Information processing system, information terminal, information processing device, and control program thereof

Abstract

To provide an information processing system capable of canceling commodity registration with a simple operation.SOLUTION: An information terminal includes a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading a commodity code. An information processor is connected to the information terminal via a network. The information terminal acquires identification information that identifies a user. The information terminal transmits first data including the commodity code read by the first reading unit and the identification information to the information processor. The information terminal transmits second data including the commodity code read by the second reading unit and the identification information to the information processor. The information processor, when receiving the first data from the information terminal, registers data of a purchased commodity identified by the commodity code in a list associated with the identification information. The information processor, when receiving the second data from the information terminal, cancels the data of the purchased commodity identified by the commodity code from the list associated with the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system, an information terminal, an information processing device, and a control program thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cart POS (Point Of Sales) systems have been proposed for retail stores equipped with shopping carts. In such cart POS, an information terminal equipped with a touch panel, scanner, etc. is provided on the shopping cart. When a user, who is a customer using a shopping cart, places an item to be purchased, i.e., a purchased item, in the shopping cart, the user has the scanner read the identification code of the purchased item and registers the item. On the other hand, when canceling a product registration, the user must operate the touch panel to perform the cancellation operation, which is cumbersome. For this reason, a technology that allows the cancellation of product registration with a simple operation is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-53735 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information terminal, an information processing device, and a control program therefor, which are capable of canceling product registration with a simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing system includes an information terminal and an information processing device. The information terminal includes a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading a product code. The information processing device connects the information terminal via a network. The information terminal includes an acquisition means, a first transmission means, and a second transmission means. The acquisition means acquires identification information for identifying a user. The first transmission means transmits first data including the product code and the identification information read by the first reading unit to the information processing device. The second transmission means transmits second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit to the information processing device. The information processing device includes a registration means and a cancellation means. When the registration means receives the first data from the information terminal, it registers data of the purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information. When the cancellation means receives the second data from the information terminal, it cancels the data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an information terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart provided with an information terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration list. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchased product data. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the information terminal. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the information terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration cancellation screen displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an error screen displayed on the information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is a case in which a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart (a so-called cart terminal) is used as an information terminal.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information terminal 10, a store server 30, a member server 40, a virtual POS (Point Of Sales) server 50, a payment machine 60, and an access point 70. The store server 30, the member server 40, the virtual POS server 50, the payment machine 60, and the access point 70 are connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The information terminal 10 is equipped with a wireless unit 14 (see FIG. 2). The information terminal 10 performs wireless communication with the access point 70. The access point 70 relays communication between the information terminal 10 and each device connected to the network 2, i.e., the store server 30, the member server 40, the virtual POS server 50, and the payment machine 60. Although only one access point 70 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more access points 70 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0009] The information terminal 10 is a device that enables a user to input data related to the registration of a product to be purchased, i.e., a purchased product, by himself / herself. The information terminal 10 is provided in a shopping cart 100. Hereinafter, the shopping cart 100 will be simply referred to as a cart 100. Each of the multiple carts 100 is provided with an information terminal 10. The cart 100 is an example of a carrier that carries purchased products by a user who is a user of the cart 100.

[0010] The store server 30 manages a product database. The product database stores product data records that describe data on products sold in the store. The product data records include items such as product code, product name, and unit price. The product code is product identification data set for each product to identify the product individually. The unit price is the price per unit of the product.

[0011] The member server 40 manages a member database. The member database stores a member data record that describes member data for each member. The member data record includes items such as a member ID, name, gender, and email address. The member ID is an identification code for the member.

[0012] The virtual POS server 50 is an example of an information processing device. The virtual POS server 50 cooperates with the information terminal 10 to operate the information terminal 10 so as to realize the functions of a POS terminal.

[0013] The payment machine 60 is a device that allows a store clerk or a user to process the payment for purchased items. The number of payment machines 60 is not particularly limited.

[0014] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a wireless unit 14, a touch panel 15, a registration scanner 16, a cancellation scanner 17, a reader 18, a camera 19, and a system transmission path 20. The system transmission path 20 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The information terminal 10 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the wireless unit 14, the touch panel 15, the registration scanner 16, the cancellation scanner 17, the reader 18, and the camera 19 to the system transmission path 20. In the information terminal 10, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 20 connecting them together constitute a computer.

