Information processing device, control method for information processing device, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technology which is useful from the perspective of increasing usability in a purchase support technology. [Solution] An information processing device capable of executing a first mode for supporting a purchase via internet communication sales, and a second mode for supporting a purchase in an actual store. The information processing device has a retrieval means for retrieving, from an individual product, identification information which makes it possible to identify said individual product, and a processing means for executing product payment processing on the basis of the identification information retrieved by the retrieval means in the second mode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for supporting a user's purchases. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a service called Internet shopping, which allows you to purchase goods and services via the Internet (online). Internet shopping is convenient because you can purchase goods without being in the store and there is no need to line up at the cash register. On the other hand, there is a high demand for checking the actual product before purchasing, such as clothing and furniture, and there is a demand for technology to support purchasing in a physical store.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that supports purchasing in physical stores by reading barcodes attached to products with a user's own communication terminal and using the read barcode information to perform payment at an in-store cash register. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-092948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the above-mentioned technology, the user must wait in line at the cash register in the store, which takes time depending on the length of the queue.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a purchasing support technology that is advantageous in terms of improving usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device capable of executing a first mode for supporting purchasing through internet mail order sales and a second mode for supporting purchasing at a physical store, characterized in having a reading means for reading identification information from an individual product that can identify the individual product, and a processing means for performing payment processing for the product based on the identification information read by the reading means in the second mode. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability in purchasing support technology. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a purchasing support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device such as a mobile terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a gate device. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating a reading area of ​​a second reading unit. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the overall processing flow of the purchase support system. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a store mode activation process. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a store mode is activated. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen display including a mapped floor map. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen when the store mode is activated. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a store mode ending process. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a store mode is ended. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a product selection process. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a product is selected. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the scan screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a payment process. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen at the time of payment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when payment is completed. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen when payment is completed. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a store exit process. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an information processing device during a store exit process. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the collation result in S707. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Purchase Support System> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a purchasing support system 1 according to an embodiment. The purchasing support system 1 includes a mobile terminal 100, a gate system 200, and a store server 300. The mobile terminal 100, the gate system 200, and the store server 300 are communicably connected to each other via a network 10. The network 10 includes, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless base station such as WiFi, a provider device, a dedicated line, and the like. The purchasing support system 1 is, for example, a system that supports customer purchasing in a clothing store, a grocery store, and a daily necessities store. In this embodiment, an example of supporting purchasing in a clothing store will be described.

[0012] The mobile terminal 100 includes a reading unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, a trigger receiving unit 104, and a processing unit 105. The mobile terminal 100 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone owned by a customer who is a user. An application running on the mobile terminal 100 can execute a normal mode that supports purchases by mail order (including E-commerce, online shopping, etc.) and a store mode that supports purchases at a real store. In the normal mode, products can be purchased over the Internet. That is, products purchased by Internet mail order, such as online shopping, E-commerce, and EC, can be purchased. In the store mode, when purchasing a product at a real store, a payment process for the product can be performed using an application running on the mobile terminal 100.

[0013] The reading unit 101 is, for example, a camera (imaging unit) equipped in a smartphone, and captures a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (trademark) that is written on a tag attached to a product. The reading unit 101 captures the two-dimensional code and interprets it according to a predetermined procedure, thereby extracting code information contained in the two-dimensional code.

[0014] The input unit 102 is, for example, a touch panel or input buttons that accept operation input from a user. When the user inputs instructions or the like using the input unit 102, the mobile terminal 100 accepts the instructions or the like from the user.

[0015] The display unit 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, an organic EL display panel, or the like, and is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the mobile terminal 100. The display unit 103 displays a predetermined screen under the control of the CPU. Note that, for example, the display unit 103 may function as the input unit 102 as in a touch panel, and the display unit 103 and the input unit 102 may be integrated into one structure.

[0016] The trigger receiving unit 104 receives triggers for activating the store mode and for ending the store mode, and outputs the triggers to the processing unit 105. The trigger receiving unit 104 has at least one of a GPS communication unit for acquiring location information, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit for acquiring a beacon signal, and a detection unit for detecting that the reading unit 101 has read a check-in code.

[0017] The processing unit 105 switches between a normal mode and a store mode for the application running on the mobile terminal 100 based on the output from the trigger receiving unit 104. Furthermore, the processing unit 105 performs payment processing for purchased items in the store mode.

[0018] The gate system 200 includes an information processing device 210 and a gate device 220. The information processing device 210 and the gate device 220 are communicatively connected via a network 10. A user passes through the gate system 200 to leave the store.

[0019] The information processing device 210 includes a first reading unit 211 and a display unit 212 .

[0020] The first reading unit 211 is, for example, a camera (imaging unit) that captures an image of a two-dimensional code printed on a predetermined surface, such as a QR code that is generated after the completion of a payment process described below and is displayed on the mobile terminal 100 or a QR code written on a product tag. The first reading unit 211 captures the two-dimensional code and interprets it according to a predetermined procedure, thereby extracting code information contained in the two-dimensional code.

[0021] The display unit 212 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, an organic EL display panel, or the like, and is controlled by a CPU included in the information processing device 210. The display unit 212 displays a predetermined screen such as a collation result of the collation unit 222 (described later) under the control of the CPU. The display unit 212 may also function as an input unit, for example, like a touch panel.

