Sales management system, portable terminal, and program

Abstract

To provide an environment that facilitates shopping at a shop utilizing a portable terminal.SOLUTION: There is provided a portable terminal including: position specifying means for specifying a current position; and shop specifying means for specifying a predetermined shop that performs adjustment of a registered commodity. The shop specifying means specifies the predetermined shop based on the position, or when the predetermined shop cannot be specified based on the position, prompts a customer to input shop information, thereby specifying the predetermined shop by using the shop information as input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales data processing system and a program for specifying and managing product information.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, self-service POS systems for customers to perform registration processing of purchased products have become widespread. Furthermore, there is a portable registration device that can register products simultaneously when placing the products in a shopping basket or the like. In recent years, a sales data processing system is known in which a shopping application is downloaded to a portable terminal such as a smartphone owned by a customer and used as a registration device for the customer to perform their own product registration in a store.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A sales data processing system using a portable terminal such as a smartphone allows customers to register products using a portable terminal such as a smartphone with which they are familiar, so that the time required for registration processing at the cash register can be saved.

[0005] However, when using a portable terminal, it is necessary to identify the store where shopping is being done. In this case, procedures such as inputting the store into the portable terminal or identifying the store are required for the customer, which forces the customer to perform time-consuming tasks when shopping.

[0006] In addition, when allowing the customer to perform credit card settlement processing using a mobile terminal, it has sometimes been difficult for the store side to confirm whether the settlement processing using electronic payment such as a credit card has been properly performed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an environment that facilitates shopping at a store using a mobile terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to one embodiment, there is provided a mobile terminal including position specifying means for specifying the current position and store specifying means for specifying a predetermined store that performs settlement of registered products, wherein the store specifying means specifies the predetermined store based on the position, or when it is not possible to specify the predetermined store based on the position, prompts the customer to input store information, and specifies the predetermined store based on the input store information.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the sales data processing apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a sales processing system that facilitates shopping at a store using a mobile terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The sales data processing system of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. -Overall Configuration of the Sales Data Processing System- As shown in FIG. 1, a sales data processing system 1 according to an embodiment includes a host device 10 having storage means for storing a product master 110, a store master 120, a member master 130, a shopping file 140, etc., and a mobile terminal 20 connected to the host device 10 via the Internet or the like.

[0012] The upper-level device 10 is, for example, a cloud server, and is in cooperation with a store controller (management device) 60 that constructs a product sales system 6 of a store via the Internet or the like. The product master 110 and the like stored in the upper-level device 10 are appropriately updated, for example, every predetermined time, based on each piece of information of the store controller 60.

[0013] The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone personally owned by a customer. The mobile terminal 20 includes a camera (input unit) 260 for imaging, a display unit (display input unit) 250 such as a touch panel, and the like. Note that the mobile terminal 20 may be a dedicated mobile terminal for store lending. The mobile terminal (smartphone) 20 has the function of a registration device that executes a registration process for products to be purchased when shopping in a store by introducing a dedicated application.

[0014] The mobile terminal 20 can appropriately exchange information with the product master 110, store master 120, shopping file 140, etc. stored in the upper-level device 10. In addition, it outputs registration information to a settlement device such as a POS terminal 70.

[0015] The product sales system 6 of the store includes a store controller 60 and a plurality of POS terminals (registration and settlement devices) 70, and the POS terminal 70 can perform registration and settlement processing for products purchased by customers.

[0016] The store controller 60 is an information processing device that manages the entire product sales system 6 of the store, manages the POS terminals 70, etc., and also manages various information such as a product master and a member master. The store controller 60 acquires and stores a product master in which the latest product information is reflected from the outside (for example, a server at the head office, a removable storage medium). The product master is a file in which product information such as a product name (product name, item name), a selling price, and discount information is associated with product identification information (for example, a JAN code) assigned to each product and stored.

[0017] The POS terminal 70 is a device that performs registration processing and settlement processing for the products purchased by customers, and includes an input unit 760 such as a barcode reader, preset keys, and a CCD camera for reading information on the products purchased by customers, a display unit 750 such as a touch panel for displaying the read product information, etc., and a printing unit 770 for printing receipts, etc. And when the shopping identification information is input from the mobile terminal 20, etc., the POS terminal 70 can refer to the shopping files, etc. of the host device 10 as necessary.

[0018] As an example of the POS terminal 70, a POS terminal dedicated to settlement can be cited. In this embodiment, the customer can register products by using their own smartphone (mobile terminal) 20 in the store. And the customer can conduct product transactions without the intervention of the store clerk by performing settlement processing with a POS terminal dedicated to settlement.

[0019] Note that the POS terminal 70 is not limited to a POS terminal dedicated to settlement, and it may be a POS of a semi-self-service type in which the store clerk performs registration processing for the products purchased by the customer and the customer performs settlement processing by themselves. In the case of a semi-self-service type POS, the registration device for performing registration processing and the settlement device are separated, and the registration information obtained by the registration device performing registration processing may be output to the settlement device and the customer may perform settlement processing by themselves in the settlement device, or it may be a face-to-face POS having a screen for performing registration processing for the store clerk, a screen for performing settlement processing for the customer, and a cash processing unit. Also, the POS terminal 70 may be a POS of a full-self-service type in which the customer performs registration processing and settlement processing for the products they purchase themselves, that is, without the intervention of the store clerk.

[0020] Also, the POS terminal 70 may be a switchable POS that can be switched to any one of the semi-self-service type POS in which the customer performs settlement processing by themselves, the face-to-face semi-self-service POS, and the full-self-service type POS by switching according to the congestion situation, store clerk situation, etc. An example of the switching type POS terminal 70 is shown in FIG. 2. In the example of the POS terminal 70 shown in FIG. 2, a table 70a is provided. Furthermore, it may be a normal POS cash register in which a store clerk performs registration processing and settlement processing of products purchased by customers. As long as it is a device capable of performing settlement processing, there is no limitation whatsoever.

[0021] And the sales data processing system 1 of the present embodiment can be retrofitted (add-on) to a product sales system 6 of a store having, for example, a store controller 60 and a plurality of POS terminals 70, thereby constructing a sales data processing system capable of registering products using a smartphone owned by a customer in the store.

[0022] As described above, the overall configuration outline of the sales data processing system of the present embodiment has been described. Furthermore, several examples will be given for explanation. Generally, in a store, when a customer purchases a product, the customer takes the product to be purchased to the cash register, and the store clerk enters the price of each product using the cash register, so that the prices of all products are totaled and the sales price in one transaction is determined. And in the store, when determining the sales price, various discounts and the like are applied to lower the sales price in an attempt to acquire customers.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a system adopted in a supermarket or the like that develops a plurality of stores. Normally, in a system such as a supermarket, a head office system (server) 50 that comprehensively manages all stores is installed. In the head office system 50, a common product master, a store master, a product master for each store, a common special sale plan master, a special sale plan master for each store, a member master, and the like are managed.

[0024] At each store, a POS terminal 70 and a store controller 60 that manages the POS terminal 70 are arranged, and a POS system is constructed. The store controller 60 of each store receives the common product master, store master, product master for each store, common special sale plan master, and special sale plan master for each store from the head office system 50, and also inputs (registers) them at the store. Regarding the member master, it may be received from the head office system 50 in the same way as other masters, but the store controller does not need to have it and may inquire with the head office system each time when querying member information, etc.

[0025] The POS system of each store has its own selling price determination logic. The selling price determination logic has several logics for calculating the selling price of the products purchased by the shoppers, and also includes a function of determining which logic to apply to determine the selling price when calculating the selling price of the product. For example, when a certain product is a single-item discount target product but at the same time a set match discount target product, the set match discount with a lower price is applied. Note that which discount logic to select is determined by the setting.

[0026] Here, several selling price determination logics for determining the selling price of the product will be exemplified and explained. First, the standard selling price determination logic is taken as the selling price determination logic (basic). Also, the selling price determination logic unique to each company or store is taken as the selling price determination logic (company / store). The selling price determination logic (basic) has functions such as subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discount, single-item discount, bundle / mix match discount, set match discount, etc. The selling price determination logic (enterprise / store) includes, for example, the above subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discount / deduction, single-item discount / deduction, bundle / mix-match discount, set-match discount, as well as discounts / deductions due to special services for members and discounts / deductions for each payment method used at the time of settlement. Also, the selling price determination logic (enterprise / store) has its own functions such as which condition to prioritize when multiple discount / deduction conditions conflict simultaneously. Note that the selling price determination logic (enterprise / store) may also have its own logic for the subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discount / deduction, single-item discount / deduction, bundle / mix-match discount, and set-match discount.

[0027] Referring to Fig. 3(a), the logic included in the above selling price determination logic will be described. The subtotal (Logic A) is a logic for determining the selling price of the purchased goods, and calculates the total amount by summing up the prices of the latest product information of each product. The subtotal discount (Logic B) is a process of deducting a predetermined amount or a predetermined percentage from the subtotal amount (total amount). The single-item discount (Logic C) is a process of giving a special discount or deduction to a specific single product.

[0028] The bundle / mix-match discount (Logic D) is a process of giving a discount or deduction by purchasing several products together from a specific group of products, etc. The set-match discount (Logic E) is a process of giving a discount or deduction by purchasing specific products in combination.

[0029] The payment method discount (Logic F) is a process of giving a discount or deduction according to the payment method used by the member at the time of settlement. The membership type discount (Logic G) is a process of giving a discount or deduction from a specific product or the subtotal amount due to the member being a member. The lowest price calculation logic (Logic H) is a process that determines which discount should be applied to calculate the lowest price when a product meets multiple discount conditions (multiple logics are applicable).

[0030] And in each store, according to the measures required by the store operator such as an enterprise, some of the above logics A to H are combined to set the selling price determination logic in that store, and the selling price is determined. Note that the logic for determining the selling price determination logic can be appropriately set by the store operator in addition to the above logics (for example, settings such as which one to select when multiple price cuts overlap), and it goes without saying that it may have logics other than the above logics A to H.

[0031] Next, an introduction model of the sales data processing system of this embodiment will be described.

[0032] - Example of introducing a sales data processing system with a new price determination logic (basic)- The outline of the model when introducing a sales data processing system with an independent selling price determination logic (basic) regardless of the existing selling price determination logic, such as when a new store is newly opened, is shown in FIG. 5. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system can be configured by the store controller of the store, and the mobile terminal 20 can communicate directly with the store controller which is the upper device 10 to build. The product master 110, store master 120, etc. stored in the upper device 10 can be built by directly inputting product information and store information through a web browser or the like.

[0033] In this example, since the sales decision logic adopted in the new store is set in the store controller, the sales data processing system can be built smoothly. Hereinafter, an example of the processing flow in this example will be briefly described. The numbers in parentheses in the description indicate the processing in FIG. 5.

[0034] In the sales data processing system of this example, (1) When a member carrying the mobile terminal 20 starts the application on the mobile terminal 20, the application acquires GPS information etc. of the mobile terminal 20 and transmits the acquired location information to the upper device 10. If the location information cannot be acquired, the application displays on the display unit 250 to read the QR code (registered trademark) installed at the entrance of the store etc. with the mobile terminal 20, and when the QR code (registered trademark) is read, information for identifying the store coded as the QR code (registered trademark) may be transmitted to the upper device 10. Note that the means for acquiring the location information is not limited to GPS.

[0035] (2) The upper device 10 that has received the location information (or information for identifying the store) from the mobile terminal 20 transmits the store information of one or a plurality of stores closest to the location of the mobile terminal 20 to the mobile terminal 20 based on the received location information etc. and the information stored in the store master 120. Note that when the upper device 10 transmits the store information to the mobile terminal 20, it may also transmit customer information (such as the number of acquired points and membership rank) at the same time. Furthermore, the upper device 10 may also transmit to the mobile terminal 20 the special sale information (such as the store name and information on the discount sale being carried out at the store, flyer information in which the store information is published, etc.) of the store information used by the member.

[0036] The mobile terminal 20 that has received the store information displays the received store information on the display unit 250. Or displays the received multiple store information in a selectable manner. When the member checks the store displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20 and selects it when multiple displays are made, the store where shopping is to be done is specified. When the store is specified, the upper device 10 associates the product master of the specified store with the mobile terminal 20 and generates a shopping file (basket data).

[0037] (3) At a specified store, when a member reads the symbol code information of the product to be purchased with the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the read symbol code information (product identification information) to the upper device 10. The product identification information includes all that can be acquired as an image capable of identifying a product, such as barcodes, object recognition based on feature amounts of images, and character recognition. (4) The upper device 10 that has received the product identification information extracts product information from the product master 110 based on the received product identification information and transmits it to the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 registers the received product information as the product purchased by the member.

[0038] (5) The product information registered by the mobile terminal 20 is transmitted to the upper device 10 as registered product information, and the upper device 10 stores the received registered product information in the shopping file (basket data). (6) The upper device 10 performs a subtotal calculation on the registered product information stored in the shopping file according to the selling price determination logic, and (7) transmits the calculated total amount to the mobile terminal 20. As a result, the member can proceed with shopping while viewing the current total amount (in some cases, the estimated amount) during shopping.

[0039] (8) When the member finishes shopping and displays symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) storing the shopping identification information on the display unit 250 and has it read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70. (9) The POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information requests the upper device 10 for the shopping information (registered product information, etc.) associated with the shopping identification information.

[0040] (10) The upper device 10 that has received the shopping identification information from the POS terminal 70 extracts the calculated shopping information associated with the shopping identification information from the basket data and transmits it to the POS terminal 70. (11) The POS terminal 70 that has received the calculated shopping information displays a settlement screen based on the received shopping information. When the member makes a payment according to the settlement screen, a transaction using the mobile terminal 20 is completed. The processing flow in this example has been described above.

[0041] Note that the subtotal calculation by the selling price determination logic may be performed by the POS terminal 70. In that case, the upper device 10 may transmit the uncalculated shopping information related to the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70 in response to the request for the shopping information of the POS terminal 70 in (9). Furthermore, the subtotal calculation by the selling price determination logic may be performed by the mobile terminal 20.

[0042] - Example of introducing a sales data processing system into an existing store (Part 1)- This example is an example in which accounting can be performed by the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system without using the store's selling price determination logic for the existing store shown in FIG. 4. In this example, for example, for an existing store in which the set selling price determination logic is the selling price determination logic (basic), a sales data processing system having the selling price determination logic (basic) can be added.

[0043] The example shown in FIG. 6 can be constructed by providing the sales data processing system by cloud service for the existing store shown in FIG. 4, and the mobile terminal 20 communicates with the upper device 10 arranged in the cloud service.

[0044] In this example, since the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system is the same as the selling price determination logic (basic) set in the existing store, when determining the selling price based on the registered product information registered by the mobile terminal 20, it is not necessary to use the selling price determination logic of the existing store. Note that the selling price determination logic provided by the selling price determination logic and the sales data processing system set in the existing store is not limited to the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0045] In this example, in order to use the sales data processing system, product information (product master, special sale plan master, etc.) and store information are periodically transmitted from the existing head office system 50 or a store controller arranged in the store to the upper device 10 provided by the cloud service via the Internet or the like. Note that it is preferable to transmit only the information valid on the day for the product master and the special sale plan master.

[0046] Since the upper device 10 provided by the cloud service acquires and stores product information (product master, special sale plan master, etc.) and store information, a sales data processing system can be constructed simply by adding a POS terminal 70 that performs settlement processing based on the registration information registered for products by the mobile terminal 20.

[0047] Then, the shopping information in the shopping file 140 arranged in the cloud service may be transmitted to the head office system 50 or the store controller 60 of the store via the Internet periodically, or may be transmitted to the store controller 60 via the in-store network, and the results of transactions performed by the mobile terminal 20 may be stored.

[0048] The processing flow in this example is the same as that of the newly installed sales data processing system shown in FIG. 5, except that the upper device 10 is not a store controller but acquires information etc. from the head office system 50 or the store controller 60 arranged in the cloud service, so the description of the processing flow is omitted. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6 as well, it is similarly possible to make the subtotal calculation by the selling price determination logic executable by the apps of the POS terminal 70 and the mobile terminal 20. Alternatively, it is also possible to make corresponding modifications, such as modifying the application of the existing POS terminal (cash register) 70, without newly adding a POS terminal 70.

[0049] -Example of introducing a sales data processing system into an existing store (Part 2)- In this example shown in FIG. 7, for example, for the existing store shown in FIG. 4, while using the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system, the selling price is determined by the selling price determination logic of the store's POS terminal 70 for accounting. In this example, for example, the settlement amount is determined by the selling price determination logic (enterprise / store) set in the existing store. On the other hand, the selling price determination logic (basic) of the sales data processing system can provide an approximate amount during shopping to the mobile terminal.

[0050] In this example, for the existing store shown in FIG. 4, the sales data processing system is provided by a cloud service, and the mobile terminal 20 communicates with the upper device 10 arranged in the cloud service. In addition, by modifying the existing cash register (POS terminal) 70 to be communicable with the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system and introducing an application corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) reading of the mobile terminal 20, etc., a sales data processing system corresponding to the product registration process by the mobile terminal 20 can be constructed.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system does not correspond to the selling price determination logic (enterprise / store) set in the existing store, the mobile terminal 20 cannot display the exact total amount. However, the approximate amount calculated by the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 can be displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 and can be used as a rough guide for shopping.

