Product sales processing system

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales processing system capable of properly using an information terminal of a consumer so that the customer executes registration of purchased commodities with good operability.SOLUTION: A commodity sales processing system includes supply means, association means, processing means and transmission means. The supply means supplies electric power to an information terminal 20 when the information terminal 20 is installed in a chargeable state. The association means associates a first unique code set to the information terminal 20 with a second unique code set to a code reading device 90. The processing means processes sales data of a commodity identified by a commodity code received by a second server. The transmission means transmits image data based on the sales data of the commodity processed by the processing means to the information terminal 20 to which the first unique code associated with the second unique code of the code reading device 90 that has read the commodity code is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product sales processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, product sales processing systems have been proposed for brick-and-mortar stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, which allow consumers to register their purchased products while shopping. One example is a system that uses a shopping cart terminal. The shopping cart terminal is equipped with a scanner and a display device, and is attached to the shopping cart. In this type of system, the consumer has the barcode attached to the purchased product read by the scanner of the shopping cart terminal. The barcode data is then transmitted from the shopping cart terminal to a server in the store via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The server registers sales data of the purchased product based on the barcode data, and transmits registration screen data showing the processing results to the shopping cart terminal. The shopping cart terminal displays a registration screen on a display device based on the registration screen data. Thus, the consumer can confirm from the registration screen that the purchased product has been correctly registered.

[0003] Another example is a system that uses an information terminal such as a smartphone owned by a consumer. In this type of system, the consumer installs a dedicated application program in advance on the information terminal. The consumer then uses the camera on the information terminal to capture an image of the barcode attached to the purchased item. The barcode data is then transmitted from the information terminal to the store's server via wireless LAN. Subsequent operations are the same as in a system that uses a cart terminal. Therefore, a registration screen is displayed on the display device of the information terminal, allowing the consumer to confirm that the purchased item has been correctly registered.

[0004] A system that uses a cart terminal requires a dedicated cart terminal for each shopping cart. In contrast, a system that uses consumer-owned information terminals does not require the store to prepare terminals. Therefore, it has the advantage that the store can reduce the initial capital investment compared to a system that uses cart terminals. However, for example, a smartphone camera is not designed to read product barcodes. Also, consumers hold the information terminal in one hand to read the barcode. For this reason, it is difficult to read the barcode of a large product that is difficult to hold in one hand. Thus, when it comes to reading barcodes, a system that uses consumer-owned information terminals is less user-friendly than a system that uses cart terminals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-086944 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2013-541107 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 a product sales processing system that can appropriately utilize the consumer's information terminal so that the consumer himself / herself can easily register the purchased products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the product sales processing system includes a first server that performs data communication with an information terminal owned by a consumer via a first network, and a second server that performs data communication with a code reading device owned by a store via a second network different from the first network. The product sales processing system includes a supplying means, an associating means, a processing means, and a transmitting means. The supplying means supplies power to the information terminal when the information terminal is installed in a chargeable state. The associating means Indicates that shopping can be started from the information terminal When the notification is received from the information terminal, Corresponding to the information terminal First unique code and transmits the first unique code from the second server to the information terminal. and a second unique code set in a code reader owned by the store. When the first unique code and the second unique code are received, The processing means processes sales data of the product identified by the product code read by the code reader and received by the second server. The transmission means transmits image data based on the sales data of the product processed by the processing means via the first server to an information terminal in which a first unique code associated with the second unique code of the code reader that read the product code is set. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product sales processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart equipped with a scanner module. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a scanner module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an information terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a link server. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of a terminal linkage table. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a store server. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of a scanner management table. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a transaction file. [Figure 11]4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a state determination process (1) executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a state determination process (2) executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a state determination process (3) executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Figure 21] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Figure 22] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of a cooperation server. [Diagram 23] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the store server. [Figure 24] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the store server. [Diagram 25] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the store server. [Figure 26] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of the store server. [Figure 27] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 28] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Figure 29] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Diagram 30] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the virtual POS server. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a code symbol indicating an associated ID. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a shopping start screen. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a registration screen. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a checkout screen. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a scanner module according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a third embodiment. [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main information processing executed by a processor of an information terminal in the third embodiment. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a link notification command reception process executed by a processor of a link server in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product sales processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. The product sales processing system is targeted at actual stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and allows consumers to register the products they have purchased while shopping.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product sales processing system according to an embodiment. The product sales processing system includes a link server 10. The link server 10 is a cloud computing server that provides services to an information terminal 20 through a wide area network NW1 such as the Internet. The information terminal 20 is an information terminal of a consumer who shops at a store ST1. For example, an Internet-compatible terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal is used as the information terminal 20. Note that the information terminal of a consumer includes an information terminal that the consumer borrows from a lending company and uses, in addition to an information terminal owned by the consumer. In other words, the information terminal of a consumer is an information terminal that is not managed by a store and is used by the consumer. This embodiment will be described on the assumption that an information terminal owned by the consumer is used. Therefore, the product sales processing system does not identify whether the information terminal is the information terminal of the consumer or not.

[0011] The product sales processing system also includes devices such as a store server 30, a virtual POS (Point Of Sales) server 40, a self-service checkout machine 50, a manned checkout machine 60, a router 80, and an access point 70. These devices are provided in a store ST1. An in-store network NW2 such as a LAN is installed in the store ST1, and each device is connected to the in-store network NW2.

[0012] The store server 30 is a server computer for supporting the overall store operations. The virtual POS server 40 is a server computer for providing an environment in which multiple POS terminals operate virtually using a virtual POS application program. Hereinafter, the virtual POS application program is abbreviated as virtual POS app.

[0013] The self-service accounting machine 50 is an accounting machine that allows a customer, who is a consumer, to pay for the products he or she purchases by operating the machine himself or herself. The manned accounting machine 60 is an accounting machine that allows the payment for the products to be paid for by a store clerk. The self-service accounting machine 50 can be a well-known self-service POS terminal or a semi-self-service payment machine. The manned accounting machine 60 can be a well-known POS terminal or an electronic cash register.

[0014] The router 80 connects the link server 10 via a dedicated communication network NW3. The router 80 is a network device that relays data communication between the link server 10 and each device connected to the in-store network NW2.

[0015] The access point 70 receives a connection request from a wireless communication device present in the store ST1, and establishes a wireless in-store network NW4 with the wireless communication device. The store ST1 has a store scanner module 90 (code reading device) as a wireless communication device. The scanner module 90 is provided in a shopping cart C. Hereinafter, the shopping cart C will be abbreviated as cart C. Note that the code reading device of a store includes not only a code reading device owned by the store, but also a code reading device rented by the store from a rental company. In other words, the code reading device of a store is prepared by the store for consumers who shop there. The code reading device of a store is not provided to the store by consumers who shop there. This embodiment will be described on the premise that a code reading device owned by the store is used. Therefore, the product sales processing system does not identify whether or not a code reading device is a code reading device of the store.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C equipped with a scanner module 90. The cart C is equipped with caster parts C1 for movement, a handle frame part C2, and a basket receiving part C3. The caster parts C1 have four wheels for smooth movement on the floor surface. The handle frame part C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster parts C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket receiving part C3 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame part C2. A shopping basket BA provided by the store can be placed on the cart C on the basket receiving part C3 and its lower part.

[0017] In the cart C configured as above, the scanner module 90 is located midway along the handle bar C22. The scanner module 90 is attached to the handle bar C22 so that the reading window 91 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. A battery BT is attached to the lower end side of the handle frame portion C2 across the vertical frames C21, C21. The battery BT serves as a power supply source that supplies power to the scanner module 90 and the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200.

[0018] A pole C4 is attached to one vertical frame C21 of the cart C. A stand 200 for the information terminal 20 is provided at the tip of the pole C4. A consumer using the cart C can place his / her own information terminal 20 on the stand 200 and go shopping. The stand 200 is provided with a charging connection unit 201 (supply means) for supplying power for charging the information terminal 20. The charging connection unit 201 is provided with, for example, a charging terminal (or a charging cable) connected to a chargeable terminal of the information terminal 20, and a charging pad (wireless charger) that supplies power by non-contact power supply (wireless power supply).

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the scanner module 90. The scanner module 90 includes an imaging unit 92, a control unit 93, a storage unit 94, a wireless unit 95, and a sensor group 96. The imaging unit 92 captures an image including a barcode or a two-dimensional code through a reading window 91. The control unit 93 reads the barcode or two-dimensional code data from the image captured by the imaging unit 92. The storage unit 94 stores the data read by the control unit 93. The storage unit 94 also stores a scanner ID in a fixed manner. The scanner ID is a unique identification code set for each scanner module 90 in order to identify each scanner module 90. The wireless unit 95 transmits the barcode or two-dimensional code data stored in the storage unit 94 together with the scanner ID according to a predetermined wireless communication method, provided that the wireless unit 95 is connected to the access point 70 via the in-store network NW4. The sensor group 96 includes various sensors including an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor (orientation sensor), a magnetic sensor, and the like. The control unit 93 measures the moving direction, moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the scanner module 90 based on the data detected by the sensor group 96. The memory unit 94 stores data indicating the measurement values ​​measured by the control unit 93. The wireless unit 95 transmits the data indicating the measurement values ​​together with the scanner ID according to a predetermined wireless communication method.

