Information processing device, program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving the efficiency of a confirmation work for a registered article.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a comparison unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit obtains registration information of each article registered by a user via a terminal. The comparison unit compares one or more thresholds relating to registration with the registration information. The display control unit changes a display mode of each article in a display unit according to a result of the comparison by the comparison unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 39

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device, a program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial facilities, a POS (Point Of Sales) system is known in which customers register the items they wish to purchase using an information terminal with wireless communication capabilities, and then transfer the transaction data from the information terminal to a cash register, where the customers then pay for the items themselves using the cash register.

[0003] In such POS systems, to prevent customers from forgetting to register products or from registering products incorrectly, a store clerk checks the products registered by the customer in the checkout area when the customer checks out. However, it is difficult to check all customers and all products. Therefore, a measure is needed to quickly and efficiently determine which customers and products should be checked first. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-153088 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology for making the process of checking registered products more efficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a comparison unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires registration information for each product registered by a user via a terminal. The comparison unit compares the registration information with one or more registration-related thresholds. The display control unit changes the display mode of each product on the display unit according to the comparison result by the comparison unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a product sales system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a store in which the product sales system has been introduced. [Figure 3] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a first server in the product sales system. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a product data record stored in a product database in the first server. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a member data record stored in a member database in the first server. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a sales promotion data record stored in a sales promotion database in the first server. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a second server in the product sales system. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information terminal table in the second server. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration list written in the information terminal table. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sales promotion list written in the information terminal table. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping list written in the information terminal table. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a checkout machine table in the second server. [Figure 13]2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a monitoring terminal in the product sales system. FIG. [Figure 14] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal in the product sales system. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart to which the information terminal is attached. [Figure 16] 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a login interrupt process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a product registration interrupt process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a product registration interrupt process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a product registration interrupt process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a transaction interrupt process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of accounting request interrupt processing executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an accounting end interrupt process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a check target product determination process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing specific steps of a check target product determination process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a monitoring image creation process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a monitoring image display process showing a terminal in transaction, executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a display form change process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a display form change process executed by a processor of the second server. [Figure 30] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration image displayed on a touch panel of the information terminal. FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration area in the registration image. [Figure 32] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an attendant confirmation image displayed on a touch panel of the information terminal. FIG. [Figure 33] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plastic bag confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. FIG. [Figure 34] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout barcode image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. FIG. [Figure 35] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a monitoring image displayed on a touch panel of the monitoring terminal. FIG. [Figure 36] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a monitoring image displayed on the touch panel of the monitoring terminal. FIG. [Figure 37] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout machine status display section displayed on the monitoring image. FIG. [Figure 38] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a terminal status display section displayed on the monitoring image. FIG. [Figure 39] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a monitoring image displayed on the touch panel of the monitoring terminal. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In the following, an embodiment of an information processing device for efficiently checking registered products in a product sales system in which customers themselves register products to be purchased by operating an information terminal and then pay for those products themselves at a cash register will be described with reference to the drawings. Product sales systems are also called information processing systems.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sales system according to this embodiment. The product sales system includes a first server 10, a second server 20, a POS terminal 30, a payment machine 40, an information terminal 50, and a monitoring terminal 60. The first server 10, the second server 20, the POS terminal 30, and the payment machine 40 are connected to a network 70 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0010] Both the information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60 are equipped with wireless units. An access point 80 is connected to a network 70. The information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60 communicate wirelessly with the access point 80. The access point 80 relays communications between the devices connected to the network 70, namely the first server 10, the second server 20, the POS terminal 30, and the accounting machine 40, and the information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60. The information terminal 50 is an example of a terminal.

[0011] A store may have multiple POS terminals 30, accounting machines 40, and information terminals 50. There may also be two or more monitoring terminals 60 and access points 80 depending on the size of the store. At least one of the first server 10 and the second server 20 communicates with customer terminals via a public network. Examples of customer terminals include tablet terminals, smartphones, and personal computers owned by customers. Examples of the public network include the Internet. In this embodiment, the first server 10 connects to the public network as a center server. The second server 20 communicates with the POS terminal 30 as a store server.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example layout of a store that has introduced the product sales system. A shopping cart used by customer M1, who is a purchaser or consumer, when shopping in the store has an information terminal 50. In the following description, the shopping cart will be referred to as cart CA. The customer is the user of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 may be included in the cart CA or in the shopping basket. Customer M1 walks around the sales floor with the cart CA and places the items to be purchased into the cart CA. Customer M1 operates the information terminal 50 to register the purchased items. After registering the purchased items, customer M1 goes to the counter register G1 or self-checkout register G2 and settles the transaction by paying for the purchased items. After payment, customer M1 bags the purchased items at the checkout counter SU as needed. Customer M1 may also be interpreted as a user or a person.

[0013] At the counter register G1, cashier M2, a store clerk in charge of accounting, registers the purchased items and processes the payment. The counter register G1 has a POS terminal 30. The counter register G1 has a scanner. The scanner may be a fixed type or a handheld type. Cashier M2 scans the barcodes of the purchased items one by one with the scanner SC, thereby registering the sales data of the purchased items in the POS terminal 30. The POS terminal 30 calculates the payment amount for the registered purchased items. The customer M1 pays the amount equivalent to the payment amount to cashier M2. The payment can be made with cash, credit card, electronic money, points, gift certificates, or other vouchers. The POS terminal 30 is an example of a product sales processing device that processes the registration and accounting of purchased items.

[0014] At the self-checkout register G2, customer M1 registers and pays for the purchased items. The self-checkout register G2 has a payment machine 40. The second server 20 calculates the payment amount for the purchased items registered by customer M1 using the information terminal 50. The second server 20 notifies the payment amount to the payment machine 40 via the network 70. Upon being notified of the payment amount, customer M1 pays the amount equivalent to the payment amount to the payment machine 40. The payment can be made by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, etc.

[0015] The attendant counter AT is located near the self-checkout register G2. As described above, in the store of this embodiment, customer M1 can operate the information terminal 50 and the cash register 40 to register and pay for the purchased items by himself or herself. However, situations may arise where a store clerk's intervention is unavoidable. For example, a specialized salesperson may need to provide information to customer M1 purchasing medicines. A customer may forget to enter the discount sticker information into the information terminal 50, resulting in the item being registered at the regular price. Alternatively, an error may occur when scanning the product's barcode with the information terminal 50, preventing registration. Furthermore, if customer M1 registers a large number of items or a large amount of money, there is a possibility that the item may have been forgotten or registered fraudulently, and therefore, confirmation by attendant M3, the store clerk in charge of customer service, is required. Such items that require confirmation by attendant M3 are also referred to as items to be confirmed. Attendant M3 may be interpreted as a store clerk, a staff member, a user, or a person. Attendant M3 is an example of a user of the monitoring terminal 60. The accounting machine 40 may also encounter errors such as a coin jam or no receipt paper.

[0016] To be able to deal with such events promptly, attendant M3 is always present at attendant counter AT, which is equipped with a monitoring terminal 60. Attendant M3 uses the monitoring terminal 60 to monitor the status of each information terminal 50 and payment machine 40.

[0017] Next, the configurations of the first server 10, second server 20, information terminal 50, and monitoring terminal 60 will be described. The POS terminal 30 may be the same as a POS terminal used in a store with an existing face-to-face register G1. The payment machine 40 may be the same as a payment machine used in a semi-self-service product sales system. Descriptions of the configurations of the POS terminal 30 and payment machine 40 will be omitted.

[0018] First, the configuration of the first server 10 will be described.

[0019] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first server 10. The first server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication interface 14, a gateway device 15, and a system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The first server 10 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the communication interface 14, and the gateway device 15 to the system transmission path 16. The first server 10 constitutes a computer by the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 16 connecting them.

[0020] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the first server 10 in accordance with an operating system and application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0021] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system and application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor to execute processes to control each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor as appropriate. For example, the nonvolatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used as the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes and data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application programs described above.

[0023] The communication interface 14 transmits and receives data in accordance with a communication protocol between each unit connected via the network 70. The gateway device 15 connects to a public network.

[0024] The first server 10 includes a product database 131, a member database 132, and a sales promotion database 133 in the auxiliary storage device 13. In Fig. 3, the database is abbreviated as DB.

[0025] The product database 131 stores data on each product sold in the store. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the product data record 131R for each product stored in the product database 131. As shown in Fig. 4, the product data record 131R includes items such as a product ID, product name, price, category name, link promotion ID, and restriction flag.

[0026] The product ID is a unique code assigned to each product to identify it individually. The product name and price are the name of the product identified by the product ID and the selling price per unit.

[0027] The classification name is information that identifies the classification to which the product identified by the product ID belongs. For example, the product "apple" has many varieties, such as "Fuji," "Jonagold," and "Koumei," and a different product ID is assigned to each variety. However, regardless of the variety, the classification name is unified as "apple."

[0028] The link promotion ID is a code that identifies promotion information associated with the product identified by the product ID from the promotion information stored in the promotion database 133. Promotion information associated with the product may include, for example, information about campaigns that can be participated in by purchasing the product, information about special sales items that offer discount benefits, and information about available coupons. If no promotion information is associated with the product, a null value is set as the link promotion ID. In this embodiment, one product is associated with one piece of promotion information, but two or more pieces of promotion information may also be associated.

[0029] The restriction flag is one bit of information that identifies whether the product identified by the product ID is an age-restricted product, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, etc. In this embodiment, the restriction flag for products with age restrictions is set to "1," and the restriction flag for products without age restrictions is set to "0."

[0030] The member database 132 stores data related to customers who have registered as point members or other members, so-called members. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the member data record 132R for each member stored in the member database 132. As shown in the figure, the member data record 132R includes items such as a member ID, purchase history data, and shopping data. The member ID is a unique code assigned to each member to individually identify them. Members own a recording medium on which their member ID is recorded. Examples of recording media include magnetic cards, contact IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, contactless IC cards, and smartphones. The purchase history data indicates the purchasing history of a member identified by their member ID, i.e., what they purchased and when.

[0031] Shopping data is data on products that a member identified by the member ID plans to purchase. A customer can, for example, operate a customer terminal to access the first server 10 via a public network and register the shopping data in their own member data record 132R. Shopping data includes the name of the product that the customer plans to purchase. The name may be the product name or the category name set in the product data record 131R. In other words, a customer who plans to purchase the product "apple" regardless of the variety can simply register the name "apple" as their shopping data. On the other hand, a customer who plans to purchase the product "apple" with the product name "Fuji apple," for example, can simply register the name "Fuji apple" as their shopping data.

[0032] The promotion database 133 stores promotional information related to campaigns, special sales, coupons, etc., as described above. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a promotional data record 133R per piece of information stored in the promotion database 133. As shown in the figure, the promotional data record 133R includes a promotion ID and promotional data. The promotion ID is a unique code assigned to each piece of promotional information to individually identify it. The promotional data is image data that specifically represents the promotional information. By matching the promotion ID with the link promotion ID of the product data record 131R, it becomes possible to link the product identified by the product ID with the promotional information. As described above, this is the case when one piece of promotional information is associated with one product. If two or more pieces of promotional information are associated with one product, the link promotion ID will include multiple promotion IDs.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the second server 20 will be described.

[0034] 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the second server 20. Similar to the first server 10, the second server 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, and a system transmission path 25, and the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and communication interface 24 are connected to the system transmission path 25. The second server 20 comprises the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and the system transmission path 25 that connects them to form a computer. The general description of the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and communication interface 24 may be the same as the description for the first server 10.