[0015] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0016] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0017] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 13 may be an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0018] The application programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 include a control program that describes information processing executed by the information terminal 10. The method of installing the control program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via a network, and installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0019] The wireless unit 14 wirelessly communicates data with the access point 70 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0020] The touch panel 15 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 10. The touch panel 15 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 11.

[0021] The registration scanner 16 and the cancellation scanner 17 read code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. Products are attached with barcodes representing their product codes. When the registration scanner 16 reads a barcode, the product code is input to the information terminal 10. That is, the product identified by the product code is registered. The registration scanner 16 can also be called a first reading unit. When the cancellation scanner 17 reads a barcode, the product code is cancelled from the information terminal 10. That is, the product identified by the product code is cancelled. The cancellation scanner 17 can also be called a second reading unit. The registration scanner 16 and the cancellation scanner 17 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0022] Reader 18 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to processor 11. Reader 18 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a non-contact IC card or a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as reader 18.

[0023] The camera 19 is provided on the cart 100 so as to be able to photograph from above a shopping basket 150 (see FIG. 3) placed in a basket receiving portion 140 (see FIG. 3) of the cart 100. The camera 19 is for monitoring whether or not a user who is a user of the cart 100 has correctly placed purchased items in the shopping basket 150.

[0024] In the information terminal 10 having the circuit components as described above, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the wireless unit 14, and the touch panel 15 are configured as a tablet terminal 110. The information terminal 10 is configured by electrically connecting the registration scanner 16, the cancellation scanner 17, the reader 18, and the camera 19 to this tablet terminal 110.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart 100 provided with an information terminal 10. The cart 100 includes a caster unit 120 for movement, a handle frame unit 130, and a basket receiving unit 140. The caster unit 120 has four wheels 121 for smooth movement on a floor surface. The caster unit 120 also includes a receiving unit 122 for placing large luggage that does not fit into a shopping basket 150. The handle frame unit 130 includes a pair of vertical frames 131, 131 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster unit 120, and a handle bar 132 connecting the upper ends of the vertical frames 131, 131. The basket receiving unit 140 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame unit 130. The cart 100 can place a shopping basket 150 provided by the store on the basket receiving unit 140. The shopping basket 150 is for storing products.

[0026] The registration scanner 16 and the cancellation scanner 17 are located midway along the handle bar 132. The registration scanner 16 and the cancellation scanner 17 are attached to the handle bar 132 so that the reading windows are located on the near side. The near side is the side on which a user standing while holding the handle bar 132 and pushing the cart 100 is standing. In this embodiment, the registration scanner 16 is attached to the left side of the handle bar 132, and the cancellation scanner 17 is attached to the right side of the handle bar 132.

[0027] A pole 160 is attached to one of the vertical frames 131. The tip of the pole 160 is located above the handlebars 132. The tablet terminal 110 is attached to the tip of the pole 160 with the screen of the touch panel 15 facing forward. The reader 18 is attached to the tablet terminal 110 so that the card slit is located on the front side. In FIG. 3, the reader 18 is a magnetic card reader. The camera 19 is attached to the middle of the pole 160 so as to capture an image of the entire shopping basket 150 placed in the basket receiving section 140 from above.

[0028] The battery 170 is attached across the vertical frames 131, 131 at the lower end side of the handle frame portion 130. The battery 170 serves as a driving power source for the tablet terminal 110, the registration scanner 16, the cancellation scanner 17, the reader 18, and the camera 19.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 50. The virtual POS server 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a communication interface 54, and a system transmission path 55. The system transmission path 55 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The virtual POS server 50 connects the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, and the communication interface 54 to the system transmission path 55. In the virtual POS server 50, a computer is configured by the processor 51, the main memory 52, the auxiliary storage device 53, and the system transmission path 55 that connects them.

[0030] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 51 controls each part to realize various functions of the virtual POS server 50 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU.

[0031] The main memory 52 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 52 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 52 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 52 may store data required for the processor 51 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 51. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the application programs described above.

