Information terminal and its program

Abstract

To enable a customer to perform a code reading operation on a purchased commodity on a sales floor without feeling cumbersomeness.SOLUTION: A reading unit reads a code for specifying a commodity. A display unit displays a first screen for assisting reading of the code by the reading unit. A communication unit transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine, and receives commodity data specified by the code from the host machine. Switching means switches between a continuous mode in which codes can be read continuously by the reading unit and a one-shot reading mode in which codes cannot be read continuously. When in the continuous mode, control means causes the commodity data received by the communication unit to be displayed on part of the first screen in the display unit to enable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit. When in the one-shot reading mode, the control means causes the commodity data received by the communication unit to be displayed on a second screen other than the first screen in the display unit to disable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information terminal and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Self-service product registration systems are already known, which allow customers (consumers) to scan the barcodes on products themselves using an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet when purchasing products at a sales floor where the products are displayed. Introducing a self-service product registration system in supermarkets and other stores where the sales floor and the cash register are separated eliminates the need to register products at the cash register, which has the advantage of reducing congestion at the cash register.

[0003] Information terminals used in this type of self-service product registration system generally have a code reading function that utilizes a built-in camera. When the code reading function is enabled, a first screen showing the code reading area appears on the display of the information terminal. The customer holds the product to be purchased over the camera so that the barcode falls within the reading area on the first screen. By doing so, the barcode is scanned and the purchased product is registered. The image on the display then transitions to a second screen showing the name, price, etc. of the purchased product. The customer can verify from the information on the second screen that the product held over the camera has been correctly registered.

[0004] Incidentally, some information terminals disable the code reading function by transitioning to the second screen. In this case, it is necessary to enable the code reading function when reading the code of the next purchased product. In another embodiment, some information terminals continue to read the code of the purchased product without disabling the code reading function when the purchased product is read. Here, for example, some customers prefer to check the product details on the second screen transitioned from the first screen for reading the code every time the code of the purchased product is read, while other customers prefer to read the codes of the purchased products continuously. In a self-service product registration system in which customers themselves perform the product registration operation, further improvement in the operability of the registration operation of the information terminal operated by the customer is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-042458 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information terminal that can improve operability when a customer reads the code of a purchased item at a sales floor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information terminal includes a reading unit, a display unit, a communication unit, a switching means, and a control means. The reading unit reads a code for identifying a product. The display unit displays a first screen for assisting the reading unit in reading the code. The communication unit transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine and receives product data identified by the code from the host machine. The switching means switches between a continuous reading mode in which the reading unit can read codes continuously and a single-shot reading mode in which the reading unit cannot read codes continuously. In the continuous reading mode, the control means displays the product data received by the communication unit on a part of the first screen on the display unit to enable the reading unit to read the codes continuously. In the single-shot reading mode, the control means displays the product data received by the communication unit on a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit to disable the reading unit from reading the codes continuously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product registration system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration support server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in a transaction file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the list area. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the total area. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the current area. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a check-in notification process executed by a processor of the registration support server. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a registration notification process executed by a processor of the registration support server. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a change notification process executed by a processor of the registration support server. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the payment notification process executed by the processor of the registration support server. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the payment request process executed by the processor of the registration support server. [Figure 21] 21(a) to (d) show examples of transitions of screens displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 22] 22(a) to (d) show examples of transitions of screens displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 23] 23(a) to (d) show examples of transitions of screens displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an example of transition of screens displayed on an information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a customer (consumer) uses a portable information terminal to perform a self-operated code reading operation for a purchased product in a sales floor of a retail store that is divided into a sales floor where products are displayed and a cash register where a cash register is installed. In such a store, a self-operated product registration system is established. The information terminal is, for example, a smartphone owned by the customer, a dedicated mobile terminal provided in the store, a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart, etc. This embodiment will be described using an information terminal owned by a customer as an example.

[0010] [Product registration system configuration explanation] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product registration system 100 according to the present embodiment. The product registration system 100 includes a server system 10 using cloud computing and a POS (Point Of Sales) system 20 constructed in an affiliated store. The server system 10 and the POS system 20 are capable of two-way data communication through a network 30 using the Internet Protocol. The network 30 is a wide-area network with a public line or a dedicated line as a relay network and a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, a mobile phone communication network, or the like as an access network. An information terminal 40 using a mobile phone communication network, such as a smartphone, can access the server system 10 through the network 30.

[0011] An affiliated store is a store that has signed a service contract with the management company of the server system 10. Note that FIG. 1 shows the POS system 20 of one affiliated store. Needless to say, the POS systems of the other affiliated stores are similarly connected to the network 30. However, the POS systems of the other affiliated stores do not necessarily have the same configuration as the POS system 20 shown in FIG. 1. Some of the configuration of the POS system may differ depending on the affiliated store.

[0012] The server system 10 comprises a registration support server 11 and a router 12, which are connected to each other via a communication line 13. The router 12 is also connected to a network 30, and serves as a relay point for data communication between the registration support server 11 and the POS system 20 of each affiliated store using the network 30.

[0013] The registration support server 11 is a computer that supports the registration of purchased items by customers who shop at affiliated stores. To support this, the registration support server 11 manages a product master 14 for each affiliated store. The product master 14 is a collection of product records created for each product. The product records are data records that record product information such as the product name, price, attributes, etc. of the product in association with a product code that is set for each product to identify each product individually. The attributes are information that indicates, for example, whether the product is eligible for a bulk discount, whether the product is eligible for a reduced tax rate, etc.

[0014] Registration support server 11 has at least the following two functions. The first function is to register and process product sales data based on the product code read by information terminal 40. The second function is to create or transmit accounting data necessary for settling a transaction with a customer using information terminal 40, in response to accounting instructions from the information terminal 40. In other words, registration support server 11 functions as a host machine for information terminal 40.

[0015] The POS system 20 comprises a store server 21, a monitoring terminal 22, a POS terminal 23, and a dedicated accounting machine 24, which are connected via an in-store network 25. The POS system 20 also connects a router 26 to the in-store network 25, and is connected to a network 30 via this router 26. The POS system 20 also connects an access point 27 to the in-store network 25, and enables data communication with an information terminal 40 via this access point 27 via wireless LAN.

[0016] The store server 21 is a computer for managing sales information, product inventory information, order information, and the like of the affiliated store in which the POS system 20 is established, based on information on transactions settled at the affiliated store.

[0017] The monitoring terminal 22 is a terminal for monitoring a customer who is performing a self-operation to read the codes of purchased items by using the information terminal 40. The monitoring terminal 22 is equipped with a monitor, on which the behavior of the customer in the store, data related to the purchased items by the customer, etc. are displayed.

[0018] The POS terminal 23 is an accounting machine that processes payments for transactions with customers who do not use the information terminal 40. The POS terminal 23 is operated by a store clerk. The POS terminal 23 may be a semi-self-service type that is separated into a registration machine and an accounting machine, with the registration machine operated by a store clerk and the accounting machine operated by a customer. The POS terminal 23 may also be a full-self-service type that is operated by a customer.

