User terminals and shopping support programs

Abstract

To use a personally owned communication terminal as a user terminal for self-registration and to avoid time-consuming work such as searching for a card or the like that can be used in a store. [Solution] The storage unit stores multiple pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer, in association with terminal identification data of the user terminal owned by the consumer. The selection means selects identification information valid for a store identified by store identification data acquired from the user terminal from the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal. The second processing means executes processing related to the product that has been sold using the identification information selected by the selection means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a merchandise sales processing system, a merchandise sales processing device used in this system, a control program for the same, and a merchandise sales processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] A merchandise sales processing system is already known in which, when a consumer picks up an item to be purchased at a sales floor, the consumer operates a user terminal to read the identification code of the purchased item, thereby registering the purchased item by himself / herself.

[0003] In this type of product sales processing system, a typical system is one in which a store lends a user terminal to a consumer. For example, the store provides a shopping cart equipped with a user terminal, and when a consumer places an item in the shopping cart, the consumer operates the user terminal to read the identification code of the item. In this system, the user terminal is a device dedicated to that store. Therefore, information specific to that store can be set in the user terminal in advance.

[0004] On the other hand, it is being considered that consumers will use their own communication terminals, such as smartphones, as user terminals. If a consumer's own communication terminal can be used as a user terminal, the consumer will be able to register the products they have purchased by themselves at multiple stores that have introduced a product sales processing system.

[0005] In recent years, many stores have introduced point services and distribute point cards to consumers who become point members. As a result, consumers who become point members at multiple stores must manage multiple point cards and find and present the point card for that store when shopping at the store.

[0006] Furthermore, there are various types of credit cards, including credit card issued by credit card companies, bank cards issued by banks, and distribution cards issued by distribution businesses such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and whether or not a card can be used depends on the store. For this reason, consumers who own multiple credit cards must find and present a credit card that can be used at the store when making a credit payment.

[0007] As such, even if consumers use their own communication terminals, such as smartphones, as user terminals, they are unable to avoid the time-consuming task of searching for cards that can be used at stores, and a solution is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-516430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a product sales processing system that allows a personally owned communication terminal to be used as a user terminal for self-registration, and that avoids the time-consuming task of searching for cards that can be used in stores, as well as a product sales processing device used in this system, its control program, and a product sales processing method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, the product sales processing system includes a storage unit, a first acquisition means, an acceptance means, a second acquisition means, a first processing means, a selection means, and a second processing means. The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer in association with terminal identification data of the user terminal owned by the consumer. The first acquisition means acquires store identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal. The acceptance means makes the user terminal available if the store identification data acquired from the user terminal by the first acquisition means is valid data. The second acquisition means acquires product identification data input to the user terminal from the user terminal that has been made available by the acceptance means. The first processing means processes the sale of a product identified by the product identification data acquired from the user terminal by the second acquisition means, based on the product identification data. The selection means selects identification information valid for the store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal from the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal. The second processing means executes processing related to the product sold by the first processing means using the identification information selected by the selection means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product sales processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of store setting information. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a management table. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a store server. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a user terminal based on a shopping support program. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a user terminal based on a shopping support program. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a user terminal based on a shopping support program. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a store server based on a control program. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the virtual POS server based on a control program. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the virtual POS server based on a control program. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a store server based on a control program. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a check-in screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wireless connection screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a check-in completion screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment selection screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transaction barcode screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a credit card selection screen displayed on a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Below, we will use drawings to explain one embodiment of a product sales processing system that allows a personally owned communication terminal to be used as a user terminal for self-registration, and that can avoid the time-consuming task of searching for cards that can be used in stores, as well as a product sales processing device used in this system, its control program, and a product sales processing method.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product sales processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The product sales processing system 1 includes a product sales processing device 2 and a user terminal 3. The product sales processing device 2 has a store server 21, a virtual POS server 22, a communication server 23, a cash register 24, and an access point 25, which are connected via a wired local area network (LAN) 26. The product sales processing device 2 properly connects the user terminal 3 to the store server 21, the virtual POS server 22, etc. in accordance with the product sales processing method according to this embodiment, and enables self-registration using the user terminal 3. Although not shown, the product sales processing device 2 can simultaneously connect multiple user terminals 3 to the store server 21, the virtual POS server 22, etc., enabling self-registration using each user terminal 3.

[0014] The store server 21 is a computer that supports the overall store operations. The virtual POS server 22 is a computer that cooperates with the user terminal 3 to support operations that appear as if a known POS terminal is operating. The communication server 23 is a server that supports data communication with external systems via the network 4.

[0015] The accounting machine 24 is a terminal for settling purchases. There are no particular limitations on the payment method. Well-known payment methods such as cash, credit card, and electronic money can be used.

[0016] The payment machine 24 may also have a function for registering purchased items. For example, when a barcode of a purchased item is read by a scanner connected to the payment machine 24, the payment machine 24 queries the store server 21 using the item code contained in the barcode. In response to this query, the store server 21 retrieves item data such as the item name and price of the item identified by the item code from the item master file 61 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, and outputs a response to the payment machine 24. The payment machine 24 then registers the sales data of the purchased item based on this item data. The payment machine 24 then performs payment for the purchased item.

[0017] Such payment machines 24 include manned payment machines in which a store clerk inputs payment information, and self-service payment machines in which the consumer inputs payment information. The product sales processing device 2 may be equipped with both manned and self-service payment machines, or with only one of them. A conventionally known POS terminal can be used as the manned payment machine. A conventionally known self-service or semi-self-service payment machine can be used as the self-service payment machine.

[0018] The access point 25 is a communication facility installed in the store as a relay point when each server (store server 21, virtual POS server 22, communication server 23, etc.) of the product sales processing device 2 communicates data with the user terminal 3 via a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN complies with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. Although only one access point 25 is shown in FIG. 1, the number of access points 25 is not limited. Multiple access points 25 may be connected to the wired LAN 26 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0019] The product sales processing device 2 having such a configuration is provided in each of a plurality of stores that enable consumers to self-register purchased products using a communication terminal such as a smartphone that the consumer personally owns as the user terminal 3. Alternatively, the product sales processing device 2 may be provided in a store that enables consumers to self-register purchased products using a communication terminal such as a tablet terminal that the store owns and that is attached to a shopping cart as the user terminal. In this case, the store can use both a personally owned communication terminal and a communication terminal that the store owns as the user terminal.

[0020] The user terminal 3 is a portable communication terminal. The user terminal 3 has hardware for reading at least a data code 5 of a two-dimensional code system, as will be described in detail later. For example, a commercially available smartphone or tablet terminal equipped with a digital camera can be used as the user terminal 3. In this embodiment, a communication terminal such as a smartphone personally owned by a consumer is used as the user terminal 3.

