Purchasing support device, store system and control program

Abstract

To prohibit an information terminal used by other members of the same group from registering a commodity when the information terminals used by a group of customers provide a checkout instruction.SOLUTION: A purchase support device stores purchaser identification information received by purchaser receiving means of an information terminal in association with terminal identification information for identifying the information terminal. The purchase support device stores data relating to a purchased commodity received by commodity receiving means of the information terminal in association with the purchaser identification information stored in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal. The purchase support device, in response to the receipt of a checkout request by checkout receiving means of the information terminal, invalidates the commodity receiving means of other information terminals that received, with the purchaser receiving means, the purchaser identification information stored in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a purchasing support device, a store system including the purchasing support device, and a control program for causing a computer to function as the purchasing support device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, store systems known as cart POS (Point Of Sales) systems and the like have been proposed for retail stores equipped with shopping carts. In this type of store system, an information terminal equipped with a touch panel, scanner, etc. is provided on the shopping cart. When a customer using a shopping cart places a purchased item in the shopping cart, the identification code of the purchased item is read by the scanner to register the item. The item data registered on the information terminal is sent to a server. The server creates a purchase item list for the customer using the information terminal based on the item data registered on the information terminal. After finishing shopping, the customer issues a payment instruction from the information terminal. In response to this payment instruction, the information terminal transfers the purchase item list for the customer using the information terminal to the cash register. The customer pays at the cash register based on the purchased item data. This completes the payment for the customer's purchased items.

[0003] In such a store system, it is assumed that customers who come to the store in a group, such as a family, will use two or more shopping carts. In this case, it would be sufficient if the data of products registered on the information terminals installed in each shopping cart could be managed collectively on a server and a purchased product list could be created. However, even if one member of a group issues a payment instruction from the information terminal installed in one shopping cart and another member reads the identification code of a purchased product with a scanner on an information terminal installed in another shopping cart, the purchased product may not be included in the purchased product list because the purchased product list has already been transferred to the payment machine.

[0004] This problem can be solved by prohibiting product registration from information terminals used by other members of a group when a payment instruction is given from an information terminal used by a customer who comes to a store in a group. However, no technology has been established to date that prohibits product registration from information terminals used by other members of the same group when a payment instruction is given from an information terminal used by a customer who comes to a store in a group. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-057883 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a purchasing support device that, when a payment instruction is given from an information terminal used by customers visiting a store in a group, can prohibit product registration from an information terminal used by other members of the same group, a store system using this device, and a program for causing a computer to function as a purchasing support device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the purchase support device includes a communication unit, a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and an invalidation unit. To The first storage means communicates with an information terminal having a product reception means for receiving a product purchased by the user and a billing reception means for receiving a billing declaration for the purchased product. The first storage means associates the information terminal with terminal identification information for identifying the information terminal, and stores the information terminal Identify buyers who useThe second storage means stores data relating to the purchased product accepted by the product acceptance means of the information terminal in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means. In response to acceptance of the accounting declaration by the accounting acceptance means of the information terminal, the invalidation means invalidates the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal. The same purchaser identification information is associated with and identified by the terminal identification information stored in the first storage means. The product reception means of the other information terminals is disabled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a cart POS system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal constituting the cart POS system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart provided with an information terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server constituting the cart POS system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cart memory stored in the virtual POS server. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping basket memory stored in a virtual POS server. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a login command receiving process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 13]11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a product registration command receiving process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a stop command receiving process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a transaction command receiving process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a transaction cancellation command receiving process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scanner command receiving process executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a normal registration screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a link registration screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a link registration screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation image displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation image displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a joint payment information screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a purchasing support device that can prohibit product registration from information terminals used by other members of a group when a checkout instruction is given from an information terminal used by a customer who visits a store as a group will be described with reference to the drawings. In more detail, an embodiment in which a server of a store system called a cart POS system functions as a purchasing support device will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 23.

[0010] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a cart POS system 1 according to this embodiment. The cart POS system 1 includes a store server 10, a member server 20, a virtual POS server 30, an attendant terminal 40, a payment machine 50, an information terminal 60, and an access point 70. The cart POS system 1 also includes a network 2. The network 2 connects the store server 10, the member server 20, the virtual POS server 30, the attendant terminal 40, the payment machine 50, and the access point 70 so that they can communicate freely. The network 2 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0011] The information terminal 60 is a device that enables a customer, who is a purchaser, to input data related to the registration of a purchased item by himself / herself. The information terminal 60 is provided in a shopping cart C. Hereinafter, the shopping cart C will be simply referred to as cart C. The cart C is an example of a carrier that transports purchased items by a customer, who is a user of the cart C.

[0012] The information terminal 60 is equipped with a wireless unit. The information terminal 60 performs wireless communication with an access point 70. The access point 70 relays communication between the information terminal 60 and each device connected to the network 2, namely, the store server 10, the member server 20, the virtual POS server 30, the attendant terminal 40, and the payment machine 50. Although only one access point 70 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more access points 70 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0013] The store server 10 supports store operations. To support this, the store server 10 manages a product database, a sales database, etc. The product database stores product records that describe product data for each product sold in the store. The product data includes product code, price, product name, etc. The product code is an identification code for the product. The sales database stores sales records that describe sales data for each item, such as product, department, time period, date, week, month, etc. The sales data includes sales units, sales amount, etc.

[0014] The member server 20 supports the purchasing operations of registered customers, or so-called members. To support this, the member server 20 manages a member database. The member database stores member records that describe member data for each member. The member data includes a unique member ID assigned to each member to identify each member. The member data may also include the accumulated value of service points granted to the member, a history of products purchased by the member, etc.

[0015] The virtual POS server 30 cooperates with the information terminal 60 to provide support for making the information terminal 60 appear to function as a POS terminal. In this embodiment, the virtual POS server 30 functions as a purchase support device.

[0016] The attendant terminal 40 is provided at an attendant counter where a monitor, a so-called attendant, is always present. The attendant terminal 40 is equipped with a display device for displaying the status of each information terminal 60 and the payment machine 50. The attendant monitors the status of each information terminal 60 and the payment machine 50 in real time from the information displayed on the display device.

[0017] The accounting machine 50 is a device that enables a store clerk or a customer to process the payment for purchased items. The accounting machine 50 is a well-known self-service POS terminal. The accounting machine 50 may be a well-known face-to-face POS terminal. There is no particular limit to the number of accounting machines 50. FIG. 1 shows a cart POS system 1 in which three accounting machines 50 are installed in one store.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a wireless unit 64, a touch panel 65, a scanner 66, a reader 67, a camera 68, a lamp 69, and a system transmission path 610. The system transmission path 610 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The information terminal 60 connects the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the wireless unit 64, the touch panel 65, the scanner 66, the reader 67, the camera 68, and the lamp 69 to the system transmission path 610. In the information terminal 60, a computer is configured by the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, and the system transmission path 610 that connects them.

[0019] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 60 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0020] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data required for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 61. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 61. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

[0022] The wireless unit 64 wirelessly communicates data with the access point 70 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0023] The touch panel 65 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 60. The touch panel 65 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 61.

[0024] The scanner 66 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. Products are provided with code symbols that represent their product codes. The scanner 66 outputs data of the read code symbols to the processor 61. The scanner 66 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0025] The reader 67 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 61. The reader 67 is a magnetic card reader when the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader when the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) such as a non-contact IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 67.

[0026] The camera 68 is provided on the cart C so as to photograph from above the basket placed in the basket receiving portion of the cart C. The camera 68 is for monitoring whether or not the customer who is the user of the cart C has correctly placed the purchased items in the basket.

[0027] The lamps 69 are for informing customers or store staff of the status of the carts C. For example, when a group of customers is using multiple carts C, the lamps 69 provided on each cart C light up or flash to let people around know that the carts C are being used by the group of customers. At this time, it is preferable to make each group identifiable by lighting or flashing a different color for each group.

[0028] In the information terminal 60 having the circuit components as described above, the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the wireless unit 64, and the touch panel 65 are configured as a tablet terminal TM. The information terminal 60 is configured by electrically connecting a scanner 66, a reader 67, a camera 68, and a lamp 69 to this tablet terminal TM.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C equipped with an information terminal 60. The cart C includes a caster portion C1 for moving, a handle frame portion C2, and a basket receiving portion C3. The caster portion C1 has four wheels C11 for smooth movement on the floor surface. The caster portion C1 also includes a receiving portion C12 for placing large luggage that does not fit into a shopping basket SB. The handle frame portion C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster portion C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket receiving portion C3 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame portion C2. The cart C can place a shopping basket SB provided by the store on the basket receiving portion C3. The shopping basket SB is for storing merchandise.

[0030] The scanner 66 is located in the middle of the handle bar C22. The scanner 66 is attached to the handle bar C22 so that a reading window is located on the near side. The near side is the side on which a customer stands while holding the handle bar C22 and pushing the cart C.

[0031] A pole C4 is attached to one of the vertical frames C21. The tip of the pole C4 is located above the handlebars C22. The tablet terminal TM is attached to the tip of the pole C4 with the screen of the touch panel 65 facing forward. The reader 67 is attached to the frame of the tablet terminal TM so that the cart slit is located on the forward side. In FIG. 5, the reader 67 is a magnetic card reader. The camera 68 is attached to the middle of the pole C4 so as to capture an image of the entire shopping basket SB placed in the basket receiving section C3 from above. The lamp 69 is provided on the frame of the tablet terminal TM, similar to the reader 67. Note that the attachment location of the lamp 69 is not limited to the frame of the tablet terminal TM. For example, the lamp 69 may be attached to a part of the pole C4. Alternatively, the lamp 69 may be attached to the upper part of the scanner 66.