[0033] The communication interface 54 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 54 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0034] The virtual POS server 50 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 52 as an area for creating the purchase registration list 521. The virtual POS server 50 can create a plurality of purchase registration lists 521 in this area.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchase registration list 521. As shown in Fig. 5, purchase registration list 521 has areas for storing a member ID, purchased item data 522 (see Fig. 6), total amount, and accounting code. The total amount is the sum of the purchase amounts included in purchased item data 522. The accounting code will be described later. Purchase registration list 521 is created in association with the member ID of information terminal 10.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchased item data 522. As shown in FIG. 6, purchased item data 522 consists of, in sequential numerical order, the item code, item name, price, number of items purchased, purchase amount, cancellation flag, and the like of purchased items purchased by the user. The number of items purchased is the number of items identified by the item code purchased, and the purchase amount is the total price based on the number of items purchased. The cancellation flag is flag data for identifying purchased items that were once registered as purchased items but were subsequently cancelled. The cancellation flag is set to "1" when the registration of a purchased item is cancelled during shopping. The initial state of the cancellation flag is "0".

[0037] 7 to 10 are flow charts showing the main control procedure of the processor 11 in the information terminal 10. FIGS. 11 to 14 are flow charts showing the main control procedure of the processor 51 in the virtual POS server 50.

[0038] Below, using these flow charts, we will explain the main operations of the information processing system 1 when a member user uses the information terminal 10 of the cart 100 to perform the process from registering purchased items to paying for them by himself / herself. Note that the operations described below are just an example. As long as similar results can be obtained, the procedure is not particularly limited.

[0039] First, a user who is shopping using the cart 100 touches the touch panel 15. When the touch panel 15 is touched, the processor 11, which has been in an idle state, is started. The processor 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0040] As ACT1, processor 11 causes touch panel 15 to display a login screen. The login screen is a screen for instructing members to perform a login operation. A user who is a member has a membership card on which his or her membership code is recorded. After checking the login screen, the user causes reader 18 to read the data on the membership card. When reader 18 reads the data on the membership card, the data on the membership card is provided to processor 11.

[0041] Processor 11, which has displayed the login screen, waits for login in ACT2. Processor 11 receives data from reader 18, and when it confirms that the data is membership card data including a membership ID, it determines that login has occurred. That is, processor 11 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0042] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a login command as ACT3 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The login command includes the member ID of the member card read by the reader 18.

[0043] When the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 receives a command from the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 54, the processor 51 checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 51 starts a command receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0044] Processor 51 detects the member ID from the login command as ACT41. Processor 51 then authenticates the member identified by that member ID as ACT42. Specifically, processor 51 queries member server 40 as to whether or not a member data record including that member ID exists in the member database. If processor 51 receives a response from member server 40 indicating that the corresponding member data record exists in the member database, processor 51 determines that the member authentication is valid. On the other hand, if processor 51 receives a response from member server 40 indicating that the corresponding member data record does not exist in the member database, processor 51 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

[0045] The processor 51 checks the result of the member authentication in ACT43. If the authentication result is invalid, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT43 and proceeds to ACT44. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to transmit a denial response command to the information terminal 10 in ACT44. With this control, the denial response command is transmitted via the communication interface 54. The denial response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and received by the information terminal 10 that transmitted the login command. With this, the processor 51 ends the login command reception process.

[0046] If the authentication result is valid, processor 51 determines YES in ACT 43 and proceeds to ACT 45. Processor 51 requests member data of the member identified by the member ID from member server 40 in ACT 45, and acquires member data including the member ID from member server 40.

[0047] The processor 51 creates a purchase registration list 521 in the main memory 52 as ACT 46. The processor 51 then registers the member ID in the purchase registration list 521.

[0048] The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to transmit an acknowledgment response command to the information terminal 10 as ACT47. This control causes the acknowledgment response command to be transmitted via the communication interface 54. The acknowledgment response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and received by the information terminal 10 that transmitted the login command. With this, the processor 51 ends the login command reception process.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the login command in ACT3, waits for a response command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT4. If a denial response command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT4 and returns to ACT2. Therefore, the user will log in again.

[0050] If an approval response command is received from virtual POS server 50, processor 11 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. Processor 11 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in main memory 12 in ACT5. Processor 11 also causes touch panel 15 to display purchase registration screen 200 (see FIG. 15) in ACT6.

[0051] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen 200. As shown in Fig. 15, the purchase registration screen 200 has areas for displaying the product name, unit price, number of items, purchase amount, and total amount of the purchased registered product. Also displayed is an image of a checkout button 201 for instructing checkout.

[0052] After checking the purchase registration screen 200, the user goes around the sales floor and places the purchased items in the cart 100. For example, the user places the purchased items in the shopping basket 150 placed on the basket receiving section 140. Before placing the purchased items in the shopping basket 150, the user operates the registration scanner 16 to read the barcode attached to the purchased item. When the barcode is read by the registration scanner 16, the item identified by the product code represented by the barcode is registered.

