Mobile terminals

Abstract

To prevent a mobile terminal from becoming inoperable due to shortage of power supply during use.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system includes a mobile terminal equipped with a battery unit, and further comprises input means, detection means, settlement means, and notification means. The input means inputs information about a commodity that is an object of transaction. The detection means detects that the battery unit is in a predetermined low-capacity remaining state. The settlement means performs settlement processing based on the information about a commodity input by the input means. The notification means makes a notification in response to the completion of the settlement processing by the settlement means when the detection means detects that the battery unit is in the low-capacity remaining state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention comprises: Mobile terminals Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A transaction processing system that registers details of a transaction in response to operations on a mobile terminal by a customer is known, such as a cart POS system. In such a system, since the mobile terminal needs to be able to move freely within a store or the like, it is equipped with a battery and operates on power supplied from the battery.

[0003] However, if a mobile terminal being used by a customer becomes unable to operate stably due to insufficient power supply from the battery, the transaction processing cannot be continued. In view of this situation, it has been desired to prevent a mobile terminal from becoming inoperable due to insufficient power supply while being used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-251625 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is , profit This prevents the device from becoming inoperable due to insufficient power supply during use. Mobile terminals The purpose of this project is to provide [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The mobile terminal of the embodiment is used in a transaction processing system including a server and a checkout machine that performs payment processing based on information of the product that is the subject of the transaction in response to a customer's operation. The mobile terminal includes a battery unit, input means, detection means, payment means, first notification means, second notification means, notification means, and standby means. The input means inputs the above information. The detection means detects that the battery unit is in a predetermined low remaining charge state. The first notification means notifies the server of the information input by the input means. The second notification means notifies the server of a designation to use the checkout machine for payment processing based on the information input by the input means. The notification means notifies the server of a designation to use the checkout machine for payment processing based on the information input by the input means. When the payment is completed at the cash register, the server notifies the user that they are allowed to log off. When the battery unit is in a low charge state, the detection means detects that the battery unit is in a low charge state. is detected When the remaining charge is low, the standby means waits for an operation to instruct the start of the next use after an operation to cancel the notification by the notification means is performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a store in which a transaction processing system according to an embodiment has been introduced. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a contact database according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record contained in a member database managed by a member server in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a product master database according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the cart terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a cart according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a cart management database according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record included in a purchase item database according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the cart terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server in the embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server in the embodiment. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server in the embodiment. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing for transaction processing by a processor of a virtual POS server in the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen when barcode payment is specified in the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of information processing executed by the processor of the cart terminal in the embodiment. [Diagram 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of information processing executed by the processor of the cart terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of information processing by the processor of the virtual POS server in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the transaction processing system of this embodiment processes the buying and selling of products through display sales in a store.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a store system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a store to which the store system 1 has been introduced. As shown in FIG. 1, the store system 1 includes a cart terminal 10, a store server 20, a virtual POS server 30, a manned checkout machine 40, a self-checkout machine 50, a beacon transmitter 60, and a store clerk terminal 70. The cart terminal 10, the store server 20, the virtual POS server 30, the manned checkout machine 40, the self-checkout machine 50, and the store clerk terminal 70 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 2. The cart terminal 10 is connected to the communication network 2 via an access point 2a by wireless communication with the access point 2a. It is preferable that the access point 2a is arranged so that the cart terminal 10 can communicate with any of the access points 2a from anywhere in the area of ​​the store where customers are allowed to enter. The virtual POS server 30 can use the payment service and electronic receipt service provided by the payment server 3 and the electronic receipt server 4 directly via the communication network 2 or via the store server 20. The virtual POS server 30 can also refer to a member database managed by a member server 5 via the communication network 2.

[0010] The store server 20, the virtual POS server 30, the manned payment machine 40, or the self-service payment machine 50 may be connected to the communication network 2 via the access point 2a by wireless communication with the access point 2a. The communication network 2 transmits various data exchanged between the connected devices. The communication network 2 may be the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination.

[0011] The electronic receipt server 4 includes a storage device 4a. The storage device 4a stores a contact database for providing the electronic receipt service. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR1 contained in the contact database. The contact database is a collection of data records DR1 associated with each user of the electronic receipt service. The data records DR1 include fields F11 and F12. In the field F11, an electronic receipt ID (identifier) ​​is set as an identifier for distinguishing the associated user from other users. In the field F12, a contact address for various communications regarding the electronic receipt service is set to the associated user. The contact address is, for example, an email address.

[0012] The member server 5 includes a storage device 5a. The storage device 5a stores a member database for managing members of the services provided by the store system 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR2 contained in the member database managed by the member server 5. As shown in FIG. The member database is a collection of data records DR2 associated with each member. The data records DR2 include fields F21, F22, and F23. A member code is set in field F21 as an identifier for distinguishing the associated member from other members. If the associated member is also a user of the electronic receipt service, the electronic receipt ID of the member is set in field F22. If the associated member is not a user of the electronic receipt service, field F22 is left blank or predetermined invalid data is set. Field F23 is set with the number of points the associated member has in relation to the point redemption service.

[0013] The cart terminal 10 is an information processing terminal that functions as a user interface for operations related to registering purchased items. For example, the cart terminal 10 is attached to a shopping cart (hereinafter referred to as cart) C as shown in FIG. 2. The cart terminal 10 is operated by a customer M1 who uses the cart C. However, the cart terminal 10 may be carried by the customer. A large number of cart terminals 10 are typically included in the store system 1. A customer exclusively uses one cart terminal 10 while shopping. The cart terminal 10 may be fixed to the cart C or may be detachable from the cart C. When the cart terminal 10 is used by the customer M1, it is moved by the customer M1. In other words, the cart terminal 10 is an example of a mobile terminal that can be moved by the customer.

[0014] The store server 20 executes information processing to support the overall store operations. The store server 20 includes a storage device 20a. The storage device 20a stores various databases including a product master database. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR3 contained in the product master database. The product master database is a collection of data records DR3 associated with each product that can be sold in a store. The data records DR3 include fields F31, F32, F33, and F34. In the field F31, a product code is set as an identifier for distinguishing the associated product from other products. In the field F32, a product name is set, which is a name determined so that the associated product can be easily distinguished by humans. In the field F33, a price to be applied when selling the associated product to a customer is set. In the field F34, issuance confirmation information is set. The issuance confirmation information may include flag information indicating whether or not a certificate such as a discount coupon or a warranty needs to be issued when selling the product. The issuance confirmation information may also include flag information indicating whether or not a store clerk's action is required when selling alcohol, tobacco, a specified medicine, etc. For example, the flag information is set to "0" if no action is required, and "1" if action is required. The issuance confirmation information may include type information of the certificate that needs to be issued. The issuance confirmation information may include identification information for identifying the items to be confirmed by the store clerk. Thus, when the flag information indicating whether or not a certificate needs to be issued is "0", it indicates that there is no need to print on the medium. Therefore, the flag information in question corresponds to information indicating that there is no need to print on the medium. Furthermore, alcohol and tobacco are products with age restrictions, and the action taken by the store clerk when selling them is to confirm the age of the purchaser. Thus, when the flag information indicating whether or not there is a need for a store clerk to take action when selling such products that require age confirmation is "0", it corresponds to information indicating that there is no age restriction on the purchaser.

[0015] The virtual POS server 30 cooperates with the cart terminal 10 to execute information processing for achieving various functions as a POS terminal. In this embodiment, the cart terminal 10 functions in many cases as a user interface device. More specifically, the cart terminal 10 functions as a user interface in the virtual POS server 30. The virtual POS server 30 and the cart terminal 10 work together to execute information processing for achieving various functions as a POS terminal, so that the cart terminal 10 appears to the customer as a POS terminal. Note that some of the various functions as a POS terminal are processing related to transactions. In this way, the cart terminal 10 and the virtual POS server 30 realize the functions as a transaction processing system.

[0016] The manned accounting machine 40 is a payment device in which a store clerk performs operations related to the payment of purchased items registered by the virtual POS server 30. The manned accounting machine 40 executes accounting processing to determine the price of the purchased items. The manned accounting machine 40 also executes a payment processing to settle the price determined by the above accounting processing under the operation of the store clerk. The manned accounting machine 40 may also have a function to register purchased items in response to the operation of the store clerk, and further to perform processing for the payment of the purchased items in response to the operation of the store clerk. In other words, the manned accounting machine 40 may have a function as a well-known POS terminal called a face-to-face type.

[0017] For this reason, the manned accounting machine 40 is installed in the face-to-face zone ZO11 of the accounting zone ZO1, as shown in FIG. 2. A store clerk M2 is assigned to the manned accounting machine 40 while it is in operation, and operates the manned accounting machine 40 while facing the customer M1. A scanner SC1 is provided in the face-to-face zone ZO11. The scanner SC1 is connected to the manned accounting machine 40. The scanner SC1 may be either a stationary type or a handheld type. When registering an item that the customer M1 has brought into the face-to-face zone ZO11 without registering it using the cart terminal 10 as a purchased item, the scanner SC1 is operated by the store clerk M2 to scan a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional data code shown on the item.

[0018] The self-checkout machine 50 is a payment device that allows a customer to perform operations related to the payment of purchased items registered by the virtual POS server 30. The self-checkout machine 50 executes accounting processing to determine the price related to the purchase and sale of the purchased items. The self-checkout machine 50 is equipped with a printer 50a, and issues vouchers such as receipts by printing on a medium for the customer to receive.

[0019] For this reason, the self-checkout machine 50 is installed in the self-checkout zone ZO12 of the checkout zone ZO1, as shown in Figure 2. The self-checkout machine 50 does not have a dedicated store clerk M2 assigned to operate the self-checkout machine 50.