[0032] The battery BT is attached across the vertical frames C21, C21 at the lower end side of the handle frame portion C2. The battery BT serves as a driving power source for the tablet terminal TM, the scanner 66, the reader 67, the camera 68 and the lamp 69.

[0033] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 30. The virtual POS server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a communication interface 34, and a system transmission path 35. The system transmission path 35 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The virtual POS server 30 connects the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the communication interface 34 to the system transmission path 35. In the virtual POS server 30, a computer is configured by the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 35 that connects them.

[0034] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the virtual POS server 30 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0035] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0037] The communication interface 34 is connected to the network 2. Under the control of the processor 31, the communication interface 34 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol. Here, the processor 31 cooperates with the communication interface 34 to configure a communication means for communicating with the information terminal 60.

[0038] The virtual POS server 30 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 32 as an area for creating the cart memory 321 and the shopping basket memory 322. The virtual POS server 30 can create multiple cart memories 321 and multiple shopping basket memories 322 in this area.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cart memory 321. As shown in FIG. 5, the cart memory 321 has areas for storing the cart ID, the member ID, the number of linked carts n, the linked cart number k, and the billing flag. The cart ID is a unique code assigned to each cart C to identify each cart C. The main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63 of the information terminal 60 provided in each cart C stores the cart ID of the cart C to which the information terminal 60 is provided. The number of linked carts n is the number of carts used when a group of customers such as a family uses multiple carts C. When a customer uses only one cart C, the number of linked carts in the cart memory 321 including the cart ID of the cart C is set to "1". The linked cart number k is a series of numbers assigned to each cart C to identify the multiple carts C when a group of customers such as a family uses multiple carts C. The linked cart number k is a natural number ranging from the initial value 1 to the number of linked carts n. However, if a customer uses only one cart C, the linked cart number k will be "0." The billing flag is one-bit information that identifies whether or not a customer using cart C identified by the cart ID has made a billing declaration. In this embodiment, the billing flag is reset to "0" when a billing declaration has not been made, and is set to "1" when a billing declaration is made.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the shopping basket memory 322. As shown in FIG. 6, the shopping basket memory 322 has areas for storing a member ID, one or more purchased item data, a total discount amount, a total amount, and an accounting barcode. The purchased item data includes the item code, item name, price, sales points, sales amount, tax amount, and the like of the purchased item purchased by the customer. The total discount amount is the total discount amount calculated when a set discount is established from the purchased item data. A set discount is a method of selling a set of items at a discounted amount less than the total price of each item when a set number of items are purchased. The total amount is the amount obtained by subtracting the total discount amount from the sum of the sales amount and tax amount included in the purchased item data. The accounting barcode is a barcode of a unique accounting code generated for each transaction to identify the transaction with the customer. The purchased item data is added with a linked cart number k set in the information terminal 60 in which the purchased item is registered.

[0041] 7 to 11 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 61 of the information terminal 60 in accordance with the terminal program. The terminal program is stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. FIG. 12 to 16 are flow charts showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 in response to receiving a main command transmitted from the information terminal 60. This procedure is executed in accordance with the control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 in response to receiving a scanner command transmitted from the accounting machine 50. This procedure is also executed in accordance with the control program.

[0042] Below, using these flow charts, the main operations of the cart POS system 1 will be explained, from when customers who come to the store as a group, such as a family, use multiple carts C to register the purchased items and make the payment at the payment device 50. Note that the operations explained below are just an example. There are no particular limitations on the procedure as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0043] <Cart linkage operation> First, an operation for customers who come to a store as a group, ie, group customers, to use a plurality of carts C in cooperation with each other will be described.

[0044] For example, to use two carts, cart C01 and cart C02, in conjunction with each other, the group customers must log in with the same membership ID to the information terminals 60A and 60B installed in each cart C01, C02. To do this, the group customers first touch the touch panels 65 of the information terminals 60A and 60B installed in the carts C01 and C02, respectively. Incidentally, the information terminal 60A represents the information terminal 60 installed in the cart C01. The information terminal 60B represents the information terminal 60 installed in the cart C02.

[0045] When the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A and the information terminal 60B is touched, the processor 61, which has been in an idle state, is started up. Then, the processor 61 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0046] First, processor 61 displays a login screen on touch panel 65 in Act 101. The login screen is a screen for accepting login operations. One of the group customers has a membership card on which a membership ID is recorded. After checking the login screen, the group customer has the data of the same membership card read by each of readers 67 of information terminal 60A and information terminal 60B. When the data of the membership card is read by reader 67, the data of the membership card is provided to processor 61 in information terminal 60A and information terminal 60B.

[0047] The processor 61, which has displayed the login screen, waits for login in Act 102. When the processor 61 confirms that the data read by the reader 67 is membership card data including a membership ID, it recognizes that login has been performed. That is, the processor 61 judges YES in Act 102 and proceeds to Act 103.

[0048] In Act 103, the processor 61 acquires the cart ID from the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. Then, in Act 104, the processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a login command to the virtual POS server 30. This control causes the wireless unit 64 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 30 via the network 2. The login command contains the member ID of the member card read by the reader 67 and the cart ID acquired in the processing of Act 103.

[0049] Here, the processor 61 of the information terminal 60 constitutes a purchaser receiving means for receiving purchaser identification information for identifying a purchaser, that is, a member ID, by executing the processes of Act 101 to Act 104 in FIG.

[0050] When the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 receives a command from the information terminal 60 via the communication interface 34, the processor 31 checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 31 starts a login command receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0051] The processor 31 acquires the cart ID from the login command in Act 201. Then, the processor 31 determines whether or not the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID is described has been created in Act 202. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID set in the information terminal 60A of the first cart C01 is described is referred to as the cart memory 321A. If the cart memory 321A has been created, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 202 and proceeds to Act 215. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a denial response command with the cart ID acquired from the login command as the destination in Act 215. With this control, the communication interface 34 transmits the denial response command to the network 2.

[0052] If the cart memory 321A has not been created, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 202 and proceeds to Act 203. In Act 203, the processor 31 creates the cart memory 321A in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 32. Then, the processor 31 writes the cart ID acquired from the login command in the cart memory 321A.

[0053] In Act 204, processor 31 obtains the member ID from the login command. Then, in Act 205, processor 31 authenticates the member identified by the member ID. Specifically, processor 31 queries member server 20 as to whether or not a member record including that member ID exists in the member database. If processor 31 receives a response from member server 20 indicating that the corresponding member record exists in the member database, processor 31 determines that the member authentication is valid. If processor 31 receives a response from member server 20 indicating that the corresponding member record does not exist in the member database, processor 31 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

[0054] After performing the member authentication, the processor 31 checks the authentication result in Act 206. If the authentication result is invalid, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 206 and proceeds to the above-mentioned Act 215. That is, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a denial response command to the cart ID acquired from the login command.

[0055] If the authentication result is valid, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 206 and proceeds to Act 207. In Act 207, the processor 31 searches the area in the main memory 32 where the cart memory 321 is created. Then, the processor 31 determines whether or not there is a duplication of the member ID in Act 208. That is, the processor 301 determines whether or not there is a cart memory 321 other than the cart memory 321A in which the member ID obtained from the login command is described. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 other than the cart memory 321A in which the member ID obtained from the login command is described is referred to as the cart memory 321B.

[0056] If no cart memory 321B exists, there is no duplication of member ID. In this case, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 208 and proceeds to Act 209. In Act 209, the processor 31 creates a shopping basket memory 322 in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 32. Then, the processor 31 writes the member ID acquired from the login command in the shopping basket memory 322. Thereafter, in Act 210, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output an approval response command addressed to the cart ID acquired from the login command. With this control, the communication interface 34 transmits the approval response command to the network 2.

[0057] When it is confirmed that the cart memory 321B exists as a result of searching the area where the cart memory 321 is created, the processor 31 judges as YES in Act 208 and proceeds to Act 211. In Act 211, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output an approval response command to the cart ID acquired from the login command as the destination. In other words, when one or more cart memories 321B exist, the processor 31 controls the output of the approval response command without creating a shopping basket memory 322.

[0058] After completing the process of Act 211, the processor 31 sets the total number of the cart memories 321A and 321B to the linked cart number n in Act 212. The processor 31 then writes the linked cart number n in the cart memories 321A and 321B, respectively. The processor 31 also assigns linked cart numbers k, ranging from the initial value "1" to the linked cart number n, to the cart memories 321A and 321B, one each in Act 213. Here, the linked cart numbers k may be assigned in any manner. For example, if there is one each of the cart memories 321A and 321B, the processor 31 assigns "1" as the linked cart number k to the cart memory 321A, and assigns "2" as the linked cart number k to the cart memory 321B. The assignment of the linked cart numbers k may be reversed.

[0059] After completing the processes in Act 212 and Act 213, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a linkage command to the cart IDs described in the cart memory 321A and the cart memory 321B as destinations in Act 214. By this control, the communication interface 34 transmits linkage commands to the network 2 for the number n of linked carts.

[0060] Thus, when the process of Act 214 or the process of Act 210 or Act 215 is completed, the processor 31 ends the login command receiving process.

[0061] In this way, the login command receiving process is executed in the virtual POS server 30, and if the login is denied, a denial response command is output. The denial response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. The denial response command is received by the information terminal 60 that transmitted the login command.

[0062] If the login is approved by the virtual POS server 30, an approval response command is output. The approval response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. The approval response command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the login command. The approval response command includes the member ID acquired in Act 204.