[0052] Note that the selling price determination logic provided by the selling price determination logic and sales data processing system set in the existing store is not limited to the selling price determination logic (company / store) and the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0053] In the process flow of this example, in (6), since the selling price determination logic for performing subtotal calculation is different from the selling price determination logic of the store, the total amount transmitted in (7) is an estimated amount, and the POS terminal 70 in (8), (9), (10), and (11) is the same as the POS terminal installed in the existing store except that it is a newly installed sales data processing system shown in FIG. 4 above, so the description of the process flow is omitted.

[0054] -Example of introducing a sales data processing system into an existing store (Part 3)- This example shown in FIG. 8 is, for example, an example in which, for the existing store shown in FIG. 4, while performing a subtotal service that causes the head office system (server), store controller, etc. to determine the selling price according to the selling price determination logic (company / store) of the store, accounting is performed by the newly arranged POS terminal 70 instead of the existing POS terminal. According to this example, for example, when a POS terminal different from the POS terminal 70 for which the settlement is determined by the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store is installed, it is not necessary to collect the program of the POS terminal.

[0055] In this example, for the existing store shown in FIG. 3, a sales data processing system is provided by cloud service, and the mobile terminal 20 communicates with the upper device 10 arranged in the cloud service. Then, for the upper device (cloud service) 10, in addition to the basket cooperation function that transfers the shopping information stored in the shopping file to subtotal services such as the head office system (server) and the store controller, a function to update the information in the shopping file according to the result calculated by the subtotal service is given, so that a sales data processing system corresponding to the product registration process by the mobile terminal 20 can be constructed. In addition, a function to perform data conversion when transferring information, etc., is given as necessary.

[0056] In the present example shown in FIG. 8, since the subtotal calculation is performed by the subtotal service of the existing store's head office system or the like, it is not necessary to determine the selling price according to the selling price determination logic of the existing POS terminal 70, and even without the network connection with the existing POS terminal 70 or the like, accounting by the new POS terminal 70 becomes possible. Note that data such as sales results can be managed by transmitting them to each of the head office system (server) 50, the store controller 60, and the upper device (cloud service) 10.

[0057] Also in this example, since the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system does not correspond to the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store, the mobile terminal 20 cannot display the accurate total amount. However, the approximate amount calculated by the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 can be displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 and can be used as a shopping guideline.

[0058] Note that the selling price determination logic set in the existing store and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (company / store) and the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0059] Hereinafter, an example of the processing flow in this example will be briefly described. The numbers in parentheses in the description indicate the processing in FIG. 8.

[0060] In the sales data processing system of this example, steps (1) to (5) are the same as (1) to (5) shown in FIG. 4, so they are omitted.

[0061] (6) The upper device 10 performs an approximate calculation on the registered product information stored in the shopping file according to the selling price determination logic (basic), and (7) transmits the calculated approximate amount to the mobile terminal 20. As a result, the member can proceed with shopping while viewing the current approximate amount during shopping.

[0062] (8) When the member finishes shopping and displays symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) storing the shopping identification information on the display unit 250 and causes it to be read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping information to the POS terminal 70. (9) The POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information transmits the shopping identification information to the upper device 10 and requests the shopping information (registered product information, etc.) associated with the shopping identification information.

[0063] (10) The upper device 10 that has received the shopping identification information from the POS terminal 70 delivers the shopping information associated with the shopping identification information to a subtotal service such as the head office system 50. (11) The head office system 50 that has received the shopping information calculates the total amount by the subtotal service and transmits it to the upper device 10 as the calculated shopping information (subtotal information).

[0064] The upper device 10 that has received the calculated shopping information (subtotal information) updates the shopping information stored in the shopping file according to the calculated shopping information, and transmits the calculated shopping information to the POS terminal 70. (13) The POS terminal 70 that has received the calculated shopping information displays a settlement screen based on the received shopping information. When the member makes a payment according to the settlement screen, a transaction using the mobile terminal 20 is completed. The flow of processing in this example has been described above.

[0065] As described above, the form of the sales data processing system in the present invention is not limited in any way. That is, a system consisting of a higher-level device 10 that can be linked to the in-store product sales system later and a mobile terminal 20, an overall system in which the higher-level device 10 and the mobile terminal 20 are linked to the in-store product sales system, a system in which the higher-level device 10 is constituted by the store controller 60 of the in-store product sales system and the mobile terminal 20 is directly linked to the store controller 60 or the in-store POS terminal 70, etc., a system that conducts product transactions based on product information registered by the mobile terminal 20 can be the sales data processing system in the present invention.

[0066] Also, in the following description, an embodiment in which the mobile terminal 20 performs product registration processing and the like will be described. This is just an example, and the mobile terminal 20 may function merely as an interface for product registration processing, and other processing may be performed by a higher-level system such as the higher-level device 10. That is, it is possible to appropriately set which device constituting the sales data processing system performs what kind of processing.

[0067] - Higher-level device 10 - The higher-level device 10 of the sales data processing system 1 of the present embodiment includes storage means for storing a product master 110, a store master 120, a member master 130, a shopping file 140, and the like. The product master 110, store master 120, etc. of the higher-level device 10 are updated based on the information of each master stored in the store controller 60 of the store.

[0068] In the product master 110, product information, store identification information, etc. are associated with and stored for the product identification information unique to each product. For example, based on the information stored in the product master, product information can be specified from the product identification information, or product information handled in the store can be specified from the store identification information. Note that the information stored in the product master 110 is not limited to the above product information and store identification information.

[0069] Also, in the sales data processing system of this embodiment, in the product master 110, for example, as shown in FIG. 28(a), sales conditions (standard numbers) are associated with product identification information and stored. Further, as shown in FIG. 28(b), in the product master 110, a special sales table is stored in which discount type information, identification numbers of target products, discount establishment conditions, and discount values when the establishment conditions are met are associated with the sales conditions (standard numbers). Note that the sales conditions are the sales conditions set for each product. For example, there is collective discount information such as a discounted price being applied when purchasing multiple loose-sale products such as vegetables together, quantity-limiting information where the number of purchases per customer is set, and information indicating that a product is an irregular-weight product such as a packed product like meat where the content volume and price vary for each individual pack and the gram unit price is set. Note that the above collective discount information is not limited to loose-sale products such as vegetables, and can also be set for products such as canned goods and instant ramen. Note that the information stored in the product master 110 is not limited to the above product information, store identification information, and sales conditions.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the store master 120 stores store identification information associated with store name, location information such as the store's GPS information, and QR code (registered trademark) information indicating the store. With the information stored in the store master 120, for example, nearby stores can be identified from the location information.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3(c), the member master 130 stores member identification information associated with member information such as member name (name, address, credit card number, etc.). With the information stored in the member master 130, for example, store information and credit card information used by the member can be identified from the member identification information.

[0072] Furthermore, in the member master 130, information such as the number of times a member has used the mobile terminal 20 to register products in the past, the number of times of incorrect operations such as the number of times of deleting (canceling) registered products at the time of product registration, etc. may be stored in association with the member identification information, and information such as the level of the member determined by the usage frequency (number of times) and the incorrect operation frequency (number of times) may also be stored. For example, the upper device 10 sets levels such as a beginner level (L1) to an excellent member level (L5) as the member level, and determines the member level based on the usage frequency (number of times) of product registration by the mobile terminal 20 and the incorrect operation frequency (number of times), etc., and may store it in the member master 130.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3(d), the shopping file 140 is a file that stores the registration information registered by the mobile terminal 20 when a member shops. The shopping identification information for identifying the member's shopping and the registered product information (barcode information, product name, price, etc.) registered for the product in the shopping are associated and stored as shopping information. Note that the shopping identification information may be composed of, for example, a combination of store identification information, date, serial number, etc.

[0074] In addition, the shopping file 140 may store the shopping identification information in association with the hold product information for which product registration by the mobile terminal 20 could not be performed during the shopping, and further, may store the cancellation operation information regarding the cancellation (cancellation) operation of product registration performed by the member during the product registration operation in association.

[0075] The shopping information stored in the shopping file 140 is synchronized with the product registration information in the mobile terminal 20. During shopping, if the member changes or deletes the quantity of the registration information registered by the mobile terminal 20, the shopping information in the shopping file 140 is also changed or deleted. Also, at the time of settlement, when the member outputs the shopping identification information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70, the POS terminal 70 requests the registration information and the like associated with the shopping identification information from the shopping file 140 of the upper device 10. The upper device 10 that has been requested for registration information outputs product information associated with shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70.

[0076] When the settlement process for one transaction is completed, the upper device 10 accumulates the shopping information for the one transaction as settled shopping information in the shopping file 140. A member can use the mobile terminal 20 to access the shopping file 140 and refer to past shopping histories. Note that the shopping file 140 is synchronized with the shopping file stored in the store controller 60 of the store, and may also store shopping information that a member has made without using the mobile terminal 20. By doing so, a member can refer to all past shopping histories in the store.

[0077] Also, the shopping file 140 may store the past history and the currently registered file in separate storage areas. When the current shopping is finalized, it may be added to the past history file.

[0078] In addition, the upper device 10 supplies an application program (shopping app) that operates on the mobile terminal 20. Note that the shopping app may be provided from a website on the Internet that provides the application of the mobile terminal 20.

[0079] - Mobile terminal 20 - The mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 and the screen display examples shown in FIGS. 12 to 15. Note that the mobile terminal 20 will be described by exemplifying a smartphone personally owned by a customer with a dedicated app supplied from the upper device 10 or the like installed thereon.

[0080] (Preparations) In order for a customer to use their owned smartphone as the mobile terminal 20 capable of performing the registration process in the store, the customer performs a membership registration to become a person who can perform the registration process using the smartphone (hereinafter referred to as a "member").

[0081] When a new member registers, it is preferable to register information that can confirm the identity of the member, such as the member's name, address, phone number, email address, etc., and also register credit card information. The registration procedure can be either an online or offline procedure. For example, at the store, the necessary items can be entered on a registration form, tablet, etc., and a download URL, etc. can be notified to the registered email address to download a dedicated app, or after downloading and introducing a dedicated app from the upper device 10, the member registration screen can be launched to perform the registration procedure. It may also be provided from a website on the Internet that provides an application for the mobile terminal 20.

[0082] Also, when the customer is already a card member of the store, etc., in the member registration process, for example, the registration as a member may be completed by only additionally registering credit card information. Note that the information to be registered is not limited to the above information. For example, when the store is a chain store, etc., by registering information such as the store that is always used, the store's unique information may be distributed. The upper device 10 stores the registered member information in the member master 130.

[0083] Regarding the operation history in the member master 130, it may be used outside of the said store. That is, the conditions, thresholds, etc. for displaying the confirmation screen by the store clerk on the settlement device according to the member's operation level based on the operation history can also be used outside of the said store. Considering that multiple companies may use the mechanism of the upper device 10, if it is limited to use in terms of security regarding operation history, it is preferable to be utilized by multiple companies beyond the use within the enterprise group. Regarding the security level, it can also be set for each enterprise group and each store. The rank settings of membership levels and operation levels, the occurrence conditions of the clerk's confirmation events, etc. can be freely set. Also, the conditions can be stored on the settlement device side, received when acquiring the shopping file (basket data), and the occurrence of the clerk's confirmation event can be controlled on the settlement device side.

[0084] (Store identification process) When the member activates the dedicated app on the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 executes a process of identifying the store (S201) in order to function as a registration device in the store.

[0085] For example, when the member activates the dedicated app on the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may identify the store based on the location information obtained from the GPS etc. of the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the location information to the upper device 10, and the upper device 10 that has received the location information transmits the information of the store closest to the location information to the mobile terminal 20 based on the store master 120, etc., so that the store where shopping is to be done can be identified. When there are multiple corresponding stores, a selection screen may be displayed on the display unit 250 so that the member can select from among the multiple stores.

[0086] In addition, attach a QR code (registered trademark) stored in the store master 120 to the entrance of the store. By reading the QR code (registered trademark) with the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may identify the store. This method is effective when location information cannot be obtained. When location information cannot be obtained, a message such as "Please read the store's QR code (registered trademark)" may be displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. Also, when a member enters the store, the store may be identified using short-range wireless communication such as in-store Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or beacons. That is, the means for identifying location information is not limited in any way.

[0087] When the store is identified, the upper-level device 10 grants the mobile terminal 20 permission to access the product master of the store and generates basket data (shopping file) associated with the mobile terminal 20.

[0088] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may display a selection screen for selecting a store on the display unit 250, and the member may select a store from the selection screen to identify the selected store as the store for shopping. Note that the mobile terminal 20 may notify information such as "special sale information", "related / alternative products", "new products", and "out-of-stock information" in the store when a member enters the store. Also, when the identified store is closed, such as on a regular holiday, a message to that effect may be displayed on the display unit 250. Also, when the store is at closing time, it may be prohibited to transition to the registration screen. It may be prohibited to register using the app at a predetermined time before closing, and the closing time may be notified to customers during registration. However, customers during registration may continue shopping, and it may not be necessary to prohibit registration even at closing time. Continuation may be possible within the range of identifying the location of the store. Notifications may be made to prompt settlement step by step.

[0089] When the mobile terminal 20 identifies a store, it displays a start screen 800 (Fig. 12(a)) for starting shopping on the display unit 250. On the start screen 800, keys linked to members' point information 800a, store information 800b of the specified store, notifications such as special sale information 800c, coupon information 800d, etc. are arranged, and a "Start" key 800e for declaring the start of product registration in the store is arranged.

[0090] Then, when the "Start" key 800e on the start screen 800 is operated by the member, the mobile terminal 20 displays a registration screen 810 as shown in Fig. 12(b). Note that the mobile terminal 20 may immediately display the registration screen 810 without displaying the start screen 800 by specifying the store.

[0091] The registration screen 810 shown in Fig. 12(b) is divided into two upper and lower regions. The upper region of the registration screen 810 is set as a first display region 811 for displaying imaging data captured by the camera (input unit) 260 of the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 displays a display 811a of "Please read the product barcode" in the first display region 811 of the registration screen 810 and visibly displays a mark 811b indicating the reading range for recognizing the barcode (product identification information), thus completing the preparation for product registration.

[0092] (Reading operation detection process and product information acquisition process) When the member performs an operation to read the code information attached to the product (S202), the mobile terminal 20 acquires the product identification information of the product from the read code information, etc. (S203). In step S202, the mobile terminal 20 detects that a reading operation for reading the code information has been performed by the customer or the like.

[0093] When a member takes out the product to be purchased from the display shelf and puts it into the shopping basket, the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 images the product. As shown in Fig. 13(a), by placing the barcode (code information) attached to the product within the mark 811b displayed in the first display area 811 of the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 automatically recognizes that it is a barcode (product identification information) and acquires the product identification information stored in the code information.

[0094] In this case, if the mobile terminal 20 is equipped with a distance sensor or the like, the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 can detect that it has been brought close to the article for a certain period of time, thereby detecting the operation of reading the code information by the member. Also, when the mobile terminal 20 is constantly automatically repeating the recognition of the barcode and does not have a distance sensor or the like, for example, by detecting that the same image has been captured over a predetermined period of time, it may be possible to detect that the operation of reading the code information is being performed by the member. Similarly, when these detections are made for a certain period of time, timeout processing may be executed to give a notification such as "Product registration failed. Do you want to purchase? (Yes / No)" and prompt as a reserved product. It is also possible to confirm the purchase.

[0095] Also, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to read the product identification information from the code information such as that captured by the shutter operation during app startup, rather than automatically recognizing the code information such as the barcode. In this case, by detecting that the shutter operation has been performed on the app screen, the operation of acquiring the code information can be detected. Also, it may be determined that the reading operation is being performed by monitoring the state of the mobile terminal such as its inclination using a gyro sensor or the like. Specifically, a combination of a predetermined distance, inclination, etc. with respect to the product may be detected.

[0096] In the case where the barcode (product identification information) of the product cannot be recognized by the first imaging, the member may separately set aside the product as a held product and proceed with the registration process for the next product. At that time, the member only needs to image the held product and leave an image. By the member leaving an image of the held product, it becomes easier to identify the product during subsequent settlement processing and easier for the store clerk to correct the product registration information. Specifically, it is also conceivable that a process of prompting as a held product, such as the above timeout process, is not executed. In such a case, since the customer needs to continue attempting product registration, it becomes inconvenient. In such a case, it may be possible for the customer to register as a held product instead of normal product registration at their discretion. At that time, for example, a "held product registration" button is displayed on the registration screen, settings screen, etc., and when the button is pressed, it switches to an imaging mode where the shutter is manually released, and the outer package of the product for which registration was not possible in that imaging mode, its product barcode, the price tag on the shelf, etc. are imaged by releasing the shutter at one's own timing, and it may be counted up as a held product. That is, it may be possible to switch to a manual imaging mode according to the member's intention.

[0097] Note that the method for detecting the reading operation of the product identification information is not particularly limited.

[0098] If, in step S202, a reading operation by the member is detected, but in step S203, the product identification information cannot be obtained, the mobile terminal 20 determines that the registration of the product information has failed (no in S204).

[0099] For example, there are products (unreadable products) where the barcode attached to the product is damaged, or the barcode is distorted due to the condition of the product packaging or the like, and part or all of the information recorded on the barcode cannot be read. Also, there are cases where a member images a part of the product without a barcode. In such cases, product identification information cannot be obtained by reading code information or the like. As a result, the product cannot be registered. In step S204, it is detected that the product cannot be registered due to the inability to read the above code information.

