Information and communication terminals, systems, and programs

Abstract

To improve the convenience of transactions. [Solution] The information communication terminal is an information communication terminal installed in a store, which is operated by a customer while moving around the store to register products. The information communication terminal comprises a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, and a control means. The first acquisition means acquires transaction identification information that identifies a transaction. The second acquisition means acquires a pre-order result indicating whether or not the customer has pre-ordered a reserved product at the store, based on the transaction identification information acquired by the first acquisition means. The control means performs different controls depending on whether or not the reserved product is present, as indicated by the pre-order result acquired by the second acquisition means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information communication terminal, a system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a system for purchasing products using a mobile terminal has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a system, a mobile terminal is attached to a shopping cart used in a store, and a customer operates the mobile terminal to register products.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there is a problem that there is still room for further pursuit of the convenience of transactions.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of improving the convenience of transactions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an information communication terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is an information communication terminal installed in a store, in which a customer registers products by operating the terminal while moving around the store, and is characterized by comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction identification information that identifies a transaction; a second acquisition means for acquiring a pre-order result indicating whether or not the customer has pre-ordered a reserved product at the store based on the transaction identification information acquired by the first acquisition means; and a control means for performing different controls according to whether or not the reserved product is indicated by the pre-order result acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising the information and communication terminal described above, a settlement device for performing settlement, and a product storage device having a plurality of storage slots for storing products, wherein the reserved product is stored in one of the plurality of storage slots, and when the settlement of the reserved product is completed, the settlement device issues a medium containing authentication information for receiving the reserved product from the storage slot in which the reserved product is stored.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising the information and communication terminal described above and a product storage device having a plurality of storage slots for storing products, wherein the reserved product is stored in one of the plurality of storage slots, and the control means, when the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists is obtained by the second acquisition means, displays authentication information for receiving the reserved product from the storage slot in which the reserved product is stored after the settlement of the registered product in the store is completed.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as an information and communication terminal installed in a store, where a customer registers products by operating it while moving around the store, and the program is characterized in that the computer functions as a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction identification information that identifies a transaction, a second acquisition means for acquiring a pre-order result indicating whether or not the customer has pre-ordered a reserved product at the store based on the transaction identification information acquired by the first acquisition means, and a control means that performs different controls according to whether or not the reserved product is indicated by the pre-order result acquired by the second acquisition means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a network configuration for explaining the sales system 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an example of pre-order cart information stored in a pre-order. [Figure 2B] This figure shows an example of in-store shopping cart information stored in the store's registration system. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing the process from pre-ordering a reserved item to storing it in a locker system. [Figure 4] This sequence diagram shows the process from entering the store, to settling the payment for registered and reserved items, and receiving the reserved items. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a sales system, including a store order terminal. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the registration start process performed by the store order terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 7A] This flowchart shows an example of the in-transaction processing performed by the store order terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 7B] This flowchart shows an example of the settlement process performed by the settlement device. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a store ordering terminal. [Figure 9]This diagram shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a store ordering terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network for explaining the sales system 1 of this embodiment. The sales system 1 can be introduced into various types of businesses. These types of businesses include, for example, supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home centers, and consumer electronics retailers. The sales system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a headquarters server 10, a pre-order server 20A, an in-store registration server 20B, a store controller 30, a transaction status management device 40, a settlement device 50, a pre-order terminal 60, a store order terminal 70, a store employee terminal 80, and a locker device 90. Each device is connected to communicate via a network. Each device is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory)), and a communication unit. The network can be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and may be wired or wireless.

[0012] The CPU is a central processing unit that controls the entire system by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit. The memory unit stores various types of information (for example, information referenced or generated by the CPU, information obtained from external sources, etc.). The memory unit is a general term for one or more different storage components (for example, memory or storage devices such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.).

[0013] In the illustration, the devices arranged in the store T are a store controller 30, a transaction status management device 40, a cash register device 50, and a locker device 90. The store T includes a product display area, a checkout area, a backyard, and the like. The store controller 30, the transaction status management device 40, and the cash register device 50 are connected to a LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). Note that the locker device 90 may also be connected to the LAN 19.

[0014] Also, in the store T, there are a pre-order terminal 60 and a store order terminal 70. Outside the store (for example, at the head office, data center, etc.), a head office server 10, a pre-order server 20A, and an in-store registration server 20B are installed. The head office server 10, the pre-order server 20A, and the in-store registration server 20B may be, for example, cloud servers installed in an Internet data center or the like. Also, the head office server 10, the pre-order server 20A, and the in-store registration server 20B may be composed of multiple servers. Also, outside the store, there is a pre-order terminal 60.

[0015] Note that in FIG. 1, the number of each device (terminal) is an illustration. For example, in FIG. 1, "..." is illustrated to the right of the cash register device 50, but the number of cash register devices 50 installed in the store T may be one or more. Also, in FIG. 1, the number of store order terminals 70 in the store T is shown as two in the store T, but it varies according to the number of customers in the store T. Similarly, the number of pre-order terminals 60 outside the store also varies according to the number of customers outside the store. The pre-order terminal 60 may also be present in the store T. Also, in FIG. 1, the number of staff terminals 80 is shown as one, but it varies according to the number of staff performing picking operations and the like.

[0016] Other devices may be installed in the store T. For example, in the store T, a semi-self device group (registration device and cash register device) that registers products based on the operation of the staff and calculates the bill based on the operation of the customer may be installed. Furthermore, in the store T, a full-self device (registration and cash register device) that registers products based on the operation of the customer and calculates the bill based on the operation of the customer may be installed.

[0017] (Pre-order, In-store registration, Reserved products, In-store registered products) Customers can order products on the network (Internet) using the pre-order terminal 60. Hereinafter, the product order on the network may be referred to as a "pre-order", and the pre-ordered product may be referred to as a "reserved product". Also, the registration of products in the store T may be referred to as "in-store registration", and the in-store registered products may be referred to as "in-store registered products".

[0018] (Pre-order server 20A) The pre-order server 20A is a server that supports pre-orders by the pre-order terminal 60. The pre-order server 20A includes a pre-order DB 21A (Fig. 2A). Although details will be described later, the pre-order DB 21A stores various information. The various information includes, for example, a product master used for pre-orders (also referred to as a "product master for pre-orders") and an order file (also referred to as "pre-cart information").

[0019] The product master for pre-orders is a file that stores product codes (product identification information), product names, prices, etc. The product code is the product code of products selected as suitable for pre-orders among the products that can be registered in the store T (or the remaining products after excluding products not suitable for pre-orders among the products that can be registered in the store T).

[0020] The order file is a file that stores order information for each order. Each order information includes, for example, registration date and time, customer identification information (customer ID) for identifying the customer, product information (product code, product name, and price for each reserved product), and transaction status (processing status information).

[0021] (In-store registration server 20B) The in-store registration server 20B is a server that supports in-store registration by the store order terminal 70. The in-store registration server 20B is equipped with the in-store registration DB 21B (Figure 2B). As will be described in detail later, the in-store registration DB 21B stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, the product master used for in-store registration (also referred to as the "product master for in-store registration") and the transaction file (also referred to as the "in-store cart information").

[0022] The in-store product master is a file that stores product codes, product names, prices, etc., for products that can be registered in-store. A transaction file is a file that stores transaction information for each transaction. Each transaction information includes, for example, the date and time of entry, transaction identification information to identify the transaction, customer identification information, product information (including product code, product name, price, and transaction status information for each in-store registered product).

[0023] (Headquarters Server 10) The headquarters server 10 supplies various information to, for example, the pre-order server 20A, the in-store registration server 20B, and the store controller 30. For example, the headquarters server 10 supplies the pre-order product master to the pre-order server 20A. Also, for example, the headquarters server 10 supplies the in-store registration product master to the in-store registration server 20B and the store controller 30.

[0024] (Pre-order terminal 60) The pre-order terminal 60 is used by the customer. The pre-order terminal 60 is used in pre-orders. The pre-order terminal 60 is, for example, a portable terminal device. Specifically, the pre-order terminal 60 is a smartphone, but it may also be a tablet or a laptop computer. The pre-order terminal 60 may also be non-portable. Specifically, the pre-order terminal 60 may be, for example, a desktop computer.

[0025] Although not shown in the diagram, the pre-order terminal 60 includes, for example, a display unit, an operation unit, an audio output unit (speaker), an audio input unit (microphone), an imaging unit (camera), and a communication unit. The pre-order terminal 60 may further include a light-emitting unit (light), a scanner unit, a sensor capable of detecting the position of the pre-order terminal 60 (housing) (e.g., a GPS sensor), and a sensor capable of detecting the attitude and vibration (displacement, velocity, or acceleration) of the pre-order terminal 60 (housing) (e.g., an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope).

[0026] The storage unit of the pre-order terminal 60 stores, for example, customer identification information of the customer using the pre-order terminal 60. The customer identification information only needs to be information that can identify a single customer within the sales system 1. For example, the customer identification information may be information registered when using the services provided by the sales system 1. These services include, for example, the pre-order service provided by the pre-order server 20A, the in-store registration service provided by the in-store registration server 20B, and membership services related to the granting of benefits. Furthermore, the customer identification information may also be information that can identify a single customer beyond the scope of these services (for example, a telephone number, email address, etc.).