[0020] 2 shows two manned payment machines 40 and three self-service payment machines 50, the number of manned payment machines 40 and the number of self-service payment machines 50 can be determined at the discretion of the store manager. Also, manned payment machines 40 do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0021] The beacon transmitter 60 transmits a predetermined beacon signal. Multiple beacon transmitters 60 may be installed. The number of beacon transmitters 60 installed, their installation locations, and transmission strength are adjusted so that the reception range is generally within the accounting zone ZO1 shown in FIG.

[0022] The clerk terminal 70 is an information processing terminal that processes information to support the work of the clerk M2. The clerk terminal 70 is, for example, a mobile information terminal carried by the clerk M2 who is in charge of maintaining the cart C. The clerk terminal 70 is, for example, a monitoring terminal for monitoring the operational status of the store system 1. A plurality of clerk terminals 70 may be included in the store system 1. In this case, a plurality of types of clerk terminals 70 may be included.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the cart terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The cart terminal 10 is equipped with a tablet computer 11 , a scanner 12 , a reader 13 , a camera 14 , a beacon receiver 15 and an external battery 16 .

[0024] The tablet computer 11 includes a processor 11a, a main memory 11b, an auxiliary storage unit 11c, a wireless unit 11d, a touch panel 11e, a sound unit 11f, an interface unit 11g, a transmission path 11h, a power supply unit 11i, and a battery unit 11j. The processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage unit 11c, the wireless unit 11d, the touch panel 11e, the sound unit 11f, and the interface unit 11g are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 11h. The processor 11a, the main memory 11b, and the auxiliary storage unit 11c are connected via the transmission path 11h to form a computer for controlling the cart terminal 10.

[0025] The processor 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11a executes information processing for realizing various functions of the cart terminal 10 in accordance with an operating system and information processing programs such as application programs. The processor 11a is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

[0026] The main memory 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 11b includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11b stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 11b may store data required for the processor 11a to execute information processing in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 11b uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11a. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (read only memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (random access memory).

[0027] The auxiliary storage unit 11c corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage unit 11c, for example, a storage unit using a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive) can be used. The auxiliary storage unit 11c stores data used by the processor 11a in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11a. The auxiliary storage unit 11c may also store the information processing program. The auxiliary storage unit 11c stores a UI processing program AP1, which is one of the information processing programs. The UI (user interface) processing program AP1 is an application program, and describes UI processing, which will be described later.

[0028] The wireless unit 11d transmits and receives data to and from the access point 2a via wireless communication in accordance with a wireless communication protocol. The touch panel 11e includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen, under the control of the processor 11a. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display). The touch sensor is disposed over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the processor 11a. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

[0029] The sound unit 11f outputs various sounds such as voices and melodies. The interface unit 11g is connected to the scanner 12, the reader 13, the camera 14, and the beacon receiver 15. The interface unit 11g interfaces the processor 11a and the scanner 12, the reader 13, the camera 14, and the beacon receiver 15 to exchange data. An existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used as the interface unit 11g. The transmission path 11h includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage unit 11c, the wireless unit 11d, the touch panel 11e, and the interface unit 11g.

[0030] The power supply unit 11i receives power from the battery unit 11j or the external battery 16 and supplies operating power to electrical elements within the tablet computer 11. When power is being supplied from the external battery 16, the power supply unit 11i consumes the power supplied from the external battery 16, and when power is not being supplied from the external battery 16, the power supply unit 11i consumes the power supplied from the battery unit 11j. The battery unit 11j is charged by power supplied from the external battery 16. When the battery unit 11j is not supplied with power from the external battery 16, the battery unit 11j supplies the charged power to the power supply unit 11i. The battery unit 11j has a function of measuring its own remaining capacity.

[0031] The scanner 12 reads code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional data codes. The scanner 12 is primarily used to read code symbols that are shown on products and that represent product codes or the like of the products. The scanner 12 may also be used to read code symbols that are shown on membership cards or displayed on mobile terminals and that represent membership codes or the like. The scanner 12 outputs data represented by the read code symbols. The scanner 12 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0032] The reader 13 reads and outputs data recorded on the recording medium. The reader 13 is a magnetic card reader when the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader when the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a recording medium using RFID (radio frequency identification) such as a contactless IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 13. The camera 14 captures an overhead image of the inside of the shopping basket placed on the cart C. The camera 14 then outputs image data representing the captured image.

[0033] The beacon receiver 15 receives a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 60. When the beacon receiver 15 receives a beacon signal, it outputs notification data for notifying the processor 11a of the fact that the beacon signal has been received. The external battery 16 is detachable from the tablet computer 11. When the external battery 16 is attached to the tablet computer 11, the external battery 16 supplies stored power to the tablet computer 11.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the cart C. The cart C includes a caster portion C1, a handle frame portion C2, and a basket receiving portion C3. The caster portion C1 has four wheels C11 for smoothly moving the cart C on a floor surface. The wheels C11 are attached to a frame C12 in a state in which they can rotate around a vertical axis. The handle frame portion C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 and a handle bar C22. The vertical frames C21, C21 are erected above the two wheels of the caster portion C1. The handle bar C22 connects the upper ends of the vertical frames C21, C21. The basket receiving portion C3 is provided horizontally from a midpoint of the handle frame portion C2. The basket receiving portion C3 holds a shopping basket SB for storing merchandise. The caster portion C1 also holds the shopping basket SB thereon.

[0035] A customer M1 using the cart C is typically positioned in front of the handle frame portion C2 in Fig. 7. The customer M1 pushes the cart C while gripping the handle bar C22. In other words, in this case, the direction in which the basket receiving portion C3 protrudes from the handle frame portion C2 is the forward direction of the cart C.

[0036] The scanner 12 is attached to the middle of the handle bar C22. A pole C4 is attached to one of the vertical frames C21 so that its tip is located above the handle bar C22. The tablet computer 11 is attached to the tip of the pole C4 with the screen of the touch panel 11e facing the opposite direction to the forward direction. A camera 14 is attached to the middle of the pole C4 with the camera facing the shopping basket SB held by the basket receiving part C3. A reader 13 is attached to the tablet computer 11. In FIG. 7, the reader 13 is a magnetic card reader. The card slit of the reader 13 faces the same direction as the screen of the touch panel 11e. A battery case BC is attached between the vertical frames C21, C21 on the lower end side of the handle frame part C2. The battery case BC houses an external battery 16.

[0037] The cart terminal 10 or the tablet computer 11 is generally transferred in a state in which the UI processing program AP1 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11c. However, the UI processing program AP1 may be transferred separately from the hardware in a state in which the UI processing program AP1 is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11c, or in a state in which a different version of the same type of UI processing program AP1 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11c. The cart terminal 10 or the tablet computer 11 for the cart terminal 10 may be configured by writing the UI processing program AP1 to the auxiliary storage unit 11c in response to an operation by an arbitrary worker. The UI processing program AP1 may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 30. As shown in FIG. The virtual POS server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a communication interface 34, and a transmission path 35. The processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the communication interface 34 are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 35. The processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage unit 33 are connected by the transmission path 35 to configure a computer for controlling the virtual POS server 30. The functions of the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the transmission path 35 are generally the same as those of the processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage unit 11c, and the transmission path 11h, and therefore will not be described here. The communication interface 34 performs data communication with each unit connected to the communication network 2 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0039] Auxiliary storage unit 33 stores transaction processing program AP2, which is one of the information processing programs. Transaction processing program AP2 is an application program in which sales processing, which will be described later, is described. A part of the memory area of ​​auxiliary storage unit 33 is used as cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR4 contained in the cart management database DB1. The cart management database DB1 is a collection of data records DR4 associated with each cart C used by the customer M1. The data record DR4 includes fields F41, F42, F43, F44, and F45. A terminal code for distinguishing the cart terminal 10 attached to the associated cart C from other cart terminals 10 is set in field F41. A membership code for distinguishing the customer M1 using the associated cart C from other customers is set in field F42. A transaction code for distinguishing a transaction performed using the associated cart C from other transactions is set in field F43. An electronic receipt ID of the customer M1 using the associated cart C is set in field F44. The number of points held by the customer M1 using the associated cart C is set in field F45. The data record DR4 may include other fields in which data other than fields F41 to F45 is set.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a data record DR5 contained in the purchase item database DB2. The purchase item database DB2 is a collection of data records DR5 associated with each shopping transaction being carried out in the store. Each data record DR5 includes fields F51, F52. Each data record DR5 may also include fields F53, F54, ... A transaction code defined for the associated purchase is set in field F51. This transaction code is the same as the transaction code set in field F42 of data record DR4 associated with cart C used for the associated purchase. Field F52 is set with product data related to the product registered as a purchased product for the associated purchase. The product data includes a product code, unit price, product name, quantity, and a cancellation flag. The product code is an identification code defined for identifying products for each SKU (stock keeping unit), and for example, a JAN (Japanese article number) code is used. The cancellation flag is flag data for identifying a product that was once registered as a purchased product but was subsequently cancelled.

[0042] Data record DR5 includes fields F53 and onwards when two or more purchased items have been registered for the associated shopping. Product data is set in fields F53 and onwards, just like field F52. Thus, each field from field F52 onwards represents a list of purchased items for the associated shopping. This list of purchased items will be referred to as a product list below.

[0043] Now, for example, a general-purpose network server can be used as the hardware of virtual POS server 30. The transfer of virtual POS server 30 is generally performed in a state where transaction processing program AP2 is stored in auxiliary storage unit 33, but cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2 are not stored. However, the hardware in a state where transaction processing program AP2 is not stored in auxiliary storage unit 33, or where a different version of the same type of transaction processing program AP2 is stored in auxiliary storage unit 33, and the transaction processing program AP2 may be transferred separately. The virtual POS server 30 may be configured by writing transaction processing program AP2 to auxiliary storage unit 33 in response to an operation by any operator. The transfer of transaction processing program AP2 can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The cart management database DB1 and purchased item database DB2 are configured in auxiliary storage unit 33 by processor 31 executing information processing based on transaction processing program AP2. At least a portion of the transaction processing program AP2, the cart management database DB1, and the purchased item database DB2 may be stored in the main memory 32.