[0063] In the case where the virtual POS server 30 has a cart memory 321B in which the same member ID as the member ID described in the cart memory 321A is described, a linkage command is output for the number n of linked carts. Each linkage command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. One linkage command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the login command. The other linkage commands are received by an information terminal 60 provided in another cart C that is in a linked state with the cart C in which the information terminal 60 is provided. The linkage command includes the number n of linked carts and the linked cart number k of the cart memory 321A and the cart memory 321B in which the cart IDs to which the linkage command is addressed are described, respectively.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. The processor 61 of the information terminal 60 that controlled the output of the login command in Act 104 waits for a response command from the virtual POS server 30 in Act 105. If a denial response command is received from the virtual POS server 30, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 105 and treats the login as an error.

[0065] If the login fails, the customer, who is the operator of the information terminal 60, performs an operation to clear the error on the touch panel 65. When the clearing operation is performed, the processor 61 resumes the process from Act 1. Therefore, the customer will log in again.

[0066] In Act 105, if the processor 61 receives an approval response command from the virtual POS server 30, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to Act 106. In Act 106, the processor 61 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in the main memory 62. In Act 107, the processor 61 displays a normal registration screen SC1 on the touch panel 65. The normal registration screen SC1 is a screen for displaying a list of purchased items, such as the item names, quantity, and prices of items purchased by the customer, and the total amount.

[0067] An example of the normal registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. 18. As shown in the figure, the normal registration screen SC1 has a display area AR1 for the purchased item list and a display area AR2 for the total. In addition, images of a checkout button BT1 and a cancel button BT2 are displayed in part of the normal registration screen SC1. The checkout button BT1 is operated when the customer instructs checkout. The cancel button BT2 is operated when the customer stops using the cart C. Alternatively, the cancel button BT2 is operated when the customer uses the cart C but stops registering the purchased items using the information terminal 60. In addition, the cart ID stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage memory 13 is also displayed at the top of the normal registration screen SC1.

[0068] After completing the process of Act 107, the processor 61 checks whether or not a link command has been received in Act 108. If a link command has not been received, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 108 and proceeds to Act 109. The processor 61 checks whether or not product registration has been performed in Act 109. If product registration has not been performed, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 109 and proceeds to Act 110. The processor 61 checks whether or not a link registration command has been received in Act 110. The link registration command will be described later. If a link registration command has not been received, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 110 and proceeds to Act 111. The processor 61 checks whether or not the cancel button BT2 has been pressed in Act 111. If the cancel button BT2 has not been pressed, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 111 and proceeds to Act 112. The processor 61 checks whether or not the checkout button BT1 has been pressed in Act 112. If the accounting button BT1 has not been pressed, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 112 and proceeds to Act 113. The processor 61 checks whether an accounting notification command has been received in Act 113. The accounting notification command will be described later. If an accounting notification command has not been received, the processor 61 determines NO in Act 113 and returns to Act 108.

[0069] Here, in Act 108 to Act 113, the processor 61 waits for receiving a link command, for product registration to be performed, for receiving a link registration command, for the cancel button BT2 to be pressed, for the billing button BT1 to be pressed, or for receiving a billing notification command.

[0070] In this way, when a group customer performs a login operation on the information terminal 60A installed in the first cart C01 and the login is approved, the processor 31 in the virtual POS server 30 executes the processes of Act 207 to Act 210 in Fig. 12. Therefore, a shopping basket memory 322 of the member ID approved by the login is created. Also, an approval response command is output from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60A. As a result, the normal registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A. Then, the processor 61 of the information terminal 60A goes into a standby state for Act 108 to Act 113.

[0071] Next, when a customer in the group logs in using the same membership card at the information terminal 60B installed in the second cart C02, the processor 31 in the virtual POS server 30 executes the processes of Act 207, Act 208, and Act 211 to Act 214 in Fig. 12. By this process, first, the normal registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60B from the virtual POS server 30. Then, the processor 61 of the information terminal 60B enters a standby state for Acts 108 to 113.

[0072] Meanwhile, in the virtual POS server 30, in the cart memory 321A in which the cart ID of the information terminal 60A is described, "2" is described as the linked cart number n, and "1" is described as the linked cart number k. Also, in the cart memory 321B in which the cart ID of the information terminal 60B is described, "2" is described as the linked cart number n, and "2" is described as the linked cart number k. Then, a link command is transmitted from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminals 60A and 60B. By receiving this link command, the processors 61 of the information terminals 60A and 60B, which were in a waiting state in Acts 108 to 113, determine YES in Act 108 and proceed to Act 121 in FIG. 8.

[0073] The processor 61 acquires the number of linked carts n from the link command in Act 121. Then, the processor 61 checks whether the number of linked carts n is greater than "1" in Act 122. In the above example, the number of linked carts n is "2". Therefore, the processor 61 determines YES in Act 122 and proceeds to Act 123. The processor 61 controls the lamp 69 to light up in Act 123. The processor 61 also changes the screen of the touch panel 65 from the normal registration screen SC1 to the link registration screen SC2. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby state of Acts 108 to 113.

[0074] An example of the linkage registration screen SC2 is shown in Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 19, the linkage registration screen SC2 differs from the normal registration screen SC1 in that a cart number area is added to the display area AR1 of the purchased item list, and in that the number of linked carts n and the linked cart number obtained from the linkage command are displayed at the top of the screen. The cart number is the linked cart number added to the purchased item data written in the shopping cart memory 322.

[0075] In this way, on information terminal 60A which has received the link command, the screen on touch panel 65 switches from the normal registration screen SC1 to a link registration screen SC2 in which the number of linked carts is "2" and the linked cart number is "1." Similarly, on information terminal 60B which has received the link command, the screen on touch panel 65 switches from the normal registration screen SC1 to a link registration screen SC2 in which the number of linked carts is "2" and the linked cart number is "2." Also, on information terminal 60A and information terminal 60B, lamps 69 are each turned on.

[0076] Incidentally, when a customer in a group logs in to the information terminal 60C of the cart C03 with the same membership card to use the third cart C03, the virtual POS server 30 and each of the information terminals 60A, 60B, 60C operate in the same manner as when the customer logs in to the information terminal 60B of the second cart C02. Therefore, in the information terminal 60A, the screen of the touch panel 65 becomes the linkage registration screen SC2 with the number of linked carts being "3" and the linked cart number being "1". In the information terminal 60B, the screen of the touch panel 65 becomes the linkage registration screen SC2 with the number of linked carts being "3" and the linked cart number being "2". In the information terminal 60C, the screen of the touch panel 65 becomes the linkage registration screen SC2 with the number of linked carts being "3" and the linked cart number being "3".

[0077] <Purchase product registration operation> Next, the operation of registering purchased products will be described using an example of a group of customers using two carts C01 and C02.

[0078] The group customers who have logged in to the information terminals 60A and 60B of the two carts C01 and C02, respectively, then go around the sales floor and place the products they wish to purchase, so-called purchased products, in the shopping baskets SB placed in the carts C01 and C02. At this time, before placing the purchased products in the shopping baskets SB, the group customers have the scanner 66 read the code symbols attached to the purchased products. When the code symbol is read by the scanner 66, the product code represented by the code symbol is input into the information terminals 60A and 60B. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0079] Some products, such as fresh foods, may not have a code symbol. When a code symbol is not attached to the purchased product, the customer touches a product button corresponding to the purchased product from among the product buttons displayed on the touch panel 65. When the product button is touched, the product code of the product corresponding to that product button is input to the information terminals 60A, 60B. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0080] When the processor 61 of the information terminal 60 in the standby state in Act 108 to Act 113 confirms that the product registration has been performed, the processor 61 judges YES in Act 109 and proceeds to Act 131 in Fig. 9. The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a product registration command to the virtual POS server 30 in Act 131. This control causes the wireless unit 64 to wirelessly transmit the product registration command. The product registration command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 30 via the network 2. The product registration command includes the cart ID acquired in the process of Act 103, the member ID stored in the process of Act 106, and the product code of the registered product. Therefore, the member IDs included in the product registration commands sent from the information terminal 60A and the information terminal 60B match each other.

[0081] Here, the processor 61 of the information terminal 60 constitutes a product receiving means for receiving the product purchased by the purchaser by executing the processes of Act 109 in FIG. 7 and Act 131 in FIG.

[0082] When the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 confirms that the command received via the communication interface 34 is a product registration command, it starts a command receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0083] The processor 31 acquires the cart ID from the product registration command in Act 221. Then, the processor 31 detects the cart memory 321 in which the acquired cart ID is described from the main memory 32 in Act 222. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID acquired from the product registration command is described is referred to as a cart memory 321C.

[0084] Processor 31 checks the accounting flag written in cart memory 321C as Act 223. If the accounting flag is set to "1", processor 31 determines that the product registration is an error. In other words, processor 31 prohibits product registration if the accounting flag is set to "1". If an error occurs in product registration, the information terminal 60 that sent the product registration command is notified of the error.

[0085] If the billing flag is reset to "0" in Act 223, the processor 31 determines whether the cart C identified by the cart ID is in a linked state with another cart C based on the value of the linked cart number n described in the cart memory 321C in Act 224. If the linked cart number n is "1", the processor 31 determines that the cart C is not in a linked state with another cart C. If the linked cart number n is "2" or more, the processor 31 determines that the cart C is in a linked state with another cart C. If the linked cart number k is in a linked state, the processor 31 obtains the linked cart number k from the cart memory 321C in Act 225. Then, the processor 31 proceeds to Act 231. If the cart C is not in a linked state, the processor 31 skips the processing of Act 225 and proceeds to Act 226.

