POS management apparatus, POS management system, POS management method, and POS management program

Abstract

To enable efficient management of appropriate purchasing actions in accordance with attributes and environments of individual customers.SOLUTION: A POS management apparatus 10 includes: a storage device 11 that, for at least one processing of registration and payment, stores control information 121 defining terminals and locations capable of executing the processing; and a computing device 14 that collates identification information and position information of the customer terminal 20 being a transmission source indicated by an execution request with the control information 121 when an execution request for registration or payment is received from a customer terminal 20 via a cloud 3, determines whether the processing can be executed at the customer terminal 20, and performs execution control of the processing at the customer terminal 20 via the cloud 3 according to the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a POS management device, a POS management system, a POS management method, and a POS management program, and more particularly to a technology that enables efficient management of appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer. [Background technology]

[0002] Various POS systems have been proposed that use separate devices for registering products to be purchased at the store register and paying for those products. In particular, the introduction of so-called semi-self-service POS systems, which aim to reduce store staff numbers and improve operational efficiency while also reducing customer wait times at the register, has become more prominent in recent years. However, issues with these POS systems have also been identified, and further improvements are still being made.

[0003] As a technology related to such a POS system, for example, a technology has been proposed that enables a store and a customer to specify a payment device suitable for the store in a POS system equipped with a registration device and multiple payment devices (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The above technology relates to a POS system comprising a portable registration device that registers items purchased by shoppers, and multiple payment devices that process payments for items registered on the registration device through operation by the shopper. The registration device is equipped with a determination means that determines a priority order indicating the degree to which the registration device is suitable as the payment device for the shopper operating the registration device to process the payment, based on the distance between the current location of the registration device and each of the multiple payment devices; a display means that displays designation information for allowing the shopper to designate the payment device in accordance with the priority order determined by the determination means; a designation means that allows the shopper to designate the payment device that will perform the payment processing based on the designation information displayed by the display means; and a transmission means that transmits transaction information for the registered items so that the shopper can process the payment on the payment device designated by the designation means.

[0005] In addition, a technology has been proposed (see Patent Document 2) that prevents transaction data from being sent to a settlement device that cannot perform settlement in a POS system where the registration device and settlement device are located in different locations, allowing customers to settle their payments smoothly.

[0006] The above technology relates to a product registration device that registers products to be purchased and transmits data related to the transaction of the registered products to one of a plurality of settlement devices, and that is equipped with a transmission key that transmits the data related to the transaction so that settlement can be made at the settlement device, an acquisition means that acquires information related to a fault that has occurred at the settlement device, a prohibition means that, when the acquisition means acquires information related to the fault, prohibits the transmission of data related to the transaction to the settlement device where the fault has occurred, a key for displaying at least one of the registered number and total amount of the registered products, detailed information about the fault, and the transmission key, and a display means that displays a screen on which data related to the transaction can be transmitted using the transmission key so that settlement can be made at the settlement device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-101501 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-106756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Although the above-mentioned conventional technologies are useful, they do not address situations in which household composition, individual shopping behavior, preferences, etc. may change or be selected depending on various factors such as personal attributes, the times, the region, technology, and product trends. As an example of the above situation, for example, there are cases where children who shop when their parents are away or elderly people whose cognitive functions are beginning to decline have difficulty managing their shopping behavior or money on their own.In addition, in households where such children or elderly people live together, there are also cases where it is difficult to lend and manage money or payment media to them.

[0009] Unlike the situation described above, there are also challenges when a socially independent individual makes a purchase with a high degree of freedom. For example, as with the use of traditional semi-self-service POS systems, there are still challenges in dealing with situations where the product to be purchased is registered at the store, but the payment for the product is made outside the store. While so-called deferred payment services do exist, they do not address the shopping behavior of registering the product at a physical store, then taking it home and paying for it there. Furthermore, traditional deferred payment services require the use of a specialized payment agency, and from the customer's perspective, the payment fees are a burden in addition to the product price.

[0010] Managing shopping behavior appropriately to address the various cases mentioned above will help maintain a good quality of life for those involved. However, if such management is not carried out, there is a risk that fraud or misuse of payment methods or funds may occur, or that customers may not be able to smoothly purchase the products they want at their own convenience, which could lead to a significant decline in the shopping experience.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can efficiently manage appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and environment of each customer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the POS management device of the present invention, which is a device that manages product registration and settlement via the cloud, and includes a storage device that stores control information that specifies the terminals and locations that can execute at least one of the registration or settlement processes, and a computing device that, when an execution request for registration or settlement is received from a specified terminal via the cloud, compares the identification information and location information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which is indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and, depending on the result of the determination, controls the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud.

[0013] The POS management device of the present invention has the above-described configuration and executes a series of processes to accommodate situations where the locations for registering products purchased by a customer and for making payments are geographically distant from each other, and by allowing only appropriate processing by a uniquely identifiable terminal, it is possible to accommodate a high degree of freedom in the customer's shopping behavior while preventing undesirable situations such as fraudulent shopping behavior and the fraud of money, etc. Ultimately, it is possible to efficiently manage appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and environment of each customer.

[0014] In the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the storage device stores, as the control information, control information that specifies the terminal capable of executing at least one of the registration or settlement processes, and at least one of the location and time, and that the calculation device, when performing the comparison, compares the identification information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request, and at least one of the location information and time information, indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and, depending on the result of the determination, controls the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud.