[0044] Next, the operation of the store system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. When the cart terminal 10 is started up, the processor 11a executes the information processing described below in accordance with the UI processing program AP1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10.

[0045] (Start of use of Cart C) In ACT1, the processor 11a waits for an operation to start use. At this time, the processor 11a is in a state of waiting for the start of shopping using the attached cart C. For example, in this waiting state, the processor 11a displays a screen showing a start button on the touch panel 11e. The customer M1 takes out one of the carts C placed in the cart storage area and performs a predetermined operation to start use on the cart terminal 10 attached to the cart C. If the customer M1 is a member, the customer M1 has the scanner 12 or the reader 13 read the membership code recorded on the membership card. If the customer M1 is not a member, the customer M1 operates the above-mentioned start button. If these operations are performed, the processor 11a judges that an operation to start use has been performed as YES, and proceeds to ACT2.

[0046] As ACT2, the processor 11a notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the terminal code and member code of the cart terminal 10 on which the processor 11a is mounted. This is a login request notification. When the start button is touched, the processor 11a notifies the virtual POS server 30 of a member code that is predetermined for non-members. The member code for non-members may be common to a plurality of customers, or may be different. Specifically, the processor 11a transmits notification data including the terminal code and member code from the wireless unit 11d to the access point 2a, addressed to the virtual POS server 30. This notification data is transmitted to the virtual POS server 30 by the access point 2a and the communication network 2. Then, the communication interface 34 of the virtual POS server 30 receives the notification data. The communication interface 34 provides the received notification data to the processor 31. This notifies the processor 31 of the login request. In the following description of other notifications, the above detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] When the processor 31 receives the login request, the processor 31 starts information processing for transaction processing as described below. The processor 31 executes the information processing in accordance with the transaction processing program AP2. The processor 31 executes the information processing to process the transaction as described below.

[0048] 12, 13, 14 and 15 are flow charts showing the procedure of information processing for transaction processing by the processor 31. The processor 31 starts this information processing each time it receives a login request notification, and executes multiple information processing tasks in parallel. That is, the processor 31 executes the following information processing tasks in parallel for multiple cart terminals 10. Below, information processing for one cart terminal 10 that has been notified of login as described above will be described. Therefore, when simply written as "cart terminal 10," it refers to the one cart terminal 10 that is the target. Furthermore, when simply written as "customer M1," it refers to customer M1 who is using the one cart terminal 10 that is the target.

[0049] In ACT20 in Fig. 12, processor 31 checks whether the member who requested login is already logged in. For example, if the membership code included in the notification data of the login request is not for a non-member and does not match any of the membership codes set in field F42 of data record DR4 included in cart management database DB1, processor 31 determines that the member is not logged in. Processor 31 also determines that the member is not logged in if the membership code included in the notification data of the login request is for a non-member. If the member is not logged in, processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT21.

[0050] As ACT21, the processor 31 makes a membership inquiry to the member server 5. For example, the processor 31 makes an inquiry to the member server 5 along with a notification of the member code included in the notification data of the login request. The member server 5 finds, from among the data records DR2 contained in the member database, a data record DR2 in which the member code set in field F21 matches the notified member code. The member server 5 then notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the electronic receipt ID and the number of points set in fields F22 and F23 of the data record DR2.

[0051] In ACT22, the processor 31 updates the cart management database DB1 so as to add a new data record DR4. The processor 31 sets the terminal code and member code included in the notification data in fields F41 and F42 of the data record DR4 to be added. The processor 31 also determines the transaction code using a predetermined algorithm so that the transaction code is different from the transaction code used in the transaction processing for at least another cart terminal 10. Then, the processor 31 sets the transaction code in field F43 of the data record DR4 to be added. The processor 31 also sets the electronic receipt ID and the number of points notified from the member server 5 as described above in fields F44 and F45 of the data record DR4 to be added, respectively. If the processor 31 does not notify the electronic receipt ID notified from the member server 5, the processor 31 sets the field F44 of the data record DR4 to be added blank or sets predetermined invalid data. After completing the update, the processor 31 notifies the cart terminal 10 of the completion of login.

[0052] As ACT23, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a completion screen. The completion screen is a screen that notifies the customer that login has been completed. The completion screen may display guidance to the customer, such as informing the customer that registration of purchased items may begin. For example, the processor 31 transmits instruction data including screen data representing the completion screen from the communication interface 34 to the cart terminal 10. This instruction data is transmitted to the cart terminal 10 via the communication network 2 and the access point 2a. Then, the wireless unit 11d of the cart terminal 10 receives the instruction data. The wireless unit 11d provides the received instruction data to the processor 11a. This instructs the processor 11a to display the completion screen. Various instructions from the virtual POS server 30 to the cart terminal 10 are given in the same manner as the instruction to display the completion screen as described above. For this reason, in the following explanations regarding other instructions, the above detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0053] (Registering purchased items) After notifying the login request in ACT2 in FIG. 11, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 waits for a notification of the completion of the login from the virtual POS server 30, and then proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 11a checks whether or not a screen change has been instructed as described below from the virtual POS server 30. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that such an instruction has been issued, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 11a checks whether any operation has been performed by the operator. The operator is usually the customer M1, but the store clerk M2 may temporarily become the operator. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that the corresponding operation has been performed, it judges NO and proceeds to ACT5.

[0054] In ACT5, the processor 11a checks whether or not a beacon signal has been received. If it cannot be confirmed that a beacon signal has been received from the beacon receiver 15, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 11a checks whether or not logoff has been permitted by the virtual POS server 30. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that permission has been granted, it determines NO and returns to ACT3. Thus, in ACT3 to ACT6, the processor 11a waits for any one of an instruction to change the screen, an operation, reception of a beacon signal, and permission to log off.

[0055] When various display instructions, such as an instruction to display the completion screen as described above, are given, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 11a changes the display screen on the touch panel 11e in accordance with the display instruction. For example, the processor 11a controls the touch panel 11e to display a screen represented by the screen data included in the instruction data. If the screen data included in the instruction data represents the above-mentioned completion screen, the display screen on the touch panel 11e is changed to the completion screen. This allows the customer M1 to know that he may start the operation for registering the purchased item. The processor 11a then returns to the standby state of ACT3 to ACT6.

[0056] Customer M1, pushing cart C, moves around the store looking for an item to purchase. When he finds an item to purchase, he removes it from the display area and places it on cart C. At this time, customer M1 performs an operation to designate the item as the purchased item. This operation is, for example, an operation of scanner 12 to read the code symbol displayed on the item. The above operation is, for example, an operation of touch panel 11e to designate the item. When customer M1 registers multiple items with the same item code as purchased items, he may perform an operation to designate the quantity and then have scanner 12 read the code symbol only once. Thus, scanner 12 and touch panel 11e are an example of an input device for inputting item designation.

[0057] If any operation including such an operation is performed by the operator, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT8. As ACT8, the processor 11a notifies the processor 31 of the virtual POS server 30 of the operation contents. When the scanner 12 is operated to read the code symbol displayed on the product, the processor 11a inputs the data of the code symbol read by the scanner 12 from the scanner 12. The code symbol data includes a product code for identifying the product. When the touch panel 11e is operated to specify a product, the processor 11a inputs the product code of the product specified by the operation, for example, by referring to a data table. The data table represents the product code in association with the operation contents, and is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11c in advance, for example. That is, the processor 11a inputs the product code as product information by these, and has a function as an input means. When the processor 11a notifies the operation to specify the product as a purchase product, the processor 11a notifies the product code and the number of the specified product. When the operation to specify the number is not performed, the processor 11a sets the number to "1". Then, the processor 11a returns to the standby state of ACT3 to ACT6.

[0058] In the virtual POS server 30, the processor 31 checks whether the operation content has been notified as ACT24 in Fig. 12. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the relevant notification has been made, it judges NO and proceeds to ACT25. In ACT 25, the processor 31 checks whether or not the reception of a beacon signal has been notified. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the relevant notification has been made, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT 26, the processor 31 checks whether or not accounting data has been requested. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the relevant request has been made, it determines NO and returns to ACT 24. Thus, in ACT24 to ACT26, the processor 31 waits for any one of a notification of operation content, a notification of beacon reception, and a request for accounting data.

[0059] If the operation content is notified as described above, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT27 in FIG. In ACT 27, the processor 31 checks whether the notified operation content is a designation of a product to be purchased. If the content is a designation of a product to be purchased, the processor 31 judges the result to be YES and proceeds to ACT 28.

[0060] In ACT28, the processor 31 updates the product list to add the specified purchased product. For example, the processor 31 finds a data record DR4 in the cart management database DB1, in which the terminal code set in the field F41 matches the terminal code of the cart terminal 10. The processor 31 then obtains the transaction code set in the field F43 of the corresponding data record DR4. The processor 31 then finds a data record DR5 in the purchased product database DB2, in which the transaction code set in the field F51 matches the obtained transaction code. If the corresponding data record DR5 does not exist, the processor 31 adds a new data record DR5 to the purchased product database DB2, in which the obtained transaction code is set in the field F51 and product data including the product code of the specified purchased product is set in the field F52. If the corresponding data record DR5 is found, the processor 31 adds a new field next to the field located at the end of the corresponding data record DR5, and sets product data including the product code of the specified purchased product in this field. The cancellation flag of the newly set product data by the processor 31 is set to a state indicating that the product has not been cancelled. The product data set by the processor 31 in the field F52 or the new field includes the product name, price, and issuance confirmation information obtained from the product master database of the store server 20 using the product code as a key, and the quantity notified from the cart terminal 10 together with the product code.

