. The attendant terminal 400 is generally transferred in a state in which the attendant program PRB is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403. However, the attendant program PRB may be transferred separately from the hardware in a state in which the attendant program PRB is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403, or in a state in which a different version of the same type of application program is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 403. The attendant terminal 400 may be configured by writing the attendant program PRB into the auxiliary storage unit 403 in response to an operation by an arbitrary worker. The attendant program PRB may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of how the cart terminal 100 is attached to the cart. The cart 900 includes a caster portion 910, a handle frame portion 920, and a basket receiving portion 930. The caster unit 910 has four wheels 911 for smoothly moving the cart 900 on a floor surface. The wheels 911 are attached to a frame 912 in a state capable of rotating around an axis in the vertical direction.

[0034] The handle frame portion 920 includes a pair of vertical frames 921, 921 and a handle bar 922. The vertical frames 921, 921 are erected above the two wheels of the caster portion 910. The handle bar 922 connects the upper ends of the vertical frames 921, 921 together. The basket receiving portion 930 is provided horizontally from a midway portion of the handle frame portion 920. The basket receiving portion 930 holds a shopping basket SB as a container for storing merchandise. The caster portion 910 is also capable of holding a shopping basket SB on the frame 912. In other words, merchandise is stored inside the shopping basket SB located above the basket receiving portion 930, and the space above the basket receiving portion 930 corresponds to the merchandise storage space.

[0035] A customer using the cart 900 is typically positioned in front of the handle frame portion 920 in Fig. 3. The customer pushes the cart 900 while gripping the handle bar 922. That is, in this case, the direction in which the basket receiving portion 930 protrudes relative to the handle frame portion 920 is the forward direction of the cart 900.

[0036] The camera 199 is attached to the middle of the handle bar 922 in such a manner that the inside of the shopping basket SB held by the basket receiving part 930 can be photographed from above in a bird's-eye view. The basket receiving part 930 of the cart 900 may be changed to a storage part having a shape capable of directly storing products, and the camera 199 may photograph the inside of this storage part in a bird's-eye view. In this case, the space inside the storage part becomes the product storage space. A pole 940 is attached to one of the vertical frames 921 so that its tip is located above the handle bar 922. The cart terminal 100 described above is attached to the tip of the pole 940 in a position in which the touch panel 104 faces the opposite side of the forward direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the lamp unit 105 is provided in such a manner that its light-emitting part is located at the upper end of the cart terminal 100 in the state in which it is attached in the above-mentioned position. However, the lamp unit 105 may be provided with two light-emitting units located at both ends of the upper side of the cart terminal 100, for example, so long as the light-emitting units are provided in a state where the light emitted can be easily seen from the surroundings. A battery case 950 is attached between the vertical frames 921, 921 on the lower end side of the handle frame portion 920. The battery case 950 houses a battery used as an external power source for the cart terminal 100.

[0037] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. For example, in the following explanation, in order to easily explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, the explanation of some of the processes is omitted. For example, when some kind of error occurs, a process may be performed to deal with the error, but the description of such a process is omitted.

[0038] The customer performs a predetermined operation for starting use on the unused cart terminal 100. When this operation is performed, the processor 101 starts a transaction process based on the cart terminal program PRA. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of the transaction process.

[0039] 4, the processor 101 generates new transaction data DAA for the target transaction. That is, the processor 101, for example, determines a new transaction code different from transaction codes for identifying other transactions according to a predetermined rule, generates new transaction data DAA that includes this transaction code but does not include product information related to the transaction product, and stores the new transaction data DAA in the auxiliary storage unit 103.

[0040] As ACT12, the processor 101 displays a registration screen on the touch panel 104. The registration screen is a screen for allowing a customer to recognize the registration status of a transaction product. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen. In the registration screen shown in FIG. 6, an image showing the registration status is placed in the area ARA. The registration screen shows buttons BUA and BUB. The registration screen shows a text message CMA. In the example of FIG. 6, the image placed in the area ARA shows that a total of two items have been registered, one each of items with product names "AAAAAAAAAA" and "BBBBBBBBBB" and unit prices of 178 yen and 198 yen, respectively, and the reference price is 406 yen. The reference price is the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from various services such as coupon services from the total unit price of all the transaction items. If the transaction is settled without changing the transaction items and the applied services, this reference price will be the settlement amount. The image placed in the area ARA changes sequentially according to the registration status of the transaction items. However, since the transaction items have not yet been registered when ACT12 is executed, the area ARA at this time does not show the information of each item, and an image showing a total of 0 items and a reference price of 0 yen is placed. The button BUA is a soft key for receiving a transaction specification from the operator. The button BUB is a soft key for receiving a call to an attendant specification from the operator.