[0019] The dedicated accounting machine 24 is an accounting machine that processes the settlement of transactions with customers who use the information terminal 40. The customer is the operator of the dedicated accounting machine 24. The dedicated accounting machine 24 has a function for scanning accounting barcodes displayed on the information terminal 40, a payment processing function corresponding to various payment methods such as electronic money, credit cards, and cash, an electronic money charging function, etc.

[0020] [Configuration of the registration support server] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration support server 11. The registration support server 11 includes a processor 111, a main memory 112, an auxiliary storage device 113, a clock 114, a communication interface 115, and a system transmission path 116. The system transmission path 116 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The registration support server 11 connects the processor 111, the main memory 112, the auxiliary storage device 113, the clock 114, and the communication interface 115 to the system transmission path 116. In the registration support server 11, the processor 111, the main memory 112, the auxiliary storage device 113, the clock 114, and the communication interface 115, and the system transmission path 116 connecting them, form a computer.

[0021] The processor 111 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 111 controls each part to realize various functions of the registration assistance server 11 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 111 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The main memory 112 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 112 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 112 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 112 stores data required for the processor 111 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The above data may be stored in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 112 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 111. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 113 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 113. The auxiliary storage device 113 stores data used by the processor 111 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 111. The auxiliary storage device 113 may also store the application programs described above.

[0024] The clock 114 keeps track of the date and time. The registration assistance server 11 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 114 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication interface 115 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from each device connected via the network 30 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0026] The registration assistance server 11 uses a portion of the volatile area in the main memory 112 as a storage area for multiple transaction files 50. A transaction file 50 is created for each customer who performs a code reading operation for a purchased item using the information terminal 40. The transaction file 50 stores various data required for creating accounting data.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing main data stored in transaction file 50. Fig. 3 shows, as an example, data of one record out of multiple transaction records stored in transaction file 50. Transaction file 50 stores data related to transactions of customers using information terminal 40. As shown in Fig. 3, transaction file 50 stores a transaction identification code, a store code, store entry date and time, the number n of detailed data, the detailed data of the number n, the total number of points, the total amount, the total discount amount, an accounting code, etc.

[0028] The transaction identification code is information for identifying a customer's transaction. The transaction identification code may be, for example, a code for identifying the information terminal 40 used by the customer, and may be, for example, the device ID of the information terminal 40, a mobile phone number, etc. The transaction identification code may be, for example, a transaction number for identifying the transaction, or may be a combination of date and time information such as a store code and a store entry date and time in addition to the transaction number. The transaction number is issued by the registration support server 11, for example, when generating a transaction file described later. The store code is a unique code set for each affiliated store to identify each affiliated store individually. The store entry date and time is the date and time when the customer starts an application for the product registration system running on the information terminal 40 and checks in to the affiliated store.

[0029] The detail data consists of the product code, product name, price, attributes, purchase quantity, discount amount, etc. of the purchased item. The detail data includes an update flag F. The update flag F is one-bit data for identifying whether the detail data in question has been updated or not. In this embodiment, the update flag F of updated detail data is set to "1", and the update flag F of non-updated detail data is set to "0".

[0030] The total points are the sum of the purchase points for each detailed data. The total amount is the sum of the purchase amounts for each detailed data. The purchase amount is calculated by multiplying the price by the purchase points and subtracting the discount amount. The total discount amount is the sum of the discount amounts for each detailed data. The accounting code is a code used by a customer who checks in to the affiliated store identified by the store code using information terminal 40 on the date and time of entry when accounting for a transaction.

[0031] [Information terminal configuration explanation] 4 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the information terminal 40. As shown in FIG 4, the information terminal 40 includes a processor 41, an internal memory 42, an external memory 43, a touch panel 44, a camera 45, a wireless unit 46, and a system transmission path 47.

[0032] The system transmission path 47 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The information terminal 40 connects the processor 41, the built-in memory 42, the external memory 43, the touch panel 44, the camera 45, and the wireless unit 46 to the system transmission path 47. In the information terminal 40, the processor 41, the built-in memory 42, the external memory 43, and the system transmission path 47 connecting them form a computer.

[0033] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 41 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 40 according to an operating system or an application program (application software). The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0034] The built-in memory 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The built-in memory 42 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 stores data required for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The built-in memory 42 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 41. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0035] The external memory 43 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 43. The external memory 43 stores data used by the processor 41 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 41. The external memory 43 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0036] The touch panel 44 is a device that combines a display as a display unit and a touch sensor as a detection unit. The display has a screen for displaying various images. The touch sensor detects the position on the screen touched by the operator. The touch panel 44 acquires data input by the operator from the position on the screen detected by the touch sensor and information on the image displayed at that position.

[0037] The camera 45 is an imaging device built into the information terminal 40. The processor 41 reads codes such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes from an image captured by the camera 45. Here, the processor 41 cooperates with the camera 45 to configure a reading unit.

[0038] The wireless unit 46 is a communication device that performs data communication with the access point 27 in accordance with a communication protocol of the wireless LAN. The wireless unit 46 constitutes a communication section of the information terminal 40.

[0039] In the information terminal 40 having such a configuration, the self-registration program 60 is installed in, for example, the external memory 43. The self-registration program 60 is application software for a product registration system executed in the information terminal 40. The self-registration program 60 may be installed in the built-in memory 42. There is no particular limitation on the method of installing the self-registration program 60 in the built-in memory 42 or the external memory 43. The self-registration program 60 can be installed in the built-in memory 42 or the external memory 43 by recording the self-registration program 60 on a removable recording medium or by distributing the self-registration program 60 by communication via a network. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or USB memory.

[0040] In the information terminal 40 in which the self-registration program 60 is installed, a list area 61, a total area 62, and a current area 63 are formed in a part of the built-in memory 42. Each of the areas 61, 62, and 63 may be formed in the external memory 43.

[0041] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the list area 61. As shown in the figure, the list area 61 is an area for storing detailed data such as the product code, product name, price, attribute, purchase quantity, discount amount, and update flag F.

[0042] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the total area 62. As shown in the figure, the total area is an area for storing the total points Ta, the total amount Tb, and the total discount amount Tc.

[0043] 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the current area 63. As shown in the figure, the current area 63 is an area for storing data such as the product code, product name, price, attributes, purchase quantity, and discount amount in association with a consecutive number starting from "1."