[0027] (Store order terminal 70) The store order terminal 70 is an example of an information and communication terminal. The store order terminal 70 is a terminal owned by the store and is a rental terminal that is lent out from the store to the customer. The store order terminal 70 is operated by the customer while moving around the store to register products. The store order terminal 70 is used, for example, when attached to (set up) a shopping cart (not shown). The store order terminal 70 may be a type that can be attached to and detached from the shopping cart, or it may be a type that is stationary. For example, the store order terminal 70 is a smartphone. However, the store order terminal 70 is not limited to a smartphone; it may be a tablet terminal or a dedicated information and communication terminal that can be attached to a shopping cart.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the store order terminal 70 includes, for example, a display unit, an operation unit, an audio output unit (speaker), an audio input unit (microphone), an imaging unit (camera), and a communication unit. The store order terminal 70 is equipped with a code recognition function (scanner function) that reads various codes (for example, product codes attached to products, such as JAN codes) from images captured by the imaging unit. Product registration by the store order terminal 70 is achieved by this code recognition function.

[0029] The display units of the pre-order terminal 60 and the in-store order terminal 70 are, for example, liquid crystal displays that display various information (including image information). The display units are touch panels that can accept operations on the display screen. The touch panels also function as operation units that accept operations from the operator (customer). The operation unit is a general term for one or more operation members (various operation elements (hard buttons) provided on the housing). The audio output unit outputs audio. The audio input unit inputs audio. The imaging unit acquires captured images (still images, moving images). The communication unit sends and receives various information. The communication unit is a general term for one or more communication members (for example, communication members such as 5G mobile wireless communication, wireless LAN, short-range wireless communication, and contactless communication).

[0030] (Store clerk terminal 80) The employee terminal 80 is used by an employee. For example, the employee terminal 80 is used for pre-order operations. Pre-order operations include picking, which involves confirming pre-ordered reserved items and picking them from the display shelves in the store T or the back room, and storing the picked reserved items in the locker device 90. The employee terminal 80 is a portable communication terminal, such as a smartphone. However, the employee terminal 80 may also be a tablet or a laptop computer. The employee terminal 80 includes, for example, a display unit, an operation unit, an audio output unit, an audio input unit, and an imaging unit, similar to the pre-order terminal 60 and the store order terminal 70.

[0031] (Locker device 90) The locker device 90 is an example of a product storage device. The locker device 90 is used by store staff and customers. For example, store staff store reserved items in the locker device 90 during the storage process. Customers receive reserved items from the locker device 90. The locker device 90 has multiple storage compartments. Each storage compartment is equipped with a storage door, which can be locked and unlocked. The locker device 90 also includes a code recognition function (scanner function: handheld scanner) that reads various codes from captured images, and a communication unit. The locker device 90 may also include, for example, a display unit, an operation unit, an audio output unit, and an imaging unit.

[0032] Furthermore, the locker device 90 controls the unlocking of individual storage compartments (storage doors). For example, the locker device 90 may control the unlocking of storage compartments as follows: The locker device 90 obtains a password (unlocking PW) for unlocking each storage compartment from an external device (e.g., a pre-order server 20A) and stores it in its memory. The locker device 90 reads the unlocking code (unlocking PW, storage compartment number, or customer identification information encoded) presented by the customer using its code recognition function. In other words, the locker device 90 obtains the unlocking PW, storage compartment number, and customer identification information based on the unlocking code presented by the customer. The locker device 90 determines whether the unlocking PW obtained from the unlocking code matches the unlocking PW stored in its memory. If the locker device 90 finds that the unlocking password obtained from the unlocking code matches the unlocking password stored in the memory unit, it unlocks the storage compartment corresponding to the storage compartment number obtained from the unlocking code.

[0033] In addition to the above, the locker device 90 may also unlock the storage compartments based on predetermined operations performed by store staff. For example, the locker device 90 may unlock the storage compartment with the specified compartment number when a storage compartment number is specified and an operation to unlock it is performed (such as pressing the unlock button or reading an unlock code for store staff only).

[0034] Regarding the locking of individual storage compartments, the locker device 90 may lock the compartments based on predetermined operations performed by store staff. For example, the locker device 90 may lock the compartment with the specified compartment number when a compartment number is specified and an operation to lock it is performed (such as pressing a lock button or reading a lock code for store staff only). The locker device 90 may also be configured to automatically lock the compartments after store staff have stored items or after customers have retrieved items. Even when the compartments are automatically locked, the locker device 90 may still unlock the compartments based on predetermined operations performed by store staff, as described above.

[0035] (Payment device 50) The payment device 50 is primarily used by customers. Specifically, the payment device 50 settles orders for reserved items placed using the pre-order terminal 60 and in-store registered items registered using the store order terminal 70, based on customer operations.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, the payment device 50 includes a display unit, a scanner unit, a card payment unit (non-cash payment unit), a change dispenser (cash payment unit), a printing unit, an audio output unit, an imaging unit, and a signpost. The payment device 50 may also further include a key operation unit consisting of one or more various operating members, and sensors (such as motion sensors) that detect (detect and recognize) the presence of people.

[0037] The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display that displays various information. The display unit is configured as a touch panel that can accept operations on the display screen. The scanner unit scans various codes (for example, payment codes (described later), membership codes on membership cards, product codes attached to products, employee codes attached to employee name tags, etc.) and reads each code.

[0038] The card payment section is a payment mechanism that accepts various types of cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, cash cards for debit payments, point cards for point payments, etc.). A change dispenser is a cash payment mechanism. The printing department prints and issues various media (receipts, etc.). The audio output unit outputs audio (for example, confirmation sounds, warning sounds, voice guidance, etc.). The imaging unit (camera) acquires captured images (still images, moving images). A sign pole has a light-emitting part at its tip, and various information (such as calling for staff or indicating operating status) is communicated through the way the light-emitting part is illuminated.

[0039] (Store controller 30) The store controller 30 is a server primarily responsible for communicating information between devices installed inside the store (transaction status management device 40, settlement device 50) and devices installed outside the store (head office server 10, pre-order server 20A, in-store registration server 20B).

[0040] (Transaction status management device 40) The transaction status management device 40 is a device (for example, a personal computer) that manages (monitors, controls, etc.) the devices installed in the store. Although not shown in the diagram, the transaction status management device 40 includes a display unit (which may be configured as a touch panel), an operating unit (keyboard, mouse, etc.), etc. The transaction status management device 40 can communicate with a printing device (not shown), and various information may be output from the printing device.

[0041] In addition to managing the devices installed in the store T, the transaction status management device 40 may also access the headquarters server 10 and maintain the product master (product master for pre-orders, product master for in-store registration) stored in the headquarters server 10 (such as setting up products), access the pre-order server 20A and display or modify various information stored in the pre-order server 20A, or access the in-store registration server 20B and display or modify various information stored in the in-store registration server 20B.

[0042] (Payment method for reserved items) Payment for reserved items can be made when placing an order in advance, or upon arrival at the store. When paying for reserved items upon arrival, payment can be made together with payment for other items registered in the store. Alternatively, if no other items are purchased, payment for reserved items can be made separately. Once payment for reserved items is complete, they can be retrieved from the locker device. The customer receives their reserved items from locker device 90.

[0043] (Regarding the delivery of pre-ordered items) When a customer orders a reserved item, they go to the store to pick it up. If the customer's smartphone (pre-order terminal 60) is used as the store order terminal 70, the activation of the camera for in-store registration increases battery consumption and raises the device's temperature. For this reason, customers have a need to avoid using their own smartphone (pre-order terminal 60) as the store order terminal 70. As a result, a loaner terminal is sometimes used as the store order terminal 70. However, when a loaner terminal is used as the store order terminal 70, especially when there is a reserved item, it is sometimes impossible to notify the customer about the pickup of the reserved item. This means that the customer has to remember to pick up the reserved item, and in some cases, they may forget to pick it up at all.

[0044] Furthermore, if reserved items have not yet been paid for, customers will need to pay for them at the store. Customers may also use the store order terminal 70 (rental terminal) to make purchases at the store while picking up their reserved items. In this case, since reserved items are pre-ordered using the pre-order terminal 60, and in-store registered items are registered using the store order terminal 70, if payments for each were to be made separately, customers would have to pay twice, which was inconvenient for them.

[0045] Thus, in transactions involving in-store registration using the store order terminal 70 (rental terminal) and reserved products using the pre-order terminal 60 (smartphone or personal computer), it was sometimes impossible to notify the customer about the delivery of the reserved product, or the transaction would require two separate payments. Therefore, there was room for further improvement in the convenience of these transactions. Accordingly, this embodiment aims to improve the convenience of these transactions.

[0046] Next, we will explain the pre-order cart information stored in the pre-order DB21A and the in-store cart information stored in the in-store registration DB21B using Figures 2A and 2B. The information shown in Figures 2A and 2B represents information about products (reserved items and in-store registered items) purchased by the same customer, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, both the pre-order cart information and the in-store cart information include the customer ID. Therefore, the two are linked by the customer ID.

[0047] (Pre-order DB21A) Figure 2A shows an example of pre-order cart information stored in the pre-order DB21A. As shown in Figure 2A, the pre-order DB21A includes fields for pre-order cart ID, customer ID, product code, product name, quantity, amount, registration date and time, settlement status, delivery status, storage slot number, and unlocking password. When information is entered into each field, the pre-order cart information is stored as a record.

[0048] The pre-order cart ID is information that identifies the virtual cart in a pre-order. For example, the pre-order cart ID is information that combines a serial number assigned by the user, store identification information, and the current date. A customer ID is customer identification information that identifies a customer. Specifically, a customer ID is customer identification information. A customer ID is information that can uniquely identify a customer. For example, a customer ID is a member ID assigned to a member customer.

[0049] A product code is identification information that identifies a product. The product code is the information indicated by the barcode (such as a JAN code) attached to a reserved product specified by the customer. The product name is the name of the pre-ordered item. The illustration shows that a pre-ordered item with the product name "○○ Wine" is registered. The quantity refers to the number of reserved items to be purchased. In the illustration, it shows that one unit of "○○ Wine" has been registered. The amount shown is the purchase price of the reserved item. In the illustration, the price of "○○ Wine" is shown to be ¥980.