[0035] The second server 20 functions as an information processing device of the product sales system. To realize its function as an information processing device, the second server 20 uses part of the volatile area in the main memory 22 as an information terminal table 221 and a checkout machine table 222. The information terminal table 221 has an area for storing various information for each information terminal 50 provided in each cart CA.

[0036] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal table 221. The information terminal table 221 has areas A1 to A13 for writing each piece of information: terminal ID, terminal status ST1, member ID, accounting machine ID, first timer T1, second timer T2, third timer T3, counter N, registration list, sales promotion list, shopping list, accounting code, and ranking.

[0037] Area A1 is an area for writing a unique terminal ID assigned to each information terminal 50 to individually identify each information terminal 50. In FIG. 8, the terminal IDs are represented as TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, etc. The terminal ID is terminal identification information. Area A2 is an area for writing information indicating the status of the information terminal 50 identified by the corresponding terminal ID, i.e., the so-called terminal status ST1. The terminal status ST1 represents "waiting," "registering," and "checkout." "Waiting" refers to the status from when the previous customer's checkout is completed until the next customer logs in. "Registering" refers to the status from when the customer logs in until the checkout is approved. "Checkout" refers to the status from when the checkout is approved until the checkout is completed. An information terminal 50 with the terminal status ST1 of "checkout" is the information terminal 50 on which attendant M3 will check the products registered by the customer for incorrect or fraudulent registration. An information terminal 50 with the "checkout" status is also referred to as the information terminal 50 to be checked. The terminal status ST1 is an example of terminal status information.

[0038] Area A3 is an area for writing the member ID of the member who has logged in to the information terminal 50. Area A4 is an area for writing the payment machine ID of the payment machine 40 that will process the payment for the products registered on the information terminal 50. Each payment machine 40 has a unique payment machine ID to identify it individually.

[0039] Area A5 is an area for writing the value of a first timer T1 for measuring the time elapsed since login. Area A6 is an area for writing the value of a second timer T2 for measuring the time elapsed since the barcode of a product with a discount sticker is scanned. Area A7 is an area for writing the value of a third timer T3 for measuring the time elapsed since the last purchased product was registered after login. Area A8 is an area for writing the value of a counter N for counting the number of sales promotion data items.

[0040] Area A9 is an area for writing registration list L1 shown in FIG. 9, which lists information about products registered on information terminal 50. Area A10 is an area for writing promotion list L2 shown in FIG. 10, which lists promotional information associated with products registered on information terminal 50. Area A11 is an area for writing shopping list L3 shown in FIG. 11, which lists shopping data of members who have logged in to information terminal 50. Area A12 is an area for writing an accounting code that is assigned to each transaction to identify the transaction in which products are registered on information terminal 50. Area A13 is an area for writing the display order when the status of information terminal 50 is displayed on monitoring terminal 60. The accounting code and display order will be explained later.

[0041] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration list L1. The registration list L1 lists, in numerical order, the product ID, product name, quantity, price, first flag F1, second flag F2, third flag F3, sixth flag F6, and seventh flag F7. The first flag F1, second flag F2, third flag F3, sixth flag F6, and seventh flag F7 will be explained later.

[0042] The registration list L1 of the information terminal table 221 functions as a first table that describes, for each information terminal 50, information on purchased products registered at the information terminal 50.

[0043] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a promotion list L2. The promotion list L2 lists, in numerical order, a promotion ID, promotion data, product ID, and a fourth flag F4. The fourth flag F4 will be explained later.

[0044] The sales promotion list L2 of the information terminal table 221 functions as a second table that describes, for each information terminal 50, sales promotion information related to the purchased product described in the registration list L1 as the first table.

[0045] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping list L3. The shopping list L3 lists names and a fifth flag F5 in numerical order. The fifth flag F5 will be explained later.

[0046] 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the payment machine table 222. The payment machine table 222 has areas B1 to B4 for writing each piece of information: payment machine ID, payment machine status ST2, first error flag EF1, and second error flag EF2.

[0047] Area B1 is an area for writing a unique payment machine ID assigned to each payment machine 40 to individually identify each payment machine 40. Area B2 is an area for writing the payment machine status ST2. The payment machine status ST2 is information indicating the state of the payment machine 40 identified by the payment machine ID. The payment machine status ST2 represents "idle" and "payment in progress." "Idle" is the state from when the previous customer's payment has finished until the next customer's payment begins. "Payment in progress" is the state from when one customer's payment begins until it is completed.

[0048] Area B3 is used to write the first error flag EF1, which uses one bit of information to indicate whether an error has occurred in the printer of the accounting machine 40. The accounting machine 40 has a printer for printing receipts. For example, if the accounting machine 40 runs out of receipt paper, a printer error occurs. When a printer error occurs, the first error flag EF1 changes from "0" to "1". After that, when the error is resolved, the first error flag EF1 returns from "1" to "0".

[0049] Area B4 is an area for writing a second error flag EF2, which indicates with one bit of information whether an error has occurred in the change dispenser of the accounting machine 40. The accounting machine 40 has a change dispenser for collecting deposits and dispensing change. For example, if a coin jam occurs in the accounting machine 40, a change dispenser error occurs. When a change dispenser error occurs, the second error flag EF2 changes from "0" to "1". After that, when the error is resolved, the second error flag EF2 returns from "1" to "0".

[0050] Next, the configurations of the monitoring terminal 60 and the information terminal 50 will be described.

[0051] 13 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the monitoring terminal 60. The monitoring terminal 60 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a wireless unit 64, a touch panel 65, and a system transmission path 66. The system transmission path 66 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The monitoring terminal 60 connects the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the wireless unit 64, and the touch panel 65 to the system transmission path 66 directly or via a signal input / output circuit. The monitoring terminal 60 comprises a computer including the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, and the system transmission path 66 connecting these. The touch panel 65 is an example of a display unit.

[0052] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the monitoring terminal 60 in accordance with an operating system and application programs. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0053] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system and application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data required for the processor to execute processes to control each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor as appropriate. For example, the nonvolatile memory area is ROM. The volatile memory area is RAM.

[0054] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD is used as the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 when performing various processes and data created by the processes in the processor 61. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

[0055] The wireless unit 64 transmits and receives data wirelessly to and from the access point 80 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0056] The touch panel 65 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the monitoring terminal 60. The monitoring terminal 60 is equipped with a browser for displaying images on the touch panel 65 based on image data created by a web server such as the second server 20.

[0057] The monitoring terminal 60 may be a computer device such as a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer.

[0058] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a wireless unit 54, a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, a reader 57, and a system transmission path 58. The system transmission path 58 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The information terminal 50 connects the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, the wireless unit 54, the touch panel 55, the scanner 56, and the reader 57 to the system transmission path 58 directly or via a signal input / output circuit. The information terminal 50 constitutes a computer by the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, and the system transmission path 58 connecting them. A general description of the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, and the wireless unit 54 may be the same as that of the monitoring terminal 60.

[0059] The touch panel 55 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 is equipped with a browser for displaying images on the touch panel 55 based on image data created by a web server such as the second server 20.

[0060] The scanner 56 has a camera as an imaging unit. The scanner 56 reads a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional data code from an image captured by the camera. The scanner may be a laser scanner.

[0061] Reader 57 reads the member ID recorded on the recording medium. Reader 57 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. If the recording medium uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), such as a contactless IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as reader 57.

[0062] The information terminal 50 is configured, for example, by electrically connecting a scanner 56 and a reader 57 to a tablet terminal TM shown in Figure 15, which is equipped with a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a wireless unit 54 and a touch panel 55.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart CA to which an information terminal 50 is attached. The cart CA has caster members C1 for movement, a handle frame member C2, and a basket holder C3. The caster members C1 have four wheels for smooth movement on the floor. The handle frame member C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster members C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket holder C3 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame member C2. A shopping basket BA for storing merchandise is placed on the basket holder C3 and caster members C1 of the cart CA.

[0064] The scanner 56 is located midway along the handlebar C22. The scanner 56 is attached to the handlebar C22 so that the reading window faces forward. The cart CA has a pole C4 attached to one of the vertical frames C21. The tip of the pole C4 is located higher than the handlebar C22. The tablet terminal TM is attached to the tip of the pole C4 so that the screen of the touch panel 55 faces backward. The reader 57 is attached to the tablet terminal TM so that the card slot faces backward. In FIG. 15, the reader 57 is a magnetic card reader. The battery BT is attached to the lower end of the handle frame portion C2, spanning the vertical frames C21. The battery BT provides power for the tablet terminal TM and the scanner 56.

[0065] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 51 of the information terminal 50. FIGS. 17 to 29 are flowcharts showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. FIGS. 30 to 34 are examples of images displayed on the touch panel 55, which is a display device of the information terminal 50. FIGS. 35 to 39 are examples of images displayed on the touch panel 65, which is a display device of the monitoring terminal 60. Below, the main operations of the product sales system according to this embodiment will be explained using each figure. The contents of the processing explained below are just an example. As long as similar results can be obtained, the processing procedures and contents are not particularly limited.

[0066] First, the operation of the information terminal 50 will be described.

[0067] In Act 1 of FIG. 16 , the processor 51 of the information terminal 50 displays an initial image on the touch panel 55. The initial image is arbitrary. For example, the processor 51 sets an image explaining the login procedure as the initial image. Image data of the initial image is received from the second server 20. The processor 21 of the second server 20 distributes image data of the initial image to the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "waiting." The information terminal 50 waiting for login displays the initial image on the touch panel 55.

[0068] When customer M1, a member, arrives at the store, he or she takes out an empty cart CA from the cart storage area. Customer M1 confirms that an initial image is displayed on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50 attached to the cart CA. After confirming this, customer M1 logs in. In other words, customer M1 has reader 57 read the data on the recording medium on which the member ID is recorded.

[0069] In Act 2, the processor 51 waits for login. When the reader 57 reads the data from the recording medium on which the member ID is recorded, the processor 51 determines that login has occurred and proceeds to YES in Act 2. In Act 3, the processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit a login command to the second server 20. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the login command. The login command includes the member ID read by the reader 57 and the terminal ID of the information terminal 50. The access point 80 receives the login command. The access point 80 transmits the login command to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0070] Upon receiving the login command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the login interrupt process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 17. First, in Act 21, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID from the login command. In Act 22, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID detected from the login command. In the following description, the terminal ID detected from the login command is referred to as the login terminal ID.

[0071] If the terminal status ST1 is "waiting", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 22. In Act 23, the processor 21 detects the member ID from the login command. In Act 24, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to make an authentication inquiry of the member ID to the first server 10. The communication interface 24 transmits an authentication inquiry command. The authentication inquiry command includes the member ID. The first server 10 receives the authentication inquiry command via the network 70.

[0072] Processor 11 of first server 10 detects the member ID from the authentication query command. Processor 11 accesses member database 132 and reads member data record 132R that includes the member ID. If member data record 132R for the member ID is not registered in member database 132, processor 11 controls communication interface 14 to send a denial response to second server 20. Communication interface 14 transmits a response signal of the denial response to second server 20.

[0073] If the processor 11 is able to read the corresponding member data record 132R from the member database 132, it controls the communication interface 14 to send an approval response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a response signal of the approval response to the second server 20. The approval response includes the shopping data of the member data record 132R.

[0074] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the authentication inquiry command, waits for a response signal from the first server 10 in Act 25. If the processor 21 receives an approval response signal within a certain period of time, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 25. In Act 26, the processor 21 checks whether the approval response includes shopping data.