[0044] Processor 41 performs information processing according to self-registration program 60, thereby realizing the functions of switching means, control means, extraction means, and clear means. The switching means has a function of switching between a continuous scan mode (continuous reading mode) in which barcodes can be read continuously by the reading unit using camera 45, and a single scan mode (single reading mode) in which barcodes cannot be read continuously. The control means has a function of displaying product data received by wireless unit 46, which is a communication unit, on a part of a scan screen, which is a first screen, on touch panel 44, which is a display unit, in the continuous scan mode, thereby enabling continuous reading of barcodes by the reading unit, and displaying product data received by wireless unit 46, which is a communication unit, on a registration screen, which is a second screen different from the first screen, on touch panel 44, which is a display unit, in the single scan mode, thereby disabling continuous reading of barcodes by the reading unit. The extraction means has a function of extracting product data relating to a product identified by the latest barcode read by the reading unit from the product data received by the communication unit. The clearing means is a function of clearing the product data stored in the current area 63, which is a storage unit, when a screen transition is instructed by a first instruction unit that instructs to transition the image on the touch panel 44 from a scan screen to a registration screen, or a second instruction unit that instructs to transition from the registration screen to a scan screen. Details of these functions will be made clear in the operation explanation described later.

[0045] [Product registration system operation explanation] 8 to 15 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by processor 41 of information terminal 40 according to self-registration program 60. FIGS. 16 to 20 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by processor 111 of registration support server 11 according to a program. FIGS. 21 to 24 are examples of screen transitions displayed on touch panel 44 of information terminal 40. Below, the main operations of the product registration system are explained using each figure. Note that the procedures and contents of the operations explained below are examples. The procedures or contents can be changed as appropriate as long as the same effect can be achieved. Also, the screens are examples. The layout, images, text, etc. of each screen are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0046] A customer using an information terminal 40 to shop at a retail store in which the self-service product registration system 100 is installed first launches the self-service registration program 60. When the self-service registration program 60 launches, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in Fig. 8. The processor 41 displays the check-in screen SCa (see Fig. 21(a)) on the touch panel 44 as ACT1. Then, the processor 41 launches the camera 45 as ACT2.

[0047] An entrance code is prepared at the entrance of the store. The entrance code is setting information related to the store coded using a two-dimensional code system. The setting information includes a store code, in-store LAN data, mobile communication data, etc. The in-store LAN data is an SSID, password, security information, etc. required for the information terminal 40 to connect to the access point 27 using wireless LAN. The mobile communication data is a timeout period, number of retries, etc. required for the information terminal 40 to communicate with each device of the self-service product registration system 100.

[0048] 21(a), the check-in screen SCa displays a frame CM indicating the code reading area along with guidance for scanning the entry code. The customer points the camera 45 of the information terminal 40 at the entry code so that the entry code fits within the frame CM. Then, the entry code is read by the function of the reading unit of the information terminal 40.

[0049] In the above description, the camera 45 is activated when the check-in screen SCa is displayed on the touch panel 44, but the timing at which the camera 45 is activated is not limited to this. For example, a camera activation button may be displayed on the check-in screen SCa, and the camera 45 may be activated when the camera activation button is touched.

[0050] After displaying the check-in screen SCa, the processor 41 waits for check-in in ACT3. When the store entry code is scanned by the camera 45, the processor 41 determines that check-in has been completed and proceeds to ACT4. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 in ACT4.

[0051] The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a check-in notification as ACT5. By this control, the wireless unit 46 connects to the access point 27 via wireless LAN based on the in-store LAN data acquired from the store entry code. After connecting to the access point 27, the wireless unit 46 wirelessly transmits a check-in notification command. The check-in notification command is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration assistance server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The check-in notification command includes a terminal identification code set in the information terminal 40. The terminal identification code may be, for example, a code for identifying the information terminal 40 used by the customer, and for example, the device ID or mobile phone number of the information terminal 40 may be the terminal identification code. Alternatively, the terminal identification code may be a code for identifying the self-registration program 60 stored in the information terminal 40 or a user who uses the program, and may be, for example, a unique number automatically issued when the program is installed or a membership number issued when the customer registers as a member. The store code acquired from the store entry code is also included in the check-in notification command. In the registration assistance server 11 that receives the check-in notification command, a check-in notification process is executed.

[0052] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the check-in notification process. When the processor 111 of the registration assistance server 11 receives the check-in notification command via the communication interface 115, the processor 111 acquires the terminal identification code from the check-in notification command as ACT121. The processor 111 also acquires the store ID from the check-in notification command as ACT122. The processor 111 further sets the current date and time measured by the clock 124 as the store entry date and time as ACT123. The processor 111 then creates a transaction file 50 as ACT124. The transaction file 50 stores the transaction identification code, the store code acquired from the check-in notification command, and the store entry date and time. The transaction identification code may be the terminal identification code acquired from the check-in notification command. The transaction file 50 is stored in the main memory 112, for example.

[0053] The processor 111 transmits a start command to the information terminal 40 that is the sender of the check-in notification command, for example, based on the terminal identification code, as ACT125. Here, if a transaction number is used as the transaction identification code, the start command may include the transaction identification code using the transaction number and transmit it to the information terminal 40. In this case, when registering a product, the information terminal 40 can include the transaction identification code in the registration notification command described later, and the registration support server 11 can manage the information of the product registered by the customer based on the transaction identification code. With the above, the processor 111 ends the information processing when the check-in notification command is received. Note that the processor 111 creates the transaction file 50 in ACT124, but the timing of creating the transaction file 50 is not limited to this. The processor 111 may generate the transaction file 50 when the information terminal 40 receives a product code transmitted as a registration notification command when the information terminal 40 reads the barcode of the first product in a new transaction.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. After issuing the check-in notification, the processor 41 waits for a start command in ACT 6. When the processor 41 receives the start command via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT 7. The processor 41 sets the mode flag MF to "0" in ACT 7.

[0055] The mode flag MF is 1-bit data for identifying whether the operation mode of the information terminal 40 is the continuous scan mode or the single scan mode. The continuous scan mode is a mode in which the reading unit can continuously read the barcodes of multiple products. The single scan mode is a mode in which the reading unit reads the barcodes of products one by one. In the single scan mode, the barcodes of multiple products cannot be continuously read. In this embodiment, the mode flag indicating the continuous scan mode is set to "1", and the mode flag indicating the single scan mode is set to "0". That is, the information terminal 40 is set to the single scan mode at an initial stage after check-in.

[0056] Having set the mode flag MF to "0", the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the check-in screen SCa to the registration screen SCb (see FIG. 21(b)) as ACT8. As shown in FIG. 21, the registration screen SCb has a scan button BTa, a no barcode button BTb, and a payment button BTc arranged thereon. Furthermore, part of the screen is used as a transaction total display section ARa, and the remainder as a detailed list display section ARb of the purchased items. At this point, since shopping has not yet begun, the total points are 0 points and the total amount is 0 yen. Furthermore, the detailed list display section ARb is blank.

[0057] The scan button BTa is an operator that instructs the user to scan the barcode attached to the product. The no barcode button BTb is an operator that instructs the user to register a product that does not have a barcode. The payment button BTc is an operator that instructs the user to pay for the transaction. Since shopping has not yet started at this point, the payment button BTc is grayed out and disabled. The registration screen SCb with the payment button BTc disabled may be called the registration start screen.