[0020] 4 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a wireless device 24, a touch panel 25, a power supply unit 26, a sensor group 27, and a system transmission path 28. The system transmission path 28 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The information terminal 20 connects the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the wireless device 24, the touch panel 25, and the power supply unit 26 to the system transmission path 28. In the information terminal 20, the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, and the system transmission path 28 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0021] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 20 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores data required for the processor 21 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 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. 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 23 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 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 21. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the application programs.

[0024] The application programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 include a shopping support program 29. The shopping support program 29 is used when a consumer shops at the store ST1. The method of installing the shopping support program 29 in the auxiliary storage device 23 is not particularly limited. The shopping support program 29 can be installed in the auxiliary storage device 23 by recording a control program on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control program by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device. The shopping support program 29 may be installed in the main memory 22 instead of the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0025] The wireless device 24 is a device for wirelessly communicating data with the link server 10 connected via the wide area network NW1 in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

[0026] The touch panel 25 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 20. The touch panel 25 displays various images. The touch panel 25 detects a touch position on the displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 21.

[0027] The power supply unit 26 is a supply unit that supplies power to each part of the information terminal 20. The power supply unit 26 has a battery, and can charge the battery by being connected to an external power supply source by wire / wireless. For example, the power supply unit 26 can detect a connection to a charging terminal (or a charging cable) of the charging connection part 201 of the stand 200, or detect a state in which contactless power supply (wireless power supply) by a charging pad (wireless charger) has started, and notify the processor 21.

[0028] The sensor group 27 is various sensors including an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor (direction sensor), a magnetic sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, etc. Based on the data detected by the sensor group 27, the moving direction, moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the information terminal 20 can be measured.

[0029] 5 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the linked server 10. The linked server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a first communication interface 14, a second communication interface 15, and a system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The linked server 10 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the first communication interface 14, and the second communication interface 15 to the system transmission path 16. In the linked server 10, a computer is configured by the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 16 that connects them.

[0030] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the link server 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0031] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The above data may also be stored in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application programs described above.

[0033] The application programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 include a control program that describes information processing executed by the linking server 10. As in the case of the shopping support program 29, the method of installing the control program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited.

[0034] The first communication interface 14 is an interface circuit for wirelessly communicating data with the information terminal 20 connected via the wide area network NW1 in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

[0035] The second communication interface 15 is an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from a router 80 connected via the communication network NW3 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0036] The linking server 10 having such a configuration stores the terminal linking table 17 in the auxiliary storage device 13. Note that the storage destination of the terminal linking table 17 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 13. The terminal linking table 17 may be stored in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of the terminal linkage table 17. As shown in Fig. 6, the terminal linkage table 17 has data fields for describing the associated linkage ID, communication address, scanner ID, and linkage flag in the same row.

[0038] The associated ID is a unique code set for each information terminal 20 in order to identify each information terminal 20 owned by the consumer. The associated ID is automatically generated by the associated server 10.

[0039] The communication address is a communication address set in the information terminal 20 identified by the associated ID in the same row. For example, an IP address corresponds to the communication address.

[0040] The scanner ID is a code for identifying the scanner module 90 that operates in association with the information terminal 20 identified by the association ID in the same row. A unique scanner ID is set in advance for the scanner module 90 attached to each cart C.

[0041] The linkage flag is 1-bit data indicating whether or not a linkage state is established between the information terminal 20 identified by the linkage ID in the same row and the scanner module 90 identified by the scanner ID. In this embodiment, when a linkage state is established, the linkage flag is set to "1", and when a linkage state is not established, the linkage flag is set to "0".

[0042] 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 30. The store 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 processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 35 will not be described here because they overlap with the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 16 of the linked server 10.

[0043] The communication interface 34 is an interface circuit for performing data communication with each device connected via the in-store network NW2.

[0044] The store server 30 configured as above stores the scanner management table 36 in the auxiliary storage device 33. The storage destination of the scanner management table 36 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 33. The scanner management table 36 may be stored in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 32.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the scanner management table 36. As shown in Fig. 8, the scanner management table 36 has data fields for writing the associated scanner ID, operating flag, and virtual POS No. in the same line. The scanner ID of the scanner module 90 attached to each cart C is written in advance in the scanner ID data field. The scanner management table 36 is a management storage unit that stores information indicating that a code reading device is being used by a consumer.

[0046] The operating flag is 1-bit data indicating whether the scanner module 90 identified by the scanner ID in the same row is operating or not. In this embodiment, the operating flag is set to "1" when it indicates that it is operating, and "0" when it indicates that it is not operating. Operating indicates that the scanner module 90 is being used by a consumer. Therefore, the operating flag "1" is information indicating that the consumer is using the code reading device. Using the operating flag can prevent a consumer from accidentally using a scanner module 90 that is being used by another consumer.

[0047] The virtual POS No. is a serial number set for each virtual POS application in order to individually identify the virtual POS application executed in the virtual POS server 40 in association with the scanner module 90 identified by the scanner ID in the same row.

[0048] 9 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 40. The virtual POS server 40 includes a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a communication interface 44, and a system transmission path 45. The processor 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary storage device 43, the communication interface 44, and the system transmission path 45 will not be described here because they overlap with the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the communication interface 34, and the system transmission path 35 of the store server 30.

[0049] The virtual POS server 40 thus configured stores a product file 46 in the auxiliary storage device 43. The product file 46 is a data file that describes product data such as the product name, price, etc. of the product identified by the product ID in association with a unique product ID (product code) set for each product in order to individually identify each product sold in the store ST1.

[0050] In addition, the virtual POS server 40 stores a plurality of transaction files 47 in the auxiliary storage device 43. The storage destination of the product file 46 and the transaction file 47 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 43. At least one of the product file 46 and the transaction file 47 may be stored in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 42.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of one transaction file 47. As shown in FIG. 10, the transaction file 47 includes an area for a virtual POS No., an area for a purchase list, and an area for an accounting code. In the area for the virtual POS No., the number (No.) n of the virtual POS application executed in association with the transaction file 47 is described. In the area for the purchase list, the product ID, product name, price, etc. of the product registered according to the virtual POS application number (No.) n are described in list form. In the area for the accounting code, the accounting code required for the accounting of the product described in the area for the purchase list is described. The accounting code is generated appropriately in the store server 30. The transaction file 47 is a memory unit that stores product information based on the product code.

[0052] 11 to 15 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 21 of the information terminal 20 according to the shopping support program 29. FIG. 13 to 15 are flow charts showing the procedure of state determination processing (1) to (3) executed by the processor 21 of the information terminal 20. FIG. 16 to 22 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 11 of the linkage server 10. FIG. 23 to 26 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 31 of the store server 30. FIG. 27 to 30 are flow charts showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor 41 of the virtual POS server 40. FIG. 31 to 34 are schematic diagrams showing an example of various images displayed on the touch panel 25 of the information terminal 20. Hereinafter, the operation of the product sales processing system will be described using these figures. Note that the operation described below is an example. As long as the same result is obtained, the procedure is not particularly limited.

[0053] A consumer shopping at the store ST1 first starts the shopping support program 29 installed in the information terminal 20. When the shopping support program 29 starts, the processor 21 of the information terminal 20 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0054] That is, the processor 21 waits for a command to start shopping as ACT100. When the shopping support program 29 is started, an initial screen is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the information terminal 20. A shopping start button is displayed on the initial screen. The consumer touches the shopping start button. When the shopping start button is touched, the processor 21 determines, as ACT101, whether the information terminal 20 is placed on the stand 200 and is in a state in which charging is possible through the charging connection unit 201. When the chargeable terminal of the power supply unit 26 is connected to the charging terminal of the charging connection unit 201 (or a charging cable is connected), or when non-contact power supply (wireless power supply) by the charging pad (wireless charger) of the charging connection unit 201 is detected, the power supply unit 26 notifies the processor 21 that the charging state has been entered. By the information terminal 20 being in a chargeable state, it is possible to prevent the power supply of the information terminal 20 from dropping during shopping, making it impossible to continue shopping.

[0055] When the processor 21 is notified by the power supply unit 26 that the information terminal 20 is in a charging state, the processor 21 recognizes that the information terminal 20 is in a state in which shopping can be started. The processor 21 determines YES in ACT101 and proceeds to ACT102. The processor 21 controls the wireless device 24 to transmit a shopping command to the linking server 10 in ACT102. This control causes the wireless device 24 to wirelessly transmit the shopping command. The shopping command is received by the linking server 10 via the wide area network NW1. The shopping command includes a communication address of the information terminal 20, for example, an IP address.

[0056] When the processor 11 of the linking server 10 receives a shopping command via the first communication interface 14, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 16. That is, the processor 11 acquires the communication address of the information terminal 20 from the shopping command in ACT211. The processor 11 also generates a unique linking ID corresponding to the shopping command in ACT212.

