Transaction processing system

Abstract

To prevent settlement processing from being performed when the settlement processing to be completed according to the operation of a customer in a terminal should not be performed.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system includes a terminal having acquiring means for acquiring a commodity code, and a settlement device for performing settlement of an amount based on the commodity code acquired by the acquiring means, and further includes selection means and first and second outputting means. The selection means selects whether to output the payment-related information or to perform settlement by the settlement device when the settlement is possible by the terminal on the basis of the information stored in the storage means and indicating whether the settlement is possible by the terminal. The first output device outputs information for settlement to the settlement apparatus when the settlement cannot be performed in the terminal or when the settlement is selected to be performed in the settlement apparatus. The second output means outputs the information on the payment when the output of the information on the payment is selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A transaction processing system that registers details of a transaction in response to a customer's operation of a terminal device is known, for example as a cart POS system. In such a system, if a payment method such as credit card payment or barcode payment is used, the payment process itself can be completed in response to the customer's operation of the terminal device. If payment can be completed in this way, the customer can easily complete the transaction without having to operate a separate device such as an accounting device.

[0003] However, if the payment process, which is completed in response to the customer's operation on the terminal device, is executed according to the customer's wishes, there is a risk that the transaction may be completed in an inappropriate situation, such as when the customer is unable to receive a receipt. In view of these circumstances, it has been desired to prevent payment processing that is completed in response to a customer's operation on a terminal device from being performed when such processing should not be performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-251625 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a transaction processing system and an information processing program that can prevent payment processing that is completed in response to a customer's operation on a terminal device from being performed when such payment processing should not be performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transaction processing system according to an embodiment includes a terminal device having an acquisition means for acquiring a product code that identifies a product, a payment device that performs payment for an amount based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means, and a selection means, a first output means, and a second output means. The selection means, based on information stored in a storage means indicating whether payment is possible at the terminal device, selects whether to output payment information or perform payment at the payment device if payment for the amount based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means is possible at the terminal device. The first output means outputs payment information to the payment device if payment cannot be performed at the terminal device based on the information stored in the storage means, or if payment at the payment device is selected by the selection means. The second output means outputs payment information if outputting payment information is selected by the selection means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a store that has introduced a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a contact database according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record contained in a member database managed by a member server in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a product master database according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the cart terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a cart according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a cart management database according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a purchase product database according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the cart terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen when barcode payment is specified in the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of information processing by the processor of the virtual POS server according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in a modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The transaction processing system of this embodiment processes the buying and selling of merchandise through display sales in a store.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a store system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example layout of a store in which the store system 1 has been introduced. As shown in FIG. 1, the store system 1 includes a cart terminal 10, a store server 20, a virtual POS server 30, a manned checkout machine 40, a self-checkout machine 50, a beacon transmitter 60, and a store clerk terminal 70. The cart terminal 10, the store server 20, the virtual POS server 30, the manned checkout machine 40, the self-checkout machine 50, and the store clerk terminal 70 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 2. The cart terminal 10 is connected to the communication network 2 via an access point 2a by wireless communication with the access point 2a. The access point 2a is preferably located so that any cart terminal 10 located anywhere in the store's customer-accessible area can communicate with any of the access points 2a. The virtual POS server 30 can use the payment service and electronic receipt service provided by the payment server 3 and the electronic receipt server 4 directly via the communication network 2 or via the store server 20. The virtual POS server 30 can also access a member database managed by a member server 5 via the communication network 2.

[0010] The store server 20, the virtual POS server 30, the manned checkout machine 40, or the self-checkout machine 50 may be connected to the communication network 2 via the access point 2a by wireless communication with the access point 2a. The communication network 2 transmits various types of data exchanged between the connected devices. The communication network 2 may be the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination.

[0011] The electronic receipt server 4 includes a storage device 4a, which stores a contact database for providing the electronic receipt service. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR1 contained in the contact database. The contact database is a collection of data records DR1 associated with each user of the electronic receipt service. Each data record DR1 includes fields F11 and F12. Field F11 is set with an electronic receipt ID (identifier) ​​that serves as an identifier for distinguishing the associated user from other users. Field F12 is set with contact information for various communications regarding the electronic receipt service for the associated user. The contact information may be, for example, an email address. The electronic receipt ID is used as described below to determine whether payment is possible at the cart terminal 10. Thus, the electronic receipt ID corresponds to information indicating whether payment is possible at a terminal device including the cart terminal 10. The storage device 5a is an example of a storage means for storing such information.

[0012] The member server 5 includes a storage device 5a, which stores a member database for managing members of the services provided by the store system 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR2 contained in the member database managed by the member server 5. As shown in FIG. The member database is a collection of data records DR2 associated with each member. Each data record DR2 includes fields F21, F22, and F23. Field F21 is set with a membership code as an identifier for distinguishing the associated member from other members. If the associated member is also a user of the electronic receipt service, field F22 is set with the electronic receipt ID of the member. If the associated member is not a user of the electronic receipt service, field F22 is left blank or predetermined invalid data is set. Field F23 is set with the number of points the associated member has in relation to the point redemption service.

[0013] The cart terminal 10 is an information processing terminal that functions as a user interface for operations related to registering purchased items. For example, the cart terminal 10 is attached to a shopping cart (hereinafter referred to as a cart) C as shown in FIG. 2. The cart terminal 10 is operated by a customer M1 who uses the cart C. However, the cart terminal 10 may also be carried by the customer. The store system 1 typically includes multiple cart terminals 10. A customer exclusively uses one cart terminal 10 while shopping. The cart terminal 10 may be fixed to the cart C or may be detachable from the cart C. When the cart terminal 10 is used by the customer M1, it is moved by the customer M1. In other words, the cart terminal 10 is an example of a mobile terminal that can be moved by a customer.

[0014] The store server 20 executes information processing to support overall store operations. The store server 20 includes a storage device 20a. The storage device 20a stores various databases including a product master database. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR3 contained in the product master database. The product master database is a collection of data records DR3 associated with each product that can be sold in a store. Each data record DR3 includes fields F31, F32, F33, and F34. Field F31 contains a product code as an identifier for distinguishing the associated product from other products. Field F32 contains a product name, which is a name established to make the associated product easily identifiable by humans. Field F33 contains a price to be applied when selling the associated product to a customer. Field F34 contains issuance confirmation information. The issuance confirmation information may include flag information indicating whether a voucher such as a discount coupon or warranty needs to be issued when selling the product. The issuance confirmation information may also include flag information indicating whether a sales clerk is required when selling alcohol, tobacco, certain medicines, etc. For example, this flag information is set to "0" if no such action is required and "1" if such action is required. The issuance confirmation information may also include information on the type of voucher that needs to be issued. The issuance confirmation information may also include identification information for identifying the items to be confirmed by the clerk. Thus, when the flag information indicating whether or not a certificate needs to be issued is "0," it indicates that it is not necessary to print on a medium. Therefore, this flag information corresponds to information indicating that it is not necessary to print on a medium. Furthermore, alcohol or tobacco are products with age restrictions, and the action taken by a store clerk when selling them is to confirm the age of the purchaser. Thus, when the flag information indicating whether or not the action taken by a store clerk when selling such products requiring age confirmation is "0," it corresponds to information indicating that there is no age restriction on the purchaser. These flag information items are used, as described below, to determine whether payment is possible at the cart terminal 10. Thus, this flag information item corresponds to information indicating whether payment is possible at a terminal device including the cart terminal 10. The storage device 20a is an example of a storage means for storing such information.

[0015] The virtual POS server 30 cooperates with the cart terminal 10 to execute information processing to achieve various functions as a POS terminal. In this embodiment, the cart terminal 10 functions in many cases as a user interface device. More specifically, the cart terminal 10 functions as a user interface in the virtual POS server 30. The virtual POS server 30 and the cart terminal 10 work together to execute information processing to realize various functions as a POS terminal, so that the cart terminal 10 appears to the customer as a POS terminal. Note that some of the various functions as a POS terminal are processing related to transactions. In this way, the cart terminal 10 and the virtual POS server 30 implement the functions of a transaction processing system.

[0016] The manned accounting machine 40 is a payment device that allows a store clerk to perform operations related to the payment of purchased items registered by the virtual POS server 30. The manned accounting machine 40 then executes accounting processing to determine the price of the purchased items. The manned accounting machine 40 also executes a payment processing to settle the price determined by the accounting processing under the operation of the store clerk. The manned accounting machine 40 may also have the function of registering purchased items in response to operation by the store clerk and further processing for the payment of the purchased items in response to operation by the store clerk. In other words, the manned accounting machine 40 may also have the function of a well-known POS terminal known as a face-to-face type.