[0061] If the customer M1 wishes to cancel the purchase of the product registered as above, he / she performs an operation to instruct the cancellation of the product, for example, on the touch panel 11e. When the content of this operation is notified from the cart terminal 10 to the virtual POS server 30, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT27 and proceeds to ACT29. In ACT 29, the processor 31 checks whether the notified operation content is a cancellation instruction or not. If it is a cancellation instruction as described above, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT30, the processor 31 updates the product list to exclude the purchased product for which cancellation has been instructed. For example, the processor 31 changes a cancellation flag included in the product data relating to the purchased product for which cancellation has been instructed to a state indicating that the product has been canceled.

[0062] In addition, in ACT 28 or ACT 30, the processor 31 calculates the price of the purchased product based on the product data included in the updated product list. When calculating the price, the processor 31 applies various well-known discount or discount processes as necessary. When the processor 31 finishes ACT28 or ACT30, it proceeds to ACT31 in either case. In ACT31, processor 31 checks whether or not the state allows through checkout. Here, through checkout means performing a transaction using a procedure at cart terminal 10 without using manned checkout machine 40 or self-checkout machine 50. Processor 31 checks whether or not predetermined permissible conditions are met. If the permissible conditions are met, processor 31 determines that the state allows through checkout, determines YES, and proceeds to ACT32. The permissible conditions may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the transaction processing program AP2 or the administrator of the virtual POS server 30. For example, the permissible conditions are assumed to be the case where none of the following conditions are met. However, it is not essential to consider all of the following conditions. For example, the permissible conditions may be met when there is no need to print a voucher. In addition, the permissible conditions may be met when the purchased items do not include any items with age restrictions. Alternatively, the permissible conditions may be met when customer M1 is an electronic receipt member.

[0063] (1) Cases where a voucher needs to be given to the customer M1. The voucher may be a receipt, a purchase certificate, a warranty, a coupon, a discount voucher, or the like. The voucher is typically printed by the printer 50a provided in the manned checkout machine 40 or the self-checkout machine 50 at the time of checkout. The voucher may be a printed matter prepared in advance. The voucher may be formed by a store clerk writing some information by hand on a prepared sheet of paper. In principle, a receipt should be issued for every transaction. However, if the customer M1 is a member of an electronic receipt service, the issuance of a receipt can be omitted by using the electronic receipt service. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the customer M1 is not a member of the electronic receipt service, this corresponds to a case where a voucher needs to be given to the customer M1. Regarding this condition, the processor 31 determines that a voucher needs to be given to the customer M1 if, for example, a valid electronic receipt ID is not set in the field F44 of the data record DR4 associated with the cart terminal 10. In addition, the processor 31 determines that a voucher needs to be handed over to the customer M1 if, for example, any of the product data included in the data record DR5 associated with a transaction related to the cart terminal 10 contains issuance confirmation information including flag information indicating whether or not a voucher needs to be issued.

[0064] (2) When the purchased goods include a product that requires the assistance of the store clerk M2. In this case, the assistance of the store clerk M2 is, for example, when the purchased goods include a product with restrictions such as age restrictions, and the customer M1 meets the restrictions, and the customer M1 confirms the restrictions. The assistance of the store clerk M2 is, for example, providing an explanation to the customer M1 about a product that requires a qualified person to explain the product when purchasing it. The assistance of the store clerk M2 is, for example, when the purchased goods include a product that is determined to be given as a gift to the purchaser, handing the gift to the customer M1. The assistance of the store clerk M2 is, for example, providing an oral explanation about the product to the customer M1 by the store clerk M2. Regarding this condition, the processor 31 determines that the purchased goods include a product that requires the assistance of the store clerk M2 if any of the product data included in the data record DR5 associated with the transaction related to the cart terminal 10 includes issuance confirmation information including flag information indicating that confirmation by a store clerk is required when selling the product.

[0065] (3) When there is a possibility that an item that requires confirmation by store clerk M2 has been placed in cart C. In this case, confirmation by store clerk M2 refers to, for example, a confirmation in the case where there is a possibility that the item has been placed in cart C without being registered as a purchased item.

[0066] (4) When a payment method that requires the assistance of a store clerk is specified. A payment method that requires the assistance of a store clerk is a payment method that is not permitted to be handled at the self-checkout machine 50, such as payment with a gift certificate, and is stipulated to require the assistance of a store clerk. An example of the above case is when the application of the relevant payment method is specified as the default payment method for customer M1. Another example of the above case is when the relevant payment method is specified as the payment method for a purchased item that is being registered before the registration of the purchased item is completed.

[0067] The processor 31 as ACT32 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a registration screen. The registration screen is a screen showing a list of registered purchased products. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen SC11. The registration screen SC11 shows areas AR1, AR2, AR3, buttons BU1, BU2, BU3, and icon IC1. Area AR1 shows, in rows, the product names of the products shown in the product list after updating in ACT28 or ACT30. Area AR1 also shows, in columns, the points at which the product is registered as a purchased product and the selling price of the product. Area AR1 shows a strikethrough line for the product name, points, and selling price of a product that is shown in the product list but has a cancellation flag that indicates that it has been cancelled. In other words, the registration screen SC11 shows a state in which products with the product names "AAA", "BBB", "DDD", and "EEE" are registered products, and a product with the product name "CCC" was once registered but has already been cancelled.

[0068] Areas AR2 are arranged in rows in areas AR1. Although not shown in Fig. 16, icons according to the associated products are displayed in area AR2 as necessary. The icons displayed in area AR2 indicate, for example, that the product is eligible for various discounts such as a set discount, that the product has an age restriction, and so on. The area AR3 indicates the total number and the total price of the registered purchased items. The processor 31 indicates the price calculated in ACT28 or ACT30 as the total price in the area AR3.

[0069] The buttons BU1 are arranged in rows that represent purchased products among the rows of the area AR1. The buttons BU1 are operation buttons that allow the operator to instruct the cancellation of the purchased products that are arranged in rows. In other words, when the button BU1 is touched and the cart terminal 10 notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the touch, the processor 31 determines in ACT29 that a cancellation instruction has been issued. Button BU2 is an operation button that allows the operator to instruct the completion of registration of purchased items and to move on to the checkout process. The button BU3 is an operation button for the operator to instruct the transition to an operation screen for registering a commodity without a code symbol as a purchased commodity. Icon IC1 is an icon for informing customer M1 that through check-out is permitted.

[0070] The processor 31 generates screen data for a registration screen SC11 that displays information based on the product list updated in ACT28 or ACT30 in areas AR1, AR2, and AR3, and transmits this screen data to the cart terminal 10. Then, in the cart terminal 10, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT3 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and causes the touch panel 11e to display the registration screen SC11 based on the screen data.

[0071] On the other hand, if the predetermined permissible condition is not met, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT31 and proceeds to ACT33. As ACT33, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display the registration screen SC11. However, the processor 31 does not display the icon IC1 on the registration screen SC11 generated in ACT33.

[0072] Thus, on the registration screen SC11, the information displayed in areas AR1, AR2, and AR3, the display state of the button BU1, and the presence or absence of display of the icon IC1 may change from the state shown in FIG. 16, but the other display elements do not change in principle. Then, the processor 31 changes whether or not to display the icon IC1 on the registration screen SC11 depending on whether or not the through check-out is permitted. When the processor 31 finishes ACT32 or ACT33, it returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in FIG.

[0073] (Replacement of Cart C) Meanwhile, a customer M1 who is a member can change the cart C to be used when the remaining battery power of the cart C being used becomes low, etc. In this case, the customer M1 performs an operation to start using a cart C that is different from the cart C being used and is not being used by another customer M1.

[0074] When a login request in response to this start-of-use operation is notified to the virtual POS server 30 from the cart terminal 10 of cart C (here referred to as the new terminal 10), the processor 31 starts information processing targeted at the new terminal 10. At this time, the membership code included in the notification data of the login request matches the membership code set in field F42 of the data record DR4 associated with the cart terminal 10 of cart C (here referred to as the old terminal 10) that is being used. Therefore, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT20 of the information processing targeted at the new terminal 10, and proceeds to ACT34.

[0075] As ACT34, the processor 31 updates the cart management database DB1 to change it. For example, the processor 31 finds, from among the data records DR4 included in the cart management database DB1, a data record DR4 in which the membership code set in field F42 matches the membership code included in the notification data of the login request. The processor 31 then rewrites the terminal code set in field F41 of the corresponding data record DR4 to the terminal code of the new terminal 10. As a result, the product list that was previously the subject of update in the information processing related to the old terminal 10 is taken over as the subject of update in the information processing related to the new terminal 10. Then, when the processor 31 has finished the update, it notifies the new terminal 10 of the completion of login.

[0076] In ACT35, the processor 31 instructs the new terminal 10 to display the screen currently being displayed on the touch panel 11e of the old terminal 10. After this, the processor 31 transitions to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26. Thereafter, the customer M1 can continue to register the purchased items using the new terminal 10. In this case, the processor 31 remains in a standby state from ACT24 to ACT26 in the information processing targeted at the old terminal 10. In this case, when the processor 31 receives any notification from the old terminal 10, it confirms that the data record DR4 associated with the old terminal 10 does not exist, and then ends the information processing targeted at the old terminal 10.

[0077] (accounting) When customer M1 has finished registering all the products he / she wishes to purchase as purchased products, he / she moves to the accounting zone ZO1. When the cart terminal 10 enters the range in which the beacon signal emitted by the beacon transmitter 60 can be received, the beacon receiver 15 receives the beacon signal. When the beacon receiver 15 notifies the processor 11a of this fact, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT5 in FIG. 11 and proceeds to ACT9. In ACT9, the processor 11a notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the beacon reception. Then, the processor 11a thereafter returns to the standby state of ACT3 to ACT6.

[0078] When the virtual POS server 30 is notified of the beacon reception in this manner, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 25 in FIG. 12 and proceeds to ACT 36. In ACT36, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a first confirmation screen. The first confirmation screen is a screen for confirming whether or not to start a transaction. The first confirmation screen shows, for example, a button for specifying to start a transaction and a button for specifying to return to the sales floor and continue registering the purchased items. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26.