[0057] The processor 11 saves the association ID generated in ACT212 and the communication address acquired in ACT211 in the same row of the terminal association table 17 in ACT213 (code setting means). The processor 11 also sets the association flag in the same row to "0". Note that data is not set in the scanner ID field in the same row at this point.

[0058] The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 14 in ACT214 to transmit data of the associated ID generated in ACT212 to the communication address acquired in ACT211 as a destination. This control causes the data of the associated ID to be transmitted from the first communication interface 14. This data is received by the wireless device 24 of the information terminal 20, in which the destination communication address is set, via the wide area network NW1.

[0059] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 that controlled the transmission of the shopping command checks whether or not the data of the associated ID has been received in ACT103. If the data of the associated ID has not been received, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT103 and proceeds to ACT104. The processor 21 checks whether or not the time that has elapsed since the processor 21 controlled the transmission of the shopping command has elapsed a preset timeout time in ACT104. The timeout time is, for example, 10 seconds. If the elapsed time has not elapsed the timeout time, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT104 and returns to ACT103. Here, the processor 21 waits in ACT103 and ACT104 for the data of the associated ID to be received or the timeout time to elapse. If the timeout time has elapsed in this waiting state, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT104 and ends the process.

[0060] If the data of the associated ID is received before the timeout time has elapsed, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 103 and proceeds to ACT 105. The processor 21 stores the data of the associated ID in ACT 105. The data may be stored in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 22 or in the auxiliary storage device 23. The processor 21 displays a code symbol indicating the associated ID on the touch panel 25 based on the stored data in ACT 106.

[0061] 31 is an example of a screen SC1 on which a code symbol CD1 indicating an associated ID is displayed on the touch panel 25. In this embodiment, the code symbol CD1 is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional code. This two-dimensional code is a code symbol that can be read by the scanner module 90. The screen SC1 also includes a message M1 that guides the consumer to scan the code symbol CD1 with the scanner module 90 of the cart C. Incidentally, the code symbol CD1 does not necessarily have to be in the form of a two-dimensional code. As long as it can be read by the scanner module 90, it may be, for example, a one-line barcode or a two- or more-line barcode.

[0062] After checking the screen SC1, the consumer holds the screen SC1 over a reading window 91 of a scanner module 90 provided on the cart C to be used. When an image including the code symbol CD1 is captured by the imaging unit 92 of the scanner module 90 through this operation, the data of the code symbol CD1, that is, the associated ID, is read (received) by the control unit 93. Receiving the associated ID from the information terminal 20 leads to the use of the scanner module 90, which will be described later. Therefore, the means for receiving the associated ID is a request receiving means for receiving a request to use the code reading device from the information terminal of the consumer. Then, the data of this associated ID is wirelessly transmitted via the in-store network NW4 together with the scanner ID stored in the memory unit 94 by the operation of the wireless unit 95.

[0063] Incidentally, when an image including a barcode is captured by the imaging unit 92, the scanner module 90 operates in the same manner. That is, the barcode data is wirelessly transmitted together with the scanner ID via the in-store network NW4. The data wirelessly transmitted from the scanner module 90 is then received by the access point 70 and sent to the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2.

[0064] When the processor 31 of the store server 30 receives data transmitted from the scanner module 90 via the communication interface 34, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 23. That is, the processor 31 analyzes the received data in ACT 301. Then, the processor 31 checks whether the received data includes data of the associated ID in ACT 302. In this case, since the received data includes data of the associated ID, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 302 and proceeds to ACT 303.

[0065] Processor 31 acquires the scanner ID from the received data as ACT 303. Hereinafter, this scanner ID will be referred to as the acquired scanner ID. Processor 31 checks the operating flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in scanner management table 36. The initial state of the operating flag is set to "0." In other words, it is determined whether scanner module 90 is available.

[0066] If the processor 31 confirms that the operating flag is not set to "1", i.e., is set to "0", the scanner module 90 is available and therefore the result is NO in ACT304, and the process proceeds to ACT305. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to transmit a linkage notification command to the linkage server 10 in ACT305. This control causes the linkage notification command to be transmitted from the communication interface 34. The linkage notification command is received by the router 80 via the in-store network NW2, and is further received by the linkage server 10 via the communication network NW3. The linkage notification command includes a linkage ID and a scanner ID. The linkage ID and the scanner ID are data received from the scanner module 90.

[0067] The processor 11 of the linkage server 10 that receives the linkage notification command via the second communication interface 15 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 17. That is, the processor 11 acquires the linkage ID from the linkage notification command in ACT221. Hereinafter, this linkage ID is referred to as the acquired linkage ID. The processor 11 searches the terminal linkage table 17 in ACT222 to check whether the linkage in progress flag in the same row as the acquired linkage ID is set to "1".

[0068] If the cooperation in progress flag is set to "1", the processor 11 determines YES in ACT222 and proceeds to ACT223. In ACT223, the processor 11 controls the second communication interface 15 to transmit an error response command to the store server 30 that sent the cooperation notification command. This control causes the error response command to be transmitted from the second communication interface 15. The error response command is received by the router 80 via the communication network NW3, and is further received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2.

[0069] On the other hand, if the linkage flag is set to "0", the processor 11 judges NO in ACT222 and proceeds to ACT224. The processor 11 acquires the scanner ID from the linkage notification command in ACT224. Then, the processor 11 saves this scanner ID in the scanner ID field in the same row as the acquired linkage ID in the terminal linkage table 17 in ACT225. The processor 11 also changes the linkage flag in the same row as the acquired linkage ID from "0" to "1". This associates the information terminal 20 with the scanner module 90. In other words, this is an association means that judges whether the code reading device can be used, and associates the information terminal with the code reading device if it can be used.

[0070] The processor 11, as ACT226, controls the second communication interface 15 to transmit an acceptance response command to the store server 30 that transmitted the link notification command. This control causes the acceptance response command to be transmitted from the second communication interface 15. The acceptance response command is received by the router 80 via the communication network NW3, and is further received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2.

[0071] The processor 11 also acquires a communication address from a field in the same row as the acquired association ID in the terminal association table 17 as ACT227. The processor 11 then controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit a permission notification command to the communication address as a destination as ACT228. This control causes the permission notification command to be wirelessly transmitted from the first communication interface 14. The permission notification command is received by the wireless device 24 of the information terminal 20 in which the destination communication address is set via the wide area network NW1. With this, the processor 11 of the association server 10 ends the process of receiving the association notification command.

[0072] Returning to the explanation of Figure 23. The processor 31 of the store server 30 that controlled the transmission of the linkage notification command waits for a response command from the linkage server 10 in ACT306. Then, when an approval response command is received via the first communication interface 14, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT306 and proceeds to ACT307.

[0073] The processor 31 changes the operating flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36 from "0" to "1" as ACT 307. In other words, setting the operating flag to 1 indicates that the scanner module 90 is being used by a consumer. The processor 31 also acquires the virtual POS number of a virtual POS application that is not currently running from the virtual POS server 40 as ACT 308. Then, the processor 31 saves the virtual POS number in a field in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36 as ACT 309.

[0074] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to send a registration start notification command to the virtual POS server 40 in ACT310. This control causes the communication interface 34 to send the registration start notification command to the virtual POS server 40. The registration start notification command is received by the virtual POS server 40 via the in-store network NW2. The registration start notification command includes a virtual POS number. The virtual POS number was obtained in the processing of ACT308.

[0075] With the above, the processor 31 ends the scan data reception process of the associated ID. Note that, if the operation flag is set to "1" in ACT304, or if an error response command is received in ACT306, the processor 31 ends the reception process as an error.

[0076] When the processor 41 of the virtual POS server 40 receives the registration start notification command via the communication interface 44, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 27. That is, the processor 41 acquires the virtual POS No. from the registration start notification command as ACT401. Then, the processor 41 initializes one transaction file 47 as ACT402 (initialization means). Specifically, the processor 41 writes the virtual POS No. acquired in ACT401 in the virtual POS No. area of ​​the transaction file 47. The processor 41 also clears the purchase list area and the accounting code area of ​​the transaction file 47. With the above, the processor 41 ends the reception process of the registration start notification command. That is, if the scanner module 90 is available, the scanner module 90 and the information terminal 20 are associated. Also, if the scanner module 90 is available, the transaction file 47, which is a storage unit used by the processing means, is initialized.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 that has caused the touch panel 25 to display the code symbol CD1 of the associated ID waits for a permission notification command in ACT 107. When the permission notification command is received via the wireless device 24, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 107 and proceeds to ACT 108. The processor 21 causes the touch panel 25 to display a shopping start screen SC2 (see FIG. 31) in ACT 108.

[0078] Fig. 32 is a display example of the shopping start screen SC2. As shown in Fig. 32, the shopping start screen SC2 includes a message M2 notifying the consumer that the code symbol CD1 indicating the linked ID has been successfully scanned and that shopping may begin, and a message M3 notifying the consumer to scan the barcodes of the products to be purchased with the scanner module 90 of the cart C when shopping.