[0075] If the logged-in customer M1 has registered shopping data in advance, the shopping data will be included in the approval response. If the shopping data has not been registered, the shopping data will not be included in the approval response. If the shopping data is included in the approval response, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 26. In Act 27, the processor 21 creates a shopping list L3 from the shopping data. That is, the processor 21 creates the shopping list L3 by assigning a series of numbers to the names that make up the shopping data. The processor 21 saves the shopping list L3 in the area A11 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. In Act 28, the processor 21 sets all fifth flags F5 corresponding to each number in the shopping list L3 to "0". If the approval response does not include shopping data, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 26. The processor 21 does not execute the processes of Act 27 and Act 28 described above.

[0076] In Act 29, the processor 21 creates a registered image P1 shown in FIG. 30. In Act 30, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit an approval response to the information terminal 50 that sent the login command. Furthermore, in Act 31, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit image data of the registered image P1 to the information terminal 50. The communication interface 24 transmits a response signal of the approval response and image data of the registered image P1 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the login command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0077] After controlling the transmission of the response signal and image data, the processor 21 changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "waiting" to "registering" in Act 32. The processor 21 resets the value of the counter N associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 to "0" in Act 33. Furthermore, the processor 21 starts the counting operation of the first timer T1 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 in Act 34.

[0078] With this, the processor 21 ends the login interrupt process.

[0079] If the terminal status ST1 is not "waiting", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 22. If the response from the first server 10 is a denial response, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 25. In Act 35, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the denial response to the information terminal 50 that has transmitted the login command. The communication interface 24 transmits a response signal of the denial response via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal of the denial response. The information terminal 50 that has transmitted the login command receives the response signal of the denial response wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0081] The processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the login command in Act 3, waits for a response signal from the second server 20 in Act 4. If a response signal of a denial response is received via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 4. The processor 51 determines that the login is an error. If the login is an error, the processor 51 displays an error notification image including a confirmation button on the touch panel 55. If the confirmation button is touched, the processor 51 returns the image on the touch panel 55 to the initial image and waits for the next login.

[0082] When the processor 51 receives a response signal of an approval response via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 4. In Act 5, the processor 51 displays the registered image P1 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received together with the approval response.

[0083] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registered image P1. As shown in Fig. 30, the registered image P1 includes a registration list area PA1, a sales promotion list area PA2, a shopping memo area PA3, a touch button BU1 for "products without barcodes," and a touch button BU2 for "checkout."

[0084] The registration list area PA1 is located in the center of the registration image P1. The registration list area PA1 is an area for displaying the registration list L1 described in the area A9 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. Before product registration begins, the registration list area PA1 is blank.

[0085] The promotion list area PA2 is located at the top of the registered image P1. The promotion list area PA2 includes multiple promotion areas along the top edge of the registered image P1. Figure 30 shows four promotion areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24. Each promotion area PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 displays promotion information from the promotion list L2 described in area A10 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. The promotion area PA21, located on the far left of the screen, displays the most recently registered promotion information in the promotion list L2. The promotion areas PA22, PA23, and PA24, located to the right of the promotion area PA21, sequentially shift out the previously registered promotion information. Before product registration begins, the promotion list area PA2 is also blank. Sales promotion information not linked to the purchased product, such as "Tomorrow is sale day," may be displayed in the sales promotion areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 of the registered image P1 before product registration begins.

[0086] The shopping memo area PA3 is located on the left side of the registered image P1 as viewed from the screen. The shopping memo area PA3 is an area for displaying the shopping list L3 described in the area A11 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. If the logged-in customer M1 has registered shopping data in advance, the shopping memo area PA3 displays information on the shopping list L3 based on that shopping data. If the logged-in customer M1 has not registered shopping data in advance, the shopping memo area PA3 is left blank. Alternatively, the shopping memo area PA3 itself may be omitted from the registered image P1.

[0087] The touch button BU1 for [Product without barcode] and the touch button BU2 for [Checkout] are located at the bottom of the registered image P1. To be more specific, the touch button BU1 for [Product without barcode] is located on the left side of the screen, and the touch button BU2 for [Checkout] is located on the right side. The placement of the touch button BU1 and the touch button BU2 may be reversed.

[0088] The touch button BU1 for "Products without barcodes" is used by customers when registering products without barcodes on the information terminal 50. Many products sold in a store are affixed with barcodes corresponding to the product's product ID. Therefore, customer M1 performing self-registration using cart CA operates scanner 56 to read the barcode attached to a purchased product before placing the product in shopping cart BA at the sales floor. When scanner 56 reads the barcode, the product ID represented by the barcode is entered into the information terminal 50. In other words, product registration is performed. On the other hand, some products, such as fresh foods, may not have a barcode attached. When the purchased product does not have a barcode attached, customer M1 touches touch button BU1. Touch buttons corresponding to products without barcodes, so-called product buttons, are then displayed on touch panel 55, and customer M1 touches the product button corresponding to the purchased product. By touching the product button, the product ID of the product corresponding to that product button is entered into the information terminal 50. In other words, product registration is performed.

[0089] The [Checkout] touch button BU2 is used by customers when they declare that they want to pay for the purchased items. In other words, customer M1, who has self-registered the purchased items using cart CA, touches touch button BU2 when moving on to checkout.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0091] In Act 5, processor 51 displays registration image P1 on touch panel 55, and then in Act 6, processor 51 checks whether product registration has been performed. If product registration has not been performed, processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 6. In Act 7, processor 51 checks whether the [Checkout] touch button BU2 has been touched. If the [Checkout] touch button BU2 has not been touched, processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 7. Processor 51 returns to Act 6. Here, processor 51 waits in Act 6 and Act 7 for product registration to be performed or for the [Checkout] touch button BU2 to be touched.

[0092] When it is confirmed that product registration has been performed in the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 6. In Act 8, the processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit a product registration command to the second server 20. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the product registration command. The product registration command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 and the product ID of the registered product. That is, if the barcode of the registered product is read by the scanner 56, the product registration command includes the product ID obtained from the barcode. If the registered product is selected by touching a product button, the product registration command includes the product ID assigned to that product button. The product registration command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0093] The processor 21 of the second server 20 receives the product registration command via the communication interface 24 and starts the product registration interrupt process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 to 20. First, in Act 41, the processor 21 detects the product ID from the product registration command. In Act 42, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to inquire about product data from the first server 10. The communication interface 24 transmits the product inquiry command. The product inquiry command includes the product ID. The product inquiry command is transmitted to the first server 10 via the network 70.

[0094] The processor 11 of the first server 10 receives the product inquiry command via the communication interface 14 and detects the product ID from the product inquiry command. The processor 11 accesses the product database 131 and reads out the product data record 131R that includes the product ID. If the processor 11 is unable to read out the product data record 131R for the product ID from the product database 131, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send an abnormal response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a response signal of the abnormal response to the second server 20.

[0095] If the processor 11 is able to read the corresponding product data record 131R from the product database 131, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a response signal of the normal response to the second server 20. The normal response includes product data such as the product ID, product name, price, category name, link promotion ID, and restriction flag of the product data record 131R.

[0096] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the product inquiry command, waits for a response signal from the first server 10 in Act 43. If a normal response signal is received within a certain time, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 43. In Act 44, the processor 21 adds the product data included in the normal response to the registration list L1 of the information terminal table 221. That is, the processor 21 adds the product ID, product name, points, and price to the registration list L1 in area A9 associated with the terminal ID included in the product registration command in the information terminal table 221. The product ID and product name are included in the product data. The points are the points of products having the same product ID. For example, if one "Fuji apple" is registered, the points are "1". If three "Fuji apples" are registered, the points are "3". The price is based on the price of the product data. The price is the total price of products having the same product ID. For example, a case will be described where the price of the product data for "Fuji apple" is "100 yen". If one "Fuji apple" is registered, the price is "100." If three "Fuji apples" are registered, the price is "300." In the following explanation, the terminal ID included in the product registration command is referred to as the registered terminal ID. In Act 45, the processor 21 sets all of the first to third flags F1 to F3 of the added product data to "0."

[0097] In Act 46, the processor 21 determines whether the registered product is a product with a discount sticker. In this embodiment, a discount sticker indicating discount information is attached to a product that is subject to a discount, and a discount mark is attached to part of the barcode. The discount information is, for example, a discount amount or a discount rate. If the image of the barcode photographed by the scanner 56 of the information terminal 50 includes a discount mark, the processor 21 determines that the registered product is a product with a discount sticker. If the registered product is not a product with a discount sticker, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 46. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 53.

[0098] If the registered product is a product with a discount sticker, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 46. In Act 47, the processor 21 starts the timer count operation of the second timer T2 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. In Act 48, the processor 21 checks whether discount information has been received. If discount information has not been received, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 48. In Act 49, the processor 21 checks whether the second timer T2 has timed out. For example, the second timer T2 times out after counting 15 seconds. If the second timer T2 has not timed out, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 49. The processor 21 returns to Act 48. In Act 48 and Act 49, the processor 21 waits for either receiving discount information or for the second timer T2 to time out.

[0099] If the purchased product has a discount sticker attached, customer M1 who is self-registering must read the information on the discount sticker by operating scanner 56. If the registered product has a discount sticker, processor 21 may display guidance on touch panel 55 of information terminal 50 instructing customer M1 to read the discount sticker with scanner 56.

[0100] When the discount information is read by the scanner 56 of the information terminal 50, the wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the discount information. The discount information is received by the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0101] When the processor 21 of the second server 20 detects that discount information has been received via the communication interface 24 before the second timer T2 times out, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 48. The processor 21 performs discount processing in Act 50. For example, the processor 21 obtains a discount amount based on the discount information, and subtracts the discount amount from the price of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the processing of Act 44. The processor 21 stops the second timer T2 in Act 51. After that, the processor 21 proceeds to the processing of Act 53.

[0102] If the second timer T2 times out, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 49. In Act 52, the processor 21 changes the second flag F2 of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the processing of Act 44 from "0" to "1". Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to the processing of Act 53. If the customer M1 has the scanner 56 read the information on the discount sticker before the second timer T2 times out, the registered product is discounted according to the discount information on the discount sticker and is written to the registration list L1. However, if the second timer T2 times out, the registered product is written to the registration list L1 without being discounted. In other words, a discount sticker reading error occurs for the registered product. The second flag F2 becomes "1" for the registered product for which a discount sticker reading error occurred.

[0103] In Act 53, the processor 21 checks the restriction flag of the product data. If the restriction flag is "0", that is, if the registered product has no age restriction, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 53. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 of FIG. 19.

[0104] If the restriction flag is "1", that is, if the registered product is an age-restricted product, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 53. In Act 54, the processor 21 changes the third flag F3 of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the processing of Act 44 from "0" to "1". That is, the third flag F3 becomes "1" for a registered product with an age restriction.

[0105] In Act 55, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit image data of the age verification image to the information terminal 50 that transmitted the product registration command. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 in FIG. 19. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the age verification image via the network 70. The access point 80 transmits this image data wirelessly. The information terminal 50 that transmitted the product registration command receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0106] Upon receiving the image data of the age verification image, the information terminal 50 displays the age verification image on the touch panel 55. The age verification image displays a confirmation button along with guidance such as "Are you over 20 years old?", so customer M1, having checked the age verification image, touches the confirmation button. This erases the age verification image, and the screen of the touch panel 55 returns to the registered image P1.

[0107] If the processor 21 does not receive a normal response signal within a certain time period in response to the transmission of the product inquiry command, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 43. The processor 21 executes virtual product registration processing. For example, it is possible that the product data record 131R of the registered product has been deleted from the product database 131. In this case, the processor 21 cannot receive a normal response signal. As the virtual product registration processing, the processor 21 adds only the product ID of the registered product to the registration list L1. The product name, quantity, and price are not added to the registration list L1. In Act 58, the processor 21 sets the first flag F1 of the product data to which only the product ID has been added to "1," and sets the second flag F2 and the third flag F3 to "0." The processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 of FIG. 19. The first flag F1 is set to "1" for the product registered by the virtual product registration processing.

