Transaction processing system, transaction processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

To provide information for sales promotion by an information communication terminal operating as a user interface for transaction processing.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system includes registration means, detection means, and display control means. The registering means registers a commodity to be transacted according to an operation in a terminal. The detection means detects a non-operation state in which an operation for registration is not performed over a prescribed time during a period when the registration means accepts the operation for registration. The display control means displays a content screen for sales promotion on the terminal in response to the detection of the non-operation state by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A system that processes transactions using a customer-owned information communication terminal such as a smartphone as a user interface is known as a "smartphone POS system." However, in this type of system, the information communication terminal that operates as a user interface for transaction processing cannot provide sales promotion information to the user. In view of these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to provide sales promotion information through an information communication terminal that operates as a user interface for transaction processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-153088 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system, a transaction processing device, and an information processing program that can provide sales promotion information on an information communication terminal that operates as a user interface for transaction processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The transaction processing system of the embodiment includes a registration means, a detection means, and a display control means. The registration means registers a product to be traded in response to an operation on a terminal device. The detection means detects a no-operation state in which no operation for registration is performed for a specified time while the registration means is accepting the operation for registration. In response to the detection of the no-operation state by the detection means, the display control means displays a promotional content screen on the terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment and the main circuit configuration of each device constituting the transaction processing system. [Figure 2] 2 is a flowchart of UI processing by a processor provided in the user terminal in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart of UI processing by a processor provided in the user terminal in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart of a transaction process performed by a processor included in the transaction processing device in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the touch panel in FIG. 1 when content is displayed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the touch panel in FIG. 1 when content is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 100 according to this embodiment and the main circuit configuration of each device that constitutes transaction processing system 100. As shown in FIG. Transaction processing system 100 is configured to enable transaction processing device 1, user terminal 2, and content management device 3 to communicate with each other via communication network 200. Any number of transaction processing device 1, user terminal 2, and content management device 3 may be included in transaction processing system 100, but FIG. 1 shows only one of each. Content management device 3 does not have to be included in transaction processing system 100. Content management device 3 may be a device that manages content for another service.

[0008] Transaction processing device 1 performs information processing for processing a purchase and sale transaction of goods between a customer and a store in accordance with operations performed by the customer at the store using user terminal 2 as a user interface terminal. Transaction processing device 1 may be realized, for example, as a cloud server and process transactions at multiple stores. Transaction processing device 1 may also be realized, for example, as a local server and process transactions at only one store.

[0009] User terminal 2 is an information processing terminal carried by a customer. User terminal 2 is typically owned by a customer and brought into a store by the customer for use. User terminal 2 is a terminal device that accepts operations by the customer for transaction processing at transaction processing device 1.

[0010] The content management device 3 manages content to be presented to customers for sales promotion. The content management device 3 may be realized as, for example, a cloud server and used to provide content to customers of multiple stores. The content management device 3 may also be realized as, for example, a local server and used to provide content to customers of only one store.

[0011] The communication network 200 may be the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination. As an example, the communication network 200 may be a combination of the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0012] Transaction processing device 1 includes processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage unit 13, communication unit 14, and transmission path 15. Processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage unit 13, and communication unit 14 are capable of communicating with each other via transmission path 15.

[0013] Processor 11, main memory 12, and auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected via transmission line 15 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling transaction processing device 1. Processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. Processor 11 executes information processing for controlling each part to realize various functions of transaction processing device 1 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0014] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory 12 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory 12 may also store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory 12 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 11.

[0015] The auxiliary memory unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary memory unit 13 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary memory unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 11. The auxiliary memory unit 13 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary memory unit 13 stores a transaction processing program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the procedures for transaction processing, which will be described later. A portion of the memory area of ​​the auxiliary memory unit 13 is used to store a member database DBA. The member database DBA is a database for managing members who use the smartphone POS service, which will be described later.

[0016] The communication unit 14 executes communication processing for performing data communication via the communication network 200. The communication unit 14 can use, for example, an existing communication device for the Internet. The transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0017] The hardware of transaction processing device 1 may be, for example, a general-purpose server device. Transaction processing device 1 is generally transferred with transaction processing program PRA stored in auxiliary storage unit 13 but member database DBA not stored therein. However, transaction processing device 1 may be transferred separately from the hardware with transaction processing program PRA not stored in auxiliary storage unit 13 or with a different version of the same application program stored in auxiliary storage unit 13. Transaction processing device 1 may be configured by writing transaction processing program PRA to auxiliary storage unit 13 in response to the operation of an arbitrary operator. Transaction processing program PRA 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.