[0079] After checking the shopping start screen SC2, the consumer places the information terminal 20 on the stand 200 of the cart C and starts shopping. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 displays the shopping start screen SC2 for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) and then displays an initial registration screen as ACT109. The registration screen displays a purchase list of purchased items whose barcodes have been scanned by the scanner module 90 of the cart C. The initial registration screen shows a state in which no purchased items have been registered in the purchase list (see FIG. 33 for details of the registration screen).

[0080] The consumer places the barcode of the product to be purchased in the shopping basket SB after holding it over the reading window 91 of the scanner module 90. By this operation, as described above, the barcode data together with the scanner ID is transmitted to the store server 30 via the in-store network NW4 and further via the in-store network NW2.

[0081] When the processor 31 of the store server 30 receives data transmitted from the scanner module 90 via the communication interface 34, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 23. That is, the processor 31 analyzes the received data in ACT 301. Then, the processor 31 checks whether the received data includes data of the associated ID in ACT 302. In this case, since the received data does not include data of the associated ID, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 302 and proceeds to ACT 311.

[0082] The processor 31 checks whether or not the received data includes product ID data in ACT 311. In this case, since the received data includes product ID data, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 311 and proceeds to ACT 312.

[0083] The processor 31 acquires the scanner ID from the received data as ACT 312. Hereinafter, this scanner ID will be referred to as the acquired scanner ID. The processor 31 checks the operating flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36 as ACT 313.

[0084] If the operating flag is set to "1", the processor 31 judges YES in ACT313 and proceeds to ACT314. In ACT314, the processor 31 acquires the virtual POS number in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36. The processor 31 then controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit a registration request command to the virtual POS server 40. This control causes the first communication interface 14 to transmit the registration request command to the virtual POS server 40. The registration request command is received by the virtual POS server 40 via the in-store network NW2. The registration request command includes the product ID and the virtual POS number. The product ID was included in the data received from the scanner module 90. The virtual POS number was acquired in the processing of ACT314.

[0085] When the processor 41 of the virtual POS server 40 receives a registration request command via the communication interface 44, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 28. That is, the processor 41 acquires the virtual POS No. from the registration request command in ACT 411. The processor 41 also acquires a product ID from the registration request command in ACT 412. Then, the processor 41 executes product registration processing in ACT 413. Specifically, the processor 41 reads product data such as the unit price and product name of the product specified by the product ID from the product file 46. Then, the processor 41 generates a purchased product record including the product ID, product name, and price. The processor 41 adds the purchased product record to a purchase list in the transaction file 47 in which the virtual POS No. is set. The transaction file 47 is a memory unit used by the processing means.

[0086] Thus, when the product registration process is completed, the processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to send a registration response command to the store server 30 as ACT414. This control causes the communication interface 44 to send the registration response command to the store server 30. The registration response command is received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2. The registration response command includes the data of the transaction file 47 to which the purchased product record was added in ACT413.

[0087] Returning to the explanation of Figure 23. The processor 31 of the store server 30 that controlled the transmission of the registration request notification command waits for a registration response command in ACT316. Then, when the processor 31 receives the registration response command via the communication interface 34, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT316 and proceeds to ACT317. The processor 31 acquires a purchase list from the data of the transaction file 47 included in the registration response command in ACT317. Then, the processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to transmit the registration notification command to the link server 10 in ACT318. By this control, the registration notification command is transmitted from the communication interface 34 to the link server 10. The registration notification command is received by the link server 10 via the communication network NW3. The registration notification command includes a scanner ID and a purchase list. The scanner ID is the scanner ID acquired in the processing of ACT312. The purchase list is the purchase list acquired in the processing of ACT317.

[0088] With the above, the processor 31 ends the scan data reception process of the product ID. Note that if the operation flag is set to "0" in ACT313, the processor 31 ends the reception process as an error.

[0089] When processor 11 of linkage server 10 receives the registration notification command via second communication interface 15, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 18. That is, processor 11 acquires a scanner ID from the registration notification command in ACT231. This scanner ID is called an acquired scanner ID. Processor 11 checks the linkage flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in terminal linkage table 17 in ACT232.

[0090] If the cooperation flag is set to "0", the processor 11 determines NO in ACT232 and proceeds to ACT233. In ACT233, the processor 11 controls the second communication interface 15 to transmit an error response command to the store server 30 that transmitted the registration notification command. This control causes the error response command to be transmitted from the second communication interface 15. The error response command is received by the router 80 via the communication network NW3, and is further received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2.

[0091] On the other hand, if the linking flag is set to "1", the processor 11 judges YES in ACT232 and proceeds to ACT234. The processor 11 edits the registration screen data based on the purchase list data included in the registration notification command in ACT234. The processor 11 also acquires a communication address in the same row as the acquired scanner ID from the terminal linkage table 17 in ACT235. The processor 11 then controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit the registration screen data to the communication address as a destination in ACT236. This control causes the registration screen data to be transmitted from the first communication interface 14. The registration screen data is received by the information terminal 20, to which the destination communication address is set, via the wide area network NW1.

[0092] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 that has displayed the shopping start screen SC2 waits for registration screen data in ACT109. When the registration screen data is received via the wireless device 24, the processor 21 displays the registration screen SC3 (see FIG. 33) on the touch panel 25 based on the registration screen data in ACT109. Thereafter, the processor 21 executes a state determination process during shopping (ACT110). The state determination process will be described later.

[0093] 33 is an example of a display of the registration screen SC3. As shown in the figure, the registration screen SC3 displays a purchase list LS1 along with a checkout button BT1. The purchase list LS1 displays a list of registered product names and prices, total points, total amount, etc. The checkout button BT1 is a button image that a consumer who has finished shopping can touch to instruct checkout.

[0094] The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 displaying the registration screen SC1 checks whether the checkout button BT1 has been touched in ACT111. If the checkout button BT1 has not been touched, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT111 and proceeds to ACT112. The processor 21 checks whether the next registration screen data has been received in ACT112. If the next registration screen data has not been received, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT112 and returns to ACT110. Here, the processor 21 waits in ACT111 and ACT112 for the checkout button BT1 to be touched or the next registration screen data to be received.

[0095] In this standby state, when the next registration screen data is received, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT112 and proceeds to ACT110. That is, the processor 21 updates the registration screen SC3 displayed on the touch panel 25 based on the registration screen data. Then, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT111 and ACT112.

[0096] In this standby state, when it is detected that the checkout button BT1 has been touched, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT111 and proceeds to ACT121 in Fig. 12. In ACT121, the processor 21 acquires the association ID stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. Then, in ACT122, the processor 21 controls the wireless device 24 to send an accounting command to the link server 10. With this control, the accounting command is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless device 24. The accounting command is received by the link server 10 via the wide area network NW1. The accounting command includes the communication address of the information terminal 20 and the association ID acquired in ACT121.

[0097] When processor 11 of link server 10 receives an accounting command via first communication interface 14, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 19. That is, processor 11 acquires an association ID from the accounting command as ACT241. Hereinafter, this association ID is referred to as the acquired association ID. Processor 11 checks the association in progress flag in the same row as the acquired association ID in terminal association table 17.

[0098] Here, if the cooperation flag is not set to "1", the processor 11 judges NO in ACT242 and proceeds to ACT243. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 14 to send an error response command to the information terminal 20 that sent the accounting command in ACT243. This control causes the error response command to be sent from the first communication interface 14. The error response command is received by the information terminal 20 that sent the accounting command via the wide area network NW1.

[0099] On the other hand, if the linkage flag is set to "1", the processor 11 judges YES in ACT242 and proceeds to ACT244. In ACT244, the processor 11 obtains the scanner ID from the same row as the obtained linkage ID in the terminal linkage table 17. The processor 11 then controls the second communications interface 15 to send an accounting notification command to the store server 30 in ACT245. This control causes the accounting notification command to be sent from the second communications interface 15 to the store server 30. The accounting notification command is received by the router 80 via communications network NW3, and is further received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2. The accounting notification command includes the scanner ID. The scanner ID was obtained during the processing of ACT244.

[0100] When the processor 31 of the store server 30 receives the accounting notification command, it begins information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 24. That is, the processor 31 acquires the scanner ID from the accounting notification command in ACT 321. Hereinafter, this scanner ID will be referred to as the acquired scanner ID. In ACT 322, the processor 31 checks the operating flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36.

[0101] If the operating flag is set to "0", processor 31 determines NO in ACT322 and proceeds to ACT323. In ACT323, processor 31 controls communications interface 34 to send an error response command to linkage server 10, the sender of the accounting notification command. This control causes the error response command to be sent from communications interface 34 to linkage server 10. The error response command is received by router 80 via in-store network NW2, and is further received by linkage server 10 via communications network NW3.

[0102] On the other hand, if the operating flag is set to "1", the processor 31 determines YES in ACT322 and proceeds to ACT324. In ACT324, the processor 31 acquires a virtual POS No. from the field in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36. In addition, the processor 31 generates a new accounting code in ACT325.