[0108] In Act 61, the processor 51 creates a registration list image based on the registration list L1 in area A9 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. The registration list image is an image displayed in the registration list area PA1 of the registration image P1. That is, as shown in FIG. 30, the registration list image is an image that lists the product names, quantities, and prices of the product data registered in the registration list L1. The order of the product is such that the most recently registered product is placed higher, i.e., the product is sorted in descending order from the highest registration number in the registration list L1. The registration number is represented as "No." in FIG. 9. The product data most recently added to the registration list L1 may be distinguishable by using a different text color or background color from the other product data. The example in FIG. 30 shows a case where the background color is different. A "Cancel" touch button BU3 is displayed for each product data. The "Cancel" touch button BU3 is operated by the customer M1 when canceling the purchase of the product corresponding to the product data during shopping. When the [Cancel] touch button BU3 is touched, the number of items and the price of the corresponding product in the registration list area PA1 become "0." The [Cancel] touch button BU3 is erased.

[0109] In Act 62, the processor 21 checks whether promotional information is set in association with the registered product. That is, the processor 21 checks the link promotion ID included in the product data in the response signal of the normal response received in Act 43. If the link promotion ID is a null value, the processor 21 determines that promotional information is not set. If a code is set as the link promotion ID, the processor 21 determines that promotional information is set. If promotional information is not set, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 62. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 71.

[0110] If the sales promotion information is set, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 62. In Act 63, the processor 21 searches the sales promotion list L2 in the area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 checks whether the link sales promotion ID included in the product data has already been registered in the sales promotion list L2.

[0111] If the link promotion ID is not registered in the promotion list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 64. In Act 65, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to inquire about promotion data from the first server 10. The communication interface 24 transmits a promotion inquiry command. The promotion inquiry command includes the link promotion ID. The promotion inquiry command is transmitted to the first server 10 via the network 70.

[0112] Upon receiving the promotion inquiry command via the communication interface 14, the processor 11 of the first server 10 detects the link promotion ID from the promotion inquiry command. The processor 11 accesses the promotion database 133 and reads out the promotion data record 133R that includes the link promotion ID. If the promotion data record 133R for the promotion ID is not registered in the promotion database 133, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response indicating no promotion to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends the normal response indicating no promotion to the second server 20.

[0113] If the processor 11 is able to read the corresponding promotion data record 133R from the promotion database 133, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response including the promotion data to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends the normal response including the promotion data to the second server 20.

[0114] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has controlled the transmission of the promotion inquiry command, checks whether a normal response including promotion data has been received in Act 66. If a normal response without promotion data has been received, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 66. The processor 21 then proceeds to processing in Act 71.

[0115] If a normal response including promotional data is received, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 66. In Act 67, the processor 21 counts up the counter N in the area A8 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 by "1". In Act 68, the processor 21 adds data to the promotion list L2 in the area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. The data consists of the product ID of the registered product, the link promotion ID associated with the product ID, and the promotional data to which the link promotion ID is set. The data is added to the area with the same number as the counter N.

[0116] If the link promotion ID has already been registered in the promotion list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 64. In Act 69, the processor 21 shifts the link promotion ID and the promotion data and product ID registered in the promotion list L2 together with the link promotion ID to the area with the same number as the counter N.

[0117] After completing the processing of Act 68 or Act 69, the processor 21 sets the fourth flag F4 of the area with the same number as the counter N in the sales promotion list L2 to "1" and sets the fourth flag F4 of the areas with other numbers to "0" in Act 70. Then, the processor 21 proceeds to Act 71. The fourth flag F4 is set to "1" for the sales promotion information associated with the newly registered product.

[0118] In Act 71, the processor 21 checks whether the counter N is counting a value greater than "0." If the counter N is "0," the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 71. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 81 of FIG. 20.

[0119] If the counter N is greater than "0", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 71. In Act 72, the processor 21 creates a promotional image based on the promotion list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. After completing the creation of the promotional image, the processor 21 proceeds to Act 81 in FIG.

[0120] The promotional image is an image displayed in the promotional list area PA2 of the registration image P1. That is, as shown in FIG. 30, the promotional image is an arrangement of promotional information generated from promotional data registered in the promotional list L2, arranged in areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24, respectively. Specifically, the promotional information is displayed in areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 in descending order of the promotional list L2 number. Promotional information generated from promotional data with the fourth flag F4 set to "1," i.e., the promotional information displayed in area PA21, is distinguishable from the promotional information displayed in the other areas PA22, PA23, and PA24. For example, the frame and background colors of area PA21 can be made the same as the text and background colors of the newly added registered product in the registration list area PA1, thereby making it distinguishable from other promotional information. The example in FIG. 30 shows a case where the background color is the same as the background color of the newly added registered product.

[0121] The processor 21 functions as an image generation unit by executing the processes of Act 61 through Act 72 in cooperation with the communication interface 24, which is a communication unit. In response to the registration of new purchased items on the information terminal 50, the image generation unit generates a registration image P1, which includes a registration list area PA1 containing an image of the purchased item and a promotion list area PA2 in which images of promotional information related to the purchased item are arranged in the order in which the purchased item was registered. The image generation unit deletes the image of the promotional information with the oldest registration order from the images included in the promotion list area PA2 and adds the image of the promotional information related to the new purchased item to the promotion area PA21, which is the same position as the image of the promotional information with the most recent registration order in the promotion list area PA2, thereby generating the registration image P1 containing the image of the promotional information. In the example of FIG. 30, the number of images of promotional information is four.

[0122] The processor 21 executes the processes of Act 65 to Act 68 in cooperation with the communication interface 24, which is a communication unit, and thereby functions as a control unit that, in response to the registration of a new purchased item at the information terminal 50, queries the first server 10, which is a server that stores promotional information related to each item, about the promotional information related to the purchased item, acquires the promotional information from the first server 10, and adds the acquired promotional information to a second table secured in the main memory 22, which is a storage unit. The second table may be a promotional list L2 that describes the acquired promotional information for each information terminal 50, and is secured in the information terminal table 221 secured in the main memory 22.

[0123] By executing the processing of Act 67 and Act 69, the processor 21 functions as a control unit that describes promotional information related to the purchased item in a second table secured in the main memory 22 in association with information indicating the order in which the promotional information is stored.

[0124] By executing the processing of Act 64 and Act 69, when a new purchased item is registered on the information terminal 50, if promotional information related to the purchased item is already stored in the second table of the main memory 22, the processor 21 functions as a control unit that re-associates the promotional information in the second table with information indicating the latest storage order.

[0125] In Act 81, the processor 21 determines whether or not the shopping list L3 is stored in the area A11 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. If the shopping list L3 is not stored, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 81. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 86.

[0126] If the shopping list L3 is saved, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 81. The processor 21 searches for the shopping list L3 in Act 82. The processor 21 checks whether the registered product is included in the shopping list L3 in Act 83. That is, the processor 21 checks whether the shopping list L3 contains a name that matches the product name or category name of the registered product. If a matching name does not exist, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 83. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 85.

[0127] If a matching name exists, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 83. In Act 84, the processor 21 changes the fifth flag F5 corresponding to the matching name in the shopping list L3 from "0" to "1". Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to Act 85. The fifth flag F5 is set to "1" for the name of the product for which product registration has been performed, among the names written in the shopping list L3.

[0128] In Act 85, the processor 21 creates a shopping memo image using the information in the shopping list L3. After creating the shopping memo image, the processor 21 proceeds to Act 86.

[0129] The shopping memo image is an image displayed in the shopping memo area PA3 of the registered image P1. That is, the processor 21 forms the shopping memo image by arranging the names registered in the shopping list L3 in order from top to bottom of the screen, as shown in Fig. 30. The processor 21 erases the names for which the fifth flag F5 is set to "1". For example, the processor 21 erases the names for which the fifth flag F5 is set to "1" by drawing a strikethrough line through them. Alternatively, the processor 21 erases the names for which the fifth flag F5 is set to "1" by making the character density of the names lighter than that of the other names.

[0130] In Act 86, the processor 21 edits the registered image P1. That is, the processor 21 edits the registered image P1 so that the registration list image created in Act 61, the sales promotion image created in Act 72, and the shopping memo image created in Act 85 are displayed in areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively.

[0131] In Act 87, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the registered image P1 to the information terminal 50 that transmitted the product registration command. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the registered image P1 edited in Act 86 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50 that transmitted the product registration command receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0132] By the processing in Act 87, the processor 21 functions as an output unit that outputs the registered image P1 to the information terminal 50 in cooperation with the communication interface 24.

[0133] In Act 88, the processor 21, which has controlled the transmission of the registered image P1, starts the counting operation of the third timer T3 associated with the registered terminal information ID in the information terminal table 221. If the third timer T3 has already started, the processor 21 restarts the third timer T3. With this, the processor 21 ends the product registration interrupt process.

[0134] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0135] The processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the product registration command in Act 8, returns to Act 5. That is, the processor 51 updates the registered image P1 displayed on the touch panel 55 based on the image data newly received from the second server 20.

[0136] The product name, quantity, and price of the product self-registered by customer M1 are added to the registration list area PA1. If the registered product is also on the shopping list L3, the name of the registered product is deleted from the shopping memo area PA3. If promotional information is associated with the registered product, a promotional image based on that promotional information is displayed in the promotional area PA21 of the promotional list area PA2. If other promotional information is already displayed in the promotional areas PA21-PA23, it is shifted to the promotional areas PA22-PA24 on the right, and the promotional information displayed in the promotional area PA24 is no longer displayed. However, if promotional information for the registered product is already displayed in the promotional area PA21, the promotional image does not change. If promotional information for the registered product is displayed in the promotional area PA22, for example, that promotional information is moved to the promotional area PA21, and the promotional information previously displayed in the promotional area PA22 is shifted to the promotional area PA22. The same applies if promotional information for the registered product is displayed in the other promotional areas PA23 and PA24.

[0137] Every time a product is registered, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 6. The processor 51 repeats the processing of Act 8 and Act 5.

[0138] Incidentally, for products registered through the virtual product registration process, the first flag F1 is set to "1." For registered products with the first flag F1 set to "1," the name is displayed as "Product registration error," as shown in display example PR1 in FIG. 31. Instead of the number and price, the guidance "An attendant will check this at the time of payment" is displayed. An icon IC1 is displayed to indicate that the product registration is in error.

[0139] For registered products with a discount sticker reading error, the second flag F2 is set to "1." For registered products with the second flag F2 set to "1," the name will be "Discount sticker error," as shown in display example PR2 in Figure 31. Instead of the number and amount, the guidance "An attendant will check this at the time of payment" is displayed. The icon IC2 indicating a discount sticker error is displayed.

[0140] For registered products with age restrictions, the third flag F3 is set to "1." For registered products with the third flag F3 set to "1," an icon IC3 indicating that the product is an age-restricted product is displayed, as shown in display example PR3 in Fig. 31.

[0141] For products for which cancellation is instructed by touching the [Cancel] touch button BU3, the points and price do not need to be set to "0" in the registration list area PA1. As shown in display example PR4 in FIG. 31, a strikethrough may be displayed for the product name, points, and price, and the [Cancel] touch button BU3 may be removed. As shown in FIG. 31, error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error" may be rearranged so that they are positioned higher in the registration list area PA1. To help customer M1 search for the product with the error in the shopping cart BA, error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error" may remain in the sort order, with newly registered items being ranked higher. To make it easier to identify the location of error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error," the background color of the position corresponding to the error item in the scroll bar at the right end of FIG. 31 may be different from the background color of the position not corresponding to the error item.