[0017] For this reason, the manned checkout machine 40 is installed in the face-to-face zone ZO11 of the checkout zone ZO1, as shown in FIG. 2. A store clerk M2 is assigned to operate the manned checkout machine 40 while facing the customer M1 while in operation. A scanner SC1 is provided in the face-to-face zone ZO11. The scanner SC1 is connected to the manned checkout machine 40. The scanner SC1 may be either a stationary type or a handheld type. When registering an item that the customer M1 has brought into the face-to-face zone ZO11 without registering it on the cart terminal 10 as a purchased item, the scanner SC1 is operated by the store clerk M2 to scan a code symbol, such as a barcode or two-dimensional data code, displayed on the item.

[0018] The self-checkout machine 50 is a payment device that allows customers to perform operations related to the payment of purchased items registered by the virtual POS server 30. The self-checkout machine 50 then executes accounting processing to determine the price related to the purchase and sale of purchased items. The self-checkout machine 50 is equipped with a printer 50a as a printing means, and issues receipts or other vouchers by printing them on a medium for the customer to receive. Thus, the self-checkout machine 50 functions as a payment device.

[0019] For this reason, the self-checkout machine 50 is installed in the self-checkout zone ZO12 of the checkout zone ZO1, as shown in Figure 2. The self-checkout machine 50 does not have a dedicated store clerk M2 assigned to operate it.

[0020] 2 shows two manned payment machines 40 and three self-service payment machines 50, the number of manned payment machines 40 and the number of self-service payment machines 50 can be determined at the discretion of the store operator. Also, manned payment machines 40 do not have to be provided.

[0021] The beacon transmitter 60 transmits a predetermined beacon signal. Multiple beacon transmitters 60 may be installed. The number of beacon transmitters 60 installed, their locations, and transmission strength are adjusted so that the reception range is roughly within the checkout zone ZO1 shown in Figure 2.

[0022] The clerk terminal 70 is an information processing terminal that processes information to support the work of the clerk M2. The clerk terminal 70 is, for example, a mobile information terminal carried by the clerk M2 who is in charge of maintaining the cart C. The clerk terminal 70 is, for example, a monitoring terminal for monitoring the operational status of the store system 1. Multiple clerk terminals 70 may be included in the store system 1. In this case, multiple types of clerk terminals 70 may be included.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the cart terminal 10. The cart terminal 10 includes a tablet computer 11 , a scanner 12 , a reader 13 , a camera 14 , a beacon receiver 15 and an external battery 16 .

[0024] The tablet computer 11 includes a processor 11a, a main memory 11b, an auxiliary storage unit 11c, a wireless unit 11d, a touch panel 11e, a sound unit 11f, an interface unit 11g, a transmission path 11h, a power supply unit 11i, and a battery unit 11j. The processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage unit 11c, the wireless unit 11d, the touch panel 11e, the sound unit 11f, and the interface unit 11g are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 11h. The processor 11a, the main memory 11b, and the auxiliary storage unit 11c are connected via the transmission path 11h to form a computer for controlling the cart terminal 10.

[0025] The processor 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11a executes information processing to realize various functions of the cart terminal 10 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs. The processor 11a is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

[0026] The main memory 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 11b includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11b stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 11b may store data required for the processor 11a to execute information processing in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 11b uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 11a as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (read only memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (random access memory).

[0027] The auxiliary storage unit 11c corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11c may be a storage unit using a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 11c stores data used by the processor 11a when performing various processes, or data created by the processes performed by the processor 11a. The auxiliary storage unit 11c may also store the information processing program.

[0028] The wireless unit 11d transmits and receives data to and from the access point 2a via wireless communication in accordance with a wireless communication protocol. The touch panel 11e includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen, under the control of the processor 11a. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display). The touch sensor is disposed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 11a. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

[0029] The sound unit 11f outputs various sounds such as voices and melodies. The interface unit 11g is connected to the scanner 12, reader 13, camera 14, and beacon receiver 15. The interface unit 11g interfaces the processor 11a with the scanner 12, reader 13, camera 14, and beacon receiver 15 to exchange data. An existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used as the interface unit 11g. The transmission path 11h includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage unit 11c, the wireless unit 11d, the touch panel 11e, and the interface unit 11g.

[0030] The power supply unit 11i receives power from the battery unit 11j or the external battery 16 and supplies operating power to electrical elements within the tablet computer 11. When power is being supplied from the external battery 16, the power supply unit 11i consumes the power supplied from the external battery 16, and when power is not being supplied from the external battery 16, the power supply unit 11i consumes the power supplied from the battery unit 11j. The battery unit 11j is charged by power supplied from the external battery 16. When the battery unit 11j is not supplied with power from the external battery 16, the battery unit 11j supplies the charged power to the power supply unit 11i. The battery unit 11j has a function of measuring its own remaining capacity.

[0031] The scanner 12 reads code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional data codes. The scanner 12 is primarily used to read code symbols that are displayed on merchandise and indicate the merchandise code of the merchandise. The scanner 12 may also be used to read code symbols that are displayed on membership cards or on mobile terminals and indicate the membership code. The scanner 12 outputs data represented by the read code symbols. The scanner 12 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0032] The reader 13 reads and outputs data recorded on the recording medium. The reader 13 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a recording medium that uses RFID (radio frequency identification), such as a contactless IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 13. The camera 14 takes an overhead photograph of the inside of the shopping basket placed on the cart C. The camera 14 then outputs image data representing the photographed image.

[0033] The beacon receiver 15 receives the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 60. When the beacon receiver 15 receives the beacon signal, it outputs notification data to notify the processor 11a of the fact that the beacon signal has been received. The external battery 16 is detachable from the tablet computer 11. When the external battery 16 is attached to the tablet computer 11, it supplies stored power to the tablet computer 11.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the cart C. The cart C includes a caster portion C1, a handle frame portion C2, and a basket receiving portion C3. The caster section C1 has four wheels C11 for smoothly moving the cart C on the floor surface. The wheels C11 are attached to the frame C12 in a state where they can rotate around a vertical axis. The handle frame portion C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 and a handle bar C22. The vertical frames C21, C21 are erected above the two wheels of the caster portion C1. The handle bar C22 connects the upper ends of the vertical frames C21, C21. The basket receiving portion C3 is provided horizontally from a midpoint of the handle frame portion C2. The basket receiving portion C3 holds a shopping basket SB for storing merchandise. The caster portion C1 also holds the shopping basket SB thereon.

[0035] A customer M1 using the cart C is typically positioned closer to the viewer than the handle frame portion C2 in FIG. 7. The customer M1 pushes the cart C while gripping the handle bar C22. In other words, in this case, the direction in which the basket receiving portion C3 protrudes relative to the handle frame portion C2 is the forward direction of the cart C.

[0036] A scanner 12 is attached to the middle of the handlebar C22. A pole C4 is attached to one of the vertical frames C21 so that its tip is located higher than the handlebar C22. The tablet computer 11 described above is attached to the tip of the pole C4 with the screen of the touch panel 11e facing away from the forward direction. A camera 14 is attached to the middle of the pole C4 so that it faces the shopping basket SB held by the basket receiving portion C3. A reader 13 is also attached to the tablet computer 11. Note that in FIG. 7, the reader 13 is a magnetic card reader. The card slot of the reader 13 faces the same direction as the screen of the touch panel 11e. A battery case BC is attached between the vertical frames C21 at the lower end of the handle frame portion C2. The battery case BC houses an external battery 16.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 30. The virtual POS server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a communication interface 34, and a transmission path 35. The processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the communication interface 34 are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 35. The processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage unit 33 are connected by the transmission path 35 to form a computer for controlling the virtual POS server 30. The functions of the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the transmission path 35 are generally the same as those of the processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage unit 11c, and the transmission path 11h, and therefore will not be described here. The communication interface 34 performs data communication with each unit connected to the communication network 2 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0038] The auxiliary storage unit 33 stores a transaction processing program AP1, which is one of the information processing programs. The transaction processing program AP1 is an application program that describes the sales processing described below. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 33 is used as a cart management database DB1 and a purchase item database DB2.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR4 contained in the cart management database DB1. The cart management database DB1 is a collection of data records DR4 associated with each cart C used by customer M1. Each data record DR4 includes fields F41, F42, F43, F44, and F45. Field F41 is set with a terminal code for distinguishing the cart terminal 10 attached to the associated cart C from other cart terminals 10. Field F42 is set with a membership code for distinguishing customer M1 using the associated cart C from other customers. Field F43 is set with a transaction code for distinguishing a transaction performed using the associated cart C from other transactions. Field F44 is set with the electronic receipt ID of customer M1 using the associated cart C. Field F45 is set with the number of points held by customer M1 using the associated cart C. Note that data record DR4 may include other fields in which data other than fields F41 to F45 is set.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR5 contained in the purchase product database DB2. The purchase item database DB2 is a collection of data records DR5 associated with each shopping transaction taking place in the store. Each data record DR5 includes fields F51, F52, and may also include fields F53, F54, and so on. Field F51 contains the transaction code defined for the associated purchase. This transaction code is the same as the transaction code defined in field F42 of data record DR4 associated with cart C used for the associated purchase. Field F52 contains product data for products registered as purchased items for the associated purchase. The product data includes the product code, unit price, product name, quantity, and cancellation flag. The product code is an identification code defined to identify products by SKU (stock keeping unit), and is, for example, a JAN (Japanese article number) code. The cancellation flag is flag data used to identify products that were once registered as purchased items but were subsequently canceled.