[0079] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and causes the touch panel 11e to display the first confirmation screen. The customer M1 instructs on the first confirmation screen whether to start the checkout or to return to the sales floor and continue registering the purchased items. In response to this, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the content of the operation on the first confirmation screen.

[0080] When the contents of the operation on the first confirmation screen are notified in this way, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12 and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13, and proceeds to ACT37 in FIG. In ACT 37, the processor 31 checks whether the contents of the operation on the first confirmation screen have been notified. Thus, in the above case, the processor 31 judges that the result is YES, and proceeds to ACT 38.

[0081] In ACT38, processor 31 checks whether an instruction to start the transaction has been given. If an instruction to continue registering the purchased items has been given, processor 31 judges NO and returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in Fig. 12. At this time, processor 31 does not judge YES in ACT25 until a predetermined time has elapsed after returning to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26. As a result, even if an instruction to continue registering the purchased items is given on the first confirmation screen while customer M1 is in the transaction zone ZO1, subsequent beacon reception will be ignored for a while.

[0082] However, if customer M1 changes his mind and decides he wants to start the transaction during the period when beacon reception is ignored as described above, he or she can have the scanner 12 of the cart terminal 10 read the transaction barcode BC1 placed in the transaction zone ZO1, for example as shown in Figure 2. Also, if the beacon receiver 15 does not receive the beacon signal due to some kind of failure and the first confirmation screen does not appear even when customer M1 moves into the transaction zone ZO1, customer M1 can operate the scanner 12 of the cart terminal 10 to read the transaction barcode BC1. In response, the processor 11a of the cart terminal 10 determines YES in ACT4 in Figure 11 and proceeds to ACT8, notifying the virtual POS server 30 that the scanner 12 has been operated, along with notifying the virtual POS server 30 of the transaction barcode.

[0083] In this case, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and ACT37 in FIG. 14, and proceeds to ACT39. In ACT 39, processor 31 checks whether or not the transaction barcode is to be read. If an operation to read the transaction barcode has been notified as described above, processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 40. If an instruction to start a transaction is given on the first confirmation screen, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 38 and proceeds to ACT 40.

[0084] In ACT40, the processor 31 checks whether or not the state allows through check-out in the same manner as in ACT 31. If the state allows through check-out, the processor 31 judges YES and proceeds to ACT41. In ACT41, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a selection screen. The selection screen is a screen for allowing the customer M1 to select whether or not to apply through checkout. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen SC12. The selection screen SC12 shows an area AR21, buttons BU21, BU22, BU23, and a message ME21. Area AR21 shows the amount to be paid by customer M1. Button BU21 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify that through checkout is to be applied. Button BU22 is an operation button that allows the operator to specify that the self-checkout machine 50 is to be used. Button BU23 is an operation button that allows the operator to instruct the display on the cart terminal 10 to return to the screen that was displayed before this selection screen SC12 was displayed. Message ME21 is a text message that guides the operator to select, using button BU21 or button BU22, whether to apply through checkout and perform the transaction at the cart terminal 10, or to use the self-checkout machine to perform the transaction. Thus, on the selection screen SC12, the price displayed in area AR21 may change from the state shown in FIG. 17 depending on the registration status of the purchased item, but the other display elements do not change as a rule.

[0085] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and causes the touch panel 11e to display the selection screen SC12. The customer M1 instructs on the selection screen SC12 whether to apply through checkout or to use the self-checkout machine 50. In response to this, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the content of the operation on the selection screen SC12. In other words, the processor 11a selects whether to apply through checkout or to use the self-checkout machine 50, in accordance with the operation of the customer M1. When the contents of the operation on the selection screen SC12 are notified in this way, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and ACT37 and ACT39 in FIG. 14, and proceeds to ACT42.

[0086] In ACT42, the processor 31 checks whether the contents of the operation on the selection screen SC12 have been notified. Thus, in the above case, the processor 31 judges that the result is YES, and proceeds to ACT43 in FIG. In ACT43, the processor 31 checks whether or not the application of through checkout is specified based on the notification from the cart terminal 10. If the application of through checkout is specified, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT44.

[0087] The processor 31 executes a payment process as ACT 44. Specifically, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a designation screen, for example. The designation screen is a screen for allowing the operator to designate a payment method to be used in through checkout. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the designation screen SC13. The specification screen SC13 shows an area AR31, buttons BU31, BU32, BU33, BU34, and a message ME31. The area AR31 shows the amount to be paid by the customer M1. The button BU31 is an operation button for the operator to specify barcode payment as the payment method to be used. The button BU32 is an operation button for the operator to specify credit card payment as the payment method to be used. The button BU33 is an operation button for the operator to specify electronic money payment as the payment method to be used. The button BU34 is an operation button for the operator to instruct the display on the cart terminal 10 to return to the screen that was displayed before this specification screen SC13 was displayed. The message ME31 is a text message that guides the operator to specify which payment method to use using the buttons BU31, BU32, BU33. Thus, on the specification screen SC13, the amount displayed in area AR31 may change from the state shown in FIG. 18 depending on the registration status of the purchased item, but the other display elements do not change as a rule.

[0088] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and causes the touch panel 11e to display the selection screen SC13. The customer M1 selects a payment method on the selection screen SC13. In response to this, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the selected payment method.

[0089] When the designated payment method is notified from the cart terminal 10, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a payment screen corresponding to the notified payment method. The payment screen is a screen that guides the operator through operations for executing payment. FIG. 19 shows an example of the payment screen SC14 when barcode payment is specified. The payment screen SC14 shows an area AR41, buttons BU41, BU42, BU43, BU44, BU45, messages ME41, ME42, and an image IM41. The area AR41 shows the amount to be paid by the customer M1. The buttons BU41 to BU44 are operation buttons for the operator to specify the barcode payment service to be used. The buttons BU41 to BU44 are associated with the available barcode payment services, respectively. The button BU45 is an operation button for the operator to instruct the display on the cart terminal 10 to return to the screen that was displayed before the payment screen SC14 was displayed. The message ME41 is a text message that guides the operator to first specify which barcode payment service to use using the buttons BU41, BU42, BU43, BU44. The message ME42 is a text message that guides the operator to scan the barcode for payment that is displayed on the smartphone held by the customer M1. The image IM41 is an image that is paired with the message ME42 and guides the operator to the barcode to be scanned. Thus, on the settlement screen SC14, the amount displayed in area AR41 may change from the state shown in FIG. 19 depending on the registration status of the purchased item, but other display elements do not change as a rule. The payment screen SC14 is an example in which the use of four barcode payment services is permitted. The number of buttons corresponding to buttons BU1 to BU4 is changed according to the number of permitted barcode payment services.

[0090] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and displays the payment screen SC14 on the touch panel 11e. The customer M1 specifies the barcode payment service to be used by operating any of the buttons BU41 to BU44. The customer M1 also causes the scanner 12 to read the payment barcode displayed on the smartphone by the application software for the barcode payment service to be used. In response to this, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 of a service code for distinguishing the specified barcode payment service from other services and the payment data represented by the payment barcode. In the case of credit card payment, data such as a credit number recorded on a credit card becomes the payment data. In the case of electronic money payment, data such as an electronic money ID recorded on an electronic money card becomes the payment data. In addition, if a credit number or electronic money ID, etc., is stored in the payment server 3 or virtual POS server 30 in association with a management code, and the management code is notified to the payment server 3 or virtual POS server 30 when a payment is requested, the management code becomes the payment data.

[0091] When the processor 31 receives the service code and payment data from the cart terminal 10, it requests the payment server 3 to make a payment along with the service code and payment data. The processor 31 then receives a completion notification from the payment server 3. However, due to some kind of failure, it may be unclear whether the payment has been completed. This situation is referred to as "incomplete" below. The payment server 3 may be, for example, a server that provides a payment agency service.

[0092] The above payment processing is processing for making a payment on the side of a terminal device including the cart terminal 10, using the payment server 3, without using the self-checkout machine 50 as a payment device. Thus, the processor 11a executes information processing based on the transaction processing program AP2, and the computer centered around the processor 11a functions as a payment means.

[0093] In ACT 45, the processor 31 checks whether the payment has been completed. If the processor 31 cannot confirm that the payment has been completed, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to ACT 46. In ACT46, the processor 31 checks whether the payment is incomplete. If the processor 31 cannot check that the payment is incomplete, the result is NO, and the process returns to ACT45.

[0094] Thus, in ACT45 and ACT46, the processor 31 waits until it can confirm that the payment has been completed or that the payment has become incomplete. Then, the processor 31 determines that the payment has been incomplete, for example, when the payment server 3 notifies the processor that it is unclear whether the payment has been completed or not. Alternatively, the processor 31 determines that the payment has been incomplete, for example, when the processor 31 does not receive a notification of completion even after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the processor 31 requested the payment to the payment server 3 in ACT44. Then, when the processor 31 determines that the payment has been incomplete, it determines YES in ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47. As ACT47, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a second confirmation screen. The second confirmation screen is a screen for prompting the store clerk M2 to perform confirmation work regarding the uncompleted payment.

[0095] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and displays the second confirmation screen on the touch panel 11e. The customer M1 requests the store clerk M2 to respond. The store clerk M2 activates the inquiry function of the manned accounting machine 40 or other device, and reads the code symbol on the second confirmation screen displayed on the cart terminal 10 with a scanner provided in the device. The manned accounting machine 40 or other device then inquires of the payment status of the payment server 3 based on the data included in the code symbol on the second confirmation screen. After this, the store clerk M2 performs an operation to confirm the completion of the uncompleted payment in a predetermined procedure. Then, when the store clerk M2 confirms the completion of the payment, he performs a predetermined cancellation operation on the cart terminal 10. The processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 that the cancellation operation has been performed.