[0142] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0143] If the [Checkout] touch button BU2 is pressed during the standby state in Act 6 and Act 7, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 7. In Act 9, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit a checkout command to the second server 20. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the checkout command. The checkout command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50.

[0144] Upon receiving the accounting command via the communications interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 initiates the accounting interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21. First, in Act 101, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 for the terminal ID included in the accounting command. In the following description, the terminal ID included in the accounting command will be referred to as the accounting terminal ID. The processor 21 checks whether the registration list L1 in area A9 associated with the accounting terminal ID contains data with the first flag F1 set to "1."

[0145] If there is no data in which the first flag F1 is set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 101. In Act 102, the processor 21 checks whether there is data in which the second flag F2 is set to "1" in the registration list L1.

[0146] If there is no data with the second flag F2 set to "1", processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 102. In Act 103, processor 21 controls the communication interface to send an approval response to the information terminal 50 that sent the checkout command. Furthermore, in Act 104, processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send image data of the plastic bag confirmation image P3 shown in FIG. 33 to the information terminal 50. The communication interface 24 sends a response signal of the approval response and image data of the plastic bag confirmation image P3 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the checkout command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0147] In Act 101, if data in which the first flag F1 is set to "1" exists in the registration list L1, the processor 21 proceeds to YES and proceeds to processing in Act 111. In Act 102, if data in which the second flag F2 is set to "1" exists, the processor 21 also proceeds to YES and proceeds to processing in Act 111. In Act 111, the processor 21 controls the communication interface to send a denial response to the information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command. In Act 112, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send image data of the clerk confirmation image P2 shown in FIG. 32 to the information terminal 50. The communication interface 24 transmits a response signal of the denial response and image data of the clerk confirmation image P2 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the login command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0148] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0149] In Act 10, processor 51 of information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the accounting command in Act 9, waits for a response signal from second server 20. If a response signal of a denial response is received via wireless unit 64, processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 10. In Act 11, processor 51 displays staff confirmation image P2 on touch panel 55 based on the image data received together with the response signal.

[0150] Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the attendant confirmation image P2. As shown in Fig. 32, the attendant confirmation image P2 includes a "Yes" touch button BU4 along with guidance GA1 notifying that confirmation by attendant M3 is required due to an error in the self-registration of the product. After checking the attendant confirmation image P2, customer M1 goes to attendant counter AT and informs attendant M3.

[0151] Upon receiving a request from customer M1, attendant M3 performs an operation to delete from registration list L1 the data of the product for which first flag F1 is set to "1" or second flag F2 is set to "1." This operation may be performed from monitoring terminal 60, information terminal 50, or payment machine 40, or may be performed by connecting another computer device to network 70.

[0152] If the data of the product for which the first flag F1 is "1" or the second flag F2 is "1" has been deleted from the registration list L1, the customer M1 touches the "Yes" touch button BU4.

[0153] After controlling the display of the staff confirmation image P2, the processor 51 waits for a confirmation operation in Act 12. If the processor 51 detects that the [Yes] touch button BU4, which is a confirmation operation, has been touched, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 12. The processor 51 returns to Act 5. That is, the processor 51 returns the screen of the touch panel 55 to the registered image P1.

[0154] After confirming that the screen of touch panel 55 has returned to registered image P1, customer M1 again touches the [Checkout] touch button BU2. As a result, processor 21 of second server 20 determines NO in Act 101 and NO in Act 102 in Fig. 21, and therefore executes the processes of Act 103 and Act 104. As a result, information terminal 50 receives a response signal of approval and image data of plastic bag confirmation image P3.

[0155] When the processor 51 receives the response signal of the approval response via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 10. In Act 13, the processor 51 displays a plastic bag confirmation image P3 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received together with the response signal.

[0156] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of a plastic bag confirmation image P3. As shown in Figure 33, the plastic bag confirmation image P3 includes a "Yes" touch button BU5 and a "No" touch button BU6, along with guidance GA2 inquiring about whether or not to purchase a plastic bag. After checking the plastic bag confirmation image P3, customer M1 touches touch button BU5 if they want to purchase a plastic bag, goes to attendant counter AT, and receives a plastic bag. If they do not want to purchase a plastic bag, customer M1 touches touch button BU6 and does not receive a plastic bag.

[0157] In Act 14, processor 51 controls wireless unit 54 to transmit plastic bag information to second server 20. Wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the plastic bag information. The plastic bag information is information indicating that a plastic bag will be purchased when touching "Yes" touch button BU5 on plastic bag confirmation image P3, and information indicating that a plastic bag will not be purchased when touching "No" touch button BU6.

[0158] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the plastic bag confirmation image P3 in Act 104 of Fig. 21, waits for plastic bag information in Act 105. If the processor 21 receives plastic bag information indicating a plastic bag purchase, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 105. The processor 21 adds the sales data of the plastic bag to the registration list L1 in Act 106. If the processor 21 receives plastic bag information indicating a plastic bag not being purchased, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 105. The processor 21 skips the processing in Act 106.

[0159] If the price of a plastic bag is fixed, the sales data for the plastic bag may be set in advance. If the price of a plastic bag varies depending on the size, etc., the barcode on the plastic bag is scanned with scanner 56 when the customer receives the plastic bag. When the barcode on the plastic bag is scanned, the sales data for the plastic bag is added to registration list L1 in the same procedure as for registering a normal product.

[0160] Processor 21 issues a new accounting code in Act 107. The accounting code is unique, for example, by combining a date and a series of transaction numbers, and will not overlap with other accounting codes. Processor 21 saves the accounting code in area A12 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221.

[0161] In Act 108, processor 21 converts the accounting code into a barcode to create accounting barcode image P4 shown in Figure 34. In Act 109, processor 21 controls communication interface 24 to send accounting barcode image P4 to the information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command. Communication interface 24 sends image data of accounting barcode image P4 via network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from access point 80.

[0162] After controlling the transmission of image data for the accounting barcode image P4, processor 21 changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "registering" to "accounting" in Act 110. After completing the processing of Act 110 or the processing of Act 112 described above, processor 21 stops the counting operation of third timer T3 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 in Act 113. With this, processor 21 ends the accounting interrupt processing.

[0163] Returning to the explanation of FIG.

[0164] In Act 14, processor 51 of information terminal 50 that sent the shopping bag information waits for accounting barcode image P4 in Act 15. When image data of accounting barcode image P4 is received via wireless unit 54, processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 15. In Act 16, processor 51 displays accounting barcode image P4 on touch panel 55 based on the image data. With this, processor 51 ends the post-login processing.

[0165] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of a transaction barcode image P4. As shown in Figure 34, the transaction barcode image P4 includes a barcode BC that represents a transaction code. After checking the transaction barcode image P4, customer M1 proceeds to an available transaction machine 40 at self-checkout G2 and uses a scanner connected to that transaction machine 40 to read and operate the barcode BC on the transaction barcode image P4.

[0166] When the barcode BC is read by the scanner of the accounting machine 40, the accounting machine 40 sends an accounting request command including the accounting code obtained from the barcode BC and the accounting machine ID unique to that machine to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0167] Upon receiving the accounting request command, processor 21 of second server 20 starts the accounting request interrupt process of FIG. 22. First, processor 21 detects the accounting code included in the accounting request command in Act 121. In Act 122, processor 21 searches information terminal table 221 to check the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12. In the following description, the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12 is referred to as the accounting request terminal ID. If terminal status ST1 is other than "accounting in progress," processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 122. Processor 21 ends this interrupt process as an error.

[0168] If the terminal status ST1 is "payment in progress", processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 122. In Act 123, processor 21 saves the payment machine ID included in the payment request command in area A4 associated with the payment request terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. In Act 124, processor 21 controls the registration list L1 saved in area A9 associated with the payment request terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 to be sent to the payment machine 40 that sent the payment request command. Furthermore, in Act 125, processor 21 searches the payment machine table 222 and sets the payment machine status ST2 corresponding to the payment machine ID included in the payment request command to "payment in progress". With this, processor 21 ends the payment request interrupt processing.

[0169] The communications interface 24 transmits the data in the registration list L1 to the payment machine 40 via the network 70. The payment machine 40 is then able to carry out the transaction based on the data in the registration list L1. Customer M1 pays the payment amount calculated based on the data in the registration list L1 to the payment machine 40. When the transaction is complete, the payment machine 40 transmits a transaction end command to the second server 20 via the network 70, which includes the same transaction code and payment machine ID as the transaction request command.

[0170] Upon receiving the accounting end command, processor 21 of second server 20 starts the accounting end interrupt process of FIG. 23. First, in Act 131, processor 21 detects the accounting code included in the accounting end command. In Act 132, processor 21 searches information terminal table 221 to check the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12. In the following description, a terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12 is referred to as an accounting end terminal ID. If terminal status ST1 is anything other than "accounting in progress," processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 132. Processor 21 ends this interrupt process as an error.

[0171] If the terminal status ST1 is "checkout in progress", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 132. In Act 133, the processor 21 searches the checkout machine table 222 and sets the checkout machine status ST2 corresponding to the checkout machine ID included in the checkout completion command to "idle". In Act 134, the processor 21 searches the shopping list L3 in the area A11 associated with the checkout completion terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. In Act 135, the processor 21 determines whether or not there is data with the fifth flag set to "1". If there is data with the fifth flag set to "1" in the shopping list L3, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 135. In Act 136, the processor 21 edits the shopping list L3. That is, the processor 21 deletes data with the fifth flag F5 set from the shopping list L3. If there is no data with the fifth flag set to "1" in the shopping list L3, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 135. The processor 21 does not execute the process in Act 136.

[0172] Then, in Act 137, the processor 21 controls to send the member data to the first server 10. The member data includes the member ID in area A3 associated with the transaction completion terminal ID in the information terminal table 221, the registration list L1 in area A9, and the shopping list L3 in area A11.

[0173] Upon receiving the transaction data, processor 11 of first server 10 adds the data in registration list L1 included in the transaction data to the purchase history data in member database 132 identified by the member ID included in the transaction data. Processor 11 then changes the shopping data in member database 132 to the data in shopping list L3 included in the transaction data.

[0174] In Act 138, processor 21 of second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the transaction data, initializes the information associated with the transaction completion terminal ID in information terminal table 221. That is, processor 21 clears the member ID in area A3, the transaction machine ID in area A4, the registration list L1 in area A9, the sales promotion list L2 in area A10, the shopping list L3 in area A11, and the transaction code in area A12. Processor 21 resets the values ​​of first timer T1 in area A5, second timer T2 in area A6, and third timer T3 in area A9 to "0." Processor 21 also resets the value of counter N in area A8 to "0."

[0175] Thereafter, in Act 139, processor 21 changes terminal status ST1 associated with the transaction completion terminal ID in information terminal table 221 from "transaction in progress" to "waiting." With this, processor 21 ends the transaction completion interrupt process.

[0176] Customer M1 who has registered for self-service by operating the information terminal 50 installed on the cart CA can also complete the transaction at the counter register G1. The transaction process at the counter register G1 is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] Next, the operation of the monitoring terminal 60 will be described.

[0178] 35 is an example of a monitoring image P11 displayed on the touch panel 65, which is a display device of the monitoring terminal 60. In this example, the number of payment machines 40 is three.