[0015] The above configuration makes it possible to control whether or not to execute a product registration or payment based on the appropriateness of the location and timing of the customer's product registration or payment, in addition to the terminal identification results. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately handle situations such as refusing a payment in cases where the payment request is made at a time that is unexpectedly late from the time of product registration, or when the payment request is made earlier than expected given the travel time required between the registration location and the intended payment location. It also makes it possible to appropriately handle situations such as refusing a payment in cases where the customer is asleep and the payment or registration request is not normally performed. Ultimately, it becomes possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior by responding to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0016] In addition, in the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the storage device stores, as the control information, control information that specifies the terminals and locations at which the registration and settlement processes by one customer can be executed, and when a request to execute registration or settlement is received from the customer's terminal via the cloud, the storage device compares the identification information and location information of the customer's terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which are indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process for the customer can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and executes control of the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud depending on the result of the determination. The above configuration allows a single person to perform a series of shopping actions, such as registering products to be purchased and paying for them, and it is possible to deal with situations where the registration and payment are performed in different locations and control the actions accordingly. This ultimately makes it possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned POS management device, if the result of the judgment is to permit registration of the product at the target terminal, it is preferable that the arithmetic device either sends a notification of permission to register the product at the terminal via the cloud to the terminal, or accepts detailed data of the product registered at the terminal. The above configuration ensures that products to be purchased are registered appropriately, which in turn makes it possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned POS management device, if the result of the judgment is to allow the settlement of the product at the target terminal, it is preferable that the arithmetic device transmits the detail data received for the target product to the terminal via the cloud. The above configuration ensures that payment for purchased items is made in a timely manner, and ultimately enables more appropriate purchasing behavior to be managed efficiently in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0019] In addition, in the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the storage device further stores a first table that defines the display target for each area size of the product addition UI and a second table that defines unit price information for each product, and the calculation device acquires from the terminal the operation content of the area size in the product addition UI on the terminal, and displays the product unit price in the product addition UI based on the acquired operation content and each of the first and second tables.

[0020] With the above configuration, customers who register products to be purchased can easily recognize the unit price of the product, such as the price per unit weight. This makes it easier for customers who are using the appropriate terminal and in the appropriate location to search for the desired product, which can lead to more efficient and accurate shopping behavior. Ultimately, it becomes possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and environment of each customer.

[0021] In addition, in the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the storage device further holds a third table that manages information on advertising settings for each product, and the calculation device enlarges or reduces the display size of the displayed product in the product addition UI according to the advertising settings for the displayed product in the third table.

[0022] With the above configuration, for example, when a customer using an appropriate terminal and located in an appropriate location registers a product to be purchased, it becomes easier to clearly recognize sale items that stores or manufacturers are promoting. This makes it easier to identify products that are good value for the customer, which can lead to increased efficiency and accuracy of shopping behavior. Ultimately, it becomes possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0023] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the storage device further holds a fourth table storing actual information on product discounts or sales, and that the calculation device, with respect to a displayed product in the product addition UI, identifies the actual information for that displayed product in the fourth table, and displays the information for that displayed product in a specific area of ​​the product addition UI or highlights the information for that displayed product depending on the amount of sales indicated by the actual information.

[0024] With the above configuration, for example, a customer using an appropriate terminal and located in an appropriate location can easily recognize best-selling items and discounted items when registering items to be purchased. This makes it easier for customers to find the items they actually want, even if they had not previously considered them, which can lead to increased efficiency and accuracy in shopping behavior as well as increased customer satisfaction. Ultimately, it becomes possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0025] In addition, in the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the storage device further stores a fifth table for managing the product purchase history of each customer, and the calculation device identifies the product purchase history of a customer who is accessing the product addition UI in the fifth table, and displays information on products that the customer has a predetermined purchasing tendency in the product addition UI.

[0026] With the above configuration, for example, it is possible to present products that are easy for each customer to purchase to customers who are in an appropriate location using an appropriate terminal, making it easier for them to recognize them as products to purchase. By operating in this way, it is possible to present not only products that the store wants to sell, but also products that are easy for customers to purchase and that they are likely to want to purchase, thereby promoting efficient shopping behavior. Ultimately, it becomes possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and environment of each customer.

[0027] In addition, in the above-mentioned POS management device, it is preferable that the calculation device refers to the product purchase history of the customer in the fifth table, determines products that are expected to be out of stock at the customer's home after a certain period of time has passed since the customer's last purchase, and displays information about the products in the product addition UI.

[0028] With the above configuration, for example, a customer who is using an appropriate terminal and is in an appropriate location can recognize the appropriate timing to purchase the type of product that he or she regularly purchases. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and environment of each customer.

[0029] Furthermore, the above-mentioned problem is solved by the POS management system of the present invention including a storage device that stores control information specifying the terminals and locations that can execute at least one of the processes of product registration and settlement via the cloud, and a POS management device that includes a computing device that, when receiving a request to execute registration or settlement from a specified terminal via the cloud, compares the identification information and location information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which is indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and, depending on the result of the determination, controls the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud. According to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0030] Furthermore, the above-mentioned problem is solved in the POS management method of the present invention, in which a device that manages product registration and settlement via the cloud stores control information in a storage device that specifies the terminals and locations that can execute at least one of the registration or settlement processes, and when a request to execute registration or settlement is received from a specified terminal via the cloud, the device compares the identification information and location information of the terminal that is the source of the execution request, which are indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and, depending on the result of the determination, controls the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud. According to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently manage more appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer.