[0022] The gate device 220 includes a second reading unit 221 and a matching unit 222 .

[0023] The second reading unit 221 includes an antenna and reads identification information of a product from an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag of the product. If the second reading unit 221 includes a plurality of antennas, reading resolution and accuracy are improved, which is preferable.

[0024] The collation unit 222 collates the code information acquired by the first reading unit 211 (including the identification information of the product for which payment has been completed, or information for referring to the identification information of the product for which payment has been completed (payment information)) with the identification information of the product acquired by the second reading unit 221 (identification information of the product that the customer is about to take out of the store (take-out information)). The collation unit 222 may be provided in the information processing device 210.

[0025] The store server 300 has a store information database (DB) 301. Store inventory information, floor maps, and product location information for the store are stored in the store information database 301. Of course, each piece of information may be stored as a server for each store, or a server may be configured for each piece of inventory information, floor maps, and product location information.

[0026] <Hardware configuration of each information processing device> 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device such as the mobile terminal 100. Here, the mobile terminal 100 will be described as an example. The mobile terminal 100 includes an input unit 102, a display unit 103, a storage unit 111, a CPU 112, a RAM 113, a ROM 114, and a communication unit 132.

[0027] The storage unit 111 stores a program that is executed by the CPU 112 to realize a flow in the mobile terminal 100 (described later), as well as data and the like used by this program.

[0028] CPU 112 operates based on programs and applications stored in ROM 114 or storage unit 111, and controls each unit of mobile terminal 100. That is, CPU 112 functions as a control unit of mobile terminal 100. ROM 114 stores a boot program executed by CPU 112 when mobile terminal 100 is started, programs dependent on the hardware of mobile terminal 100, and the like. CPU 112 loads the programs in ROM 114 onto RAM 113, and CPU 112 executes the loaded programs to realize a flow described below. CPU 112 may acquire at least a part of these programs from another device via network 10 and execute them, or may directly execute the programs stored in ROM 114.

[0029] The communication unit 115 receives data from other devices via the network 10 and sends it to the CPU 112, and transmits data and instructions generated by the CPU 112 to other devices via the network 10. The information processing device 210, the gate device 220, and the store server 300 each have a configuration similar to that shown in Fig. 2. However, the information processing device 210 does not need to have two display units, the display unit 103 and the display unit 212, and the gate device 220 and the store server 300 may omit the configurations corresponding to the display unit 103 and the input unit 102.

[0030] <Gate device configuration> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the exterior of a gate device. A user enters the device from the front of the device shown in the figure, proceeds in the travel direction 228, operates the information processing device 210 placed on the placement unit 224 to perform processing such as verification described below, and if there is no problem with the processing, the user passes through to the back of the device in the figure. The schematic structure of the gate device 220 will be described using this figure. The gate device 220 is preferably of a color and texture that does not look out of place in a store, and has an exterior that ensures a sense of unity with the interior of the store. The gate device 220 includes a first side wall portion 223a, a second side wall portion 223b, a placement unit 224, a light emitting unit 225, and a metal member 226 in addition to the second reading unit 221.

[0031] The first side wall portion 223a and the second side wall portion 223b are disposed opposite to each other to form a passage 227. The second reading portion 221 is disposed on at least one of the first side wall portion 223a and the second side wall portion 223b. Hereinafter, the first side wall portion 223a and the second side wall portion 223b will be collectively referred to simply as the "side wall portion."

[0032] The second reading unit 221 reads the identification information of the product by performing wireless communication with the tag attached to the product using radio waves as a medium. That is, the second reading unit 221 acquires the identification information of the product stored in the tag by performing wireless communication with the tag attached to the product. The second reading unit 221 is, for example, an RFID reader equipped with multiple antennas. The second reading unit 221 may have only one antenna, but it is preferable that the antenna is multiple. The second reading unit 221 forms a reading area 230 by emitting (outputting) radio waves toward the passage 227, and acquires the identification information of the product from the tag of the product held by a user who passed through the reading area 230 in the passage 227.

[0033] 4 is a diagram for explaining the reading area 230 of the second reading unit 221. FIG. 4(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the reading area 230 of the second reading unit 221. The reading area 230 of the second reading unit 221 preferably includes a first reading area 231 in which a reading accuracy of 90% or more is ensured, and a second reading area 232 in which the reading accuracy is lower than that of the first reading area 231. The second reading unit 221 is preferably disposed on the first side wall 223a or the second side wall 223b, or on both the first side wall 223a and the second side wall 223b, so that the first reading area 231 is within a range of at least 50 cm from the end of the entrance and exit sides of the side wall. The second reading unit 221 is disposed on the first side wall 223a or the second side wall 223b, or on both the first side wall 223a and the second side wall 223b, so that the first reading area 231 is within a range of 90 cm or more in the height direction from the floor of the passage 227, and more preferably within a range of 120 cm to 150 cm in the height direction from the floor of the passage 227. Furthermore, the second reading unit 221 is preferably disposed on the first side wall 223a or the second side wall 223b, or on both the first side wall 223a and the second side wall 223b, so that the second reading area 232 is within a range of 200 cm in the height direction from the floor of the passage 227.