[0179] The monitoring image P11 has a total of 15 status display sections (T1) to (T15) arranged in a 5-row by 3-column matrix. The three status display sections (T1) to (T3) in the first row to the third row of the first column are payment machine status display sections Ta that display the status of the payment machine 40. The payment machine status display section Ta may be an area in which status display sections that display the status of the payment machine 40 are arranged. The payment machine status display section Ta may be a status display section that displays the status of each payment machine 40. The status display sections (T4) and (T5) in the fourth and fifth rows of the first column and the status display sections (T4) to (T15) in the second and third columns are terminal status display sections Tb that display the status of the information terminal 50. The terminal status display section Tb may be an area in which status display sections that display the status of the information terminal 50 are arranged. The terminal status display section Tb may be a status display section that displays the status of each information terminal 50. The terminal status display section Tb is an example of information about the information terminal 50. The accounting machine status display unit Ta and the terminal status display unit Tb are touch buttons.

[0180] The status display sections (T1) to (T15) are, for example, identical in shape, size, background color, etc. In this regard, for example, the cash register status display section Ta and the terminal status display section Tb may be differentiated by making at least some of the shape, size, background color, etc. different.

[0181] In addition, the monitoring image P11 has a touch button BU11 for [In operation], a touch button BU12 for [Waiting], a touch button BU13 for [All machines], a touch button BU17 for [Checkout in progress], a layout button BU14 for the monitoring image, a layout button BU15 for the detailed image, etc.

[0182] The monitoring image P11 includes a page-turning touch button BU16. When the page-turning touch button BU16 is touched, the processor 21 recreates the monitoring image P11. For example, the processor 21 creates the monitoring image P11 by changing each of the status display sections (T1) to (T15) into terminal status display sections Tb whose display order is 13th to 27th. When the attendant M3 touches the page-turning touch button BU16, each of the status display sections (T1) to (T15) displays the terminal status display sections Tb whose display order is 13th to 27th.

[0183] The pattern of the monitoring image P11 created by the processor 21 when the page-turning touch button BU16 is operated is not limited to the above. For example, the status display sections (T1) to (T3) where the cashier status display section Ta is located may be fixed, and a monitoring image P11 may be created in which the terminal status display sections Tb whose display order is 13th to 24th are located in the remaining status display sections (T4) to (T15).

[0184] The arrangement and number of status display sections in the monitoring image P11 shown in Figure 35 are merely an example and can, of course, be changed as appropriate depending on the screen size of the touch panel 65, the number of payment machines 40 and information terminals 50, etc.

[0185] Fig. 36 is another example of the monitoring image P11 displayed on the touch panel 65, which is the display device of the monitoring terminal 60. Fig. 36 is an example of the monitoring image P11 when the [Checkout in Progress] touch button BU17 is touched in the monitoring image P11 shown in Fig. 35.

[0186] The monitoring image P11 has a checkout machine status display section Ta and a terminal status display section Tb. In this example, it is assumed that there are three information terminals 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "checkout in progress." The terminal status display section Tb has status display sections (T6) to (T8) that show the three information terminals 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "checkout in progress."

[0187] The terminal status display unit Tb is not limited to a mode in which only a status display unit indicating an information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "checkout in progress" is arranged. The terminal status display unit Tb may include a status display unit indicating an information terminal 50 "checkout in progress" and status display units indicating other information terminals 50. In this case, differentiation may be achieved by making the status display unit indicating the information terminal 50 "checkout in progress" different from the status display units indicating the other information terminals 50 in at least part of the frame color, shape, size, background color, display density, etc. Furthermore, the status display unit indicating the information terminal 50 "checkout in progress" may be arranged in a preset position on the terminal status display unit Tb. The preset position may be, for example, the upper left corner as viewed from the screen of the terminal status display unit Tb, the first page of the terminal status display unit Tb, etc.

[0188] Figure 37 is an example of the payment machine status display section Ta. The payment machine status display section Ta consists of a first area Ta1 on the left side of the screen and a second area Ta2 on the right side of the screen. The first area Ta1 displays the payment machine ID of the payment machine 40. In Figure 37, the payment machine ID is "Q1." In Figure 37, the payment machine IDs are "Q1," "Q2," and "Q3." The second area Ta2 displays the status of the payment machine 40. Specifically, the second area Ta2 displays whether the payment machine 40 is in an "idle" state before a transaction is processed, or in an "in payment" state while a transaction is being processed. This status display is based on the payment machine status ST2 in the payment machine table 222. Figure 37 shows that the payment machine 40 is in an "idle" state.

[0189] The second area Ta2 displays a mark MC1 that lights up when an error occurs in the printer of the accounting machine 40, and a mark MC2 that lights up when an error occurs in the change dispenser. When the first error flag EF1 in the accounting machine table 222 becomes "1", the mark MC1 lights up. When the second error flag EF2 in the accounting machine table 222 becomes "1", the mark MC2 lights up.

[0190] [A] to [E] in FIG. 38 are examples of the terminal status display unit Tb that displays the status of each information terminal 50. The terminal status display unit Tb is composed of a first area Tb1 on the left side of the screen and a second area Tb2 on the right side of the screen. The second area Tb2 displays the status of the information terminal 50. Specifically, the second area Tb2 displays whether the information terminal 50 is in "standby," "registering," or "checkout." The display of such status is based on the terminal status ST1 in the information terminal table 221. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [A] in FIG. 38 indicates that the information terminal 50 is in "standby." The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [B] and [C] in FIG. 38 indicates that the information terminal 50 is in "registering." The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [D] in FIG. 38 indicates that the information terminal 50 is in "checkout." As described above, the terminal status display unit Tb includes the terminal status of the information terminal 50.

[0191] The second area Tb2 displays a mark MC3 that lights up when a product with a "product registration error" is registered in the registration list L1, a mark MC4 that lights up when a product with a "discount sticker error" is registered, a mark MC5 that lights up when a product with an age restriction is registered, and a mark MC6 that lights up when the registered product is a product to be checked. When the registration list L1 contains data in which the first flag F1 is "1," a mark MC4 lights up when the registration list L1 contains data in which the second flag F2 is "1." When the registration list L1 contains data in which the third flag F3 is "1," a mark MC5 lights up. When the registration list L1 contains data in which the sixth flag F6 or the seventh flag F7 is "1," a mark MC6 lights up. Note that a mark MC61 (not shown), which lights up when a registered product is a product to be checked for points, and a mark MC62 (not shown), which lights up when a registered product is a product to be checked for price, may be displayed separately. The items to be checked for points are those that require confirmation by attendant M3 because the number of registered items is large. The items to be checked for price are those that require confirmation by attendant M3 because the price is large. In this case, when the sixth flag F6 is "1" in the registration list L1, mark MC61 lights up. When the seventh flag F7 is "1" in the registration list L1, mark MC62 lights up. Marks MC3, MC4, MC5, and MC6 are also called attention marks.

[0192] The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [A] of FIG. 38 indicates that the attention mark on the information terminal 50 is not lit. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [B] of FIG. 38 indicates that the mark MC5 on the information terminal 50 is lit. This indicates that an age-restricted product is registered in the information terminal 50. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [C] of FIG. 38 indicates that the marks MC4 and MC5 on the information terminal 50 are lit. This indicates that an item with a "discount sticker error" and an age-restricted product are registered in the information terminal 50. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [D] of FIG. 38 indicates that the mark MC6 on the information terminal 50 is lit. This indicates that the product to be checked is registered in the information terminal 50.

[0193] The first area Tb1 is an area that allows the status of the information terminal 50 to be identified by color, etc. In the normal status of "Waiting," "Registering," or "Transaction," where no errors or the like have occurred, the background color of the first area Tb1 is, for example, blue. In the example of Figure 38, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [A] is blue. In the "Transaction," the first area Tb1 displays the payment machine ID of the payment machine 40 that is processing the transaction. In the example of Figure 38, the payment machine ID is displayed in the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [D]. When one of the multiple attention marks is lit and an attention is required of the attendant M3, the background color of the first area Tb1 is a color that calls for attention, such as yellow. In the example of Figure 38, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [B] is yellow. When multiple attention-calling marks, such as "product registration error" and "discount sticker error," are lit and attendant M3 needs to be alerted, the background color of the first region Tb1 is a color that indicates a warning, such as red. In the example of FIG. 38, the background color of the first region Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [C] is red. Among the multiple attention-calling marks, the mark indicating the product to be checked indicates that attendant M3's intervention is required when the information terminal 50 is in the "checkout" state. Therefore, when the mark MC6 indicating the product to be checked is lit, the background color of the first region Tb1 may be a color that indicates a different warning, such as black. In the example of FIG. 38, the background color of the first region Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [D] is black. The background color of the first region Tb1 is not limited to the above example, and may be different depending on the state of the information terminal 50.

[0194] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the confirmation target product determination process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20.

[0195] In Act 201, the processor 21 acquires the registration list L1 from the information terminal table 221. For example, the processor 21 acquires the registration list L1 every time the information terminal table 221 is updated by the product registration interrupt process shown in FIG. 18. The processor 21 executes the product registration interrupt process and updates the information terminal table 221 every time a purchased product is registered by the customer M1 via the information terminal 50. The registration list L1 is an example of registration information. The processor 21 functions as an acquisition unit in Act 201.

[0196] In Act 202, the processor 21 compares the information in the registration list L1 with one or more registration thresholds. The one or more registration thresholds include at least one of a threshold for the quantity of a product and a threshold for the price of the product. The product quantity includes the number of items registered by the customer M1. The product price includes the unit price of the product and the total price of the same product registered by the customer M1. The threshold for the quantity of a product is a value indicating the number of items, such as 3 or 5. The threshold for the quantity of a product may be set in advance or may be updated as appropriate by an administrator of the second server 20 or the like. The threshold for the quantity of a product corresponds to the first threshold. The threshold for the quantity of a product is also referred to as a point threshold. The point threshold is a threshold for the number of items to be confirmed. The threshold for the price of a product is a value indicating the price of the product, such as 500 yen or 1000 yen. In this example, the threshold for the price of a product is a value indicating the total price of the same product. The threshold for the price of a product may be set in advance or may be updated as appropriate by an administrator of the second server 20 or the like. The threshold value for the price of the product corresponds to the second threshold value. The threshold value for the price of the product is also called the price threshold. The price threshold is a threshold value for the product to be confirmed in terms of price. Processor 21 functions as a comparison unit in Act 202. Note that the threshold value for the price of the product may be a value indicating the unit price of each product.

[0197] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the confirmation target product determination process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20.

[0198] In Act 2021, the processor 21 compares the information in the registration list L1 with the score threshold. For example, the processor 21 compares the "score" of each product registered in the registration list L1 with the score threshold. In this example, the score threshold is described as "5 points." If the "score" of the product registered in the registration list L1 is equal to or greater than the score threshold, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 2021. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 2022. If the "score" of the product registered in the registration list L1 is not equal to or greater than the score threshold, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 2021. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 2023.

[0199] In Act 2022, the processor 21 changes the sixth flag F6 of the product data according to the comparison result between the information in the registration list L1 and the score threshold. In response to the "score" of a product registered in the registration list L1 being equal to or greater than the score threshold, the processor 21 changes the sixth flag F6 of the product data related to that product in the registration list L1 from "0" to "1." The sixth flag F6 is set to "1" for registered products whose score is equal to or greater than the score threshold. In this example, the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" for registered products with five or more points. Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to the processing of Act 2023.

[0200] In Act 2023, the processor 21 compares the information in the registration list L1 with the amount threshold. For example, the processor 21 compares the "amount" of each product registered in the registration list L1 with the amount threshold. In this example, the amount threshold is a threshold for the total amount, and is described as "500 yen." If the "amount" of the product registered in the registration list L1 is equal to or greater than the amount threshold, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 2023. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 2024. If the "amount" of the product registered in the registration list L1 is not equal to or greater than the amount threshold, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 2023 and ends the processing.