[0031] Furthermore, the above-mentioned problems can be solved by the POS management program of the present invention, by causing a computer to execute each process included in the above-mentioned POS management method. The above-mentioned POS management program makes it possible to efficiently manage appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the POS management device, POS management system, POS management method, and POS management program of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently manage appropriate purchasing behavior in response to the attributes and circumstances of each customer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a POS management device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a customer terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a store terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of control information in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a detailed data DB according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display target definition table (first table) in this embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product addition UI according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a unit price display control table (second table) in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an advertisement setting table (third table) in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a performance information table (fourth table) in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a purchase history table (fifth table) in this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow of a POS management method according to the present embodiment (part 1). [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment (part 2). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment (part 3). [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment (part 4). [Figure 16] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment (part 5). [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The POS management device, POS management system, POS management method, and POS management program of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the present embodiment) as an example. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Naturally, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0035] Furthermore, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the following description are merely examples, and the screen configuration examples, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and user preferences, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] In addition, in this specification, the term "device" includes not only a single device that performs a specified function on its own, but also a combination of multiple devices that are separate from each other but work together to perform a specified function.

[0037] In the following explanation, we will assume a situation in which a customer purchases a product at a physical store that offers products (products include the concept of services), brings the product to a cash register, and a store staff member or the customer registers it on a store terminal. The customer then takes the product from the store to their home or other location and pays for it there. However, this is just one example, and we can also assume a situation in which a product is ordered on an online store, received electronically or via delivery, and paid for at the customer's home or other location. We can also assume that the person who orders the product at the store and the person who pays for it are the same person, or that they are different people.

[0038] <Network configuration> First, an example of a network configuration including a POS management device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration according to this embodiment. The network configuration shown in Fig. 1 is configured such that the POS management device 10 according to this embodiment, a cloud system 3, a customer terminal 20, and a store terminal 30 are communicably connected via a network 2 such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, or a dedicated line.

[0039] However, this network configuration is merely an example, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one or more of the cloud system 3, customer terminal 20, and store terminal 30 work together to have the configuration and functions of the POS management device 10 and execute the POS management method of this embodiment. Therefore, this network configuration itself can also be considered as the POS management system 1.

[0040] The POS management device 10 of this embodiment is an information processing device that cooperates with the cloud system 3 in the above-mentioned network configuration. As an example, the POS management device 10 is assumed to be a virtual server implemented on the cloud system 3 or a (physical) server device communicably connected to the cloud system 3 via an appropriate line.

[0041] On the other hand, the cloud system 3 is a system that provides services via a network 2 such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the service receives the processing results (detail data, etc.) of product registration (products to be purchased) at a store terminal 30, which is a POS register installed in each store, via the network 2 and provides them to the POS management device 10. The service also executes settlement processing for the price of the product at a customer terminal 20 (in cooperation with the POS management device 10 as necessary) in accordance with the control of the POS management device 10 that implements the POS management method of the present invention. In other words, it can be said to be a so-called cloud POS service that provides the configurations and functions that a typical POS system should have, such as a product master, various sales management and analysis functions, and store management functions, via a network. Of course, such a cloud system 3 itself can be the POS management device 10, or the POS management device 10 can provide the cloud system 3.

[0042] Connected to the cloud system 3 and the POS management device 10 are a customer terminal 20 and a store terminal 30. Here, a configuration in which the customer terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 are separate is illustrated, but a configuration in which the customer terminal 20 functions as the store terminal 30 may also be adopted. In such a configuration, the customer terminal 20 serves as a so-called smartphone POS, where the store also registers the products to be purchased, and the customer operates the customer terminal 20 at home or the like to settle the product price.

[0043] The customer terminal 20 in this embodiment is a terminal operated by a customer, and is, for example, a terminal used when settling the price of goods at the customer's home, etc. The specific configuration will be described later, but it can be any suitable information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), or a tablet terminal.

[0044] In addition, the store terminal 30 is a terminal installed in a store that sells goods and services. Specifically, a POS register can be assumed. However, as described above, in the case where the customer terminal 20 implements an application for a POS register and can function as the store terminal 30, the customer terminal 20 can also be in a situation where it is the store terminal 30. Note that as the store terminal 30, a form can also be adopted in which it is composed only of a scanner that scans product barcodes and a communication device, and other POS register functions are provided from the cloud system 3 via the network 2.

[0045] <Hardware Configuration of POS Management Device> Subsequently, the configuration of the POS management device 10 mainly constituting the POS management system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS management device 10 in the present embodiment. Note that the POS management device 10 in the present embodiment may be configured by a plurality of computers that are parallel-distributed in addition to the case where it is configured by one computer as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the POS management device 10 may be configured by a computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).

[0046] Here, on the premise that the POS management device 10 in the present embodiment is configured by one computer, a configuration in which an auxiliary storage device 11, a main storage device 13, an arithmetic device 14 as a processor, and a communication device 15 are connected by a bus is illustrated.