[0058] After checking the registration screen SCb, the customer starts shopping. Then, as the customer walks around the sales floor and finds the item to be purchased, the customer checks whether or not the item has a barcode attached. If the item has a barcode attached, the customer touches the scan button BTa. If the item does not have a barcode attached, the customer touches the no barcode button BTb.

[0059] The processor 41, which has controlled the display of the registration screen SCb, waits for the scan button BTa to be input as ACT9, or for the no barcode button BTb to be input as ACT10. When the scan button BTa is input in the standby state of ACT9 and ACT10, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT11. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCb to the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode (see FIG. 21(c)) as ACT11. Then, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT12 in FIG. 9. The processor 41 activates the camera 45 as ACT12.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 21, the scan screen SCc in single scan mode displays a frame CM indicating the code reading area along with guidance for scanning the barcode of a product. The scan screen SCc also displays a No Barcode button BTb and a Return to Details button BTd. The Return to Details button BTd is an operator that instructs the user to return to the registration screen. The code reading area is an image that assists in reading the barcode. In other words, the scan screen SCc is an example of the first screen.

[0061] The scan screen SCc further has a mode change switch SW. The mode change switch SW is a switch for switching between single scan mode and continuous scan mode. Since the scan screen SCc is a screen for the single scan mode, the mode change switch SW displays [OFF], indicating that the single scan mode is selected.

[0062] After checking the scan screen SCc, the customer decides whether or not to change to continuous scan mode. If the customer does not want to change to continuous scan mode, that is, if the barcode of the purchased item is to be read in single scan mode, the customer points the camera 45 of the information terminal 40 at the purchased item so that the barcode fits inside the frame CM. The barcode is then read by the reading function of the information terminal 40. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the customer touches the No Barcode button BTb. To return to the registration screen SCb, the customer touches the Return to Details button BTd. On the other hand, to change to continuous scan mode, the customer switches the mode selector switch SW.

[0063] The processor 41, which has started up the camera in ACT12, waits for a barcode to be read in ACT13, for the no barcode button BTb to be pressed in ACT14, for the return to details button BTd to be pressed in ACT15, or for the mode change switch SW to be switched in ACT16.

[0064] When a barcode is read in the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 10. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF in ACT31. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "0", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT32. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 in ACT32. The processor 41 also controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a registration notification in ACT33. This control causes the wireless unit 46 to wirelessly transmit a registration notification command. The registration notification command is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The registration notification command includes the data of the barcode read from the purchased product. The registration notification command also includes a transaction identification code, which is information for identifying the customer's transaction in the transaction file 50. For example, if the transaction identification code is a terminal identification code, the registration notification command includes the terminal identification code set in the information terminal 40.

[0065] In the registration assistance server 11 that receives the registration notification command, a registration notification process is executed. 17 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the registration notification process. When the processor 111 of the registration support server 11 receives the registration notification command via the communication interface 115, the processor 111 acquires a transaction identification code from the registration notification command as ACT 131. The processor 111 then selects the transaction file 50 in which the transaction identification code is saved as ACT 132. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the selected transaction file will be referred to as transaction file 51.

[0066] The processor 111 acquires the product code from the barcode data included in the registration notification command in ACT 133. Then, the processor 111 searches the product master 14 for the product code in ACT 134. At this time, the processor 111 searches the product master 14 of the affiliated store identified by the store code stored in the transaction file 51.

[0067] The processor 111 reads out product data such as the product name, price, attributes, etc., stored in association with the product code from the product master 14 as ACT 135. The processor 111 generates detailed data of the purchased product as ACT 136. As described above, the detailed data is composed of the product code, product name, price, attributes, purchase quantity, discount amount, update flag F, etc. of the purchased product.

[0068] The processor 111 adds "1" to the number of detailed data n in the transaction file 51 in ACT137. Then, the processor 111 checks whether the number of detailed data n is greater than "1". If the number of detailed data n is greater than "1", the processor 111 proceeds to ACT139. The fact that the number of detailed data n is greater than "1" means that other detailed data is stored in the transaction file 51. The processor 111 resets the update flag F of the other detailed data to "0" in ACT139. Then, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT140. On the other hand, if the number of detailed data n is "1", that is, other detailed data is not stored in the transaction file 51, the processor 111 skips the processing of ACT139 and proceeds to ACT140. The processor 111 saves the detailed data created in ACT136 in the transaction file 51 in ACT140. Then, the processor 111 sets the update flag F of that particular data to "1" in ACT141.

[0069] After completing the above process, the processor 111 transmits a detail response command to the information terminal 40 that transmitted the registration notification command as ACT 142. The detail response command includes the detail data of n detail data items stored in the transaction file 51, the total number of items, the total amount, the total discount amount, and the like.

[0070] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. After controlling the transmission of the registration notification command, the processor 41 waits for a detail response command in ACT34. When the detail response command is received via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT35. In ACT35, the processor 41 extracts the detail data in which the update flag F is set to "1" from the detail response command. Then, in ACT36, the processor 41 adds the detail data to the list area 61. In ACT37, the processor 41 also obtains the total points, total price, and total discount amount from the detail response command, and overwrites them in the total area 62.

[0071] After that, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode to the registration screen SCd (see FIG. 21(d)) as ACT38. The registration screen SCd displays a screen (registered product list) including a list of information of all products whose barcodes have been scanned as purchased products, and the total number of items and the total amount. That is, the registration screen is a product detail screen showing information of all products whose registration process has been performed as purchased products. The registration screen SCd is an example of a screen when the barcode of the first purchased product is scanned. The total number of items and the total amount stored in the total area 62 are displayed in the total display section ARa. If the total discount amount is greater than 0 yen, the total discount amount is also displayed in part of the total display section ARa. The detail list display section ARb displays the product name (product AAAAAA), price (¥100), purchase number ([1]), etc. of the purchased product for each product based on the detail data stored in the list area 61. That is, the registration screen SCd is an example of the second screen.

[0072] The processor 41, which has set the screen of the touch panel 44 to the registration screen SCd, proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 11. The processor 41 waits for the scan button BTa to be input in ACT51, the no barcode button BTb to be input in ACT52, the payment button BTc to be input in ACT53, or any of the purchased items displayed in the detail list display area ARb to be selected in ACT54.

[0073] When the scan button BTa is input by being touched by the customer, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT55. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF in ACT55. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "0", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT56. In ACT56, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCd to the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode (see FIG. 21(c)). Then, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT12 in FIG. 9. After starting the camera 45 again, the processor 41 enters a standby state for ACT13 to ACT16.

[0074] When the customer changes the operation mode from the single scan mode to the continuous scan mode, the mode change switch SW is changed from OFF to ON. When the mode change switch SW is changed from OFF to ON in the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT17. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF in ACT17. In this case, the mode flag MF is "0", so the processor 41 proceeds to ACT18. The processor 41 sets the mode flag MF to "1" in ACT18. The processor 41 also changes the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode to the scan screen SCe of the continuous scan mode (see FIG. 22(a)) in ACT19. The processor 41 then enters the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16.