[0201] In Act 2024, the processor 21 changes the seventh flag F7 of the product data according to the comparison result between the information in the registration list L1 and the price threshold. In response to the "price" of a product registered in the registration list L1 being equal to or greater than the price threshold, the processor 21 changes the seventh flag F7 of the product data related to that product in the registration list L1 from "0" to "1." The seventh flag F7 is set to "1" for registered products whose price is equal to or greater than the price threshold. In this example, the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" for products whose total price of registered products is 500 yen or more. The processor 21 then terminates the processing.

[0202] The processor 21 functions as a comparison unit in Act 2021 to Act 2024. The processor 21 may either compare the information in the registration list L1 with the threshold value of the points or compare the information in the registration list L1 with the threshold value of the amount.

[0203] 26 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the monitoring image creation process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. The processor 21 starts this monitoring image creation process, for example, at intervals of 5 seconds.

[0204] In Act 301, the processor 21 acquires the terminal status ST1 of the multiple information terminals 50 from the information terminal table 221. For example, the processor 21 sets the display order of the information terminals 50 by a known process and stores the display order in area A13 of the information terminal table 221. The display order of the information terminals 50 is the order of arrangement of the terminal status display units Tb in the monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 35. The display order of the information terminals 50 may be set in advance or may be updated as appropriate by an administrator of the second server 20, for example. For example, the display order of the information terminals 50 may be in descending order from the largest terminal ID number. The processor 21 updates the information terminal table 221 every time the display order of the information terminals 50 is set or updated. The processor 21 functions as an acquisition unit in Act 301.

[0205] In Act 302, the processor 21 acquires a registration list L1 of a plurality of information terminals 50 from the information terminal table 221. For example, the processor 21 acquires the registration list L1 every time the information terminal table 221 is updated by the product registration interrupt process shown in Fig. 18. The processor 21 acquires the registration list L1 every time the information terminal table 221 is updated by the confirmation target product determination process shown in Fig. 25. The processor 21 functions as an acquisition unit in Act 302.

[0206] In Act 303, processor 21 generates a monitoring image P11 based on the data in the information terminal table 221 and the payment machine table 222. For example, processor 21 creates a payment machine status display section Ta for each payment machine 40 based on the payment machine ID, payment machine status ST2, first error flag EF1, and second error flag EF2 in payment machine table 222. Processor 21 places the payment machine status display section Ta for each payment machine 40 in the status display section (T1), status display section (T2), and status display section (T3) of the monitoring image P11.

[0207] The processor 21 creates a terminal status display section Tb for each information terminal 50 based on the terminal ID, terminal status ST1 in the information terminal table 221, and the first to third flags F1 to F3 and the sixth to seventh flags F6 to F7 in the registration list A9. The processor 21 changes the display mode of the terminal status display section Tb for each information terminal 50 based on the terminal ID, terminal status ST1, the first to third flags F1 to F3, and the sixth to seventh flags F6 to F7. For example, the processor 21 displays information corresponding to the terminal ID on the terminal status display section Tb based on the terminal ID. The processor 21 displays the status of the information terminal 50 on the terminal status display section Tb based on the terminal status ST1. For example, the processor 21 displays the status of the information terminal 50 by lighting up a mark such as "Waiting," "Registering," or "Checkout." The processor 21 lights up the attention mark of the information terminal 50 on the terminal state display section Tb based on the first to third flags F1 to F3 and the sixth to seventh flags F6 to F7.

[0208] The processor 21 selects the terminal status display section Tb of each information terminal 50 ranked 1st to 12th in the display order, and arranges them in the status display section (T4) to the status display section (T15) in order from 1st. The processor 21 selects the terminal status display section Tb of each information terminal 50 ranked 13th and onwards in the display order, and arranges each status display section on the next page or later of the monitoring image P11. The monitoring image P11 in which the terminal status display section Tb of each information terminal 50 is arranged is an example of a list of a plurality of information terminals 50. The processor 21 functions as a display control section in Act 303.

[0209] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the steps of the monitoring image display process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20 to display a terminal in transaction.

[0210] In Act 401, the processor 21 displays the monitoring image P11 on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60. For example, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24, which is a communication unit, to transmit the monitoring image P11 to the monitoring terminal 60. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the monitoring image P11 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The monitoring terminal 60 receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80. The touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 displays the monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 35.

[0211] In Act 402, the processor 21 detects an input of an instruction to select the terminal status of "checkout" by the user of the monitoring terminal 60. The selection instruction is an instruction to select the terminal status of the information terminal 50. Detecting the input of an instruction to select the terminal status of "checkout" includes detecting a touch operation on the [checkout] touch button BU17. For example, if the processor 21 detects that the [checkout] touch button BU17 has been touched in the monitoring image P11, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 402. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 403. If the processor 21 does not detect that the [checkout] touch button BU17 has been touched in the monitoring image P11, the processor 21 ends the processing.

[0212] In Act 403, in response to a user's instruction to select the terminal status of the information terminal 50 in the monitoring image P11, the processor 21 changes the display mode of the terminal status display unit Tb of the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 indicates "checkout in progress." For example, the processor 21 selects an information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 indicates "checkout in progress" from the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 generates a monitoring image P11 in which a terminal status display unit Tb indicating the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 indicates "checkout in progress" is arranged. The monitoring image P11 is narrowed down to only the terminal status display unit Tb indicating the status of the information terminal 50 in the "checkout in progress" state.

[0213] The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24, which is a communication unit, to transmit the monitoring image P11 to the monitoring terminal 60. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the monitoring image P11 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The monitoring terminal 60 receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80. The touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 displays the monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 36. The processor 21 functions as a display control unit in Act 401 to Act 403.

[0214] The processor 21 may display on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 a monitoring image P11 generated in Act 302 in which the terminal status display unit Tb indicating the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "checkout in progress" is displayed in an identifiable manner. For example, the processor 21 may change the display manner of the terminal status display unit Tb indicating the information terminal 50 other than the terminal status display unit Tb indicating the information terminal 50 "checkout in progress." For example, the display manner includes the color, shape, size, background color, display density, etc. of the frame.

[0215] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the display mode change process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20.

[0216] As in Act 401, the processor 21 displays the monitoring image P11 on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 in Act 501. If the processor 21 detects in Act 402 that the user of the monitoring terminal 60 has input an instruction to select the terminal status during transaction, the processor 21 displays the same monitoring image P11 as in Act 403 on the touch panel 65.

[0217] In Act 502, the processor 21 detects input of a selection instruction to the information terminal 50 by the user of the monitoring terminal 60. Detecting input of a selection instruction to the information terminal 50 includes detecting a touch operation on the terminal status display unit Tb. For example, the user of the monitoring terminal 60 touches the terminal status display unit Tb that displays "Checkout." When the terminal status display unit Tb is touched, the processor 21 causes the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 to display the monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 39. The touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 displays the monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 39.

[0218] In Act 503, the processor 21 acquires the registration list L1 of the information terminal 50 corresponding to the terminal status display section Tb selected by the user of the monitoring terminal 60. For example, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and acquires the registration list L1 associated with the terminal ID of the selected information terminal 50.

[0219] The processor 21 changes the display mode of the product data of each product in the detailed information of the information terminal 50 based on the registration list L1 acquired in Act 504. The detailed information includes information such as the product name, quantity, and price of the product registered in each information terminal 50. The detailed information is included in the monitoring image P11 as a detailed image P111 shown in Fig. 39. The detailed information is an example of information about each product. The information about each product corresponds to the product data of each product. The processor 21 functions as a display control unit in Acts 501 to 504.

[0220] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the display mode change process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20.

[0221] In Act 5031, the processor 21 checks whether or not data in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" exists in the registration list L1. If data in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" exists, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 5031. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 5032. If data in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" does not exist either, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 5031. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 5033.

[0222] In Act 5032, the processor 21 changes the display mode of the product data of each product in the detailed image P111 in accordance with the sixth flag F6. For example, in response to the presence of data in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1," the processor 21 changes the display mode of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1." The processor 21 changes the display of the score of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" so that it is distinguishable. The processor 21 differentiates the display of the score and the text display of other product data so that it is distinguishable from other product data. The text display includes text color, size, font, enclosed text, text decoration, etc. The processor 21 may change the frame color or background color of the display portion of the score so that it is distinguishable from other product data. The processor 21 may change the display order in the detailed image P111 of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1." For example, the processor 21 may display the product data of a product whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1" higher in the sorting order of the product data in the detailed image P111. "Higher in the sorting order" includes displaying the product data of a product whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1" higher than the product data of a product whose sixth flag F6 and seventh flag F7 are not set to "1." When there are multiple products whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1," the processor 21 may rearrange the product data of the products whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1" according to the order in which they were added to the registration list L1. Furthermore, when there are multiple products whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1," the processor 21 may rearrange the product data of the products whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1" so as to display the product data of the product whose sixth flag F6 is set to "1" higher in the sorting order of the product registered in the registration list L1 among the multiple products.

[0223] In Act 5033, the processor 21 checks whether or not data in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" exists in the registration list L1. If data in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" exists, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 5033. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act 5034. If data in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" does not exist either, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 5033. The processor 21 ends the processing.

[0224] In Act 5034, the processor 21 changes the display mode of the product data of each product in the detailed image P111 in accordance with the seventh flag F7. For example, in response to the presence of data in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1," the processor 21 changes the display mode of the product data of the product in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1." In one example, the processor 21 changes the display of the price of the product data of the product in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" so that it is distinguishable. The processor 21 makes the display of the price and the text display different from those of other product data, making it distinguishable from other product data. The processor 21 may change the frame color or background color of the display portion of the price so that it is distinguishable from other product data. The processor 21 may display the price of the product data of the product in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" in a display mode similar to or different from the display mode of the points display in Act 5032. The processor 21 may change the display order in the detailed image P111 of the product data of the products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1." For example, the processor 21 may display the product data of the products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1" so that the product data is higher in the sort order of the product data in the detailed image P111. "Higher in the sort order" includes displaying the product data of the products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1" higher than the product data of the products whose sixth flag F6 and seventh flag F7 are not set to "1." If there are multiple products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1," the processor 21 may rearrange the product data of the products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1" according to the order in which they were added to the registration list L1. Furthermore, if there are multiple products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1," the processor 21 may rearrange the product data of the products whose seventh flag F7 is set to "1" so that the product data of the products whose total price is the highest among the multiple products is displayed from top to bottom.

[0225] In addition, in response to the presence of data in which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1," the processor 21 may further change the display mode of the product data of the product for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1." For example, the processor 21 changes the display of the points and the price of the product data of the product for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" so that they are identifiable. The processor 21 changes the display mode of the points and the price of the product data of the product for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" to a display mode different from the display mode in Act 5032 or Act 5034. A case will be described in which the display mode in Act 5032 displays the text color of the points in yellow, and the display mode in Act 5034 displays the text color of the price in yellow. The processor 21 may display the text color of the points and the price in red for the product for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1." The processor 21 may change the display order in the detailed image P111 of the product data of products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1." For example, the processor 21 may display the product data of products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" so that the product data is higher in the sort order of the product data in the detailed image P111. Higher in the sort order includes displaying the product data of products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" higher than the product data of products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are not set to "1." If there are multiple products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1," the processor 21 may rearrange the product data of the products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" according to the order in which they were added to the registration list L1. In addition, if there are multiple products for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1", the processor 21 may rearrange or display the product data of the products with the highest unit prices for which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" in order from top to bottom.

[0226] In Act 5035, the processor 21 changes the display mode of the product data of each product in the detailed image P111 according to the sixth flag F6 or the seventh flag F7. For example, in response to the presence of data in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" or data in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1," the processor 21 changes the display mode of the background of the product data. For example, the processor 21 makes the display of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" different from the display of the other product data, thereby making it distinguishable from the other product data. The background display includes background color, background brightness, background pattern, frame color, etc. The processor 21 makes the display of the product data of the product in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" different from the display of the other product data, thereby making it distinguishable from the other product data. The processor 21 functions as a display control unit in Acts 5031 to 5035.