[0050] The registration date and time indicate the date and time the pre-order was placed. The settlement status indicates the status related to settlement. Specifically, the settlement status indicates either settled or unsettled. The delivery status indicates the status related to the delivery. Specifically, the delivery status indicates either "delivered" or "not yet delivered." The storage slot number is the number of the storage slot where the reserved item was stored. The storage slot number is entered by a store employee when the reserved item is placed in the storage slot. The unlocking password is the password used to unlock the storage compartment containing the reserved item. The unlocking password is generated by the store clerk terminal 80 when the reserved item is placed in the storage compartment.

[0051] (In-store registration DB21B) Figure 2B shows an example of in-store shopping cart information stored in the in-store registration DB21B. As shown in Figure 2B, the in-store registration DB21B includes fields for in-store shopping cart ID, customer ID, store order terminal ID, product code, product name, quantity, amount, registration date and time, and transaction status. When information is entered into each field, the in-store shopping cart information is stored as a record.

[0052] The in-store cart ID is information that identifies the virtual cart used in in-store registration. The in-store cart ID is, for example, information that combines a serial number assigned by the store, store identification information, and the current date. The customer ID is customer identification information. Figure 2A shows that the customer ID shown and the customer ID shown in Figure 2B are the same. The store order terminal ID is information (terminal number) that identifies store order terminal 70. A product code is identification information that identifies a product. For example, a product code is the information indicated by a product code (such as a JAN code) that a customer has read into the store's ordering terminal 70.

[0053] The product name is the name of the product registered in the store. The illustration shows that a product with the product name "○○ Bento" is registered in the store. The quantity refers to the number of in-store registered items that are being purchased. In the illustration, it shows that one "○○ Bento" is registered. The amount shown is the purchase price of the in-store registered product. In the illustration, the price of "○○ Bento" is shown to be ¥420. The registration date and time indicates the date and time when the in-store product was registered. The transaction status indicates the status of the store order terminal 70's usage. Specifically, the transaction status indicates one of the following statuses: registering, settlement in progress, settlement completed, waiting, charging, etc. The status before return indicates the status from the time settlement is completed until the store order terminal 70 is returned to the designated return location (until it becomes waiting).

[0054] (Operation of each device) Next, the operation of the sales system 1 will be explained using Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 describe the process from when a customer visits the store, pays for both reserved and in-store registered items together, receives the reserved items from the locker device 90, and returns the store order terminal 70.

[0055] (Regarding the process from pre-ordering reserved items to storing them in locker device 90) Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the process from pre-ordering reserved items to storing them in the locker device 90.

[0056] <Pre-order terminal 60> Step S301: The pre-order terminal 60 accepts pre-orders for reserved items based on customer input. Upon receiving a pre-order, the pre-order terminal 60 sends the order details to the pre-order server 20A. These order details include the customer ID, the product code of the reserved item, the quantity to be purchased, and whether payment is to be made.

[0057] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S302: When the pre-order server 20A receives the order details from the pre-order terminal 60, it generates pre-order cart information and inputs and stores the information for each item (such as customer ID and product code). In generating the pre-order cart information, the pre-order server 20A generates a pre-order cart ID. Step S303: The pre-order server 20A sends the pre-order cart information to the store employee terminal 80.

[0058] <Store clerk terminal 80> Step S304: When the employee terminal 80 receives pre-order cart information from the pre-order server 20A, it displays the pre-order cart information on its display unit. The employee then picks the reserved items and stores them in the designated storage compartment.

[0059] Step S305: The clerk terminal 80 receives input from the clerk regarding the storage slot number where the reserved item is stored. Step S306: The store clerk terminal 80 receives confirmation that the reserved item has been stored (by pressing the complete button).

[0060] Step S307: The employee terminal 80 generates an unlocking password to unlock the locker device 90 (storage opening). For example, the unlocking password includes the date, the unit number of the employee terminal 80, and a serial number. Specifically, the unlocking password is "YYMMDDNXXX" which includes YY (last two digits of the year) + MM (month) + DD (day) + NN (unit number of the employee terminal 80) + XXX (three-digit serial number assigned from 000 for each unit each day). Step S308: The employee terminal 80 transmits the unlocking password and storage slot number to the pre-order server 20A. The customer ID is also included in this transmission.

[0061] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S309: The pre-order server 20A receives the unlocking password and storage slot number from the employee terminal 80. Step S310: The pre-order server 20A adds the received storage slot number and unlocking password to the pre-order cart information.

[0062] Step S311: The pre-order server 20A sends the unlocking password to the locker device 90.

[0063] <Locker device 90> Step S312: The locker device 90 receives an unlocking password from the pre-order server 20A. Step S313: The locker device 90 stores the received unlocking password in its memory unit.

[0064] In this way, reserved items that have been pre-ordered by the pre-order terminal 60 are stored in the storage compartment of the locker device 90 inside the store. When a customer goes to the store and has the locker device 90 read the unlocking code printed on the receipt, the storage compartment unlocks and they can pick up their reserved item.

[0065] (From the moment you arrive at the store until you pay for the items you registered in-store and the items you reserved, and receive the reserved items.) Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing the process from entering the store to settling payments for in-store registered items and reserved items, and receiving the reserved items. The following explanation will primarily focus on customers with a customer ID (member customers). Details of each function of the pre-order terminal 60 and the processes performed by the pre-order terminal 60 will be described in detail using Figures 5, 6, and 7A.

[0066] <Pre-order terminal 60> Step S401: First, the pre-order terminal 60 displays a customer code on its display unit in response to the customer's actions upon arrival. The customer code is a representation of the customer ID using a symbol code (one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code). The customer code may include all of the pre-order cart information, or it may include only a part of the pre-order cart information (for example, the pre-order cart ID).

[0067] <Store Order Terminal 70> Step S402: The store order terminal 70 scans the customer code displayed on the pre-order terminal 60. Based on this, the store order terminal 70 obtains the customer ID. When the store order terminal 70 obtains the customer ID, it requests the in-store registration server 20B to initiate a transaction. The transaction initiation request includes the customer ID. In the case of a non-member customer, the store order terminal 70 accepts a selection operation from the customer indicating that they are not a member, and then requests the in-store registration server 20B to initiate a transaction for a non-member.

[0068] <In-store registration server 20B> Step S403: When the in-store registration server 20B receives a transaction initiation request (customer ID) from the store order terminal 70, it generates in-store cart information. In generating the in-store cart information, the in-store registration server 20B generates an in-store cart ID. Once the in-store cart information is generated, the in-store registration server 20B sends the in-store cart ID to the store order terminal 70.

[0069] <Store Order Terminal 70> Step S404: When the store order terminal 70 obtains the customer ID in step S402, it queries the pre-order server 20A to check for the availability of reserved items based on the customer ID.

[0070] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S405: When the pre-order server 20A receives an inquiry from the store order terminal 70, it refers to the pre-order cart information stored in the pre-order DB 21A and determines whether or not there are reserved items for that customer (the customer ID). Step S406: The pre-order server 20A sends the pre-order result, indicating whether or not there are reserved items, to the store order terminal 70. The pre-order result includes product information (product code, product name, quantity, price) and pre-order cart ID for the reserved items.

[0071] <Store Order Terminal 70> Step S407: The store order terminal 70 receives the pre-order result. Step S408: If the store receives a pre-order result indicating that there are reserved items, the store order terminal 70 will notify the customer by voice or image that there are reserved items (for example, the pickup message 841 in Figure 8(D)). If the store receives a pre-order result indicating that there are no reserved items, the store order terminal 70 will proceed to step S409 without making the notification.

[0072] Step S409: The store order terminal 70 registers the product. Specifically, the store order terminal 70 registers the product by having the imaging unit read the product code. In product registration, the store order terminal 70 sends the product code to the in-store registration server 20B and obtains product information (product name, unit price, etc.) corresponding to the product code from the in-store registration server 20B. In addition to reading the product code, product registration may also be performed by pressing a preset key corresponding to the product.

[0073] <In-store registration server 20B> Step S410: When the in-store registration server 20B receives a product code from the store order terminal 70, it updates the in-store cart information by adding product information (product name, quantity, price, etc.) including the product code to the in-store cart information.

[0074] <Store Order Terminal 70> Step S411: The store order terminal 70 repeats the process in step S409 (product registration) until it receives the start payment button. Step S412: When the store order terminal 70 receives the payment start button, it displays a payment code (described later).

[0075] <Payment device 50> Step S413: The payment device 50 scans the payment code displayed on the store order terminal 70. The payment code includes the following information: ·Customer ID. • Pre-order cart ID. • In-store shopping cart ID. • Information indicating that a request will be made to send pre-order information to the pre-order server 20A. • Information indicating that a request will be made to send in-store shopping cart information to the in-store registration server 20B.

[0076] Step S414: When the payment device 50 scans the payment code, it requests the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B to send cart information (pre-order cart information or in-store cart information). In the request to send in-store cart information, the payment device 50 sends the customer ID or cart ID (pre-order cart ID and in-store cart ID) obtained from the payment code to the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B.

[0077] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S415: When the pre-order server 20A receives a request from the payment device 50 to send pre-order cart information, it refers to the pre-order DB 21A, identifies the pre-order cart information based on the pre-order cart ID, and sends the pre-order cart information to the payment device 50. The pre-order cart information includes the unlocking password.

[0078] <In-store registration server 20B> Step S416: When the in-store registration server 20B receives a request from the checkout device 50 to send in-store cart information, it refers to the in-store registration DB 21B, identifies the in-store cart information based on the in-store cart ID, and sends the in-store cart information to the checkout device 50.