[0053] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. The processor 11 checks whether or not purchase registration has been performed in ACT 7. When the processor 11 checks that purchase registration has been performed by reading the barcode attached to the purchased product with the registration scanner 16, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 11 in FIG.

[0054] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 as ACT11 to transmit a purchase registration command to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the purchase registration command. The purchase registration command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The purchase registration command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the purchased product.

[0055] Upon receiving the purchase registration command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the purchase registration command as ACT 51. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration list 521 in which the member ID is written as the processing target as ACT 52.

[0056] The processor 51 checks in ACT53 whether the product code included in the purchase registration command is in the purchased product data 522 of the purchase registration list 521. If the product code is not in the purchased product data 522, the processor 51 judges NO in ACT53 and proceeds to ACT54.

[0057] The processor 51 creates purchased item data 522 based on the item code (ACT54), and writes the purchased item data 522 to the purchase registration list 521. The processor 51 also updates the total amount in the purchase registration list 521 to an amount obtained by adding the purchase amount of the newly written purchased item data 522 (ACT55).

[0058] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 as ACT 56 to send the registered command to information terminal 10. This control causes the registered command to be sent via communication interface 54. The registered command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2, and received by information terminal 10 which sent the purchase registration command. The registered command includes the member ID and purchased product data 522. With this, processor 51 ends the purchase registration command receiving process.

[0059] On the other hand, if the product code is found in the purchased product data 522, the processor 51 determines YES in ACT 53 and proceeds to ACT 57. In ACT 57, the processor 51 checks whether the cancellation flag is "1" or not.

[0060] If the cancel flag is not "1", that is, if the cancel flag is "0", the processor 51 judges NO in ACT57 and proceeds to ACT58.

[0061] The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 as ACT 58 so as to send a screen display command to the information terminal 10. This control causes the screen display command to be sent via the communication interface 54. The screen display command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 10 that sent the purchase registration command. The screen display command includes screen data for a confirmation screen. The confirmation screen will be described later.

[0062] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the purchase registration command in ACT11, waits for a registered command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT12. If a registered command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT13.

[0063] The processor 11 updates the purchase registration screen 200 in ACT 13. That is, the processor 11 updates the purchase registration screen 200 so that the product name, unit price, number of items, and purchase amount of the product registered for purchase are added, and the purchase amount is added to the total amount. Then, the processor 11 returns to ACT 7 in FIG. 7.

[0064] If the registered command is not received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT14. In ACT14, the processor 11 checks whether or not a screen display command has been received from the virtual POS server 50. If the screen display command is not received, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT14 and returns to ACT12.

[0065] If a screen display command has been received, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 14 and proceeds to ACT 15. In ACT 15, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display a confirmation screen 300 (see FIG. 16).

[0066] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 300. The confirmation screen 300 is a screen for notifying the user that an already registered purchased item has been read again by the registration scanner 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the confirmation screen 300 displays text data notifying the user that the purchased item read by the registration scanner 16 has already been registered, and inquiring whether or not to add and register the purchased item. The confirmation screen 300 also displays an image of an Add button 301 and an image of a Cancel button 302. The Add button 301 is touched when the user wants to add and register an already registered purchased item. The Cancel button 302 is touched when the user does not want to add the registration of the already registered purchased item. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 16 is an example.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. The processor 11 checks whether the Add button 301 on the confirmation screen 300 has been touched in ACT 16. If the Add button 301 has not been touched, that is, if the Cancel button 302 has been touched, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT 16 and proceeds to ACT 17.

[0068] The processor 11 checks whether the cancel button 302 has been touched in ACT 17. If the cancel button 302 has not been touched, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 17 and returns to ACT 16. That is, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT 16 to ACT 17.

[0069] When the cancel button 302 is touched, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT18. The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a cancel command to the virtual POS server 50 as ACT18. By this control, the wireless unit 14 wirelessly transmits the cancel command. The cancel command is received at the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The cancel command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the purchased product. Then the processor 11 returns to ACT7 in FIG. 7. That is, the confirmation screen 300 is erased, and the screen of the touch panel 15 returns to the purchase registration screen 200.