[0018] The user terminal 2 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage unit 23, a touch panel 24, a camera 25, a mobile communication unit 26, and a transmission path 27. The processor 21 is capable of communicating with the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage unit 23, the touch panel 24, the camera 25, and the mobile communication unit 26 via the transmission path 27. The processor 21, the main memory 22, and the auxiliary storage unit 23 are connected by the transmission path 27 to form a computer for controlling the user terminal 2. The functions of the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage unit 23, and transmission path 27 are generally the same as those of the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage unit 13, and transmission path 15, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the auxiliary storage unit 23 stores a user interface processing program (hereinafter referred to as the UI processing program) PRB instead of the transaction processing program PRA. The UI processing program PRB is an application program that describes the UI processing procedures described below. Furthermore, part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 23 is used to store display management data DAA instead of storing the member database DBA. The display management data DAA is data for managing the content to be displayed.

[0019] The touch panel 24 functions as an input device and a display device for the user terminal 2. The camera 25 includes an optical system and an image sensor, and generates image data representing an image within a field of view formed by the optical system using the image sensor. The mobile communication unit 26 is an interface for data communication via the communication network 200. As the mobile communication unit 26, for example, a well-known communication device for performing data communication via a mobile communication network can be used.

[0020] The content management device 3 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a transmission path 35. The processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the communication unit 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 content management device 3. The functions of the processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage unit 33, communication unit 34, and transmission path 35 are generally the same as those of the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage unit 13, communication unit 14, and transmission path 15, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the auxiliary storage unit 33 stores an information processing program for content management instead of the transaction processing program PRA. Furthermore, part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 33 is used to store a content file group GRA instead of storing a member database DBA. The content file group GRA is a collection of content files, each representing content to be displayed on the user terminal 2 for sales promotion purposes.

[0021] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 100 configured as described above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. For example, in the following explanation, in order to clearly explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, explanation of some of the processes will be omitted. For example, if some kind of error occurs, processing may be performed to deal with the error, but a description of such processing will be omitted. In the following description, the service provided to customers by transaction processing system 100 will be referred to as the "smartphone POS service."

[0022] A provider who wants to provide content for sales promotion purposes to customers using the smartphone POS service uses an arbitrary information terminal (not shown in FIG. 1 ) to upload a content file representing the desired content to the content management device 3, for example, via a communication network 200. In response, the processor 31 in the content management device 3 adds the uploaded content file to the content file group GRA. The content file includes not only video data or still image data representing the content, but also attribute data used to narrow down the content files. The type of data included as attribute data is arbitrary, but it is expected that it will include, for example, the age, gender, and residential area of ​​the recipient. The provider may be, for example, a store operator, manufacturer, wholesaler, or advertising agency. The processor 31 makes each content file included in the content file group GRA public on the communication network 200.

[0023] To use the smartphone POS service, a customer registers as a member with the smartphone POS service provider. This registration determines an identifier for identifying the customer (hereinafter referred to as a "member code"), and updates the member database DBA so that various member information required for the customer to use the smartphone POS service is associated with the member code. The member information includes various attribute data related to the member's attributes, such as age, gender, and area of ​​residence, which are referenced when selecting content, as described below. To use the smartphone POS service, a customer installs the UI processing program PRB on their own smartphone or other device, making it usable as a user terminal 2. The customer then enters a store that offers the smartphone POS service, carrying the user terminal 2 with information processing based on the UI processing program PRB activated.

[0024] In the user terminal 2, the processor 21 executes information processing based on the UI processing program PRB (hereinafter referred to as UI processing). 2 and 3 are flowcharts of UI processing by the processor 21.

[0025] 2, processor 21 waits for an instruction to check in. Then, when a predetermined event occurs, such as camera 25 capturing an image of a two-dimensional code for check-in provided in a store, processor 21 determines that a check-in instruction has been received (YES) and proceeds to ACT2. As ACT2, processor 21 executes check-in processing to start a transaction related to the purchase of goods at the store where the customer has entered. In this check-in processing, processor 21 starts communication with transaction processing device 1 via communication network 200, requests the execution of transaction processing, and exchanges various information for the transaction processing. Processor 21 notifies transaction processing device 1 of at least the membership code of the customer using user terminal 2.