[0041] Data record DR5 includes fields F53 and subsequent fields if two or more purchased items have been registered for the associated shopping. Product data is set in fields F53 and subsequent fields, just like in field F52. Thus, each field from field F52 onward represents a list of purchased items for the associated shopping. This list of purchased items will be referred to as the "product list" below.

[0042] The hardware for virtual POS server 30 can be, for example, a general-purpose network server. The transfer of virtual POS server 30 is typically performed with transaction processing program AP1 stored in auxiliary storage unit 33 but with cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2 not stored. However, the transaction processing program AP1 may be transferred separately from the hardware without transaction processing program AP1 stored in auxiliary storage unit 33, or with a different version of the same transaction processing program AP1 stored in auxiliary storage unit 33. The virtual POS server 30 may be configured by writing transaction processing program AP1 to auxiliary storage unit 33 in response to an operator's operation. The transaction processing program AP1 may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2 are configured within auxiliary storage unit 33 when processor 31 executes information processing based on transaction processing program AP1. At least a part of the transaction processing program AP1, the cart management database DB1, and the purchased product database DB2 may be stored in the main memory 32.

[0043] Next, the operation of the store system 1 configured as described above will be explained using Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Note that the contents of the various processes explained below are just examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. When the cart terminal 10 is started up, the processor 11a executes the information processing described below in accordance with the information processing program stored in the main memory 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11c. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10.

[0044] (Start using Cart C) In ACT1, the processor 11a waits for an operation to start use. At this time, the processor 11a is in a state of waiting for the start of shopping using the attached cart C. In this waiting state, for example, the processor 11a causes a screen showing a start button to be displayed on the touch panel 11e. The customer M1 takes one of the carts C placed in the cart storage area and performs a predetermined operation to start use on the cart terminal 10 attached to that cart C. If the customer M1 is a member, the customer M1 has the scanner 12 or reader 13 read the membership code recorded on the membership card. If the customer M1 is not a member, the customer M1 operates the start button. If these operations are performed, the processor 11a determines YES as an operation to start use has been performed and proceeds to ACT2.

[0045] In ACT2, the processor 11a notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the terminal code and membership code of the cart terminal 10 on which it is installed. This is a login request notification. When the start button is touched, the processor 11a notifies the virtual POS server 30 of a predetermined membership code for non-members. The membership code for non-members may be the same for multiple customers, or may be different for each customer. Specifically, the processor 11a transmits notification data including the terminal code and membership code from the wireless unit 11d to the access point 2a, addressed to the virtual POS server 30. This notification data is transmitted to the virtual POS server 30 via the access point 2a and the communication network 2. The communication interface 34 of the virtual POS server 30 then receives the notification data. The communication interface 34 provides the received notification data to the processor 31. This notifies the processor 31 of a login request. In the following descriptions of other notifications, such detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0046] When the processor 31 receives the login request, it starts information processing for transaction processing as described below. The processor 31 executes this information processing in accordance with the transaction processing program AP1.

[0047] 12, 13, 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the procedure of information processing for transaction processing by the processor 31. The processor 31 starts this information processing each time it receives a login request notification, and executes multiple information processing tasks in parallel. That is, the processor 31 executes the following information processing tasks in parallel for multiple cart terminals 10. Below, the information processing for one cart terminal 10 that has been notified of login as described above will be explained. Therefore, when simply referring to a "cart terminal 10," it refers to the single cart terminal 10 in question. Furthermore, when simply referring to a "customer M1," it refers to the customer M1 who is using the single cart terminal 10 in question.

[0048] In ACT20 in Figure 12, processor 31 checks whether the member who requested login is already logged in. For example, if the membership code included in the notification data of the login request is not for a non-member and does not match any of the membership codes set in field F42 of data record DR4 included in cart management database DB1, processor 31 determines that the member is not logged in. Processor 31 also determines that the member is not logged in if the membership code included in the notification data of the login request is for a non-member. If the member is not logged in, processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT21.

[0049] In ACT21, the processor 31 makes a membership inquiry to the member server 5. For example, the processor 31 makes the inquiry to the member server 5 along with the notification of the membership code included in the notification data of the login request. The member server 5 finds, from among the data records DR2 contained in the member database, a data record DR2 whose membership code set in field F21 matches the notified membership code. The member server 5 then notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the electronic receipt ID and the number of points set in fields F22 and F23 of the data record DR2.

[0050] In ACT22, the processor 31 updates the cart management database DB1 to add a new data record DR4. The processor 31 sets the terminal code and member code included in the notification data in fields F41 and F42 of the data record DR4 to be added. The processor 31 also determines a transaction code using a predetermined algorithm so that the transaction code is different from any transaction code used in a transaction involving at least another cart terminal 10. The processor 31 then sets this transaction code in field F43 of the data record DR4 to be added. The processor 31 also sets the electronic receipt ID and points notified by the member server 5 in fields F44 and F45 of the data record DR4 to be added, respectively. If the electronic receipt ID notified by the member server 5 is not received, the processor 31 leaves field F44 of the data record DR4 to be added blank or sets predetermined invalid data therein. After completing the update, the processor 31 notifies the cart terminal 10 that login is complete.

[0051] As ACT23, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a completion screen. The completion screen is a screen that notifies the customer that login has been completed. The completion screen may also display guidance to the customer, such as informing the customer that they may begin registering purchased items. For example, the processor 31 transmits instruction data including screen data representing the completion screen from the communication interface 34 to the cart terminal 10. This instruction data is transmitted to the cart terminal 10 via the communication network 2 and the access point 2a. The wireless unit 11d of the cart terminal 10 then receives the instruction data. The wireless unit 11d then provides the received instruction data to the processor 11a. This instructs the processor 11a to display the completion screen. Various instructions from the virtual POS server 30 to the cart terminal 10 are issued in the same manner as the instruction to display the completion screen described above. Therefore, in the following explanations of other instructions, detailed explanations of the above will be omitted.

[0052] (Registering purchased items) After notifying the login request in ACT2 in FIG. 11, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 waits for notification of the completion of login from the virtual POS server 30, and then proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 11a checks whether a screen change has been instructed as described below from the virtual POS server 30. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that such an instruction has been issued, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 11a checks whether any operation has been performed by the operator. The operator is usually the customer M1, but the store clerk M2 may temporarily become the operator. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that the relevant operation has been performed, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT5.

[0053] In ACT5, the processor 11a checks whether a beacon signal has been received. If it cannot be confirmed that a beacon signal has been received from the beacon receiver 15, the result is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 11a checks whether or not logoff has been permitted by the virtual POS server 30. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that permission has been granted, it determines NO and returns to ACT3. Thus, in ACT3 to ACT6, the processor 11a waits for any of an instruction to change the screen, an operation, reception of a beacon signal, and permission to log off.

[0054] When various display instructions such as the instruction to display the completion screen as described above are given, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 11a changes the display screen on the touch panel 11e in accordance with the display instruction. For example, the processor 11a controls the touch panel 11e to display the screen represented by the screen data included in the instruction data. If the screen data included in the instruction data represents the completion screen described above, the display screen on the touch panel 11e is changed to the completion screen. This lets the customer M1 know that he or she may begin operations to register the purchased items. The processor 11a then returns to the standby state of ACT3 to ACT6.

[0055] Customer M1 moves around the store pushing cart C, searching for an item to purchase. When he finds the item he wants to purchase, he removes it from the display area and places it on cart C. At this time, customer M1 performs an operation to designate the item as the purchased item. This operation is, for example, an operation of scanner 12 to read the code symbol displayed on the item. The above operation is, for example, an operation of touch panel 11e to designate the item. When customer M1 wants to register multiple items with the same item code as purchased items, he or she may designate the quantity and then have scanner 12 read the code symbol only once.

[0056] If any operation including such an operation is performed by the operator, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 11a notifies the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 of the operation content. When notifying the operation to designate a product as a purchase product, the processor 11a notifies the product code and quantity of the designated product. If no operation to designate the quantity is performed, the processor 11a sets the quantity to "1". Then, the processor 11a returns to the standby state of ACT3 to ACT6.

[0057] In the virtual POS server 30, the processor 31 checks whether the operation content has been notified as ACT24 in Fig. 12. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the relevant notification has been made, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT25. In ACT 25, the processor 31 checks whether or not the reception of the beacon signal has been notified. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the notification has been made, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT 26, the processor 31 checks whether or not accounting data has been requested. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the relevant request has been made, it determines NO and returns to ACT 24. Thus, in ACT24 to ACT26, the processor 31 waits for any of a notification of operation content, a notification of beacon reception, and a request for accounting data.