[0100] Also, when the reading operation by the customer is detected in step S202 and product identification information can be obtained in step S203, the mobile terminal 20 checks whether the obtained product identification information exists in the product master 110. If the read product identification information does not exist in the product master, it is determined that the registration of the product information has failed (no in S205).

[0101] For example, although the product identification information recorded in the code information is obtained and transmitted to the host device 10, for products (Non-file products) where the obtained product identification information is not stored in the product master 110 or when there is a problem with the connection to the host device 10, the product information cannot be obtained from the host device 10. As a result, the product cannot be registered. In step S205, it is detected that the product cannot be registered because it is the above Non-file product or the like.

[0102] Note that in cases where the mobile terminal 20 always automatically repeats barcode recognition and does not have a function for detecting a reading operation such as a distance sensor, the steps S202 for detecting the member's reading operation and the determination step S204, that is, the detection process for the case where the product cannot be registered due to the inability to read the code information, may be omitted.

[0103] (Product registration process, registered product cancellation process) In step S205, if the acquired product identification information exists in the product master and the product information associated with the product identification information can be obtained, the mobile terminal 20 registers it as the registered product information of the product that the customer purchases. Note that the registered product information registered in the mobile terminal 20 is also stored in the shopping file 140 (S206). Also, to obtain the product information, the product master 110 stored in the upper-level device 10 may be referred to. However, if the mobile terminal 20 downloads the product master after identifying the store, the mobile terminal 20 can also obtain the product information by itself and register the registered product information of the product. Also, the product master to be referred to may be the product master stored in the store controller 60 or the POS terminal 70.

[0104] (Display process) When the mobile terminal 20 registers a product, as shown in Fig. 13(a), it displays a second display area 812 for displaying the registered product information and a third display area 813 for displaying the current registration status in the lower area of the registration screen 810 (S209).

[0105] The mobile terminal 20 displays product information 812a such as the product name, the purchase quantity (operator) 812b, and the price of the product 812c in the second display area 812, and displays the current registration count 813a, the estimated total 813b, and an "Accounting" key 813c for proceeding with the accounting process based on the registration information in the third display area 813.

[0106] Also, the mobile terminal 20 arranges the third display area 813 at an upper position of the second display area 812, that is, between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812. Thereby, the member can smoothly observe the change in the estimated total at the time of product registration. Note that the mobile terminal 20 may display the third display area 813 with the registration count set to 0 and the estimated total set to 0 yen prior to product registration, as shown in Fig. 12(b).

[0107] The third display area 813 may be arranged independently of the first display area 811 and the second display area 812, or may be arranged within the range of the second display area 812. In addition, although it is preferable that the approximate total displayed in the third display area 813 displays the exact total amount of the selling price of the product at the current time, for example, when introducing a sales data processing system to an existing store where a complex price determination logic is set, the registered product information must be output to an existing settlement device 70 such as a POS terminal so that the exact subtotal calculation based on the store's price determination logic cannot be performed. Therefore, in such a case, an approximate total calculated by adding up the list prices of each product may be displayed in the third display area 813 of the mobile terminal 20. By displaying the third display area 813 on the registration screen 810 of the mobile terminal 20, the member can grasp the current purchase points and approximate total of the product while registering the product. The mobile terminal 20 according to the present embodiment displays the third display area 813 at an upper position of the second display area 812, that is, between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812. Thereby, the member can smoothly observe the change in the approximate total at the time of product registration.

[0108] Note that the member can change the purchase quantity 812b of the product displayed in the second display area 812 or delete the registered product information of the product. For example, when the member touches the purchase quantity 812b portion displayed in the second display area 812, the mobile terminal 20 displays a quantity change screen (popup) 820 for changing the quantity of the product as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0109] The quantity change screen 820 displays the current number of purchases and the price, and is provided with a “+” key 820a and a “-” key 820b for changing the number of products, and a “Cancel Product” key 820c for deleting the registered product registration information. Note that when the registered product is a limited quantity product such as a sold-out product or an indefinite quantity product, as shown in Fig. 14(b), the mobile terminal 20 may display a pop-up 821 that does not have the "+" key 820a and "-" key 820b for changing the quantity of the product.

[0110] When the member operates the above "+" key 820a and "-" key 820b to change the quantity, etc. of the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 changes the purchase quantity 812b of the product displayed on the registration screen 810. Then, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the changed registered product information to the upper device 10, and the upper device 10 updates the registered information stored in the shopping file 140 with the input registered product information.

[0111] Also, when the member operates the "Product Cancellation" key 820c to delete the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 cancels (cancels) the registration of the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810. Then, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the registered product information that has been cancelled (deleted) to the upper device 10, and the upper device 10 updates the registered information stored in the shopping file 140.

[0112] Note that when the member cancels the registered product information, a notification to return the product to the display shelf or the like may be made for the product. At this time, if the position of the member in the store can be specified, it is detected whether the product for which the registered product information has been cancelled is more than a certain distance away from the shelf to which it should be returned, and a screen may be displayed to select either the process of returning it to the shelf or the process of moving it to the holding basket.

[0113] When the registration of the registered product information is cancelled by the member, the mobile terminal 20 may store the product information of the deleted product as cancelled product information in association with the information indicating that the cancellation operation has been performed. In particular, when the process of moving the product for which the registered product information has been cancelled to the holding basket is performed, it is preferable to store it as cancelled product information.

[0114] Also, the mobile terminal 20 may delete the registered product information for which the registration has been cancelled so as not to display it on the registration screen 810. However, it may be displayed so that it can be understood that the registration has been cancelled, for example, by drawing a cancellation line on the registration screen 810 or by also writing that it is a cancelled product.

[0115] Also, the mobile terminal 20 may output information indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed by the member to the upper device 10, and the upper device 10 may store it as cancellation operation information in the shopping file 140. Furthermore, after the settlement process for the shopping is completed, the upper device 10 may store in the member master 130 the number of times of cancellation (cancellation) operations of the registered product information performed by the member in the shopping.

[0116] (Notification Process) In step S204, if it is determined that the product cannot be registered because the product is a non-readable product, or in step S205, if it is determined that the product cannot be registered because the product is a Non-file product or the like, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the member that the product cannot be registered (S207).

[0117] For example, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the mobile terminal 20 performs a notification (popup) 830 on the display unit 250 indicating that the product that cannot be registered is to be set aside. At this time, a notification may be made to handle the two products differently, such as a display 830a prompting to put the product that can be normally registered and the product that cannot be registered in different baskets (or a specific area within the basket). The notification that the above product cannot be registered is not limited to a popup display such as a message.

[0118] In addition, when the product to be set aside is a non-readable product and the code information of the product is displayed on the display shelf of the product, the mobile terminal 20 may notify to read the code information attached to the display shelf.

[0119] (Reserved Product Information Generation Process) The mobile terminal 20 generates reserved product information for products that cannot be registered (S208). The reserved product information records, for example, member identification information, shopping identification information, reading time, etc., and preferably also stores information on whether the reserved product is a Non-file product or a non-readable product, and may further store imaging data when the code information is imaged.

[0120] (Display Process) The mobile terminal 20 that has generated the reserved product information stores the generated reserved product information, and as shown in Fig. 15(a), in the second display area 812 of the registration screen 810, it displays reserved product information 812e indicating that there is a reserved product in accordance with the registered product information 812d (S209). Note that the reserved product information 812e displayed in the second display area 812 is preferably displayed in a display form different from that of the registered product information 812d. In the example shown in Fig. 15(a), the mobile terminal 20 displays the reserved product information 812e together with the two pieces of registered product information 812d, and makes the background color of the reserved product information 812e different from the background of the other registered product information 812d.

[0121] Also, the mobile terminal 20 displays the number of reserved products in the display column 812g in the second display area 812, and in the reserved product information 812e, it performs a display 812f prompting the member to perform a process different from that of normal registered products, such as "Please put it in the dedicated basket", so as to notify the member that there are reserved products and that different handling will be done for the reserved products. Note that when displaying, it is preferably also displayed whether the reserved product is a "Non-file product" or a "non-readable product". With this display, the store staff can provide a quicker response to the customer.

[0122] Also, for the reserved product information 812e displayed in the second display area 812, it is preferable that operations such as quantity change and deletion can be performed in the same way as for normal products. For example, when a read operation is performed multiple times on the code information of a product that cannot be registered by a member, a plurality of pending product information 812e may be generated. In such a case, the mobile terminal 20 may delete the pending product information 812e according to the member's operation. Note that the mobile terminal 20 may output information regarding the pending product information and the cancellation operation of the pending product information to the upper device 10 in the same manner as the registered product information. Then, the upper device 10 may store the input pending product information, etc. in the shopping file 140.

[0123] (Output of registration information) The mobile terminal 20 that has displayed the registration information proceeds to step S210 to detect whether an instruction to proceed to checkout has been given by the member. If an instruction to proceed to checkout has been given by the member (Yes in S210), the mobile terminal outputs an instruction to proceed to checkout or the registration information together with the instruction to proceed to checkout (S211) and completes the process. Here, the registration information output by the mobile terminal 20 may be shopping identification information. Note that the registration information may include registered product information for which product registration was successful and pending product information for which product registration was not successful, and may further include cancelled product information for which product registration was cancelled.

[0124] Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 detects that the "Checkout" key 813c displayed on the registration screen 810 of the display unit 250 has been operated by the member. When it is detected that the "Checkout" key 813c has been operated, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the mobile terminal 20 displays (outputs) a QR code (registered trademark) 840a generated based on, for example, the shopping identification information on the output screen 840 (S211). Note that the mobile terminal 20 may also display (output) a QR code (registered trademark) 840a generated based on the registration information stored in the shopping file on the output screen 840.

[0125] By having the POS terminal 70 read the QR code (registered trademark) 840a displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, the POS terminal 70 can obtain the registration information linked to the shopping identification information from the upper device 10.

[0126] Note that the symbol code information such as QR code (registered trademark) may store the registration information including the registered product information and the held product information, or may store the shopping identification information linked to the registration information including the registered product information and the held product information. For example, the shopping identification information may be information such as a path like the URL stored in the shopping file, or any combination of information such as store identifier, member identifier, date and time, etc. as long as the search destination of the shopping information is common, and it may be identifiable by a sequence number or the like. There is no problem as long as the search destination is grasped on the settlement device side.

[0127] Also, instead of outputting the symbol code information storing the registration information, the mobile terminal 20 may select the POS terminal 70 so that the selected POS terminal 70 can obtain the registration information stored in a location other than the mobile terminal 20. For example, by having the member read the QR code (registered trademark) generated on the screen of the POS terminal 70 to identify the predetermined POS terminal 70 with the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 transmits an accounting instruction together with the shopping identification information to the predetermined POS terminal 70. Then, the POS terminal 70 that has received the accounting instruction may obtain the registration information linked to the shopping identification information. Note that by setting the Felica (registered trademark) or NFC identifier of the mobile terminal in advance, the registration information can be obtained by the IC reader.

[0128] On the other hand, when the customer does not give an instruction to proceed with the settlement (No in S210) and an operation such as reading the code information of other products is performed, the registration of the products from step S202 to step S208 is repeated until an instruction to proceed with the settlement is given. The processing flow in the mobile terminal 20 has been described above.

[0129] -POS terminal 70- Next, the POS terminal (cash register) 70 of the sales data processing system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and the display examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 24.

[0130] (Input processing) The POS terminal (cash register) 70 inputs the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) output by the mobile terminal 20 or the like (S701).

[0131] For example, when a member causes the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 to read the QR code (registered trademark) 840a displayed (output) on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, the POS terminal 70 inputs the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) stored in the QR code (registered trademark) 840a.

[0132] (Notification processing) The POS terminal 70 that has input the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) requests the shopping information associated with the shopping identification information from the upper device 10, and determines whether the shopping information (registration information) sent from the upper device 10 includes hold commodity information or canceled commodity information (S702). Then, when the POS terminal 70 determines that the hold commodity information is included in the registration information, it performs a notification to call the store clerk (S703).

[0133] For example, the POS terminal 70 performs a notification to call the store clerk by blinking a light (PatLite (registered trademark)) or the like that performs visual notification from the POS terminal. Note that the method of notifying the store clerk is not limited to the PatLite (registered trademark), and may be any method such as in-store broadcasting, notification to the POS register where the store clerk is stationed, a monitoring device that monitors the state of all POSs, a management device arranged in the back yard, etc., or notification to a portable device held by the store clerk. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the POS terminal 70 displays a pop-up 910 on the display unit 750 indicating that there is a hold commodity among the registered commodities and that the store clerk is being called.

[0134] In addition, when the POS terminal 70 determines that the cancellation product information is included in the registration information, it may also issue a notification to call the store clerk (S703). That is, in step S702 above, when the hold product information or cancellation product information is stored in the registration information, the POS terminal 70 may issue a notification to call the store clerk. Needless to say, it is also possible to control the call notification for the store clerk by any of the above detections.

[0135] (Settlement processing) On the other hand, when the POS terminal 70 determines in step S702 that the registration information does not include hold product information or cancellation product information, it proceeds to the settlement processing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the POS terminal 70 displays a registration confirmation screen 900 on the display unit 750 (S709).

[0136] In the registration confirmation screen 900 shown in FIG. 19, a list 900a of registered product information is displayed, and an arrow 900c is displayed at a predetermined position on the registration confirmation screen 900. The member can scroll the display of the list 900a of registered product information by operating the arrow 900c. And at the upper position of the registration confirmation screen 900, a total display column for displaying the purchase points and total amount of the products purchased in the shopping is arranged, and further, a "Payment" key 900b is displayed.

[0137] Also, at the lower position of the registration confirmation screen 900, a price range registration number display 900d showing the registered quantity of products by price range is arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 19, for the price ranges of "1,000 yen or more", "500 yen to 999 yen", "300 yen to 499 yen", and "300 yen or less", the numbers "3", "4", "9", and "12", which are the respective numbers of products, are displayed. By displaying the registered quantity by price range, the store clerk can grasp the outline of the products purchased by the member. Also, when a high-value item is purchased, it may be notified to a light (PatLite (registered trademark)), other devices (monitoring devices), service managers, etc., and the store staff can assist with the packaging of high-value items.

[0138] Then, when the member operates the "Payment" key 900b displayed on the registration confirmation screen 900, the POS terminal 70 executes a settlement process based on the registration information displayed on the registration confirmation screen 900 (S709) and completes the transaction.

[0139] (Display process of registered product information and reserved product information) On the other hand, when the "OK" key 910a of the pop-up 910 is operated by the member, the POS terminal 70 that performed the notification process in step S703 displays a registration confirmation screen 920 that shows a list of the input registration information (registered product information and reserved product information) on the display unit 750 (S704).

[0140] In the example of the registration confirmation screen 920 shown in FIG. 20, a list 920a of registered product information is displayed, and two pieces of reserved product information 920b, 920c that could not be registered and one piece of canceled product information 920d whose registration was canceled are also displayed together. At this time, the POS terminal 70 displays the display form of the registration confirmation screen 920 including the registered product information 920a, the reserved product information 920b, 920c, and the canceled product information 920d in a display form different from the display form of the registration confirmation screen 900 that is displayed only by the registered product information shown in FIG. 19. For example, the color of the screen such as the background color of the registration confirmation screen 920 including the reserved product information 920b, 920c, and the canceled product information 920d can be made different, or the character color and font can be made different for display.

[0141] Also, it is preferable for the POS terminal 70 to arrange the reserved product information 920b, 920c, and the canceled product information 920d at the head position of the list 920a of the registration information. Note that the display of the hold item information 920b, 920c and the canceled item information 920d is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 20. For example, the POS terminal 70 may arrange the hold item information 920b, 920c and the canceled item information 920d in the left area of the registration confirmation screen 920 and display the registered item information 920a in the right area. With these displays, a member or a store clerk can grasp that there are hold items and canceled items among the items displayed in the list display, and can easily understand the hold items and canceled items.

[0142] In addition, the POS terminal 70 displays, at the lower position of the screen, in addition to the price band registration number display 900d indicating the registered quantity by price band of the items, a column 920e for displaying the number of hold items (including canceled items). In the example shown in FIG. 20, "3" is displayed as the number of hold items. In addition, for items that require age verification and for which explanations by registered salespersons or pharmacists are necessary, such as alcohols and Class II pharmaceuticals that require store clerk intervention, the quantity may be displayed including hold items, or a separate display area may be provided for display. At this time, for the target items, the display mode such as the background color, character font size, etc. may be changed, or a mark or the like may be added for display.

[0143] (Prohibited processing) When the input registration information includes the hold item information 920b, 920c and the canceled item information 920d, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the settlement processing using the registration information including the hold item information 920b, 920c and the canceled item information 920d following step S704 (S705).

[0144] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the execution of the settlement processing by not displaying the "Payment" key 900b that is displayed on the normal registration confirmation screen 900 on the registration confirmation screen 920 including the hold item information 920b, 920c or the canceled item information 920d.

[0145] (Editing processing) The POS terminal 70 that has prohibited the execution of the actuarial process modifies the held item information in response to the correction operation by the store clerk (S706).

[0146] For example, on the registration confirmation screen 920 displayed on the display unit 750 of the POS terminal 70, when the store clerk touches the held item information 920b, as shown in FIG. 21, the display unit 750 displays an edit screen 930 for editing the held item information 920b. Note that the edit screen 930 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 21. Also, the edit screen 930 may be displayed as a pop-up, or the edit screen 930 may be displayed in a partial area (for example, the left area) of the registration confirmation screen 920.