[0021] The data code 5 is a type of medium prepared for each store. The data code 5 is prepared, for example, at the entrance of the store. The data code 5 is created by coding store setting information 50 (see FIG. 2) specific to the store or the business entity that operates the store using a predetermined two-dimensional code system. The items in the store setting information 50 are common to all stores. The information in each item differs for each store.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the store setting information 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the store setting information 50 includes a store entry flag, a company code, a store code, wireless connection information, and control information.

[0023] The store entry flag is 1-bit data for identifying whether or not a data code in the two-dimensional code system is a store entry data code 5. In this embodiment, the store entry flag of a store entry data code 5 is set to "1".

[0024] The company code is company identification data set for each company to identify the company that operates the store that has prepared the data code 5. The store code is store identification data set for each store to identify the store that has prepared the data code 5. Note that store codes may be duplicated between different companies.

[0025] The wireless connection information is information necessary for wirelessly connecting the product sales processing device 2 of a store identified by the company code and store code with the user terminal 3. For example, the wireless connection information includes data such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​that is the identification name of the access point 25, a password set for the wireless LAN in the store, and an encryption key for the security method (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WEP, etc.) set for the wireless LAN in the store.

[0026] The control information is information necessary to control the operation of the user terminal 3. For example, it may be a timeout period until a wireless LAN communication error occurs, the number of retries when an error occurs, a threshold value for a battery check, etc. The threshold value is an arbitrary value set to prohibit use of the user terminal 3 if the remaining battery charge of the user terminal 3 is below the threshold value, because there is a risk of the battery running out in the middle of shopping.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the user terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 3 includes a processor 31, an internal memory 32, an external memory 33, a touch panel 34, a camera 35, a wireless unit 36, a communication interface (I / F) 37, and a system transmission path 38. The user terminal 3 also includes a rechargeable battery 39 as a power source.

[0028] The system transmission path 38 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The user terminal 3 connects the processor 31, the built-in memory 32, the external memory 33, the touch panel 34, the camera 35, the wireless unit 36, and the communication interface 37 to the system transmission path 38. In the user terminal 3, the processor 31, the built-in memory 32, the external memory 33, and the system transmission path 38 connecting them together form a computer.

[0029] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or an application program to realize various functions of the user terminal 3. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0030] The built-in memory 32 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The built-in memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 32 stores data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 32 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0031] The external memory 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 33. The external memory 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The external memory 33 may also store the application programs.

[0032] The touch panel 34 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the user terminal 3. The touch panel 34 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 31.

[0033] The camera 35 is an imaging device built into the user terminal 3. The camera 35 operates as a still or video image capturing device or as a scanning device for data codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, depending on an application program installed in the user terminal 3. The camera 35 is an example of a code reader.

[0034] The wireless unit 36 ​​is a circuit for performing data communication with the access point 25 in accordance with the wireless LAN communication protocol.

[0035] The communication interface 37 is a circuit for performing data communication with an external device connected via the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0036] The user terminal 3 configured as described above stores a shopping support program to be used when shopping at a store in which the product sales processing system 1 has been installed, as an application program stored in the internal memory 32 or external memory 33. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the shopping support program into the internal memory 32 or external memory 33. The shopping support program can be installed into the internal memory 32 or external memory 33 by recording the control program on a removable recording medium or by distributing the control program via communication over a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as an SD memory card or USB memory, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0037] The user terminal 3 stores a terminal ID in a non-volatile memory area in the built-in memory 32. The terminal ID is terminal identification data set for each user terminal 3 to individually identify each user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 also uses a part of the volatile memory area in the built-in memory 32 as an area 321 for store setting information 50. Area 321 selectively stores store setting information 50 obtained by analyzing an image of a data code captured by the camera 35.

[0038] The user terminal 3 uses a part of the memory area in the external memory 33 as a management table 331. The management table 331 is an example of a storage unit that stores multiple pieces of identification information related to the purchasing behavior of a consumer, in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal 3 owned by the consumer. In other words, the management table 331 is a data table for managing whether the identification information associated with a consumer can be used at a store that allows self-registration of purchased items using the consumer's personally owned user terminal 3. Examples of identification information include credit card identification information, membership card identification information, and electronic receipt user identification information.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the management table 331. As shown in Fig. 4, the management table 331 is made up of a first field F1 for type, a second field F2 for identification information, and a third field F3 for a setting flag. A plurality of third fields F3 are provided for each code An (n is 1, 2, 3, ...). Fig. 4 shows an example of the management table 331 provided with six third fields F3 for codes A1 to A6.

[0040] Code An is a code that combines a company code and a store code. For example, if the company code is "001" and the store code is "0001", code An will be "0010001". Alternatively, code An may be "0001001". Hereinafter, code An will be referred to as combined code An.

[0041] In this embodiment, the data stored in the first field F1 is "C", "P", or "R". Data "C" represents a credit card. Data "P" represents a point card. Data "R" represents an electronic receipt user.

[0042] The data stored in the second field F2 is determined by the data stored in the corresponding first field F1. Specifically, if the data stored in the first field F1 is "C," the corresponding second field F2 stores the credit card identification information. The credit card identification information may be a card number or an association ID set when linking the credit card.

[0043] There are various types of credit cards, including credit card cards issued by credit card companies, bank cards issued by banks, and distribution cards issued by distribution businesses such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Whether or not a card can be used depends on the store. The communication server 23 of a store that accepts credit card payments is connected to the server of the credit card issuing company or management company via network 4.

[0044] If the data stored in the first field F1 is "P," the corresponding second field F2 stores the member card identification information, which may be a point card number, for example.

[0045] A membership card is issued to consumers who become members to receive services offered by a store. Services include points and discounts. Membership cards can be used at the store that issued them or at other stores that belong to the corporate entity that operates the store. Alternatively, membership cards can be used at stores affiliated with the company that operates the service.

[0046] If the data stored in the first field F1 is "R", the corresponding second field F2 stores the identification information of the electronic receipt user. The identification information of the electronic receipt user is an electronic receipt ID for identifying the communication terminal of the consumer that downloaded the application program of the electronic receipt service. Hereinafter, the application program of the electronic receipt service will be referred to as the electronic receipt app.

[0047] A consumer who wants to receive a receipt as an electronic receipt downloads an electronic receipt app to a communication terminal such as a smartphone. Then, a new electronic receipt ID is set in the communication terminal. When shopping at a store that offers an electronic receipt service, the consumer can receive the receipt as an electronic receipt by presenting the electronic receipt ID to the store. The communication server 23 of the store that offers the electronic receipt service is connected to a server of the electronic receipt service operating company, that is, an electronic receipt server, via the network 4. The communication server 23 adds the electronic receipt ID to the receipt data of the transaction presented with the electronic receipt ID and transmits it to the electronic receipt server. The consumer operates the communication terminal to access the electronic receipt server via the Internet and notifies the electronic receipt ID, thereby being able to view the receipt data with the electronic receipt ID added on the communication terminal.