[0058] If the operation content is notified as described above, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT27 in FIG. In ACT 27, the processor 31 checks whether the notified operation content is a specification of a product to be purchased. If the content is a specification of a product to be purchased, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 28.

[0059] In ACT28, processor 31 updates the product list to add the specified purchased product. For example, processor 31 finds, from among data records DR4 included in cart management database DB1, a data record DR4 whose terminal code set in field F41 matches the terminal code of cart terminal 10. Then, processor 31 obtains the transaction code set in field F43 of the corresponding data record DR4. Next, processor 31 finds, from among data records DR5 included in purchased product database DB2, a data record DR5 whose transaction code set in field F51 matches the obtained transaction code. If a corresponding data record DR5 does not exist, processor 31 adds a new data record DR5 to purchased product database DB2 by setting the obtained transaction code in field F51 and setting product data containing the product code of the specified purchased product in field F52. If a corresponding data record DR5 is found, processor 31 adds a new field next to the last field of the corresponding data record DR5 and sets product data containing the product code of the specified purchased product in this field. The processor 31 sets the cancellation flag of the newly set product data to a state indicating that the product has not been canceled. The product data set by the processor 31 in field F52 or the new field includes the product name, price, and issuance confirmation information obtained from the product master database of the store server 20 using the product code as a key, and the quantity notified from the cart terminal 10 together with the product code. At this time, processor 31 has acquired the notified product code. Thus, by processor 31 executing information processing based on transaction processing program AP1, the computer with processor 31 as its central part functions as an acquisition means.

[0060] If the customer M1 wishes to cancel the purchase of the purchased product registered as described above, he or she performs an operation to instruct the cancellation of the product, for example, on the touch panel 11e. When the content of this operation is notified from the cart terminal 10 to the virtual POS server 30, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT27 and proceeds to ACT29. In ACT 29, the processor 31 checks whether the notified operation content is a cancellation instruction or not. If it is a cancellation instruction as described above, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT 30, processor 31 updates the product list to exclude the purchased product for which cancellation has been instructed. For example, processor 31 changes the cancellation flag included in the product data for the purchased product for which cancellation has been instructed to a state indicating that the product has been canceled.

[0061] In ACT 28 or ACT 30, processor 31 calculates the price of the purchased product based on the product data included in the updated product list. When calculating this price, processor 31 applies various well-known discount or discount processing as necessary. In either case, once the processor 31 has completed ACT28 or ACT30, it proceeds to ACT31. In ACT31, processor 31 checks whether the state allows through checkout. Here, through checkout means performing the transaction using the procedure at cart terminal 10 without using manned checkout machine 40 or self-checkout machine 50. Processor 31 checks whether predetermined allowable conditions are met. If the allowable conditions are met, processor 31 determines that the state allows through checkout, determines YES, and proceeds to ACT32. The permissive conditions may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the transaction processing program AP1 or the administrator of the virtual POS server 30. For example, the permissive conditions may be when none of the following conditions apply. However, it is not necessary to consider all of the following conditions. For example, the permissive conditions may be met when there is no need to print a voucher. Furthermore, the permissive conditions may be met when the purchased items do not include any items with age restrictions. Alternatively, the permissive conditions may be met when customer M1 is an electronic receipt member.

[0062] (1) Cases where a voucher needs to be given to customer M1. The voucher may be a receipt, proof of purchase, warranty, coupon, discount coupon, or other document. Typically, the voucher is printed at the time of payment by the printer 50a provided in the manned checkout machine 40 or the self-service checkout machine 50. The voucher may be a pre-prepared printed document. The voucher may also be a pre-prepared form on which a store clerk writes some information by hand. In principle, a receipt should be issued for every transaction. However, if customer M1 is a member of an electronic receipt service, the issuance of a receipt can be omitted by using the electronic receipt service. Therefore, in this embodiment, if customer M1 is not a member of the electronic receipt service, this corresponds to a case where a voucher needs to be given to customer M1. Regarding this condition, the processor 31 determines that a voucher needs to be given to customer M1 if, for example, a valid electronic receipt ID is not set in field F44 of data record DR4 associated with the cart terminal 10. Furthermore, the processor 31 determines that a certificate needs to be handed over to the customer M1 if, for example, any of the product data contained in the data record DR5 associated with the transaction related to the cart terminal 10 contains issuance confirmation information including flag information indicating whether or not a certificate needs to be issued.

[0063] (2) When the purchased items include a product requiring assistance from clerk M2. In this case, the assistance by clerk M2 may include, for example, confirming whether customer M1 meets the age restrictions or other restrictions when the purchased items include a product with purchase restrictions. The assistance by clerk M2 may include, for example, explaining to customer M1 about a product that requires a qualified person to explain the product to the customer. For example, when the purchased items include a product for which a gift is to be given to the purchaser, the assistance by clerk M2 may include handing over the gift to customer M1. The assistance by clerk M2 may include, for example, clerk M2 verbally explaining the product to customer M1. Regarding this condition, if any of the product data included in data record DR5 associated with the transaction at cart terminal 10 contains issuance confirmation information including flag information indicating that confirmation by a clerk is required for the sale, processor 31 determines that the purchased items include a product requiring assistance from clerk M2.

[0064] (3) When there is a possibility that an item that requires confirmation by store clerk M2 has been placed in cart C. In this case, confirmation by store clerk M2 refers to, for example, a case where an item may have been placed in cart C without being registered as a purchased item.

[0065] (4) When a payment method that requires the assistance of a store clerk is specified. A payment method that requires the assistance of a store clerk is a payment method that is not permitted at the self-checkout machine 50, such as payment with a gift certificate, and that requires the assistance of a store clerk. An example of this case is when the application of the payment method is specified as the default payment method for customer M1. Another example of this case is when the payment method is specified as the payment method for a purchase item that is being registered before the registration of the purchase item is completed.

[0066] The processor 31 as ACT32 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a registration screen. The registration screen is a screen that displays a list of registered purchased products. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen SC11. The registration screen SC11 displays areas AR1, AR2, AR3, buttons BU1, BU2, BU3, and icon IC1. Area AR1 displays, in rows, the product names of the products displayed in the product list after updating in ACT28 or ACT30. Area AR1 also displays, in columns, the number of units for which the product is registered as a purchased product and the sales price of the product. Area AR1 displays a strikethrough across the product name, number of units, and sales price of a product that is displayed in the product list but whose cancellation flag has been canceled. In other words, the registration screen SC11 displays a state in which products with the product names "AAA," "BBB," "DDD," and "EEE" are registered products, and a product with the product name "CCC" was once registered but has since been canceled.

[0067] Area AR2 is arranged in each row of area AR1. Although not shown in Fig. 16, area AR2 displays an icon corresponding to the associated product as needed. The icon displayed in area AR2 indicates, for example, that the product is eligible for various discounts, such as a set discount, or that the product has an age restriction. Area AR3 shows the total number of registered purchased items and the total price. The processor 31 displays the price calculated in ACT28 or ACT30 as the total price in area AR3.

[0068] The buttons BU1 are arranged in rows representing purchased items in the rows of the area AR1. The buttons BU1 are operation buttons that the operator uses to instruct the operator to cancel the purchased items displayed in the rows. In other words, when the button BU1 is touched and the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of this, the processor 31 determines in ACT29 that a cancellation instruction has been issued. Button BU2 is an operation button for the operator to instruct the completion of registration of purchased items and to proceed to checkout. The button BU3 is an operation button for the operator to instruct the transition to an operation screen for registering a product without a code symbol as a purchased product. Icon IC1 is an icon for informing customer M1 that through checkout is permitted.

[0069] The processor 31 generates screen data for a registration screen SC11 that displays information based on the updated product list in areas AR1, AR2, and AR3 in ACT28 or ACT30, and transmits this screen data to the cart terminal 10. Then, in the cart terminal 10, the processor 11a causes the touch panel 11e to display the registration screen SC11 based on the screen data.

[0070] On the other hand, if the predetermined permissible condition is not met, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT31 and proceeds to ACT33. In ACT33, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display the registration screen SC11. However, the processor 31 does not display the icon IC1 on the registration screen SC11 generated in ACT33.

[0071] Thus, on the registration screen SC11, the information displayed in areas AR1, AR2, and AR3, the display state of button BU1, and whether or not icon IC1 is displayed may change from the state shown in FIG. 16, but other display elements do not change in principle. Then, the processor 31 determines whether or not to display the icon IC1 on the registration screen SC11 depending on whether or not through checkout is permitted. When the processor 31 finishes ACT32 or ACT33, it returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in FIG.

[0072] (Replacement of Cart C) Meanwhile, customer M1, who is a member, can change the cart C he / she is using when, for example, the battery level of the cart C he / she is using becomes low. In this case, customer M1 starts using a cart C that is different from the cart C he / she is using and that is not being used by another customer M1.