[0026] When a request to start a transaction process is received from user terminal 2 as described above, processor 11 of transaction processing device 1 starts the transaction process based on transaction process program PRA. If processor 21 is already executing a transaction process for another user terminal 2, it starts the new transaction process in parallel with the transaction process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the transaction processing by the processor 11.

[0027] The processor 11 starts the check-in process as the ACT 21. That is, the processor 11 cooperates with the check-in process by the processor 21 in the user terminal 2 to exchange various information for the transaction process. In ACT22, processor 11 creates a transaction list for the transaction that is the subject of this transaction processing. The transaction list is a list of the products that are the subject of the transaction. For example, processor 11 generates list data representing a transaction list that does not yet include the products that are the subject of the transaction, in association with a transaction code that serves as an identifier for the transaction that is the subject of this transaction processing, and stores the list data in auxiliary storage unit 13. Processor 11 may also store the list data in main memory 12.

[0028] As ACT23, the processor 11 instructs the user terminal 2 to display a registration screen showing the registration status of the transaction. For example, the processor 11 generates screen data showing the registration screen, and sends instruction data including this screen data from the communication unit 14 to the communication network 200, addressed to the user terminal 2. When this instruction data is transmitted to the user terminal 2 via the communication network 200, the mobile communication unit 26 receives this instruction data.

[0029] When the processor 21 in the user terminal 2 completes the check-in process in ACT2 in FIG. 2, the process proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display a registration screen represented by the screen data included in the instruction data received by the mobile communication unit 26.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen SCA. The registration screen SCA displays an image IMA and buttons BUA and BUB. Image IMA displays details of the registered transaction. In the example shown in Figure 5, image IMA displays a transaction list containing one product each with the product names "AAAAA," "CCCCC," "DDDDD," and "EEEEEE," as well as two products with the product name "BBBBB," totaling six items worth 3,439 yen. Image IMA also displays, for example, that the unit price of an item with the product name "AAAAA" is 380 yen. Button BUA is a soft key for receiving an instruction to proceed to scanning a new item. Button BUB is a soft key for receiving an instruction to proceed to checkout. The details displayed by image IMA change sequentially depending on the state of the transaction list. In ACT3, the transaction list does not yet contain any items, so the registration screen SCA displayed here displays, for example, image IMA without displaying information about each item, indicating a total of 0 items and 0 yen.

[0031] 2, the processor 21 checks whether a change instruction, which will be described later, has been issued. If the processor 21 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 21 checks whether a payment instruction, which will be described later, has been issued. If the processor 21 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 21 checks whether a notification, which will be described later, has been made. If the processor 21 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 21 checks whether a timeout has occurred. If the processor 21 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT4. Thus, in ACT4 to ACT7, the processor 21 waits for any one of a change instruction, an accounting instruction, and a notification to be issued, or for a timeout to occur.

[0032] When processor 11 in transaction processing device 1 has finished issuing an instruction to display the registration screen in ACT23 in FIG. 4, it proceeds to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 11 selects a first content. The first content is one of the contents to be displayed on the user terminal 2. For example, the processor 11 selects, as the first content, one that matches a predetermined first condition from among the content files made public on the communication network 200 by the content management device 3. If the processor 11 finds multiple pieces of content that match the first condition, it may select all of the multiple pieces of content as the first content, or it may select only some of the multiple pieces of content as the first content. If the processor 11 does not find any content that matches the first condition, it does not select the first content. The selection of the first content may be performed by the processor 21 in the user terminal 2. Alternatively, the selection of the first content may be performed by the processor 31 in the content management device 3 in response to a request from the processor 11. The first condition may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, the creator of the transaction processing program PRA, as a condition for selecting the first content in consideration of attribute data included in the customer's membership information.

[0033] In ACT25, the processor 11 notifies the user terminal 2 of the first content selected as described above. For example, the processor 11 obtains a uniform resource locator (URL) for accessing a content file corresponding to the first content from the content management device 3, and sends notification data indicating that the URL is identifiably the URL of the first content from the communication unit 14 to the communication network 200, addressed to the user terminal 2. For example, if the first content is not selected, the processor 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the first content does not exist. If the first content is not selected, the processor 11 may pass ACT25.