[0079] <Payment device 50> Step S417: When the payment device 50 receives pre-order information and in-store cart information from the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B, it performs payment processing based on this cart information. The payment processing includes accepting the selection of the payment type. Step S418: The settlement process also includes issuing a receipt. When a reserved item is being handed over, the settlement device 50 prints an unlocking code on the receipt, which is an unlocking password represented by a symbol code. Then, once the settlement process is complete, the settlement device 50 sends a settlement completion notification to the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B.

[0080] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S419: When the pre-order server 20A receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 50, it executes the payment completion process. In the payment completion process, the payment status of the pre-order cart information (Figure 2A) is updated to a paid status, and if the cart information includes a payment completion date and time, that date and time are stored.

[0081] <In-store registration server 20B> Step S420: When the in-store registration server 20B receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 50, it executes the payment completion process. In the payment completion process, the transaction status (Figure 2B) of the in-store cart information is updated to a paid status, and if the cart information includes the payment completion date and time, that date and time are stored. In addition, the in-store registration server 20B sends a payment completion notification to the non-member customer's in-store order terminal 70 during the payment completion process, indicating that the payment has been completed. When the non-member customer's in-store order terminal 70 receives the payment completion notification, it proceeds to step S428 and notifies the return of the in-store order terminal 70.

[0082] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S421: If there is a pre-order server 20A to pick up a reserved item, it sends a notification instruction regarding the pick-up of the reserved item to the store order terminal 70.

[0083] <Store Order Terminal 70> Step S422: When the store order terminal 70 receives the notification instruction from the pre-order server 20A, it notifies the customer of the delivery of the reserved product. This notification is, for example, a notification prompting the customer to pick up the reserved product from the locker device 90.

[0084] <Locker device 90> Step S423: After completing the transaction, the customer goes to the locker device 90 and has the scanner on the locker device 90 read the unlocking code printed on the receipt. The locker device 90 obtains the unlocking password by scanning the unlocking code. Step S424: The locker device 90 unlocks the storage compartment if the acquired unlocking password matches the unlocking password stored when the compartment was locked.

[0085] Step S425: When the locker device 90 unlocks the storage opening, it sends a message to the pre-order server 20A indicating that it has been unlocked.

[0086] <Pre-order server 20A> Step S426: When the pre-order server 20A receives notification from the locker device 90 that it has been unlocked, it performs a delivery completion process. In the delivery completion process, the delivery status of the pre-order cart information (Figure 2A) is updated to the delivered status, and if the cart information includes a delivery completion date and time, that date and time are stored. Step S427: The pre-order server 20A sends a delivery completion notification to the store order terminal 70.

[0087] <Store Order Terminal 70> Step S428: When the store order terminal 70 receives a delivery completion notification from the pre-order server 20A, it notifies the server that it will return the store order terminal 70 to a designated return location. Step S429: When the store order terminal 70 is returned to the designated return location, it sends a return completion notification to the in-store registration server 20B.

[0088] <In-store registration server 20B> Step S430: When the in-store registration server 20B receives a return completion notification, it executes the return completion process. In the return completion process, the transaction status of the in-store cart information (Figure 2B) is updated to a waiting or charging status, and if the cart information includes a return date and time, that date and time are stored.

[0089] (Functional configuration of the store order terminal 70) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a sales system 1 including a store order terminal 70. As shown in Figure 5, the store order terminal 70 includes a first acquisition unit 501, a second acquisition unit 502, and a control unit 503, in addition to a display unit 504. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU of the store order terminal 70. That is, the CPU realizes each functional unit by executing the sales data processing program according to this embodiment.

[0090] (1st acquisition part 501) The first acquisition unit 501 acquires the customer ID (member ID) as transaction identification information. Transaction identification information can be any information that can uniquely identify a transaction. Transaction identification information is not limited to the customer ID; for example, it may be the terminal identification information of the pre-order terminal 60. The first acquisition unit 501 acquires the customer ID based on the customer code displayed on the pre-order terminal 60. Note that the acquisition of the customer ID is not limited to the customer code. For example, the customer ID may be acquired from a card that stores the customer ID (for example, a membership card). This allows the first acquisition unit 501 to acquire the customer ID even if the pre-order terminal 60 is a desktop computer. Note that, from a security standpoint, the store order terminal 70 may prohibit the acquisition of the customer ID by customer operation input (manual input).

[0091] (Second acquisition part 502) The second acquisition unit 502 acquires pre-order results indicating whether a customer has pre-ordered reserved items at the store, based on the customer ID acquired by the first acquisition unit 501. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 502 queries the pre-order server 20A for the presence of reserved items based on the customer ID. The pre-order server 20A refers to the pre-order cart information stored in the pre-order DB 21A (Figure 2A) and determines whether a reserved item exists for the customer (the customer ID). The pre-order server 20A sends the pre-order results indicating the presence or absence of reserved items to the store order terminal 70. As a result, the second acquisition unit 502 acquires the pre-order results. Note that if the pre-order results indicate "reserved items exist," in addition to information indicating this, the results also include product information for the reserved items (product code, product name, quantity, price) and the pre-order cart ID.

[0092] (Control Unit 503) The control unit 503 performs different controls depending on whether or not there are reserved items, as indicated by the pre-order result acquired by the second acquisition unit 502. For example, if the pre-order result indicates "reserved items available," the control unit 503 outputs information indicating that there is a pre-order. This information includes, for example, a notification such as, "There are reserved items. Please be careful not to forget to pick them up." This notification is made by voice or image. After this notification, the control unit 503 starts in-store registration. On the other hand, if the pre-order result indicates "no reserved items," the control unit 503 starts in-store registration without making the notification.

[0093] (Display of reserved items on the registration screen) The control unit 503 can display a registration screen on the display unit 504 that shows products to be registered in the store (in-store registered products). If payment for reserved products has not yet been made, the control unit 503 will display the reserved products on the registration screen. The control unit 503 will also display the total amount of reserved products and in-store registered products on the display unit 504. This makes it possible to pay for reserved products and in-store registered products simultaneously. If payment for reserved products has already been made, the control unit 503 may or may not display the reserved products on the registration screen.

[0094] Furthermore, if payment for reserved items has already been settled, the store order terminal 70 may display a message (text or mark) on a portion of the registration screen indicating that there are reserved items. This allows staff to remind customers of their reserved items even when they are registering items while walking around the store.

[0095] (Unlock password and unlocking: If payment for reserved items has not yet been settled) The reserved items are stored in one of the multiple storage slots provided by the locker device 90. If the reserved items have not yet been paid for, the payment device 50 issues a medium (receipt) containing an unlocking password (authentication information) once the payment for the reserved items is completed. The unlocking password is authentication information for retrieving the reserved items from the storage slot in which they are stored. The payment device 50 issues an unlocking code 511, which represents the unlocking password using a symbol code, to the receipt 510. A reading message 512 is printed on the receipt. The reading message 512 indicates that the locker device 90 should read the unlocking code 511 printed on the receipt 510.

[0096] The payment device 50 issues a receipt 510 once the settlement of a transaction that includes reserved items is complete, regardless of whether or not the reserved items are registered in the store. In other words, even if the reserved items have not yet been settled and the customer has come to the store to pick up only the reserved items, the payment device 50 can issue a receipt 510 once the settlement of the reserved items is complete.

[0097] The locker device 90 unlocks the storage compartment corresponding to the storage compartment number read from the unlocking code 511 if the unlocking password obtained by scanning the unlocking code 511 matches an unlocking password that has been stored in advance.

[0098] (If you visit the store solely to pick up a pre-ordered item that has already been paid for.) Furthermore, even if a customer visits the store solely to pick up a pre-paid reserved item, that is, without using the store order terminal 70 or payment device 50, an unlocking code is required to unlock the locker device 90. The unlocking code may be displayed on the pre-order terminal 60, printed on paper, or obtained from a membership card. First, we will describe in detail the case where the unlocking code is displayed on the pre-order terminal 60.

[0099] (Example of displaying the unlocking code on the pre-order terminal 60) The pre-order terminal 60 requests the pre-order server 20A to send an unlocking password. This request includes a customer ID. The pre-order server 20A refers to the pre-order DB 21A and determines, based on the customer ID, whether or not the payment for the reserved product has been settled. If payment has been settled, it sends the unlocking password to the pre-order terminal 60. As a result, the pre-order terminal 60 can display an unlocking code, which is an encoded version of the unlocking password obtained from the pre-order server 20A.

[0100] (Example of printing the unlocking code on paper) If the pre-order terminal 60 is not portable (for example, a desktop computer), customers cannot take the pre-order terminal 60 into the store. Therefore, the pre-order terminal 60 prints an unlocking code, which is an encoded version of the unlocking password obtained from the pre-order server 20A, onto a piece of paper. Customers can take this paper to the store and have the locker device 90 scan the unlocking code to unlock the storage compartment.

[0101] (Example where locker device 90 obtains an unlocking password from a member card) Furthermore, it is also possible to unlock the storage compartment by having the locker device 90 read the member card. Specifically, when the locker device 90 reads the member card (customer ID), it can access the pre-order server 20A, obtain the unlocking password corresponding to the customer ID, and unlock the storage compartment. This allows customers to visit the store solely to pick up their reserved items, even if the pre-order terminal 60 is not portable (for example, a desktop computer).

[0102] (Registration start process performed by store order terminal 70) Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the registration start process performed by the store order terminal 70 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 6 represents the process from when a customer arrives at the store until in-store registration begins. As shown in Figure 6, the store order terminal 70 waits until it receives a transaction start operation (step S601:NO). The transaction start operation may include, for example, receiving a tap operation on the screen while in the waiting state, or disconnecting the store order terminal 70 from the charger if it is connected to the charger.