[0073] When a login request in response to this start-of-use operation is notified to the virtual POS server 30 from the cart terminal 10 of cart C (referred to here as the new terminal 10), the processor 31 starts information processing targeted at the new terminal 10. At this time, the membership code included in the notification data of the login request matches the membership code set in field F42 of the data record DR4 associated with the cart terminal 10 of cart C (referred to here as the old terminal 10) that is currently in use. Therefore, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT20 of the information processing targeted at the new terminal 10, and proceeds to ACT34.

[0074] In ACT34, processor 31 updates cart management database DB1 to change it. For example, processor 31 finds, from among data records DR4 included in cart management database DB1, a data record DR4 whose membership code set in field F42 matches the membership code included in the login request notification data. Processor 31 then rewrites the terminal code set in field F41 of the corresponding data record DR4 to the terminal code of new terminal 10. As a result, the product list that had previously been subject to update in the information processing related to the old terminal 10 is now subject to update in the information processing related to the new terminal 10. Then, once the update is complete, processor 31 notifies new terminal 10 that login has been completed.

[0075] In ACT35, the processor 31 instructs the new terminal 10 to display the screen currently being displayed on the touch panel 11e of the old terminal 10. After this, the processor 31 transitions to the standby state in ACT24 to ACT26. Thereafter, the customer M1 can continue to register the purchased products using the new terminal 10. In this case, the processor 31 remains in a standby state from ACT24 to ACT26 in the information processing targeted at the old terminal 10. In this case, when the processor 31 receives any notification from the old terminal 10, it confirms that the data record DR4 associated with the old terminal 10 does not exist, and then ends the information processing targeted at the old terminal 10.

[0076] (accounting) Once customer M1 has registered all the products he or she wishes to purchase, he or she moves to checkout zone ZO1. When the cart terminal 10 enters the range in which the beacon signal emitted by the beacon transmitter 60 can be received, the beacon receiver 15 receives the beacon signal. When the beacon receiver 15 notifies the processor 11a of this, the processor 11a determines YES in ACT5 in Figure 11 and proceeds to ACT9. In ACT9, the processor 11a notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the beacon reception. Then, the processor 11a returns to the standby state in ACT3 to ACT6.

[0077] When the virtual POS server 30 is notified of the beacon reception in this way, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT25 in FIG. 12 and proceeds to ACT36. In ACT36, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a first confirmation screen. The first confirmation screen is a screen for confirming whether or not to start the transaction. The first confirmation screen may display, for example, a button for specifying to start the transaction and a button for specifying to return to the sales floor and continue registering the purchased items. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26.

[0078] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays a first confirmation screen on the touch panel 11e. The customer M1 instructs on the first confirmation screen whether to start the checkout or return to the sales floor to continue registering the purchased items. In response to this, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the content of the operation on the first confirmation screen.

[0079] When the content of the operation on the first confirmation screen is notified in this way, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12 and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13, and proceeds to ACT37 in FIG. In ACT 37, the processor 31 checks whether the content of the operation on the first confirmation screen has been notified. Thus, in the above case, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 38.

[0080] In ACT38, processor 31 checks whether an instruction to begin payment has been given. If an instruction to continue registering purchased items has been given, processor 31 determines NO and returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in Figure 12. At this time, processor 31 does not determine YES in ACT25 until a predetermined time has elapsed after returning to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26. As a result, even if an instruction to continue registering purchased items is given on the first confirmation screen while customer M1 is within payment zone ZO1, subsequent beacon reception will be ignored for a while.

[0081] If customer M1 changes his or her mind and decides that he or she wants to start the transaction during the period when beacon reception is ignored as described above, he or she can have the scanner 12 of the cart terminal 10 read the transaction barcode BC1 installed in the transaction zone ZO1, as shown in Figure 2. Also, if the beacon receiver 15 does not receive the beacon signal due to some kind of failure and the first confirmation screen does not appear even when customer M1 moves into the transaction zone ZO1, customer M1 can operate the scanner 12 of the cart terminal 10 to read the transaction barcode BC1. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 that the scanner 12 was operated, along with a notification of the transaction barcode.

[0082] In this case, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and ACT37 in FIG. 14, and proceeds to ACT39. In ACT 39, processor 31 checks whether the transaction barcode is being read. If an operation to read the transaction barcode has been notified as described above, processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 40. If an instruction to start transaction is given on the first confirmation screen, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 38 and proceeds to ACT 40.

[0083] In ACT40, the processor 31 checks whether or not the state allows through checkout, in the same way as in ACT 31. If the state allows through checkout, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT41. In ACT41, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a selection screen. The selection screen is a screen for allowing the customer M1 to select whether or not to apply through checkout. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in FIG. 12. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen SC12. Selection screen SC12 shows area AR21, buttons BU21, BU22, BU23, and message ME21. Area AR21 shows the amount to be paid by customer M1. Button BU21 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify that through checkout will be applied. Button BU22 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify that the self-checkout machine 50 will be used. Button BU23 is an operation button that allows the operator to instruct the cart terminal 10 to return to the screen that was displayed before this selection screen SC12 was displayed. Message ME21 is a text message that guides the operator to select using button BU21 or button BU22 whether to apply through checkout and perform the transaction at the cart terminal 10, or to perform the transaction using the self-checkout machine. Thus, on the selection screen SC12, the price displayed in area AR21 may change from the state shown in FIG. 17 depending on the registration status of the purchased item, but the other display elements do not change as a rule.

[0084] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays a selection screen SC12 on the touch panel 11e. Customer M1 selects whether to apply through checkout or use the self-checkout machine 50 on the selection screen SC12. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the operation on the selection screen SC12. In other words, the processor 11a selects whether to apply through checkout or use the self-checkout machine 50 in accordance with the operation of customer M1. If through checkout is applied, payment information is output, as described below. Using the self-checkout machine 50 means making a payment at the self-checkout machine 50, which has the functionality of a payment device. Thus, by the processor 11a executing information processing based on the transaction processing program AP1, the computer, with the processor 11a as its core, functions as a selection means. Note that this selection function as a selection means is performed when payment at the cart terminal 10 is possible, based on the determination result of the processor 31 in ACT40 in FIG. 14. Therefore, by having the processor 31 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program AP1, the computer with the processor 31 as its central part functions as a determination means. When the content of the operation on the selection screen SC12 is notified in this way, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and ACT37 and ACT39 in FIG. 14, and proceeds to ACT42.

[0085] In ACT42, the processor 31 checks whether the content of the operation on the selection screen SC12 has been notified. Thus, in the above case, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT43 in FIG. In ACT43, the processor 31 checks whether or not the application of through checkout is specified based on the notification from the cart terminal 10. If the application of through checkout is specified, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT44.

[0086] The processor 31 executes the payment process as ACT 44. Specifically, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a designation screen, for example. The designation screen is a screen that allows the operator to designate the payment method to be used in through checkout. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the designation screen SC13. The specification screen SC13 shows an area AR31, buttons BU31, BU32, BU33, BU34, and a message ME31. Area AR31 shows the amount to be paid by customer M1. Button BU31 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify barcode payment as the payment method to be used. Button BU32 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify credit card payment as the payment method to be used. Button BU33 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify electronic money payment as the payment method to be used. Button BU34 is an operation button that allows the operator to instruct the cart terminal 10 to return to the screen that was displayed before this specification screen SC13 was displayed. Message ME31 is a text message that guides the operator to specify which payment method to use using buttons BU31, BU32, BU33. Thus, on the specification screen SC13, the price displayed in area AR31 may change from the state shown in FIG. 18 depending on the registration status of the purchased item, but the other display elements do not change as a rule.

[0087] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays the designation screen SC13 on the touch panel 11e. The customer M1 designates the payment method on the designation screen SC13. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the designated payment method.

[0088] When the designated payment method is notified from the cart terminal 10, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a payment screen corresponding to the notified payment method. The payment screen is a screen that guides the operator through operations for executing payment. FIG. 19 shows an example of the payment screen SC14 when barcode payment is selected. The payment screen SC14 includes an area AR41, buttons BU41, BU42, BU43, BU44, and BU45, messages ME41 and ME42, and an image IM41. The area AR41 indicates the amount to be paid by customer M1. The buttons BU41 to BU44 are operation buttons that allow the operator to specify the barcode payment service to be used. Available barcode payment services are associated with the buttons BU41 to BU44, respectively. The button BU45 is an operation button that allows the operator to instruct the cart terminal 10 to return to the screen that was displayed before this payment screen SC14 was displayed. The message ME41 is a text message that guides the operator to first select which barcode payment service to use using the buttons BU41, BU42, BU43, and BU44. The message ME42 is a text message that guides the operator to scan the payment barcode displayed on the smartphone carried by customer M1. The image IM41, paired with the message ME42, is an image that guides the operator to the barcode to be scanned. Thus, on the settlement screen SC14, the amount displayed in area AR41 may change from the state shown in FIG. 19 depending on the registration status of the purchased item, but other display elements do not change as a rule. The payment screen SC14 is an example in which four barcode payment services are permitted. The number of buttons corresponding to buttons BU1 to BU4 is changed depending on the number of permitted barcode payment services.