[0047] In the above-mentioned configuration, the auxiliary storage device 11 is implemented by a non-volatile storage device or storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0048] The auxiliary storage device 11 may be built into the housing of the POS management device 10, or may be externally connected to the POS management device 10. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 101 may be formed by another computer or the like communicably connected to the POS management device 10. Note that a distributed ledger technology such as a blockchain may be used as a technology for recording various data in order to avoid unauthorized data tampering.

[0049] In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 11 stores, in addition to the program 12, control information 121, a detail data DB 122, a display target specification table 123, a unit price display control table 124, an advertising setting table 125, a performance information table 126, and a purchase history table 127, which will be described later.

[0050] The main storage device 13 may be configured with volatile semiconductor memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage device 13 in this embodiment stores a program 102 including an OS (Operating System) read from the auxiliary storage device 11, and a decision model 120.

[0051] The OS controls the POS management device itself and implements basic functions. Under its control, the arithmetic unit 14 calls and executes each component of the program 12, thereby implementing each function corresponding to the POS management method. The program 12 may also include a determination model 120. This determination model 120 is a model used for various determinations made by the POS management device 10, such as determining whether to execute a registration process at the store terminal 30 or a settlement process at the customer terminal 20. The determination model 120 is a model generated by learning using a deep learning engine provided in, for example, the cloud system 3 or another information processing system. Given input such as the attributes, location, and time of the store terminal 30 or customer terminal 20, the determination model 120 determines whether to execute registration at the store terminal 30 or settlement at the customer terminal 20. While the above-described method for various determinations using the determination model 120 has been described, this is merely an example. A rule-based determination method using various tables, such as the control information 121, the display target specification table 123, the unit price display control table 124, and the advertisement setting table 125, may also be used. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the description will be made based on a rule-based determination method.

[0052] Furthermore, the arithmetic device 14 may be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, when the network 2 is configured with the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless LAN, the communication device 15 is assumed to be a network interface card compatible with a corresponding protocol (for example, a wireless LAN protocol based on Wi-fi (registered trademark)). However, as another implementation form, when the network 2 is a 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication network, the communication device 15 can also be assumed to be a communication chipset compatible with such a mobile communication protocol or a LTE (Long Term Evolution) protocol.

[0054] <Customer terminal hardware configuration> Next, the hardware configuration of the customer terminal 20 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the customer terminal 20 in this embodiment. The customer terminal 20 is configured to be a smartphone or the like held by a customer. That is, the customer terminal 20 is configured such that an auxiliary storage device 21, a main storage device 23, an arithmetic unit 24 as a processor, an input device 25, an output device 26, a communication device 27, a scanner 28, and a GPS device 29 are connected via a bus.

[0055] In the above-mentioned configuration, the auxiliary storage device 21 is implemented by a non-volatile storage device or storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0056] The auxiliary storage device 21 may be configured to be built into the housing of the customer terminal 20, or may be configured to be externally connected to the customer terminal 20. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 21 may be configured by another computer or the like communicably connected to the customer terminal 20. Note that a distributed ledger technology such as a blockchain may be used as a technology for recording various data in order to avoid unauthorized data tampering, etc.

[0057] The auxiliary storage device 21 in this embodiment stores terminal identification information 211 in addition to the program 22. This terminal identification information 211 is information that can uniquely identify the customer terminal 20, such as the MAC address or serial number of the customer terminal 20.

[0058] The main storage device 23 may be configured with volatile semiconductor memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage device 23 in this embodiment holds a program 22 including an OS (Operating System) read from the auxiliary storage device 21.

[0059] Of these, the OS controls the customer terminal itself and implements basic functions, and under its control, the calculation device 24 calls and executes each part of the program 22, thereby implementing each function that cooperates appropriately with the POS management device 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the arithmetic device 24 may be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0061] The input device 25 may be an input UI (User Interface) device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. The output device 26 may be an output UI (User Interface) device such as a display or speaker, for example.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, when the network 2 is configured with the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless LAN, the communication device 27 is assumed to be a network interface card compatible with a corresponding protocol (for example, a wireless LAN protocol based on Wi-fi (registered trademark)). However, as another implementation form, when the network 2 is a 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication network, the communication device 27 can also be assumed to be a communication chipset compatible with such a mobile communication protocol or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) protocol.

[0063] The scanner 28 is a device that reads product barcodes. The GPS device 29 is a unit that receives positioning radio waves from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and calculates its own position based on the radio waves.

[0064] <Store terminal hardware configuration> Next, the hardware configuration of the store terminal 30 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store terminal 30 of this embodiment. The store terminal 30 is a POS register installed in a store, and shows an example of a configuration in which an auxiliary storage device 31, a main storage device 33, an arithmetic unit 34 as a processor, an input device 35, an output device 36, a communication device 37, a scanner 38, and a GPS device 39 are connected via a bus.

[0065] In the above-mentioned configuration, the auxiliary storage device 31 is implemented by a non-volatile storage device or storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0066] The auxiliary storage device 31 may be built into the housing of the store terminal 30, or may be externally connected to the store terminal 30. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 31 may be configured as another computer or the like connected to be able to communicate with the store terminal 30. Note that a distributed ledger technology such as a blockchain may be used as a technology for recording various data in order to avoid unauthorized data tampering, etc.