[0041] In ACT 13, the processor 101 checks whether it is time to capture an image. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 14. The capture timing is assumed to be, for example, immediately after proceeding from ACT 12 to ACT 13, and at regular time intervals thereafter, and may be appropriately determined by, for example, the creator of the cart terminal program PRA.

[0042] In ACT14, the processor 101 checks whether a predetermined call event has occurred. If the processor 101 cannot check the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT15. Note that a call event is an event that requires an attendant to respond at the cart terminal 100, and therefore requires the attendant to be called. What kind of event is considered a call event may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the creator of the cart terminal program PRA.

[0043] In ACT 15, the processor 101 checks whether a transaction has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 13. Thus, in ACT13 to ACT15, the processor 101 waits for the acquisition timing to come, for a call event to occur, or for a bill to be specified.

[0044] The customer searches for the product to be traded in the store, picks up the product he or she wishes to purchase from the sales floor, and places it in the shopping basket SB. When the acquisition timing arrives, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT16.

[0045] In ACT16, processor 101 acquires image data output by camera 199. For example, if camera 199 repeats shooting at a constant cycle, processor 101 acquires image data output by camera 199 in response to the most recent shooting. For example, if camera 199 shoots in response to an instruction from processor 101, processor 101 instructs camera 199 to shoot, and acquires image data output by camera 199 in response to the instruction. Then, processor 101 stores the acquired image data in main storage unit 102 or auxiliary storage unit 103. In ACT 17, the processor 101 checks whether a product has been put into the shopping basket SB. If the processor 101 cannot check this event, it determines NO and returns to the standby state of ACT 13 to ACT 15.

[0046] If the first acquisition timing is immediately after proceeding from ACT12 to ACT13, the image represented by the image data acquired by first executing ACT16 will not include the product in most cases. Therefore, processor 101 judges NO in ACT17 and returns to the standby state of ACT13 to ACT15. Then, processor 101 repeats ACT16 and ACT17 every time an acquisition timing occurs. At this time, processor 101 leaves image data (hereinafter referred to as past data) acquired by executing ACT16 during a predetermined period in the past and already stored in main memory unit 102 or auxiliary memory unit 103 as it is in main memory unit 102 or auxiliary memory unit 103.

[0047] For example, the processor 101 checks whether a new product has been added to the shopping basket SB based on the difference between the image data (hereinafter referred to as the current data) newly acquired in ACT16 and the past data, and if the relevant product is present, it is determined that the product has been added. The processor 101 may also monitor the movement of the hand holding the product based on the current data and multiple past data, and determine that the product has been added based on the result of the monitoring. If the processor 101 determines that the product has been added, it determines YES in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT18.

[0048] In ACT18, the processor 101 executes a recognition process for the input product detected in ACT17. The processor 101, for example, inputs the current data into a machine-installed image recognition engine, detects the product, extracts the product's features, and obtains feature quantities. The processor 101 then, for example, searches a collation dictionary for the feature quantities to determine one or more candidate products. If the processor 101 finds multiple products that should be candidate products, it narrows them down to a predetermined number or less of candidate products according to a predetermined rule. The above rules may be appropriately determined, for example, by the creator of the cart terminal program PRA.

[0049] In ACT19, the processor 101 executes a transaction process for registering the commodity placed in the shopping basket SB as a transaction commodity based on the result of the recognition in ACT18. For example, if the processor 101 determines one candidate commodity in ACT18, it updates the transaction data DAA so that the candidate commodity is one of the transaction commodities. Alternatively, if the processor 101 determines multiple candidate commodities in ACT18, it selects one of the multiple candidate commodities according to a predetermined rule and updates the transaction data DAA so that the selected commodity is one of the transaction commodities. For example, the processor 101 registers the commodity designated by the operator among the multiple candidate commodities as a transaction commodity. The above rule may be appropriately determined, for example, by the creator of the cart terminal program PRA. Thus, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, and the computer having the processor 101 as its central part functions as a registration means. In ACT20, the processor 101 updates the registration screen so that the image arranged in the area ARA represents the transaction status represented by the updated transaction data DAA. Then, the processor 101 returns to the standby state of ACT13 to ACT15.

[0050] After the customer has registered the first product in the above manner, if there is another product that the customer wishes to purchase, the customer places that product in the shopping basket SB. The processor 101 judges YES in ACT13 at each acquisition timing, proceeds to ACT16, and executes ACT16 to ACT17 as described above. At this time, if the new product added to the shopping basket SB as described above is reflected in the image represented by the image data acquired in ACT16, the processor 101 executes ACT18 to ACT20 as described above, and adds the new product added to the shopping basket SB to the transaction products.