[0034] When the notification data regarding the first content is transmitted to the user terminal 2 via the communication network 200, the notification data is received by the mobile communication unit 26. In response to this, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT6 in FIG. 2 and proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 21 updates the display management data DAA. For example, when the processor 21 executes this ACT8 for the first time, the processor 21 generates display management data DAA that represents the URL represented in the notification data as described above as information related to the first content, and stores the data in the auxiliary storage unit 23. Then, the processor 21 then returns to the standby state of ACT4 to ACT7.

[0035] When a customer registers a new product as a transaction object, for example, the customer touches button BUA on the registration screen SCA and then makes the product's barcode appear in the image captured by camera 25. When a customer changes the quantity of a product that is already a transaction object, the customer taps the area on the registration screen SCA that displays the quantity of the product and then selects the new quantity. When a predetermined operation to change the transaction details is performed, processor 21 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT9. In ACT9, processor 21 requests transaction processing device 1 to update the transaction list. For example, if a product barcode is photographed by camera 25, processor 21 requests the addition of the product represented by the barcode. Also, for example, if a change in quantity is instructed, processor 21 requests the change in quantity along with notification of the product code of the relevant product and the changed quantity.

[0036] When processor 11 in transaction processing device 1 completes ACT 25 in FIG. 4, it proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT26, the processor 11 checks whether an update of the transaction list has been requested. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT27. In ACT 27, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment has been requested. If the processor 11 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 26. Thus, processor 11, as ACT26 and ACT27, waits for update requests or accounting requests.

[0037] If a request to update the transaction list is received from the user terminal 2 as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT28. As ACT28, processor 11 updates the transaction list in response to a request from user terminal 2. In this way, processor 11 registers the products to be traded in response to operations on user terminal 2. In this way, processor 11 executes information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, and the computer with processor 11 as its central part functions as registration means. In ACT29, the processor 11 instructs the user terminal 2 to display a registration screen showing the transaction registration status. That is, the processor 11 generates a registration screen according to the updated transaction list and instructs the user terminal 2 to display it.

[0038] In ACT 30, the processor 11 checks whether the condition for changing the second content is met. If the processor 11 checks that the condition for changing the second content is met, as will be described later, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 31. In ACT 31, the processor 11 selects second content. The second content is one of the contents to be displayed on the user terminal 2. For example, the processor 11 selects, as the second content, at least one content that meets a predetermined second condition from among the content files made public on the communication network 200 by the content management device 3. If the processor 11 finds multiple pieces of content that meet the second condition, it may select all of the multiple pieces of content as the second content, or it may select only some of the multiple pieces of content as the second content. If the processor 11 does not find any content that meets the second condition, it does not select the second content. The selection of the second content may be performed by the processor 31 in the content management device 3 in response to a request from the processor 11.

[0039] The second condition may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, the creator of the transaction processing program PRA, for selecting the second content in consideration of the contents of the transaction list. The second condition may also be determined for selecting the second content in consideration of both the contents of the transaction list and the customer attribute data. However, in this embodiment, the second condition is determined so that the second content is not selected if the transaction list does not contain any products.

[0040] In ACT32, the processor 11 notifies the user terminal 2 of the second content selected as described above. The processor 11, for example, acquires a URL for accessing a content file corresponding to the second content from the content management device 3, and sends notification data indicating that the URL is identifiable as the URL of the second content from the communication unit 14 to the communication network 200, addressed to the user terminal 2. For example, if the second content is not selected, the processor 11 notifies the user terminal 2 that the second content does not exist. If the second content is not selected, the processor 11 may pass ACT32. Then, the processor 11 returns to the standby state for ACT26 and ACT27.