[0034] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a state where the user 240 holds the bag 250 containing the purchased goods in his / her hand. When the user 240 passes through the gate device 220 while holding the bag 250 containing the purchased goods in his / her hand, the bag 250 is considered to be located at a height of 30 cm to 60 cm from the floor surface of the passage 227. That is, when the user 240 passes through the gate device 220 while holding the bag 250 containing the purchased goods in his / her hand, by disposing the second reading unit 221 so that the first reading area 231 is in a range of a height of 30 cm to 60 cm from the floor surface of the passage 227, the second reading unit 221 can read the identification information of the goods from the tag of the goods in the bag 250 with high accuracy. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing a state where the user 240 holds the bag 250 containing the purchased goods on his / her elbow. When the user 240 passes through the gate device 220 with the bag 250 containing the purchased goods hanging on his / her elbow, the bag 250 is considered to be located at a height of 60 cm to 90 cm from the floor surface of the passage 227. That is, when the user 240 passes through the gate device 220 with the bag 250 containing the purchased goods hanging on his / her elbow, the second reading unit 221 is arranged so that the first reading area 231 is in a range of a height of 60 cm to 90 cm from the floor surface of the passage 227, so that the second reading unit 221 can read the identification information of the goods from the tag of the goods in the bag 250 with high accuracy. FIG. 4(D) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the user 240 holds the bag 250 containing the purchased goods against his / her chest. When the user 240 passes through the gate device 220 with the bag 250 containing the purchased goods hanging on his / her chest, the bag 250 is considered to be located at a height of 90 cm to 120 cm from the floor surface of the passage 227. In other words, when a user 240 passes through gate device 220 holding bag 250 containing purchased items against his or her chest, by positioning second reading unit 221 so that first reading area 231 is in the range of 90 cm to 120 cm above the floor of passage 227, second reading unit 221 can read the item identification information from the tag of the item in bag 250 with high accuracy.

[0035] Therefore, by arranging second reading unit 221 so that first reading area 231 is within a range of 90 cm or more in the height direction from the floor of passage 227, and more preferably within a range of 120 cm to 150 cm in the height direction from the floor of passage 227, it becomes possible to read the identification information of the products with high accuracy regardless of the state (posture) in which user 240 holds bag 250 containing purchased products. Note that bag 250 may be a shopping basket, but it is preferable that the material is not a conductor such as metal so as not to affect the reading accuracy of the RFID tag.

[0036] The tag attached to the product is, for example, an RFID tag, which is capable of recording the product's identification information. For example, if the tag is RFID compatible, it is equipped (embedded) with an antenna and a chip (integrated circuit) that stores the identification information, and is attached to a package or fixed to a part of the product with a member called a lock. When the antenna in the tag receives radio waves from an external UHF RFID reader, it becomes electrically charged and outputs the information stored in the IC to the outside using the same UHF radio waves. This allows the second reading unit 221 to read the product's identification information.

[0037] In order to reduce missed reading of the RFID tags of products by the second reading unit 221, it is preferable to arrange the second reading unit 221 on both the first side wall 223a and the second side wall 223b. In addition, for the first side wall 223a and the second side wall 223b, a conductor such as a thin metal plate or thin metal film is arranged in the direction of the surface not facing the passage 227 (from the center of the device across the side wall toward the outside of the device) to prevent leakage of radio waves used for reading by the second reading unit 221.

[0038] The information processing device 210 is placed on the placement unit 224. The placement unit 224 is arranged at a position where the display unit 212 of the information processing device overlaps with at least a part of the first reading area 231 of the second reading unit 221 of the gate device 220 in the direction along the passage 227 (traveling direction 228). When passing through the gate device 220, it is considered that the user will decelerate or stop near the display unit 212 to check the matching result described later. Therefore, such a configuration makes it possible for the second reading unit 221 to efficiently read the RFID tag, etc., and allows the user to efficiently pass through the gate device 220. In addition, it is more preferable that the reading area of ​​the first reading unit 211 is arranged at a position where it overlaps with at least a part of the first reading area 231 of the second reading unit 221 of the gate device 220 in the traveling direction 228. In other words, it is more preferable that the first reading unit 211 is arranged near the display unit 212. In this configuration, users can pass through the gate device 220 more efficiently.

[0039] The light emitting unit 225 is disposed on either the entrance side or the exit side of the side wall, and includes, for example, an LED. The light emitting unit 225 changes its light color depending on the state of the gate device 220 and the result of the comparison described below. Specifically, for example, if the device is available for use, it may light up in green, and if the device is unavailable (for example, in a broken state) or if the result of the comparison described below is an error, it may light up in red. Note that the variations in light emission are not limited to these.

[0040] Metal member 226 is disposed on the floor surface between first side wall portion 223a and second side wall portion 223b near the entrance and exit of gate device 220, in other words, on the floor surface of passage 227. Metal member 226 reduces the step between various wiring (including power lines and Ethernet cables) connecting first side wall portion 223a and second side wall portion 223b, making it easier for wheelchairs and the like to pass through.

[0041] <Purchase support system processing> FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the overall processing flow of the purchasing support system 1. The overall processing flow of the purchasing support system 1 is explained here, and each step will be described in detail later. In S400, the mobile terminal 100 performs a store mode startup process. In S500, the mobile terminal 100 performs a product selection process and accepts a product selection from the user. In S600, the mobile terminal 100 performs a payment process based on instructions from the user. In S700, the gate system 200 performs a store exit process.