[0147] On the edit screen 930, a scan button 930a is arranged at a predetermined position. When the store clerk operates the scan button 930a, the POS terminal 70 displays the image data when the code information of the product is read. The store clerk can confirm the held item by viewing the displayed image data, and can know the correct product information by checking the price of the product on the display shelf. Note that the editing on the edit screen 930 may be performed by an appropriate method.

[0148] Note that if all the held items are listed on the edit screen 930, the screen switching between the registration confirmation screen 920 and the edit screen 930 can be reduced. Or, since the held items are displayed in half of the area of the registration confirmation screen 920 (for example, only the left side), the edit screen 930 can be overlaid or replaced on the other half (right side) of the registered product information to reduce the trouble of screen transition.

[0149] The POS terminal 70 may reflect the held item information corrected by the store clerk on the edit screen 930 in the product master or the like. For example, in the case of new products to be newly handled, products of new business partners, or forgetting to update barcodes, even if the barcode attached to the special sale product is read, it may not exist in the product master and may become a Non-file product. In such a case, by reflecting the modification of the hold item information performed on the POS terminal 70 in the item master, it is possible to prevent the item from becoming a hold item thereafter. The editing process of the item information here only needs to be for the items necessary for item registration and settlement processing. For example, the item name, unit price, barcode (item identification information), and tax classification (reduced tax rate, internal tax, external tax, non-taxable, etc.).

[0150] Also, for items whose price, etc. is not clear, the POS terminal 70 may be able to perform a temporary modification by editing the department and amount.

[0151] Then, when the store clerk edits and updates the hold item information 920b on the editing screen 930 to the registrable item information that can be accumulated, the POS terminal 70 corrects and displays the hold item information 920b on the registration confirmation screen 920 as shown in FIG. 22. The POS terminal 70 may display it at the top position of the list display of the registrable item information without moving the display position of the corrected hold item information 920b, or it may be moved and displayed according to the display order of the other registrable item information 920a by correction. Also, when the hold item information 920b, 920c and the cancelled item information 920d are arranged in the left area of the registration confirmation screen 920, the corrected hold item information 920b may be moved to the right area for display.

[0152] Then, the POS terminal 70 changes the number 920e of hold items displayed at the lower position of the registration confirmation screen 920 to "2".

[0153] The POS terminal 70 that has corrected the hold item information 920b determines whether there is hold item information (including cancelled item information) in the registration information, that is, whether all the hold item information has been corrected (S707). If it is determined that all the hold item information has been corrected, the prohibition of the settlement process is released (S708), and as shown in FIG. 23, the registration confirmation screen 920 in which all the hold item information has been corrected is displayed (S709).

[0154] On the registration confirmation screen 920 shown in FIG. 23, for the two pieces of hold item information 920b and 920c for which product registration could not be completed, the correct product information is input and registered, and for the one piece of cancelled item information 920d that was cancelled during registration, confirmation of the cancellation of registration is made. When all of the hold item information 920b, 920c and the cancelled item information 920d are corrected or confirmed, the POS terminal 70 displays "0" in the number of hold items 920e displayed at the lower position of the registration confirmation screen 920. In addition, the POS terminal 70 changes the background color etc. of the registration confirmation screen 920 to the normal background color, and displays a "Determine" key 920f at the upper position of the registration confirmation screen 920. When a member or store employee operates the "Determine" key 920f, the POS terminal 70 completes the product registration modification process and shifts to the settlement screen shown in FIG. 24.

[0155] On the other hand, when it is determined that not all of the hold item information has been corrected, the POS terminal 70 returns to step S706 and repeats the correction process until all of the hold item information is corrected. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the execution of the settlement process until the hold item information 920c and the cancelled item information 920d are corrected.

[0156] On the settlement screen 950 shown in FIG. 24, a "Cash" key 950a and a "Credit Card" key 950b for selecting the payment amount and the accounting method are displayed, and when a member operates either key, the settlement process is executed (S710) and the transaction is completed. The processing flow in the POS terminal 70 has been described above.

[0157] - Functional Block Diagram - An example of the functional block diagram of the sales data processing system of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. The mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system of the present embodiment has a control unit 200, a display unit 250 such as a touch panel, and an input unit 260 such as a camera.

[0158] The control unit 200 includes a control means 201 for overall control of the entire mobile terminal 20, a store identification means 202 for identifying a store where shopping is to be conducted, an acquisition means 203 for acquiring product identification information of a product to be purchased, a detection means 204 for detecting an operation for acquiring the product identification information, a product registration means 205 for specifying and registering product information based on the acquired product identification information, a hold product registration means 206 for generating and storing information regarding a product for which product information cannot be registered, a display means 207 for displaying the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205 and the hold product information generated by the hold product registration means 206 on the display unit 250, a notification means 208 for notifying that product information cannot be registered, an output means 209 for outputting the registration information and the hold product information, a registered product cancellation means 210 for canceling the registered product information of a member, and the like.

[0159] The control means 201 controls the mobile terminal 20 overall, and for example, stores each input (acquired) or detected piece of information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each piece of information from the storage device and displays it on the display unit 250, or exchanges information with other devices. Further, the control means 201 executes various judgment processes and the like.

[0160] The store identification means 202 executes a store identification process. For example, the store identification means 202 outputs the position information of the mobile terminal 20 and the like to the upper device 10, and inputs information of the store where shopping is to be conducted from the store master of the upper device 10, thereby identifying the store where shopping is to be conducted.

[0161] The acquisition means 203 executes a product information acquisition process. For example, the acquisition means 203 acquires the product identification information of the product based on the code information attached to the product imaged using the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20. In the sales data processing system of the above embodiment, an example of acquiring product identification information by reading a barcode attached to a product is used, but the method of acquiring product identification information by the acquisition means is not limited to barcode reading.

[0162] For example, for the acquisition of product identification information by the mobile terminal 20, non-contact detection using an RFID tag or acquisition by imaging a QR code may be employed. Furthermore, by utilizing image recognition technology, the product may be identified from features such as the appearance (shape, color, material, etc.) of the product. Also, the image captured by the customer at the time of product registration may be stored on the server and AI learning may be performed to improve the recognition rate of the image recognition.

[0163] The detection means 204 executes a reading operation detection process. For example, the detection means 204 detects that an operation of imaging the code information attached to the product has been performed by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0164] The product registration means 205 executes a product registration process. For example, the product registration means 205 identifies the product based on the product identification information obtained by the acquisition process and the information stored in the product master, obtains the product information, and registers it as registered product information. The pending product registration means 206 executes a pending product information generation process. For example, when the product identification information cannot be obtained by the acquisition process or when the product identification information obtained by the acquisition process is not stored in the product master, the pending product registration means 206 generates information regarding the product as pending product information and stores it.

[0165] The display means 207 executes a display process. For example, the display means 207 displays the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205, the pending product information generated by the pending product registration means 206, etc. on the display unit 250. The notification means 208 executes a notification process. For example, the notification means 208 notifies via the display unit 250 or the like when there is a product that cannot be registered by the product registration operation of a member. The output means 209 outputs the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205, the reserved product information generated by the reserved product registration means 206, and the like.

[0166] The registered product cancellation means 210 executes a registered product cancellation process. For example, the registered product cancellation means 210 detects that a member has canceled a product registration operation, creates registration deletion information, or outputs to the host device 10 that the registered product information has been canceled.

[0167] The POS terminal 70 of the sales data processing system of this embodiment has a control unit 700, a display unit 750 such as a touch panel, an input unit 760 such as a camera, a printing unit 770 such as a printer, and the like.

[0168] The control unit 700 includes a control means 701 that comprehensively controls the entire POS terminal 70, an input means 702 for inputting registration information of a product, a display means 703 for displaying the input registration information on the display unit 750, a settlement means 704 for settling the product based on the registration information, a notification means 705 for notifying a store clerk or the like when reserved product information is input, an editing means 706 for correcting the reserved product information, and a prohibition means 707 for prohibiting the settlement process by the settlement means 704 when the product information includes the reserved product information.

[0169] The control means 701 comprehensively controls the POS terminal 70. For example, it stores each input (acquired) or detected information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each information from the storage device and displays it on the display unit 750, or exchanges information with other devices. In addition, the control means 701 executes various determination processes. For example, in step S702 of the flow shown in FIG. 8, it determines whether there is reserved product information in the registration information, and in the same step S707, it determines whether there is unmodified reserved product information.

[0170] The input means 702 executes an input process. For example, the input means 702 inputs the registration information output by the output means 209 of the mobile terminal 20. The display means 703 executes a display process for the registration information. For example, the display means 703 displays the input registration information (registration information or reserved items) on the display unit 750. Also, the display form of the displayed registration information (registration information or reserved items) is displayed differently as needed.

[0171] The settlement means 704 executes a settlement process. For example, the settlement means 704 performs a settlement process for the merchandise based on the registration information. Also, prior to the settlement process, it acquires the accounting method by which the customer performs the settlement. The notification means 705 executes a notification process. For example, when the input registration information includes reserved item information or canceled item information, the notification means 705 displays on the display unit 750 that there are reserved items (canceled items), and executes a calling process to call the store clerk to the POS terminal 70. Also, as needed, such as according to the member status, it executes a calling process to call the store clerk.

[0172] The editing means 706 executes an editing process. For example, the editing means 706 displays an editing screen for correcting the reserved item information input by the input means 702. When a store clerk or the like edits the reserved item information on the editing screen, the reserved item information is corrected to registration merchandise information. Note that the editing screen may be displayed by inputting a store clerk code or the like. The prohibition means 707 executes a prohibition process. For example, when the registration information includes reserved item information or reserved item information, the prohibition means 707 prohibits the settlement process until the reserved item information is corrected by the editing means 706 and registered as registration merchandise information.

[0173] Below, further explanation is added regarding each function provided in the mobile terminal 20 of the present embodiment. - Method of displaying a registration details list - Next, the screen display of the mobile terminal 20 at the time of product registration and the like will be further described. (Normal registration operation) During shopping, on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, a registration screen 810 shown in Fig. 16(a) is displayed. When the member reads information such as a barcode attached to the product by the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 displays the most recently registered products in order in the second display area 812 arranged in the lower area of the registration screen 810 shown in Fig. 16(a) so that they are arranged above the second display area 812.

[0174] As the member proceeds with the registration of products, eventually the second display area 812 is filled with registration product information, and the registration product information that had its barcode read first is no longer displayed in the second display area 812.

[0175] The member can confirm the registered products by looking at the second display area 812. However, when purchasing many products, in order to confirm the information of the previously registered products, it is necessary to scroll through the list displayed in the second display area 812 many times, making the confirmation cumbersome. The mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment can more easily confirm the registered products by expanding the second display area 812 of the display unit 250 as needed.

[0176] Specifically, when all of the registered product information in the second display area 812 cannot be displayed due to the registration of a plurality of products by the member, the mobile terminal 20 displays an "Expand" key (operator) 813d in the third display area 813. Then, when the member operates the "Expand" key 813d, the mobile terminal 20 expands the second display area 812 as shown in Fig. 16(b), and uses the entire area of the display unit 250 to display the second display area 812 and the third display area 813. Also, when the second display area 812 is expanded, a "Shrink" key (operator) 813e for shrinking the second display area 812 to its original pre-expansion range may be displayed in the third display area 813.

[0177] In addition, when it is not possible to display all products even by displaying the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 using the entire area of the display unit 250, it goes without saying that they can be displayed by scrolling. Also, the operation for expanding the second display area 812 is not limited to the one by the "Expand" key 813d arranged in the third display area 813.

[0178] Then, the mobile terminal 20 preferably hides the first display area 811 by displaying the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 using the entire area of the display unit 250, and in conjunction therewith, invalidates the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0179] Note that, by the operation of the "Expand" key 813d, the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 do not necessarily have to be expanded to the entire area of the display unit 250, and the expansion range may be changeable by the operation of the member, or they may be expanded to a state where all products can be confirmed according to the number of products. In that case, when the second display area 812 is changed to a range including the first display area 811, the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 may be invalidated immediately, or when the second display area 812 is expanded to the reading range that is visibly displayed in the first display area 811, the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 may be invalidated. As described above, when it becomes impossible to confirm the imaging data using the first display area 811, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption by invalidating the imaging means by the input unit 260.

[0180] Furthermore, as the member performs the product registration process, the second display area 812 may be sequentially expanded. In that case, by setting the maximum expansion state of the second display area 812, the second display area 812 may be automatically expanded while securing the first display area 811.

[0181] In addition, when the barcode (product identification information) is not recognized within a predetermined time in the reading range of the second display area 812, the imaging means by the input unit 260 may be disabled for power saving.

[0182] The reason for positioning the first display area 811 at the upper part of the screen is that when the operator operates the mobile terminal, according to the position of the camera of the mobile terminal, the actual imaging target and the line of sight will also visually recognize beyond the upper end of the mobile terminal, so the operability is very good. Also, the reason for the second display area 812 being at the lower part of the screen is that when checking the purchased products, it is only necessary to be able to view the screen. When products exceeding a predetermined number of display lines are registered, they can be fully displayed by the expansion key of the third display area 813 located in the center of the screen. When there is a shortage in the front display, all products can be checked by a scroll operation or the like. Furthermore, during the imaging process, since it is an operation while checking the current purchase count and purchase amount, if the third display area 813 is arranged at a position sandwiched between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812 that are displaying the imaging screen, it is very excellent in that it does not impose a burden on the operator's eye movement. Also, the operation of the aforementioned expansion key is easy.

[0183] Note that the display position of the operation elements on the screen may be switched according to member information or at an arbitrary timing. Specifically, since the arrangement of the operation elements is considered for the operability of right-handed people, it is not convenient to use for left-handed people or when operating with the left hand. In this case, as shown in Fig. 27(a), the "Checkout" key 813c may be arranged at a position approximately the same distance from the center line of the screen, and as shown in Fig. 27(b), the purchase quantity 812b, etc. may also be moved in the same way or arranged at the head of the product name display. That is, the arrangement of the operation elements suitable for right-handed and left-handed operations may be memorized and automatically switched from a switching instruction, member information, etc. Furthermore, the "Checkout" key 813c may be deliberately arranged in a place that is difficult to operate, for example, on the opposite side.

[0184] The flow of the process regarding the above display method of the registration details list is shown in Fig. 26. Note that this flow corresponds to the subroutine of step S209 of the flow shown in Fig. 7. In step S401, the mobile terminal 20 displays a first display area 811 and a second display area 812 on the display unit 212. Then, the mobile terminal 20 detects that the second display area 812 has been expanded by the member (S402), and when it detects that the expansion operation has been performed, it executes the expansion process of the second display area 812 (S403).

[0185] Then, it is determined whether or not the expanded second display area 812 has reached a predetermined range (S404). The predetermined range in step S404 may be, for example, a range that includes at least a part of the range of the first display area 811, or a range that includes a reading range in which a barcode can be recognized. Also, it may be a range that includes all of the first display area 811.

[0186] When the mobile terminal 20 determines in step S404 that the second display area 812 has reached the predetermined range, it proceeds to step S406 and invalidates the acquisition means 203. Specifically, it turns off the imaging function of the camera. (Imaging means by the input unit 260)

[0187] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S402 that the expansion operation has been performed by the member, it proceeds to step S405, detects that no barcode is recognized within the reading range of the second display area 812 for a predetermined time, and when it determines that no barcode is recognized for the predetermined time, the mobile terminal 20 proceeds to step S406 and invalidates the acquisition means.

[0188] If a barcode is recognized in step S405, it returns to step S402 and continues to display the registration information. The processing regarding the display method of the product registration screen has been described above.

[0189] -Purchase of Multiple Identical Products- When performing product registration using the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment, when purchasing multiple of the same product, you may change the quantity displayed in the registered product information 812d on the registration screen 810, or you may capture the code information of the same product multiple times.

[0190] However, if the code information of the same product is captured multiple times continuously or with a time interval, the mobile terminal 20 will display a confirmation of whether it is okay to purchase multiple of the same product, or change the confirmation sound or vibration pattern when acquiring product identification information. For example, it will display "The same product has been read twice. Is the registration correct?" etc., to inform the customer whether it is a correct operation or a misoperation. This allows the member to recognize that the registration process of the product being operated on is the acquisition of code information for the multiple times.

[0191] Specifically, when a product is imaged and the product is determined, you may display a selection button for yes / no such as "The same product has been registered. Do you want to purchase it?" and perform confirmation. Also, when making that confirmation, the screen display may be such that quantity addition and subtraction operations are possible. When continuously registering the same product, this method is more efficient because there is a possibility of addition. When registering another product after registering the same product and then registering the same product again, confirmation is performed in the same way. In addition, for the purpose of preventing fraud, when purchasing multiple products, you may perform the same number of readings as the purchase quantity. Similarly, when deleting, you may perform the same number of readings as the quantity to be deleted. The operation of purchasing multiple of the same product may be either method, or both methods may be adopted. Also, the operation method may be changed according to the member's operation level (proficiency).

[0192] And when the member registers the same product by imaging multiple times, the mobile terminal 20 will set the multiple times in the purchase quantity of the registered product information of the product and display it in the latest row of the list display. Needless to say, the registration of the same product by imaging multiple times may also be displayed in multiple rows.

[0193] -Registration operation for loose-sale products- For products that are not suitable for attaching barcodes, such as fresh produce like cucumbers and loose-sale products like fish, the product registration process can be carried out by imaging the barcode attached to the shelf or container where the product is displayed. Needless to say, if a barcode is directly attached to the product, the barcode can be imaged.