[0067] In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 31 at least temporarily stores sales information 321 in addition to the program 32. This sales information 321 is data on products purchased and registered at the store, and is transaction detail data. This sales information 321 is distributed from the store terminal 30 to the POS management device 10 in real time or in batches at regular intervals. The distributed data is stored in the detail data DB 122 in the POS management device 10. The auxiliary storage device 31 also stores store terminal identification information 322. This store terminal identification information 322 is information that can uniquely identify the store terminal 30, such as the MAC address or serial number of the store terminal 30.

[0068] The main storage device 33 may be configured with volatile semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage device 33 in this embodiment stores a program 32 including an OS (Operating System) read from the auxiliary storage device 31. This program 32 corresponds to a so-called POS register application.

[0069] Of these, the OS controls the store terminal itself and implements basic functions, and under its control, the arithmetic unit 34 calls and executes each part of the program 32, thereby implementing each function that cooperates appropriately with the POS management device 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the arithmetic device 34 may be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0071] The input device 35 may be an input UI (User Interface) device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. The output device 36 may be an output UI (User Interface) device such as a display, speaker, or printer, etc.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, when the network 2 is configured with the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless LAN, the communication device 37 is assumed to be a network interface card compatible with a corresponding protocol (for example, a wireless LAN protocol based on Wi-fi (registered trademark)). However, as another implementation form, when the network 2 is a 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication network, the communication device 37 can also be assumed to be a communication chipset compatible with such a mobile communication protocol or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) protocol.

[0073] The scanner 38 is a device that reads product barcodes, but is not an essential component when the configuration and functions of the store terminal 30 are replaced by the customer terminal 20. The GPS device 39 is a unit that receives positioning radio waves from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and calculates its own position based on the radio waves.

[0074] <About various information and databases> Next, various types of information and databases held by the POS management device 10 (or the cloud system 3) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] (Configuration of control information) First, the control information 121 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control information 121 in this embodiment. The control information 121 in this embodiment is a table that specifies, for each customer, the correct combination of the terminal that registers the product to be purchased and the terminal that settles the payment, i.e., the customer terminal 20 or the store terminal 30, the location, and the time. The data configuration is a collection of records that use a customer ID that uniquely identifies the customer as a key, and that includes information regarding each registration and settlement process, such as the terminal, location, and time at which the process is permitted to be executed.

[0076] Among these, the terminal information includes the terminal's MAC address, serial number, etc., and is an ID that can uniquely identify the store terminal 30 or the customer terminal 20. The location information is location information of a location defined as a location where registration or settlement can be performed using the terminal. Specifically, it is, for example, location information of the customer or store on an electronic map, or GPS coordinate values ​​obtained from each terminal. The GPS coordinate values ​​as location information may be provided by the store operator or customer, or may be obtained via a network by requesting them from the GPS device 29 of the customer terminal 20 or the GPS device 39 of the store terminal 30 when the POS management device 10 receives registration or setting of the control information from the customer terminal 20. The time information is information about a time defined as a time when registration or settlement can be performed using the terminal. Specifically, it is information indicating a time period defined by the customer during which the process can be performed.

[0077] (Detail data DB configuration) Next, the detailed data DB 122 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detailed data DB 122 in this embodiment. The detailed data DB 122 in this embodiment is a database that stores and accumulates data of transaction details uploaded from the store terminal 30 via the cloud system 3.

[0078] The data structure is a collection of records containing information such as transaction date and time, store terminal, and detailed data, with a detailed ID that uniquely identifies the data as the key. The store terminal information is the identification information of the store terminal 30 that uploaded the detailed data.

[0079] (Configuration of the display target specification table) Next, the display object specification table 123 will be described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B. Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display object specification table 123 in this embodiment. The display object specification table 123 in this embodiment is a table that defines the specification contents of the display object for each area size of the product addition UI. The product addition UI is an interface displayed on the operation screen G10 of the store terminal 30, which is viewed by customers shopping at the store, as shown in Fig. 7B.

[0080] The product addition UI is composed of a product registration area G101 and a product details area G102, and customers can register products to be purchased by, for example, dragging the icon G103 of each product located in the product registration area G101 to the product details area G102. In addition, an area operation icon G105 is located near the boundary between the product details area G102 and the product registration area G101. By sliding this area operation icon G105 left or right, customers can move the boundary between the product details area G102 and the product registration area G101 left or right, and freely change the area dimensions of the product details area G102 and the product registration area G101.

[0081] This display object specification table (first table) 123 is a collection of records containing data such as area size and display object. The area size information refers to the combined area size of the product registration area G101 and the product details area G102, or the size of the product details area G102. The display object information corresponds to information regarding the product currently displayed in at least one of the product registration area G101 and the product details area G102, such as whether or not to display the unit price, and if so, the number of perspectives. In the example of FIG. 7A, as the area size increases, the following are specified: no unit price display, product unit price from one perspective, product unit price from two or more perspectives. Here, the perspective refers to the physical unit used to calculate the unit price of the product, such as the unit price per gram, the unit price per piece, or the unit price per sheet.

[0082] (Unit price display control table configuration) Next, the unit price display control table 124 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the unit price display control table 124 in this embodiment. The unit price display control table 124 in this embodiment is a table that specifies unit price information for each product.

[0083] This unit price display control table (second table) 124 is a collection of records that use a product ID that uniquely identifies a product as a key and link unit price values ​​from various perspectives. The unit price is defined from at least one of different perspectives, such as per unit weight, per unit number, or per unit volume.