[0048] A consumer who owns a credit card performs an operation to set the identification information of that credit card in management table 331. Through this operation, the identification information of that credit card, along with the type "R," is set in the first field F1 and second field F2 of management table 331. Then, in the third field F3, the setting flag corresponding to the combination code An of the store code and company code of the store where that credit card can be used becomes "1," indicating that it is valid, and the setting flags corresponding to other combination codes An become "0," indicating that it is invalid.

[0049] A consumer who owns a membership card performs an operation to set the identification information of that membership card in management table 331. Through this operation, the identification information of that membership card, along with the type "P," is set in the first field F1 and second field F2 of management table 331. Then, in the third field F3, the setting flag corresponding to the combination code An of the store code and company code of the store where that membership card can be used becomes "1," and the setting flag corresponding to other combination codes An becomes "0."

[0050] A consumer who has acquired an electronic receipt ID performs an operation to set the electronic receipt ID in the management table 331. By this operation, the electronic receipt ID is set together with the type "R" in the first field F1 and the second field F2 of the management table 331. Then, in the third field F3, the setting flag corresponding to the combination code An of the store code and company code of the store that provides the electronic receipt service becomes "1", and the setting flag corresponding to the other combination codes An becomes "0".

[0051] The operation for setting various identification information in the management table 331 is not particularly limited. The consumer may set the information by operating the user terminal 3, or by operating a personal computer or the like to which the user terminal 3 is connected. For example, the store server 21 references the data in the management table 331 from the user terminal 3 wirelessly connected via the access point 25. The store server 21 then sets to "1" the setting flags corresponding to identification information usable at the store, among the setting flags belonging to the combination code An of the store ID and company ID of the store where the store server 21 is installed, and sets to "0" the setting flags corresponding to identification information that cannot be used at the store. In this way, a management table 331 such as that shown in FIG. 4 is created in the external memory 33 of the user terminal 3.

[0052] 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 21. The store server 21 includes a processor 211, a main memory 212, an auxiliary storage device 213, a communication interface 214, and a system transmission path 215. The system transmission path 215 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The store server 21 connects the processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, and the communication interface 214 to the system transmission path 215. In the store server 21, the processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, and the system transmission path 215 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0053] The processor 211 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 211 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 21 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 211 is, for example, a CPU.

[0054] The main memory 212 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 212 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 212 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 212 may store data required for the processor 211 to execute processes for controlling each unit in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 212 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 211 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0055] The auxiliary storage device 213 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 213. The auxiliary storage device 213 stores data used by the processor 211 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes of the processor 211. The auxiliary storage device 213 may also store the application programs described above.

[0056] The application programs stored in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213 include control programs that describe information processing executed by the store server 21. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control programs in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213. The control programs can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the programs and is readable by the device.

[0057] The communication interface 214 connects to the wired LAN 26. The communication interface 214 transmits and receives data to and from the virtual POS server 22, the communication server 23, the accounting machine 24, and the access point 25 via the wired LAN 26.

[0058] The processor 211 of the store server 21 can send and receive data to and from the user terminal 3 wirelessly connected to the access point 25 through the communication interface 214. Here, the communication interface 214 functions as a communication means for connecting to the user terminal 3 owned by the consumer using wireless communication.

[0059] The store server 21 configured as described above stores, in a non-volatile memory area in the main memory 212, the store code of the store that manages the store server 21 and the company code of the business entity that operates the store.

[0060] The store server 21 also stores a product master file 61 in the auxiliary storage device 213. The product master file 61 is a collection of product records that describe data on products sold in the store. The product records describe product data such as product codes, prices, and product names. Product codes are product identification data assigned to each product to identify each product. Each product is usually affixed with a barcode that represents the product code.

[0061] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 22. The virtual POS server 22 includes a processor 221, a main memory 222, an auxiliary storage device 223, a communication interface 224, and a system transmission path 225. The system transmission path 225 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The virtual POS server 22 connects the processor 221, the main memory 222, the auxiliary storage device 223, and the communication interface 224 to the system transmission path 225. In the virtual POS server 22, the processor 221, the main memory 222, the auxiliary storage device 223, and the system transmission path 225 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0062] The processor 221 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 221 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or application programs to realize various functions of the virtual POS server 22. The processor 221 is, for example, a CPU.

[0063] The main memory 222 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 222 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 222 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 222 may store data required for the processor 221 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 222 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 221 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0064] The auxiliary storage device 223 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 223. The auxiliary storage device 223 stores data used by the processor 221 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 221. The auxiliary storage device 223 may also store the application programs described above.

[0065] The application programs stored in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223 include control programs that describe information processing executed by the virtual POS server 22. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control programs in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223. The control programs can be installed in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223 by recording them on a removable recording medium or by distributing them via communication over a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the programs and is readable by the device.

[0066] The communication interface 224 connects to the wired LAN 26. The communication interface 224 transmits and receives data to and from the store server 21, the communication server 23, the payment machine 24, and the access point 25 via the wired LAN 26.

[0067] The processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 can transmit and receive data to and from the user terminal 3 wirelessly connected to the access point 25 through the communication interface 224. Here, the communication interface 224 functions as a communication means for connecting to the user terminal 3 owned by the consumer using wireless communication.

[0068] The virtual POS server 22 configured as described above uses a part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 222 as an area for creating a registration table 70. The registration table 70 is created for each user terminal 3 connected via a communication means. The registration table 70 is a data table for storing sales data and the like of products self-registered by the user terminal 3.

[0069] The virtual POS server 22 also stores a product file 62 in the auxiliary storage device 223. At least the product name and unit price of the product record stored in the product master file 61 are copied to the product file 62. Each time a change is made to, for example, the unit price of a product record stored in the product master file 61, the product record stored in the product file 62 is also updated in real time. Note that the method of updating the product records stored in the product master file 61 is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0070] The product file 62 constitutes a storage unit that stores product data, including the name and price of the product identified by the product identification data, in association with the product identification data. The product master file 61 constitutes a master storage unit that stores at least the product data stored in the product file 62.

[0071] FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 based on the shopping support program. FIGS. 10 and 13 are flowcharts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 211 of the store server 21 based on a control program stored in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 based on a control program stored in the main memory 222 or the auxiliary storage device 223. FIGS. 14 to 23 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 34 of the user terminal 3. The main operations of the product sales processing system 1, including the product sales processing device 2 and the user terminal 3, will be described below using these diagrams. This description of the operations will clarify the product sales processing method of the product sales processing device 2. The operations described below are merely examples. The operation procedures and contents are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0072] When a consumer visits a store that has the product sales processing system 1 installed, before starting shopping, the consumer starts the shopping support program installed on the user terminal 3. Then, the processor 31 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0073] First, the processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 so that the check-in screen SC1 (see FIG. 14) is displayed in ACT101.