[0042] <Store mode startup process> 6 is a flow diagram of the store mode activation process. Each operation (step) shown in this flow chart is executed by the CPU 112 of the mobile terminal 100 controlling each unit of the mobile terminal 100.

[0043] In S401, when the mobile terminal 100 receives an application start instruction from the user, the mobile terminal 100 starts an application (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application) related to purchase support in the normal mode. Next, in S402, the trigger receiving unit 104 judges whether a trigger (start trigger) for starting the store mode has been received. Here, the start trigger is, for example, a beacon signal emitted from a device installed in the store, a short-range wireless communication signal such as Bluetooth (trademark), and location information within the store. In the case of a signal, the store ID may be embedded in the signal as it is. In the case of using location information, a table in which store IDs and reference location information are associated with each other is held in an external server in advance, and the trigger receiving unit 104 acquires a store ID and reference location information close to location information acquired from a GPS, and if the difference between the reference location information and the GPS location information is within a threshold value, it is determined that the location information is within the store. In addition, the reading unit 101 may read a code including a store ID and acquire the store ID, or the above-mentioned multiple pieces of information may be combined and used as a trigger.

[0044] When an activation trigger is received (S402, Yes), in S403, the processing unit 105 causes the display unit 103 to display a screen (store mode selection screen) for selecting (enabling) the store mode of the store (supported store) corresponding to the received trigger. Here, if the store mode is not selected (S404, No), the process returns to S402. On the other hand, if the store mode is selected (S404, Yes), the processing unit 105 transitions the application to the store mode in S405, and associates the current time as the store entry time with the store ID acquired by the reading unit 101 and retains it as check-in information. Note that when an activation trigger is received, the processing unit 105 may automatically transition to the store mode.

[0045] When the mode transitions to the store mode, in S406 the processing unit 105 determines whether to acquire a floor map of the corresponding store. Here, for example, if the user selects to acquire a floor map by the input unit 102 (S406, Yes), in S407 the processing unit 105 acquires the floor map of the corresponding store from the store server 300 and displays the acquired floor map on the display unit 103. On the other hand, if it is not selected to acquire a floor map (S406, No), the processing proceeds to product selection processing (S500).

[0046] In S407, the processing unit 105 determines whether to display, on the acquired floor map, the position in the store of the product (favorite product) registered in the favorite list, which is a list of products that the user is considering purchasing, on the acquired floor map, that is, whether to map it. The favorite list can register products selected by the user in normal mode. Of course, products can be registered in the favorite list in store mode as well. Here, for example, if the user selects mapping by the input unit 102 (S408, Yes), the processing unit 105 maps the positions of the favorite products on the floor map in S409 and proceeds to the product selection process (S500). Here, the products in the cart in normal mode may be mapped on the floor map together with the favorite products or instead of the favorite products. Furthermore, the user may select products to be displayed on the floor map from, for example, keyword search, product category, or product lineup, and map the positions of the selected products. On the other hand, if mapping is not selected (S408, No), the processing proceeds to the product selection process (S500). Note that steps S406 to S409 may be processed in parallel only when a function related to the floor map is called.

[0047] Note that even after transitioning to the store mode, the normal mode may be available by the user's selection. For example, it is possible to execute the store mode and the normal mode in parallel. With such a configuration, the user can check the actual products at a real store and then purchase some or all of the products via the Internet. A form of transitioning to the normal mode by exiting the store mode will be described later.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the store mode is activated. Fig. 7(A) is a diagram showing an example of a store mode selection screen 420 displayed in S403. On the store mode selection screen 420, it is possible to select the store mode of the store corresponding to the store ID of the received activation trigger. On the store mode selection screen 420, a store name 421 corresponding to the store ID and an icon 422 for selecting the store mode are displayed.

[0049] 7(B) is a diagram showing an example of a store mode screen displayed in S405. When the store mode is activated, a store mode menu screen 430 is displayed. On the menu screen 430, a step display 431 is displayed so that the user can easily understand the processing in the store mode. Note that, as an example, "check in" in the step display 431 corresponds to the store mode activation processing (S400), "scan" corresponds to the product selection processing (S500), "payment" corresponds to the payment processing (S600), and "pass through the gate" corresponds to the store exit processing (S700).

[0050] The menu screen 430 also includes, for example, a scan icon 432, a floor map icon 433, and a favorites list icon 434. When the user selects the scan icon 432 by tapping or the like, it becomes possible to execute a product selection process described later. When the user selects the floor map icon 433, acquisition of a floor map is executed in S407. When the user selects the favorites list icon 434, it becomes possible to check the contents of the favorites list on the display screen. Furthermore, when the favorites list icon 434 is selected after acquiring the floor map, it becomes possible to execute mapping of favorite products in S409.

[0051] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a mapped floor map. The display screen 440 includes, for example, thumbnail images 441 corresponding to favorite products, and a floor map 443 on which icons 442 indicating the location information of each favorite product are identifiably displayed. In addition, detailed information including the price of the selected favorite product, the sizes and colors of the product, and inventory information (information 444) at the store may be displayed.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen when the store mode is started. In the example of this figure, when the start trigger is received, the display screen 450 is displayed first. The display screen 450 displays a store mode selection display 451. The store mode selection display 451 includes a store name 452 corresponding to the store ID and an icon 453 for selecting the store mode. The store mode selection display 451 further displays an icon 454 for the user to check the details of the store mode. By selecting the icon 454, the user can check the details of the process in the store mode and the operation method. Then, when the user selects the icon 453 for selecting the store mode, the store mode is started and the display screen 460 is displayed. The display screen 460 displays an operation icon 461 for the user to operate the application in the store mode. For example, when the user selects the scan icon 462 of the operation icons 461, the display screen 470 is displayed and it is possible to execute the product selection process described later. Note that, when the user selects the store mode end icon 455 on the display screen 450 by tapping or the like, the store mode can be ended and the normal mode can be transitioned to.