[0084] (Advertisement setting table configuration) Next, the advertisement setting table 125 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the advertisement setting table 125 in this embodiment. The advertisement setting table 125 in this embodiment is a table that specifies information such as advertising fees for products sold in stores that have been requested for advertisement placement by businesses wishing to promote sales, such as manufacturers or wholesalers, i.e., products that are the subject of advertisement settings.

[0085] This advertisement setting table (third table) 125 is a collection of records including data such as the advertisement ID and advertisement fee level, with a product ID that uniquely identifies the product for which advertisement setting has been made as a key. In the example of Fig. 9, it is assumed that the advertisement fee level is defined in four stages from the highest A to the lowest D.

[0086] (Configuration of performance information table) Next, the performance information table 126 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the performance information table 126 in this embodiment. The performance information table 126 in this embodiment is a table that stores performance data on discounts and sales of each product that is sold in the store.

[0087] This performance information table (fourth table) 126 is a collection of records containing the target period for data collection, discount data, and sales data, with a product ID that uniquely identifies the product as a key. Of these, the discount data is data such as the discount rate and discount amount for each discount opportunity implemented during the target period. Furthermore, the sales data is data such as the sales amount and sales increase / decrease rate of the product during the target period.

[0088] (Purchase history table configuration) Next, the purchase history table 127 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the purchase history table 127 in this embodiment. The purchase history table 127 in this embodiment is a table that stores product purchase history information for each customer.

[0089] This purchase history table (fifth table) 127 is a collection of records containing data such as the history period, the products purchased, and the purchase amount, with a customer ID that uniquely identifies the customer as a key. As shown in the example of Fig. 11, the record contains information on the purchase amount for each product purchased.

[0090] <Main flow> Next, an example of a flow of the POS management method in this embodiment will be described. For ease of understanding, the following description will be given assuming an example of the POS management method in this embodiment, in which a specific customer wishes to purchase a product at a certain store, registers the product in the product registration UI on the operation screen G10 of the store terminal 30 at the store, and controls the customer's actions of taking the product home and operating the customer terminal 20 at home to settle the payment. Of course, as already mentioned, the present invention also applies to cases where the customer terminal 20 has the same functions as the store terminal 30 and can execute the registration process for the product to be purchased, and the customer also performs the registration operation using their own customer terminal 20 at the store.

[0091] The POS management method according to this embodiment proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is an example of the flow of the POS management method according to this embodiment, specifically, a diagram showing the main flow of the POS management method. For ease of explanation, the explanation will begin with a situation in which a customer or store staff member (hereinafter referred to as "customer") is using the store terminal 30 to register a product that the customer wishes to purchase. It is also assumed that the customer has scanned the digital membership card of the customer terminal 20 with the store terminal 30 and completed membership authentication.

[0092] In response to the product registration operation performed by the customer on the operation screen G10 (see FIG. 7B) of the store terminal 30, the store terminal 30 transmits a registration execution request including the customer ID as identification information of the customer, the store terminal identification information 322 (see FIG. 4) of the store terminal 30, and location information (acquired from the GPS device 39) to the cloud system 3 (s1). In this case, the cloud system 3 receives the registration execution request from the store terminal 30 and notifies it to the POS management device 10.

[0093] On the other hand, the POS management device 10 receives the registration execution request from the cloud system 3 and compares the customer ID of the customer who has sent the execution request, the store terminal identification information and location information of the store terminal 30 used by the customer, which are indicated in the registration execution request, with the control information 121 (s2). If this comparison reveals that the information included in the registration execution request does not match the content of the control information specified for the customer (s3:N), the POS management device 10 responds to the store terminal 30 via the cloud system 3 that the current registration operation is not accepted (see FIG. 17), and ends this flow.

[0094] In the above comparison, the customer ID of the customer who sent the execution request, the store terminal identification information of the store terminal 30 used by the customer, location information, and the transmission time of the execution request, all of which are indicated in the registration execution request, may be compared with the control information 121. In this case, it is determined whether the various information indicated in the registration execution request matches the requirements of the terminal, location, and time. It is determined whether the customer satisfies the conditions previously determined to be suitable or appropriate for the store, such as the area in which the store is located, the terminal that will perform the processing, and the time that the processing will be performed.

[0095] On the other hand, if the above comparison reveals that the information included in the registration execution request matches the content of the control information specified for the customer (s3: Y), the POS management device 10 responds to the store terminal 30 via the cloud system 3, requesting that the store terminal 30 send transaction detail data regarding the products to be registered (s4).In response to the response, the POS management device 10 receives the transaction detail data sent from the store terminal 30 and stores it in the detail data DB 122 (s5).

[0096] Next, the customer takes the purchased merchandise home from the store and settles the payment for the merchandise at home. The customer terminal 20 then accepts the customer's payment operation, generates an asset execution request, and transmits this to the POS management device 10 via the cloud system 3 (s6). The payment operation can be performed by the customer terminal 20 accessing a payment site provided by the cloud system 3. At this time, the customer terminal 20 sets the terminal identification information 211 and the current location (obtained by the GPS device 29) at the payment site.