[0194] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may identify the product by imaging a product that is not suitable for barcode attachment and performing object recognition. Also, a registration process using voice or the like may be performed, or a preset key may be displayed on the display unit for the member to select to perform the registration process.

[0195] Also, when selling loose-sale products, etc., a discount may be applied for bulk (multiple) purchases. When the member reads the barcode information of the products for which the discount for bulk purchase is applied, the mobile terminal 20 displays a pop-up 850 as shown in Fig. 17(a), where the number of items that becomes cheaper by bulk purchase is set as the initial value of the purchase quantity. In the pop-up 850, for the loose-sale product, the product name 850a, the price per unit 850b, the purchase quantity 850c, and the selling price 850d are displayed. Also, a "+" key 850e and a "-" key 850f for instructing the change of the purchase quantity, a "Cancel Product" key 850g, and a "Confirm" key 850h are arranged.

[0196] In the example shown in Fig. 17(a), a pop-up 850 in which a product with the product name "Hokkaido-grown corn" is registered is displayed, indicating that it is beneficial to buy 3 pieces of the product at 120 yen each for a total of 60 yen. And in the purchase quantity 850c, the initial value is set to "3", which is the number of items for bulk purchase. The member can know that the product is a discounted product for bulk purchase through the pop-up 850 and can easily set the product registration for bulk purchase by operating the "Confirm" key 850h.

[0197] In addition, members can also change the number of items purchased by operating the "+" key 850e and the "-" key 850f, and can also cancel the registration of the product by operating the "Cancel Product" key 850g, which is the same as the operation of normal product registration.

[0198] When the member changes the number of books purchased by operating the "-" key 850f, the mobile terminal 20 changes the display of the pop-up 850 as shown in Fig. 17(b). The pop-up 850 shown in Fig. 17(b) has the display of the number of items purchased 850c changed to "1", the selling price (120 yen) to which the discount is not applied is displayed, and it is displayed that it is beneficial by 60 yen for a bulk purchase of 3 books. Note that the content and timing of the display to encourage bulk purchase are not particularly limited, and at the timing when the member changes the number of items purchased, the mobile terminal 20 may display that the bulk purchase discount will no longer be applied.

[0199] Then, when the member operates (confirms) the "OK" key 850h, the mobile terminal 20 registers the registration information according to the number set in the number of items purchased 850c. In this way, members can know that it is a discounted product by bulk purchase through the pop-up 850, and by operating the "OK" key 850h, they can easily set the purchase by bulk purchase. Note that even for products to which the bulk purchase discount is applied, the initial value may be set to "1".

[0200] In addition, this registration operation is also applicable to normal single-item sales products. That is, by setting sales conditions such as bundle sales or bulk purchase, the same registration operation can be executed. The sales conditions are set by a product master, a special sale master, etc., and are generated as information that the mobile terminal can identify the product. Furthermore, it may be a special sale applicable only to members and not applicable to general customers.

[0201] In addition, for products with restrictions on the quantity sold, such as products with sales conditions like up to 〇〇 pieces per person, the “+” can be made invalid or hidden at the upper limit quantity. Also, only for the “+”, it may be counted up in the quantity unit set in the sales conditions, and furthermore, the modes of the addition and subtraction keys in the “sales condition quantity” unit may be changed for display and functionality. Furthermore, when subtracting from the “sales condition quantity”, not only should it notify that the sales conditions are not met, but also the mode of the explanatory text of the sales conditions may be changed for display. Also, when adding “1” to the “sales condition quantity”, the display may be switched to the next sales condition achievement quantity, total value deduction amount, etc. By doing so, it is possible to encourage members to purchase in the quantity of the sales conditions.

[0202] An example of the processing flow regarding the registration operation of the above-mentioned loose-sale products is shown in FIG. 29. The mobile terminal 20 inputs the product information of the product that the member purchases (S501). Specifically, in the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20, the product identification information is obtained by reading the barcode (product identification information) attached to the product, and based on the product identification information, the product information of the product is obtained (input) from the product master 110.

[0203] Next, the mobile terminal 20 detects whether there are special sales conditions set for the sales conditions of the input product information (S502). For example, in the table shown in FIG. 28(a), it is detected whether there is a sales condition (specification number) for the product with the input product identification number. The special sales conditions mentioned here are, for example, sales conditions where some conditions are set for the number of sales, such as products targeted for bulk sales or the upper limit of the number of purchases per person. Furthermore, in cases where the number of purchases is stored in a shopping list, etc. in advance, the said number may also be included in the sales conditions. It may also indicate that the product is a product that the customer often purchases (a product with a purchase history).

[0204] In step S502, when it is detected that special sales conditions are set for the product information, for example, by referring to the product master special sale data shown in FIG. 28(b), the information on the number of established conditions set in the sales conditions is acquired. Then, the mobile terminal 20 determines the number of purchases when the member purchases the product based on the acquired number of established conditions, that is, the detected sales conditions (S503).

[0205] For example, it is detected that the acquired product identification information is a target product for which a collective discount of plan number 1 is set starting from 0001 (corn), and it is acquired that the number of established sales conditions for plan number 1 is 3, and the collective number "3" for the discount target is determined as the number. Alternatively, for example, for a quantity-limited product with a sales condition such as up to 2 per person, the limited quantity is determined as the number. Also, for a product that the customer often purchases (a product with a purchase history), the number of the previous purchase may be used.

[0206] The mobile terminal 20 that has determined the number displays a confirmation screen for determining the registration of the product on the display unit 250 with the number set in advance for the number of purchases (S504). Normally, when the member reads the barcode (product identification information) of the product, the mobile terminal 20 performs product registration with "1" set as the number of purchases. However, when special sales conditions are set for the product obtained by reading the barcode (product identification information), for example, when it is a target product for collective discount, a confirmation screen with the collective number set as the number of purchases is displayed as shown in FIG. 17(a).

[0207] In step S504, the mobile terminal 20 that has displayed the confirmation screen waits for the "Determine" key 850h arranged on the confirmation screen to be operated. In the confirmation screen, when an operation to change the number of purchases is performed, the number of purchases is changed according to the operation.

[0208] In step S506, when it is detected that the "Decision" key 850h has been operated by the member, the mobile terminal 20 registers the product according to the number of purchases at the time when the "Decision" key 850h is operated, and completes the process.

[0209] On the other hand, in step S502, when it is detected that no special sales conditions are set for the product information, the process proceeds to step S505, the number of purchases is set to "1", and without displaying the confirmation screen, the process proceeds to step S507, the product is registered, and the process is completed. The processing related to the registration operation of the loose-sale products has been described above.

[0210] -Registration operation of non-fixed-weight products- When registering products sold by weight such as meat and pre-packaged vegetables, a value-added label on which product information is recorded is printed by a weighing instrument that weighs the weighed products, and the mobile terminal 20 reads the barcode printed on the value-added label to perform the product registration process. By connecting the weighing instrument to the store controller, the product information recorded on the issued value-added label can be added to the product master. Note that for non-fixed-weight products, it may be possible to prevent the change of the number of purchases by operating the list display on the registration screen 810.

[0211] Also, when the weighing instrument is connected to a network, after connecting the weighing instrument and the mobile terminal 20 by short-range wireless communication or the like, the barcode of the product to be weighed is read by the mobile terminal 20, and the product to be weighed is specified by operating a key for specifying the product. By weighing the product with the weighing instrument, the information of the weighed product may be registered in the mobile terminal 20. In that case, the label issued by the weighing instrument may be a label that indicates only information such as the expiration date and is attached to the product. Furthermore, if member information, app user ID, etc. can be recognized by an IC or the like, shopping data can be generated even from a bulk-only weighing instrument and uploaded as the customer's shopping data, and it is also possible to prevent fraud by collating the two data. If only the product is specified and the mass, that is, the purchase amount, has not been determined, it may be handled as a reserved product.

[0212] -Coupon Information Registration- The mobile terminal 20 can register coupon information of a coupon in paper media. For example, by reading the barcode printed on the coupon, the recorded discount information can be obtained and reflected in the registered product information. If the recorded coupon information is unique coupon information, the coupon information may be invalidated by reading the coupon information. If it is necessary to collect the coupon, the clerk may be called during shopping to input it, or the POS terminal 70 for performing the settlement process may be specified as a manned POS or the like to perform the settlement.

[0213] Note that the mobile terminal 20 may automatically calculate the read coupon information to meet the maximum discount condition, reflect it in the price of the product, and output the registered information. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may record the read coupon information in code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) according to the registered information of the product and output it, and a discount process or the like may be performed at the POS terminal 70 or the like. Also in this case, the code information such as the QR code (registered trademark) output by the mobile terminal 20 records the shopping identification information and the coupon identification information, and the POS terminal 70 that has acquired the identification information may acquire the registered information and the coupon information from the upper device 10 based on each identification information.

[0214] -Use of Shopping List- The member can create a list of products planned to be purchased (hereinafter, "shopping list") on the mobile terminal 20 by specifying a store using the mobile terminal 20 and downloading all or part of the product master of the store. For example, when a member selects and registers a product to be purchased from a list of product information displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 creates a shopping list. Also, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically register, as products scheduled for purchase, products that are routinely purchased when creating a shopping list.

[0215] When registering products in a store, the member can display the shopping list on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 and use the shopping list. The order of products scheduled for purchase in the displayed shopping list may be in the order of the store aisles or departments, or can be freely set and changed otherwise. Also, for example, by voice input such as "vegetables" or "seika", the mobile terminal 20 may display only that department, or may display it at the upper position of the display area.

[0216] When the member registers a product, the mobile terminal 20 changes the display of the product information in the shopping list or deletes the shopping list. As a result, the member can know that the product scheduled for purchase has been registered. Note that for multiple products scheduled for purchase, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to perform deletion or the like when the scheduled purchase quantity is notified and the scheduled quantity is registered.

[0217] Also, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured such that the product registration process cannot be executed unless the member designates a product to be registered from the shopping list. Thereby, it is possible to surely purchase the product scheduled for purchase, and it is possible to suppress excessive impulse buying such as purchasing a product other than the scheduled one.

[0218] Note that when the member designates a product and then images a product other than the designated product, the mobile terminal 20 may provide notification such as an error display. Also, when the mobile terminal 20 images another product registered in the shopping list, it may provide notification such as an error display.

[0219] Note that the mobile terminal 20 allows the registration process for products that do not exist in the shopping list. In such a case, it is preferable to notify the user, for example, by displaying a screen for confirming the purchase, indicating that the product does not exist in the shopping list. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may display the products that exist in the shopping list and those that do not exist in a distinguishable manner in the list display of the registration information.

[0220] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may complete the product registration when the member clicks on the product name displayed in the shopping list or the like. The member does not need to read the barcode of the product and can perform smoother product registration. Also, by using the shopping list to register products, the registration process for products without barcodes can be easily performed. Additionally, it may be limited to functioning as a preset key for products without barcodes. There is no need to deliberately read barcodes such as price tags. Note that operation buttons for displaying alternatives such as origin (manufacturer), specifications, and capacity may be provided.

[0221] Note that the mobile terminal 20 may also be able to automatically add products regularly purchased from past shopping history information to the shopping list, or create a "shopping list" by scanning barcodes of empty containers or the like at home. If there are products registered in the shopping list but without registration information, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the member by displaying a message indicating that there is an item forgotten to be purchased on the registration screen or the like. Furthermore, it may inquire whether to purchase or not purchase the forgotten items.

[0222] - Output Process of Registration Information - The output process of the registration information at the time of settlement will be further explained. Basically, the output of the registration information is performed by converting the shopping identification information into a QR code (registered trademark), displaying it on the mobile terminal 20, and having it read by the POS terminal 70. The POS terminal 70 that has read the QR code (registered trademark) requests shopping information from the upper device 10 based on the acquired shopping identification information. In the upper device 10 that has received the request from the POS terminal 70, a subtotal calculation is performed based on the shopping information associated with the shopping information, and the calculated shopping information is transmitted to the POS terminal 70.

[0223] Note that a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the shopping information may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20 and output to the POS terminal 70. In that case, the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) displayed on the output screen 830 of the mobile terminal 20 is read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 to output the registration information and perform the settlement process. However, if there is a large amount of registration information and the information volume is insufficient with a single code information, a plurality of code information may be continuously displayed and continuously read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 to output all the registration information. In that case, it is preferable to display the total number of code information and the number of the currently displayed code information on the output screen 830.

[0224] Note that instead of reading the information of the registered product with a QR code (registered trademark), the information in the storage area of the shopping file may be displayed, and the "shopping file" may be acquired based on the information in the recording area to acquire and receive the information of the registered product. Also, not limited to the QR code (registered trademark), a one-dimensional code or an NFC identification code of the mobile terminal, etc., which can identify member information, can be used. If the identifier is set in the shopping file, the shopping file can be easily specified.

[0225] As described above, when performing the output process of the registration information by displaying the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) on the output screen 830 of the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 does not stop displaying the code information until the input process of the registration information by the POS terminal 70 is completed.

[0226] For example, when the POS terminal 70 finishes reading the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a), it transmits this fact to the mobile terminal 20. When the input of the code information in the POS terminal 70 is completed, the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 may display a message such as "The product registration is completed. Subsequent operations will be performed on the payment device" and then end the display of the code information.

[0227] As a result, the member can recognize that the product registration process using the mobile terminal 20 is completed and can concentrate on the payment process using the POS terminal 70. After the product registration process is completed on the mobile terminal 20 such as a smartphone, the mobile terminal 20 closes the output screen 830 displayed on the display unit 250 and returns to the start screen 800.

[0228] In addition, the output of the registration information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70 is not limited to the display of the code information. For example, after the customer completes the registration process using the mobile terminal 20 and selects the POS terminal 70 for the payment process, the mobile terminal 20 can identify the POS terminal 70 and output the registration information to the identified POS terminal 70 via the network.

[0229] Alternatively, by reading the identification information of the POS terminal 70 attached (or displayed) to the POS terminal 70 by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20, the registration information can be output to the read POS terminal 70 via the network. At this time, the output of the registration information may not be directly output to the POS terminal 70 selected by the mobile terminal 20, but may be performed via an upper-level system such as the upper-level device 10 or the store controller 60. That is, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping identification information to the selected POS terminal 70, and the POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information may request and obtain the registration information corresponding to the upper-level system based on the shopping identification information.

[0230] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may receive the status information of the POS terminal 70, display the status button or the like of the POS terminal 70 on the display unit 250, and output the registration information to the selected POS terminal 70 when the member selects the POS terminal 70. Also, based on the status information transmitted from the POS terminal 70 to the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically select and output the POS terminal 70 that outputs the registration information or the shopping identification information. The output of the registration information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70 is not particularly limited and may be performed by an appropriate method.

[0231] During shopping, it may be remembered that there are forgotten items at the time of checkout. In such a case, when the member operates a cancel button or the like displayed on the display unit of the POS terminal 70 during the checkout process, the POS terminal 70 displays a notification screen such as "Cancel the checkout. Subsequent operations will be performed on the smartphone" on the display unit 730, and the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 may display the registration screen 810 again to allow the continuation of product registration.

[0232] -Checkout process- The member selects a payment method for performing the checkout process of the product on the checkout screen 950. If the payment method has been registered in advance when the member is registered, the POS terminal 70 may not display a screen for selecting the payment method. Even when the payment method is registered, it is preferable that the payment method can be changed. Note that products that require age verification, such as alcoholic beverages, require a store clerk to be called just like hold products. Also, for pharmaceuticals, since explanations from a pharmacist or a registered seller are obligatory for Class II pharmaceuticals, the store clerk may be called in a separate manner from hold products or the like. Note that these products should be treated in the same way as hold products, stored as hold product information, and at the time of checkout, the store clerk is called by the notification means. If editing (confirmation process) is not performed on the screen of the POS terminal 70 in the same way as the hold product information, it is preferable that the accounting is prohibited by the prohibition means. Furthermore, it may be prohibited from being purchased by notifying the absence of a pharmacist or a registered seller.

[0233] For the settlement process, payment by gift vouchers or by points of a point member is also possible. Also, the use of discount vouchers such as coupon vouchers is also possible, and settlement can be performed in the same way as normal settlement processes such as change payment and receipt issuance. When the intervention of a store clerk is necessary for the collection of gift vouchers, etc., the store clerk is automatically called. Or, a display for guiding to a service counter, a manned POS, etc. may be shown on the display unit.

[0234] Also, it is preferably controlled so that the settlement process is not performed based on the registered product information registered in a store different from the store specified by the member. That is, the basket data (shopping file) generated by specifying the store has store identification information. When the registration information processed by the mobile terminal 20 that has specified another store is output and the settlement process is to be performed by the POS terminal 70, an error display such as "This is not shopping at this store." may be performed on the display unit 750 of the POS terminal 70, and the store clerk may be called. Also, when the registration process of a product is performed by the mobile terminal 20 that has specified another store, displays such as "The settlement at another store has not been completed. Do you want to create the basket data of this store?" and "You are logged in to another store. You cannot log in." may be performed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20 so that shopping at another store cannot be performed.

[0235] Also, at the time of the settlement process, it is preferable to have a store clerk check as necessary. Note that the check by the store clerk may be performed in the store clerk call process of step S703 in the flow in FIG. 11, but may be performed at other timings. Also, the check of the settlement process by the store clerk may be performed randomly and on a spot-check basis, but it is preferably performed according to the usage status of the member's mobile terminal 20.