[0086] The processor 31 acquires the member ID from the product registration command in Act 226. Then, the processor 31 extracts the shopping basket memory 322 in which the member ID is described as the processing target in Act 227. Hereinafter, the shopping basket memory 322 in which the member ID acquired from the product registration command is described is referred to as the shopping basket memory 322B. Therefore, the shopping basket memory 322B extracted in Act 227 matches not only when the product registration command transmitted from the information terminal 60A is received, but also when the product registration command transmitted from the information terminal 60B is received.

[0087] After completing the processing of Act 226 and Act 227, the processor 31 creates purchased item data based on the item code included in the item registration command in Act 228, and writes the purchased item data to the shopping cart memory 322B. At this time, if the linked cart number k was acquired in Act 225, the processor 31 adds the linked cart number k to the purchased item data. If the linked cart number k was not acquired, the processor 31 does not add the linked cart number k to the purchased item data.

[0088] Therefore, when a product is registered in the information terminal 60 of cart C that is not linked to other carts C, the purchased product data is written without the linked cart number k added to the shopping cart memory 322B in which the member ID of the customer who logged in to that information terminal 60 is written. On the other hand, for example, in the case of a group of customers using two carts C01 and C02 in linkage, the purchased product data of the purchased products registered in the information terminal 60A and the purchased product data of the purchased products registered in the information terminal 60B are stored together in the shopping cart memory 322B. Then, the linked cart number k of "1" is added to the purchased product data of the purchased product registered in the information terminal 60A. The linked cart number k of "2" is added to the purchased product data of the purchased product registered in the information terminal 60B.

[0089] After completing the process of Act 228, the processor 31 judges whether or not a set discount has been established based on the purchased item data stored in the shopping basket memory 322B as Act 229. For example, the virtual POS server 30 is provided with a database in which data related to a combination of items that are eligible for a set discount is registered. The processor 31 refers to this database to check whether or not a combination of items that are eligible for a set discount is established. If the combination is not established, the processor 31 judges that the set discount is not established. If the combination is established, the processor 31 judges that the set discount is established. Therefore, a set discount may be established only for the purchased items registered in the information terminal 60A or the purchased items registered in the information terminal 60B, but a set discount may also be established by the purchased items registered in the information terminal 60A and the purchased items registered in the information terminal 60B.

[0090] If the set discount is established, the processor 31 judges YES in Act 229 and proceeds to Act 230. The processor 31 calculates the discount amount of the set discount in Act 230 and adds it to the total discount amount in the shopping basket memory 322B. Then, the processor 31 proceeds to Act 231. On the other hand, if the set discount is not established, the processor 31 judges NO in Act 229, skips the processing of Act 230, and proceeds to Act 231. The processor 31 adds the sales price and tax amount of the purchased goods to the total amount in the shopping basket memory 322B in Act 231. At this time, if the discount amount was calculated in Act 230, the processor 31 subtracts the discount amount from the total amount.

[0091] Upon completing the processing of Act 231, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output the registered command to the destination cart ID acquired from the product registration command in Act 232. This control causes the communication interface 34 to transmit the registered command to the network 2. The registered command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. The registered command is received by the information terminal 60 that transmitted the product registration command. The registered command includes a purchased product list generated from the purchased product data stored in the shopping cart memory 322B, a total discount amount, and a total price.

[0092] In Act 233, the processor 31 searches an area in the main memory 32 where the cart memory 321 has been created, using the member ID acquired from the product registration command. Then, in Act 234, the processor 31 checks whether or not there are multiple cart memories 321 in which the member ID is described. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 in which the member ID acquired from the product registration command is described is referred to as cart memory 321D. If there is only one cart memory 321D, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 234 and ends the reception process of the product registration command.

[0093] If there are two or more cart memories 321D, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 234 and proceeds to Act 235. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a link registration command to a cart ID that has not sent a registered command among the cart IDs described in the cart memory 321D in Act 235. With this control, the communication interface 34 sends link registration commands to the network 2 in a number equal to the number of linked carts n minus 1. The link registration command includes a purchased item list generated from the purchased item data stored in the shopping cart memory 322B, a total discount amount, and a total price, just like the registered command. With this, the processor 31 ends the receiving process of the item registration command.

[0094] Therefore, when a group of customers who use two carts C01 and C02 in cooperation with each other registers a purchased item on the information terminal 60A installed in the cart C01, the processes of Act 221 to Act 235 are executed in the virtual POS server 30. As a result, a registered command is output from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60A. In addition, a linked registration command having the same content as the registered command is transmitted from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60B installed in the cart C02.

[0095] Similarly, when the group customers register the purchased items on the information terminal 60B installed in the cart C02, the processes of Act 221 to Act 235 are executed in the virtual POS server 30. As a result, a registered command is output from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60B. In addition, a linked registration command having the same content as the registered command is transmitted from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60A installed in the cart C01.

[0096] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 61 of the information terminal 60 that controlled the output of the product registration command in Act 131 waits for the registered command in Act 132. When the registered command is received from the virtual POS server 30, the processor 61 judges YES in Act 132 and proceeds to Act 133. The processor 61 updates the normal registration screen SC1 or the linkage registration screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 65 in Act 133. That is, the processor 61 updates so that the purchased product list included in the registered command is displayed in the area A1 of the normal registration screen SC1 or the linkage registration screen SC2. The processor 61 also updates so that the discount amount and the total amount included in the registered command are displayed in the area A2 of the normal registration screen SC1 or the linkage registration screen SC2. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby state of Acts 108 to 113.

[0097] On the other hand, when the processor 61 in the standby state of Act 108 to Act 113 receives the link registration command, it judges YES in Act 110 and proceeds to Act 133 in Fig. 9. That is, the processor 61 updates the link registration screen SC2 so that the purchased product list included in the link registration command is displayed in the area A1. The processor 61 also updates the link registration screen SC2 so that the discount amount and the total amount included in the registered command are displayed in the area A2. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby state of Act 108 to Act 113.

[0098] Fig. 20 is an example of a link registration screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A provided in the cart C01. By the processes of Act 132 and Act 133 described above, the link registration screen SC2 as shown in Fig. 20 is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A. At this time, by the processes of Act 110 and Act 133 described above, the link registration screen SC2 in which the linked cart number is "2" and the rest are common is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60B provided in the cart C02 that is in a linked state with the cart C01.

[0099] From the link registration screen SC2, it can be seen that the three purchased items with the product names [AAA], [CCC], and [BBB] displayed on the first, third, and fourth lines of the display area AR1 were registered on the information terminal 60A provided in the cart C01, based on the difference in the cart numbers displayed in the display area AR1. Similarly, it can be seen that the two purchased items with the product names [BBB] and [DDD] displayed on the second and fifth lines of the display area AR1 were registered on the information terminal 60B provided in the cart C02. It can also be seen that a set discount is established between the product with the product name [CCC] registered on the information terminal 60A and the product with the product name [DDD] registered on the information terminal 60B.

[0100] <Actions for canceling cart use> Next, an operation will be described when a group of customers who use two carts, the cart C01 and the cart C02 in cooperation with each other, stops using one of the carts, the cart C02.

[0101] A link registration screen SC2 is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A and the information terminal 60B provided on the cart C01 and the cart C02, respectively. In this state, when the use of the cart C02 is to be stopped, the group customer inputs the cancel button BT2 on the link registration screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60B.

[0102] When the processor 61 of the information terminal 60 in the standby state in Act 108 to Act 113 detects that the stop button BT2 has been pressed, the processor 61 judges YES in Act 111 and proceeds to Act 141 in Fig. 10. The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a stop command to the virtual POS server 30 in Act 141. This control causes the wireless unit 64 to wirelessly transmit the stop command. The stop command is received by the access point 70 and is sent to the virtual POS server 30 via the network 2. The stop command includes the cart ID obtained in the process of Act 103.

[0103] When the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 receives a stop command from the information terminal 60 via the communication interface 34, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 14. The processor 31 acquires the cart ID from the stop command in Act 241. Then, the processor 31 searches the area in the main memory 32 where the cart memory 321 is created with that cart ID in Act 242, and extracts the cart memory 321 in which that cart ID is written as a processing target. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 extracted as a processing target in the process of receiving the stop command is referred to as cart memory 321E.

[0104] In Act 243, the processor 31 determines whether the cart C identified by the cart ID is in a linked state with another cart C based on the value of the linked cart number n described in the cart memory 321E, as in Act 223. When the cancel button BT2 on the normal registration screen SC1 is input, the cart C on which the information terminal 60 on which the normal registration screen SC1 is displayed is not linked with another cart C. In this case, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 243 and proceeds to Act 244. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a cart cancel command to the cart ID described in the cart memory 321E as the destination in Act 244. With this control, the communication interface 34 transmits the cart cancel command to the network 2.

[0105] On the other hand, when the cancel button BT2 on the link registration screen SC2 is pressed, the cart C on which the information terminal 60 on which the link registration screen SC2 is displayed is provided is linked with another cart C. In this case, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 243 and proceeds to Act 245. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a link cancellation command to the cart ID described in the cart memory 321E as the destination in Act 245. By this control, the communication interface 34 transmits the link cancellation command to the network 2.

[0106] Therefore, when the cancel button BT2 is pressed on the information terminal 60 on which the normal registration screen SC1 is displayed, a cart cancel command is sent from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60. When the cancel button BT2 is pressed on the information terminal 60 on which the link registration screen SC2 is displayed, a link release command is sent from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60.

[0107] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 61 of the information terminal 60 that controlled the output of the cancel command checks whether or not a linkage cancellation command has been received in Act 142. If the linkage cancellation command has not been received, the processor 61 determines "NO" in Act 142 and proceeds to Act 143. The processor 61 checks whether or not a cart cancellation command has been received in Act 143. If the cart cancellation command has not been received, the processor 61 determines "NO" in Act 143 and returns to Act 142. Here, the processor 61 waits for the reception of a linkage cancellation command or the reception of a cart cancellation command.