[0070] On the other hand, when the add button 301 is touched, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT16 and proceeds to ACT19. The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit an add command to the virtual POS server 50 as ACT19. By this control, the wireless unit 14 wirelessly transmits the add command. The add command is received at the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The add command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the purchased product. Thereafter, the processor 11 returns to the standby states of ACT12 and ACT14. Therefore, the processor 11 repeatedly executes the processes of ACT12 to ACT19.

[0071] Return to the description of FIG. 12. The processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 that controlled the transmission of the image display command in ACT58 waits for an add command from the information terminal 10 as ACT59. When the add command is not received from the information terminal 10, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT59 and proceeds to ACT60.

[0072] The processor 51 checks in ACT60 whether or not a cancel command has been received from the information terminal 10. If a cancel command has not been received, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT60 and returns to ACT59. That is, the processor 11 returns to the standby state in ACT59 to ACT60.

[0073] When a cancel command is received from information terminal 10, processor 51 determines YES in ACT60 and ends the purchase registration command receiving process.

[0074] When an add command is received from the information terminal 10, the processor 51 determines YES in ACT 59 and proceeds to ACT 61. In ACT 61, the processor 51 updates the purchase points and purchase amount written in the same row as the product code included in the add command in the purchased product data 522 to the added points and amount. Then, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 55. That is, the processor 51 updates the total amount in the purchase registration list 521, and controls the communication interface 54 to send the registered command to the information terminal 10.

[0075] On the other hand, if the cancellation flag is "1", the processor 51 determines YES in ACT 57 and proceeds to ACT 62. The processor 51 updates the cancellation flag of the purchased item data 522 from "1" to "0" in ACT 62. For example, this is the case when a user once registers a purchased item, but then cancels it and registers the purchased item again. The processor 51 then proceeds to ACT 55. That is, the processor 51 updates the total amount in the purchase registration list 521, and controls the communication interface 54 to send the registered command to the information terminal 10. With this, the processor 51 ends the purchase registration command receiving process.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. If the purchase registration has not been performed, processor 11 determines NO in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. Processor 11 checks whether the purchase has been canceled in ACT8. For example, when a user cancels the registration of a purchased item, the user reads the barcode attached to the purchased item with cancellation scanner 17. When the barcode is read by cancellation scanner 17, the purchased item identified by the item code represented by the barcode is canceled.

[0077] When the processor 11 confirms that the purchase registration has been cancelled by reading the barcode attached to the purchased product with the cancellation scanner 17, it judges YES in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG.

[0078] The processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to transmit a registration cancellation command as ACT21 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the registration cancellation command. The registration cancellation command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via the network 2. The registration cancellation command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the purchased product whose registration has been cancelled.

[0079] The processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 that has received the registration cancellation command starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the registration cancellation command as ACT 71. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration list 521 in which that member ID is written as the processing target as ACT 72.

[0080] The processor 51 checks in ACT73 whether or not the product code included in the registration cancellation command is in the purchased product data 522 of the purchase registration list 521. If the product code is in the purchased product data 522, the processor 51 judges YES in ACT73 and proceeds to ACT74.

[0081] The processor 51 updates the cancellation flag of the purchased product data 522 from "0" to "1" as ACT74. Also, the processor 51 updates the total amount of the purchase registration list 521 as ACT75 to the amount obtained by subtracting the purchase amount of the product for which the purchase registration has been cancelled.

[0082] The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to transmit a cancelled command to the information terminal 10 as ACT76. By this control, the cancelled command is transmitted via the communication interface 54. The cancelled command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 10 that is the source of the registration cancellation command. The cancelled command includes the member ID and the purchased product data 522. Thus, the processor 51 ends the registration cancellation command reception process.

[0083] If the product code is not in the purchased product data 522, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT73 and proceeds to ACT77. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to transmit an error command to the information terminal 10 as ACT77. By this control, the error command is transmitted via the communication interface 54. The error command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 10 that is the source of the registration cancellation command. The error command includes the screen data of the error screen. The error screen will be described later. Thus, the processor 51 ends the registration cancellation command reception process.

[0084] Return to the description of FIG. 9. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that controlled the transmission of the registration cancellation command in ACT21 waits for a cancelled command from the virtual POS server 50 as ACT22. When the processor 11 receives a cancelled command from the virtual POS server 50, it determines YES in ACT22 and proceeds to ACT23. The processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display a purchase registration cancellation screen 400 (see FIG. 17) as ACT23. Then the processor 11 returns to ACT7 in FIG. 7.