[0074] Fig. 14 is an example of the check-in screen SC1. As shown in Fig. 14, the check-in screen SC1 displays a message instructing the consumer to scan the two-dimensional code for store entry, as well as an image of a "Yes" button BT1 to indicate that the consumer has confirmed the message. After confirming the check-in screen SC1, the consumer touches the "Yes" button BT1.

[0075] When processor 31 detects, by a signal from touch panel 34, that the "Yes" button BT1 on check-in screen SC1 has been touched, it starts camera 35 in ACT 102. Then, processor 31 controls touch panel 34 so that camera screen SC2 (see FIG. 15) is displayed in ACT 103.

[0076] Fig. 15 is an example of a camera screen SC2. As shown in Fig. 15, an image AR1 showing a reading area for a two-dimensional code is displayed on the camera screen SC2. After checking the camera screen SC2, a consumer points the lens of the camera 35 built into the user terminal 3 at the data code 5 prepared at the store entrance so that the data code 5 fits within the image AR1.

[0077] After displaying the camera screen SC2, the processor 31 waits for the camera 35 to read the data code of the two-dimensional code system in ACT104. As shown in Fig. 16, when the data code of the two-dimensional code system falls within the image AR1, the processor 31 determines that the data code has been read. The processor 31 determines YES in ACT104 and proceeds to ACT105.

[0078] In ACT 105, processor 31 analyzes the data encoded by the data code from the image of the data code captured by camera 35. Then, in ACT 106, processor 31 determines whether the read data code is data code 5, which sets the store entry flag to "1".

[0079] If the data code read by the camera 35 is other than the data code 5, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 106 and returns to ACT 104. The processor 31 waits again for the camera 35 to read a data code of the two-dimensional code system.

[0080] If the data code read by camera 35 is data code 5 which sets the store entry flag to "1", processor 31 determines YES in ACT 106 and proceeds to ACT 107. In ACT 107, processor 41 analyzes data code 5 to obtain store setting information 50, which includes the store entry flag, company code, store code, wireless connection information, and control information, and stores it in area 321 of built-in memory 32.

[0081] The processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 so that the wireless connection screen SC4 (see FIG. 17) is displayed as ACT108.

[0082] Fig. 17 is an example of the wireless connection screen SC4. As shown in Fig. 17, the wireless connection screen SC4 displays a message indicating that the user terminal 3 is connected to the in-store wireless network and that shopping will be possible once the connection is complete. The shopper then waits for the user terminal 3 to connect to the in-store wireless network.

[0083] The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​based on the wireless connection information in the store setting information 50 stored in the area 321 as ACT109, and waits for the user terminal 3 to connect to the wireless network in the store. If the user terminal 3 is not connected to the wireless network in the store after a time period equivalent to the timeout period included in the control information of the store setting information 50 has elapsed, the processor 31 repeats retries for the number of retries included in the control information. If the user terminal 3 is unable to connect to the wireless network in the store even after repeated retries, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT109 and determines a communication error. The processor 31 waits a certain period of time, for example, and then executes the process for connection again.

[0084] 10, the processor 211 of the store server 21 waits for a user terminal 3 to connect in ACT201. When the user terminal 3 is connected to the store server 21 via the access point 25 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT201 and proceeds to ACT202. In ACT202, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to send a command requesting a company code and a store code to the user terminal 3. As a result of this control, a code request command is sent from the communication interface 214 to the user terminal 3. The code request command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3.

[0085] 7, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 determines YES when connected to the wireless in-store, and proceeds to ACT 110. In ACT 110, the processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the company code and store code included in the store setting information 50 in response to a code request command from the store server 21. This control causes the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the company code and store code data, and this data is received by the store server 21 via the access point 25.

[0086] 10, the processor 211 of the store server 21 that controlled the transmission of the code request command waits for the company code and store code data in ACT 203. When the company code and store code data is received via the communication interface 214, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT 203 and proceeds to ACT 204. In ACT 204, the processor 211 compares the received store code and company code with the store code and company code stored in the main memory 212. Then, in ACT 205, the processor 211 determines whether the store code and company code match.

[0087] If the result of the comparison is that at least one of the store code and the company code does not match, the processor 211 determines NO in ACT205 and proceeds to ACT206. In ACT206, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit a negative response command to the user terminal 3. By this control, the negative response command is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the user terminal 3. The negative response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3. After controlling the transmission of the negative response command, the processor 211 terminates the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0088] On the other hand, if the result of the comparison shows that both the store code and the company code match, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT 205 and proceeds to ACT 207. In ACT 207, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit an acceptance response command to the user terminal 3. By this control, the acceptance response command is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the user terminal 3. The acceptance response command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3.

[0089] The processor 211, which controlled the transmission of the acceptance response command, performs an update process of the management table 331 of the user terminal 3 as ACT208. Specifically, the processor 211 checks whether the management table 331 contains a third field F3 in which a combination code An of the company code and store code of the store server 21 is set. If such a field is not present, the processor 211 adds a third field F3 in which the combination code An is set to the management table 331. Then, the processor 211 sets a setting flag in the third field F3. That is, for a setting flag in the first field with a type of "C," the setting flag is set to "1" if the credit card identified by the identification information in the second field can be used at the store, and "0" if the credit card cannot be used. For a setting flag in the first field with a type of "P," the setting flag is set to "1" if the membership card identified by the identification information in the second field can be used at the store, and "0" if the membership card cannot be used. For a setting flag in the first field with a type of "R," the setting flag is set to "1" if the store offers an electronic receipt service, and "0" if the store does not offer an electronic receipt service.

[0090] On the other hand, if a third field F3 already exists in which a combination code An of a company code and a store code held by the store server 21 is set, the processor 211 examines the setting flag of that third field F3 in the same manner as described above.

[0091] After updating the management table 331 in this way, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to transmit a command requesting a terminal ID to the user terminal 3 as ACT209. This control causes the communication interface 214 to transmit the ID request command to the user terminal 3. The ID request command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the wireless unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 3.

[0092] 7, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the transmission of the company code and the store code waits to receive an acceptance response command in ACT 111. If a negative response command is received in this waiting state, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 111 and ends this process as an error.

[0093] On the other hand, if an acceptance response command is received, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT111 and proceeds to ACT112. In response to the ID request command from the store server 21, the processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the terminal ID stored in the internal memory 32. By this control, the terminal ID is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless unit 36, and this terminal ID is received by the store server 21 via the access point 25. Furthermore, the processor 31 controls the touch panel 44 to display a check-in completion screen SC5 (see FIG. 18) in ACT113.

[0094] Fig. 18 is an example of the check-in completion screen SC5. As shown in Fig. 18, the check-in completion screen SC5 displays an image of a "Yes" button BT2 along with a message indicating that preparations for shopping are complete. After checking the check-in completion screen SC5, the consumer touches the "Yes" button BT2.