[0097] The cloud system 3 notifies the POS management device 10 of a settlement execution request including the terminal identification information 211 and current location information obtained from the customer terminal 20 (s7). The POS management device 10 receives this settlement execution request and compares the customer ID of the customer who sent the execution request, the terminal identification information of the customer terminal 20, and location information indicated in the settlement execution request with the control information 121 (s8). If this comparison reveals that the information included in the settlement execution request does not match the content of the control information specified for the customer (s9: N), the POS management device 10 responds to the customer terminal 20 via the cloud system 3 to the effect that the current settlement operation is not accepted (see FIG. 18), and ends this flow.

[0098] On the other hand, if the above comparison reveals that the content of the control information specified for the customer matches the information included in the settlement execution request (s9: Y), the POS management device 10 transmits detailed data of the target products accepted for the customer to the customer terminal 20 via the cloud system 3 (s10).The customer terminal 20 executes the settlement process using the payment means presented by the customer based on the detailed data (s11), and ends this flow.

[0099] In the above explanation, each process was explained with the image that registration and settlement are performed by one customer, but it is of course also applicable to a case where different customers perform registration and settlement, for example, a child performs registration and a parent performs settlement. In that case, in the control information 121, the terminal ID of the terminal specifying "registration" is set to that of the child's customer terminal 20, and the terminal ID of the terminal specifying "settlement" is set to that of the parent's customer terminal 20. Furthermore, with regard to location, the home is set for the child and the office location for the parent. Similarly, with regard to time, the time period from after school until dinner for the child and the time period from evening until late night for the parent are set, etc.

[0100] <Controlling unit price display according to area size> Next, the display control performed by the POS management device 10 in association with the registration process at the store terminal 30 will be described, which is carried out according to the flow shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is an example of the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment, and specifically, is a diagram showing the flow related to the unit price display control according to the area size in the product addition UI.

[0101] In this flow, the POS management device 10 acquires from the store terminal 30 the operation content of the area size in the product addition UI (see FIG. 7B) of the store terminal 30 (s15). This operation content is the content of the operation by the customer of the area operation icon G105 near the boundary between the product registration area G101 and the product details area G102 that constitute the product addition UI, and is information on the area sizes of the product details area G102 and the product registration area G101, which increase or decrease depending on how far the area operation icon G105 is slid.

[0102] Here, the POS management device 10 checks the operation content acquired from the store terminal 30 against the display object specification table 123 and specifies a display object according to the area size (s16). Furthermore, the POS management device 10 specifies the unit price information of each commodity being displayed in at least one of the commodity details area G102 and the commodity registration area G101 in the unit price display control table 124 based on the commodity unit price indicated by the display object specified in s16 (s17).

[0103] The POS management device 10 notifies the store terminal 30 (via the cloud system 3) of an instruction to display the unit price (from one or more perspectives) of each product identified above around or on the icon of the corresponding product, along with the unit price information (s18). Upon receiving this instruction, the store terminal 30 displays the unit price information for each product in at least one of the product details area G102 and the product registration area G101 in the product addition UI (s19), and ends this flow.

[0104] <Display control based on ad settings> Next, the process of the POS management device 10 performing display control based on the advertisement settings of each product will be described as the control proceeding according to the flow shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an example of the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment, and specifically, a diagram showing the flow related to display control according to the advertisement settings of each product.

[0105] In this flow, the POS management device 10 specifies the advertising fee level for the displayed product in the product addition UI (FIG. 7B) in the advertising setting table 125 (see FIG. 9) using, for example, the product ID linked to the displayed icon as a key (s20). Furthermore, the POS management device 10 notifies the store terminal 30 of a display control instruction to enlarge the icon and text size of the displayed product in the order of "A" to "D" in the example of Fig. 9, as the advertising fee level specified above increases (s21). Upon receiving this notification, the store terminal 30 enlarges the icon and text of the target product (s22), and ends this flow.

[0106] <Product recommendations based on product sales trends, etc.> It is also preferable that the POS management device 10 causes the store terminal 30 to control the display of best-selling items and items that are being promoted in the store. This control, which proceeds according to the flow shown in Fig. 15, will now be described. Fig. 15 is an example of the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment, and specifically shows the flow related to display control according to the sales trends of items and the sales intentions of the store.

[0107] In this flow, the POS management device 10 identifies the performance information of a displayed product in the product addition UI in the performance information table 126 (s30). The performance information identified here includes the number of times the product has been discounted in the past at the store, the discount rate and amount, or the sales amount and growth rate at the store. The higher the frequency and amount of discounts, the more likely the store is to increase sales of the product, and the product with high sales is widely popular.

[0108] Next, the POS management device 10 instructs the store terminal 30 to display information about the displayed product in a specific area of ​​the product addition UI (e.g., the upper left corner of the product registration area G101) depending on the amount of performance indicated by the performance information (e.g., the number of discounts, the amount of sales) (s31). Alternatively, the POS management device 10 instructs the store terminal 30 to highlight the information about the displayed product (e.g., enlarging the icon size, making the product name text bold, etc.). Upon receiving this instruction, the store terminal 30 controls the placement and highlighting of the icon for the target product (s32), and ends this flow.

[0109] <Product recommendations based on each customer's purchase history> It is also preferable that the POS management device 10 estimates the product purchasing habits and rules of each customer and controls product recommendation and the like based on the estimates. This control, which proceeds according to the flow shown in Fig. 16, will now be described. Fig. 16 is an example of the flow of the POS management method in this embodiment, specifically, a diagram showing the flow related to product recommendation control according to the customer's purchase history.