[0103] When the store order terminal 70 receives a transaction initiation operation (step S601: YES), it displays a member selection screen 810 (Figure 8(A)) and determines whether the customer is a member or not by accepting either a member or non-member status on the member selection screen (step S602). If the customer is not a member (step S602: NO), the store order terminal 70 proceeds to step S609 and starts in-store registration. On the other hand, if the customer is a member (step S602: YES), the store order terminal 70 displays a scan prompt screen 820 (Figure 8(B)) and scans the customer code displayed on the pre-order terminal 60 in response to the customer's operation (step S603: customer code scanning screen 830 in Figure 8(C)).

[0104] Then, the store order terminal 70 queries the pre-order server 20A for the presence of reserved items based on the customer ID obtained from the customer code (step S604). When the store order terminal 70 receives a pre-order result from the pre-order server 20A indicating the presence of reserved items, it determines whether the received pre-order result indicates "reserved items available" or not (step S605). If the pre-order result does not indicate "reserved items available" (step S605: NO), that is, if the pre-order result indicates "no reserved items", the store order terminal 70 proceeds to step S609 and starts in-store registration.

[0105] On the other hand, if the pre-order result indicates "reserved items available" (step S605: YES), the store order terminal 70 notifies the store that there are reserved items via voice or image (step S606: reserved item notification screen 840 in Figure 8(D)). The store order terminal 70 then determines whether or not payment for the reserved items has been made (step S607). If payment for the reserved items has not been made (step S607: NO), that is, if payment for the reserved items has been made, the store order terminal 70 proceeds to step S609.

[0106] On the other hand, if payment for the reserved item has not yet been settled (step S607: YES), the store order terminal 70 adds the reserved item to the registration screen that displays the in-store registered items and displays it (step S608: registered item column 842 in Figure 8(D)). Then, the store order terminal 70 starts in-store registration (step S609) and ends the series of processes. After starting in-store registration, the store order terminal 70 then performs the transaction processing shown in Figure 7A.

[0107] As shown in the flowchart above, when a store order terminal 70 is in a transaction with a member customer, if there are reserved items, it will notify the customer that there are reserved items. Furthermore, if the payment for the reserved items has not yet been settled, the store order terminal 70 will add the reserved items to the registration screen and display them. On the other hand, in the case of a non-member customer, since there are no reserved items, the store order terminal 70 will not make the notification, nor will it display the reserved items on the registration screen.

[0108] (Transaction processing performed by store order terminal 70) Figure 7A is a flowchart showing an example of the in-transaction processing performed by the store order terminal 70 according to this embodiment.

[0109] As shown in Figure 7A, the store order terminal 70 displays the product registration screen 910 (Figure 9(A)) to determine whether or not the product code has been scanned (step S701). If the product has been scanned (step S701: YES), the store order terminal 70 registers the product and displays the registered product (step S702). On the other hand, if the product has not been scanned (step S701: NO), the store order terminal 70 proceeds to step S703.

[0110] In step S703, the store order terminal 70 determines whether or not it has accepted the start of payment when the start of payment button 845 (Figure 9(A)) is pressed (step S703). If the start of payment is not accepted (step S703: NO), the store order terminal 70 returns to step S701. On the other hand, if the start of payment is accepted (step S703: YES), the store order terminal 70 displays the payment code 922 on the payment code screen 920 in Figure 9(B) (step S704).

[0111] The store order terminal 70 then determines whether the registered items include reserved items (step S705). If the registered items include reserved items (step S705: YES), the store order terminal 70 determines whether it has received a notification from the pre-order server 20A prompting the pickup of the reserved items upon completion of the settlement process (step S706). The store order terminal 70 waits until it receives the notification (step S706: NO), and upon receiving the notification (step S706: YES), it displays the delivery notification screen 930 in Figure 9(C) to provide notification regarding the delivery of the reserved items (step S707).

[0112] Then, the store order terminal 70 determines whether or not it has received a delivery completion notification from the pre-order server 20A when the storage opening of the locker device 90 is unlocked (step S708). The store order terminal 70 waits until it receives the delivery completion notification (step S708: NO), and when it receives the delivery completion notification (step S708: YES), it displays the return notification screen 940 in Figure 9(D) to notify that the store order terminal 70 should be returned to the designated return location (step S709).

[0113] The store order terminal 70 then determines whether the return of its own device has been completed (step S710). The store order terminal 70 displays a return completion button 942 (Figure 9(D)) indicating that the device has been returned, and determines that the return has been completed when this button is pressed by the customer. The determination that the return has been completed is not limited to the pressing of this button; it may also be determined when the device is connected to the charger, or when the device is located at the designated return location using the location detection function of the store order terminal 70.

[0114] The store order terminal 70 waits until the return of its own terminal is complete (step S710: NO), and once the return of its own terminal is complete (step S710: YES), it sends a return completion notification to the in-store registration server 20B (step S711), and terminates the series of processes. When the in-store registration server 20B receives the return completion notification, it executes the return completion process, and in this return completion process, it updates the transaction status of the in-store cart information (Figure 2B) to the waiting status.

[0115] In step S705, if the registered items do not include reserved items (step S705: NO), the store order terminal 70 determines whether or not it has received a payment completion notification from the in-store registration server 20B upon completion of the payment process (step S712). The store order terminal 70 waits until it receives a payment completion notification (step S712: NO), and upon receiving the payment completion notification (step S712: YES), the store order terminal 70 proceeds to step S709 and notifies that the store order terminal 70 has returned.

[0116] (Settlement process performed by settlement device 50) Figure 7B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the settlement process performed by the settlement device 50. As shown in Figure 7B, the settlement device 50 determines whether or not the registered items include reserved items (step S721). If the registered items do not include reserved items (step S721: YES), the settlement device 50 performs the settlement process only for the in-store registered items (step S722). Then, in this settlement process, the settlement device 50 issues a regular receipt that does not include an unlocking code (step S723), and concludes the series of processes.

[0117] In step S721, if the registered items include reserved items (step S721: YES), the payment device 50 determines whether the reserved items have already been paid for (step S724). If the reserved items have already been paid for (step S724: YES), the payment process is performed only for the in-store registered items (step S725), and the process proceeds to step S727, where a receipt 510 (Figure 5(A)) containing an unlocking code is issued.

[0118] On the other hand, if the reserved items have not been paid for (step S724: NO), the payment device 50 performs payment processing for both the reserved items and the items registered in the store (step S726). Then, the payment device 50 issues a receipt 510 (Figure 5(A)) containing an unlocking code (step S727), and the series of processes ends.

[0119] (Example of a screen displayed on the store order terminal 70) Figures 8 and 9 show examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the store order terminal 70. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an example of registering products in the store, settling payments for registered and reserved products, and returning the store order terminal 70.

[0120] Figure 8(A) shows the member selection screen 810 that is displayed at the start of a transaction. The member selection screen 810 is a screen that accepts whether the user is a member or a non-member. Specifically, the member selection screen 810 includes a member button 811 and a non-member button 812. The Member button 811 confirms that the user is a member customer. The non-member button 812 accepts that the customer is a non-member. When the member button 811 is pressed, the user is redirected to the customer code scan prompt screen 820 shown in Figure 8(B). When the non-member button 812 is pressed, the user is redirected to the in-store registration screen (not shown), where they can register in-store.

[0121] Figure 8(B) shows the customer code scan prompt screen 820. The scan prompt screen 820 includes an imaging area 821 and a read instruction notification 822. The imaging area 821 indicates the area for scanning the customer code. The reading instruction notification 822 indicates a notification to read the customer code. The customer displays their customer code on the pre-order terminal 60 and has the terminal scan the customer code.

[0122] Figure 8(C) shows the customer code scanning screen 830. As shown in the scanning screen 830, when the pre-order terminal 60 is set so that the customer code 831 is captured in the imaging area 821, the store order terminal 70 scans the customer code 831. After scanning the customer code 831, the store order terminal 70 queries the pre-order server 20A for the existence of reserved items based on the customer ID obtained from the customer code 831. The store order terminal 70 then receives the pre-order result from the pre-order server 20A and displays the reserved item notification screen 840 (Figure 8(D)) that reflects the pre-order result. If there are no pre-orders for reserved items, the system transitions to the in-store registration screen (not shown), which is a screen where in-store registration can be performed.

[0123] Figure 8(D) shows the reserved product notification screen 840. The reserved product notification screen 840 includes a receipt message 841, a registered product field 842, a total display field 843, a scan area 844, a checkout start button 845, and a confirmation button 846. Receipt message 841 indicates that there is a reserved item and serves as a reminder to not forget to pick it up. This notification may be made by voice, in lieu of or in addition to the display.

[0124] The registered product field 842 indicates that a reserved product (○○ wine) is registered. In the registered product field 842, reserved products are displayed in a different manner than in-store registered products. In the illustration, reserved products are displayed in a different manner than in-store registered products by adding the word "reserved" to indicate that they are reserved products. Note that the different display manner is not limited to adding the word "reserved," but may also include, for example, a different background image color, different font color or size, or a blinking effect.

[0125] The total display field 843 shows the total number of items and the total price of the registered products. In the illustration, the total display field 843 shows that the total number of items is 1 and the total price is ¥980. The scan area 844 is the area for reading the product code. When the product is placed so that the product code is visible in the scan area 844, the store order terminal 70 scans the product code. The settlement start button 845 is a button that accepts the start of settlement (completion of registration). Confirmation button 846 is the button that accepts the start of in-store registration. When the confirmation button 846 is pressed, the user is redirected to the product registration screen 910 shown in Figure 9(A).

[0126] Figure 9(A) shows the product registration screen 910. On the product registration screen 910, the registered product field 842 shows that the in-store registered product "○○ Bento" has been added and registered. The total display field 843 shows that there are a total of 2 items, consisting of the reserved product "○○ Wine" and the in-store registered product "○○ Bento," and the total amount is ¥1400. When the checkout start button 845 is pressed on the product registration screen 910, the screen transitions to the checkout code screen 920 shown in Figure 9(B).