[0227] In addition, the processor 21 may further change the display mode of the product data in response to the presence of data in which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1." For example, the processor 21 changes the background display of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" so that it is distinguishable. The processor 21 sets the background display of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" to a display mode different from the display mode in Act 5035. A case will be described in which the display mode in Act 5035 is a blue background color for the product data. The processor 21 may display the background color of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 and the seventh flag F7 are set to "1" in green.

[0228] In response to the presence of data in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1," the processor 21 may make at least one of the display of the points of the product data or the display of the background distinguishable from other product data. In one example, the processor 21 changes the display of the text of the points of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" to yellow, without changing the background color. In another example, the processor 21 changes the display of the text of the points of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" to blue, without changing the background color. In yet another example, the processor 21 changes the display of the text of the points of the product data of the product in which the sixth flag F6 is set to "1" to yellow, and changes the background color to blue. In addition, in response to the presence of data in which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1," the processor 21 may make at least one of the display of the points of the product data or the display of the background of the product data distinguishable from other product data. In one example, processor 21 changes the text display of the price in the product data of a product for which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" to yellow, and does not change the background color. In another example, processor 21 does not change the text display of the price in the product data of a product for which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1", and changes the background color to blue. In yet another example, processor 21 changes the text display of the price in the product data of a product for which the seventh flag F7 is set to "1" to yellow, and changes the background color to blue.

[0229] In addition, the processor 21 may perform at least one of changing the display mode of the product data of each product in the detailed image P111 according to the sixth flag F6 in ACT5032, and changing the display mode of the product data of each product in the detailed image P111 according to the seventh flag F7 in ACT5034.

[0230] The monitoring image P11 when the attendant M3 touches the terminal status display section Tb that indicates the status "transaction in progress" will be described. FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a monitoring image P11 displayed on touch panel 65, which is a display device of monitoring terminal 60. As shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 39, the monitoring image P11 includes the touched terminal status display section Tb, a detailed image P111 showing detailed information such as the product name, quantity, and price of the product registered on the information terminal 50 whose status is displayed on the terminal status display section Tb, and a "Back" touch button BU18. In Fig. 39, the touched terminal status display section Tb is the terminal status display section Tb shown in [D] in Fig. 38. By touching the terminal status display section Tb where the mark MC6 is lit, for example, the attendant M3 can check detailed information about the product purchased by the customer M1 who has registered the product to be checked.

[0231] Detailed image P111 displays product data for product A, product B, product C, and product D, which are purchased by customer M1. Product data for product A displays the product name "product A," the number of items "1 item," and the total price of product A "120 yen." Product data for product B displays the product name "product B," the number of items "2 items," and the total price of product B "750 yen." Product data for product C displays the product name "product C," the number of items "5 items," and the total price of product C "600 yen." Product data for product D displays the product name "product D," the number of items "6 items," and the total price of product D "450 yen." In this example, it is assumed that the threshold for the number of items is "5 items" and the threshold for the amount is "500 yen." For product B, the amount is equal to or greater than the amount threshold. For product C, the number of items is equal to or greater than the number threshold and the amount is equal to or greater than the amount threshold. For product D, the number of items is equal to or greater than the number threshold. In the detailed image P111, the text display of the points for products C and D is displayed in a different manner from the text display of the points for other product data. For example, the points for products C and D are displayed in yellow. Furthermore, the text display of the price for products B and C is displayed in a different manner from the text display of the price for other product data. For example, the price for products B and C is displayed in yellow. For product C, the points and price are above their respective thresholds, so the text display of the points and price may be displayed in red.

[0232] In the detailed image P111, the background display of the product data for product B, product C, and product D is displayed in a manner different from the background display of the other product data. For example, the background display of product B, product C, and product D is displayed in blue. For product C, the number of points and price are above their respective thresholds, so the background display of the product data may be green.

[0233] After checking the detailed information about the items purchased by customer M1, attendant M3 can touch the [Back] touch button BU18 to return to the monitoring image P11, which displays a list of the cash register status display unit Ta and the terminal status display unit Tb of the information terminal 50.

[0234] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the second server 20 can change the display mode of each product on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 depending on the comparison result between the registration information of each product registered in the information terminal 50 and one or more thresholds related to registration. As a result, the second server 20 can display the product to be checked on the touch panel 65 as an image visually different from other products so that the product can be identified. This allows the attendant M3 to quickly and efficiently determine the product to be checked. Furthermore, the second server 20 can display information about the product to be checked, such as the product name, quantity, and price, on the touch panel 65. This allows the attendant M3 to easily identify the product to be checked based on information such as the product name of the product to be checked. In this way, the second server 20 can improve the efficiency of the product checking work by the attendant M3.

[0235] According to this embodiment, the second server 20 can change the display mode of each product on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 depending on the comparison result between the registration information of each product registered in the information terminal 50 and at least one of a threshold value related to the product quantity and a threshold value related to the product price. As a result, the second server 20 can display on the touch panel 65 an image that is visually different from other products so that the product to be checked for points can be distinguished from the product to be checked for price. Therefore, the attendant M3 can quickly and efficiently determine whether the product to be checked requires confirmation of the price, the number of points, or both the price and the number of points. Furthermore, the attendant M3 can also prioritize confirmation of either the price or the number of points. In this way, the second server 20 can improve the efficiency of the product confirmation work by the attendant M3.

[0236] According to this embodiment, the second server 20 can change the display order of each product on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 depending on the result of comparing the registration information of each product registered on the information terminal 50 with at least one of a threshold value related to the product quantity and a threshold value related to the product price. This allows the second server 20 to display products to be checked in terms of points and products to be checked in terms of price at the top. Therefore, the attendant M3 can easily check the total number of products to be checked. In this way, the second server 20 can improve the efficiency of the product checking work by the attendant M3.

[0237] According to this embodiment, the second server 20 can change the display mode of the list of information terminals 50 on the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 depending on the result of comparing the registration information of each product registered in the information terminal 50 with one or more registration-related thresholds. As a result, the second server 20 can display on the touch panel 65 an image visually different from that of the other information terminals 50 so that the information terminal 50 in which the product to be checked is registered can be identified. This allows the attendant M3 to quickly and efficiently determine the information terminal 50 to be checked from the list of information terminals 50. This allows the attendant M3 to select the information terminal 50 to be checked and check detailed information about each product, thereby enabling more efficient product checking. In this way, the second server 20 can improve the efficiency of the product checking work by the attendant M3.

[0238] According to this embodiment, in response to a selection instruction from the user, the second server 20 can change the display mode of the terminal status display unit Tb of an information terminal 50 in the list of terminal status display units Tb whose terminal status indicates "checkout in progress." This allows the second server 20 to display the information terminal 50 to be checked on the touch panel 65 in an identifiable manner. This allows the attendant M3 to quickly and efficiently determine the information terminal 50 to be checked from the list of information terminals 50. This allows the attendant M3 to easily select the information terminal 50 to be checked. In this way, the second server 20 can make the product checking work by the attendant M3 more efficient.

[0239] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 50 to be checked by the attendant M3 for registration errors, fraudulent registration, etc. is described as the information terminal 50 that is "in the process of transaction," but this is not limited to this. The second server 20 may perform the above-described process by treating the information terminal 50 that is "in the process of registration" as the information terminal 50 to be checked.

[0240] The information processing device may be realized by one device as explained using the second server 20 as an example, or may be realized by a system in which functions are distributed among a plurality of devices.

[0241] In the above example, the second server 20 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. The monitoring terminal 60 may be configured to be able to realize at least some of the functions of the second server 20 of the present embodiment. In this example, the monitoring terminal 60 is an example of an information processing device.

[0242] Although the above description is of an example in which the product sales system includes the information terminal 50 attached to the cart CA or shopping basket, the present invention is not limited to this. The information terminal 50 only needs to have a function that allows customers to register purchased products themselves, and does not have to be attached to the cart CA or shopping basket. In this example, the information terminal 50 may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone.

[0243] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is an electronic device-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and be readable by an electronic device.

[0244] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0245] 10...first server, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 15...gateway device, 16...system transmission path, 20...second server, 21...processor, 22...main memory, 23...auxiliary storage device, 24...communication interface, 25...system transmission path, 30...POS terminal, 40...accounting machine, 50...information terminal, 51...processor, 52...main memory, 53...auxiliary storage device, 54...wireless unit, 55...touch panel, 5 6...scanner, 57...reader, 58...system transmission path, 60...monitoring terminal, 61...processor, 62...main memory, 63...auxiliary storage device, 64...wireless unit, 65...touch panel, 66...system transmission path, 70...network, 80...access point, 131...product database, 131R...product data record, 132...membership database, 132...membership database, 132R...membership data record, 133...sales promotion database, 133R...sales promotion data record, 221...information Terminal table, 222...accounting machine table, AT...attendant counter, BC...barcode, BT...battery, BU1...touch button, BU2...touch button, BU3...touch button, BU4...touch button, BU5...touch button, BU6...touch button, BU11...touch button, BU12...touch button, BU13...touch button, BU14...layout button, BU15...layout button, BU16...touch button, BU17...touch button, BU18...touch button, C1...key C1...handle frame, C2...basket holder, C4...pole, C21...vertical frame, C22...handle bar, CA...cart, G1...face-to-face register, G2...self-register, GA1...guidance, GA2...guidance, IC...contactless, IC...contact, M1...customer, M2...cashier, M3...attendant, N...counter, SC...scanner, SU...soccer table, T1...first timer, T2...second timer, T3...third timer, Ta...accounting machine status display, Tb...terminal status display, TM...tablet terminal.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires registration information of each product registered by a user via a terminal; a comparison unit that compares the registration information with one or more registration-related thresholds; a display control unit that changes the display mode of each product on the display unit according to the comparison result by the comparison unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. the one or more registration thresholds include at least one of a first threshold related to a quantity of the product and a second threshold related to a price of the product; the comparison unit performs at least one of comparing the number of each product with a first threshold value and comparing the total price of each product with a second threshold value; the display control unit performs at least one of changing a display mode of each commodity on the display unit in accordance with a comparison result with the first threshold value and changing a display mode of each commodity on the display unit in accordance with a comparison result with the second threshold value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. an acquisition unit that acquires registration information of each product registered by a plurality of users via a plurality of terminals; a comparison unit that compares the registration information with one or more registration-related thresholds; a display control unit that displays a list of information on the plurality of terminals on a display unit; Equipped with the display control unit changes a display manner of the information of the plurality of terminals in the list in accordance with a comparison result by the comparison unit. Information processing device.

4. the acquisition unit acquires terminal status information of the plurality of terminals, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the terminal statuses of the plurality of terminals, and the display control unit changes the display mode of information on the terminal in the list whose terminal status indicates that the terminal is in transaction in response to a user instruction to select the terminal status of the terminal in transaction. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. On the computer, an acquisition function for acquiring registration information of each product registered by a user via a terminal; a comparison function that compares the registration information with one or more registration-related thresholds; a display control function that changes the display mode of each product on the display unit according to the comparison result of the comparison function; An information processing program for executing the above.

6. In an information processing system including an information processing terminal and an information processing device, The information processing terminal a display unit that displays an image based on the information output by the information processing device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires registration information of each product registered by a user via a terminal; a comparison unit that compares the registration information with one or more registration-related thresholds; a display control unit that changes the display mode of each product on the display unit according to the comparison result by the comparison unit; Equipped with Information processing system.

Images