[0095] 10, the processor 211 of the store server 21, which controlled the transmission of the ID request command, waits for the reception of a terminal ID from the user terminal 3 in ACT 210. When the terminal ID is received via the communication interface 214, the processor 211 controls the communication interface 214 to notify the virtual POS server 22 of the terminal ID. By this control, the terminal ID is transmitted from the communication interface 214 to the virtual POS server 22. The terminal ID is received by the communication interface 224 of the virtual POS server 22. The processor 211 of the store server 21, which controlled the transmission of the terminal ID to the virtual POS server 22, ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0096] 11, the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 waits for notification of a terminal ID in ACT 301. When the processor 221 receives the terminal ID notified from the store server 21 via the communication interface 224, the processor 221 determines YES in ACT 301 and proceeds to ACT 302. The processor 221 acquires the terminal ID notified from the store server 21 in ACT 302. The processor 221 then creates a registration table 70 in the main memory 222 that associates the terminal ID with the terminal ID.

[0097] The processor 221 also wirelessly connects to the user terminal 3 whose terminal ID is set as ACT304 via the access point 25. Once the processor 221 has wirelessly connected to the user terminal 3, it waits for reception from the user terminal 3 as ACT305.

[0098] In ACT113 of Fig. 7, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the display of the check-in completion screen SC5 waits for an instruction to start shopping in ACT121 of Fig. 8. When it detects that the "Yes" button BT2 on the check-in completion screen SC5 has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 34, the processor 31 determines that an instruction to start shopping has been given. The processor 31 determines YES in ACT121 and proceeds to ACT122. In ACT122, the processor 31 searches the management table 331 using the company code and store code of the store setting information 50 written in the area 321. Then, in ACT123, the processor 31 determines whether a setting flag set to "1" exists in the third field F3 to which the combination code An of the company code and store code is assigned.

[0099] If there is at least one setting flag set to "1" in the third field F3, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 123 and proceeds to ACT 124. The processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the type and identification information written in the first field F1 and the second field F2 corresponding to the setting flag set to "1" in ACT 124. This control causes the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the type and identification information data, and this data is received by the virtual POS server 22 via the access point 25.

[0100] After controlling the wireless transmission of the type and identification information in ACT 124, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 125. On the other hand, if there is not a single setting flag set to "1" in the third field F3, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 123, skips the processing of ACT 124, and proceeds to ACT 125. The processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 so that a registration screen SC6 (see FIG. 19) is displayed in ACT 125.

[0101] FIG. 19 is an example of the registration screen SC6. As shown in FIG. 19, the registration screen SC6 has an area for displaying the name and price of the purchased item and the purchase amount. An image of a checkout button BT3 for instructing checkout is also displayed. When a consumer picks up a purchased item and places it in a container such as a shopping basket or cart, the consumer points the lens of the camera 35 at the barcode attached to the purchased item. The camera 35 then scans the barcode. The barcode contains the product code of the purchased item.

[0102] 11, when the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data wirelessly transmitted from the user terminal 3 via the communication interface 224, the processor 221 determines the answer as YES and proceeds to ACT 306. In ACT 306, the processor 221 checks whether the received data is data on type and identification information. If the received data is data on type and identification information, the processor 221 determines the answer as YES in ACT 306 and proceeds to ACT 307. In ACT 307, the processor 221 stores the data on type and identification information in the registration table 70 associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3. Thereafter, the processor 221 returns to ACT 305 and waits to receive the next data from the user terminal 3.

[0103] The processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the display of the registration screen SC6 in ACT125 of Fig. 8 checks whether a product code has been entered in ACT126. If a product code has not been entered, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT126 and proceeds to ACT129. The processor 31 checks whether the checkout button BT3 has been touched in ACT129. If the checkout button BT3 has not been touched, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT129 and returns to ACT126. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT126 and ACT129 for the product code to be entered or the checkout button BT3 to be pressed.

[0104] In the standby state of ACT 126 and ACT 129, when a barcode is scanned by the camera 35 and a product code is input from the barcode data, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 126 and proceeds to ACT 127. The processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit the product code in ACT 127. By this control, the wireless unit 36 ​​wirelessly transmits the product code, and the product code is received by the virtual POS server 22 via the access point 25.

[0105] In the reception waiting state in ACT 305 of FIG. 11 , the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data from the user terminal 3 and confirms that the received data is not data on type and identification information. In ACT 306, the processor 221 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 308. In ACT 308, the processor 221 checks whether the received data is a product code. If the received data is a product code, the processor 221 determines YES in ACT 308 and proceeds to ACT 309. In ACT 309, the processor 221 searches the product file 62 using the product code to acquire product data such as the product name and price stored in association with the product code. Once the product data is acquired, the processor 221 generates sales data for the product identified by the product code based on the product data in ACT 310 and registers the sales data in the registration table 70 associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3. In ACT 311, the processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to transmit data indicating the registration contents of the registration table 70, including the sales data, to the user terminal 3. This control causes data indicating the registration contents to be transmitted from the communication interface 224, and the data indicating the registration contents is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. After controlling the transmission of the data indicating the registration contents, the processor 221 returns to ACT 305 and waits to receive the next data.

[0106] The processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that controlled the transmission of the product code in ACT127 of FIG. 8 updates the registration screen SC6 based on the data indicating the registration contents received from the virtual POS server 22 in ACT128.

[0107] Figure 20 is an example of the registration screen SC6 after updating. Figure 20 shows the registration screen SC6 after the product code of product NN, which has a unit price of 189 yen, has been entered as the first purchased item. The registration screen SC6 displays the name and unit price of product NN. The purchase amount of 189 yen is also displayed.

[0108] After updating the registration screen SC6, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 129. That is, the processor 31 enters a standby state for ACT 126 and ACT 129.

[0109] When the consumer finishes shopping, they touch the checkout button BT3 on the registration screen SC6. When the processor 31 detects that the checkout button BT3 has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 34, it determines YES in ACT129 and proceeds to ACT131 in Figure 9. In ACT131, the processor 31 controls the touch panel 34 to display the payment selection screen SC7 (see Figure 21).

[0110] Figure 21 is an example of the payment selection screen SC7. As shown in Figure 21, the payment selection screen SC7 displays images of buttons BT4 and BT5 for selecting a payment method along with the total number of items and the total purchase amount. Button BT4 is a button for selecting machine payment as the payment method. Button BT5 is a button for selecting mobile payment as the payment method.

[0111] Cashier payment is a method of paying for purchased goods using cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., with the cashier 24. Mobile payment is a method of paying for purchased goods electronically using a barcode or two-dimensional code with the user terminal 3. Mobile payment is also called code payment or smartphone payment.