[0108] In this standby state, if a cart cancellation command is received, the processor 61 determines YES in Act 143 and proceeds to Act 144. In Act 144, the processor 61 displays a confirmation image P1 in a pop-up on the screen of the touch panel 65. The confirmation image P1 is an image for asking the customer whether or not it is a mistake to cancel the use of the cart C.

[0109] An example of the confirmation image P1 is shown in Fig. 21. As shown in the figure, the confirmation image P1 includes a message M1 asking the customer whether they want to stop using the cart, as well as an image of a [Yes] button BT3 to instruct execution and a [No] button BT4 to instruct cancellation. After checking the message M1, the customer presses the [Yes] button BT3 if they want to stop using the cart, or the [No] button BT4 if they do not want to cancel.

[0110] The processor 61, which has caused the confirmation image P1 to be displayed on the touch panel 65, waits for an input of an instruction as to whether or not to execute the suspension of use of the cart C in Act 145. If the [Yes] button BT3 is input here, the processor 61 considers that the execution of suspension of use has been instructed. The processor 61 judges YES in Act 145 and proceeds to Act 146. The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a cart suspension execution command to the virtual POS server 30 in Act 146. By this control, the wireless unit 64 wirelessly transmits the cart suspension execution command. The cart suspension execution command is received by the access point 70 and is sent to the virtual POS server 30 via the network 2. The cart suspension execution command includes the cart ID acquired in the process of Act 103.

[0111] The processor 61, which has controlled the transmission of the cart cancellation execution command, logs out of the information terminal 60 in Act 147. After completing the logout, the processor 61 ends the information processing according to the terminal program.

[0112] When the processor 61 receives a link cancellation command in the standby state of Act 142 and Act 143, the processor 61 determines YES in Act 142 and proceeds to Act 148. In Act 148, the processor 61 displays a confirmation image P2 in a pop-up on the screen of the touch panel 65. The confirmation image P2 is an image for asking the customer whether or not there is a mistake in canceling the link of the cart.

[0113] An example of the confirmation image P2 is shown in Figure 22. As shown in the figure, the confirmation image P2 includes a message M2 inquiring the customer about canceling the cart linkage, as well as an image of a [Yes] button BT5 to instruct the customer to proceed and a [No] button BT6 to instruct the customer to cancel. After checking the message M2, the customer presses the [Yes] button BT5 if they want to cancel the cart linkage, or presses the [No] button BT6 if they want to cancel the cart linkage.

[0114] The processor 61, which has caused the touch panel 65 to display the confirmation image P2, waits for an instruction input as to whether or not to execute the linkage cancellation in Act 149. If the [Yes] button BT5 is input here, the processor 61 considers that an instruction to execute linkage cancellation of the cart C has been issued. The processor 61 determines YES in Act 149, and proceeds to Act 150. The processor 61 controls the lamp 69 to be turned off in Act 150. The processor 61 also controls the wireless unit 64 to output a linkage cancellation execution command to the virtual POS server 30 in Act 151. With this control, the wireless unit 64 wirelessly transmits the linkage cancellation execution command. The linkage cancellation execution command is received by the access point 70, and is sent to the virtual POS server 30 via the network 2. The linkage cancellation execution command includes the cart ID acquired in the process of Act 103.

[0115] The processor 61, which has controlled the transmission of the linkage cancellation execution command, logs out of the information terminal 60 in Act 152. After completing the logout, the processor 61 ends the information processing according to the terminal program.

[0116] If the "No" button BT4 is pressed after the processor 61 has displayed the confirmation image P1 on the touch panel 65, the processor 61 judges "NO" in Act 145 and proceeds to Act 153. Similarly, if the "No" button BT6 is pressed after the processor 61 has displayed the confirmation image P2 on the touch panel 65, the processor 61 judges "NO" in Act 149 and proceeds to Act 153. The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a cancel command to the virtual POS server 30 in Act 153. With this control, the wireless unit 64 wirelessly transmits the cancel command. The cancel command is received by the access point 70 and is sent to the virtual POS server 30 via the network 2. The processor 61, which has controlled the transmission of the cancel command, returns to the standby state of Acts 108 to 103.

[0117] Returning to the explanation of Figure 14. The processor 31, which has controlled the transmission of the cart cancel command in Act 244, checks whether or not a cancel command has been received in Act 246. If the cancel command has not been received, the processor 31 judges NO in Act 246 and proceeds to Act 247. The processor 31 checks whether or not a cart cancel execution command has been received in Act 247. If the cart cancel execution command has not been received, the processor 31 judges NO in Act 247 and returns to Act 246. Here, the processor 31 waits for the reception of a cancel command or a cart cancel execution command in Act 246 and Act 247.

[0118] In this standby state, if the cart cancel execution command is received, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 247 and proceeds to Act 248. In Act 248, the processor 31 deletes the cart memory 321E in which the cart ID included in the cart cancel execution command is written. With this, the processor 31 ends the cancel command receiving process.

[0119] When a cancel command is received in the standby state of Act 246 and Act 247, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 246 and ends the cancel command receiving process without executing the process of Act 248.

[0120] The processor 31, which controlled the transmission of the cooperation cancellation command in Act 245, checks whether or not a cancel command has been received in Act 249. If the cancel command has not been received, the processor 31 determines "NO" in Act 249 and proceeds to Act 250. The processor 31 checks whether or not a cooperation cancellation execution command has been received in Act 250. If the cooperation cancellation execution command has not been received, the processor 31 determines "NO" in Act 250 and returns to Act 249. Here, the processor 31 waits for the reception of a cancel command or a cooperation cancellation execution command in Act 249 and Act 250.

[0121] In this standby state, if a link cancellation execution command is received, the processor 61 determines YES in Act 250 and proceeds to Act 251. The processor 31 acquires the member ID from the cart memory 321E in which the cart ID included in the link cancellation execution command is written in Act 251. After acquiring the member ID, the processor 31 deletes the cart memory 321E in Act 252.

[0122] In Act 253, processor 31 searches an area in main memory 32 where cart memory 321 has been created, using the member ID acquired from cart memory 321E. Then, in Act 254, processor 31 checks whether there are multiple cart memories 321 in which the member ID is described. Hereinafter, another cart memory 321 in which a member ID that overlaps with the member ID described in cart memory 321E is described will be referred to as cart memory 321F. At least one cart memory 321F exists.

[0123] If only one cart memory 321F exists, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 254 and proceeds to Act 255. The processor 31 rewrites the number of linked carts n in the cart memory 321F to "1" in Act 255. The processor 31 also clears the linked cart number k in the cart memory 321F to "0" in Act 256. After that, the processor 31 proceeds to Act 259. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a link command with the cart ID described in the cart memory 321F as the destination in Act 259. With this control, the communication interface 34 transmits a link command with one cart ID as the destination to the network 2. The link command includes the number of linked carts n and the linked cart number k in the cart memory 321F in which the cart ID serving as the destination is described. Therefore, in this case, a link command with the number of linked carts n being "1" and the linked cart number k being "0" is transmitted.

[0124] In Act 254, if there are multiple cart memories 321F, the processor 31 determines that the result is YES, and proceeds to Act 257. In Act 257, the processor 31 sets the total number of cart memories 321F to the number of linked carts n. Then, the processor 31 writes the number of linked carts n to each of the multiple cart memories 321F. In Act 258, the processor 31 assigns linked cart numbers k, ranging from the initial value 1 to the number of linked carts n, to each of the multiple cart memories 321F. Here, how the linked cart numbers k are assigned is arbitrary. For example, in the case where there are two cart memories 321F, the linked cart number k is assigned to "1" and the linked cart number k is assigned to the other cart memory 321F. The assignment of the linked cart numbers k may be reversed.

[0125] After completing the processes of Act 257 and Act 258, the processor 31 proceeds to Act 259. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output an association command addressed to the cart ID described in each cart memory 321F in Act 259. This control causes the communication interface 34 to transmit a plurality of association commands addressed to different cart IDs to the network 2. Each association command includes the number n of linked carts and the linked cart number k of the cart memory 321F in which the cart ID serving as the destination is described. Therefore, in this case, an association command is transmitted in which the number n of linked carts is "2" or more and an association cart number k of "1" or more is assigned.

[0126] When the processor 31 finishes the process of Act 259, it ends the stop command reception process. If a cancel command is received during the standby state of Act 249 and Act 250, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 249 and ends the cancel command reception process without executing the processes of Act 251 to Act 259.

[0127] In this way, the link command outputted through the processing of Act 255 and Act 256 is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60D. The information terminal 60D represents the information terminal 60 that instructed the execution of link cancellation. Meanwhile, the link command outputted through the processing of Act 257 and Act 258 is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60D and the information terminal 60E. The information terminal 60E represents the information terminal 60 identified by the cart ID in the cart memory 321F. The cart memory 321F describes the same member ID as the member ID described in the cart memory 321E that includes the cart ID of the information terminal 60D that instructed the execution of link cancellation.

[0128] The processor 61 of the information terminal 60D, which has received the link command output from the virtual POS server 30 through the processes in Act 255 and Act 256, starts the process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of Fig. 8. That is, the processor 61 acquires the number of linked carts n from the link command in Act 121, and checks whether the number of linked carts n is greater than "1" in Act 122. In this case, since the number of linked carts n is "1", the processor 61 judges NO in Act 122 and proceeds to Act 125. The processor 61 controls the lamp 69 to be turned off in Act 125. The processor 61 also switches the screen of the touch panel 65 from the link registration screen SC2 to the normal registration screen SC1 in Act 126. Thereafter, the processor 61 returns to the standby state in Act 108 to Act 113.