[0085] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration cancellation screen 400. As shown in Fig. 17, the purchase registration cancellation screen 400 displays a strikethrough through the product name, unit price, number of items, and purchase amount of the product whose purchase registration has been canceled. Also, the total amount displayed on the purchase registration cancellation screen 400 is reduced by the purchase amount of the product whose purchase registration has been canceled. Note that the content of the text data displayed in Fig. 17 is an example.

[0086] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. If a cancelled command is not received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT22 and proceeds to ACT24. The processor 11 checks in ACT24 whether or not an error command is received from the virtual POS server 50. If an error command is not received, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT24 and returns to ACT22.

[0087] If an error command is received, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 24 and proceeds to ACT 25. In ACT 25, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 15 to display an error screen 500 (see FIG. 18).

[0088] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an error screen 500. The error screen 500 is a screen for notifying the user that the purchased item read by the cancellation scanner 17 has not been registered. As shown in Fig. 18, the error screen 500 displays an image of a confirmation button 501 together with text data notifying the user that a purchased item that has not been registered has been cancelled. The confirmation button 501 is touched when the user confirms the contents of the error screen 500. Note that the contents of the text data displayed in Fig. 18 are merely an example.

[0089] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 11 checks whether the confirmation button 501 has been touched in ACT 26. If the confirmation button 501 has been touched, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 26 and returns to ACT 7 in Fig. 7. That is, the error screen 500 is cleared, and the screen of the touch panel 15 returns to the purchase registration screen 200.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. If the purchase cancellation has not been performed, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 9. The processor 11 checks in ACT 9 whether or not a payment instruction has been issued.

[0091] As described above, an image of the checkout button 201 is displayed in part of the purchase registration screen 200. When the user has completed their purchase, they touch the checkout button 201. When the checkout button 201 is touched, processor 11 recognizes that a checkout has been instructed. If a checkout has not been instructed, processor 11 judges NO in ACT9 and returns to ACT7. That is, processor 11 returns to the standby state for ACT7 to ACT9.

[0092] When the processor 11 confirms that a transaction has been instructed, it judges YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 31 in Figure 10. In ACT 31, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 14 to send a transaction command to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 14 to wirelessly transmit the transaction command. The transaction command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via network 2. The transaction command includes the member ID stored in main memory 12.

[0093] Upon receiving the transaction command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the transaction command as ACT 81. Processor 51 then generates transaction code data as ACT 82. The transaction code is used to identify the user performing the transaction on the transaction device 60. An transaction code is generated for each user performing the transaction on the transaction device 60.

[0094] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send a guide display command to information terminal 10 as ACT83. This control causes the guide display command to be sent via communication interface 54. The guide display command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 70 via network 2 and received by information terminal 10, the source of the accounting command. The guide display command contains image data of the accounting barcode representing the accounting code generated in ACT82. With this, processor 51 ends the accounting command receiving process.

[0095] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the transmission of the transaction command in ACT31, waits for a guide display command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT32. If a guide display command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT33.

[0096] As ACT33, processor 11 causes a checkout information screen to be displayed on touch panel 15. The checkout information screen may display, for example, a checkout barcode and a message encouraging the user to scan the checkout barcode with checkout device 60. With this, processor 11 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of Figures 7 to 10.

[0097] After checking the accounting information screen, the user goes to the location of an available accounting machine 60 and has the accounting barcode read by the scanner installed on that accounting machine 60. The virtual POS server 50 then sends the purchase registration list 521, in which the accounting code of the accounting barcode is set, to the accounting machine 60. Thereafter, the accounting machine 60 carries out well-known accounting procedures such as cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment.

[0098] As is clear from the above description, the information processing system 1 includes an information terminal 10 as an information terminal and a virtual POS server 50 as an information processing device. The information terminal 10 includes a first reading unit, i.e., a registration scanner 16, for reading a product code, and a second reading unit, i.e., a cancellation scanner 17. The virtual POS server 50 connects the information terminal 10 via a network 2. The information terminal 10 constitutes an acquisition unit by the processor 11 executing the process of ACT5 in Fig. 7. That is, the information terminal 10 acquires identification information for identifying a user.

[0099] The information terminal 10 constitutes a first transmission means by the processor 11 executing the process of ACT11 in Fig. 8. That is, the information terminal 10 transmits the first data including the product code and the identification information read by the registration scanner 16 to the virtual POS server 50.