[0041] In this way, processor 11 selects the second content taking into account the contents of the transaction list. Therefore, when the transaction list is updated, a condition for determining whether the second content should be reselected is defined as a change condition. If this change condition is met and the second content should be reselected, processor 11 determines YES in ACT30 and proceeds to ACT31. If the change condition is not met, processor 11 determines NO in ACT30, skips ACT31 and ACT32, and returns to the standby state of ACT26 and ACT27. The change condition may be arbitrarily defined, for example, by the creator of the transaction processing program PRA. Alternatively, the determination in ACT30 may be omitted, and the second content may be selected in ACT31 taking into account the contents of the updated transaction list each time the transaction list is updated. In this case, processor 11 may skip ACT32 if the same second content was selected the last time ACT31 was executed and the current time ACT31 was executed.

[0042] Even when notification data relating to the second content is received by the mobile communication unit 26, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 6 in Fig. 2 and proceeds to ACT 8. In this case, in ACT 8, the processor 21 updates the display management data DAA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 so that the URL indicated in the notification data is additionally indicated as information relating to the second content.

[0043] If the elapsed time since the initial progression from ACT3 to ACT4 exceeds a predetermined time, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT7 as a timeout and proceeds to ACT11 in FIG. 3. The period in which the processor 21 is in standby mode from ACT4 to ACT7 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the period during which an operation for registration is accepted. When the processor 21 determines YES in ACT7, it means that it has detected a no-operation state in which no operation for registration has been performed for a specified time during that period. Thus, the processor 21 executes information processing based on the UI processing program PRB, and the computer with the processor 21 as its central part functions as a detection means. In addition, processor 21 may also wait for operations other than the operation for registration in ACT4 to ACT7, and in this case, may detect a state in which none of such waiting operations are performed for a specified time as a no-operation state.

[0044] In ACT11, the processor 21 starts displaying content. For example, the processor 21 selects one of the URLs represented in the display management data DAA according to a predetermined rule and acquires a content file from the content management device 3 via the communication network 200 using the URL. The processor 21 then displays the content on the touch panel 24 according to the acquired content file. For example, if the content file is provided as streaming video, the processor 21 plays the video in a streaming manner. For example, if the content file is provided as download video, the processor 21 downloads the content file and then plays it. For example, if the content file represents a still image, the processor 21 displays the still image represented by the content file. Note that if the content file also includes audio data, the processor 21 may output audio based on the audio data from an audio device (not shown). Thus, by the processor 21 executing information processing based on the UI processing program PRB, the computer, with the processor 21 as its central part, functions as a display control means.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen SCB of the touch panel 24 when content is displayed. The processor 21 displays an image corresponding to the content file in an area ARA that occupies most of the displayable area of ​​the touch panel 24. The processor 21 displays a button BUC outside the area ARA. The button BUC is a soft key for receiving an instruction to return the display on the touch panel 24 to the registration screen SCA.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen SCC of the touch panel 24 when content is displayed. The processor 21 displays the image IMB by superimposing it on the other areas of the registration screen SCA, leaving the areas showing the total points and total amount. The processor 21 displays an image corresponding to the content file in an area ARB in the image IMB, and displays a button BUC outside the area ARB. The display screen for displaying content may be in any other form. The type of display screen may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the creator of the UI processing program PRB. Alternatively, any of a number of forms may be applied according to user settings.

[0047] In ACT 12, the processor 21 checks whether a return instruction, which will be described later, has been issued. If the processor 21 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 13. In ACT 13, the processor 21 checks whether an execution instruction, which will be described later, has been issued. If the processor 21 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 14. In ACT 14, the processor 21 checks whether the end timing, which will be described later, has arrived. If the processor 21 cannot check the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 12. Thus, in ACT12 to ACT14, the processor 21 waits for a return instruction or an execution instruction to be issued, or for the timing to end.

[0048] For example, if the content is a video, the end timing is determined as the timing when playback of the video ends. For example, if the content is a still image, the end timing is determined as the timing when a predetermined display period ends. The end timing may be defined within the UI processing program PRB, or may be defined for each content, with setting data representing the definition of the end timing included in the content file. If the processor 21 confirms that the end timing has arrived, it determines YES in ACT14 and proceeds to ACT15.