[0103] The processor 31 controls the first communication interface 14 to send an accounting permission notification command to the virtual POS server 40 in ACT326. This control causes the accounting permission notification command to be sent from the first communication interface 14 to the virtual POS server 40. The accounting permission notification command is received by the virtual POS server 40 via the in-store network NW2. The accounting permission notification command includes a virtual POS number and an accounting code. The virtual POS number was obtained in the processing of ACT324. The accounting code was generated in the processing of ACT325.

[0104] When the processor 41 of the virtual POS server 40 receives the accounting authorization notification command, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 29. That is, the processor 41 obtains the virtual POS number from the accounting authorization notification command as ACT421. The processor 41 also obtains the accounting code from the accounting authorization notification command as ACT422. The processor 41 then saves the accounting code in the transaction file 47 in which the virtual POS number is set as ACT423.

[0105] Returning to the explanation of Figure 24. The processor 31 of the store server 30, which controlled the transmission of the accounting permission notification command, controls the communication interface 34 to send an acceptance response command to the linking server 10 as ACT327. This control causes the acceptance response command to be sent from the communication interface 34 to the linking server 10. The acceptance response command is received by the router 80 via the in-store network NW2, and is further received by the linking server 10 via the communication network NW3. The acceptance response command includes an accounting code. The accounting code was generated in the processing of ACT325.

[0106] Returning to the explanation of FIG. The processor 11 of the linked server 10 that controlled the transmission of the accounting notification command checks whether or not an approval response command has been received in ACT246. If an error response command has been received instead of an approval response command, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT246 and proceeds to the processing of ACT243 described above.

[0107] If an approval response command is received, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 246 and proceeds to ACT 247. The processor 11 obtains the accounting code from the approval response command in ACT 247. Then, the processor 11 edits the accounting screen data including this accounting code in ACT 248.

[0108] The processor 11 acquires a communication address as ACT249 from the field in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the terminal linkage table 17. The processor 11 then controls the first communication interface 14 to send accounting screen data to the information terminal 20 in which this communication address is set. This control causes the accounting screen data to be sent from the first communication interface 14. The accounting screen data is received by the information terminal 20 in which the communication address is set via the wide area network NW1.

[0109] Returning to the explanation of Figure 12. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 that controlled the transmission of the accounting instruction command waits for accounting screen data in ACT 123. When the accounting screen data is received via the wireless device 24, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 123 and proceeds to ACT 124. The processor 21 displays the accounting screen SC4 (see FIG. 34) on the touch panel 25 in ACT 124.

[0110] Figure 34 shows an example of the accounting screen SC4. As shown in Figure 34, the accounting screen SC4 displays a barcode CD2 that corresponds to the accounting code. Also displayed is a message M4 that instructs the user to scan the barcode CD2 with the scanner of the accounting machine.

[0111] After checking the accounting screen SC4, the consumer goes to the location of the self-checkout machine 50 or the manned accounting machine 60. For example, when the consumer goes to the location of the self-checkout machine 50, the consumer has the self-checkout machine 50's scanner read the barcode BC2 on the accounting screen SC4. The virtual POS server 40 then sends to the self-checkout machine 50 a transaction file 47 containing the accounting code in barcode BC2. Thereafter, the self-checkout machine 50 carries out well-known accounting processes such as cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment. When the accounting process is completed, the self-checkout machine 50 sends an accounting completion notification command to the store server 30. The accounting completion notification command contains the accounting code in barcode BC2.

[0112] For example, a consumer who has gone to a location where manned accounting machine 60 is installed shows accounting screen SC4 to a store clerk. The clerk has the scanner of manned accounting machine 60 read barcode BC2 on accounting screen SC4. Then, transaction file 47, in which the accounting code in barcode BC2 is set, is sent from virtual POS server 40 to manned accounting machine 60. Thereafter, manned accounting machine 60 performs well-known accounting processes such as cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment. Registered products can also be corrected as necessary. Then, when the accounting process is completed, manned accounting machine 60 sends an accounting completion notification command to store server 30. The accounting completion notification command includes the accounting code in barcode BC2.

[0113] When the processor 31 of the store server 30 receives the transaction completion notification command, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 25. That is, the processor 31 obtains the transaction code from the transaction completion notification command in ACT 331. The processor 31 then queries the virtual POS server 40 in ACT 332, and obtains the virtual POS number stored in the transaction file 47 together with the transaction code. Hereinafter, this virtual POS number will be referred to as the obtained virtual POS number.

[0114] Processor 31 acquires the scanner ID from the field in the same row as the acquired virtual POS No. in scanner management table 36 as ACT333. Then, processor 31 controls communication interface 34 to send a linkage cancellation notification command to linkage server 10. As a result, the linkage cancellation notification command is sent from communication interface 34 to linkage server 10. The linkage cancellation notification command is received by router 80 via in-store network NW2, and further received by linkage server 10 via communication network NW3. The linkage cancellation notification command includes the scanner ID. The scanner ID was acquired in the processing of ACT333.

[0115] When processor 11 of linkage server 10 receives the linkage cancellation notification command, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 21. That is, processor 11 acquires the scanner ID from the linkage cancellation notification command in ACT261. Hereinafter, this scanner ID is referred to as the acquired scanner ID. Processor 11 changes the linkage flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in terminal linkage table 17 from "1" to "0" in ACT262.

[0116] The processor 11 also acquires a communication address from the field in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the terminal linkage table 17 as ACT263. The processor 11 then controls the first communication interface 14 to send a shopping end command to the communication address as the destination as ACT264. This control causes the shopping end command to be sent from the first communication interface 14. The shopping end command is received by the information terminal 20, to which the destination communication address is set, via the wide area network NW1.

[0117] Returning to the explanation of Figure 12. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 displaying the checkout screen SC4 waits for a checkout end command in ACT125. When the checkout end command is received via the wireless device 24, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT125 and proceeds to ACT126. In ACT126, the processor 21 erases the checkout screen SC4 that was displayed on the touch panel 25. In ACT127, the processor 21 also clears the associated ID stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. With this, the processor 21 ends the information processing in accordance with the shopping support program.

[0118] As is clear from the above operation description, the product sales processing system of this embodiment includes a linking server 10 as a first server, and a store server 30 and a virtual POS server 40 as second servers. The linking server 10 performs data communication with a consumer's information terminal 20 via a wide area network NW1, which is a first network. The store server 30 and the virtual POS server 40 perform data communication with a code reader in the store, i.e., a scanner module 90, via an in-store network NW2, which is a second network.

[0119] Then, the processor 11 of the linking server 10 functions as an association means by executing the processes of ACT221 to ACT225 in Fig. 17. That is, the processor 11 associates the information terminal 20 owned by the consumer with the scanner module 90 before the consumer starts shopping at the store. The processor 11 associates the linking ID, which is a first unique code set for the information terminal 20, with the scanner ID, which is a second unique code set for the scanner module 90. Specifically, the processor 11 associates the linking ID with the scanner ID based on data transmitted to the store server 30 from the scanner module 90 that reads the code symbol CD1 of the linking ID displayed on the display device (touch panel 25) of the information terminal 20.

[0120] In addition, the processor 31 of the store server 30 and the processor 41 of the virtual POS server 40 function as a processing means by executing the processes of ACT311 to ACT315 in Fig. 23 and the processes of ACT411 to ACT414 in Fig. 28. That is, the processor 31 and the processor 41 process the sales data of the product identified by the product code read by the scanner module 90.

[0121] Furthermore, the processor 31 of the store server 30 and the processor 11 of the linked server 10 function as a transmission means by executing the processes of ACT316 to ACT318 in Fig. 23 and the processes of ACT231 to ACT236 (excluding ACT233) in Fig. 18. That is, the processor 31 and the processor 11 transmit image data based on the sales data of the product processed by the processing means to the information terminal 20 of the linked ID associated with the scanner ID of the scanner module 90 that read the product code. Note that the sales data does not have to be image data. The sales data may be transmitted to the information terminal 20, and the information terminal 20 may convert it into image data.

[0122] Furthermore, the processor 31 of the store server 30 and the processor 11 of the linked server 10 function as a release means by executing the processes of ACT331 to ACT334 in Fig. 25 and the processes of ACT261 to ACT264 in Fig. 21. That is, the processor 31 and the processor 11 release the association between the linked ID and the scanner ID in response to the settlement of the transaction based on the sales data of the product processed by the processing means.

[0123] In a product sales processing system configured as above, a consumer reads the barcode of a purchased product using the scanner module 90 provided in the cart C. The scanner module 90 is designed to read the barcode of a product, and therefore has good operability. Furthermore, even for a large product, the consumer can hold the product with both hands to have the barcode read, and therefore has good operability.

[0124] Meanwhile, a registration screen showing the product registration results is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the consumer's information terminal 20. In recent years, internet shopping using information terminals 20 such as smartphones has become widespread, and the information terminals 20 are suitable as user interfaces for consumers. In this embodiment, the information terminal 20 is used as a user interface other than for reading product barcodes, making it easy for consumers to use. Moreover, from the store's perspective, there is an advantage in that there is no need to provide a display device on the cart C, which reduces initial capital investment.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the consumer's information terminal 20 is used, there is an advantage that the check-in operation at the time of entering the store can be omitted, as compared with a system using a cart terminal.