[0236] For example, checks may be performed by a store clerk on members whose membership level stored in the customer file is the lowest level L1. As a result, for members who are using the service for the first time, checks and support by the store clerk will always be performed. On the other hand, for members at a high level L5 who have experienced the registration process on the mobile terminal 20 multiple times and have few incorrect operations or the like on the mobile terminal 20, checks and support by the store clerk will be omitted, and the burden on the store can be reduced.

[0237] Also, as in the store clerk call process in step S703 in FIG. 11, it is preferable that checks and support by the store clerk be performed when there are hold items for which code information cannot be read or when a cancel operation of the registered product information is performed during the registration operation by the member.

[0238] For example, the mobile terminal 20 or the POS terminal 70 may refer to the member file to obtain the past number of cancellation times and perform checks by the store clerk on members whose past number of cancellation times is equal to or more than a predetermined number, or may refer to the shopping file and perform checks by the store clerk on members who have performed a predetermined number or more of registration deletion (cancellation) operations in the shopping.

[0239] Specifically, the POS terminal 70 may be set to call a store clerk for transactions in which a product registration cancellation operation has been performed a plurality of times (for example, 3 times) or more during the transaction. Also, when calling a store clerk based on a registration cancellation operation, past multiple shopping histories may be considered. For example, when the total of the current, previous, and the one before the previous registration cancellation operations is 5 times or more, it may be set to call a store clerk.

[0240] As a result, for example, it is possible to perform checks by the store clerk on customers who scan a place without a product barcode and pretend to perform a product registration process, and on customers who delete registration information without returning the product.

[0241] Also, by setting whether or not the store clerk checks during the settlement process based on the operation history of the mobile terminal 20 during the member registration process, it is possible to target members who are likely to have a high number of registration cancellation operations or incorrect operations, or members who are likely not used to the registration operation by the mobile terminal 20. By actively involving the store clerk, the serviceability can be improved, and the efficiency and security can be enhanced. Furthermore, a notification prohibiting the use of the app may be issued.

[0242] Note that the involvement of the store clerk based on the operation history of the mobile terminal 20 during the member registration process is not limited to the settlement process, and it may also be at the time of entering the store or registering a product. For members using the service for the first time, by involving the store clerk at the time of entering the store rather than at the time of settlement, a smooth product registration process can be advanced.

[0243] -Prevention of forgetting to settle- When the member moves outside the store without completing the settlement process of the purchased product, the mobile terminal 20 notifies that the settlement process of the product is incomplete. Specifically, the position of the mobile terminal 20 is identified based on the GPS location information. When the mobile terminal 20 moves outside the store premises without performing the settlement process, it notifies the registered customer's email address and the app screen.

[0244] Also, when the product registration process is performed using the app, the customer may be notified by not forcibly terminating the app until the settlement process is completed or prohibiting the launch of other apps. Also, automatic settlement may be performed using a pre-registered payment method such as a credit card, and notification may be sent by email. Furthermore, it is also possible to operate without performing settlement processing on the settlement device by registering credit, electronic money, or the debit account of a financial institution. However, since members can shop with more peace of mind when they confirm the shopping details, it is also acceptable for members to arbitrarily decide on a method of performing content confirmation using a settlement device or a device with a similar function. Also, when there are no reserved items or depending on conditions such as the member's operation level, if there is no need to handle cash payments, gift vouchers, coupon usage, etc., that is, when there is no need to use a settlement device such as online payment or account debit, it may be skipped, and this fact may be notified together with the registration information or shopping identification information during the registration completion operation when displaying a QR code (registered trademark), etc., or alternatively, a notification or guidance such as "Operation of the settlement device is not necessary" may be provided instead of the said screen.

[0245] Next, an example of the block diagram of the mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system will be described with reference to FIG. 25(a). The sales data processing system of the present embodiment has, as a control unit, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory 24, a network I / F 25, an input unit I / F 26, a display unit I / F 27, etc.

[0246] The CPU 21 constitutes a computer and executes instructions of software programs. The ROM 22 stores in advance programs and the like for operating on the CPU 21. Note that the programs and the like may be stored in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and configured to be read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

[0247] The RAM 23 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and for the software to operate. The memory 24 is composed of a hard disk device etc. and stores information such as a product master. The network I / F 25 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to the network. The input unit I / F 26 is a circuit for input / output with the input unit 260. The display unit I / F 27 is a circuit for input / output with a display unit 250 such as a touch panel.

[0248] Next, an example of a block diagram of the POS terminal 70 of the sales data processing system will be described with reference to FIG. 25(b). The sales data processing system of the present embodiment includes, as a control unit, a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory 74, a network I / F 75, an input unit I / F 76, a display unit I / F 77, a printing unit I / F 78, and the like.

[0249] The CPU 71 constitutes a computer and executes instructions of a software program. The ROM 72 stores in advance programs and the like for operating on the CPU 71. Note that the programs and the like may be stored in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and configured to be read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

[0250] The RAM 73 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and operating software. The memory 74 is composed of a hard disk device or the like and stores information such as a product master. The network I / F 75 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to the network. The input unit I / F 76 is a circuit for input / output with the input unit 760. The display unit I / F 77 is a circuit for input / output with a display unit 750 such as a touch panel. The printing unit I / F 78 is a circuit for input / output with a printing unit 770 such as a printer.

[0251] As described above, in the sales data processing system of the present embodiment, when performing product registration processing using a smartphone owned by a customer, the display range of the registered product on the display unit of the portable terminal is suppressed to a minimum area during product registration, thereby facilitating confirmation of image data. In addition, since the list screen of the registered products can be expanded as needed, the confirmation of the registered products can be easily performed on a wide screen, and operations such as scrolling can be reduced.

[0252] In addition, when the image data of the product captured cannot be confirmed by viewing the registered product on a wide screen, the input unit such as a camera can be disabled, thereby saving power and preventing the temperature of the terminal device from rising.

[0253] It should be noted that the above embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that they are treated as examples. For example, in this embodiment, when the registration information includes hold product information, the POS terminal 70 displays a list of the registration information and the hold product information together, but it may also display only the hold product information in a list. The POS terminal 70 may display a list of product information by the store clerk correcting all the hold product information.

[0254] Various additional functions can also be provided to the mobile terminal 20. For example, when a member launches a dedicated application, the remaining battery level and radio wave status of the smartphone may be detected and notified. When the remaining battery level is insufficient, a member may be notified by displaying messages such as "There is a possibility that the battery will run out at... o'clock... minutes" or "There is a possibility that the battery will run out due to the reading process at... point".

[0255] In addition, when switching to offline, such as when the radio wave status is poor, a member may be notified by displaying messages such as "Only barcode information is displayed. The price is not displayed." By obtaining (inputting) only the barcode information and the quantity offline and then referring to the product master to update the data when returning to online, or by connecting to the product master through a communication medium such as a wired LAN at the time of settlement, it is also possible to obtain and register product information.

[0256] The shopping file in the upper device 10 is transmitted to the product sales system 6 (head office system or stock controller) as the sales record of the member, so that the product sales system 6 can centrally manage the sales records of members other than the upper device 10. In other words, it is possible to manage together the sales records of shopping in the store and the sales records of shopping on the mobile terminal. The upper device 10 can also cooperate with an electronic receipt server (not shown). When a member desires an electronic receipt, the upper device 10 may provide the electronic receipt to the member only with its sales record. Also, the product sales system side and the electronic receipt server may cooperate. In this case, all purchase records can be viewed and downloaded as electronic receipts. The sales record from the upper device 10 to the product sales system 6 is transmitted at a predetermined timing. Also, members using the cloud service of the upper device 10 may be able to view and download the purchase records of other companies and stores as electronic receipts. As a result, even when the same sales data processing system is adopted in other stores of the same company, it is convenient for members, and if they have experience using it in other companies and stores, it will be easier for members to accept the sales data processing system.

[0257] Also, even in the case of only receiving the sales record from the upper device 10 without performing the sales record from the POS terminal to the product sales system 6, such as in Example (No. 1) or (No. 3) of introducing the sales data processing system, it is also possible to grasp the sales record, sales flash report, inventory status, etc. of the store.

[0258] Also, the purchase history may be displayed in the app introduced in the mobile terminal 20. If you want to convert it to an electronic receipt for tax processing, you may specify a product from the purchase history and give an instruction to generate an electronic receipt. If a medical deduction or self-medication target flag is managed, if the list can be output (either in CSV or list PDF), it can also be used for medical deductions, etc. Other tax deductions can also be aggregated and the aggregated information can be provided to members. When the target products are different for the same type of tax deduction and the tax deduction conditions are different, if both are compared, output, display, printing, and electronic receipt generation are possible. It is also possible to select a tax deduction that is advantageous to members.

[0259] In addition, the purchase history may be displayed on the application introduced in the mobile terminal 20. It is also possible to generate an electronic receipt by specifying the purchased products for the purchase history to be made into an electronic receipt for tax processing. If the self-medication target flag is managed, the list can be output (either in CSV or as a list PDF) so that it can also be used for medical deductions.

[0260] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 may obtain product information by referring to the product master of the upper device 10 or the like, but the product master may be downloaded to the mobile terminal 20 so that the mobile terminal 20 can obtain product information. Also, in the mobile terminal 20, product identification information is obtained from the captured data, but the mobile terminal 20 may only obtain the captured data, and the subsequent steps of obtaining product identification information from the obtained captured data may be performed in the upper system.

[0261] That is, each step implemented in this embodiment may be implemented in any of the upper device 10, mobile terminal 20, store controller 60, POS terminal 70, etc., and as long as there is no contradiction, the device in which it is executed is not limited.

[0262] Note that the camera for imaging barcodes or the like attached to the product may use the camera equipped in the smartphone, or a separate camera connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like may also be used.

[0263] - Embodiment Regarding Store Identification - When a member purchases a product at a specific store, the store where the shopping is done is identified. Hereinafter, the identification of the store will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0264] In FIG. 30, the mobile terminal 20 is provided with a position acquisition means 213 for acquiring the position of the mobile terminal 20. For example, when a member activates the dedicated application of the mobile terminal 20, the position acquisition means 213 acquires the position from the GPS of the mobile terminal 20, the radio wave intensity from a plurality of base stations of the mobile phone network, and the like. Alternatively, the position acquisition means 213 may acquire position information using short-range wireless communication. For example, the position acquisition means 213 can directly acquire store information by connecting to the Wi-Fi provided by the store and the NFC installed at the entrance of the store.

[0265] The position of the mobile terminal can be estimated using the radio wave intensity of short-range wireless communication or triangulation based on the radio wave intensity. Standards for short-range wireless communication other than Wi-Fi include BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), EnOcean (registered trademark), Wi-SUN, Zigbee (registered trademark), and the like. BLE is one of the extended specifications of the short-range wireless communication technology Bluetooth. There is iBeacon (registered trademark) in the communication system using BLE developed by Apple Inc. (Apple is a registered trademark). In iBeacon (registered trademark), the beacon terminal continuously transmits unique ID information from a fixedly installed transmitter (beacon) to a neighboring BLE-compatible smartphone or the like. On the receiving side, the radio wave of BLE can be monitored, and the ID information and the propagation intensity of the beacon can be recognized. iBeacon (registered trademark) can set the range for transmitting the ID into three types: "Immediate" (proximity), "Near" (near), and "Far" (far).

[0266] Needless to say, those skilled in the art may appropriately select what to use as the short-range wireless communication for estimating the position of the mobile terminal. Further, the position acquisition means 213 can also be used when acquiring position information on which position in the store the mobile terminal 20 is present.

[0267] In FIG. 30, the store identification means 202 identifies stores existing within a predetermined range based on the location information of the mobile terminal 20 obtained from the location acquisition means 213. When a plurality of stores exist within the predetermined range, the plurality of stores may be displayed on the mobile terminal 20, and the member may be prompted to identify one of the plurality of stores.

[0268] By using the location information, it is possible to easily identify the store where the user enters and purchases goods.

[0269] If a predetermined store to enter cannot be identified based on the location information, the member may be prompted to input store information.

[0270] The POS terminal 70 has control means 701 that compares the predetermined store (the store where the user enters) identified by the mobile terminal 20 with the store where the POS terminal is installed, and prohibits the settlement process when the comparison does not match.

[0271] The weighing device 30 has control means 335 that compares the predetermined store (the store where the user enters) identified by the mobile terminal with the store where the weighing device is installed, and prohibits the interconnection with the mobile terminal 20 when the comparison does not match.

[0272] FIG. 31(A) shows an example in which the mobile terminal 20 detects and displays two neighboring stores A and B from the location information. Since there are a plurality of neighboring stores, a screen prompting the customer to select which store to enter is displayed. If the store where the customer enters is store A (pqr store), the customer can select the store to enter by touching the button.

[0273] Figure 31(B) shows an example of inputting store information. An example is shown where a symbol code 1312 for identifying the store is displayed on a display screen 1310 installed at the entrance of the store or the like. By photographing the symbol code 1312 with the camera of the mobile terminal 20 held by the member, the application on the mobile terminal 20 recognizes the symbol code 1312. The captured symbol code 1322 is displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. By recognizing the symbol code 1312, the application can acquire the information of the store to enter. Note that instead of displaying the symbol code on the display 20, a symbol code printed on a poster or the like may be posted at the entrance of the store. The member can input the information of the store to enter without performing troublesome operations such as key input. By appropriately changing the symbol code 1312 displayed on the display 20 over time, a member may take a picture of a copy of the symbol code at a location away from the store such as at home, and enter the store illegal operations such as inputting the store to enter can be prevented.

[0274] Figure 31(C) shows an example in which the symbol code 1324 displayed on the mobile terminal 20 is read by the camera 1332 of an imaging device 1330 installed at the entrance of the store or the like. By having the imaging device 1330 read the symbol code 1324 displayed on the mobile terminal 20, the application on the mobile terminal 20 can obtain the information of the store through another network or the like. By appropriately changing the symbol code 1324 displayed on the mobile terminal 20 over time, illegal operations such as having the imaging device 1330 read a copy of the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20 can be prevented.

[0275] By having the display of the symbol code read as described above, it is easy to identify the information of the store to enter. Also, the store where the member frequently shops may be displayed on the mobile terminal 20, and the member may be allowed to select the store to identify the store.

[0276] In FIG. 30, the product registration means 205 may be configured to prevent the process from shifting to a process that enables product registration until the store is specified by the store specifying means 202. The reason for this is that if the store where the product is to be purchased is not determined, for example, the store for settlement when registering the product cannot be determined. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of settlement processing for the wrong store. For example, in a case where a plurality of tenants (stores) coexist in the same building, it is important to specify the store before starting the product registration process.

[0277] In addition, even in the settlement process, it is desirable to perform a process of checking in which store the registered product was registered. This can prevent fraud such as receiving the application of a discount service when registering at another store and settling at another store at the discounted service price.

[0278] FIG. 32 shows an example in which the display means 207 causes the mobile terminal 20 to display a screen 1400 for allowing a member to select a settlement method.

[0279] On the screen 1400, a cash button 1402, a credit card button 1404, an electronic money button 1406, etc. are displayed. When the member selects the cash button 1402, the member may pay cash using the mobile terminal 20 by using a settlement processing device (such as the POS terminal 70) that can handle cash. As a method for associating the settlement processing device that can handle cash with the mobile terminal 20, the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20 may be read by the settlement processing device, or the symbol code displayed on the settlement processing device may be read by the mobile terminal 20, or the mobile terminal 20 may be brought close to the settlement processing device using NFC (Near Field Communication). By using such a method, the mobile terminal 20 and the settlement processing device can be associated, so the member may pay the purchase amount of the registered product using the settlement processing device.

[0280] When a member selects an electronic payment by pressing the credit card button 1404, the electronic money button 1406, etc., for example, the following processing is performed.

[0281] The settlement means 211 in FIG. 30 may operate to limit the location where an electronic payment can be made on the mobile terminal 20 to a predetermined location.

[0282] The settlement means 211 acquires information on the current location from the location acquisition means 213, and it is desirable that the location of the mobile terminal 20 can shift to the processing of electronic payments such as credit cards and electronic money only at a predetermined location under the supervision of the store clerk. The display means 207 may control the credit card button 1404 and the electronic money button 1406 so that they can be pressed only at a predetermined location. When an electronic payment such as a credit card or electronic money is processed on the mobile terminal 20, it is desirable that the store clerk or the store's monitoring system (not shown) checks whether the settlement has been made. As the monitoring system, for example, it may be checked on the screen of the POS terminal shown in FIG. 2, the confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, etc. Note that the screens in FIGS. 18 and 19 may be displayed on a simple display terminal without a settlement function. By detecting the store clerk's act of confirmation such as the button being pressed after it is confirmed that the store clerk has surely made the settlement, the payment may be made possible for the first time. At that time, it is preferable that the display device is provided with a touch panel, but a (physical) keyboard mainly operated by the store clerk may also be connected. The display means 207 may display a screen as shown in the popup 1402 in FIG. 32(C) so that the store clerk can visually confirm the end of the electronic payment. By doing so, before the member leaves the store with the purchased goods, the store clerk can surely confirm that the settlement has been made.

[0283] When a member selects an electronic payment method by pressing the credit card button 1404, the electronic money button 1406, etc., the settlement means 211 acquires location information from the location acquisition means 213 and confirms that the mobile terminal 20 is present in a predetermined area. If the mobile terminal 20 is not present in the predetermined area, a display is made to prompt the member to move so as to enter the predetermined area.