[0112] After checking the payment selection screen SC7, the consumer decides whether to use machine payment or mobile payment. If they choose machine payment, they touch button BT4. If they choose mobile payment, they touch button BT5.

[0113] In ACT131, the processor 31, which controlled the display of the payment selection screen SC7, checks whether or not payment by checkout machine has been selected in ACT132. If payment by checkout machine has not been selected, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT132 and proceeds to ACT133. The processor 31 checks whether or not mobile payment has been selected in ACT133. If mobile payment has not been selected, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT133 and returns to ACT132. Here, the processor 31 waits for payment by checkout machine or mobile payment to be selected in ACT132 and ACT133.

[0114] When processor 31 detects, via a signal from touch panel 34, that button BT4 on payment selection screen SC7 has been touched, it determines that payment by payment machine has been selected. Processor 31 determines YES in ACT 132 and proceeds to ACT 134. In ACT 134, processor 31 controls wireless unit 36 ​​to notify payment by payment machine. This control causes data notifying payment by payment machine to be wirelessly transmitted from wireless unit 36, and this data is received by virtual POS server 22 via access point 25.

[0115] In the reception waiting state of ACT 305 in FIG. 11, the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data from the user terminal 3 and confirms that the received data is not type and identification information data, nor is it a product code. In ACT 321, the processor 221 checks whether the received data is data notifying a payment machine settlement. If the received data is data notifying a payment machine settlement, the processor 221 determines YES in ACT 321 and proceeds to ACT 322. In ACT 322, the processor 221 generates an accounting code. The accounting code is a unique code generated to identify the registration table 70 with which the terminal ID of the user terminal 3 is associated.

[0116] The processor 221 stores the accounting code in the registration table 70, associated with the terminal ID of the user terminal 3, as ACT 323. The processor 221 also controls the communication interface 224 to transmit the accounting code to the user terminal 3 as ACT 324. This control causes the accounting code to be transmitted from the communication interface 224, and the accounting code is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. Having controlled the transmission of the accounting code, the processor 221 transfers the data in the registration table 70 in which the accounting code is stored to the store server 21 as ACT 325. With this, the processor 221 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0117] The processor 31 of the user terminal 3, which controlled the notification of the payment machine settlement in ACT134 of Figure 9, controls the touch panel 44 to display the payment barcode screen SC8 (see Figure 22) based on the payment code received from the virtual POS server 22 in ACT135.

[0118] Figure 22 is an example of the accounting barcode screen SC8. As shown in Figure 22, the accounting barcode screen SC8 displays an accounting barcode BC1, which represents the accounting code as a barcode, along with a message urging the consumer to scan this accounting barcode BC1 with the accounting device 24. The accounting barcode screen SC8 also displays an image of a "Yes" button BT6, which indicates that the consumer has confirmed the message, and a "Back" button BT7, which indicates that the consumer should return to shopping.

[0119] After checking the transaction barcode screen SC8, the consumer touches the "Yes" button BT6. They then go to a location where a transaction machine 24 is installed and have the transaction barcode BC1 read by the scanner of an available transaction machine 24. After reading the transaction barcode BC1, the transaction machine 24 queries the store server 21 using the transaction code represented by the transaction barcode BC1.

[0120] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. When the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 detects, via a signal from the touch panel 34, that button BT5 on the payment selection screen SC7 has been touched, it determines that mobile payment has been selected. The processor 31 determines YES in ACT 133 and proceeds to ACT 136. In ACT 136, the processor 31 controls the wireless unit 36 ​​to notify mobile payment. This control causes the wireless unit 36 ​​to wirelessly transmit data notifying mobile payment, and this data is received by the virtual POS server 22 via the access point 25.

[0121] In the reception waiting state of ACT 305 in Fig. 11, the processor 221 of the virtual POS server 22 receives data from the user terminal 3 and confirms that the received data is not type and identification information data, a product code, or data notifying payment machine settlement. The processor 221 determines NO in ACT 321 in Fig. 12 and proceeds to ACT 326. In ACT 326, the processor 221 checks whether the received data is data notifying mobile payment. If the received data is not data notifying mobile payment, the processor 221 determines NO in ACT 326, performs processing according to the received data, and then returns to the reception waiting state of ACT 305.

[0122] If the received data is data notifying mobile payment, the processor 221 determines YES in ACT 326 and proceeds to ACT 327. The processor 221 checks whether or not to approve mobile payment in ACT 327. For example, some stores accept mobile payments and others do not. Or, even if a store normally accepts mobile payments, it may temporarily not accept mobile payments for some reason. If mobile payments are not accepted at that store, the processor 221 determines NO in ACT 327 and proceeds to ACT 328. The processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to send a negative response to the user terminal 3 in ACT 328. This control causes the communication interface 224 to send negative response data, which is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. After controlling the transmission of the negative response, the processor 221 returns to the reception waiting state in ACT 305.

[0123] On the other hand, if mobile payment at the store has been approved, the processor 221 determines YES in ACT 327 and proceeds to ACT 329. In ACT 329, the processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to send an acceptance response to the user terminal 3. This control causes the communication interface 224 to send acceptance response data, which is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 25 and received by the user terminal 3. With this, the processor 221 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0124] In ACT 136 of Figure 9, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 that notified the mobile payment checks whether an acceptance response has been received in ACT 137. If a negative response has been received instead of an acceptance response, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 137 and returns to ACT 132. At this time, a message indicating that mobile payment is not available is displayed as a pop-up on the payment selection screen SC7. The processor 31 waits for the payment machine payment to be selected.

[0125] If the processor 31 receives an acceptance response in ACT 137, the processor 31 determines the result as YES and proceeds to ACT 138. The processor 31 executes mobile payment processing in ACT 138. This mobile payment processing is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0126] Processor 31 executes the mobile payment process in ACT 138 or controls the display of the checkout barcode screen SC8 in ACT 135, and then waits for the payment to be completed in ACT 139. When the payment is completed, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 139 and proceeds to ACT 140. Processor 31 clears the store setting information 50 stored in area 321 in ACT 140. With this, processor 31 ends information processing in accordance with the shopping support program.

[0127] 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 211 of the store server 21 that has received data transfer of the registration table 70 from the virtual POS server 22. That is, the processor 211 waits for the data transfer of the registration table 70 in ACT 221. When the data of the registration table 70 is received via the communication interface 214, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT 221 and proceeds to ACT 222. In ACT 222, the processor 211 stores the data of the registration table 70 in the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 212. Alternatively, the processor 211 stores the data of the registration table 70 in the auxiliary storage device 213.

[0128] The data of the registration table 70 stored in the main memory 212 or the auxiliary storage device 213 includes the type and identification information saved by the processing of ACT 307 in Fig. 11. In ACT 223, the processor 211 checks whether or not the data of the registration table 70 includes identification information of type "P". If identification information of type "P" is not included, the processor 211 determines NO in ACT 223, skips the processing of ACT 224, and proceeds to ACT 225.