[0049] In ACT15, the processor 21 ends the display of the content that had been displayed up to that point. Then, the processor 21 thereafter repeats the processes from ACT11 onward in the same manner as described above. Note that the rule for selecting one of the URLs represented in the display management data DAA in ACT11 may be appropriately determined, for example, by the creator of the UI processing program PRB. Alternatively, one of a plurality of rules determined by the creator of the UI processing program PRB may be applied according to user settings. For example, the rule may be defined such that if the display management data DAA includes a URL related to a first content and a URL related to a second content, the URLs are alternately selected. For example, the rule may be defined such that if the display management data DAA includes a URL related to the first content and a URL related to the second content, a URL related to a predetermined priority content is preferentially selected for either the first content or the second content. For example, the rule may be defined such that if the display management data DAA includes a URL related to the first content and a URL related to the second content, only the URL related to the second content is selected. For example, the rule may be defined such that if the display management data DAA includes multiple URLs related to the first content, the URLs are sequentially selected. For example, the rule may be defined such that if the display management data DAA includes multiple URLs related to the second content, the URLs are sequentially selected.

[0050] In this way, user terminal 2 displays a content screen showing the first content and second content selected by processor 11 in transaction processing device 1. In other words, the selection of the first content by processor 11 corresponds to selecting a content screen to be displayed on user terminal 2 from among multiple candidate content screens in accordance with the attributes of the customer as the operator of user terminal 2. Similarly, the selection of the second content by processor 11 corresponds to selecting a content screen to be displayed on user terminal 2 from among multiple candidate content screens in accordance with the product being the subject of the transaction. In this way, processor 11 executes information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, and the computer, with processor 11 as its core, functions as a selection means.

[0051] If a customer is interested in the content displayed on the touch panel 24, he or she can issue a command to execute the content by performing a predetermined operation, such as tapping within the content display area. If the link information set for the content being displayed is described in the content file and an execution command has been issued as described above, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT16. In ACT 16, the processor 21 executes the operation defined by the link information. This operation is, for example, displaying a web page. After the link operation is completed, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT 4 to ACT 7 in FIG. 2.

[0052] If the customer wishes to return the display screen of the touch panel 24 to the registration screen SCA, the customer instructs the return by a predetermined operation such as tapping the button BUC. In response to this, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT12 and returns to the standby state of ACT4 to ACT7 in FIG.

[0053] If the customer wishes to proceed to checkout, they may do so by performing a predetermined operation such as tapping the button BUB on the registration screen SCA. In response, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT5 in FIG. 2 and proceeds to ACT17. Processor 21 executes transaction processing as ACT 17. For example, processor 21 requests transaction processing from transaction processing device 1, and then executes predetermined processing for accounting the transaction in cooperation with the transaction processing by processor 11.

[0054] When a transaction is requested from user terminal 2, processor 11 in transaction processing apparatus 1 determines YES in ACT27 in FIG. 4 and proceeds to ACT33. As ACT33, processor 11 executes predetermined processing for accounting for the transaction in cooperation with the above-described accounting processing by processor 21. As ACT34, the processor 11 executes a predetermined checkout process for ending the use of the smartphone POS service by the user terminal 2.

[0055] As ACT18 in FIG. 2, the processor 21 cooperates with the checkout process by the processor 11 to execute a predetermined checkout process for ending the use of the smartphone POS service. The transaction processing and checkout processing by processor 11 and processor 21 may be similar to the processing performed by, for example, another existing smartphone POS service. Then, when the checkout process is completed, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT1 in Fig. 2. Furthermore, when the checkout process is completed, the processor 11 ends the transaction process.

[0056] As described above, if no operation to change the transaction details or to instruct the checkout is performed on user terminal 2 for a predetermined period of time, transaction processing system 100 changes the screen of touch panel 24 from registration screen SCA to a screen displaying content such as display screen SCB or display screen SCC. In this way, sales promotion information is provided to customers who are in the store and looking around for products to purchase on user terminal 2, which is carried by the customer and operates as a user interface for transaction processing.

[0057] Transaction processing system 100 also selects the first content based on a first condition that takes into account customer attribute data. Thus, by displaying the first content, information can be provided that is tailored to the customer's attributes.

[0058] Furthermore, the transaction processing system 100 selects the second content based on a second condition that takes into account the contents of the transaction list. Thus, by displaying the second content, it is possible to provide information according to the contents of the transaction list, i.e., the products that are the subject of the transaction.

[0059] Furthermore, transaction processing system 100 displays both the first content and the second content in a no-operation state. Transaction processing system 100 does not select the second content if the transaction list does not contain any products. Thus, in a situation where content selection cannot be made taking into account the products to be traded because there are no products to be traded, information can be provided according to the customer's attributes.