[0051] Now, if the customer wishes to be served by an attendant for some reason, the customer designates an attendant call, for example by tapping a button BUA on the registration screen. In this embodiment, designating an attendant call is one of the call events. Note that, for example, when an error requiring attendant support occurs in the cart terminal 100, or when the customer performs an illegal operation, etc., can be regarded as another call event. Then, when a call event occurs in this way, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT14, and proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 5.

[0052] In ACT31, the processor 101 acquires location information indicating the current location of the cart terminal 100. The processor 101 acquires, from the positioning unit 107, location information indicating the latest positioning result by the positioning unit 107, for example. As ACT32, the processor 101 issues a call notification to the attendant terminal 400 along with notification of the location information determined in ACT31. For example, the processor 101 causes the communication unit 108 to transmit notification data including a command for identifying the call notification and the location information acquired in ACT31 in a predetermined format to the attendant terminal 400 over the communication network 2.

[0053] When this notification data is transmitted to the attendant terminal 400 via the communication network 2, it is received by the communication unit 407. Then, in the attendant terminal 400, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT41 in FIG. 5 in the information processing based on the attendant program PRB.

[0054] As ACT41, the processor 401 determines the current position of the cart terminal 100. For example, the processor 101 determines the position indicated by the notified position information as the current position of the cart terminal 100 as is. Alternatively, the processor 101 may determine the current position of the cart terminal 100 by a predetermined process that takes into account the position indicated by the notified position information. That is, the processor 101 may perform a process of converting the position indicated in the position information as a coordinate value in an absolute coordinate system into a position code that is determined so that the position within the store can be easily determined. In this way, the processor 401 executes information processing based on the attendant program PRB, and the computer with the processor 401 as its core portion functions as a determination means.

[0055] As ACT42, the processor 401 displays a call screen on the display unit 404. The call screen is a screen for notifying the attendant that there has been a call from the cart terminal 100. The call screen is also a screen for notifying the attendant of the current location of the cart terminal 100 at the time the call was made.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the call screen. The call screen shown in Fig. 7 is a screen that displays, by a text message, which cart terminal 100 the call was made from and its current location. That is, the call screen shown in Fig. 7 is an example of a case where a call was made from the cart terminal 100 identified by the number "TB05" "near the frozen food section in aisle 3." Thus, the processor 401 executes information processing based on the attendant program PRB, so that the computer having the processor 401 as its central portion functions as a notification means.

[0057] When the attendant recognizes that a call has been made by the display of this call screen, he or she goes to the location shown on the call screen, confirms with the customer who is the operator of the cart terminal 100 shown on the call screen, and takes the necessary action. After completing the action, the attendant then performs a predetermined operation on the cart terminal 100.

[0058] After the processor 101 in the cart terminal 100 issues a call notification in ACT32 in FIG. As ACT33, the processor 101 starts an alarm operation. The alarm operation is a predetermined operation for making it easier for the attendant to distinguish the cart terminal 100 that has made the call. The processor 101, for example, lights or blinks the lamp unit 105. Thus, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as an alarm means.

[0059] The lamp unit 105 may be turned on or blinking during normal operation, and the lamp unit 105 may be turned off as an alarm operation. Alternatively, the lamp unit 105 may be turned on or blinking during normal operation, and the alarm operation may be performed by changing the color of the light or blinking from that during normal operation. Instead of or in addition to the lamp unit 105, a lamp unit may be provided that is attached to the cart 900 and externally attached to the cart terminal 100, and the alarm operation may be performed by changing the lighting state of the lamp unit. The alarm operation may be an alarm using sound, such as a chime sound reproduced by the sound unit 106.

[0060] As ACT34, the processor 101 displays a guide screen on the touch panel 104. The guide screen is a screen for guiding a customer not to move. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the guide screen. The guide screen shown in FIG. 8 is a screen in which a window WIA is displayed superimposed on the registration screen that was previously displayed on the touch panel 104. The window WIA informs the user by a text message that a call is being made and that the user should wait without moving.

[0061] Thus, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the cart terminal program, and the computer having the processor 101 as its central part functions as a guide means. Note that the guide may be given by sound, for example by playing a voice message from the sound unit 106.

[0062] The processor 101 proceeds to ACT35 with the guide screen still displayed. In ACT 35, the processor 101 waits for the attendant to complete the response. If a predetermined condition is met, such as the attendant performing a predetermined operation as described above, the processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 36.