[0284] The pop-up 1410 in FIG. 32(B) shows an example of a screen that prompts a member to move to a predetermined area (for example, near the credit settlement counter). At the credit settlement counter, for example, a store clerk is waiting, and it is possible to monitor whether settlement by an electronic payment method such as credit settlement has been reliably performed. Also, the store clerk may perform checks such as matching the purchased goods held by the member with the settled goods. If the checks are performed on a sample basis, the burden on the store clerk can be reduced, and the member can also complete the settlement process quickly and leave the store.

[0285] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example related to the monitoring of a customer of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment.

[0286] The control means 201 monitors and controls the location information from the location acquisition means 213, and monitors and controls whether the mobile terminal 20 has left the store, for example, even though the settlement of the registered goods has not been completed. Then, the control means 201 causes the display means 207 to display a pop-up 1512 prompting the member to return to the store because "settlement has not been completed" as shown in FIG. 33(A). Alternatively, the display means 207 may display on the mobile terminal 20 that settlement is to be performed by a payment method such as a credit card or electronic money because the member has left the store.

[0287] Also, as shown in FIG. 33(B), the mobile terminal 20 may communicate with the POS terminal 70 operated by a store clerk, and cause the POS terminal 70 to display information (1522) of a member who has left the store without completing settlement on the display unit 750 of the POS terminal 70 via the display means 703 of the POS terminal 70. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 20 may cause the screen 1520 to be displayed on another management screen (not shown) of the store. Alternatively, the upper-level device 10 may monitor the mobile terminal 20 and display the screen 1520 on a display screen (not shown) of the upper-level device 10.

[0288] The member information (1522) preferably includes at least one of, for example, the fact that settlement is incomplete, information on the time when the member left the store, the member name (customer name), the member number, a list of registered products for which settlement is incomplete, the member's telephone number, and the current position of the member's mobile terminal 20.

[0289] -Processing Flow of Embodiment Regarding Store Identification- FIG. 34 is an example of a processing flow for identifying a store in a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. Each procedure (step) in the mobile terminal 20 will be described below. FIG. 34(A) shows a processing flow regarding entry into a store using a mobile terminal.

[0290] [S1002] The current position is identified. Then, the process proceeds to step S1004. For acquiring position information, GPS or the like is used. As already described, there are various methods for identifying the current position of the mobile terminal 20 other than GPS.

[0291] As already described, by causing the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal to be recognized by a reading device installed at the entrance of the store, the mobile terminal and the reading device are linked, and the mobile terminal may acquire store information through this linkage. For store identification, other short-range wireless communications such as NFC may be used.

[0292] [S1004]Based on the store location information and the identified current location, a process to identify the store is performed. The process proceeds to step S1006. [S1006]Based on the current location information, it is checked whether the store can be identified. If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S1014. If this check is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0293] [S1008]It is checked whether there are multiple stores existing as candidates from the current location information. If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S1010. If this check is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1012.

[0294] [S1010]Since there are multiple store candidates, the user, who is a member, is prompted to select a store and the selection from the user is accepted. The process proceeds to step S1014.

[0295] [S1012]For example, a symbol code existing at the store entrance is read by the mobile terminal 20. The symbol code contains information including store information. Based on this store information, the store can be identified. Note that the process of making the store recognized by the mobile terminal 20 is not limited to this process. As already described, the store is identified based on the instructions of the member by various methods. The process proceeds to step S1014. [S1014]The transition to the suppressed product registration process is released. Thereafter, the member can register the purchased products in the store using the mobile terminal 20. It is desirable that a shopping basket for the member is generated in the store system when the member enters the store. The products registered by the member should be added to the shopping basket.

[0296] Figure 34(B) shows the processing flow when the mobile terminal performs settlement or when purchasing weighed products. [S1022] This process is executed by interruption when shifting to the settlement process or when the interconnection with the measuring device is instructed. Note that the details of the interconnection between the mobile terminal and the measuring device will be described later. The process proceeds to step S1024. [S1024] In this case, it is determined whether the store information held by the settlement device or the measuring device matches the store entry information of the mobile terminal. If this determination is affirmative (yes), since the stores match, the process ends. If this determination is negative (no), the process moves to step S1026. [S1026] Usually, a member with a mobile terminal should perform settlement at the store where they entered. Also, they should use the measuring device of the store where they entered.

[0297] However, for example, it is also assumed that a member leaves a store and enters another store and tries to perform settlement or tries to use the measuring device of another store. In this case, settlement at another store and purchase of weighed and sold goods at another store will result in adjustments such as adjustment of sales calculation between stores in settlement and adjustment of inventory management, so complicated processing at the store will be required.

[0298] Therefore, as a simple solution, it is desirable to uniformly prohibit performing settlement at a store different from the store where one entered or using the measuring device of another store. As described above, it is desirable not to allow settlement at other stores and not to allow the interconnection between the measuring device and the mobile terminal. By this process, settlement at other stores is prohibited for the member. Or, the member cannot use the measuring device. By this measure, the inconveniences as described above can be avoided.

[0299] As an example of "exception handling", regardless of the location information, it may be possible to perform settlement as a product handled by the store where the current settlement device is installed. Also, the mobile terminal and the weighing device may be interconnected so that they can be registered on the mobile terminal as products of the store linked to the weighing device. Then, in the settlement device, settlement may be performed as a product of the store linked to the weighing device. In the case of the above exception handling, it is desirable to perform processing to adjust the situation where the inventory count and the sales amount do not match the theoretical and actual amounts for each store.

[0300] FIG. 35 is an example of a settlement processing flow in a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. The processing flow will be described below.

[0301] [S1102] A member makes a declaration for settlement by means of an electronic settlement using the mobile terminal 20. Examples of electronic settlement include, but are not limited to, settlement by credit card, settlement by electronic money, etc. The process proceeds to step S1104.

[0302] [S1104] The current position is identified. This current position is the position of the mobile terminal 20 and is the current position of the member. The process proceeds to step S1106.

[0303] [S1106] It is checked whether the current position is within the first area. Examples of the first area include near the counter where the store clerk is present, near the credit card settlement desk where the store clerk is present, etc. At these positions, it becomes possible for the store clerk to monitor the member's electronic settlement using the mobile terminal 20. Also, the store clerk can easily check the purchased products. If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S1110. If this check is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1108.

[0304] [S1108] Since the member who holds the mobile terminal 20 will be outside the first area, for example, the member is prompted to enter the first area on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. The display may show the in-store route to the first area to guide the member (not shown). The process returns to step S1104. [S1110] Since the member is within the first area, electronic payment processing is performed using the mobile terminal 20.

[0305] FIG. 36 is an example of a processing flow regarding customer monitoring in a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. The details of the processing flow will be described below. It is desirable that the following processing be started by an interrupt process or the like.

[0306] [S1200] This processing is started periodically by an interrupt or when a "specific process on the mobile terminal" is performed. Here, the "specific process on the mobile terminal" refers to, for example, the following processes. (1) The process of displaying the settlement QR code of the mobile terminal to be read by the POS terminal for settlement (2) When the function of being able to display a subtotal screen is available, the process when an instruction to proceed to the subtotal screen is given (3) The instruction to proceed to settlement with a credit card, electronic money, etc. The process when the instruction is given (4) The process when an instruction to cancel all registered items is given (5) The process when an instruction to establish mutual communication with a weighing device is given, etc. When the above processes are performed, since it is an important stage when shopping, it is desirable to perform the following processes. [S1202] The current position of the mobile terminal 20 is identified. The process moves to step S1204.

[0307] [S1204] It is checked whether the current position of the mobile terminal 20 is outside the second area (for example, outside the store). If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S1206. If this check is negative (no), the process ends.

[0308] [S1206] It is checked whether the settlement of the products registered on the mobile terminal 20 has been completed. If this check is affirmative (yes), the process ends. If this check is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1208.

[0309] [S1208] It is found that the member who holds the mobile terminal 20 has gone outside the store despite the settlement not being completed. Therefore, information regarding the member is displayed to the store clerk. Examples of what is displayed are as already explained. Also, the member is notified (displayed) on the screen of the mobile terminal 20, for example, to return to the store. Examples of this notification (display) are as already explained. Alternatively, based on the acquired location information, if it is found that the mobile terminal exists in a different store after re-identifying the store, the current store of the member can be re-registered. In this case, a new product basket for the re-registered store can be created, and the already created product basket can be put on hold, etc. Or, since the member is outside the store, it may be possible to return to the initial screen for identifying the store. This process enables more easily taking appropriate measures for members whose settlement has not been completed. The process ends.

[0310] -Embodiment regarding the cooperation between the weighing device and the mobile terminal-

[0311] Return to FIG. 30. The product type acquisition means 203a in FIG. 30 acquires, via a mobile terminal or the like, for example, the type of the weighed product that the member is about to purchase. The measured value acquisition means 203b acquires the measured value of the acquired weighed product from the weighing device 30.

[0312] For merchandise that needs to be weighed, the unit price (per kg unit price, unit price per piece, etc.) is set in advance for each merchandise type. If the member knows the merchandise type and the weighed value of the weighed merchandise they purchase, the price of that merchandise can be calculated by using the unit price of that merchandise type. Obtain the merchandise type and its weighed value so that the merchandise can be registered and the price can be calculated. The merchandise registration means 205 can register weighed merchandise by using the merchandise type and its weighed value of the weighed merchandise.

[0313] It is desirable for the display means 207 to display the merchandise type in a manner indicating that the weighed value has not been obtained until the weighed value acquisition means 203b obtains the weighed value corresponding to the merchandise type. Alternatively, it may notify to weigh the merchandise of the merchandise type.

[0314] Also, it is desirable for the settlement means 211 of the mobile terminal 20 to prohibit shifting to the settlement process when the type of the weighed merchandise is obtained, and to cancel the prohibition of shifting to the settlement process when the corresponding weighed value is obtained. This is because the price of the weighed merchandise is not determined until the weighed value is obtained, so it is desirable not to shift to the settlement process.

[0315] FIG. 37 shows an example of using the mobile terminal 20 to obtain, by the mobile terminal, the type of the weighed merchandise that the member wants to purchase. In FIG. 37, lemons 3002, apples 3004, and oranges 3006 are displayed, and signs 3012, 3014, and 3016 having displays are placed behind each of the weighed merchandise.

[0316] For example, the label 3012 displays the characters "lemon", the unit price per kg, and the unit price of nn yen. Also, a barcode 3013a is displayed so that the mobile terminal 20 can optically read this information. These displays may be printed on paper or the like. By using a display, a display taking into account price discounts during time services or the like can be quickly performed. Also, by changing and displaying the barcode at a predetermined time and causing the mobile terminal 20 to read a barcode or the like photographed in advance by a camera, fraud such as registering weighed goods at different unit prices can be prevented.

[0317] In the mobile terminal 20 in FIG. 37, a camera is provided, and it can be seen that the barcode 3013b of the lemon 3002 is read by the detection means 204. In the second display area, 3050 where one 160-yen yogurt is already registered. Also, an apple has been read 3040, and a display 3041 for the quantity to be weighed and a price of?? yen 3042 are displayed.

[0318] Similarly, a lemon has been read 3030, and a display 3031 for the quantity to be weighed and a price of?? yen 3042 are displayed. In the subtotal column 3020, it is displayed that there is one officially registered product, the approximate total is 160 yen, and a button to proceed to checkout is displayed. Since the weighed values of the lemon and the apple have not been obtained, the displays 3041 and 3031 for the quantity to be weighed are notified, prompting the member to perform weighing. Also, since weighing has not been performed, a display of?? yen is made. Also, the columns 3030 and 3040 for weighed goods for which weighing has not been performed are shaded, and are displayed in a manner that allows the member to recognize that no weighed value has been obtained. Returning to FIG. 30. In the weighing device 30, an instruction receiving means 331 having a display function and a communication means 333 are controlled by a control means 335.

[0319] The communication means 333 communicates with the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 20. The instruction receiving means 331 may be, for example, a display device having a touch panel. The instruction receiving means 331 can display symbol codes, messages, buttons, etc., and can receive various instructions by touching the screen. Although not shown in the measurement value of FIG. 30, it is desirable to be equipped with a printer, a short-range wireless device (such as Bluetooth, NFC, etc.), a function for performing measurement, a platform for placing the object to be measured, a reader for reading symbol codes, etc.

[0320] The symbol code displayed on the weighing device 30 is linked to the mobile terminal 20 when it is read by the mobile terminal 20. Alternatively, the weighing device 30 and the mobile terminal 20 may be linked by the reader of the weighing device 30 reading the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20. Then, triggered by the linking, the mobile terminal 20 and the weighing device 30 occupy mutual communication by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth and can communicate information with each other.

[0321] Note that the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 20 may be able to control the weighing device 30 via the communication means 333 using established mutual communication such as Bluetooth.

[0322] Also, when the instruction receiving means 331 of the weighing device 30 detects that a customer who does not use the mobile terminal 20 has declared the use of the weighing device 30, or when a product is placed on the platform, it may operate to prohibit the establishment of mutual communication with the mobile terminal 20, perform weighing smoothly, and release this prohibition, for example, when the printing of the label is completed.

[0323] FIG. 38 shows the weighing device 30. On the display part, the initial screen 4053a of the weighing device is displayed. The initial screen 4053b is an enlarged display of this. On the formula screen 4053b, a display area 4055 where a symbol code used for establishing mutual communication with the mobile terminal is displayed, and an area 4057 that serves as both an explanation screen and a touch area when using the weighing device without using the mobile terminal are displayed. When the customer wants to use the weighing device without using the mobile terminal, the customer may touch the display area 4057 or place the product on the mounting table 4062. The weighing device 30 includes a printed label discharge port 4060 and a symbol code reading unit 4061. The reading unit 4061 can read, for example, a symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the mode of mutual connection between the mobile terminal 20 and the weighing device 30.

[0324] FIG. 39(A) is a diagram showing a state where the camera of the mobile terminal 20 reads the symbol code 4056a displayed on the weighing device 30. On the mobile terminal 20, the captured symbol code 4056b is displayed on the screen.

[0325] The detection means 204 of the mobile terminal 20 analyzes the symbol code and acquires information necessary for mutual communication. Using this information, the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 20 and the communication means 333 of the weighing device 30 can establish mutual communication using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Note that mutual communication may be established or information necessary for mutual communication may be acquired using NFC by having the reading unit 4061 of the weighing device 30 read the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20. After mutual communication is established, not only short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth but also other wireless communications such as Wi-Fi, optical communication, and the wide-area communication network of mobile phones may be used in combination.

[0326] Figure 39(B) shows the situation when mutual communication is established and the information of weighed and sold goods registered by the mobile terminal 20 is transferred to the weighing device. It should be noted that the information of the weighed and sold goods registered by the mobile terminal 20 may be directly transmitted from the mobile terminal 20 to the weighing device 30 through mutual communication, but it goes without saying that it may also be transmitted to the weighing device 30 via other devices such as the POS terminal 70 and the upper device 10 that are communicatively connected, and a server device (not shown).

[0327] In Figure 39(C), the display information 4060a of the weighing device 30 is prominently shown as the display information 4060b. As shown in Figure 39(B), the same display information 4060c may also be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20. By thus displaying the display information 4060c of the weighing device 30 on the mobile terminal 20 as well, the member can give instructions from the mobile terminal 20 to the weighing device 30. It goes without saying that the mobile terminal 20 may display the product registration screen without displaying such a screen.

[0328] As shown in the display information 4060b of Figure 39(C), the button 4063 for apples and the button 4065 for lemons, which are weighed and sold goods for which the weighed values have not yet been obtained, are displayed. The reason these two weighed and sold goods are displayed is that in Figure 37, by reading the barcodes of apples and lemons, these product types were obtained by the camera of the mobile terminal 20. In order to prompt the selection of products and the weighing of each of the apples and lemons the member has, a notification is made saying "Please select a product and place it on the platform."

[0329] Also, a button 4066 for canceling weighing and a button 4067 for searching for weighed and sold goods, which is used when the member also wants to weigh products that are not displayed, are displayed.

[0330] Figure 40 is a diagram for obtaining the measured value of weighed goods. In Figure 40(A), first, the member touches the apple button 4063 of the display information 4060d. It is shown that the apple button 4063 is highlighted when the apple button 4063 on the screen of the weighing device is touched by the member's finger 3100. By this operation, the instruction receiving means 331 of the weighing device 30 detects that the apple is to be weighed. And it is displayed in the display information that the unit price of the apple is 360.00 yen / Kg. This unit price may be obtained in advance by the weighing device from, for example, the product master of the store, or in response to the selection of the weighed good apple by the member, the unit price of the apple is obtained from the product master and displayed.

[0331] Figure 40(B) shows the display information 4070a of the weighing device 30. In the enlarged display information 4070b, a notification of "Please place the product" 4073 is made, prompting the member to place the apple on the stage 4062. Also, an apple display 4075 is shown for the member to easily understand. The back button 4077 is a command button that returns to the previous screen and displays the previous display information. In response to this display, the member is trying to place the apple 3080 on the stage 4062 with the member's finger 3100.

[0332] Figure 41 is a diagram showing the state of weighing. In Figure 41a, since the apple 3080a is placed on the stage 4062, it is shown in the display information 4090a(4090b) that the measured value is 1.2006 Kg, the unit price is 360.00 yen, and based on the measured value and the unit price, the total amount of the apple is 432 yen. Note that the total amount may be obtained by calculation, such as rounding down the decimal part.