[0053] In addition, when the trigger receiving unit 104 receives a trigger (termination trigger) for terminating the store mode after the store mode is activated, the processing unit 105 terminates the store mode and transitions to the normal mode. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the store mode termination process. Each operation (step) shown in this flow chart is executed by the control of each unit of the mobile terminal 100 by the CPU 112 provided in the mobile terminal 100. In S410, the trigger receiving unit 104 judges whether or not the termination trigger has been received. Here, the termination trigger is, for example, a predetermined time has elapsed since the store entry time included in the check-in information, location information of a location a predetermined distance away from the reference location information of the checked-in store, i.e., the corresponding store, has been acquired, or the user has instructed to terminate the store mode. If the termination trigger is received (S410, Yes), in S411, the processing unit 105 performs a checkout process such as clearing (deleting) the contents of the virtual cart in the store mode and deleting the check-in information held, and terminates the store mode and transitions (transitions) to the normal mode in S412.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the store mode is ended. FIG. 11(A) is a diagram showing an example of a store mode end selection screen. The store mode end selection screen 480 includes an icon 481 for ending the store mode. When the user selects the icon 481 for ending the store mode, the store mode ends and transitions to the normal mode. Note that even after transition to the normal mode, for example, when the trigger receiving unit 104 detects that the user is in the store, it is preferable to display a store mode selection display 492 including an icon 491 for selecting the store mode on a screen display 490 of the normal mode as shown in FIG. 11(B). By displaying the screen in this way, the user can easily return to the store mode. Note that FIG. 11(B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the normal mode after the store mode is ended.

[0055] <Product selection process> 12 is a flow diagram of the product selection process. Each operation (step) shown in this flow chart can be executed by the CPU 112 included in the mobile terminal 100 controlling each unit of the mobile terminal 100.

[0056] In S501, the user uses the reading unit 101 to read a two-dimensional code such as a QR code written on a tag attached to a product. In S502, the reading unit 101 judges whether the reading has been performed normally, for example, whether the number of digits of the read content is correct, whether it is within a range that can be restored by an error correction code, etc. If the reading has not been performed normally (S502, No), the two-dimensional code is read again (S501). If the reading has been performed normally (S502, Yes), the processing unit 105 checks whether the identification information is duplicated with a product already added to the virtual cart. Here, the identification information is a number that is uniquely assigned to each individual product, and the identification information will be different for different individual products even if they are the same type of product. For example, a 24-digit hexadecimal number can be used as the identification information, which is the same as the content stored in an RFID chip embedded in a tag attached to the product as an EPC (Electric Product Code). The identification information can also be called an individual identification number. If there is any duplication of identification information read by the reading unit 101 (S503, No), in S504 the processing unit 105 displays an error on the display screen of the display unit 103. This is to prevent the same item from being paid for twice. Note that any other error notification may be used as long as the user can recognize that there is an error, such as an error sound. On the other hand, if there is no duplication of identification information (S503, Yes), in S505 the processing unit 105 adds the item to the virtual cart.

[0057] Then, in S506, the processing unit 105 checks whether product selection is complete. If product selection is not complete (S506, No), S501 to S505 are repeated until product selection is complete. On the other hand, if product selection is complete (S506, Yes), in S507, the processing unit 105 outputs identification information of all products added to the virtual cart to the store server 300. The store server 300 records the fact that the products have been added to the virtual cart in the identification information of the products received from the mobile terminal 100. At this time, the store server 300 may also output, for example, the total amount of the products added to the virtual cart to the mobile terminal 100. Then, the process proceeds to payment processing.

[0058] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when selecting a product. FIG. 13(A) is a diagram showing an example of a scan screen (read screen). A scan screen 510 includes a scan area (read area) 511. A two-dimensional code such as a QR code displayed on a tag of a product is positioned within this scan area 511, and the user photographs the two-dimensional code using the reading unit 101. This allows the identification information of the product to be read, and the product can be selected, in other words, added to the virtual cart. FIG. 13(B) is a diagram showing an example of a scan completion screen. If the reading is normally performed in S502, a scan completion screen 520 is displayed. On the scan completion screen 520, a scan result 521 is displayed so that the user can visually confirm that the scan has been normally completed and the product has been added to the virtual cart. In addition, a virtual cart icon 522 is displayed on the display screen when selecting a product. The user can select this virtual cart icon 522 by tapping or the like to check the products in the virtual cart. FIG. 13(C) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for checking the products in the virtual cart. Screen 530 for confirming items in the virtual cart displays detailed information 531 such as the item name, color, size, price, thumbnail image, etc. of the item in the virtual cart. The user can also delete the selected item from the virtual cart by selecting delete icon 532. Screen 530 also displays total price 533 of the items in the virtual cart. Screen 530 also displays payment icon 534. When the user selects payment icon 534, payment processing, which will be described later, can be executed.