[0063] In ACT36, the processor 101 stops the alarm operation started in ACT33. In ACT37, the processor 101 causes the touch panel 104 to display again the registration screen that was displayed before the guide screen was displayed. Then, the processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT13 to ACT15 in FIG.

[0064] Now, if the transaction is designated by a predetermined operation such as tapping a button BUA displayed on the registration screen, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT21. As ACT21, the processor 101 requests, for example, the payment machine 200 to settle the prices for all registered transaction items. That is, the processor 101, for example, passes transaction data to the payment machine 200 and requests the payment machine 200 to settle. Note that if a payment terminal (not shown) is attached to the cart 900 and the payment terminal is connected to the cart terminal 100, the processor 101 may calculate the amount to be settled and request that the amount be settled by credit card payment, code payment, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 101 may calculate the amount to be settled and request that the amount be settled from an online payment server (not shown), for example. Once the processor 101 has completed the payment request, it ends the transaction processing for this transaction.

[0065] As described above, transaction processing system 1 notifies an attendant of the current location of cart terminal 100 where a call event has occurred, thereby reducing the effort required for the attendant to find cart terminal 100 that requires assistance.

[0066] Furthermore, the transaction processing system 1 performs an alarm operation such as turning on the lamp unit 105 of the cart terminal 100 where the call event has occurred. This allows an attendant who, in response to the notification from the attendant terminal 400, goes to the cart terminal 100 where the call event has occurred to easily identify the cart terminal 100.

[0067] Furthermore, transaction processing system 1 displays a guide screen on touch panel 104 of cart terminal 100 where a call event has occurred to guide the customer not to move. If the customer does not follow this guide and move, even if the attendant who recognizes the call based on the notification on the call screen of attendant terminal 400 leaves attendant terminal 400 and heads toward the corresponding cart terminal 100, the attendant can easily find the corresponding cart terminal 100 based on the notification content on the call screen.

[0068] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. In the above embodiment, a part of the processing executed by the processor 101 may be executed by the POS server 300 or the attendant terminal 400, or any other one or more information processing devices. For example, the cart terminal 100 may perform only the user interface operation, and various information processing for identifying and registering the transaction product may be executed by a computer included in the POS server 300. In other words, the registration means may be included in any information processing device other than the cart terminal 100 included in the transaction processing system 1, or may be appropriately distributed among multiple information processing devices included in the transaction processing system 1. In addition, the determination of the position of the cart terminal 100 and the generation of the call screen may be executed by the processor 101 in the cart terminal 100, or may be executed by a computer included in the POS server 300. In other words, the determination means may be included in any information processing device other than the attendant terminal 400.

[0069] The positioning may be performed by an arbitrary device other than the cart terminal 100, for example, based on the communication conditions between a plurality of access points and the cart terminal 100.

[0070] The mobile terminal may be an information processing device other than the cart terminal 100, such as a smartphone that a customer brings into the store.

[0071] Each function realized by the processor 101, 401 through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...transaction processing system, 2...communication network, 100...cart terminal, 200...accounting machine, 300...POS server, 400...attendant terminal, 900...cart, 101,401...processor, 102,402...main memory unit, 103,403...auxiliary memory unit, 104...touch panel, 105...lamp unit, 106,406...sound unit, 107...positioning unit, 108,407...communication unit, 109...interface unit, 110,408...transmission path, 404...display unit, 405...input unit, 199...camera.

Claims

1. A registration means for registering a trading product in response to an operation on a mobile terminal; A determination means for determining a location of the mobile terminal; a notification means for notifying a staff member other than an operator of the mobile terminal of the location of the mobile terminal determined by the determination means in response to a predetermined call event occurring at the mobile terminal; A transaction processing system comprising:

2. an alarm means, which is provided in the mobile terminal and performs an alarm operation to enable the occurrence of the call event to be recognized by those around; The transaction processing system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. a guidance means provided in the mobile terminal for instructing an operator of the mobile terminal not to move when the call event is occurring; The transaction processing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The present invention is used in a transaction processing system having a registration means for registering a transaction product in response to an operation on a mobile terminal, A determination means for determining a location of the mobile terminal; a notification means for notifying a staff member other than an operator of the mobile terminal of the location of the mobile terminal determined by the determination means in response to a predetermined call event occurring at the mobile terminal; An information processing device comprising:

5. A computer provided in an information processing device used in a transaction processing system having a registration means for registering a transaction product in response to an operation on a mobile terminal, A determination means for determining a location of the mobile terminal; a notification means for notifying a staff member other than an operator of the mobile terminal of the location of the mobile terminal determined by the determination means in response to a predetermined call event occurring at the mobile terminal; An information processing program that enables the system to function as such.

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