[0127] Figure 9(B) shows the settlement code screen 920. The settlement code screen 920 includes a settlement message 921, a settlement code 922, a total field 923, and a back button 924. The settlement message 921 indicates a notification to the settlement device 50 to read the settlement code 922. The settlement code 922 represents the settlement request information using a symbol code. The settlement request information includes the customer ID, pre-order cart ID, in-store cart ID, information indicating a request to send pre-order cart information to the pre-order server 20A, and information indicating a request to send in-store cart information to the in-store registration server 20B. The total column 923 shows the total points and total amount for both reserved items and in-store registered items, as well as the total points and total amount for each of the reserved items and in-store registered items. The back button 924 is a button that accepts a return from the settlement code screen 920 to the product registration screen 910.

[0128] The customer has the payment device 50 read the payment code 922. Upon reading the payment code 922, the payment device 50 performs the payment process. Specifically, the payment device 50 requests the pre-order server 20A to transmit pre-order cart information and the in-store registration server 20B to transmit in-store cart information, obtains the pre-order cart information and in-store cart information, and then performs the payment process. During the payment process, the payment device 50 issues a receipt 510 including an unlocking code 511 (Figure 5). Furthermore, once the payment is completed in the payment device 50, the store order terminal 70 receives a notification instruction from the pre-order server 20A regarding the handover of reserved items and displays a handover notification screen 930 (Figure 9(C)) based on the notification instruction.

[0129] Figure 9(C) shows the handover notification screen 930. The handover notification screen 930 includes a read message 931. The read message 931 is a notification that the customer should have the locker device 90 read the unlock code 511 printed on the receipt 510. The customer has the locker device 90 read the unlock code 511. As a result, the locker device 90 unlocks the storage compartment where the reserved item is stored, making it possible to hand over the reserved item. When the locker device 90 is unlocked, the store order terminal 70 receives a handover completion notification from the pre-order server 20A and displays the return notification screen 940 shown in Figure 9(D).

[0130] Figure 9(D) shows the return notification screen 940. The return notification screen 940 includes a return message 941 and a return complete button 942. The return message 941 indicates a request to return the store order terminal 70 and a request to press the return completion button 942 if the terminal has been returned. When the customer returns the store order terminal 70 to the designated return location, they press the return complete button.

[0131] As described above, the store order terminal 70 according to this embodiment is a rental terminal installed in the store. Upon acquiring a customer ID, it acquires the pre-order result based on the customer ID and performs different controls depending on whether or not there are reserved items indicated in the pre-order result. This allows customers to meet the needs of those who do not want to use their own smartphones (pre-order terminals 60) as in-store order terminals 70, while still being able to purchase in-store registered items as usual if there are no reserved items, and efficiently handling in-store registration and delivery of reserved items if there are reserved items. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of transactions related to in-store registration using the in-store order terminal 70 (rental terminal) and reserved items using the pre-order terminal 60.

[0132] Furthermore, if the store order terminal 70 according to this embodiment obtains a pre-order result indicating that there are reserved items, it will output a receipt message 841 (Figure 8(D)) related to the delivery of the reserved items. This allows the store order terminal 70, which is a rental terminal, to notify the customer when they can pick up their reserved item. Therefore, it is possible to prevent customers from forgetting to pick up their reserved item.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the store order terminal 70 displays the reserved product on the product registration screen 910 (Figure 9(A)) if payment for the reserved product has not yet been settled. This allows customers to be aware of their reserved items and to pay for both reserved and in-store registered items together. Therefore, customers can pay for both reserved and in-store registered items quickly and easily.

[0134] Furthermore, in the sales system 1 according to this embodiment, once the settlement device 50 has completed the settlement of the reserved items, it issues a medium (receipt 510 in Figure 5) containing authentication information (unlocking password) for receiving the reserved items from the storage opening of the locker device 90. This allows the reserved items to be handed over to the customer after payment is complete. Therefore, customers can receive their reserved items before leaving the store, reducing the likelihood of them forgetting to pick them up.

[0135] Furthermore, the store order terminal 70 according to this embodiment obtains a customer ID by reading a symbol code that includes the customer ID. This allows the store ordering terminal 70 to obtain the customer ID through a simple operation, such as scanning a symbol code, while maintaining security.

[0136] (Modified examples of the embodiment) Next, modifications of the embodiments will be described. In the following modifications, explanations of the contents described in the embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine each of the following modifications and each of the components of the embodiments.

[0137] (Variation 1: An example of displaying the unlocking code 511 on the store order terminal 70) First, let's describe Modification 1. In the embodiment described above, we explained an example in which the unlocking code 511 (Figure 5) is displayed (printed) on the receipt 510. In Modification 1, instead of or in addition to such an example, we will describe an example in which the unlocking code 511 is displayed on the store order terminal 70.

[0138] In Modification 1, the store order terminal 70 displays the unlock code 511 after the payment for the in-store registered items is completed. The store order terminal 70 makes the unlock code 511 available to display once the payment for the in-store registered items and reserved items is completed (or, if the reserved items have already been paid for, once the payment for the in-store registered items is completed).

[0139] To explain in more detail, when the pre-order server 20A completes the settlement of the reserved items at the settlement device 50 (when it receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement device 50 in step S417 of Figure 4), it sends an instruction to display the unlocking code 511 to the store order terminal 70. More specifically, when the pre-order server 20A sends a notification instruction regarding the handover of reserved items (step S421 of Figure 4), it sends an instruction to display the unlocking code 511 and the unlocking password. As a result, the store order terminal 70 displays the unlocking code 511, which is represented by a symbol code, on its display unit.

[0140] After completing the payment, the customer goes to the locker device 90 and has the unlocking code displayed on the store order terminal 70 read by the scanner on the locker device 90. This allows the locker device 90 to obtain the unlocking password and unlock the storage compartment.

[0141] In this manner, when the store order terminal 70 in the modified example 1 obtains a pre-order result indicating that there are reserved items, it displays an unlocking code 511 (authentication information) for retrieving the reserved items from the storage compartment where the reserved items are stored, after the settlement of the in-store registered items is completed. This allows customers to receive their reserved items after the payment for in-store registered items has been completed. Therefore, customers can receive their reserved items before leaving the store, reducing the likelihood of them forgetting to pick them up.

[0142] (Variation 2: An example in which the store ordering terminal 70 obtains the customer ID via communication.) Next, we will describe a second modification. In the embodiment described above, we explained an example in which the store order terminal 70 obtains the customer ID by reading the customer code. In modification 2, we will describe an example in which the store order terminal 70 obtains the customer ID by communication.

[0143] In Modification 2, the store order terminal 70 and the pre-order terminal 60 are capable of short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The store order terminal 70 obtains the customer ID from the pre-order terminal 60 via short-range wireless communication. This allows the store ordering terminal 70 to obtain the customer ID through simple operation using short-range wireless communication while maintaining security.

[0144] (Modification 3: Example with an exit gate) Next, we will describe Modification 3. Modification 3 describes an example in which the sales system 1 is equipped with an exit gate. In Modification 3, the exit gate is installed near the exit of the store and is a device to prevent customers who have not finished paying from leaving the store. The exit gate is equipped with a scanner unit. The exit gate is opened when the exit code is scanned by the scanner unit. The exit code is a symbol code (for example, a 2D code) that represents the customer ID and payment completion information indicating that payment has been completed.

[0145] The exit code may be printed on paper, such as a receipt, or displayed on the store order terminal 70. For example, the payment device 50 may issue a receipt with the exit code printed on it once payment is complete. Alternatively, the store order terminal 70 may enable the display of the exit code once payment for reserved items or items registered in-store has been completed. The processing procedure for displaying the exit code on the store order terminal 70 is the same as the processing procedure for displaying the unlock code 511 shown in Modification 1.

[0146] (Procedure for moving when the locker device 90 is located inside the store, beyond the exit gate) If the locker device 90 is installed inside the store beyond the exit gate, the procedure for customers to move when leaving the store will be as follows (A1) to (A3). (A1) Pick up reserved items at locker device 90. (A2) Return of store order terminal 70. (A3) Pass through the exit gate.

[0147] Specifically, after the customer has finished paying for their reserved items and items registered in-store, they move to the locker device 90 to pick up their reserved items. The customer places the received reserved items into their shopping cart. Then, the customer moves to the bagging area to bag their reserved and registered items. After this, the customer returns the in-store order terminal 70 and shopping cart and exits the store through the exit gate.

[0148] The exit gate may be kept closed if the customer has not yet received their reserved items from the locker device 90. Specifically, in a transaction involving reserved items, when the storage slot of the locker device 90 is opened, the exit gate obtains the customer ID related to the opening from the pre-order server 20A and stores it in the memory unit. When the exit gate reads the exit code, it determines whether the customer ID obtained from the exit code matches the customer ID stored in the memory unit. In this determination, the exit gate opens if they match and keeps them closed if they do not match. If it keeps them closed, the exit gate may make a notification prompting the customer to receive their reserved items. This notification may be made by display or sound via a monitor or speaker provided by the exit gate. This allows the exit gate to prompt the customer to receive their reserved items if they attempt to leave without receiving them, thereby ensuring that the customer receives their reserved items.

[0149] (Procedure for moving the locker device 90 when it is located outside the exit gate) If the locker device 90 is installed outside the exit gate, the procedure for customers to move when leaving the store will be as follows (B1) to (B3). (1) Return of store order terminal 70. (2) Passing through the exit gate. (3) Pick up reserved items using the locker device 90.

[0150] Specifically, after customers have finished paying for their reserved items and items registered in-store, they move to the bagging area to bag their registered items. Then, they return the store order terminal 70 and shopping cart and pass through the exit gate. After that, they move to the locker device 90 to pick up their reserved items and leave the store.