[0060] Furthermore, in transaction processing system 100, when no operation is performed while both the first content and the second content are selected, the first content and the second content are displayed sequentially. In this way, information according to the customer's attributes and information according to the product being traded are provided in a time-sharing manner, and both types of information can be provided when no operation is performed for a long period of time.

[0061] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The transaction list may be created and updated by processor 21 in user terminal 2 and stored in auxiliary storage unit 23. In other words, the registration means may be realized as a function of a computer with processor 21 as its central processing unit. Alternatively, a copy of the transaction list equivalent to that stored in auxiliary storage unit 13 of transaction processing device 1 may be stored in auxiliary storage unit 23 of user terminal 2. In these cases, the selection of the second content may be performed by processor 21 in user terminal 2.

[0062] For example, processor 11 may detect the no-operation state in transaction processing device 1 based on the duration of the standby states of ACT26 and ACT27. In other words, the detection means may be realized as a function of a computer with processor 11 as its central part.

[0063] Processor 11 in transaction processing device 1 may generate screen data for a screen displaying the content, and transaction processing device 1 may request user terminal 2 to display a screen based on this screen data. In other words, the display control means may be realized as a function of a computer with processor 11 as its central part.

[0064] Only one of the first content and the second content may be set as the display target on the user terminal 2. In other words, ACT24 and ACT25 and any of ACT30 to ACT32 in Fig. 4 may be omitted.

[0065] The functions of transaction processing device 1 and the functions of content management device 3 may be realized by individual information processing in a single information processing device. Alternatively, the functions of transaction processing device 1 or the functions of content management device 3 may be realized by distributed processing by multiple information processing devices.

[0066] The functions realized by processor 11 and processor 21 through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the above logic circuit with software control.

[0067] 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]

[0068] 1...transaction processing device, 2...user terminal, 3...content management device, 11,21,31...processor, 12,22,32...main memory, 13,23,33...auxiliary storage unit, 14,34...communication unit, 24...touch panel, 25...camera, 26...mobile communication unit, 100...transaction processing system, 200...communication network.

Claims

1. a registration means for registering a commodity to be traded in response to an operation on the terminal device; a detection means for detecting a no-operation state in which no operation for registration is performed for a specified time while the registration means is accepting an operation for registration; a display control means for displaying a promotional content screen on the terminal device in response to the detection of the no-operation state by the detection means; A transaction processing system comprising:

2. a selection means for selecting a content screen to be displayed on the terminal device from a plurality of candidate content screens in accordance with the product to be traded as determined by the registration means; The transaction processing system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. the selection means, when there is no product to be traded by the registration means, selects a content screen to be displayed on the terminal device from a plurality of candidate content screens in accordance with attributes of an operator of the terminal device; The transaction processing system of claim 2 .

4. the selection means switches, in a time-division manner, between a state in which a content screen to be displayed on the terminal device is selected from a plurality of candidate content screens in accordance with the commodity that is the subject of the transaction determined by the registration means, and a state in which a content screen to be displayed on the terminal device is selected from a plurality of candidate content screens in accordance with the attributes of the operator of the terminal device. The transaction processing system of claim 2 .

5. a detection means for detecting a no-operation state in which no operation for registration is performed for a specified time during a period in which an operation for registration of a product to be traded is accepted; a display control means for displaying a promotional content screen in response to the detection of the no-operation state by the detection means; A transaction processing system is configured together with a terminal device having the above. a registration means for registering a commodity to be traded in response to an operation on the terminal device for registration; a selection means for selecting a content screen to be displayed on the terminal device from a plurality of candidate content screens in accordance with the product that is the subject of the transaction as determined by the registration means; A transaction processing device comprising:

6. a detection means for detecting a no-operation state in which no operation for registration is performed for a specified time during a period in which an operation for registration of a product to be traded is accepted; a display control means for displaying a promotional content screen in response to the detection of the no-operation state by the detection means; A computer provided in a transaction processing device that constitutes a transaction processing system together with a terminal device having the above a registration means for registering a commodity to be traded in response to an operation on the terminal device for registration; a selection means for selecting a content screen to be displayed on the terminal device from a plurality of candidate content screens in accordance with the product that is the subject of the transaction as determined by the registration means; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

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