[0110] In this flow, the POS management device 10 identifies the product purchase history of the customer currently accessing the product addition UI in the purchase history table 127 (see FIG. 11) (s35). The POS management device 10 also identifies products that the customer has a predetermined purchasing tendency, such as regular purchases, as indicated by the purchase history (s36). This identification identifies, for example, products that have been purchased at regular intervals across multiple purchase histories over multiple target periods.

[0111] The POS management device 10 instructs the store terminal 30 to display information about the identified product in the product addition UI (s37). In response to this instruction, the store terminal 30 displays information about the product in the product addition UI (s38), and ends this flow. At this time, it is preferable to display a message such as "It has been more than two months since the last purchase of this product. Isn't it about time to purchase another one?" (see FIG. 19). In other words, the system identifies products that have not been purchased for a long time based on the usual purchase interval from the purchase history, and performs control to explicitly encourage the purchase of the product. Note that the "usual purchase interval" is determined, for example, by calculating the average value of the interval between purchase dates for a specific product whose purchase history spans multiple target periods. As described above, the specific contents of the POS management method of this embodiment have been described.

Claims

1. A device for managing product registration and settlement via the cloud, a storage device for storing control information specifying terminals and locations that can execute at least one of the registration and settlement processes; a computing device that, when receiving a request to execute registration or settlement from a predetermined terminal via the cloud, compares the identification information and location information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which are indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and controls the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud depending on the result of the determination; A POS management device comprising:

2. The storage device includes: As the control information, for at least one of the processes of the registration or the settlement, control information specifying a terminal capable of executing the process and at least one of a location and a time is held; The computing device During the matching, the identification information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request and at least one of the location information and the time information indicated in the execution request are matched with the control information, and a determination is made as to whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or the settlement, and execution control of the process on the terminal is performed via the cloud according to the result of the determination.

2. The POS management device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The storage device includes: As the control information, control information is stored that specifies the terminals and locations at which the registration and settlement processes by one customer can be executed, When a request for execution of registration or settlement is received from the customer terminal via the cloud, the identification information and location information of the customer terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which are indicated in the execution request, are compared with the control information, and a determination is made as to whether or not the process for the customer can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and execution control of the process on the terminal is performed via the cloud depending on the result of the determination.

3. The POS management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The computing device If the result of the determination is that the registration of the product on the target terminal is permitted, a notification of permission to register the product on the terminal is sent to the terminal via the cloud, or detail data of the product registered on the terminal is accepted. The POS management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The computing device If the result of the determination is that payment for the product at the target terminal is permitted, the detail data accepted for the target product is sent to the terminal via the cloud.

5. The POS management device according to claim 1, wherein the POS management device is a device for managing a POS system.

6. The storage device includes: The system further stores a first table that defines the display target for each area size of the product addition UI, and a second table that defines the unit price information of each product, The computing device acquiring from the terminal an operation content of an area size in the product addition UI of the terminal, and displaying a product unit price in the product addition UI based on the acquired operation content and each of the first and second tables; 6. The POS management device according to claim 1, wherein the POS management device is a device for managing a POS system.

7. The storage device includes: a third table for managing information on advertisement settings for each product; The computing device Enlarging or reducing the display size of the displayed product in the product addition UI according to the advertisement setting for the displayed product in the third table.

7. The POS management device according to claim 6.

8. The storage device includes: a fourth table storing actual information on discounts or sales of merchandise; The computing device With respect to a displayed product in the product addition UI, the performance information for the displayed product in the fourth table is identified, and depending on the amount of performance indicated by the performance information, the information for the displayed product is displayed in a specific area of ​​the product addition UI, or the information for the displayed product is highlighted.

8. The POS management device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The storage device includes: a fifth table for managing the product purchase history of each customer is further maintained; The computing device Identifying the product purchase history of a customer currently accessing the product addition UI from the fifth table, and displaying information on products that the customer has a predetermined purchasing tendency on the product addition UI.

9. The POS management device according to claim 6, wherein the POS management device is a device for managing a POS system.

10. The computing device referencing the product purchase history of the customer in the fifth table, determining products that are expected to be out of stock at the customer's home after a certain period of time has passed since the customer's last purchase, and displaying information about the products in the product addition UI; 10. The POS management device according to claim 9.

11. A system for managing product registration and settlement via the cloud, a POS management device including a storage device that stores control information specifying terminals and locations that can execute at least one of the registration or settlement processes, and a computing device that, when receiving a registration or settlement execution request from a predetermined terminal via the cloud, compares the identification information and location information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which are indicated in the execution request, with the control information, determines whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and controls the execution of the process on the terminal via the cloud depending on the result of the determination; A POS management system comprising:

12. A device for managing product registration and settlement via the cloud, storing control information in a storage device that specifies terminals and locations at which at least one of the registration and settlement processes can be executed; When a request for execution of registration or settlement from a predetermined terminal is received via the cloud, the identification information and location information of the terminal that is the sender of the execution request, which are indicated in the execution request, are compared with the control information, and a determination is made as to whether the process can be executed on the terminal that is attempting to perform the registration or settlement, and execution control of the process on the terminal is performed via the cloud depending on the result of the determination. A POS management method characterized by:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each process included in the POS management method according to claim 12.

Images