[0129] Meanwhile, the processor 61 of the information terminal 60D or the information terminal 60E, which has received the linkage command output from the virtual POS server 30 via the processes of Act 257 and Act 258, also starts the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8. That is, the processor 61 obtains the number of linked carts n from the linkage command in Act 121, and checks whether the number of linked carts n is greater than "1" in Act 122. In this case, since the number of linked carts n is greater than or equal to "2", the processor 61 executes the processes of Act 123 and Act 124 described above.

[0130] Therefore, when a group of customers who have been using carts C01 and C02 in conjunction with each other inputs the cancel button BT2 on the association registration screen SC2 to stop using cart C02, a confirmation image P1 is displayed on the touch panel 65. If the group of customers inputs the [Yes] button BT3, they are logged out of the information terminal 60B. Also, in the virtual POS server 30, the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID set in the information terminal 60B is written is deleted. Thus, the use of cart C02 is discontinued.

[0131] Meanwhile, in the information terminal 60B provided in the cart C01 that was in a linked state with the cart C02, the screen of the touch panel 65 switches from the link registration screen SC2 to the normal registration screen SC1. Also, the lamp 69 is turned off. Therefore, the cart C01 is in a state of being used independently.

[0132] In addition, when three or more carts C are linked and the use of one cart C is discontinued, the screens of the remaining carts C will be changed to the link registration screen SC2 with the number of linked carts and the linked cart number updated.

[0133] <Accounting instruction operations> Next, the operation when a group of customers using two carts, cart C01 and cart C02, in cooperation with each other has finished shopping will be described. When the group has finished shopping, they press the payment button BT1 on the link registration screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60 installed on one of the carts C to make the payment.

[0134] When the processor 61 of the information terminal 60, which is in a standby state from Act 108 to Act 113, detects that the checkout button BT1 has been pressed, it determines YES in Act 112 and proceeds to Act 161 in Fig. 11. In Act 161, the processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a checkout command to the virtual POS server 30. This control causes the wireless unit 64 to wirelessly transmit the checkout command. The checkout command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 30 via network 2. The checkout command includes the cart ID acquired in the process of Act 103 and the member ID stored in the process of Act 106.

[0135] When the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 receives the transaction command, it starts the process shown in the flow chart of Fig. 15. That is, the processor 31 acquires the member ID from the transaction command in Act 261. The processor 31 also generates a transaction barcode in Act 262. The processor 31 writes the transaction barcode in the shopping cart memory 322 in which the member ID acquired in the process of Act 261 is set in Act 263.

[0136] The processor 31 acquires the cart ID from the accounting command in Act 264. The processor 31 sets the accounting flag of the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID is described to "1" in Act 265. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID acquired from the accounting command is described will be referred to as cart memory 321G.

[0137] In Act 266, the processor 31 determines whether the cart C identified by the cart ID is linked with other carts C, based on the value of the linked cart number n written in the cart memory 321G, as in Act 223. If the cart C is not linked with other carts C, the processor 31 skips the processing of Act 267 and Act 268 described below and proceeds to Act 269. In Act 269, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output an accounting notification command addressed to the cart ID acquired from the accounting command. This control causes the communication interface 34 to send the accounting notification command to the network 2. The accounting notification command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. The accounting notification command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the accounting command. The accounting notification command includes the total amount and accounting barcode in the shopping cart memory 322, in which the member ID acquired from the accounting command is written. With this, the processor 31 ends the accounting command reception process.

[0138] In Act 266, if the cart C is linked with another cart C, the processor 31 judges the result as YES and proceeds to Act 267. In Act 267, the processor 31 searches an area in the main memory 32 where the cart memory 321 is created, and acquires a cart ID from another cart memory 321 in which the same member ID as the member ID described in the cart memory 321G is described. Hereinafter, this is referred to as another cart memory 321H in which the same member ID as the member ID described in the cart memory 321G is described. In Act 268, the processor 31 sets the accounting flag of the cart memory 321H to "1". Hereinafter, if there are multiple cart memories 321H, the processor 31 acquires a cart ID from each of the cart memories 321H. In addition, the processor 31 sets the accounting flag of each of the cart memories 321H to "1". Hereinafter, the cart ID acquired from the cart memory 321H is referred to as a linked cart ID.

[0139] After completing the processing of Act 267 and Act 268, the processor 31 proceeds to Act 269 described above. That is, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output an accounting notification command addressed to the cart ID obtained from the accounting command. The processor 31 also controls the communication interface 34 to output an accounting notification command addressed to one or more linked cart IDs. Through these controls, the communication interface 34 transmits to the network 2 an accounting notification command addressed to the cart ID obtained from the accounting command and an accounting notification command addressed to the linked cart ID. Each accounting notification command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. One accounting notification command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the accounting command. The other accounting notification commands are received by an information terminal 60 installed in another cart C that is linked to the cart C in which the information terminal 60 is installed. The accounting notification command contains the total amount and accounting barcode in the shopping cart memory 322, in which the member ID obtained from the accounting command is written. With this, the processor 31 ends the accounting command reception process.

[0140] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11. After controlling the transmission of the accounting command, the processor 61 waits for an accounting notification command in Act 162. When the accounting notification command is received, the processor 61 determines YES in Act 162 and proceeds to Act 163. In Act 163, the processor 61 displays the accounting information screen SC3 on the screen of the touch panel 65.

[0141] An example of the accounting information screen SC3 is shown in Figure 23. As shown in Figure 23, the accounting information screen SC3 displays the accounting barcode BC1 and total amount TA included in the accounting notification command. It also displays an image of a [Back] button BT7. The [Back] button BT7 is operated when the customer wants to cancel the transaction.

[0142] After displaying the accounting information screen SC3, the processor 61 checks whether the [Back] button BT7 has been pressed in Act 164. If the [Back] button BT7 has not been pressed, the processor 61 judges NO in Act 164 and proceeds to Act 165. The processor 61 checks whether a billing cancellation command has been received in Act 165. The billing cancellation command will be described later. If the billing cancellation command has not been received, the processor 61 judges NO in Act 165 and proceeds to Act 166. The processor 61 checks whether a billing completion command has been received in Act 166. The billing completion command will also be described later. If the billing completion command has not been received, the processor 61 judges NO in Act 166 and returns to Act 164. Here, the processor 61 waits for the [Back] button BT7 to be pressed, for the billing cancellation command to be received, or for the billing completion command to be received in Act 164 to Act 166.

[0143] Therefore, when a group of customers using two carts, cart C01 and cart C02, in conjunction with each other presses the checkout button BT1 on the linkage registration screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60 installed on cart C01, the screen on the touch panel 65 switches from the linkage registration screen SC2 to the checkout information screen SC3.

[0144] Meanwhile, a transaction notification command is also sent from the virtual POS server 30 to the information terminal 60B installed in the cart C02. When the processor 61 of the information terminal 60B, which is in a standby state from Act 108 to Act 113, receives the billing notification command, it determines YES in Act 113 and proceeds to Act 163 in Fig. 11. In Act 163, the processor 61 displays the billing information screen SC3 on the screen of the touch panel 65.

[0145] The accounting notification command received by the information terminal 60A installed in cart C01 and the accounting notification command received by the information terminal 60B installed in cart C02 contain the same total amount and accounting barcode in the shopping basket memory 322. Therefore, the accounting guide screen SC3 is displayed not only on the information terminal 60A on which the accounting button BT1 was entered, but also on the information terminal 60B installed in the cart C02 that is linked to the cart C01 in which the information terminal 60A is installed. The accounting guide screen SC3 displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A and information terminal 60B is a common screen except for the linked cart number, that is, a screen displaying the same accounting barcode BC1 and total amount.

[0146] Incidentally, the accounting flag of the cart memory 321A in which the cart ID set in the information terminal 60A is written is set to "1" by the process of Act 265 in FIG. 15. As a result, even if an operation to register a purchased item is performed on the information terminal 60A, an error occurs due to the processes of Act 221 to Act 223 in FIG. 13. In addition, the accounting flag of the cart memory 321A in which the cart ID set in the information terminal 60B is written is also set to "1" by the process of Act 268 in FIG. As a result, an error occurs even if an operation to register a purchased item is performed on the information terminal 60B. Therefore, after the accounting guide screen SC3 is displayed, even if an attempt is made to subsequently purchase a product, the product cannot be registered on the information terminal 60A or the information terminal 60B.

[0147] <Accounting instruction cancellation action> Next, the operation of returning information terminal 60A or information terminal 60B to a state in which a purchased item can be registered after checkout guide screen SC3 has been displayed will be described.

[0148] When the customer in the group wishes to return information terminal 60A or information terminal 60B to a state in which a purchased item can be registered, the customer presses the [Back] button BT7 displayed on the checkout guide screen SC3.

[0149] The processor 61 of the information terminal 60A and the information terminal 60B on which the transaction information screen SC3 is displayed is in a standby state for Act 164 to Act 166. When the processor 61 detects that the [Back] button BT7 has been pressed in this standby state, the processor 61 determines YES in Act 164 and proceeds to Act 167. The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 64 to output a transaction cancel command to the virtual POS server 30 in Act 167. This control causes the wireless unit 64 to wirelessly transmit the transaction cancel command. The transaction cancel command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 30 via network 2. The transaction cancel command includes the cart ID obtained in the processing of Act 103.