[0075] 22(a), the state of the mode change switch SW on the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode is changed compared to the scan screen SCc in the single scan mode. That is, the mode change switch SW indicates that the continuous scan mode is selected by displaying [ON].

[0076] After switching to the continuous scan mode, the customer holds the barcode of the purchased item up to the camera 45. The processor 41, which was in a standby state from ACT13 to ACT16, proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 10. At this point, the mode flag MF is "1", so the processor 41 proceeds to ACT39. The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a registration notification in ACT39. This control causes the wireless unit 46 to wirelessly transmit a registration notification command. The registration notification command is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration assistance server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The registration notification command includes the barcode data read from the purchased item and the transaction identification information.

[0077] In the registration support server 11 that has received the registration notification command, the registration notification process already described with reference to FIG. 17 is executed. Therefore, the processor 41 that has controlled the transmission of the registration notification command waits for a detail response command in ACT40. When the detail response command is received via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT41. The processor 41 extracts the detail data in which the update flag F is set to "1" from the detail response command in ACT41. The processor 41 then adds the detail data to the list area 61 in ACT42. The processor 41 also obtains the total number of items, the total amount, and the total discount amount from the detail response command in ACT43, and overwrites the total area 62. The processor 41 also adds the product code, product name, price, attribute, number of items, amount, and discount amount included in the detail data to the current area 63 in ACT44. At this time, if data has already been stored in the area associated with the serial number "1" of the current area 63, the data with serial numbers "1" and below are moved down to serial numbers "2" and below. Then, the new data is added to the vacant area of ​​serial number "1." The processor 41 then displays, as ACT45, the product name, price, attributes, and purchase quantity of the data associated with serial number "1" in the current area 63 in a part of the scan screen SCe.

[0078] Here, the processor 41 realizes a function as an extraction means by executing the process of ACT 41. Then, the processor 41 executes the process of ACT 44 to store the data extracted by the extraction means, that is, the product data whose update flag F is "1", in the current area 63 which is a storage unit.

[0079] The scan screen SCf in FIG. 22(b) is a scan screen after scanning the barcode of a purchased product with the product name (product AAAAAA) in the continuous scan mode. As shown in the figure, the scan screen SCf secures a current display area CR in a part of the area that does not overlap with the frame CM, and the product name (product AAAAAA), price (¥100), number of items purchased ([1]), etc. of the purchased product are displayed in this current display area CR. In addition, a circled number MC is displayed above the back to details button BTd. The circled number MC indicates the number of data stored in the current area 63. When such a scan screen SCf is displayed, if the customer holds the barcode of the purchased product over the camera 45 so that it fits inside the frame CM, the information terminal 40 can read the barcode. In other words, the scan screen SCf is an example of the first screen.

[0080] The processor 41, which has set the screen of the touch panel 44 to the scan screen SCf, returns to the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16 in Fig. 9. In this standby state, when a barcode is read, the processor 41 executes the processes of ACT31 and ACT39 to ACT45 in Fig. 10 in the same manner as described above.

[0081] Therefore, for example, when the barcode of a purchased product with the name (product AAAAAA) is read followed by the barcode of a purchased product with the name (product BBBBBB), the screen of the touch panel 44 becomes the scan screen SCg of Fig. 22(c). That is, the product name (product BBBBBB), price (¥200), number of items purchased ([1]), etc. are displayed in the current display area CR. In addition, the circled numbers MC increase from "1" to "2." This circled numbers MC allows the customer to know the number of products that have been scanned in succession.

[0082] If the customer wishes to check the data of the previously scanned product, he or she swipes the current display area CR, for example, from left to right as they face the screen. Then, as shown on the scan screen SCh in Fig. 22(d), the content of the current display area CR changes from the data of the purchased product with the product name (product BBBBBB) to the data of the purchased product with the product name (product AAAAAA). The circled numbers MC do not change.

[0083] In this way, by selecting the continuous scan mode, the customer can continuously scan the barcodes of purchased items without operating the scan button BTa. At this time, the data of the most recently purchased item is displayed in the current display area CR, so the customer can check information such as the item name and price of the item whose barcode was scanned. In addition, information on items scanned before switching from the scan screen in the continuous scan mode to another screen, that is, information on the item before the most recently purchased item, can also be checked by swiping the current display area CR. However, even if the customer moves from the scan screen to another screen, such as a registration screen (details screen), and then returns to the scan screen in the continuous scan mode, it is not possible to check all purchased items in the current display area CR. If the customer wants to check all purchased items, the customer touches BTd to return to the details.

[0084] When the back to details button BTd is pressed in the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT81 in Fig. 13. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 in ACT81. The processor 41 also clears the data in the current area 63 in ACT82. After that, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCg of the continuous scan mode to the registration screen (product name replay screen) SCi (see Fig. 23(a)) based on the data stored in the list area 61. The processor 41 then enters a standby state of ACT51 to ACT54 in Fig. 11.

[0085] The registration screen SCi is a screen that displays the product name, price, etc. of the purchased products that the customer has registered so far by product. The registration screen SCi is an example of the second screen. In addition, the button BTd for returning to the details on the scan screen SCe functions as a first instruction unit.

[0086] After checking the registration screen SCi, the customer touches the scan button BTa when scanning the barcode of the purchased item next. The processor 41, which is in a standby state of ACT51 to ACT54, proceeds to ACT55 when the scan button BTa is pressed. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF in ACT55. Since the mode flag MF is "1" at this time, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT57. The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCi to the scan screen SCe (see FIG. 22(a)) of the continuous scan mode in ACT57. Then, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT12 in FIG. 9. After activating the camera 45 again, the processor 41 enters a standby state of ACT13 to ACT16. Therefore, the customer can again continuously scan the barcode of the purchased item. At this time, since the current area 63 was cleared in ACT82, the current display area CR is not displayed on the scan screen SCe. Here, the scan button BTa on the registration screen SCi functions as a second instruction section. Then, the processor 41 executes the process of ACT82 to realize the function as a clearing means.

[0087] When the customer returns the operation mode from the continuous scan mode to the single scan mode, the mode change switch SW on the scan screen SCe is changed from on to off. When the mode change switch SW is changed from on to off in the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16 in FIG. 9, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT17. The processor 41 checks the mode flag MF in ACT17. In this case, since the mode flag MF is "1", the processor 41 proceeds to ACT20. The processor 41 sets the mode flag MF to "0" in ACT20. The processor 41 also clears the data in the current area 63 in ACT21. The processor 41 changes the screen of the touch panel 44 from the scan screen SCe of the continuous scan mode to the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode in ACT22. The processor 41 then enters the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16. Therefore, in the continuous scan mode, even if the customer switches the mode change switch SW to select the single scan mode without touching the back to details button BTd, the data in the current area 63 is cleared.