[0089] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays the payment screen SC14 on the touch panel 11e. Customer M1 selects the barcode payment service to be used by operating one of buttons BU41 to BU44. Customer M1 then causes the scanner 12 to read the payment barcode displayed on the smartphone by application software for the barcode payment service to be used. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of a service code for distinguishing the selected barcode payment service from other services and the payment data represented by the payment barcode. In the case of credit card payment, the payment data is data such as the credit number recorded on the credit card. In the case of electronic money payment, the payment data is data such as the electronic money ID recorded on the electronic money card. In addition, if the credit number or electronic money ID is stored in the payment server 3 or the virtual POS server 30 in association with a management code and the management code is notified to the payment server 3 or the virtual POS server 30 upon a payment request, the management code is the payment data.

[0090] When the cart terminal 10 notifies the processor 31 of the service code and payment data, the processor 31 requests payment from the payment server 3 along with the notification of the service code and payment data. The processor 31 then receives a completion notification from the payment server 3. However, due to some kind of failure, it may be unclear whether the payment has been completed. This situation will be referred to as "incomplete" below. The payment server 3 may be, for example, a server that provides a payment agency service.

[0091] The above payment processing utilizes the payment server 3 to perform payment on the terminal device including the cart terminal 10, without using the self-checkout machine 50 as the payment device. Processor 11a outputs the payment data acquired during this payment processing to virtual POS server 30. Thus, processor 11a executes information processing based on transaction processing program AP1, causing the computer centered around processor 11a to function as a fourth output means. Furthermore, processor 31 outputs payment data, an example of payment information, to payment server 3 during this payment processing. Thus, processor 31 executes information processing based on transaction processing program AP1, causing the computer centered around processor 31 to function as a second output means.

[0092] In ACT 45, the processor 31 checks whether the payment has been completed. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the payment has been completed, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 46. In ACT46, the processor 31 checks whether the payment has been left uncompleted. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the payment has been left uncompleted, it determines "NO" and returns to ACT45.

[0093] Thus, in ACT45 and ACT46, processor 31 waits until it can confirm that the payment has been completed or that the payment has not been completed. Then, processor 31 determines that the payment has not been completed, for example, when the payment server 3 notifies it that it is unclear whether the payment has been completed. Alternatively, processor 31 determines that the payment has not been completed, for example, when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since processor 31 requested payment from the payment server 3 in ACT44, but no notification of completion has been received. Then, if processor 31 determines that the payment has not been completed, it determines YES in ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47. As ACT47, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a second confirmation screen. The second confirmation screen is a screen for prompting the store clerk M2 to confirm the pending payment. The second confirmation screen displays, for example, a code symbol including data necessary for the manned checkout machine 40 or other device to inquire about the payment status to the payment server 3.

[0094] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays a second confirmation screen on the touch panel 11e. Customer M1 requests assistance from store clerk M2. Store clerk M2 activates the inquiry function of the manned checkout machine 40 or other device and uses the device's scanner to read the code symbol on the second confirmation screen displayed on the cart terminal 10. The manned checkout machine 40 or other device then inquires about the payment status of the payment server 3 based on the data contained in the code symbol on the second confirmation screen. After this, store clerk M2 performs a predetermined procedure to confirm the completion of the incomplete payment. Once store clerk M2 confirms the completion of the payment, he or she performs a predetermined cancellation operation on the cart terminal 10. The cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 that the cancellation operation has been performed.

[0095] In ACT48, the processor 31 waits for a cancellation operation to be performed. Then, when the cancellation operation is performed as described above and the processor 31 is notified of this by the cart terminal 10, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT48 and proceeds to ACT49. Note that if the processor 31 can confirm that the payment has been completed, for example, by receiving a notification of the completion of the payment from the payment server 3, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT45 and proceeds to ACT49, bypassing ACT47 and ACT48.

[0096] In ACT49, the processor 31 performs a process to register electronic receipt data related to the transaction for which payment has been completed as described above in the electronic receipt server 4 so that the customer M1 can view it. This process may be similar to the process performed by existing electronic receipt services. In this embodiment, one of the conditions for allowing through checkout is that a voucher does not need to be handed over to the customer M1, so a requirement for using through checkout is the ability to use an electronic receipt service that does not require the issuance of a paper receipt. Therefore, the processor 31 automatically executes a process to register an electronic receipt in conjunction with the process for through checkout. The processor 31 then proceeds to ACT57 in FIG. 12.

[0097] On the other hand, if a payment is instructed using the self-checkout machine 50, for example, by operating button BU21 on selection screen SC12, processor 31 will determine NO in ACT43 in Figure 15 and proceed to ACT50. Also, if processor 31 determines NO in ACT40 in Figure 14 because through checkout is not permitted, processor 31 will proceed to ACT50 in Figure 15. In other words, processor 31 will proceed to ACT50 in a situation where it is necessary to start payment at the self-checkout machine 50. In this way, processor 31 determines whether to output payment information or to perform payment at self-checkout machine 50 as a payment device, depending on the selection made on selection screen SC12 at cart terminal 10: whether to output payment information or to perform payment at self-checkout machine 50 as a payment device. In this way, processor 31 executes information processing based on transaction processing program AP1, and the computer with processor 31 as its central part functions as a determination means.

[0098] As ACT50, the processor 31 transmits the billing data to the communication network 2 so that one of the self-checkout machines 50 in standby mode can acquire it. For example, the processor 31 may identify a self-checkout machine 50 in standby mode from among the self-checkout machines 50 and transmit the billing data to that self-checkout machine 50. Alternatively, the processor 31 may transmit the billing data to one of the self-checkout machines 50, regardless of whether that self-checkout machine 50 is in standby mode. In this case, the self-checkout machine 50 to which the billing data is to be sent will accept the billing data if it is in standby mode. However, if the self-checkout machine 50 is not in standby mode, it will forward the billing data to one of the other self-checkout machines 50. Alternatively, the processor 31 may broadcast the billing data to multiple self-checkout machines 50. In this case, one of the multiple self-checkout machines 50 that is in standby mode will accept the billing data. However, the transaction data may be transmitted by any other method as long as the transaction data can be accepted by one of the self-checkout machines 50 in a standby state.

[0099] The accounting data is data necessary for settling the purchase price for the items registered at the cart terminal 10 at the self-checkout machine 50. Specifically, for example, processor 31 finds, from among the data records DR4 included in the cart management database DB1, a data record DR4 whose terminal code set in field F41 matches the terminal code of the cart terminal 10. Then, processor 31 obtains the transaction code set in field F43 of the corresponding data record DR4. Next, processor 31 finds, from among the data records DR5 included in the purchased item database DB2, a data record DR5 whose transaction code set in field F51 matches the obtained transaction code. Processor 31 then generates accounting data by incorporating the data set in each field of the found data record DR4 and the item data included in the found data record DR5. Processor 31 may calculate the payment amount for the sale of the purchased items based on the item data included in the found data record DR5, and include the calculated payment amount in the accounting data.

[0100] Thus, the accounting data corresponds to information for payment. Processor 31 outputs this accounting data, which is information for payment, to self-checkout machine 50, which serves as a payment device. As processor 31 executes information processing based on transaction processing program AP1, the computer with processor 31 as its core functions as a first output means.

[0101] In ACT51, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a guidance screen. The guidance screen notifies the customer M1 of the self-checkout machine 50 that has accepted the checkout data, and guides the customer M1 to complete the checkout at that self-checkout machine 50.

[0102] In response to the above instructions, the cart terminal 10 displays a guide screen on the touch panel 11e. Following the instructions on the guide screen, customer M1 operates the indicated self-checkout machine 50 to pay for the purchased items. The operation of the self-checkout machine 50 may be similar to that of a checkout machine in an existing semi-self-checkout system. Once the payment is complete, the self-checkout machine 50 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the completion of the payment.

[0103] In ACT 52, processor 31 waits for notification of completion of payment from the self-checkout machine 50 that accepted the payment data sent in ACT 50. If notification of completion is received, processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 57 in Figure 12.

[0104] Meanwhile, customer M1 can also find a self-checkout machine 50 that is in standby and use that machine to make a payment. In this case, customer M1 first operates button BU2 displayed on the registration screen SC11. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 that the payment button has been operated. When notified that the checkout button has been operated in this manner, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and ACT39 and ACT42 in FIG. 14, and proceeds to ACT53 in FIG. 14.

[0105] In ACT 53, processor 31 checks whether the operation is the checkout button operation. Thus, in the above case, processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 54. Note that if the notified operation is not the checkout button operation, processor 31 determines NO in ACT 53 and proceeds to processing according to the operation.