[0150] The processor 61, which has controlled the transmission of the transaction cancellation command, returns the screen of the touch panel 65 to the registration screen immediately before it was switched to the transaction information screen SC3 in Act 168. That is, if the immediately previous registration screen was the normal registration screen SC1, it returns to the normal registration screen SC1. If the immediately previous registration screen was the linkage registration screen SC2, it returns to the linkage registration screen SC2. The processor 61 then returns to the standby state of Act 108 to Act 103.

[0151] When the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 receives the transaction cancellation command, it starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processor 31 acquires the cart ID from the transaction cancellation command in Act 271. Then, the processor 31 resets the transaction flag of the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID is described to "0" in Act 272. Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 in which the cart ID acquired from the transaction cancellation command is described is referred to as cart memory 321J.

[0152] In Act 273, the processor 31 determines whether the cart C identified by the cart ID is in a linked state with another cart C based on the value of the number n of linked carts described in the cart memory 321J, as in Act 223.

[0153] Here, if the cart C is not linked to other carts C, the processor 31 skips the processing of Act 274 and Act 275 described below and proceeds to Act 276. In Act 276, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a billing cancellation command to the cart ID obtained from the billing cancellation command as the destination. With this control, the communication interface 34 sends the billing cancellation command to the network 2. The billing cancellation command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. The billing cancellation command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the billing cancellation command. With this, the processor 31 ends the processing for receiving the billing cancellation command.

[0154] In Act 273, if the cart C is linked with another cart C, the processor 31 judges the result as YES and proceeds to Act 274. In Act 274, the processor 31 acquires a linked cart ID in the same manner as in Act 267. Then, in Act 275, the processor 31 resets the member flag of the cart memory 321 in which the linked cart ID is described to "0". Hereinafter, the cart memory 321 in which the linked cart ID is described is referred to as the cart memory 321K. If there are multiple cart memories 321K, the processor 31 acquires the linked cart ID from each cart memory 321K. The processor 31 also resets the accounting flag of each cart memory 321K to "0".

[0155] When the processor 31 finishes the processing of Act 274 and Act 275, it proceeds to Act 276 described above. That is, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a billing cancellation command addressed to the cart ID acquired from the billing cancellation command. The processor 31 also controls the communication interface 34 to output a billing cancellation command addressed to one or more linked cart IDs acquired in the processing of Act 274. Through these controls, the communication interface 34 transmits to the network 2 a billing cancellation command addressed to the cart ID acquired from the billing cancellation command and a billing cancellation command addressed to the linked cart ID. Each billing cancellation command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. One billing cancellation command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the billing cancellation command. The other billing cancellation commands are received by an information terminal 60 installed in another cart C that is linked to the cart C in which the information terminal 60 is installed. With this, the processor 31 ends the billing cancellation command reception process.

[0156] When the processor 61 of the information terminal 60, which is in a standby state from Act 164 to Act 166, receives the transaction cancellation command, it judges YES in Act 165 and proceeds to the above-mentioned Act 168. That is, the processor 61 returns the screen of the touch panel 65 to the registration screen immediately before it was switched to the transaction information screen CS3. That is, if the immediately previous registration screen was the normal registration screen SC1, it returns to the normal registration screen SC1. If the immediately previous registration screen was the linkage registration screen SC2, it returns to the linkage registration screen SC2. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby state from Act 108 to Act 103.

[0157] In this way, for example, when a group customer using cart C02 presses the [Back] button BT7 on the accounting information screen SC3, the accounting flag in cart memory 321B switches from "1" to "0." Then, the screen of touch panel 65 of information terminal 60B returns to the linked registration screen SC2. Therefore, information terminal 60B returns to a state where it is possible to register purchased items. The accounting flag in cart memory 321A also switches from "1" to "0." Then, the screen of touch panel 65 of information terminal 60A returns to the previous linked registration screen SC2. Therefore, information terminal 60A also returns to a state where it is possible to register purchased items.

[0158] <Accounting-related actions> Now, after finishing their shopping, the customer group proceeds with cart C01 or cart C02 to the location where the payment machine 50 is installed. The customer group then causes the payment machine 50's scanner to read the payment barcode BC1 on the payment information screen SC3 displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 60A or information terminal 60B. This causes a scanner command to be sent from the payment machine 50 to the virtual POS server 30. The scanner command contains the payment barcode data.

[0159] Upon receiving the scanner command, the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 begins the processing steps shown in the flowchart of Fig. 17. In Act 281, the processor 31 obtains the accounting barcode data from the scanner command. In Act 282, the processor 31 searches the area of ​​the main memory 32 where the shopping basket memory 322 has been created with that accounting barcode data. Then, in Act 283, the processor 31 determines whether or not there is a shopping basket memory 322C in which the accounting barcode data is written. Hereinafter, the shopping basket memory 322 in which the accounting barcode data obtained from the scanner command is written will be referred to as shopping basket memory 322C.

[0160] If the shopping basket memory 322C does not exist, the processor 31 determines NO in Act 283 and treats the input of the scanner command as an error. If an error occurs in the input of the scanner command, the error is notified in the payment device 50. The customer who has confirmed the error will scan the payment barcode again.

[0161] If the shopping basket memory 322C exists, the processor 31 determines YES in Act 283 and proceeds to Act 284. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output the purchased item data, discount total amount, and total price data written in the shopping basket memory 322C in Act 284 to the accounting device 50 that sent the scanner command as accounting data required for payment processing. This control causes the communication interface 34 to transmit the accounting data to the network 2. The accounting data is sent to the accounting device 50 that sent the scanner command, and the payment processing is executed. The payment processing is a well-known process in the accounting device 50, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0162] After controlling the transmission of the accounting data, processor 31 searches the area of ​​main memory 32 in which cart memory 321 has been created for the member ID written in shopping basket memory 322C in Act 285. Processor 31 then obtains the cart ID from cart memory 321 in which the member ID is written in Act 286. Hereinafter, cart memory 321 in which the member ID written in shopping basket memory 322C is written is referred to as cart memory 321L. If processor 31 detects multiple cart memories 321L, it obtains the cart ID from each cart memory 321L.

[0163] In Act 287, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to output a transaction completion command addressed to the cart ID acquired in the processing of Act 286. This control causes the communication interface 34 to send one or more transaction completion commands to the network 2. The transaction completion commands are wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2. One transaction completion command is received by the information terminal 60 that sent the transaction command. The other linkage command is received by an information terminal 60 installed in another cart C that is linked to the cart C in which the information terminal 60 is installed. In Act 288, the processor 31 deletes the shopping basket memory 322C. With this, the processor 31 ends the scanner command reception process.

[0164] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11.

[0165] When the processor 61, which is in a waiting state from Act 164 to Act 166, receives the accounting completion command, it determines YES in Act 166 and proceeds to Act 167. The processor 61 performs logout in Act 167. After completing the logout, the processor 61 ends the information processing according to the terminal program. This concludes the explanation of the main operations of the cart POS system 1.

[0166] Here, the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30, in cooperation with the main memory 32, executes the processing of Act 201 to Act 214 of Figure 12, thereby constituting a first storage means for storing the purchaser identification information, i.e., the member ID, accepted by the purchaser acceptance means of the information terminal 60 in association with the cart ID that identifies the information terminal 60.

[0167] In addition, the processor 31, in cooperation with the main memory 32, executes the processing of Act 221 to Act 231 of Figure 13 to constitute a second storage means that stores data related to the purchased product accepted by the product acceptance means of the information terminal 60 in association with the cart ID of the information terminal 60 and the member ID stored in the first storage means.

[0168] 13, the processor 31 constitutes an output means for outputting data related to the purchased goods, which is associated with the member ID and stored in the second storage means, to an information terminal 60 identified by a cart ID associated with the member ID and stored in the first storage means. When there are multiple cart IDs associated with the member ID and stored in the first storage means, the output means outputs data related to the purchased goods to multiple information terminals 60 identified by the multiple cart IDs. In detail, the output means outputs data related to the purchased goods to multiple information terminals 60 identified by the multiple cart IDs, so that the information terminal 60 that has received the data related to the purchased goods can be identified by the linked cart number k.

[0169] In addition, by executing the processing of Act 221 to Act 223 of Figure 13 and the processing of Act 266 to Act 268 of Figure 15, the processor 31 constitutes an invalidation means for invalidating the product reception means of another information terminal 60 that has accepted a payment declaration at the payment reception means of the information terminal 60 and has accepted a member ID associated with the cart ID of the information terminal 60 and stored in the first storage means.

[0170] In addition, by executing the processing of Act 273 to Act 275 of Figure 16, the processor 31 configures a cancellation means that cancels the disabled state of the product receiving means in the other information terminal 60 when a command to cancel the deactivation is received from the information terminal 60 or another information terminal 60 after the product receiving means has been disabled by the cancellation means.

[0171] In addition, by executing the processing of Act 229 to Act 231 in Figure 13, processor 31 constitutes a totaling means for calculating the total amount of the purchased goods from the data related to the purchased goods stored in the second storage means, and further calculating the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the total amount when a discount is achieved from the data related to the purchased goods.

[0172] With a virtual POS server 30 equipped with such communication means, first storage means, second storage means and invalidation means, when a checkout instruction is given from an information terminal 60 used by customers who come to the store as a group, product registration from the information terminals 60 used by other members of the same group can be prohibited.

[0173] Furthermore, by providing the virtual POS server 30 with an output means, when customers who come to the store in a group use multiple information terminals 60 to register purchased items, the information of the purchased items registered on the information terminals 60 used by the other members is displayed on a single screen on each information terminal 60. Moreover, the customer can easily identify which information terminal 60 the purchased item was registered on from the information on that screen.

[0174] Furthermore, since the virtual POS server 30 is further provided with a release means, even if product registration becomes temporarily impossible due to a transaction instruction being given on another information terminal 60, the state where purchased products can be registered can be easily restored by a simple operation on the information terminal 60.