[0096] In ACT48, the processor 31 waits for a cancellation operation to be performed. Then, when the cancellation operation is performed as described above and the processor 31 is notified of this by the cart terminal 10, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT48 and proceeds to ACT49. If the processor 31 can confirm that the payment has been completed, for example by receiving a notice of the completion of the payment from the payment server 3, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT45 and proceeds to ACT49, bypassing ACT47 and ACT48.

[0097] In ACT49, the processor 31 performs a process for registering electronic receipt data related to the transaction, for which the payment has been completed as described above, in the electronic receipt server 4 so that the customer M1 can view it. This process may be similar to the process performed by existing electronic receipt services. In this embodiment, one of the conditions for allowing through checkout is that there is no need to hand over a voucher to the customer M1, so a requirement for using through checkout is that an electronic receipt service that does not require the issuance of a paper receipt can be used. Therefore, the processor 31 automatically executes a process for registering an electronic receipt in conjunction with the process for through checkout. The processor 31 then proceeds to ACT57 in FIG. 12.

[0098] On the other hand, the processor 31 may select, for example, a button BU22 If a transaction using the self-checkout machine 50 is instructed by the operation of the self-checkout machine 50, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 43 in Figure 15 and proceeds to ACT 50. Also, if the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 40 in Figure 14 because through checkout is not permitted, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 50 in Figure 15. In other words, in a situation where it is necessary to start a transaction using the self-checkout machine 50, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 50.

[0099] As ACT50, the processor 31 transmits the billing data to the communication network 2 so that one of the self-service checkout machines 50 in standby can acquire the billing data. For example, the processor 31 finds a self-service checkout machine 50 in standby among the self-service checkout machines 50 and transmits the billing data to that self-service checkout machine 50. Alternatively, the processor 31 transmits billing data to one of the self-service checkout machines 50, regardless of whether that self-service checkout machine 50 is in standby or not. In this case, the self-service checkout machine 50 to which the billing data is to be sent will accept the billing data if it is in standby. However, if the self-service checkout machine 50 is not in standby, it will transfer the billing data to one of the other self-service checkout machines 50. Alternatively, the processor 31 broadcasts the billing data to multiple self-service checkout machines 50. In this case, one of the multiple self-service checkout machines 50 that is in standby will accept the billing data. However, as long as the accounting data can be accepted by one of the self-checkout machines 50 in a standby state, the accounting data may be transmitted by any other method.

[0100] The accounting data is data necessary for settling the price of the purchased goods registered at the cart terminal 10 at the self-checkout machine 50. Specifically, for example, the processor 31 finds a data record DR4 in the cart management database DB1 in which the terminal code set in the field F41 matches the terminal code of the cart terminal 10. The processor 31 then obtains the transaction code set in the field F43 of the corresponding data record DR4. Next, the processor 31 finds a data record DR5 in the purchased goods database DB2 in which the transaction code set in the field F51 matches the obtained transaction code. The processor 31 then generates accounting data including the data set in each field of the found data record DR4 and the product data included in the found data record DR5. The processor 31 may calculate the settlement amount for the sale of the purchased goods based on the product data included in the found data record DR5, and include the calculated amount in the accounting data.

[0101] As ACT51, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a guide screen. The guide screen is a screen that notifies customer M1 of the self-checkout machine 50 that has accepted the checkout data, and guides customer M1 to perform the checkout at that self-checkout machine 50.

[0102] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a of the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and causes a guide screen to be displayed on the touch panel 11e. Following the guidance on the guide screen, customer M1 operates the indicated self-checkout machine 50 to pay for the purchased items. Note that the operation of the self-checkout machine 50 may be the same as that of a checkout machine in an existing semi-self-checkout system, for example. Once the self-checkout machine 50 has completed the payment, it notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the completion of the payment.

[0103] In ACT 52, the processor 31 waits for a notification of completion of the payment from the self-checkout machine 50 that accepted the payment data sent in ACT 50. If the notification of completion is received, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 57 in FIG.

[0104] Meanwhile, customer M1 can also find a self-service checkout machine 50 that is in standby and use that self-service checkout machine 50 to make a payment. In this case, customer M1 first operates button BU2 displayed on the registration screen SC11. In response, the processor 11a of the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 that the payment button has been operated. When notified that the checkout button has been operated in this manner, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, and NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and ACT39 and ACT42 in FIG. 14, and proceeds to ACT53 in FIG.

[0105] In ACT 53, processor 31 checks whether the operation is the checkout button operation. Thus, processor 31 judges YES in the above case and proceeds to ACT 54. If the notified operation is not the checkout button operation, processor 31 judges NO in ACT 53 and proceeds to processing according to the operation.

[0106] In ACT54, the processor 31 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a scan screen. The scan screen is a screen for instructing the self-service checkout machine 50 to obtain accounting data. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26 in Figure 12. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the scan screen SC15. The scan screen SC15 shows an area AR51, a code symbol CS51, a message ME51, and a button BU51. The area AR51 shows the amount to be paid by the customer M1. The code symbol CS51 contains data necessary for the self-checkout machine 50 to obtain accounting data related to the cart terminal 10 from the virtual POS server 30. The data contained in this code symbol includes, for example, a transaction code. In the example of FIG. 20, a barcode is used as the code symbol. The message ME51 is a text message that guides the operator to scan the code symbol CS51 with the scanner SC2 of the self-checkout machine 50. The button BU51 is an operation button that the operator uses to instruct the operator to log off to end shopping. Thus, on the scan screen SC15, the amount and code symbol CS51 displayed in area AR51 may change from the state shown in FIG. 20 depending on the registration status of the purchased item and the transaction code, but other display elements do not change as a rule.

[0107] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a of the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT3 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT7, and causes the touch panel 11e to display the scan screen SC15. Customer M1 uses the scanner SC2 of the self-checkout machine 50, which is in a standby state, to read the code symbol CS51 displayed on the scan screen SC15. When the scanner SC2 of the self-checkout machine 50 reads the code symbol CS51, the self-checkout machine 50 requests the virtual POS server 30 for transaction data related to the cart terminal 10 based on the transaction code included in this code symbol CS51. The transaction code may be output by a method other than display, such as wireless transmission using short-range wireless communication technology. The read product code may be stored in the cart terminal 10, in which case the product code may be output as information for accounting.

[0108] When the processor 31 in the virtual POS server 30 is requested to provide transaction data in this manner, it determines YES in ACT26 in FIG. 12 and proceeds to ACT55. As ACT55, the processor 31 transmits accounting data similar to ACT50 to the self-checkout machine 50 that issued the request. Customer M1 operates the self-checkout machine 50 to pay for the purchased items. Note that the operation of the self-checkout machine 50 may be similar to that of an accounting machine in an existing semi-self-checkout system, for example. Then, when the self-checkout machine 50 has completed the payment, it notifies the virtual POS server 30 of the completion of the payment.

[0109] In ACT 56, processor 31 waits for notification of completion of payment from the self-checkout machine 50, which is the destination of the payment data in ACT 55. If completion is notified, processor 31 judges YES and proceeds to ACT 57. Processor 31 also proceeds to ACT 57 when it has finished ACT 49 in Figure 15. Thus, if the processor 31 is notified of the completion of the settlement in either ACT 52 in FIG. 15 or in the waiting state of ACT 56 in FIG. 12, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 57.

[0110] As ACT57, the processor 31 executes a termination process for terminating the transaction that is the subject of this information processing. For example, the processor 31 sends transaction data indicating the contents of the current transaction to the store server 20. The transaction data indicates the contents of the transaction and the result of the accounting. For example, the transaction data may be the same as data stored in an existing POS system for managing completed transactions. The processor 31 also deletes, for example, the data records DR4 and DR5 that were included in the cart management database DB1 and the purchased item database DB2 for the current transaction. That is, the processor 31 deletes the data record DR4 in which the terminal code of the cart terminal 10 is set in the field F41 and the data record DR5 in which the same transaction code as the transaction code set in the field F43 of the data record DR4 is set in the field F51 from the cart management database DB1 and the purchased item database DB2, respectively. In ACT58, the processor 31 notifies the cart terminal 10 that logoff is permitted. Then, the processor 31 ends the information processing for the cart terminal 10.

[0111] When the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 receives a notification from the virtual POS server 30 that logoff is permitted, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT6 in FIG. 11 and proceeds to ACT10. The processor 11a displays a logoff screen on the touch panel 11e as ACT 10. The logoff screen is a screen showing a logoff button for an operator to instruct to log off.

[0112] The processor 11a waits for an operation for logoff to be performed in ACT 11. Then, when, for example, a logoff button is operated, the processor 11a judges the result as YES and proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 11a executes a logoff process as the ACT 12. The logoff process is a process for transitioning to a standby state in which the customer M1 is not using the system.

[0113] In ACT13, the processor 11a checks whether the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is low. For example, the processor 11a obtains a remaining charge value measured by the battery unit 11j and compares the remaining charge value with a predetermined threshold. The processor 11a determines that the remaining charge is low when the remaining charge value is equal to or less than the threshold. Alternatively, the processor 11a may determine that the remaining charge is low when the remaining charge value of the battery unit 11j is less than the predetermined threshold. As an example, the threshold is assumed to be "35%". However, the threshold may be arbitrarily determined by the creator of the transaction processing program AP2 or the administrator of the virtual POS server 30. The threshold is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 11c. If the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is low, the processor 11a determines YES and proceeds to ACT14. The state in which the remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold is an example of a predetermined low remaining amount state. Thus, by the processor 11a executing information processing based on the UI processing program AP1, the computer having the processor 11a as its central part functions as a detection means for detecting a low remaining amount state.