[0088] In this way, the processor 41 realizes a function as a switching means by executing the process of ACT18 or ACT20 in Fig. 9 in cooperation with the mode changeover switch SW. Also, the processor 41 realizes a function as a control means by executing the process of ACT19 or ACT21.

[0089] Next, a case where the purchased product does not have a barcode will be described. Some products, such as fresh food, do not have a barcode. When the purchased product does not have a barcode, the customer touches the No Barcode button BTb.

[0090] When the barcode-free button BTb is input in the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16 in which the single-shot scan mode scan screen or the continuous scan mode scan screen is displayed on the touch panel 44 and the camera 45 is activated, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT61 in FIG. 12. The processor 41 stops the camera 45 in ACT61. The processor 41 then proceeds to ACT62. When the barcode-free button BTb is input in the standby state of ACT9 and ACT10 in which the registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 44 and the camera 45 is stopped, or in the standby state of ACT51 to ACT54, the processor 41 skips the process of ACT61 and proceeds to ACT62. The processor 41 displays a target list of products without barcodes on the touch panel 44 in ACT62. The processor 41 then waits for a product to be purchased to be selected.

[0091] The customer touches the item to be purchased from the list to select it. When the item to be purchased is selected, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT64. The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a registration notification. This control causes the wireless unit 46 to wirelessly transmit a registration notification command. The registration notification command is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration assistance server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The registration notification command includes the item code and transaction identification code of the selected item to be purchased.

[0092] In the registration support server 11 that has received the registration notification command, the registration notification process already described with reference to FIG. 17 is executed. Therefore, the processor 41 that has controlled the transmission of the registration notification command waits for a detail response command in ACT65. When the detail response command is received via the wireless unit 46, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT66. The processor 41 extracts the detail data in which the update flag F is set to "1" from the detail response command in ACT66. Then, the processor 41 adds the detail data to the list area 61 in ACT67. The processor 41 also obtains the total number of items, the total amount, and the total discount amount from the detail response command in ACT68, and overwrites the total area 62. Furthermore, the processor 41 clears the data in the current area 63 in ACT69. Then, the processor 41 sets the screen of the touch panel 44 to a registration screen in ACT70. At this time, the product name, price, purchase number, etc. of the non-barcode product are added to the detail list display section ARb of the registration screen. In addition, the total points and total amount in the total display section ARa are incremented by the amount of the non-barcoded products.

[0093] After that, the processor 41 goes into a standby state of ACT51 to ACT54 in Fig. 11. Therefore, when the customer touches the scan button BTa to continue to read the barcodes of the purchased items, if the single scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode. On the other hand, if the continuous scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCe of the continuous scan mode. Therefore, the customer can again continuously scan the barcodes of the purchased items. Note that even at this point, the current area 63 is cleared in ACT69, so the current display area CR is not displayed on the scan screen SCe.

[0094] Incidentally, the continuous scan mode is effective when purchasing multiple identical items at once. For example, let's say you are purchasing three items. In the single scan mode, you are required to press the scan button BTa every time you want to read the barcode of a product, which can be cumbersome. In contrast, in the continuous scan mode, once you press the scan button BTa the first time, you can then read the barcodes of three items in a row. Or you can read the barcode of one item three times in a row. Therefore, it doesn't feel cumbersome. At this time, the display in the current display area CR does not change, but the circled numbers MC change from "1" to "2" to "3." This change in the circled numbers MC lets the customer know that the three items have been correctly registered.

[0095] However, when purchasing a large number of the same products at once, the same barcode must be read repeatedly by the information terminal 40, which may be cumbersome. In such a case, the customer can change the number of items displayed on the registration screen to the number of items to be purchased. Next, the function for changing the number of items to be purchased will be described.

[0096] For example, when the touch panel 44 displays the registration screen SCi shown in Fig. 23, to change the purchase quantity of the product name "Product AAAAAA" from "1" to "8", the customer taps the field displaying the product name "Product AAAAAA" to select the target product. Then, the processor 41, which was in the standby state of ACT51 to ACT54 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT91 in Fig. 14.

[0097] The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCi to the point change screen SCj (see FIG. 23(b)) as ACT91. As shown in FIG. 23, the point change screen SCj displays the current purchase points in an area ARc along with the product name, price, etc. of the product for which the point change is to be performed. In addition, an add button BTe is arranged on one side of this area ARc, and a subtract button BTf is arranged on the other side. In addition, a return without change button BTg and an OK button BTh are arranged.

[0098] After checking the score change screen SCj, the customer touches the Add button BTe seven times. Then, as shown in the score change screen SCk of FIG. 23(c), the value in the area ARc becomes “8”, so the customer touches the OK button BTh.

[0099] The processor 41, which has displayed the point change screen SCj, waits for the OK button BTh to be input as ACT92, or the back button BTg to be input as ACT93. When the OK button BTh is input in the standby state of ACT92 and ACT93, the processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a change notification as ACT95. This control causes the wireless unit 46 to wirelessly transmit a change notification command. The change notification command is received by the access point 27, and transmitted to the registration support server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The change notification command includes the item code of the item to be changed, as well as the points in the area ARc, that is, the purchased points after the change. The change notification command also includes the transaction identification code stored in the information terminal 40.

[0100] In the registration assistance server 11 that receives the change notification command, a change notification process is executed. 18 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the change notification process. When the processor 41 of the registration assistance server 11 receives a change notification command via the communication interface 115, the processor 41 acquires a transaction identification code from the change notification command as ACT 151. The processor 111 then selects the transaction file 51 in which the transaction identification code is saved as ACT 152.

[0101] The processor 111 selects the detail data of the product code included in the change notification process from the detail data stored in the transaction file 51 as ACT153, and changes the purchase number of the detail data to the purchase number included in the change notification process. Then, the processor 41 recalculates the total number of items, total amount, etc. of the transaction file as ACT154.

[0102] The processor 111 sets the update flag F of other detail data to "0" in ACT 155. The processor 111 also sets the update flag F of the detail data for which the purchase quantity has been changed to "1" in ACT 156. Then, the processor 111 transmits a detail response command to the information terminal 40 that transmitted the change notification command in ACT 157.

[0103] Returning to the explanation of Figure 14. After controlling the transmission of the change notification command, processor 41 waits for a detail response command in ACT96. When the detail response command is received via wireless unit 46, processor 41 proceeds to ACT97. In ACT97, processor 41 extracts detail data for which update flag F is set to "1" from the detail response command. Then, in ACT98, processor 41 changes the number of items in the data in list area 61 that includes the same product code as the detail data to the changed number of items purchased. In ACT99, processor 41 also obtains the total number of items, the total amount, and the total discount amount from the detail response command, and overwrites them in total area 62.