[0126] Also, the information terminal 20 communicates with the linking server 10 via the wide area network NW1. Therefore, the consumer's information terminal 20 is not directly connected to the in-store network NW2 and the in-store network NW4. That is, the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 are not directly connected. The scanner module 90 is independent from the information terminal 20, and can operate independently. The information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 are connected via the linking server 10. The information terminal 20 transmits and receives information to and from the linking server 10, and the scanner module 90 transmits and receives information to and from the linking server 10. This prevents the consumer's information terminal 20 from controlling the store's scanner module 90. Therefore, the consumer cannot operate the scanner module 90 illegally. In addition, the consumer cannot access the store server 30 illegally, which provides excellent security.

[0127] Next, a description will be given of how the association between the information terminal 20 (associated ID) and the scanner module 90 (scanner ID) is released when no transaction is being processed.

[0128] In the present embodiment, when the product sales processing system detects that the power supply to the information terminal 20 from the charging connection unit 201 provided on the stand 200 has ceased after shopping has started, the product sales processing system cancels the association between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 based on this detection. For example, when a consumer starts shopping at a store after checking the shopping start screen SC2, but stops shopping because the desired product is not available, or when a registered purchased product is purchased but the consumer stops shopping without making a payment during shopping, the consumer picks up the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200 and moves it. That is, the connection (or charging cable) between the chargeable terminal of the information terminal 20 (power supply unit 26) and the charging connection unit 201 is cut off, or the chargeable state is terminated by separating the information terminal 20 from the charging pad (wireless charger) and power supply is stopped. In such a case, the product sales processing system cancels the association between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90. This prevents the erroneous association from continuing even if another consumer uses the cart C (scanner module 90) used by a consumer who has not made a payment.

[0129] The information terminal 20 executes a state determination process during shopping in ACT110 of Fig. 11. In the product sales processing system of this embodiment, it is assumed that the information terminal 20 executes any one of state determination processes (1) to (3).

[0130] First, the state determination process (1) shown in the flow chart of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0131] The processor 21 determines YES in ACT131 and continues shopping if the power supply unit 26 has notified the information terminal 20 that it is in a chargeable state. On the other hand, if the power supply unit 26 has notified the information terminal 20 that it is not in a chargeable state because the chargeable state has been cancelled, the processor 21 determines NO in ACT131 and acquires the association ID stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The processor 21 then controls the wireless device 24 to transmit a stop command to the link server 10 in ACT132. This control causes the wireless device 24 to wirelessly transmit the stop command. The stop command is received by the link server 10 via the wide area network NW1. The stop command includes the communication address of the information terminal 20 and the association ID acquired in ACT132.

[0132] When the processor 11 of the link server 10 receives the stop command via the first communication interface 14, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 20. That is, the processor 11 acquires an association ID from the stop command as ACT251. Hereinafter, this association ID is referred to as an acquired association ID. The processor 11 checks the in-link flag in the same row as the acquired association ID in the terminal link table 17.

[0133] Here, if the cooperation in progress flag is not set to "1", the processor 11 judges NO in ACT252 and proceeds to ACT253. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit an error response command to the information terminal 20 that transmitted the stop command in ACT253. This control causes the error response command to be transmitted from the first communication interface 14. The error response command is received by the information terminal 20 that transmitted the stop command via the wide area network NW1.

[0134] On the other hand, if the linkage in progress flag is set to "1", the processor 11 judges YES in ACT252 and proceeds to ACT254. The processor 11 acquires the scanner ID from the same row as the acquired linkage ID in the terminal linkage table 17 in ACT244. The processor 11 then controls the second communication interface 15 to send a registration cancel command to the store server 30 in ACT255. This control causes the registration cancel command to be sent from the second communication interface 15 to the store server 30. The registration cancel command is received by the router 80 via the communication network NW3, and is further received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2. The registration cancel command includes the scanner ID. The scanner ID was acquired in the processing of ACT254.

[0135] When the processor 31 of the store server 30 receives the registration cancellation command, it begins information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 26. That is, the processor 31 acquires the scanner ID from the accounting notification command in ACT 341. Hereinafter, this scanner ID will be referred to as the acquired scanner ID. In ACT 342, the processor 31 checks the operating flag in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36.

[0136] Here, if the operating flag is set to “0”, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT342 and proceeds to ACT343. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 34 to transmit an error response command to the link server 10 that transmitted the registration cancellation command in ACT343. This control causes the error response command to be transmitted from the communication interface 34 to the link server 10. The error response command is received by the router 80 via the in-store network NW2, and is further received by the link server 10 via the communication network NW3.

[0137] On the other hand, if the operating flag is set to "1", the processor 31 determines YES in ACT342 and proceeds to ACT344. In ACT344, the processor 31 acquires a virtual POS number from the field in the same row as the acquired scanner ID in the scanner management table 36. In ACT345, the processor 31 generates a stop accounting code corresponding to the accounting cancellation.

[0138] The processor 31 controls the first communication interface 14 to send an accounting stop notification command to the virtual POS server 40 in ACT326. This control causes the accounting stop notification command to be sent from the first communication interface 14 to the virtual POS server 40. The accounting stop notification command is received by the virtual POS server 40 via the in-store network NW2. The accounting stop notification command includes a virtual POS number and a stopped accounting code. The virtual POS number was obtained in the processing of ACT344. The stopped accounting code was generated in the processing of ACT345.

[0139] When processor 41 of virtual POS server 40 receives the accounting cancellation notification command, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 30. That is, processor 41 obtains the virtual POS number from the accounting permission notification command as ACT431. Processor 41 also obtains a canceled accounting code from the accounting cancellation notification command as ACT432. Processor 41 then saves the canceled accounting code in transaction file 47 in which the virtual POS number is set as ACT433. That is, because the consumer stopped shopping midway, the transaction is not processed even if there are products registered in transaction file 47.

[0140] Returning to the explanation of Figure 26. The processor 31 of the store server 30, which controlled the sending of the transaction cancellation notification command, controls the communication interface 34 to send a collaboration cancellation permission response command to the linkage server 10 in ACT347. This control causes the collaboration cancellation notification command to be sent from the communication interface 34 to the linkage server 10. The collaboration cancellation notification command is received by the router 80 via the in-store network NW2, and is further received by the linkage server 10 via the communication network NW3. The collaboration cancellation notification command includes the scanner ID. The scanner ID was obtained in the processing of ACT341.

[0141] When the processor 11 of the linked server 10 receives the linkage termination notification command, the processor 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 21. Note that the processing after the linkage server 10 receives the linkage termination notification command is executed in the same manner as when the above-mentioned accounting processing is completed, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] After sending the registration end command, processor 21 of information terminal 20 waits for an accounting end command as ACT125. When the accounting end command is received via wireless device 24, processor 21 erases accounting screen SC4 that was displayed on touch panel 25, and also clears the associated ID stored in main memory 22 or auxiliary storage device 23. With this, processor 21 ends information processing in accordance with the shopping support program.

[0143] As is clear from the above operation description, the product sales processing system of this embodiment can cancel the link between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 when it detects that the chargeable state has been canceled by the state determination process (1) in the information terminal 20. Therefore, even if another consumer uses the same scanner module 90 (cart C) thereafter, the product will not be registered in association with the previous consumer. This allows the consumer to use the information terminal 20 appropriately.

[0144] Next, the state determination process (2) shown in the flow chart of FIG. 14 will be described.

[0145] In the above-mentioned state determination process (1), if it is detected that the information terminal 20 is not in a chargeable state, the link between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 is immediately disconnected. In the state determination process (2), however, the link is disconnected if the information terminal 20 moves a certain distance or more from the position where it was detected that the information terminal 20 was not in a chargeable state.

[0146] The processor 21 judges YES in ACT141 and continues shopping if the power supply unit 26 has notified the information terminal 20 that it is in a chargeable state. On the other hand, if the power supply unit 26 has notified the information terminal 20 that it is not in a chargeable state because the chargeable state has been cancelled, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT141 and executes position measurement in ACT142. The processor 21 detects the speed, direction of travel, and distance traveled of the information terminal 20 by autonomous inertial navigation based on data detected by the sensor group 27, and obtains the position when it was determined that the information terminal 20 was not in a chargeable state and the distance traveled to the current position. Note that a method for obtaining the speed, direction of travel, and distance traveled of the information terminal 20 based on data detected by the sensor group 27 (acceleration sensor, gyro sensor (direction sensor), and magnetic sensor) is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0147] If the movement distance is not equal to or greater than a preset certain distance, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT 143 and continues shopping. On the other hand, if the movement distance is equal to or greater than the certain distance, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT 143 and displays a warning message on the touch panel 25 in ACT 143 to notify the consumer that the connection with the scanner module 90 will be cut off, i.e., that product registration will be impossible. The processor 21 measures the elapsed time from when the warning message was displayed.