[0333] The print command button 4093 for the label is displayed in the display information 4090b. It is desirable that the print command button 4093 be displayed only when the product is placed and the measured value has stabilized. Alternatively, until the measured value stabilizes, the print command button 4093 may be dimmed so that pressing it does not result in printing. When the measured value stabilizes, it may be brightly displayed and pressing it causes printing. Also, a notification such as "Please press the print button" is given. After the member confirms that their operation is correct, the member touches the print command button 4093 with their finger 3100.

[0334] Figure 41(B) shows the display information 4095 after the print command button 4093 has been touched. In the display information 4095, there is a notification prompting to attach the label 4097 to the product bag 4081 when the label 4097 is printed from the weighing device 30a. Note that it may be decided not to print out the label. Also, the label may not have a symbol code containing the measured value information printed on it. It is desirable that the product type and the measured value be transferred to the mobile terminal using mutual communication from the communication means 333 of the weighing device 30 via the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 30. Also, the weighing device 30 may transmit the product type and the measured value to be stored in the member's basket provided in another higher-level device in the store via a communication line.

[0335] Figure 42 is a diagram showing the display information 4060e of the weighing device 30 after the measured value has been obtained and its operation. As shown in Figure 42(A), the display of the apple has disappeared from the area 4063a. This is because the measured value of the apple has already been obtained and the label has been printed out, so there is no need to display the apple.

[0336] Figure 42(B) shows an example where the button 4066 for aborting the weighing is touched with the member's finger 3100. In the display information 4060f, the display 4065a of the lemon remains, so the member is required to weigh the lemon. Even in such a situation, based on the member's intention, the weighing can be aborted. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the display information of the weighing device 30 and the mobile terminal 20 when weighing is suspended or completed.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 43(A), the screen of the weighing device 30 is displaying the initial display information 4053c. Therefore, other members can interconnect with the mobile terminal 20. Also, customers without a mobile device can use the weighing device 30.

[0338] FIG. 43(B) shows the display of the mobile terminal 20. Since the weighing of the apples is completed and the mobile terminal 20 has acquired the weighing value of the apples, the display of the apple display column 3040a has changed from the shaded display to the normal display. Also, the display at the position 3041a where the number is usually displayed has changed from "weighing required" to "weighing". From this display, it can be seen that the apples are products to be weighed. By this change in display, the member can confirm that the apples they are trying to purchase are registered normally. In contrast, the display column 3030 of the lemons has not changed because weighing was not performed. Since the shaded display is still made, it can be seen that it is treated the same as the reserved products already described. In this embodiment, products for which the weighing value has not been acquired in this way can be treated the same as reserved products. In the estimated total column 3020, the price of the apples, 432 yen, is added to 160 yen, and the amount 3021a has changed to 592 yen.

[0339] Returning to FIG. 30. The registration means 205 of the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to accept only the change of the number to zero (i.e., equivalent to canceling the registration) when an instruction to change the number of products to be weighed is made. This is because it is not assumed that there are multiple products of the same weight for the products to be received and weighed.

[0340] Incidentally, for example, apples are sold as items by the piece, and there are also items sold by the piece such as calculating the number from the total weight of apples and selling them using a weighing device. There may be cases where one apple is registered in the weighing device at 150 yen and three apples are registered at 450 yen, and a label is issued. In this case, it may be possible to change the quantity to 2 or more. (In the case of such items, instead of using the weighing device 30, after reading the product type code of the apple as shown in FIG. 37 on a mobile terminal, for example, the member may be able to register the apples by inputting the number (it may not be necessary to use the weighing device 30). Incidentally, also in this case, the weighing device 30 may calculate the number of apples, output a label, and transmit the number based on the measured value to the mobile terminal 20 or the upper device.)

[0341] Incidentally, in the case where there is an element like a counting scale, for example, when candies are sold by the piece at 5 yen per piece and it is normal to buy 20 or 30 pieces, it is very troublesome for the member to actually count them. Therefore, the unit weight of the candies and the number are calculated from the measured value. In the case of such items, it may be made mandatory to use the weighing device 30. In this case, it is desirable that this number cannot be changed and can only be canceled. Alternatively, the quantity may only be changeable within a range of upper and lower limits (for example, an error of ±1 for every 20 pieces), and only the registered product can be canceled.

[0342] FIG. 44 shows the process related to the registration / cancellation, etc. of products whose weight is measured. FIG. 44(A) shows a state where the member's finger 3100 is touching the button 3041b that is measured and displayed to change the quantity of apples.

[0343] Figure 44(B) shows the subsequent pop-up display 3043 and the notification display 3110. The pop-up display 3043 shows the product cancellation button 3044. For products whose quantity can be changed, buttons 820a and 820b for instructing an increase or decrease in quantity are displayed as shown in Fig. 11(a). Figure 44(B) is the same display as the pop-up display 821 in Fig. 11(b). In Figure 44(B), the product cancellation is touched by the member's finger 3100. When this operation is performed, the notification display 3110 is displayed. This display prompts the member to put the apple in the hold basket. Also, if the back button 3114 is pressed, the cancellation operation can be cancelled. The OK button 3112 is a button for notifying the mobile terminal 20 that the member has accepted this treatment. The member puts the apple in the hold basket. Note that the hold basket is just an example, and it is sufficient if it can be distinguished from other registered products. Alternatively, a notification may be given to return the product to the product display shelf.

[0344] Figure 44(C) is a diagram showing the display of the mobile terminal 20 after the member touches the OK button 3112. Since the registration of the apple has been cancelled, a cancellation line 3045 is displayed, and the price of the apple has changed to the display of 0 yen 3042a. Also, the estimated total amount 3021a is 160 yen, reflecting the cancellation of the apple. Note that the cancellation line 3042a is an example for clearly showing that the cancellation has been performed, and the display column of the apple itself may be erased. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 20 may not execute the cancellation but indicate that a cancellation instruction has been made. Even in this case, the treatment as a held product may be continued, the display 3110 regarding the held product may be displayed, and the member may be prompted to put the product in the hold basket. Figure 45 is a diagram when the settlement (proceed to accounting) process is instructed when there are products for which measurement values cannot be obtained.

[0345] Figure 45(A) is a diagram when the member presses the button 3108 to proceed to checkout when there are goods for which measurement values have not been obtained. In response to this instruction, the mobile terminal 20 displays a display 3110 regarding the reserved goods. Then, the member is prompted to put the lemons for which measurement values have not been obtained into the reserved basket. The member then touches the OK button 3110a. Note that if the measurement values for all product types to be measured have been obtained, the display 3110a regarding the reserved goods is not displayed. In this case, the prohibition on the settlement process is lifted and the settlement process can proceed.

[0346] Figure 45(B) is a diagram showing the display screen of the mobile terminal 20 after the OK button 3110a has been touched. A strikethrough 3035 is displayed for the display of the lemons for which measurement values have not been obtained.

[0347] Such goods with a strikethrough can be treated in the same way as the reserved goods already described. Note that when the display 3110 regarding the reserved goods is made, a notification to call the store clerk may be made. Alternatively, a notification to call the store clerk may be made without making the display 3110 regarding the reserved goods.

[0348] Figure 46 is a flowchart showing the associated operations of the mobile terminal 20 and the weighing device 30. Hereinafter, the details of this flow will be described. [S2002] The mobile terminal 30 reads the symbol code of the weighed goods. By this operation, the mobile terminal acquires the type of the weighed goods. The acquired product type is registered in the mobile terminal and displayed on the screen. At this stage, since the measurement value of the measured goods has not been obtained, the transition to the settlement process is prohibited. Note that the member operating the mobile terminal may be allowed to press the button to proceed to checkout. In this case, as already described, the member may be prompted to put the goods for which measurement values have not been obtained into the reserved basket. Also, as shown in FIG. 39 etc., it is desirable to give a "measurement required" notification to obtain the measurement value and notify to obtain the measurement value. The process proceeds to step S2004.

[0349] [S2004] It is checked whether the operation of obtaining the type has been completed. For this check to result in an affirmative judgment (yes), for example, it is the case when the button to proceed to accounting is pressed. In this case, the process proceeds to step S2006. Otherwise, a negative judgment (no) is automatically made and the process returns to step S2002.

[0350] [S2006] Information of mutual communication with the measuring device is obtained. That is, the symbol code of the measuring device is read by the mobile terminal 20. Note that the mobile terminal may obtain connection information by connecting via NFC, the measuring device reading the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal, etc. The process proceeds to step S2008.

[0351] [S2008] Mutual communication is established between the mobile terminal and the measuring device. Short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth is occupied by the mobile terminal 20 and the measuring instrument 30. The process proceeds to step S2010.

[0352] [S2010] An operation by the customer on the measuring device is performed to obtain a measured value. Alternatively, using the mobile terminal with which mutual communication has been established, in response to an operation by the customer using the mobile terminal 20, the measuring device may obtain the measured value. The mobile terminal 20 obtains and registers the measured value from the measuring device 30. The mobile terminal 20 may change the display mode of the column of the product for which the measured value has been obtained so that it can be known that the measured value has been obtained. Also, the price may be calculated from the measured value and the unit price and the price may be displayed. The process proceeds to step S2012.

[0353] [S2012] It is checked whether the measured values of all product types to be measured have been obtained. If this check is negative (no), the process returns to step S2010. If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2014. [S2014] The prohibition of transition to the settlement process is released. Then, the mutual communication is disconnected. Thus, the cooperative operation between the measuring device 30 and the mobile terminal 30 ends.

[0354] FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the operation when there are registered products for which measurement values have not been acquired. FIG. 47(A) shows a process started by an interrupt when an instruction to proceed to accounting is received, or when there is an instruction to cancel a product to be measured.

[0355] [S2102] Settlement is requested (the button to proceed to accounting is pressed), and the mobile terminal 20 determines whether all measurement values corresponding to the acquired product types have been acquired. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2106. If this determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2104.

[0356] [S2104] The mobile terminal notifies that it is prompting to put the products for which measurement values have not been acquired into the hold basket. Since it is the case where the button to proceed to accounting has been pressed, it notifies that it is prompting to put all of the products for which measurement values have not been acquired into the hold basket. The process proceeds to step S2106.

[0357] [S2106] It is determined whether there is an instruction to cancel the product to be measured. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2108. If this determination is negative (no), the process ends.

[0358] [S2108] A notification (A) is made to prompt to put the product for which the cancellation instruction has been given into the hold basket. For the process of notification (A), the process of FIG. 47(B) is performed. FIG. 47(B) is started by an interrupt when the above notification (A) is made.

[0359] [S2112] The mobile terminal 20 determines whether the OK button has been pressed. The OK button is, for example, the OK button 3110 in FIG. 44(B), and is a button that a member presses when approving to put the products for which measurement values have not been acquired into the hold basket. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process moves to step S2114. If this determination is negative (no), the process moves to step S2116.

[0360] [S2114] The mobile terminal 20 cancels the notification and makes changes such as putting a strikethrough on the display. Then, it sets the price of the canceled item to 0, recalculates the total amount, and updates the display.

[0361] [S2116] For example, it is desirable to notify the store clerk if there is no operation after a certain period of time. This notification is transferred from the mobile terminal to a higher-level device, a POS terminal, etc., to call the store clerk. Then, the called store clerk makes a confirmation. The above is the operation flow of the mobile terminal 20 when the acquisition of the measured value is incomplete. Figure 48 is a flowchart showing the operation of displaying the registration information of the mobile terminal 20 and the operation of changing the registration information.

[0362] Figure 48(A) is a flowchart showing the operation of displaying the registration information of the mobile terminal 20. [S2202] The mobile terminal determines whether the registered information of the product is a product whose price varies according to weight or a weighed product. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2206. If this determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2204. [S2204] The mobile terminal 20 displays the quantity in the quantity display field based on the member's instruction. The process ends. [S2206] Since the registered information of the product is a product whose price varies according to weight or a weighed product, the mobile terminal performs a display other than the quantity in the quantity display field. Figure 48(B) is a flowchart showing the operation of changing the registration information of the mobile terminal 20.

[0363] [S2210] The mobile terminal determines whether the registered information of the product is a product whose price varies according to weight or a weighed product. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2214. If this determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2212. [S2212] The mobile terminal 20 performs a display of the change according to the quantity change instruction and a process of reflecting the change.

[0364] [S2214] Since the registration information of the product is for a product whose price varies according to weight or a weighed product, the mobile terminal 20 only accepts an instruction to set the quantity to zero, that is, a deletion instruction, regarding the change in quantity. The process proceeds to step S2216.

[0365] [S2216] In the case of a deletion instruction, the mobile terminal displays that it has been deleted, prompts to place the deleted product in a specific location, and notifies to call a store clerk if necessary. The process ends. Figure 49 is a flowchart showing the manual operation of the weighing device, that is, the operation of the weighing device when the customer uses the weighing device without using the mobile terminal 20.

[0366] [S2302] The weighing device determines whether a product is placed on the platform of the weighing device or detects a declaration that the customer uses the weighing device without a mobile terminal. An example of this declaration is when it is detected that the customer touches the display area 4057 in FIG. 38. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2304. If this determination is negative (no), the process ends.

[0367] [S2304] The weighing device prohibits the mobile terminal from establishing mutual communication with the weighing device. This is because when the customer is operating the weighing device, the mobile terminal 20 trying to connect to the weighing device 30 may interfere with the customer's operation. An example of the mode of prohibiting the establishment of this mutual communication is to not display the symbol code 4056 in FIG. 38. The process proceeds to step S2306.

[0368] [S2306] The weighing device determines whether the use of the weighing device by the customer has ended. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2308. If this determination is negative (no), this step S2306 is repeated. [S2308] Since the use of the weighing device by the customer has ended, the weighing device releases the prohibition of establishing mutual communication.

[0369] Figure 50 is a flowchart of the operations of the POS terminal. The POS terminal may be of any type, such as a self-POS terminal operated by the member himself / herself, a POS terminal with the intervention of a store clerk, etc. The POS terminal can perform the following operations as described in step S2400. That is, the POS terminal (settlement device) · Commodities for weighed sales that are registered but not yet weighed · Commodities for which the registration of weighed sales has been cancelled · Commodities for which the registration of commodities with different prices according to weight has been cancelled shall be treated in the same way as the reserved commodities. The handling of reserved commodities has already been described in detail.

[0370] For commodities for weighed sales that are registered but not yet weighed, the weighed value may be obtained by weighing with the weighing device connected to the POS terminal.

[0371] The steps of each processing flow in this embodiment may be rearranged as long as there is no contradiction, and may be executed simultaneously as long as there is no contradiction. Also, the embodiments in this specification are not mutually exclusive, and part or all of one embodiment may be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0372] 10: Higher-level device 20: Mobile terminal 201: Control means 202: Store identification means 203: Acquisition means 204: Detection means 205: Commodity registration means 206: Reserved commodity registration means 207: Display means 208: Notification means 209: Output means 210: Registered commodity cancellation means 211: Settlement means 213: Position acquisition means 215: Communication means 331: Indication receiving means 333: Communication means 335: Control means 60: Store controller 70: POS terminal 700: Control unit 701: Control means 702: Input means 703: Display means 704: Settlement means 705: Notification means 706: Editing means 707: Prohibition means 750: Display unit 760: Input unit 770: Printing unit

Claims

1. Position identifying means for identifying the current position, Store identifying means for identifying a predetermined store for settlement of registered products, A mobile terminal comprising: The store identifying means: Identifies the predetermined store based on the position, or If the predetermined store cannot be identified based on the position, prompts the customer to input store information, and identifies the predetermined store based on the input store information. Mobile terminal.

2. Further comprising product registration means, The product registration means inhibits shifting to a process that enables registration of a product until the predetermined store is identified by the store identifying means. The mobile terminal according to Claim 1.

3. The store identifying means: When two or more stores are candidates for the predetermined store based on the position, prompts the customer to select one store by presenting the two or more stores. The mobile terminal according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising settlement means, The settlement means activates a process of performing settlement of registered products by non-cash electronic settlement when the position is within a first area. The mobile terminal according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising settlement means, When the customer selects a process of performing settlement of registered products by non-cash electronic settlement, the settlement means notifies the customer to enter a first area. The mobile terminal according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. Further comprising notification means, The notification means notifies a store clerk and / or a customer when the position is outside a second area and settlement of the registered products has not been completed. The mobile terminal according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. A sales management system including the mobile terminal, Control means for monitoring and controlling whether there is a predetermined mobile terminal where settlement of registered products has not been completed and the position is outside a second area, Notification means for notifying, when the predetermined mobile terminal exists, information of a member associated with the predetermined mobile terminal, that the position is outside the second area, and at least one of the positions. The sales management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. A sales management system having the mobile terminal, a POS terminal, and a weighing device, ​ The POS terminal has first control means for comparing the predetermined store with the store where the POS terminal is installed and performing control to prohibit settlement processing when the comparison does not match. The weighing device has second control means for comparing the predetermined store with the store where the weighing device is installed and performing control to prohibit interconnection with the mobile terminal when the comparison does not match. The sales management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A step of identifying the current position, A step of identifying a predetermined store for settling registered products, A program for causing a mobile terminal to execute, The step of identifying the store is Identifying the predetermined store based on the position, or When the predetermined store cannot be identified based on the position, prompting the customer to input store information, and identifying the predetermined store based on the input store information. Program.

10. A step of identifying the current position, A step of identifying a predetermined store for settling registered products, A method having The step of identifying the store is Identifying the predetermined store based on the position, or When the predetermined store cannot be identified based on the position, prompting the customer to input store information, and identifying the predetermined store based on the input store information. Method

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