[0106] In ACT54, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a scan screen. The scan screen is a screen for instructing the self-checkout machine 50 to obtain accounting data. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in Figure 12. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the scan screen SC15. The scan screen SC15 displays an area AR51, a code symbol CS51, a message ME51, and a button BU51. The area AR51 displays the amount to be paid by customer M1. The code symbol CS51 contains data necessary for the self-checkout machine 50 to obtain accounting data related to the cart terminal 10 from the virtual POS server 30. The data contained in this code symbol includes, for example, a transaction code. In the example of FIG. 20, a barcode is used as the code symbol. The message ME51 is a text message that prompts the operator to scan the code symbol CS51 with the scanner SC2 of the self-checkout machine 50. The button BU51 is an operation button that the operator uses to instruct the self-checkout machine 50 to log off to end shopping. Thus, on the scan screen SC15, the amount and code symbol CS51 displayed in area AR51 may change from the state shown in FIG. 20 depending on the registration status of the purchased item and the transaction code, but other display elements generally do not change.

[0107] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays the scan screen SC15 on the touch panel 11e. Customer M1 uses the scanner SC2 of the self-checkout machine 50, which is in standby mode, to read the code symbol CS51 displayed on the scan screen SC15. When the scanner SC2 of the self-checkout machine 50 reads the code symbol CS51, the self-checkout machine 50 requests the transaction data for the cart terminal 10 from the virtual POS server 30 based on the transaction code included in this code symbol CS51.

[0108] The transaction code represented by the code symbol CS51 is an example of information for transaction. In other words, displaying the code symbol CS51 corresponds to outputting information for transaction. In other words, the touch panel 11e functions as a third output means by displaying the scan screen SC15. The transaction code may be output by a method other than display, such as wireless transmission using short-range wireless communication technology. The read product code may be stored in the cart terminal 10, in which case the product code may be output as information for transaction. In this case, the function of the cart terminal 10 for transmitting the product code to be acquired by the self-checkout machine 50 corresponds to the third output means. The information for transaction is information about the product that customer M1 wishes to purchase or information identifying the product that customer M1 wishes to purchase.

[0109] When the processor 31 in the virtual POS server 30 receives a request for transaction data in this manner, it determines YES in ACT26 in FIG. 12 and proceeds to ACT55. As ACT55, processor 31 transmits the same accounting data as ACT50 to the requesting self-checkout machine 50. Customer M1 operates the self-checkout machine 50 to pay for the purchased items. Note that the operation of the self-checkout machine 50 may be the same as that of an accounting machine in an existing semi-self-checkout system, for example. Once the self-checkout machine 50 has completed the payment, it notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the completion of the payment.

[0110] In ACT 56, processor 31 waits for notification of completion of payment from the self-checkout machine 50, which is the destination of the payment data in ACT 55. If the completion notification is received, processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 57. Processor 31 also proceeds to ACT 57 after completing ACT 49 in Figure 15. Thus, if the processor 31 is notified of the completion of the settlement in either ACT52 in FIG. 15 or the standby state of ACT56 in FIG. 12, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT57.

[0111] In ACT57, processor 31 executes a termination process to terminate the transaction that is the subject of this information processing. For example, processor 31 sends transaction data describing the details of the current transaction to store server 20. The transaction data describes the transaction details and the accounting results. For example, the transaction data may be similar to data stored in an existing POS system for managing completed transactions. Furthermore, processor 31 deletes, for example, data records DR4 and DR5 that were included in cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2 for the current transaction. That is, processor 31 deletes data record DR4, in which the terminal code of cart terminal 10 is set in field F41, and data record DR5, in which the same transaction code as the transaction code set in field F43 of data record DR4 is set in field F51, from cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2, respectively. In ACT 58, the processor 31 notifies the cart terminal 10 that logoff is permitted. Then, the processor 31 ends the information processing for the cart terminal 10.

[0112] When the processor 11a of the cart terminal 10 receives a notification from the virtual POS server 30 that logoff is permitted, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT6 in FIG. 11 and proceeds to ACT10. As ACT 10, the processor 11a displays a logoff screen on the touch panel 11e. The logoff screen is a screen that displays a logoff button that allows the operator to instruct logging off.

[0113] In ACT 11, the processor 11a waits for an operation to log off. If, for example, the log off button is operated, the processor 11a determines YES and proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 11a executes logoff processing as ACT 12. The logoff processing is processing for transitioning to a standby state in which the machine is not being used by the customer M1.

[0114] In ACT13, the processor 11a checks whether the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is low. For example, the processor 11a obtains the remaining charge value measured by the battery unit 11j and compares the remaining charge value with a predetermined threshold. The processor 11a determines that the remaining charge is low if the remaining charge value is equal to or less than the threshold. Alternatively, the processor 11a may determine that the remaining charge is low if the remaining charge value of the battery unit 11j is less than the predetermined threshold. The threshold is assumed to be "35%, for example. However, the threshold may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the transaction processing program AP1 or the administrator of the virtual POS server 30. The threshold is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 11c. If the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is low, the processor 11a determines "YES" and proceeds to ACT14.

[0115] As ACT14, the processor 11a performs a warning operation. This warning operation is an operation for warning the store clerk M2 that the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is low. The warning operation is, for example, a notification to the store clerk terminal 70. The warning operation is, for example, the display of a predetermined warning screen on the touch panel 11e. The warning operation is, for example, the output of a predetermined voice message or warning sound from the sound unit 11f. Only one warning operation may be performed, or multiple warning operations may be performed in parallel.

[0116] In response to the warning, the store clerk M2 in charge of maintenance of the cart C replaces the external battery 16 connected to the cart terminal 10 with another charged external battery 16. When the charged external battery 16 is connected to the cart terminal 10, the power supply unit 11i operates on power supplied from the external battery 16, enabling the cart terminal 10 to operate stably regardless of the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j. In addition, the battery unit 11j is charged by power supplied from the external battery 16. After the store clerk M2 has finished replacing the external battery 16, he or she performs a predetermined cancellation operation, for example, on the touch panel 11e.

[0117] In ACT 15, the processor 11a waits for a cancellation operation to be performed. If the cancellation operation is performed as described above, the processor 11a judges YES and returns to the standby state of ACT 1. If the remaining capacity of the battery unit 11j is not low, the processor 11a judges NO in ACT 13, skips ACT 14 and ACT 15, and returns to the standby state of ACT 1.

[0118] As described above, the store system 1 allows through checkout, which completes the payment process in response to the operation of the cart terminal 10 by customer M1, only when there is no need to perform any processing that cannot be performed by the processing of the cart terminal 10 in response to the operation of customer M1. This prevents through checkout from being performed at the request of customer M1 when it should not be performed.

[0119] Additionally, while customer M1 is registering the product as a purchase, the store system 1 checks whether through checkout is permitted and indicates the result of the check by displaying or not displaying icon IC1 on the registration screen SC11. This allows customer M1 to know in advance whether through checkout is permitted or not when starting the transaction.

[0120] This embodiment can be modified as follows. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing a modified example of information processing by processor 31. Note that Fig. 21 shows only the differences from the information processing shown in Figs. 12 to 15, and the same processes as those shown in Figs. 12 to 15 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0121] If the processor 31 determines NO in ACT40 because through checkout is not permitted, it proceeds to ACT61. In ACT 61, the processor 31 confirms whether the customer M1 is a member of the electronic receipt service. If the customer M1 is not a member of the electronic receipt service, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 50. In other words, if the customer M1 is not a member of the electronic receipt service, the processor 31 performs the same processing as in the above-described embodiment except for the confirmation in ACT 61.

[0122] However, if the customer M1 is a member of the electronic receipt service, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT61 and proceeds to ACT62. As ACT62, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a transfer screen. The transfer screen is a screen for instructing the customer M1 to transfer the accounting data to the self-checkout machine 50. The transfer screen also displays a message that if the customer M1 wishes to perform through checkout, he or she should request confirmation from the store clerk M2.

[0123] In response to the above instruction, the cart terminal 10 displays a transfer screen on the touch panel 11e. If customer M1 decides to pay at the self-checkout machine 50 without performing through checkout, he or she performs an operation on the transfer screen to instruct the self-checkout machine 50 to transfer the payment data. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 that a transfer instruction has been issued.

[0124] When notified that a transfer has been instructed in this manner, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 24 in FIG. 12, NO in ACT 27 and ACT 29 in FIG. 13 and NO in ACT 39 and ACT 42 in FIG. 14, and further judges NO in ACT 53 and proceeds to ACT 63. In ACT 63, the processor 31 checks whether the command is a transfer instruction. In this case, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 50.