[0148] If a preset certain time has not elapsed after displaying the warning message, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT143 and continues shopping. If the information terminal 20 is placed on the stand 200 during this time and is again placed in a chargeable state, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT141, ends position measurement and time measurement, and continues shopping.

[0149] If a preset certain time has not elapsed after displaying the warning message, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT145 and acquires the association ID stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. Then, the processor 21 controls the wireless device 24 to transmit a stop command to the association server 10 in ACT132. By this control, the stop command is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless device 24.

[0150] Hereinafter, the same processing as in the above-mentioned state determination processing (1) is executed, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0151] As is clear from the above operation description, in the state determination process (2) in the information terminal 20, in the product sales processing system of this embodiment, even if the chargeable state of the information terminal 20 is released, the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 are not released from their linkage unless the information terminal 20 is moved a certain distance. Therefore, the consumer can pick up the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200 during shopping and perform any operation on the information terminal 20. After completing the operation on the information terminal 20, the consumer can continue shopping by placing the information terminal 20 on the stand 200 again. In addition, when the consumer picks up the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200 to finish shopping and moves it a certain distance, the linkage between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 can be released even if the consumer does not perform an instruction operation such as finishing shopping. This allows the consumer to use the information terminal 20 appropriately.

[0152] In the above-mentioned state determination process (2), the stop command is sent after a certain time has elapsed after moving a certain distance from the position where the chargeable state was released, but the stop command may be sent based on other conditions. For example, a warning message is displayed when a first certain distance has been moved, and then a stop command is sent when a second certain distance has been moved. Also, a warning message is displayed when a certain time has elapsed since the chargeable state was released, and then a stop command is sent when a certain distance has been moved or when another certain time has elapsed.

[0153] By transmitting a stop command based on such conditions, the consumer can perform any operation on the information terminal 20 during shopping.

[0154] Next, the state determination process (3) shown in the flow chart of Fig. 15 will be described. Fig. 22 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing by the linking server 10 when the information terminal 20 executes the state determination process (3). When the information terminal 20 executes the state determination process (3), the scanner module 90 performs position measurement in the same manner as the information terminal 20, based on data detected by the sensor group 96, and transmits data of the measurement value (scanner position) to the linking server 10 via the in-store network NW4 and the communication network NW3.

[0155] In the above-mentioned state determination process (2), the link between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 is released when the information terminal 20 has moved a certain distance from the position where it was detected that it was not in a chargeable state. In the state determination process (3), however, the link is released when the relative distance between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 (cart C) becomes equal to or greater than a certain distance. For example, if a consumer picks up the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200 while shopping and operates the information terminal 20 while pushing the cart C, the relative distance between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 does not increase. If the consumer is moving while pushing the cart C, it is highly likely that the consumer intends to continue shopping. Therefore, in the state determination process (3), the link between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 is released when the information terminal 20 is in a chargeable state and the scanner module 90 (cart C) becomes equal to or greater than a certain distance. What is not thereEven if the information terminal 20 moves a certain distance or more from the position where the information terminal 20 was detected, as long as the relative distance between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 is not a certain distance or more, the cooperation between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 is maintained.

[0156] 15. ACT151, 152, and ACT155 to 157 shown in FIG. 15 execute the same processes as ACT141, 142, and ACT144 to 146 shown in FIG. 14, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0157] The processor 21 of the information terminal 20 controls the wireless device 24 to transmit a measurement result notification command including data indicating a measurement value obtained by position measurement and an association ID to the association server 10. By this control, the measurement result notification command is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless device 24. The measurement result notification command is received by the association server 10 via the wide area network NW1.

[0158] When the processor 11 of the linking server 10 receives the measurement result notification command via the first communication interface 14, it starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 22. That is, the processor 11 acquires an association ID from the measurement result notification command as ACT271. Hereinafter, this association ID is referred to as an acquired association ID. The processor 11 checks the in-linkage flag in the same row as the acquired association ID in the terminal linkage table 17.

[0159] Here, if the cooperation flag is not set to "1", the processor 11 judges NO in ACT272 and proceeds to ACT273. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit an error response command to the information terminal 20 that transmitted the measurement result notification command in ACT273. This control causes the error response command to be transmitted from the first communication interface 14. The error response command is received by the information terminal 20 that transmitted the accounting command via the wide area network NW1.

[0160] On the other hand, if the cooperation flag is set to “1”, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT272 and proceeds to ACT274. In ACT274, the processor 11 stores data indicating the measurement value indicating the position of the information terminal 20, which is included in the measurement result notification command, in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0161] Furthermore, the processor 11, as ACT275, waits to receive measurement value (scanner position) data from the scanner module 90. The control unit 93 of the scanner module 90 continuously measures the position that changes with the movement of the cart C, based on the data detected by the sensor group 96. The control unit 93 transmits the scanner ID together with the scanner position indicating the position of the scanner module 90 to the linking server 10 via the wireless unit 95.

[0162] Processor 11 of Collaboration Server 10 receives scanner position data and the scanner ID from the scanner module 90, and when the result is YES in ACT275, reads out data indicating the measurement value indicating the position of the information terminal 20 received by the measurement result notification command together with the association ID corresponding to the scanner ID.

[0163] Processor 11 ACT276 calculates the relative distance between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 based on the data indicating the position of the information terminal 20 received from the information terminal 20 and the data on the scanner position.

[0164] If the relative distance is not equal to or greater than the preset certain distance, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT277 and continues shopping. On the other hand, if the relative distance is equal to or greater than the certain distance, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT278 and transmits a separation notification to the information terminal 20 that is the source of the measurement result notification command in ACT278.

[0165] When the processor 21 of the information terminal 20 receives the separation notification from the link server 10 and the result becomes YES in ACT154, the processor 21 displays a warning message on the touch panel 25 to notify the consumer that the link with the scanner module 90 will be cut off, that is, that product registration will be impossible. The processor 21 measures the elapsed time from when the warning message was displayed.

[0166] As is clear from the above operation description, in the state determination process (3) in the information terminal 20, in the product sales processing system of this embodiment, even if the chargeable state of the information terminal 20 is released, the link between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 is not released unless the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 are separated by a certain distance or more. Therefore, the consumer can pick up the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200 during shopping and perform any operation on the information terminal 20 while moving together with the cart C. Then, after completing the operation on the information terminal 20, the consumer can place it on the stand 200 again to continue shopping. In addition, when the consumer picks up the information terminal 20 placed on the stand 200 to finish shopping and moves away from the scanner module 90 by a certain distance or more, the link between the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 can be released even without an instruction operation such as ending shopping by the consumer. This makes it possible to use the information terminal 20 of the consumer appropriately.

[0167] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a scanner module 90A in the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts common to the scanner module 90 in the first embodiment.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 35, the scanner module 90A includes an antenna 961 for short-distance wireless communication in addition to an imaging unit 92, a control unit 93, a storage unit 94, a wireless unit 95, and a group of sensors 96. The antenna 961 is provided on, for example, the stand 200 of the cart C. That is, when an information terminal 20A compatible with short-distance wireless communication is placed on the stand 200, the information terminal 20A and the antenna 961 perform short-distance wireless communication. In the second embodiment, data of the associated ID stored in the information terminal 20A is transmitted to the scanner module 90A by this short-distance wireless communication. In the scanner module 90A, data of the associated ID read by the control unit 93 from the radio waves received by the antenna 961 is transmitted to the store server 30 together with the scanner ID. The subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0169] The second embodiment having such a configuration can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Moreover, the consumer only needs to place the information terminal 20 on the stand 200, and does not need to hold the code symbol CD1 of the associated ID displayed on the touch panel 25 over the reading window 91 of the scanner module 90. This makes the operability even better.

[0170] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0171] Fig. 36 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 36, in the third embodiment, a two-dimensional code sticker 97 is attached to one surface of a scanner module 90B attached to a cart C. This sticker 97 expresses a scanner ID assigned to the scanner module 90B by a two-dimensional code. In the third embodiment, a consumer takes an image of the sticker 97 with a camera 28 provided in an information terminal 20B before starting shopping.

[0172] Fig. 37 is a flow chart showing the procedure of main information processing executed by processor 21 of information terminal 20B, which corresponds to the procedure of Fig. 11 described in the first embodiment. Fig. 38 shows a link notification command reception process executed by processor 11 of link server 10, which corresponds to the procedure of Fig. 17 described in the first embodiment.

[0173] The processor 21 of the information terminal 20B starts the camera 28 in ACT161. Then, the processor 21 checks whether the sticker 97 has been captured by the camera 28 in ACT162. If the sticker 97 has not been captured, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT162 and proceeds to ACT163. The processor 21 checks whether the time elapsed since the camera 28 was activated has elapsed a preset timeout time in ACT163. The timeout time is, for example, 10 seconds. If the elapsed time has not elapsed the timeout time, the processor 21 judges NO in ACT163 and returns to ACT162. Here, the processor 21 waits in ACT162 and ACT163 for the sticker 97 to be captured or the timeout time to elapse. If the timeout time has elapsed in this standby state, the processor 21 judges YES in ACT163 and ends the process.