[0114] As ACT14, the processor 11a displays a warning screen on the touch panel 11e. The warning screen is a screen for urging the store clerk M2 to deal with the low remaining battery state. In this embodiment, the warning screen is a screen for urging the store clerk M2 to replace the external battery 16 as the above-mentioned solution. The display of the warning screen is an example of a notification. Thus, the processor 11a executes information processing based on the UI processing program AP1, and the computer with the processor 11a as the central part functions as a notification means. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the warning screen SC16. The warning screen SC16 displays messages ME61, ME62, and a button BU61. The message ME61 is a text message that guides the customer M1 to inform the store clerk M2 that the warning screen SC16 has been displayed. The message ME62 is a text message that warns the store clerk M2 that the external battery 16 needs to be replaced. The button BU61 is an operation button that allows the store clerk M2 to instruct the store clerk M2 to cancel the warning state displayed by the warning screen SC16. In principle, none of the display elements change on the warning screen SC16. That is, the processor 11a causes the touch panel 11e to display a screen that has been determined in advance as the warning screen SC16 as is.

[0115] The main purpose of the warning screen SC16 is to prompt the store clerk M2 to replace the external battery 16 by using a message ME62. However, since the warning screen SC16 is displayed in response to a logoff operation by the customer M1, it is the customer M1 who first sees the warning screen SC16 displayed on the touch panel 11e. Therefore, the warning screen SC16 displays a message ME61. Following the message ME61, the customer M1 calls out to the store clerk M2 to inform him that the warning screen SC16 has been displayed. The store clerk M2 confirms from the message ME62 that the external battery 16 needs to be replaced. The store clerk M2 then replaces the external battery 16 connected to the cart terminal 10 with another external battery 16 that is charged. When the charged external battery 16 is connected to the cart terminal 10, the power supply unit 11i operates on the power supplied from the external battery 16. This allows the cart terminal 10 to operate stably regardless of the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j. Furthermore, the battery unit 11j is charged by the power supplied from the external battery 16.

[0116] After displaying the warning screen SC16 in ACT14 in FIG. 11, the processor 11a transitions to a standby state in ACT15. In ACT15, the processor 11a waits for a release operation to be performed. The release operation is an operation that is predetermined to be performed by the store clerk M2 after the store clerk M2 replaces the battery as described above. The release operation is, for example, operating the button BU61 displayed on the warning screen SC16 accompanied by a hidden operation that is not normally known to the customer M1. When such a release operation is performed, the processor 11a judges YES and returns to the standby state of ACT1. In other words, the processor 11a transitions to a state in which it is ready to accept a usage start operation. If the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is not low, the processor 11a judges NO in ACT13, skips ACT14 and ACT15, and returns to the standby state in ACT1. The processing of ACT1 and ACT2 corresponds to the acceptance of an initiation procedure for using the cart terminal 10. That is, when the transaction processing is completed, the processor 11a starts accepting the initiation procedure if the balance is not low. Thus, the processor 11a executes information processing based on the UI processing program AP1, and the computer with the processor 11a as the core portion functions as the acceptance means.

[0117] As long as the cart terminal 10 is receiving power from the external battery 16, the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j hardly decreases, and the remaining charge value does not fall below the threshold. When the remaining charge of the external battery 16 decreases and the external battery 16 is no longer able to supply sufficient power, the power supply unit 11i starts to operate using power supplied from the battery unit 11j. As a result, the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j starts to decrease, but the cart terminal 10 can operate stably until the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j decreases to a certain extent. However, even if the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j at the time when the customer M1 starts using the cart terminal 10 is sufficient for the cart terminal 10 to operate stably, if the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j decreases as the customer M1 uses the cart terminal 10, there is a risk that the customer M1 will not be able to operate the cart terminal 10.

[0118] However, according to the cart terminal 10, when the remaining charge value of the battery unit 11j is reduced below the threshold, the operation for starting the next use is not accepted until the store clerk M2 performs a release operation. In other words, when the remaining charge of the battery unit 11j is reduced, the start of a new use by the customer M1 is restricted. It is set as a work rule for the store clerk M2 to replace the external battery 16 attached to the cart terminal 10 with another fully charged external battery 16 in accordance with the warning screen SC16. If the store clerk M2 replaces the external battery 16 according to this rule, the power supply unit 11i will be in a state where it operates on power supplied from the external battery 16, and the cart terminal 10 will be able to operate stably. After the cart terminal 10 is in this state, it will accept an operation by the customer M1 to start a new use. Therefore, after the customer M1 starts a new use, it is possible to prevent the cart terminal 10 from becoming inoperable due to insufficient power supply while the customer M1 is using the cart terminal 10.

[0119] Regarding the replacement of the external battery 16, if the above-mentioned rule is set as a business rule for the store clerk M2, there is a high possibility that the external battery 16 will be properly replaced. Therefore, as described above, once the release operation is performed by the store clerk M2, it is acceptable to accept an operation to start a new use by the customer M1. However, there is a risk that, due to carelessness on the part of store clerk M2, the release operation will be performed without replacing the external battery 16, or the release operation will be performed after replacing the external battery 16 with an uncharged battery.

[0120] Therefore, the information processing by the processor 11a may be modified as follows. Fig. 22 is a flow chart showing a modified example of information processing by the processor 11a. Note that Fig. 22 shows only the differences from the information processing shown in Fig. 11, and the same processes as those shown in Fig. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. If the processor 11a judges YES in ACT15 in response to the fact that a release operation has been performed, the processor 11a proceeds to ACT61. In ACT61, the processor 11a checks whether the battery unit 11j is being charged. If the release operation is performed without replacing the external battery 16, or if the battery unit 11j is replaced with an external battery 16 that is not being charged and then the release operation is performed, charging of the battery unit 11j by power supply from the external battery 16 does not start. Therefore, the processor 11a judges NO if the battery unit 11j is not being charged, and returns to the standby state of ACT15. At this time, the processor 11a may display another warning screen on the touch panel 11e, indicating that the replacement of the external battery 16 has not been performed properly. If charging of the battery unit 11j by power supply from the external battery 16 has started, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT61, and returns to the standby state of ACT1.

[0121] Thus, if the store clerk M2 does not properly replace the external battery 16, the release operation by the store clerk M2 is invalidated, and the state of waiting for the release operation after the external battery 16 has been properly replaced is maintained. This makes it possible for the store clerk M2 to properly replace the external battery 16.

[0122] Incidentally, if customer M1 does not inform store clerk M2 that the warning screen SC16 has been displayed, and store clerk M2 does not notice the existence of cart terminal 10 on which the warning screen SC16 is displayed, cart C will be left in a state where it cannot be used.

[0123] Therefore, the information processing by the processor 11a may be modified as follows. Fig. 23 is a flow chart showing a modified example of information processing by the processor 11a. Note that Fig. 23 shows only the parts that are different from the information processing shown in Fig. 11, and the same processes as those shown in Fig. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. After displaying the warning screen SC16 in ACT14, the processor 11a proceeds to a standby state in ACT15 and ACT71. If the processor 11a cannot confirm that a release operation has been performed, it judges NO in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT71. In ACT71, the processor 11a checks whether this standby state has timed out. If it has not timed out, the processor 11a judges it as NO and returns to ACT15. Thus, in ACT15 and ACT71, the processor 11a waits for a release operation to be performed or for it to time out. If this standby state has timed out, the processor 11a judges it as YES in ACT71 and proceeds to ACT72.

[0124] The processor 11a as ACT72 causes the sound unit 11f to output a predetermined voice message or a warning sound such as a buzzer sound. In ACT 73, the processor 11a waits for a release operation to be performed. If the processor 11a determines YES in ACT 73 in response to the release operation being performed, the processor 11a proceeds to ACT 74. The warning sound may be output for a period until a predetermined time has elapsed, or may be output for a period until YES is determined in ACT73. If a release operation is performed during the standby state of ACT15 and ACT71, the processor 11a judges YES in ACT15, and proceeds to ACT74, bypassing ACT72 and ACT73.

[0125] In ACT74, the processor 11a checks whether the battery unit 11j is charging. If the battery unit 11j is not charging, the processor 11a determines that the result is NO, and proceeds to ACT75. In ACT75, the processor 11a waits again for the release operation to be performed. At this time, the processor 11a may display on the touch panel 11e another warning screen indicating that the external battery 16 has not been properly replaced. If the release operation is performed, the processor 11a judges that the result is YES and returns to ACT74. After confirming that a release operation has been performed in ACT15, ACT73, or ACT75, if the processor 11a confirms in ACT74 that the battery unit 11j is being charged, it judges YES and returns to the standby state of ACT1.

[0126] Thus, if the customer M1 does not inform the store clerk M2 that the warning screen SC16 has been displayed and the cart C is left with the warning screen SC16 displayed, a warning sound will be generated when a timeout occurs after a specified period of time has elapsed. This ensures that the store clerk M2 is prompted to replace the external battery 16.

[0127] This embodiment can be modified as follows. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing a modified example of information processing by the processor 31. Note that Fig. 24 shows only the differences from the information processing shown in Figs. 12 to 15, and the same processes as those shown in Figs. 12 to 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0128] If the processor 31 determines NO in ACT40 because through checkout is not permitted, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT81. In ACT81, the processor 31 confirms whether the customer M1 is a member of the electronic receipt service. If the customer M1 is not a member of the electronic receipt service, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT50. In other words, if the customer M1 is not a member of the electronic receipt service, the processor 31 performs the same process as in the above-described embodiment except for performing the confirmation in ACT81.

[0129] However, if the customer M1 is a member of the electronic receipt service, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT81 and proceeds to ACT82. The processor 31 as ACT82 instructs the cart terminal 10 to display a transfer screen. The transfer screen is a screen for instructing the customer M1 to transfer the accounting data to the self-service checkout machine 50. The transfer screen also displays a message informing the customer M1 that if he or she wishes to perform through checkout, he or she should request confirmation from the store clerk M2.