[0059] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the scan screen. For example, a scan frame (read frame) 540 may be displayed on the scan screen. When the scan frame 540 is displayed, it can be used as an indicator of where the two-dimensional code should be positioned, making it easier for the user to photograph the two-dimensional code. In the store mode scan screen, it is preferable to display the scan frame 540 in a different color scheme from that in the normal mode, or to change the shape of the scan frame 540, or to display a different screen. With such a configuration, it becomes possible for the user to intuitively recognize whether the scan is being performed in the normal mode or in the store mode.

[0060] The product selection process can also be performed in the normal mode. In the normal mode, type information such as a PLU (Price Look-up) code assigned to each type of product may be obtained by reading a two-dimensional code such as a barcode, instead of a two-dimensional code including individual identification number information uniquely assigned to each individual product such as a QR code. The type information includes one or more pieces of information for distinguishing the type of product, such as the product's product number, color, size, and price. That is, the same type information is assigned to products of the same type (for example, products with the same product number, color, and size). In the normal mode, products can be purchased via the Internet, so it is sufficient to obtain product type information. Since the normal mode and the store mode can be executed in parallel, for example, a scan frame for reading a QR code for the store mode and a scan frame for reading a barcode for the normal mode may be displayed on one scan screen. At this time, it is preferable to arrange the scan frame for the QR code and the scan frame for the barcode on the screen in accordance with the arrangement of the QR code and the barcode on the tag attached to the product. In addition, in the normal mode, products may be selected from, for example, keyword search, product category, or product lineup.

[0061] <Payment processing> 15 is a flow diagram of the payment process. Each operation (step) shown in this flow chart is executed by CPU 112 of mobile terminal 100 controlling each unit of mobile terminal 100.

[0062] In S601, the user selects a payment method via, for example, the input unit 102. As the payment method, for example, credit card payment, electronic money payment, immediate deduction payment, point payment, and payment using a predetermined application also called smartphone payment can be selected. Smartphone payment may be incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 as one function of an application related to purchasing support. Then, in S602, the processing unit 105 performs payment by the selected method. In detail, the processing unit 105 transmits information required for payment to an external payment server (not shown) corresponding to the selected method and requests payment processing. In S603, the processing unit 105 determines whether the payment has been completed normally based on the response from the payment server. Here, if the payment has not been completed normally (S603, No), the processing unit 105 displays a payment error on the display screen of the display unit 103. Note that, for example, an error sound may be emitted, or other error notification may be used as long as the user can recognize that there is a payment error. Then, S601 to S603 are repeated until the payment is completed normally. On the other hand, if the payment is normally completed (S603, No), in S605, the processing unit 105 outputs the identification information of the product for which the payment has been completed to the store server 300. The store server 300 records that the payment has been completed and sold for the identification information of the product received from the mobile terminal 100. Then, in S606, the processing unit 105 generates a two-dimensional code (store exit code) such as a QR code for store exit linked to the payment information including the identification information of all the products for which the payment has been made and the time of completion of the payment, and in S607, displays the store exit code on the display unit 103. The store exit code may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 100 by email or the like. Also, the payment information may be embedded directly in the store exit QR code, or the store server may hold the payment information, and the payment information held by the store server may be accessed from a link embedded in the store exit QR code. By allowing the user (customer) to process payment for products using a mobile terminal that he or she owns, the user does not need to wait in line at the cash register in the store, and the time required for payment can be reduced.

[0063] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen at the time of payment. For example, the display screen 610 is displayed by selecting the payment icon 534 shown in FIG. 13(C). The display screen 610 is a display screen when a payment process is executed, and the display screen 610 may display usable coupon information 611. The user can make a payment using the coupon by selecting a coupon to be used and selecting an icon 612 for making a payment using the coupon. On the other hand, when a coupon is not used, the user can make a payment without using the coupon by selecting an icon 613 for making a payment without using the coupon. When the user selects the icon 612 or the icon 613, the payment screen 620 is displayed and the payment (S602) is made. Then, when the payment is normally completed, the payment completion screen 630 is displayed, and the user can confirm that the payment has been normally completed. For example, the payment completion screen 630 displays the date and time when the payment was completed (date and time of use) 631, the name of the store where the product was purchased (store used) 632, and the total amount of the purchased product (amount used) 633. Then, when the user selects icon 634 for proceeding to the next process, the screen transitions to the screen in FIG.

[0064] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when payment is completed. On the display screen 640, a guide 641 (explanation) for a store exit process is displayed. The user can exit the store by following the guide 641 and passing through the gate device 220. Here, as an example, a case where a membership card with a member ID embedded therein is used as a store exit code will be described. When the user selects an icon 642 that acknowledges that the user has confirmed the guide 641, the screen transitions to a menu screen 650. When the user selects a membership card icon 651 on the menu screen 650, a membership card screen 660 is displayed. On the membership card screen 660, a two-dimensional code 661 such as a QR code including member information is displayed. This two-dimensional code 661 is a two-dimensional code as a membership card in which the member ID is embedded, linking the payment information with the member ID in an external member ID server (not shown). Such a two-dimensional code may be used as a store exit code.