[0174] If the sticker 97 is captured by the camera 28 before the timeout time has elapsed, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT162 and proceeds to ACT164. The processor 21 controls the wireless device 24 to transmit a link notification command to the link server 10 in ACT164. This control causes the link notification command to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless device 24. The link notification command is received by the link server 10 via the wide area network NW1. The link notification command includes a communication address, such as an IP address, of the information terminal 20. The link notification command also includes the scanner ID read from the image of the sticker 97.

[0175] The processor 11 of the linkage server 10 that receives the linkage notification command via the second communication interface 15 starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 38. That is, the processor 11 acquires the scanner ID from the linkage notification command in ACT281. Hereinafter, this linkage ID is referred to as the acquired linkage ID. The processor 11 searches the terminal linkage table 17 in ACT282 to check whether the linkage in progress flag in the same row as the acquired linkage ID is set to "1".

[0176] If the cooperation in progress flag is set to "1", the processor 11 determines YES in ACT282 and proceeds to ACT283. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit an error response command to the information terminal 20B that transmitted the cooperation notification command in ACT283. This control causes the error response command to be transmitted from the first communication interface 14. The error response command is received by the information terminal 20B via the wide area network NW1.

[0177] On the other hand, if the cooperation in progress flag is set to “0”, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT282 and proceeds to ACT284. The processor 11 acquires the communication address of the information terminal 20 from the cooperation notification command in ACT284. The processor 11 also generates a unique cooperation ID in ACT285.

[0178] In ACT286, the processor 11 saves the association ID generated in ACT285, the communication address acquired in ACT284, and the scanner ID acquired in ACT281 in the same row in the terminal association table 17. The processor 11 also sets the association in progress flag in the same row to "0".

[0179] The processor 11 controls the second communication interface 15 to send an acceptance response command to the store server 30 in ACT287. This control causes the acceptance response command to be sent from the second communication interface 15. The acceptance response command is received by the router 80 via the communication network NW3, and is further received by the store server 30 via the in-store network NW2. The acceptance response command includes the scanner ID. The scanner ID was obtained in the processing of ACT281.

[0180] The processor 31 of the store server 30 that receives the permission response command executes the processes of ACT307 to ACT310 in FIG. 23 described in the first embodiment.

[0181] In ACT288, the processor 11 controls the first communication interface 14 to transmit a permission notification command to the communication address acquired in the processing of ACT284 as the destination. This control causes the permission notification command to be wirelessly transmitted from the first communication interface 14. The permission notification command is received by the wireless device 24 of the information terminal 20B, to which the destination communication address is set, via the wide area network NW1. The permission notification command includes the data of the association ID generated in the processing of ACT285. With this, the processor 11 of the association server 10 ends the processing for receiving the association notification command.

[0182] Return to the explanation of Figure 37. The processor 21 of the information terminal 20B that controlled the transmission of the association notification command waits for a permission notification command in ACT165. When the permission notification command is received via the wireless device 24, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT165 and proceeds to ACT166. The processor 21 acquires association ID data from the permission notification command in ACT166. Then, the processor 21 stores the association ID data in ACT167. The data may be stored in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 22 or in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0183] The processor 21 causes the touch panel 25 to display the shopping start screen SC2 in ACT168. After that, the processor 21 executes, in ACT170 to ACT173, the processes in ACT109 to ACT112 of the first embodiment in the same manner.

[0184] The second embodiment having such a configuration can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Moreover, according to the third embodiment, a consumer who starts the shopping support program 29 of the information terminal 20 can start shopping by simply capturing an image of the sticker 97 of the scanner module 90B with the camera 28. Therefore, the time until shopping is possible can be shortened compared to the first embodiment in which, after starting the shopping support program 29, the consumer operates the shopping start button, waits for the code symbol CD1 of the associated ID to be displayed on the touch panel 25, and then has the scanner module 90 read the code symbol CD1.

[0185] The above describes an embodiment of a product sales system that allows consumers to register purchased products easily and reduces facility costs for a store, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0186] For example, in the above embodiment, a product sales processing system including the self-checkout machine 50 and the manned checkout machine 60 has been exemplified. For example, by using code payment using a smartphone, it is possible to omit the self-checkout machine 50 and the manned checkout machine 60.

[0187] In the above embodiment, an example has been given of a case where an associated ID is automatically generated in the linking server 10. For example, the process of generating a unique associated ID can be omitted by setting the communication address set in the information terminal 20 as the associated ID as is. Generating a unique associated ID and storing it in the terminal linkage table 17 also corresponds to setting, and storing a communication address as an associated ID in the terminal linkage table also corresponds to setting.

[0188] In the above embodiment, a dedicated server for executing the virtual POS application, i.e., the virtual POS server 40, is provided within the store ST1. In another embodiment, the virtual POS server may be a cloud computing server. In this way, multiple stores can share the virtual POS server.

[0189] The various screens SC1 to SC4 displayed on the touch panel 25 of the information terminal 20, including the contents of the messages, are not limited to those shown in the drawings. In short, it is sufficient if they can convey necessary information to the consumer who is the operator.

[0190] In the above embodiment, when the shopping start button is touched, the processor 21 determines in ACT101 whether the information terminal 20 is placed on the stand 200 and is in a state where it can be charged via the charging connection unit 201. When the shopping start button is touched without determining whether it is in a state where it can be charged, a shopping command may be transmitted.

[0191] In recent years, many information terminals 20 are equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication) function. In such an information terminal 20, an NFC chip may be mounted on the stand 200, and when the shopping start button is touched, the processor 21 may detect whether the information terminal 20 is mounted on the stand by performing NFC communication with the stand 200. When the information terminal 20 receives information about the stand 200 through NFC communication, it may transmit a shopping command.

[0192] Also, a beacon may be installed in the shopping start area (for example, the area where the cart C is waiting), and the information terminal 20 may enable the operation of the shopping start button when it receives a beacon signal (while it is receiving the signal). Then, a shopping command may be transmitted in response to the operation of the shopping start button.

[0193] Also, the scanner module 90 installed in the cart C has been described, but a code reader placed on a work table may be used as long as it is a code reader used by unspecified consumers. In other words, it is sufficient if product registration is performed using the consumer's information terminal and the store's code reader.

[0194] Furthermore, whether the scanner module 90 is available or not is determined based on the operation flag in the scanner management table 36, but it is also possible to have information such as whether the code reader is undergoing maintenance or is reserved, and to determine whether the scanner module 90 is available or not based on that information. It is also possible to determine whether the code reader is available or not by detecting that the power to the code reader is not turned on.

[0195] In addition, in the terminal linkage table 17, the information terminal 20 and the scanner module 90 are associated with each other using the scanner ID, but the method of association is not limited to this. For example, association of the information terminal and the code reader so that they can communicate wirelessly, or association so that data (including sales data) can be directly transmitted and received by connecting them with a connector, are also included in the association.

[0196] 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]

[0197] 10...linkage server, 17...terminal linkage table, 20, 20A, 20B...information terminal, 30...store server, 36...scanner management table, 40...virtual POS server, 46...product file, 47...transaction file, 50...self-service accounting machine, 60...manned accounting machine, 70...router, 80...access point, 90, 90A, 90B...scanner module.

Claims

1. A product sales processing system comprising: a first server that performs data communication with a consumer's information terminal via a first network; and a second server that performs data communication with a code reader in a store via a second network different from the first network, a supply means for supplying power to the information terminal when the information terminal is placed in a chargeable state; an association means for generating a first unique code corresponding to the information terminal and transmitting the first unique code to the information terminal when a notification indicating that shopping can be started is received from the information terminal, and for associating the first unique code with the second unique code when the first unique code and a second unique code set for the code reader of the store are received from the second server; a processing means for processing sales data of a product identified by the product code read by the code reader and received by the second server; a transmitting means for transmitting image data based on the sales data of the product processed by the processing means via the first server to the information terminal in which the first unique code associated with the second unique code of the code reading device that read the product code is set.

2. the information terminal notifies a stop command including the first unique code when detecting that the chargeable state is cancelled; 2. The product sales processing system according to claim 1, wherein the associating means cancels the association between the first unique code included in the stop command from the information terminal and the second unique code corresponding to the first unique code.

3. the information terminal notifies a stop command including the first unique code when the information terminal has moved a preset certain distance or more from a position at which the cancellation of the chargeable state was detected; 2. The product sales processing system according to claim 1, wherein said associating means cancels the association between said first unique code included in said stop command from said information terminal and said second unique code corresponding to said first unique code.

4. the information terminal measures its position when it detects that the chargeable state has been cancelled, and notifies an interruption command including the first unique code when a relative distance between a first position of the information terminal and a second position of the code reader is greater than or equal to a preset certain distance; 2. The product sales processing system according to claim 1, wherein said associating means cancels the association between said first unique code included in said stop command from said information terminal and said second unique code corresponding to said first unique code.

5. A product sales processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cancellation means for canceling the association between the first unique code and the second unique code in response to settlement of a transaction based on the product sales data processed by the processing means.

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