[0130] In response to the above instruction, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT 3 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT 7, and causes the touch panel 11e to display a transfer screen. If customer M1 decides to pay at the self-checkout machine 50 without performing through checkout, he or she performs an operation on the transfer screen to instruct the transfer of the payment data to the self-checkout machine 50. In response to this, the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT 4 in Fig. 11, proceeds to ACT 8, and notifies the virtual POS server 30 that a transfer has been instructed.

[0131] When notified that a transfer has been instructed in this manner, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and NO in ACT39 and ACT42 in FIG. 14, and further judges NO in ACT53 and proceeds to ACT83. In ACT 83, the processor 31 checks whether or not the command is a transfer command. Thus, in the above case, the processor 31 judges that the command is YES, and proceeds to ACT 50.

[0132] On the other hand, if customer M1 wants to perform through checkout, he / she requests confirmation from clerk M2 according to the guidance on the transfer screen. In response to this request, clerk M2 confirms the situation in which through checkout is not permitted and takes measures to resolve the situation. For example, when the purchased items include items with restrictions such as age restrictions, clerk M2 confirms that customer M1 meets the restrictions. In addition, clerk M2 confirms that all items placed on cart C have been registered as purchased items. In such a case, clerk M2 performs a special operation for clerk M2, for example, on touch panel 11e, to instruct to permit. In response to this, processor 11a in cart terminal 10 judges YES in ACT4 in FIG. 11, proceeds to ACT8, and notifies virtual POS server 30 that the instruction to permit has been given.

[0133] When notified that such permission has been instructed, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT24 in FIG. 12, NO in ACT27 and ACT29 in FIG. 13 and NO in ACT39 and ACT42 in FIG. 14, and further judges NO in ACT53 and ACT83 and proceeds to ACT84. In ACT 84, the processor 31 checks whether or not a command to permit through check-out has been issued. Thus, the processor 31 judges YES in the above case and proceeds to ACT 44. That is, the processor 31 transitions to processing for through check-out.

[0134] If clerk M2 confirms that there are products in cart C that are not registered as purchased products, clerk M2 will either guide customer M1 to register those products as purchased products, or perform the operation to register those products as purchased products with customer M1's consent. If all products in cart C are registered as purchased products, then it may become possible for through checkout to be permitted. And if it becomes possible for through checkout to be permitted, customer M1 can start through checkout.

[0135] If the store clerk M2 determines that the situation does not permit through checkout, he or she informs the customer M1 of this and guides the customer M1 to pay at the self-checkout machine 50. This requires confirmation by store clerk M2, but if the situation allows for through checkout by going through that confirmation, customer M1 can use through checkout.

[0136] In addition to the above, the present embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. If the processor 31 determines NO in ACT40 in Fig. 14 or ACT43 in Fig. 15, it may instruct the cart terminal 10 to display the scan screen SC15. Then, in response to a request for accounting data based on the code symbol CS51 displayed on the scan screen SC15, it may process ACT55 and subsequent steps. In this case, contrary to the above embodiment, the processor 31 may proceed to ACT50 in response to the operation of the button BU2 displayed on the registration screen SC11.

[0137] The processor 11a may notify the store clerk terminal 70 or the manned checkout machine 40 that the warning screen SC16 has been displayed. This notification may be made directly or via the virtual POS server 30.

[0138] The warning action for urging the store clerk M2 to deal with the low remaining amount state may be to provide a warning light on the cart C and turn this on.

[0139] When a transaction is made using the self-checkout machine 50, after a series of operations on the cart terminal 10 have been completed, a warning operation may be performed to prompt the store clerk M2 to deal with the low balance condition even before the payment is completed. (1) When the customer M1 is instructed to start the checkout on the first confirmation screen and the through checkout is not allowed, (2) when the button BU22 is operated on the selection screen SC12, or (3) when the button BU2 is operated on the registration screen SC11, the customer M1 is in a state where he / she can operate the self-checkout machine 50. In these cases, the cart terminal 10 may perform a warning operation to prompt the store clerk M2 to deal with the low remaining amount state. In the above case of (1) or (2), for example, the processor 31 may include text messages such as the messages M61 and M62 shown in FIG. 21 on the guide screen that is instructed to be displayed in ACT51 of FIG. 15. In the above case of (3), for example, the processor 31 may include text messages such as the messages M61 and M62 shown in FIG. 21 on the scan screen SC15 that is instructed to be displayed in ACT54 of FIG. 14.

[0140] After performing some kind of warning action to prompt store clerk M2 to deal with the low remaining amount state, processor 11a may return to the standby state of ACT1 and permit the start of a new use without waiting for a release operation.

[0141] At least one of the determinations in ACT13 and ACT15 may be executed by the processor 31 in the virtual POS server 30. Also, the display of the warning screen SC16 in ACT14 may be performed in response to an instruction from the processor 31.

[0142] The processor 11a may obtain the remaining charge value of the external battery 16, and when a low remaining charge state of the external battery 16 is detected based on this remaining charge value, may perform some kind of warning operation to prompt the store clerk M2 to deal with the low remaining charge state.

[0143] The cart terminal 10 may not include the external battery 16 and may operate only with power supplied from the battery unit 11j. In this case, the battery unit 11j is charged by power supplied from an external source. Then, the procedure for starting use is not accepted until the remaining amount of the battery unit 11j is charged to a threshold value or more. In this case, the procedure for starting use may further not be accepted until the remaining amount is sufficiently charged to a value greater than the threshold value.

[0144] The information processing shown in Figures 12 to 15 may be executed by the processor 11a in the cart terminal 10. In this case, the cart terminal 10 functions as a transaction processing system by itself. The information processing shown in Figures 12 to 15 may be shared and executed by the processor 11a and the processor 31. The processor 11a does not execute processing for managing multiple cart terminals 10, such as ACT20, ACT34, and ACT35 in Figure 12.

[0145] The functions of the virtual POS server 30 may be provided in the store server 20 or another server. Also, the functions of the virtual POS server 30 may be realized by distributed processing by a plurality of servers.

[0146] An information terminal such as a smartphone that the customer M1 has brought into the store may be used instead of the cart terminal 10.

[0147] Each function realized by the processor 11a or the processor 31 through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0148] Although some 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 in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below. [Supplementary Note 1] A mobile terminal including a battery unit, An input means for inputting information on a product to be traded; a detection means for detecting that the battery unit is in a predetermined low remaining charge state; a payment means for performing a payment process based on the product information input by the input means; a notification means for notifying the user in response to completion of a payment process by the payment means when the detection means detects that the battery unit is in a low charge state; A transaction processing system comprising: [Appendix 2] A reception means for starting reception of a procedure for starting use of the mobile terminal in response to completion of a payment process by the payment means when the detection means does not detect that the battery unit is in a low charge state; 2. The transaction processing system of claim 1, further comprising: [Additional Note 3] The detection means performs a process for detecting a predetermined low remaining amount state during the payment process by the payment means. 10. A transaction processing system as described in claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] When the notification means has made the notification, the reception means starts reception of the start procedure in response to an operation for instructing the start of the procedure being performed by an operator. 3. A transaction processing system as described in claim 2. [Appendix 5] The notification means continues the notification until the operation instructing the start is performed by the operator; 5. The transaction processing system of claim 4, further comprising: [Supplementary Note 6] The battery unit is charged by power supplied from an external battery. A transaction processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Appendix 7] A mobile terminal used in a transaction processing system having a payment means for performing a payment process based on information on a product to be traded. A battery unit; An input means for inputting the information; a detection means for detecting that the battery unit is in a predetermined low remaining charge state; a notification means for notifying the user in response to completion of a payment process by the payment means when the detection means detects that the battery unit is in a low charge state; A mobile terminal comprising: [Appendix 8] Used in a transaction processing system equipped with a payment means for performing a payment process based on information on the product to be traded, A computer provided in a mobile terminal having a battery unit, An input means for inputting the information; a detection means for detecting that the battery unit is in a predetermined low remaining capacity state; a notification means for notifying the user in response to completion of a payment process by the payment means when the detection means detects that the battery unit is in a low charge state; An information processing program that enables the system to function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1...store system, 2...communication network, 2a...access point, 3...payment server, 4...electronic receipt server, 5...membership server, 10...cart terminal, 11...tablet computer, 11a...processor, 11b...main memory, 11c...auxiliary storage unit, 11d...wireless unit, 11e...touch panel, 11f...sound unit, 11g...interface unit, 11h...transmission path, 11i...power supply unit, 11j...battery unit, 12...scanner, 13...reader, 14...camera, 15...beacon receiver, 16...external battery, 20...store server, 30...virtual POS server, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage unit, 34...communication interface, 35...transmission path, 40...manned accounting machine, 50...self-service accounting machine, 60...beacon transmitter, 70...store clerk terminal.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal for use in a transaction processing system including a server and a payment machine that performs a payment process based on information of a product to be traded in response to an operation by a customer, A battery unit; An input means for inputting the information; a detection means for detecting that the battery unit is in a predetermined low remaining charge state; a first notification means for notifying the server of the information input by the input means; a second notification means for notifying the server of a designation to use the accounting machine for settlement processing based on the information input by the input means; a notification means for notifying the user that the battery unit is in a low charge state when the detection means detects that the battery unit is in a low charge state upon receipt of a notification from the server indicating that logoff is permitted in response to completion of settlement at the accounting machine based on the notification from the second notification means; a standby means for waiting for a next operation to instruct the start of use after a cancellation operation for the notification by the notification means is performed; A mobile terminal comprising:

2. the standby means waits for an operation to instruct the start of the next use in response to completion of a settlement process in the payment machine when the detection means does not detect that the battery unit is in a low charge state; The mobile terminal of claim 1.

3. The notification means continues the notification until the release operation is performed. A mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the battery unit is charged by power supplied from a removable external battery; the notification means, when the detection means detects that the battery unit is in a low charge state, issues a notification to prompt a store clerk to replace the external battery. A mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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