[0065] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen when the payment is completed. In the example of FIG. 18, a store exit code is displayed after the payment is completed. FIG. 18(A) is a diagram showing an example of a payment procedure (purchase procedure) screen 670. This diagram shows an example in which credit card payment is selected as the payment method. The payment procedure screen 670 displays, for example, the name of the store where the product was purchased (shopping store) 671, the selected payment method (payment method) 672, the total number of purchased products 673, and the total amount of purchased products 674. When the user selects the confirmation icon 675 on the payment procedure screen 670, the payment (S602) is made. FIG. 18(B) is a diagram showing an example of a payment completion screen 680. The payment completion screen 680 is a screen showing that the payment has been completed normally, and is displayed so that the user can intuitively recognize that the payment has been completed normally. FIG. 18(C) is a diagram showing an example of a store exit code display screen 690. When the payment is completed normally, the store exit code display screen 690 is displayed. The store exit code display screen 690 includes a store exit code 691. The user uses the store exit code 691 to perform the store exit process described below.

[0066] <Store Exit Processing> 19 is a flow diagram of the store exit process. Each operation (step) shown in this flow chart is executed by the gate device 220 or the CPU of the information processing device 210 controlling each unit.

[0067] In S701, the user displays a store exit code on the display unit 103 of the mobile terminal 100, and causes the first reading unit 211 of the information processing device 210 to read the store exit code. Then, the first reading unit 211 reads the store exit code. In S702, the first reading unit 211 determines whether the code has been read normally. If the code has not been read normally (S702, No), in S703, the display unit 212 displays a code reading error on the display screen. Note that, for example, an error sound may be emitted or another error notification may be given as long as the user is able to recognize that an error has occurred, or the state may simply not be transitioned to the next state. Then, reading of the store exit code (S701) is repeated until the code is read normally.

[0068] On the other hand, if the store exit code is read normally (S702, Yes), in S704, the second reading unit 221 of the gate device 220 reads the identification information of the product from the RFID tag of the product. Specifically, the user enters the passage 227 of the gate device 220 while holding the purchased product, and the second reading unit 221 reads the product. The second reading unit 221 may read the RFID tag after the store exit code is read by the first reading unit 211, but preferably, the second reading unit 221 may read the RFID tag when the imaging unit (first reading unit 211) of the information processing device 210 detects the user. The second reading unit 221 may also emit a reading radio wave at all times. In S702, the second reading unit 221 determines whether the reading has been performed normally. If the reading has not been performed normally (S705, No), in S706, the display unit 212 displays an RFID reading error on the display screen. Note that other error notification may be used as long as the user can recognize that there is an error, such as emitting an error sound, etc. Then, reading of the RFID tag (S704) is repeated until reading is successful.

[0069] If the RFID is read normally (S705, Yes), in S707 the collation unit 222 collates (compares) the identification information of the product for which payment has been completed, which is included in the payment information that can be referenced from the store exit code, with the identification information of the product read by the second reading unit 221. If the identification information of the product for which payment has been completed and the identification information of the product that has been read match exactly (S708, Yes), the collation unit 222 outputs a signal to the information processing device 210 indicating that the collation result is normal, and in S709, the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210 displays a notice of completion of the store exit process. On the other hand, if the collation result is not normal (S708, No), the collation unit 222 outputs a signal to the information processing device 210 indicating that the collation result is an error, and in S710, the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210 displays an error notice. Then, the process ends.

[0070] The store exit process described above can also be applied when making a payment at an in-store cash register. When making a payment at an in-store cash register, a store exit code generated (issued) when making a payment at the in-store cash register can be used.

[0071] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the information processing device 210 during the store exit process. FIG. 20(A) is a diagram showing an example of a store exit code scan screen 720. The store exit code scan screen 720 includes a guide display 721 for scanning the store exit code and a scan area 722 for reading the store exit code. The guide display 721 is a display that allows the user to intuitively understand how to scan the store exit code. The store exit code is positioned within the scan area 722, and the first reading unit 211 photographs the store exit code, thereby reading the store exit code (S701). For example, a scan frame 723 may be displayed on the store exit code scan screen 720. When the scan frame 723 is displayed, it can be used as an indicator of where the store exit code should be positioned, making it easier for the user to scan the two store exit codes. FIG. 20(B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen 730 after the store exit code reading is completed. When the reading of the exit code is completed normally, a screen 730 is displayed. The screen 730 displays all product names 731 and total points (payment points) 732 of the products included in the payment information acquired by the information processing device 210 reading the exit code. FIG. 20(C) is a diagram showing an example of a screen 740 after the second reading unit 221 of the gate device 220 has completed RFID tag reading. When the second reading unit 221 of the gate device 220 has completed RFID tag reading normally, a screen 740 is displayed. Among all product names 731 of the products included in the payment information, next to the product name corresponding to the product read by the second reading unit 221, for example, an icon 741 indicating that the matching result is normal is displayed. In addition, the screen 740 displays the total points (take-out points) 742 of the products whose RFID tags have been read. When the matching result between the payment information and the identification information of the taken-out products is normal, a screen 750 is displayed. FIG. 20(D) is a diagram showing an example of a matching completion screen. The screen 750 in this figure shows an example in which the collation result is normal. If the collation result is an error, it is preferable to highlight the product name 731 whose identification information does not match, in other words, the product name 731 causing the error, by, for example, highlighting it with a highlight color, displaying it in a frame, blinking, or the like.The highlighting is not limited to this, and may be any display that is easy for the user to see. By adopting such a configuration, the user can easily understand which product is causing the error.