[0151] Furthermore, the store order terminal 70 is returned before the customer moves to the exit gate. Therefore, the exit code is printed on the receipt. Even in this manner, the presence of an exit gate prevents customers who have not completed payment from leaving the store, thus preventing fraudulent transactions.

[0152] (Variation 4: Example of notification when attempting to return the store order terminal 70 before the reserved product is handed over) Next, Modification 4 will be described. Modification 4 describes an example of notification when the store order terminal 70 is to be returned before the reserved product is handed over. In the embodiment described above, the store order terminal 70 is returned after the reserved product has been received. Specifically, as shown in steps S708 and S709 of Figure 7A, when the store order terminal 70 receives a delivery completion notification from the pre-order server 20A when the storage opening of the locker device 90 is unlocked, it notifies that it will return the store order terminal 70 and is returned.

[0153] Now, let's assume that a customer forgets to pick up their reserved item, and the store order terminal 70 is returned without the reserved item being handed over. In this case, since the locker device 90 is not unlocked, the notification regarding the handover of the reserved item (step S707) will not be issued.

[0154] Therefore, in Modification 4, if the store order terminal 70 determines that the reserved product has not been handed over (in other words, that the terminal has been returned without receiving a delivery completion notification), it will notify the customer that the reserved product has been handed over. This notification may be, for example, "Please return the terminal after receiving the reserved product."

[0155] (Regarding the decision to return your device) Furthermore, if the reserved item has not been handed over, the locker device 90 will not be unlocked, and therefore the return completion button 942 (Figure 9(D)) will not be displayed. In other words, the store order terminal 70 cannot determine the return of its own terminal by pressing the return completion button 942. For this reason, the store order terminal 70 in the modified example 4 determines the return of its own terminal when the terminal is connected to the charger or when the terminal is located at the return location using the location detection function provided by the store order terminal 70.

[0156] According to Modification 4, if the store order terminal 70 is returned without the reserved product being handed over, the store order terminal 70 notifies the store that the reserved product is ready for pickup. This helps prevent customers from forgetting to pick up their reserved products and ensures that the products are handed over to the customers.

[0157] (Variation 5: Example of in-store registration using multiple terminals) Next, we will describe Modification 5. In the embodiment described above, we described an example in which in-store registration is performed by one store order terminal 70. Modification 5 describes an example in which in-store registration is performed by multiple terminals.

[0158] In Modification 5, the multiple terminals that perform in-store registration may be multiple store order terminals 70, or multiple terminals including store order terminals 70 and pre-order terminals 60. The multiple terminals are registered as a group and use a common in-store cart ID. Registration and payment for in-store registered products are performed on a group basis. Of the multiple terminals, one terminal operates as a master unit, and the other terminals operate as slave units. The master unit is, for example, one store order terminal 70. The master unit obtains a customer ID from the pre-order terminal 60 and receives the pre-order result from the pre-order server 20A, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0159] Notifications regarding reserved items and notifications regarding the store order terminal 70 may be made on both the master unit and the slave unit. Specifically, these notifications include notifications that there are reserved items (reserved item notification screen 840 in Figure 8(D)), notifications regarding the delivery of reserved items (delivery notification screen 930 in Figure 9(C)), and notifications that the store order terminal 70 is to be returned (return notification screen 940 in Figure 9(D)). The master unit may also be equipped with the authority to decide whether or not to register items registered by the slave unit, and the authority to authorize the slave unit to make a payment.

[0160] According to Modification 5, in-store registration items can be registered using multiple store order terminals 70, or using the store order terminals 70 in addition to a pre-order terminal 60 (the customer's smartphone). Therefore, in-store registration can be performed by multiple people (groups), or by one person using multiple terminals, thereby improving the convenience of transactions.

[0161] (Modification 6: Example without locker device 90) Next, we will describe Modification 6. In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the sales system 1 is equipped with a locker device 90. In Modification 6, we will describe an example in which the sales system 1 is not equipped with a locker device 90.

[0162] In Modification 6, the reserved items may be stored, for example, at the service counter. For example, in Modification 6, the notification regarding the handover of reserved items (handover notification screen 930 in Figure 9(C)) is a notification such as, "Your reserved items are at the service counter, please come and pick them up."

[0163] Even with the modified example 6, it is possible to meet the needs of customers who do not want to use their own smartphone (pre-order terminal 60) as an in-store order terminal 70, while still allowing them to purchase in-store registered items as usual if there are no reserved items, and efficiently handle in-store registration and delivery of reserved items if there are reserved items.

[0164] (Example of variation 7: Using the payment slot number as transaction identification information) Next, we will describe Modification 7. In the embodiment described above, we described an example in which the transaction identification information is a customer ID. In Modification 7, we will describe an example in which the transaction identification information is a storage slot number. In other words, Modification 7 is an example in which a non-member customer registers a reserved product and delivers the reserved product.

[0165] In Modification 7, the pre-order terminal 60 displays a storage slot code, which represents the storage slot number using a symbol code. The storage slot number is the number of the storage slot where the reserved items will be stored. The storage slot code may include items other than the customer ID from the pre-order cart information. The store order terminal 70 scans the storage slot code displayed on the pre-order terminal 60. By scanning the storage slot code, the store order terminal 70 can notify that there are reserved items.

[0166] Furthermore, when the store order terminal 70 scans the storage box code, it requests the in-store registration server 20B to initiate a transaction. The transaction initiation request includes the storage box number. When the in-store registration server 20B receives the transaction initiation request (storage box number) from the store order terminal 70, it generates in-store cart information. In generating the in-store cart information, the in-store registration server 20B generates in-store cart information that includes the storage box number. Both the pre-order cart information and the in-store cart information in Modification Example 7 include the storage box number. Therefore, the two are linked by the storage box number.

[0167] Furthermore, in Modification 7, the payment code displayed by the store order terminal 70 includes the payment slot number. When the payment device 50 scans the payment code, it requests the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B to transmit cart information (pre-order cart information or in-store cart information). In this transmission request, the payment device 50 transmits the payment slot number obtained from the payment code to the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B.

[0168] The pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B each identify cart information (pre-order cart information or in-store cart information) based on the storage slot number and transmit the identified cart information to the payment device 50. Upon receiving the pre-order cart information and in-store cart information, the payment device 50 performs payment processing based on the received cart information. During the payment processing, the payment device 50 prints an unlocking code on the receipt that indicates the password for unlocking the storage slot indicated by the storage slot number. The locker device 90 unlocks the storage slot containing the reserved items by scanning the unlocking code.

[0169] According to Modification 7, the storage slot (storage slot number) where reserved items are stored can be associated with and managed in the store. This allows customers who do not want to use their smartphone (pre-order terminal 60) as the store order terminal 70, even when transacting with non-member customers, to purchase in-store registered items as usual if there are no reserved items, while efficiently handling in-store registration and delivery of reserved items if there are reserved items.

[0170] (Variation 8: An example where the locker may open automatically after receiving the receipt.) Next, we will describe Modification 8. In the embodiment described above, we explained an example in which the storage compartment is unlocked by having the locker device 90 read an unlocking code. In Modification 8, we will describe an example in which the storage compartment is automatically unlocked when payment is completed.

[0171] In Modification 8, when the pre-order server 20A receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 50, it instructs the locker device 90 to unlock the storage compartment where the reserved items are stored. As a result, the locker device unlocks the storage compartment. Also, when the pre-order server 20A receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 50, if there is a delivery of reserved items, it instructs the store order terminal 70 to notify it about the delivery of the reserved items. When the store order terminal 70 receives the notification from the pre-order server 20A, it notifies that the reserved items have been delivered. This notification may include, for example, a notification indicating that the storage compartment containing the reserved items has been unlocked, or a notification indicating the number of the unlocked storage compartment.

[0172] According to Modification 8, the procedure for having the locker device 90 read the unlocking code is eliminated, and the display of the unlocking code (printing on the receipt or displaying it on the store order terminal 70) is also eliminated. Therefore, reserved items can be handed over easily and quickly.

[0173] (Variation 9: Example of a server integrating the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B) Next, Modification 9 will be described. In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B are provided separately. In Modification 9, the pre-order server 20A and the in-store registration server 20B may be integrated, that is, they may be a single integrated server. Even in this case, the sales system 1 can manage reserved products and various statuses, and therefore can manage each transaction.

[0174] (Modification 10: An example in which sales system 1 is equipped with a registration and settlement device) Next, we will describe a modified example 10. In modified example 10, we will describe an example in which a registration and payment device is provided within the store T in the sales system 1.

[0175] (Configuration of the registration and settlement device) The registration and payment device is a POS (Point of Sales) terminal equipped with a display unit for store staff and a display unit for customers, enabling product registration (in-store registration) and payment by either store staff or customers. The registration and payment device performs both a registration process for registering products and a payment process. In the registration process, registration data for the products purchased by the customer is generated. In the payment process, payment is made using a predetermined payment method based on the registration data generated in the registration process.

[0176] The registration and payment device allows switching between operating modes. These operating modes include (A) full self-service mode, (B) employee registration mode, and (C) payment-only mode. Each operating mode is described below.

[0177] (A) Full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer registers products on the device (self-registration) and the customer completes payment on the device (self-payment). (B) The staff registration mode is an operating mode in which a staff member registers products and performs face-to-face payment. Face-to-face payment is a payment method performed at the device where the customer interacts with a store employee and the payment is made based on the customer's actions. The registered payment device may also be equipped with a change dispenser on the employee's side. In this case, in employee registration mode, instead of or in addition to face-to-face payment, the employee may receive cash or other payment from the customer and perform the payment themselves.