[0125] On the other hand, if customer M1 wants to perform through checkout, he or she follows the instructions on the transfer screen and requests confirmation from store clerk M2. In response to this request, store clerk M2 confirms that through checkout is not permitted and takes measures to resolve the situation. For example, if the purchased items include items with age restrictions, store clerk M2 confirms that customer M1 meets the restrictions. In addition, store clerk M2 confirms that all items placed on cart C have been registered as purchased items. In such a case, store clerk M2 performs a special operation for store clerk M2, for example, on the touch panel 11e, to instruct the cart terminal 10 to allow the checkout. In response, the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 that the instruction to allow the checkout has been received.

[0126] When notified that such permission has been instructed, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and NO in ACT39 and ACT42 in FIG. 14, and then judges NO in ACT53 and ACT63 and proceeds to ACT64. In ACT64, the processor 31 checks whether or not a command to allow through checkout has been issued. Thus, in the above case, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT44. That is, the processor 31 transitions to processing for through checkout.

[0127] If clerk M2 finds that there are products in cart C that are not registered as purchased, he or she will either guide customer M1 to register those products as purchased, or, with customer M1's consent, clerk M2 will perform the operation to register those products as purchased. If all products in cart C are registered as purchased, this may result in a situation where through checkout is permitted. Once through checkout is permitted, customer M1 can begin through checkout.

[0128] If the store clerk M2 determines that the situation does not permit through checkout, he / she informs the customer M1 of this and guides the customer M1 to pay at the self-checkout machine 50. This requires confirmation by store clerk M2, but if the situation allows for through checkout after that confirmation, customer M1 can use through checkout.

[0129] In addition to the above, the present embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. If the processor 31 determines NO in ACT40 in Fig. 14 or ACT43 in Fig. 15, it may instruct the cart terminal 10 to display the scan screen SC15. Then, in response to a request for accounting data based on the code symbol CS51 displayed on the scan screen SC15, it may process ACT55 and subsequent steps. In this case, contrary to the above embodiment, the processor 31 may proceed to ACT50 in response to the operation of the button BU2 displayed on the registration screen SC11.

[0130] For example, when through checkout is not permitted because a certificate that is not required to be issued, such as a coupon, should be issued, customer M1 may be asked to specify whether or not to issue the certificate, and through checkout may be permitted if it is specified that the certificate not be issued.

[0131] In addition, if it is possible to issue a voucher such as a coupon, which is not a mandatory requirement, the operator may be notified that they can obtain a coupon or the like by using the self-checkout machine 50. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen SC16 for the above notification. Display screen SC16 displays a pop-up window PW61 overlaid on selection screen SC12. Pop-up window PW61 displays a message ME61 and buttons BU61 and BU62. Message ME61 is a text message informing the operator that they can receive coupons and the like if they use the self-checkout machine 50 to make a transaction. Button BU61 is an operation button that allows the operator to declare that they will use through checkout. Button BU62 is an operation button that allows the operator to declare that they will use the self-checkout machine 50 to make a transaction. For example, in a state where selection screen SC12 shown in Fig. 17 is displayed on the cart terminal 10, processor 31 changes the display screen of the cart terminal 10 to display screen SC16 in response to operation of button BU21. Then, if button BU61 is operated, processor 31 proceeds to ACT44 in Fig. 15. Furthermore, if button BU62 is operated, processor 31 proceeds to ACT50 in Fig. 5. Therefore, if customer M1 decides to use the through checkout without receiving a coupon, etc., he or she operates button BU61. If customer M1 decides to use the self-checkout machine 50 to receive a coupon, he or she operates button BU62. In addition, instead of displaying the display screen SC16, the cart terminal 10 may display a selection screen containing a message informing the operator that they can obtain coupons or the like by using the self-checkout machine 50, instead of the selection screen SC12. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen SC17. In Fig. 23, the same display elements as those in Fig. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Selection screen SC17 is a screen that displays selection screen SC12 with a message ME71 added. Message ME71 is a text message that notifies the operator that they can obtain coupons or the like by using self-checkout machine 50. The processor 31 checks whether or not a certificate that is not required to be issued can be issued in ACT41 in Fig. 14. If the certificate cannot be issued, the processor 31 displays a selection screen SC12 on the cart terminal 10, and if the certificate can be issued, the processor 31 displays a selection screen SC17 on the cart terminal 10.

[0132] It is known that vouchers such as coupons or discount vouchers are issued under conditions different from those exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, a case where the purchased items include multiple products in a predetermined combination is one example. Another example is when the purchase date is a day with predetermined weather conditions, such as a rainy day. Another example is when the purchase date is a specific day, such as a sale day. Even when a voucher is issued for conditions different from the purchase of a single product, such as through checkout, it is possible to avoid through checkout. In this case, issuance confirmation information indicating the conditions for which the voucher is issued can be managed in a database separate from the product master database.

[0133] As a personal setting for each customer M1, automatic application of through checkout can be set, and if through checkout is permitted, the processor 31 may proceed to processing for through checkout without going through a selection by the customer M1 on the selection screen SC12. In this case, the personal setting information may be added to a data record included in the member database, for example.

[0134] A personal setting for each customer M1 may be set to refuse receipt issuance, and the processor 31 may not issue a receipt if the setting to refuse receipt is set is enabled. In this case, regardless of whether the customer M1 uses the electronic receipt service, a customer M1 who has set to refuse receipt issuance may be allowed to check out through. In other words, in the above embodiment, use of the electronic receipt service is a condition for allowing through checkout, but this is merely an example. In this case, the personal setting information may be added to a data record included in the membership database, for example. Note that if a customer M1 who is not a user of the electronic receipt service refuses receipt issuance, for example, an image of the receipt may be sent from the virtual POS server 30 to the mobile terminal carried by the customer M1 via the communication network 2. In this case, the connection between the mobile terminal and the communication network 2 may be realized via short-range wireless communication with the cart terminal 10.

[0135] The information processing shown in Figures 12 to 15 may be executed by the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10. In this case, the cart terminal 10 functions independently as a terminal device. The information processing shown in Figures 12 to 15 may also be shared and executed by the processor 11a and the processor 31. The processor 11a does not execute processing for managing multiple cart terminals 10, such as ACT20, ACT34, and ACT35 in Figure 12.

[0136] The functions of the virtual POS server 30 may be provided in the store server 20 or another server. The functions of the virtual POS server 30 may also be realized by distributed processing using a plurality of servers.

[0137] An information terminal such as a smartphone that the customer M1 brings into the store may be used instead of the cart terminal 10.

[0138] At least one of the scanner 12, the reader 13, the camera 14, the beacon receiver 15, and the external battery 16 may not be a component of the cart terminal 10, but may be attached externally as an optional device.

[0139] A camera may be built into the tablet computer 11, and the symbol code may be photographed using the camera. In this case, the processor 11a extracts the product code from the photographed image, and thus functions as an acquisition unit.

[0140] Some or all of the functions realized by the processor 11a or the processor 31 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0141] 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]

[0142] 1...store system, 2...communication network, 2a...access point, 3...payment server, 4...electronic receipt server, 5...membership server, 10...cart terminal, 11...tablet computer, 11a...processor, 11b...main memory, 11c...auxiliary storage unit, 11d...wireless unit, 11e...touch panel, 11f...sound unit, 11g...interface unit, 11h...transmission path, 11i...power supply unit, 11j...battery unit, 12...scanner, 13...reader, 14...camera, 15...beacon receiver, 16...external battery, 20...store server, 30...virtual POS server, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage unit, 34...communication interface, 35...transmission path, 40...manned checkout machine, 50...self-checkout machine, 60...beacon transmitter, 70...store clerk terminal.

Claims

1. A terminal device having means for obtaining a product code that identifies a product, A payment device that settles the amount based on the product code obtained by the acquisition means, A transaction processing system having, If it is possible to issue a paper receipt, which is not mandatory to issue, in relation to the settlement of an amount based on the product code obtained by the acquisition means, a display means that displays on the display device a statement indicating that the receipt can be issued by the settlement device, and a first button for declaring that settlement will be made by the settlement device. A transaction processing system having the following features.

2. When it is declared that payment will be made at the payment device by operating the first button, a first output means outputs to the payment device information for the amount of payment based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means, The transaction processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The display means displays on the display device a second button for declaring that payment will be made without using the payment device, in addition to the first button for declaring that it is possible to issue a paper certificate which is not required to be issued and for declaring that payment will be made with the payment device. A second output means is provided in the terminal device, and when it is declared by the operation of the second button that payment will be made without using the payment device, it outputs payment data to a payment server separate from the payment device for settling the amount based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means in accordance with the operation received by the terminal device. The transaction processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The display means displays a window overlaid on a screen for selecting whether to make a payment using the payment device or without using the payment device, which indicates that it is possible to issue a paper certificate, which is not mandatory to issue, and the first button for declaring that the payment will be made using the payment device. The transaction processing system according to claim 1.

5. The display means displays a screen showing a first button for declaring that payment will be made using the payment device, and a second button for declaring that payment will be made without using the payment device, and also displays a screen showing a text message indicating that it is possible to issue a paper certificate, which is not mandatory to issue. The transaction processing system according to claim 1.

Images