[0104] The processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the number of points change screen SCk to the registration screen SCl (see FIG. 23(d)) in ACT100. The registration screen SCl is an example of a screen when the number of points of the purchased product with the product name "Product AAAAAA" is changed from "1" to "8". After that, the processor 41 enters a standby state of ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG. 11. Therefore, when the customer touches the scan button BTa to continue to read the barcode of the purchased product, if the single scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCc of the single scan mode. On the other hand, if the continuous scan mode is selected, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the scan screen SCe of the continuous scan mode. Therefore, the customer can again continuously scan the barcodes of the purchased products. At this point, the current area 63 is cleared, so the current display area CR is not displayed on the scan screen SCe.

[0105] Incidentally, the points change screen SCj is also used when canceling the purchase of a purchased item during shopping. The customer selects the target item by tapping the field in the registration screen in which the product name of the product to be canceled is displayed. Then, the screen of the touch panel 44 switches from the registration screen to the points change screen SCj, and the customer touches the subtraction button BTf to set the value in the area ARc to "0". Then, the customer touches the OK button BTh. This causes the processor 41 to execute the processes of ACT95 to ACT100 in FIG. 14 in the same manner as described above. As a result, the purchase points of the product become "0", so that the product is excluded from the purchased items. It is preferable to leave the product with the purchase points of "0" on the registration screen, for example, by displaying a strikethrough line over the product name or by using a different text color from other products with purchase points of "1" or more.

[0106] Now, after completing their shopping, the customer touches the payment button BTc on the registration screen SCl. When the payment button BTc is pressed, the processor 41, which is in a standby state in ACT51 to ACT54 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT111 in Fig. 15. The processor 41 controls the wireless unit 46 to perform a payment notification in ACT111. This control causes the wireless unit 46 to wirelessly transmit a payment notification command. The payment notification command is received by the access point 27 and transmitted to the registration assistance server 11 via the router 26 of the POS system 20. The payment notification command includes a transaction identification code.

[0107] When the registration assistance server 11 receives the payment notification command, the payment notification process is executed. 19 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the payment notification process. When the processor 41 of the registration assistance server 11 receives a payment notification command via the communication interface 115, it acquires a transaction identification code from the payment notification command in ACT 161. Then, the processor 111 selects the transaction file 51 in which the transaction identification code is saved in ACT 162.

[0108] The processor 111 analyzes the data stored in the transaction file 51 as ACT163 to check whether payment is possible. For example, for a product where the product name, price, etc. could not be read for the product code, error detail data remains. In this case, payment is not possible.

[0109] If the payment is not possible, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT164. The processor 111 notifies the store terminal used by the attendant for monitoring that the customer has declared payment for the erroneous product. Then, the processor 111 transmits a negative response command to the information terminal 40 that transmitted the payment notification command in ACT165. The attendant who receives the notification will take action such as checking the product purchased by the customer.

[0110] On the other hand, if payment is possible, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT 166. The processor 111 creates a unique accounting code in ACT 166. The processor 111 saves the accounting code in the transaction file 51 in ACT 167. The processor 111 transmits an approval response command to the information terminal 40 that transmitted the payment notification command in ACT 168.

[0111] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15. The processor 41, which controlled the transmission of the payment notification command, waits for a response command as ACT112. If a negative response command is received from the registration support server 11, the processor 41 performs error processing. For example, the processor 41 displays an error message such as "Self-service payment is not possible. Please make payment at a manned accounting machine" on the touch panel 44.

[0112] If an acceptance response command is received, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT113. In ACT113, the processor 41 switches the screen of the touch panel 44 from the registration screen SCi to the billing screen SCm (see FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 24, the billing screen SCm displays the billing code as a barcode BC. In addition, a back button BTi is provided.

[0113] The processor 41 waits for the back button BTi to be input in ACT114, or for a payment completion response command to be received in ACT115. If the back button BTi is input, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT116. In ACT116, the processor 41 returns the screen of the touch panel 44 from the accounting screen SCm to the immediately preceding registration screen SCl. The processor 41 enters a standby state for ACT51 to ACT54 in FIG.

[0114] The payment completion response command is sent from the registration support server 11 when the customer finishes the payment at the dedicated payment machine 24. After checking the payment screen SCm, the customer scans the barcode BC on the payment screen SCm with the scanner of the dedicated payment machine 24. This causes a payment request command to be sent from the dedicated payment machine 24 to the registration support server 11. The payment request command includes the data of the barcode BC, in other words, the payment code.

[0115] The processor 111 of the registration assistance server 11 that has received the payment request command starts the payment request processing procedure shown in Fig. 20. That is, the processor 1111 obtains the accounting code from the payment request command in ACT 171. Then, the processor 111 selects the transaction file 51 in which the transaction identification code is saved in ACT 172.

[0116] The processor 111 transmits the data of the transaction file 51 to the dedicated accounting machine 24 that sent the payment request command as ACT173. The transaction details are then displayed on the display of the dedicated accounting machine 24, and the customer checks the details and then pays the price. When the payment is complete, a payment completion command is sent from the dedicated accounting machine 24 to the registration assistance server.

[0117] After transmitting the data of the transaction file 51 to the dedicated accounting machine 24, the processor 111 waits for a payment completion command in ACT 174. Upon receiving the payment completion command, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT 175. The processor 111 transmits a payment completion response command to the information terminal 40 identified by the transaction identification code in the transaction file 51 in ACT 175.

[0118] When the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 displaying the accounting screen SCm receives the payment completion response command, it proceeds to ACT 117. The processor 41 clears the list area 61 in ACT 117. The processor 41 also clears the total area 62 in ACT 118. After that, the processor 41 erases the accounting screen SCm in ACT 119. This completes self-shopping using the information terminal 40.

[0119] [Effects of information terminals] As described above in detail, when a customer switches the mode change switch SW of the scan screen SCc displayed on the touch panel 44 of the information terminal 40 from off to on, the operation mode is changed from the single scan mode to the continuous scan mode. When the operation mode is changed to the continuous scan mode, the screen of the touch panel 44 becomes the scan screen SCe of the continuous scan mode. Since the frame CM indicating the code reading area is displayed on the scan screen SCe, the customer holds the camera 45 of the information terminal 40 over the purchased product so that the barcode fits inside the frame CM. Then, the barcode is read by the function of the reading unit of the information terminal 40. Then, the product data such as the product name and price of the product specified by the barcode is displayed in the current display area CR, which is a part of the scan screen SCe. At this time, the frame CM remains displayed on the scan screen SCe. Therefore, the customer can have the barcode of the next purchased product read without performing any special button input operation. In this way, by selecting the continuous scan mode, the customer can perform the barcode reading operation of the purchased product without feeling complicated.

[0120] To return from the continuous scan mode to the single scan mode, the mode change switch SW on the scan screen SCc is switched from on to off. Therefore, the single scan mode and the continuous scan mode can be switched with a simple operation.

[0121] The product data displayed in the current display area CR of the scan screen SCe is stored in the current area 63 in the order of registration. When the customer swipes the current display area CR, the display content of the current display area CR changes to the data of the previously purchased product. Therefore, the customer can easily check not only the data of the most recently purchased product on the scan screen SCe, but also the data of purchased products scanned before that. In addition, the number of products scanned in succession is also displayed in a part of the scan screen SCe. Therefore, the customer can easily grasp the information on how many products have been scanned in succession.