[0178] (C) The payment-only mode is a mode in which self-checkout is performed by acquiring registration data registered by the payment device in the employee registration mode. Specifically, the payment device in the employee registration mode outputs registration data. Outputting registration data involves sending the registration data to the payment device in the payment-only mode, but it may also be done by encoding the registration data and displaying it on a display medium. The display medium may be, for example, paper or an electronic medium such as a smartphone. The payment device in the payment-only mode acquires the registration data by receiving the registration data or by reading the encoded registration data.

[0179] (Notification of pre-ordered items) The registration and payment device notifies the customer that there are reserved items. Specifically, the registration and payment device obtains a customer ID from, for example, a membership card, and obtains the pre-order result from the pre-order server 20A based on that customer ID. If the pre-order result indicates "reserved items," the registration and payment device outputs a message informing the customer that they should pick up the reserved items from the locker device 90. The timing of outputting this message is predetermined, such as when product registration starts, when product registration is completed (when the subtotal key is pressed), when payment starts, and when payment is completed. Outputting this message includes, for example, displaying it on the customer-side display and the staff-side display, as well as printing it on the receipt.

[0180] In the case of a registration and payment device in employee registration mode, the same announcement is also output to the employee's display unit at the predetermined timing described above. This allows the employee to verbally inform the customer that they can pick up their reserved items from the locker device 90.

[0181] According to Modification 10, if there are reserved items, in-store registration and delivery of reserved items can be carried out efficiently. Therefore, the convenience of transactions involving in-store registration by the registration and payment device and reserved items by the pre-order terminal 60 can be improved.

[0182] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Title of Invention] Information and communication terminal, system, and program [Technical Field] The present invention relates to an information and communication terminal, a system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0183] In recent years, systems that allow customers to purchase goods using mobile devices have become known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such systems, a mobile device is attached to a shopping cart used in the store, and customers register their purchases by operating the mobile device. [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-147252 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, conventional technology had a problem in that there was room for further improvement in terms of transaction convenience. This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can improve the convenience of transactions.

[0184] [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information communication terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is an information communication terminal installed in a store, in which a customer registers products by operating the terminal while moving around the store, and is characterized by comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction identification information that identifies a transaction; a second acquisition means for acquiring a pre-order result indicating whether or not the customer has pre-ordered a reserved product at the store based on the transaction identification information acquired by the first acquisition means; and a control means for performing different controls according to whether or not the reserved product is indicated by the pre-order result acquired by the second acquisition means. According to the above configuration, while meeting the needs of customers who do not wish to use their own smartphone (pre-order terminal 60) as an information and communication terminal, if there are no reserved items, they can purchase registered items in-store as usual, and if there are reserved items, in-store registration and delivery of reserved items can be carried out efficiently. Therefore, the convenience of transactions related to in-store registration using an information and communication terminal (rental terminal) and reserved items using the pre-order terminal 60 can be improved.

[0185] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the control means may notify that the reserved product exists when the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists is obtained by the second acquisition means. According to the above configuration, the information and communication terminal, which is the rental terminal, can notify the customer when they can pick up their reserved product. Therefore, it is possible to prevent customers from forgetting to pick up their reserved product.

[0186] (3) In the configuration of (1) above, the control means is capable of displaying a product registration screen that displays products to be registered in the store, and if the payment for the reserved product has not been settled, the reserved product may be displayed on the product registration screen. According to the above configuration, customers can be made aware that they have reserved items, and they can pay for reserved items and items registered in-store together. Therefore, customers can pay for reserved items and items registered in-store quickly and easily.

[0187] (4) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising the information and communication terminal described above, a settlement device for performing settlement, and a product storage device having a plurality of storage slots for storing products, wherein the reserved product is stored in one of the plurality of storage slots, and when the settlement of the reserved product is completed, the settlement device issues a medium containing authentication information for receiving the reserved product from the storage slot in which the reserved product is stored. According to the above configuration, reserved items can be handed over to the customer after payment is completed. Therefore, since customers can receive their reserved items before leaving the store, the likelihood of them forgetting to pick up their reserved items can be reduced.

[0188] (5) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising the information and communication terminal described above and a product storage device having a plurality of storage slots for storing products, wherein the reserved product is stored in one of the plurality of storage slots, and the control means, when the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists is obtained by the second acquisition means, displays authentication information for receiving the reserved product from the storage slot in which the reserved product is stored after the settlement of the registered product in the store is completed. According to the above configuration, reserved items can be handed over to the customer after payment for in-store registered items has been completed. Therefore, customers can receive their reserved items before leaving the store, thus reducing the likelihood of them forgetting to pick up their reserved items.

[0189] (6) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as an information and communication terminal installed in a store, which is operated by a customer while moving around the store to register products, and the computer is characterized in that it functions as a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction identification information that identifies a transaction, a second acquisition means for acquiring a pre-order result indicating whether or not the customer has pre-ordered a reserved product at the store based on the transaction identification information acquired by the first acquisition means, and a control means that performs different controls according to whether or not the reserved product is indicated by the pre-order result acquired by the second acquisition means. According to the above configuration, while meeting the needs of customers who do not wish to use their own smartphone (pre-order terminal 60) as an information and communication terminal, if there are no reserved items, they can purchase registered items in-store as usual, and if there are reserved items, in-store registration and delivery of reserved items can be carried out efficiently. Therefore, the convenience of transactions related to in-store registration using an information and communication terminal (rental terminal) and reserved items using the pre-order terminal 60 can be improved.

[0190] (7) In the configuration of (6) above, the control means may notify that the reserved product exists when the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists is obtained by the second acquisition means. According to the above configuration, the information and communication terminal, which is the rental terminal, can notify the customer when they can pick up their reserved product. Therefore, it is possible to prevent customers from forgetting to pick up their reserved product.

[0191] (8) In the configuration of (6) or (7) above, the control means may display a product registration screen that displays products to be registered in the store, and if the payment for the reserved product has not been settled, the control means may display the reserved product on the product registration screen. According to the above configuration, customers can be made aware that they have reserved items, and they can pay for reserved items and items registered in-store together. Therefore, customers can pay for reserved items and items registered in-store quickly and easily.

[0192] Furthermore, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including decision-making)) of the store order terminal 70 described above may be implemented in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the said function.

[0193] Specifically, the above description described a configuration in which the store order terminal 70 comprises a first acquisition unit 501, a second acquisition unit 502, and a control unit 503, as shown in Figure 5. However, all or part of these functional units may be provided in other computer devices. For example, all or part of these functional units may be provided in the store controller 30, an external server device, or another computer device. Furthermore, the computer device equipped with these functional units is not limited to multiple units, but may be just one unit.

[0194] Specifically, for example, instead of the store order terminal 70, a store controller 30 or an external server device may obtain pre-order results indicating the presence or absence of reserved items based on the acquired customer ID, and perform different controls depending on the presence or absence of reserved items indicated by the pre-order results.

[0195] In relation to the above, the store order terminal 70 may function as a so-called thin client specializing in the input / output interface portion for product registration and settlement. In other words, the store order terminal 70 may accept various inputs (operation by the operator, detection by a device such as a scanner), transmit the input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to the server device, receive the processing results of the server device based on the input information (updated screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on the display unit, device control).

[0196] Furthermore, the program for implementing the sales system 1 and the store order terminal 70 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1...Sales system, 10...Head office server, 20A...Pre-order server, 20B...In-store registration server, 30...Store controller, 40...Transaction status management device, 50...Settlement device, 60...Pre-order terminal, 80...Employee terminal, 90...Locker device, 501...First acquisition unit, 502...Second acquisition unit, 503...Control unit, 504...Display unit

Claims

1. An information and communication terminal installed in a store, which is used by customers to register products while moving around within the store, A first acquisition means for obtaining transaction identification information that identifies a transaction, A second acquisition means obtains a pre-order result indicating whether the customer has pre-ordered reserved items at the store, based on the transaction identification information obtained by the first acquisition means, A control means that performs different controls depending on whether or not the reserved product is available as indicated by the pre-order result obtained by the second acquisition means, An information and communication terminal characterized by having the following features.

2. When the control means obtains the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists, the control means notifies that the reserved product exists. The information and communication terminal according to feature 1.

3. The control means is It is possible to display a product registration screen that shows the products registered within the aforementioned store. If payment for the reserved item remains unpaid, the reserved item will be displayed on the item registration screen. The information and communication terminal according to feature 1.

4. A system comprising an information and communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a payment device for settling payments, and a product storage device having a plurality of storage slots for storing products, The reserved product is stored in one of the multiple storage compartments. When the settlement of the reserved product is completed, the settlement device issues a medium containing authentication information for receiving the reserved product from the storage slot where the reserved product is stored. A system characterized by the following features.

5. A system comprising an information and communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a product storage device having a plurality of storage openings for storing products, The reserved product is stored in one of the multiple storage compartments. When the control means obtains the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists by the second acquisition means, it displays authentication information for receiving the reserved product from the storage slot where the reserved product is stored, after the settlement of the registered product in the store is completed. A system characterized by the following features.

6. A computer is a program that enables it to function as an information and communication terminal installed in a store, where customers can operate it while moving around the store to register products. The aforementioned computer, A first acquisition means for acquiring transaction identification information that identifies a transaction, A second acquisition means obtains, based on the transaction identification information obtained by the first acquisition means, a pre-order result indicating whether or not the customer has pre-ordered reserved items from the store. A control means that performs different controls depending on whether or not the reserved product is available, as indicated by the pre-order result obtained by the second acquisition means. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

7. When the control means obtains the pre-order result indicating that the reserved product exists, the control means notifies that the reserved product exists. L according to feature 6.

8. The control means is It is possible to display a product registration screen that shows the products registered within the aforementioned store. If payment for the reserved item remains unpaid, the reserved item will be displayed on the item registration screen. The program according to claim 6 or 7.

Images