[0072] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the matching results of S707. In this embodiment, five patterns of matching results will be explained as an example. Note that the product identification information shown in this figure (table) is written in a simplified manner to simplify the explanation. Among the identification information, the Roman alphabet parts (A, B, C, and D) indicate the type of product and indicate the type information assigned to each minimum management unit (SKU: Stock Keeping Unit). The numeric parts ("001" and "002") indicate a number that is uniquely assigned to each individual product.

[0073] Pattern 1 is a case where the payment information and the RFID read information (take-out information) match completely. In pattern 1, the total points and the identification information of each product in the payment information and take-out information match completely. In this case, the matching unit 222 judges the matching result to be "normal." In this case, for example, a screen 750 shown in FIG. 20(D) is displayed on the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210, and the user can exit through the gate device 220 and leave the store.

[0074] In pattern 2, the number of items included in the take-out information is less than the number of items included in the payment information. Specifically, in this example, the take-out information does not include the identification information of "C 001". In this case, the matching unit 222 determines the matching result as "error". In this case, it is possible that the user has left the item behind in the store. Therefore, for example, an error message "Insufficient items. Please check the items" is displayed on the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210.

[0075] In pattern 3, the number of items included in the take-out information is greater than the number of items included in the payment information. Specifically, in this example, the take-out information includes identification information of "C 002" that is not included in the payment information. In this case, the matching unit 222 determines the matching result to be "error." In this case, it is possible that the user has taken out an item for which payment has not been completed. Therefore, for example, an error message is displayed on the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210, stating "It appears that you have brought an item other than the one you have paid for. We will call a staff member, so please check."

[0076] In pattern 4, the number of items in the payment information and the take-out information are the same, but the types of some items do not match. Specifically, in this example, the type of item in "C 001" in the payment information is different from the type of item in "D 001" in the take-out information. This means that the user is trying to take out a different type of item from the item for which payment has been completed. In this case, the collation unit 222 determines the collation result to be "error." In this case, it is possible that the user has taken out the wrong item. Therefore, for example, an error message is displayed on the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210, stating "It appears that you have brought something other than the item for which you have paid. We will call a staff member, so please check."

[0077] In pattern 5, the number of items in the payment information and the take-out information is the same, but the identification information of the items does not match. However, the type information of the items matches. Specifically, in this example, the identification information "C 001" of the payment information and the identification information "C 002" of the take-out information are different, but the type information "C" matches. This means that the user has taken out a different item, although it is the same type of item as the item for which payment has been completed. In other words, the item "C 001" and the item "C 002" are exactly the same type of item (including one or more of item number, color, size, and price), and only the item is different. In this case, the collation unit 222 determines that the collation result is "normal" and, for example, causes the display unit 212 of the information processing device 210 to display a screen 750 shown in FIG. 20(D) as in pattern 1. At this time, the gate system 200 outputs, for example, the mismatched identification information (here, "C 001" and "C 002") to the store server 300. Then, it is preferable that the store server 300 rewrites the mismatched identification information by exchanging it, etc. By carrying out such processing, it is possible to reduce unnecessary obstruction to the user's exit from the store.

[0078] With this configuration, the user can efficiently check whether the product he or she owns has been paid for correctly.

[0079] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the gate system 200 is configured to include the information processing device 210 and the gate device 220, which are separate devices. However, the information processing device 210 and the gate device 220 may be integrated into one device. The first reading unit 211 may be disposed near the entrance of the gate device 220.

[0080] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to several drawings, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. When the processing in the mobile terminal 100, the information processing device 210, the gate device 220, and the store server 300 is realized by a computer, the processing contents of the functions that each part of these devices should have are executed based on a program. The program describing the above-mentioned processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any other suitable type. The processing of each part may be configured by executing a predetermined program on a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Purchasing Support System 10 Network 100 Mobile Devices 103 Display section 104 Trigger receiver 105 Processing section 200 Gate System 210 Information processing device 212 Display section 220 Gate device 222 Matching Unit 223a First side wall part 223b Second side wall part 224 Placement section 225 Light Emitting Part 226 Metallic parts 227 Passage 300 Store Server 301 Store Information Database

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of executing a first mode for supporting purchases through internet mail order sales and a second mode for supporting purchases at a brick-and-mortar store, a reading means for displaying different reading screens on a display means in the first mode and the second mode when reading identification information capable of identifying an individual product from the individual product; and processing means for performing a payment process for the product based on the identification information read by the reading means in the second mode.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing means issues a notification when said reading means reads the same identification information.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading means displays a reading frame for reading the identification information and a reading frame for reading type information for identifying a type of the product on the same screen.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing means generates code information including the identification information of the product for which the payment process has been completed and linked to user identification information.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first mode and the second mode can be executed in parallel.

6. a tag having an integrated circuit embedded therein, the integrated circuit including information corresponding to the identification information, is attached to the product; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means reads said identification information from a two-dimensional code displayed on said tag.

7. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a mobile terminal owned by a customer.

8. A method for controlling an information processing device capable of executing a first mode for supporting purchases through internet mail order sales and a second mode for supporting purchases at a brick-and-mortar store, comprising: when reading identification information capable of identifying an individual product from the individual product, displaying different reading screens in the first mode and the second mode on a display means and reading the identification information, A control method characterized in that, in the second mode, a payment process for the product is performed based on the read identification information.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8.

Images