[0129] If the identification information type is "P", the processor 211 determines YES in ACT223 and proceeds to ACT224. In ACT224, the processor 211 executes service processing based on the identification information. For example, if the identification information is identification information related to a membership card for a point service, the processor 211 executes a service in which points are calculated based on the sales data of each product registered in the registration table 70 and awarded to the consumer. For example, if the identification information is identification information related to a membership card for a discount service, the processor 211 executes a service in which a discount is applied to the purchase amount of the product registered in the registration table 70. When the processor 211 completes the service processing, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT225.

[0130] In ACT 225, the processor 211 waits for an inquiry about the accounting code from the payment device 24. As described above, when the payment device 24 reads the payment barcode BC1, an inquiry is made to the store server 21 using the payment code represented by that payment barcode. When the processor 211 receives the inquiry about the accounting code, it determines YES in ACT 225 and proceeds to ACT 226. In ACT 226, the processor 211 generates accounting data based on the sales data for the product registered in the registration table 70 in which that accounting code is stored. The processor 211 then controls the communications interface 224 to output this accounting data to the payment device 24 that made the inquiry. This control provides the accounting data to the payment device 24. Upon receiving the accounting data, the payment device 24 selects a payment method. Payment methods include cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment.

[0131] The processor 211 of the store server 21 that controlled the output of the transaction data checks whether credit card payment was selected in ACT 227. If a payment method other than credit card payment was selected, the processor 211 determines NO in ACT 227 and proceeds to ACT 231. The processing of ACT 231 will be described later.

[0132] On the other hand, if credit card payment is selected, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT227 and proceeds to ACT228. The processor 221 checks whether credit card payment is possible in ACT228. Specifically, the processor 211 checks whether identification information of type "C" is stored in the registration table 70. If identification information of type "C" is not stored, the credit card held by the consumer performing the transaction cannot be used in this store. The processor 211 determines NO in ACT228 and proceeds to ACT229. In ACT229, the processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to output a negative response to the payment device 24. This control causes the communication interface 224 to send negative response data to the payment device 24. Upon receiving the negative response data, the payment device 24 notifies the consumer that credit card payment is not possible.

[0133] On the other hand, if identification information of type "C" is stored in the registration table 70, the credit card held by the consumer making the transaction can be used at this store. The processor 211 determines YES in ACT 228 and proceeds to ACT 230. In ACT 230, the processor 221 controls the communication interface 224 to output an acceptance response to the payment device 24. This control causes the communication interface 224 to send the acceptance response data to the payment device 24. Upon receiving the acceptance response data, the payment device 24 executes the credit card transaction.

[0134] If there are multiple credit cards that can be used at the store, the consumer must select one of them. Therefore, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 controls the touch panel 44 to display a credit card selection screen SC9 (see FIG. 23).

[0135] FIG. 23 is an example of the credit card selection screen SC9. As shown in FIG. 23, the credit card selection screen SC9 displays a list L1 of available credit cards. The list L1 also displays the name, expiration date, etc. of the credit card. The consumer selects the credit card to use from the list L1. Information about the selected credit card is sent from the access point 25 via the store server 21 to the payment machine 24, and the credit card payment is executed.

[0136] The processor 211, which has controlled the output of the negative response or the acceptance response in ACT229 or ACT230, proceeds to ACT231. In ACT 231, the processor 211 waits for the payment to be completed at the payment device 24. When the payment is completed, the processor 211 determines YES in ACT 231 and proceeds to ACT 232. In ACT 232, the processor 211 checks whether or not to issue a receipt as an electronic receipt. That is, the processor 211 checks whether or not identification information of type "R" exists in the registration table 70.

[0137] If no identification information of type "R" exists, this indicates that a settlement with a consumer who does not issue an electronic receipt has been completed. In this case, the processor 211 determines NO in ACT232 and ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13.

[0138] On the other hand, if identification information of type "R" is present, the settlement with the consumer to whom the receipt is to be issued as an electronic receipt has been completed, so the processor 211 determines YES in ACT232 and proceeds to ACT233. The processor 231 executes electronic receipt processing in ACT233. Specifically, the processor 211 executes processing to transmit electronic receipt data obtained by converting receipt print data into a structured format, for example, together with an electronic receipt ID, which is identification information of type "R", to the electronic receipt server. The processing to convert receipt print data into a structured format may be performed by the store server 21 or the payment device 24. Alternatively, it may be performed by a device other than the store server 21 or the payment device 24. When the processor 211 finishes the electronic receipt processing, it ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13.

[0139] Here, the processor 31, which is the main part of the computer provided in the user terminal 3, constitutes a first input means by executing the processes of ACT101 to ACT107 in accordance with the shopping support program. That is, the processor 31 inputs store identification data such as the store code and company code of the store, as well as wireless connection information and control information, from the data code 5, which is a medium prepared in the store.

[0140] The processor 31 constitutes a second input means by executing the processes of ACT 126 and ACT 127 in accordance with the shopping support program. That is, the processor 31 inputs product identification data by scanning the barcodes of products sold in the store with the camera 35.

[0141] The processor 211, which is the main component of the computer provided in the store server 21, configures a first acquisition means by executing the processes of ACT201 to ACT203 in accordance with the control program. That is, the processor 211 acquires store identification data input to the user terminal 3 connected via the communication interface 14 from the user terminal 3.

[0142] The processor 211 constitutes an allowing means by executing the processes of ACT204 and ACT205, and further ACT207 and ACT209 in accordance with the control program. That is, if the store identification data acquired from the user terminal 3 by the first acquiring means is valid data, the processor 211 makes the user terminal 3 available for use.

[0143] The processor 221, which is the main component of the computer provided in the virtual POS server 22, configures a second acquisition means by executing the processes of ACT305 and ACT308 in accordance with the control program. That is, the processor 221 acquires the commodity identification data input to the user terminal 3 from the user terminal 3 that has become available by the permission means.

[0144] The processor 221 constitutes a processing means by executing the processes of ACT309 and ACT310 in accordance with the control program. That is, the processor 221 acquires from the product file 62 product data of the product identified by the product identification data acquired from the user terminal 3 by the second acquisition means, and processes sales data of the purchased product by the consumer using the user terminal 3 based on the product data. Specifically, the processor 221 registers the sales data of the purchased product in the registration table 70 for the user terminal 3 from which the product identification data was acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0145] The processor 211, which is the main component of the computer provided in the store server 21, configures a selection means by executing the processes of ACT223, ACT228, and ACT232 in accordance with the control program. That is, the processor 211 selects, from the identification information stored in the management table 331 in association with the terminal identification data of the user terminal 3, identification information valid for the store identified by the store identification data acquired from the user terminal 3.