[0175] In addition, since the virtual POS server 30 further includes a totaling means, even when customers who come to the store in a group use multiple information terminals 60, they can receive a set discount service in the same way as when they use one terminal alone.

[0176] The above describes an embodiment of a purchasing support device that can prohibit product registration from information terminals used by other members of the same group when accounting instructions are given from an information terminal used by customers who visit a store as a group, but such embodiments are not limited to this.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 60 is provided on a carrier that carries the products purchased by the purchaser, i.e., the cart C. Providing the information terminal 60 on the cart C has the advantage of making the information terminal 60 easier to handle. However, the information terminal 60 does not necessarily have to be provided on a carrier such as the cart C. A portable electronic device such as a smartphone or a wearable computer may be used as the information terminal 60. In this case, the customer will carry and use the information terminal.

[0178] In the above example, a linked cart number is displayed together with the data on the purchased goods in order to make it possible to identify the information terminal 60 that has accepted the data on the purchased goods. The means for making the data identifiable is not limited to displaying the linked cart number. For example, the data may be made identifiable by displaying a mark associated with the linked card number. Alternatively, the data may be made identifiable by changing the display color of the data on the purchased goods for each different linked card number. In the above embodiment, the purchased item data is stored in one shopping basket memory 322B not only when a product registration command transmitted from information terminal 60A is received, but also when a product registration command transmitted from information terminal 60B is received. In this regard, the purchased item data may be stored in one shopping basket memory when a product registration command transmitted from information terminal 60A is received, and the purchased item data may be stored in another shopping basket memory when a product registration command transmitted from information terminal 60B is received. Even in this case, the product reception means of information terminal 60B may be disabled in response to a billing declaration being made on information terminal 60A, for example.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the virtual POS server 30 is made to function as the purchasing support device. In this regard, for example, the store server 10 may be configured to function as the purchasing support device. Alternatively, the purchasing support device may be configured as a system consisting of multiple servers, such as distributing the functions of the purchasing support device between the virtual POS server 30 and the store server 10.

[0180] In the above embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which the control program for the virtual POS server 30 is stored in advance in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. In this regard, the purchasing support device may be configured in a state in which the control program is not stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. In that case, the control program transferred separately from the purchasing support device may be written to a writable storage device provided in the purchasing support device in response to an operation by a user or the like. The control program may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory cart, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0181] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below. [1] A purchasing support device comprising: a communication means for communicating with an information terminal having a purchaser reception means for receiving purchaser identification information that identifies a purchaser, a product reception means for receiving purchased products by the purchaser, and a payment reception means for receiving a payment declaration for the purchased products; a first storage means for storing the purchaser identification information received by the purchaser reception means of the information terminal in association with terminal identification information that identifies the information terminal; a second storage means for storing data relating to the purchased products received by the product reception means of the information terminal in association with the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal; and an invalidation means for invalidating the product reception means of another information terminal that has received the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal in response to the payment declaration being received by the payment reception means of the information terminal. [2] A purchasing support device as described in Appendix [1], further comprising an output means for outputting data relating to the purchased item that is associated with the purchaser identification information and stored in the second storage means to the information terminal identified by the terminal identification information that is associated with the purchaser identification information and stored in the first storage means, wherein when there are multiple pieces of terminal identification information that are associated with the purchaser identification information and stored in the first storage means, the output means outputs the data relating to the purchased item to multiple information terminals that are respectively identified by the multiple pieces of terminal identification information. [3] The purchasing support device described in Appendix [2], wherein when there are multiple terminal identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the purchaser identification information, the output means outputs data related to the purchased item to multiple information terminals respectively identified by the multiple terminal identification information, in a manner that enables the information terminal that received the data related to the purchased item to be identified. [4] A purchasing support device as described in any one of appendices [1] to [3], further comprising a cancellation means for canceling the disabled state of the product reception means in the other information terminal when a command to cancel the deactivation is received from the information terminal or the other information terminal after the product reception means has been disabled by the deactivation means. [5] A purchasing support device as described in Appendix [1], further comprising a totaling means for calculating a total amount of the purchased items from the data relating to the purchased items stored in the second storage means, wherein the totaling means calculates an amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the total amount when a discount is achieved from the data relating to the purchased items. [6] A store system including a plurality of information terminals and a purchasing support device equipped with communication means for communicating with the information terminals, wherein the information terminals are equipped with a purchasing support device receiving means for receiving purchasing information that identifies a purchasing person, a product receiving means for receiving purchased products by the purchasing person, and a payment receipt means for receiving a payment declaration for the purchased products, and the purchasing support device is equipped with a first storage means for storing the purchasing information received by the purchasing support device of the information terminal in association with terminal identification information that identifies the information terminal, a second storage means for storing data relating to the purchased products received by the product receiving means of the information terminal in association with the purchasing information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal, and an invalidation means for invalidating the product receiving means of other information terminals that have received the purchasing information by the purchasing support device that is associated with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and stored in the first storage means in response to the payment declaration being received by the payment receipt means of the information terminal. [7] The store system according to claim [6], wherein the information terminal is provided on a transport vehicle that transports the goods purchased by the purchaser. [8] A control program for causing a computer of a purchasing support device equipped with a communication means for communicating with an information terminal having a purchaser reception means for receiving purchaser identification information that identifies a purchaser, a product reception means for receiving purchased products by the purchaser, and a payment reception means for receiving a payment declaration for the purchased products to function as a first storage means for associating the purchaser identification information received by the purchaser reception means of the information terminal with terminal identification information that identifies the information terminal, a second storage means for storing data relating to the purchased products received by the product reception means of the information terminal in association with the purchaser identification information associated with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and stored in the first storage means, and an invalidation means for invalidating the product reception means of other information terminals that have received the purchaser identification information associated with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and stored in the first storage means in response to the payment declaration being received by the payment reception means of the information terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1...Cart POS system, 2...Network, 10...Store server, 20...Member server, 30...Virtual POS server, 40...Attendant terminal, 50...Accounting machine, 60...Information terminal, 70...Access point, 31, 61...Processor, 32, 62...Main memory, 33, 63...Auxiliary storage device, 34...Communication interface, 64...Wireless unit, 65...Touch panel, 66...Scanner, 67...Reader, 68...Camera, 69...Lamp, 321...Cart memory, 322...Shopping basket memory.

Claims

1. a communication means for communicating with an information terminal having a product reception means for receiving products purchased by a purchaser and an accounting reception means for receiving an accounting declaration for the purchased products; a first storage means for storing consumer identification information for identifying a consumer who uses the information terminal in association with terminal identification information for identifying the information terminal; a second storage means for storing data relating to the purchased product received by the product receiving means of the information terminal in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means; a disabling means for disabling the product receiving means of another information terminal identified by terminal identification information stored in the first storage means and associated with the same purchaser identification information as the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal in response to the receipt of the transaction declaration by the transaction receiving means of the information terminal; A purchasing support device comprising:

2. an output means for outputting data relating to the purchased product, which is stored in the second storage means in association with the purchaser identification information, to the information terminal identified by the terminal identification information, which is stored in the first storage means in association with the purchaser identification information; Further comprising: The purchasing support device of claim 1, wherein the output means outputs data relating to the purchased item to a plurality of information terminals respectively identified by the plurality of terminal identification information when there are a plurality of terminal identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the purchaser identification information.

3. The purchasing support device of claim 2, wherein when there are multiple terminal identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the purchaser identification information, the output means outputs data related to the purchased item to multiple information terminals respectively identified by the multiple terminal identification information, in a manner that enables the information terminal that received the data related to the purchased item to be identified.

4. a canceling means for canceling the disabled state of the commodity receiving means in the other information terminal when a canceling of the disablement is instructed from the information terminal or the other information terminal after the commodity receiving means has been disabled by the canceling means; 4. The purchasing support device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a totaling means for calculating a total price of the purchased goods from the data relating to the purchased goods stored in the second storage means; Further comprising:

2. The purchasing support device according to claim 1, wherein said totaling means calculates an amount by subtracting the discount amount from said total amount when a discount is established based on the data related to said purchased item.

6. A purchasing support device including a plurality of information terminals and a communication means for communicating with the information terminals, The information terminal includes: A product receiving means for receiving products purchased by a purchaser; a payment receiving means for receiving a payment declaration for the purchased item; Equipped with The purchasing support device includes: a first storage means for storing consumer identification information for identifying a consumer who uses the information terminal in association with terminal identification information for identifying the information terminal; a second storage means for storing data relating to the purchased product received by the product receiving means of the information terminal in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means; a disabling means for disabling the product receiving means of another information terminal identified by terminal identification information stored in the first storage means and associated with the same purchaser identification information as the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal in response to the receipt of the transaction declaration by the transaction receiving means of the information terminal; A store system equipped with the above.

7. 7. The store system according to claim 6, wherein the information terminal is provided on a carrier that carries the merchandise purchased by the purchaser.

8. a computer of a purchasing support device including a product reception means for receiving purchased products by a purchaser, and a communication means for communicating with an information terminal having a payment reception means for receiving a payment declaration for the purchased products, a first storage means for storing consumer identification information for identifying a consumer who uses the information terminal in association with terminal identification information for identifying the information terminal; a second storage means for storing data relating to the purchased product received by the product receiving means of the information terminal in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal and the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means; and a disabling means for disabling the product receiving means of another information terminal identified by terminal identification information stored in the first storage means and associated with the same purchaser identification information as the purchaser identification information stored in the first storage means in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal in response to the receipt of the transaction declaration by the transaction receiving means of the information terminal; A control program that functions as a

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