[0122] The information terminal 40 extracts the detailed data with the update flag F set to "1" from among the detailed data sent from the registration support server 11, which is a higher-level machine, and stores it in the current area 63, which is a storage unit. Therefore, the processing load of the processor 41 can be reduced compared to rewriting the data in the current area 63 with all the detailed data every time detailed data is sent from the registration support server 11. Moreover, for example, when a customer touches the back to details button BTd on the scan screen SCe to change the screen of the touch panel 44 to the registration screen SCi, the information terminal 40 clears the current area 63. Therefore, when the scan button BTa is touched thereafter, the screen of the touch panel 44 becomes the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode, but since the current area 63 has been cleared, the current display area CR is not displayed. Similarly, when a customer touches the no barcode button BTb in the continuous scan mode, or when the mode change switch is switched from the continuous scan mode to the single shot scan mode and then back to the continuous scan mode, the information terminal 40 also clears the current area 63. In this way, the product data stored in the current area 63 is limited to products whose barcodes have been read continuously, so the storage capacity of the current area 63 can be reduced compared to the list area 61.

[0123] [Variations] In the above embodiment, a smartphone is assumed as the information terminal 40. The information terminal 40 may be, for example, a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart, or a mobile terminal lent to a customer by a store. In this case, the processes of ACT1 to ACT5 in FIG. 8 are omitted. Specifically, a declaration button for starting shopping is displayed on the initial screen of the tablet terminal or mobile terminal. When the customer touches this declaration button, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT6 and starts the process from ACT7. By using such a configuration, the above-mentioned tablet terminal or mobile terminal can be applied as the information terminal 40.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the registration support server 11 transmits the detail data, the number of which is n, stored in the transaction file 51 to the information terminal 40 by including it in the detail response command. In this regard, the processor 111 of the registration support server 11 may extract the detail data for which the update flag F is set to "1", include it in the detail response command, and transmit it to the information terminal 40. By doing so, the processes of ACT35, ACT41, ACT66, and ACT97 can be omitted in the information terminal 40.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the processor 41 of the information terminal 40 determines whether the operation mode is the single scan mode or the continuous scan mode, and displays the scan screen SCc in the single scan mode and displays the scan screen SCe in the continuous scan mode. In this regard, the registration support server 11 determines the operation mode of the information terminal 40. Then, in the single scan mode, the registration support server 11 provides the information terminal 40 with information required to display the scan screen SCc, and in the continuous scan mode, the registration support server 11 provides the information terminal 40 with information required to display the scan screen SCe. By adopting such a configuration, the product registration system 100 including the registration support server 11 and the information terminal 40 can achieve the effects of the present embodiment.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the case where the points of the purchased item are changed on the point change screen SCj has been exemplified. The points do not have to be changed using the point change screen SCj. For example, the purchase points displayed in the detail list display area ARb of the registration screen SCi may be displayed in a pull-down list cell, and the changed purchase points may be selected from the pull-down list. Alternatively, a numeric keypad screen may be displayed instead of the point change screen SCj, and the changed purchase points may be entered as a number.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the processor 41 clears the data in the current area 63 as the processing in ACT20, ACT69, or ACT82. The timing for clearing the data in the current area 63 is not limited to this. For example, the data in the current area 63 may be cleared at the timing when the scan button BTa is pressed in ACT51 of Fig. 11. Also, for example, the data in the current area 63 may be cleared before or after the mode flag MF is set to "1" in ACT18 of Fig. 9.

[0128] The code read by the reading unit of the information terminal 40 is not limited to a barcode, but may be, for example, a two-dimensional code that encodes information for identifying a product.

[0129] The registration support server 11 does not have to be a single server. The function of the registration support server 11 may be distributed among multiple servers. Furthermore, the registration support server 11 does not have to use cloud computing. For example, the store server 21 or another server may have the function of the registration support server 11.

[0130] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10...server system, 11...registration support server, 14...product master, 20...POS system, 21...store server, 22...monitoring terminal, 23...POS terminal, 24...dedicated accounting machine, 30...network, 40...information terminal, 41...processor, 42...built-in memory, 43...external memory, 44...touch panel, 45...camera, 46...wireless unit, 50...transaction file, 60...self-registration program, 61...list area, 62...total area, 63...current area, 111...processor , 112...main memory, 113...auxiliary memory device, 114...clock, 115...communication interface, SCa...check-in screen, SCb, SCd, SCi, SCl...registration screen, SCc, SCe, SCf, SCg, SCh...scan screen, SCj, SCj...point change screen, SCm...accounting screen, BTa...scan button, BTb...no barcode button, BTc...payment button, BTd...return to details button, CR...current display area, SW...mode switching switch.

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads a code for identifying a product; a display unit that displays a first screen for assisting the reader in reading the code; a communication unit that transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine and receives product data identified by the code from the host machine; a switching means for switching between a continuous reading mode in which the reading unit can read the code continuously and a single shot reading mode in which the reading unit cannot read the code continuously; a control means for displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a part of the first screen on the display unit in the continuous reading mode to enable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit, and for displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a second screen separate from the first screen on the display unit in the single-shot reading mode to disable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit; An information terminal comprising:

2. a storage unit that sequentially stores the product data identified by the code read by the reading unit; Further equipped with 2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the latest product data stored in the memory unit to be displayed on a portion of the first screen when in the continuous reading mode, and causes the product data stored in the memory unit to be displayed in reverse order of storage in place of the latest product data in response to a go back instruction.

3. an extracting means for extracting, from the product data received by the communication unit, the product data relating to the product identified by the latest code read by the reading unit; Further comprising:

3. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit sequentially stores the product data extracted by the extraction means.

4. a first instruction unit that instructs the image on the display unit to be changed from the first screen to the second screen; a second instruction unit that instructs the image on the display unit to be changed from the second screen to the first screen; a clearing unit that clears the product data stored in the storage unit when a screen transition is instructed by the first instruction unit or the second instruction unit; 4. The information terminal according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

5. the display unit is a touch panel, the first instruction unit is a touch button displayed on the display unit together with the first screen, The information terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the second instruction unit is a touch button displayed on the display unit together with the second screen.

6. a computer of an information terminal including a reading unit that reads a code for identifying a product, a display unit that displays a first screen for assisting the reading unit in reading the code, and a communication unit that transmits the code read by the reading unit to a host machine and receives product data identified by the code from the host machine; a switching means for switching between a continuous reading mode in which the reading unit can read the code continuously and a single-shot reading mode in which the reading unit cannot read the code continuously; and a control means for displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a part of the first screen on the display unit in the continuous reading mode to enable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit, and for displaying the product data received by the communication unit on a second screen separate from the first screen on the display unit in the single-shot reading mode to disable continuous reading of the codes by the reading unit; A program to function as a

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