[0146] The processor 211 configures second processing means by executing the processes of ACT224, ACT229, ACT230, and ACT233. That is, the processor 211 executes processing related to the product sold by the first processing means using the identification information selected by the selection means. Specifically, if the identification information is identification information of a membership card, the processor 211 executes service processing such as a points service or discount service. Furthermore, if the identification information is identification information of a credit card, the processor 211 executes processing to allow credit card payment. If the identification information is an electronic receipt ID, the processor 211 executes processing to transmit electronic receipt data.

[0147] In this embodiment, the store server 21 of the product sales processing device 2 is equipped with the first acquisition means and the acceptance means, and the virtual POS server 22 is equipped with the second acquisition means and the first processing means. The product sales processing system 1 is composed of the product sales processing device 2 and the user terminal 3 equipped with the first input means and the second input means.

[0148] With the product sales processing system 1 configured as above, a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by a consumer who enters a store can be properly connected to the store server 21 and virtual POS server 22 of the store, and the communication terminal can be used as a self-registration user terminal 3. Therefore, consumers can use their personally owned communication terminal as a user terminal 3 to register purchased products themselves at multiple stores where the product sales processing system 1 is installed.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user terminal 3 includes the management table 331, and the store server 21 includes a selection means and a second processing means. Therefore, according to the product sales processing system 1, identification information valid in the store is automatically selected from the multiple pieces of identification information stored in the management table 331, and processing related to the product sold using that identification information is executed, thereby avoiding the consumer having to go through the time-consuming task of searching for, for example, a credit card, membership card, etc. that can be used in the store. In addition, the consumer can also avoid the task of presenting an electronic receipt ID to a store clerk.

[0150] In this embodiment, the virtual POS server 22 further includes a creation means for creating a registration table 70 for each user terminal 3. Therefore, even if multiple consumers simultaneously use a communication terminal as a user terminal 3 to perform self-registration, the virtual POS server 22 can process the registration correctly.

[0151] Although one embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the store server 21 of the product sales processing device 2 is equipped with the first acquisition means, the allowing means, the selecting means, and the second processing means, and the virtual POS server 22 is equipped with the second acquisition means and the first processing means. In another embodiment, the store server 21 and the virtual POS server 22 may be realized by a single server, and this server may be equipped with each of the means. 10 may be performed by the virtual POS server 22. In this case, if the processor 221 determines YES in ACT210 in FIG. 10, the processor 221 executes the process of ACT302 in FIG.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the medium prepared for each store is a data code 5 in a two-dimensional code system. The medium is not limited to the data code 5. Depending on the amount of information to be included in the medium, a one-dimensional barcode may be used as the medium. Furthermore, if the user terminal 3 is equipped with contactless IC card technology, an antenna for short-range wireless communication may be provided in each store as a medium, and the user terminal 3 may acquire the store setting information 50 via contactless wireless communication.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the data code 5 includes a store entry flag. In another embodiment, the data code 5 may not include a store entry flag. In this case, the processor 31 of the user terminal 3 omits the processing step of ACT106 in FIG. 7, and once the data code 5 is analyzed in ACT105, the processor 31 proceeds to the processing of ACT107.

[0154] The data structure of the store setting information 50 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2. For example, if it is assumed that the implementation will be limited to the stores of a single company, the company code can be omitted from the store setting information 50.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the management table 331 is provided in the external memory 33 of the user terminal 3. The management table 331 does not necessarily have to be stored in the user terminal 3. The management table 331 may also be provided on a cloud that is accessible to the user terminal 3 and the product sales processing device 2. If the management table 331 is provided on the cloud, the user terminal 3 does not necessarily have to be a smartphone or the like that is personally owned by the consumer. For example, it may be a user terminal owned by a store and attached to a shopping cart, a so-called cart terminal. In the case of a cart terminal, the consumer performs a login operation before starting to use it. For example, the store server 21 identifies the consumer in response to the login operation from the cart terminal and obtains the management table 331 related to that consumer. This makes it possible to avoid the consumer having to perform the time-consuming task of searching for a card or the like that can be used at the store. On the other hand, if the management table 331 is provided in the user terminal 3, there is an advantage that the product sales processing system can be configured without using a cloud environment.

[0156] 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 of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1...product sales processing system, 2...product sales processing device, 3...user terminal, 4...network, 5...data code, 21...store server, 22...virtual POS server, 23...communication server, 24...accounting machine, 25...access point, 26...wired LAN, 31...processor, 32...built-in memory, 33...external memory, 34...touch panel, 35...camera, 36...wireless unit, 37...communication interface, 61...product master file, 62...product file, 70...registration table, 211,221...processor, 212,222...main memory, 213,223...auxiliary storage device, 214,224...communication interface, 331...management table

Claims

1. In a user terminal owned by the consumer and capable of self-registering purchased items, An input means for inputting store identification data of the store from a medium provided at the store into which the consumer entered, An acquisition means that acquires identification information indicating that the setting for the store identification data entered via the input means is valid, from a management table that stores a setting indicating whether the identification information is valid at each of the store identification data of multiple stores where the consumer can self-register purchased items using a user terminal owned by the consumer, associated with the identification information of the credit card owned by the consumer. When there are multiple pieces of identification information acquired by the acquisition means, a display control means displays a screen on the display unit prompting the consumer to select a credit card to use from among multiple credit cards identified by the multiple pieces of identification information when the purchased goods are self-registered on the user terminal. A user terminal equipped with this device.

2. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein the screen is a screen that displays the names of the multiple credit cards in a list format.

3. The user terminal according to claim 1, wherein the screen is a screen that displays the expiration dates of the plurality of credit cards in a list format.

4. A first transmission means that transmits the identification information acquired by the acquisition means to a product sales processing device of the store identified by the store identification data. The user terminal according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

5. A second input means for inputting product identification data of products sold at the store entered by the aforementioned consumer, A second transmission means transmits the product identification data input via the second input means to a product sales processing device of a store identified by the store identification data, The user terminal according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. A third transmission means transmits the identification information of the credit card selected by the consumer from the aforementioned screen to the product sales processing device of the store identified by the store identification data. The user terminal according to claim 5, further comprising:

7. A user terminal computer owned by a consumer and capable of self-registering purchased items, An input means for inputting store identification data of the store from a medium provided at the store into which the consumer entered. An acquisition means that acquires identification information indicating that the setting for the store identification data entered via the input means is valid, from a management table that stores a setting indicating whether the identification information is valid at each of the store identification data of multiple stores where the consumer can self-register purchased items using a user terminal owned by the consumer, associated with the identification information of the credit card owned by the consumer, and If there are multiple pieces of identification information obtained by the acquisition means, a display control means displays a screen on the display unit that prompts the consumer to select a credit card to use from among multiple credit cards identified by the multiple pieces of identification information when the purchased goods are self-registered on the user terminal. A shopping assistance program designed to function as such.

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