[0100] The information terminal 10 constitutes a second transmission means by the processor 11 executing the process of ACT21 in Fig. 9. That is, the information terminal 10 transmits the second data including the product code and the identification information read by the cancellation scanner 17 to the virtual POS server 50.

[0101] The virtual POS server 50 constitutes a registration means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT54, ACT55, ACT61 and ACT62 in Fig. 12. That is, when the virtual POS server 50 receives the first data from the information terminal 10, it registers data of the purchased product identified by the product code, i.e., purchased product data 522, in a list associated with the identification information, i.e., a purchase registration list 521.

[0102] The virtual POS server 50 constitutes a cancellation means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT74 and ACT75 in Fig. 13. That is, when the virtual POS server 50 receives the second data from the information terminal 10, it cancels the purchased product data 522 identified by the product code from the purchase registration list 521 associated with the identification information.

[0103] Therefore, in such information processing system 1, when a user operates registration scanner 16 of information terminal 10 to read a barcode attached to a purchased item, a purchase registration command including a member ID and the item code represented by the barcode is transmitted to virtual POS server 50. Then, purchased item data 522 is written and registered in purchase registration list 521 of virtual POS server 50. On the other hand, when a user operates cancellation scanner 17 to read a barcode attached to a purchased item, a registration cancellation command including a member ID and the item code of the item whose registration has been cancelled is transmitted to virtual POS server 50. Then, the purchase item data 522 and purchase registration list 521 of virtual POS server 50 are updated in accordance with the cancellation. Therefore, even if an item has been registered as a purchased item, the item registration can be cancelled by a simple operation using cancellation scanner 17.

[0104] 12. In addition, the virtual POS server 50 constitutes a first output means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT51 to ACT53, ACT57 and ACT58 in Fig. 12. That is, when the virtual POS server 50 receives the first data from the information terminal 10 and the purchased product data 522 identified by the product code included in the first data is registered in the purchase registration list 521 associated with the identification information, the virtual POS server 50 outputs a message to that effect to the information terminal 10.

[0105] Furthermore, the virtual POS server 50 constitutes a second output means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT71 to ACT73 and ACT77 in Fig. 13. That is, when the virtual POS server 50 receives the second data from the information terminal 10 and the purchased product data 522 identified by the product code included in the second data is not registered in the purchase registration list 521 associated with the identification information, the virtual POS server 50 outputs a message to that effect to the information terminal 10.

[0106] Therefore, when an already registered purchased item is read again by the registration scanner 16 on the touch panel 15 of the information terminal 10, a confirmation screen 300 is displayed to notify the user of this fact. If the purchased item read by the cancellation scanner 17 is not registered, an error screen 500 is displayed to notify the user of this fact. Therefore, the display of the confirmation screen 300 or error screen 500 allows the user to know that the currently registered purchased item is correct.

[0107] Although the embodiments of the information processing system, the information terminal, the information processing device, and the control program thereof have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 10 is attached to the cart 100. The information terminal 10 does not necessarily have to be attached to the cart 100. For example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like owned by a user may be the information terminal 10.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the registration scanner 16 is attached to the left side of the handle bar 132, and the cancellation scanner 17 is attached to the right side of the handle bar 132. For example, the registration scanner 16 may be attached to the right side of the handle bar 132, and the cancellation scanner 17 may be attached to the left side of the handle bar 132. The registration scanner 16 and the cancellation scanner 17 do not necessarily have to be attached to the handle bar 132.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the confirmation screen 300 and the error screen 500 are displayed on the touch panel 15. For example, a voice may be used to notify the user that the purchased item read by the registration scanner 16 has already been registered, or to notify the user that the purchased item that has not been registered is to be cancelled.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the virtual POS server 50 has been described as one aspect of the information processing device. For example, the virtual POS server 50 further equipped with the function of at least one of the store server 30 and the member server 40 may be the information processing device. In other words, the store server 30 or the member server 40 equipped with the function of the virtual POS server 50 may be the information processing device.

[0112] In the above embodiment, a code symbol such as a barcode, a two-dimensional data code, etc. is attached to the product. For example, a code symbol may be provided near a price tag placed around a product such as fruit or vegetables, and the registration scanner 16 and the cancellation scanner 17 may read the code symbol.

[0113] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. In addition, the claims as originally filed of this application are set forth below. [C1] an information terminal including a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading a product code; an information processing device that connects the information terminals via a network; Including, The information terminal includes: An acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying a user; a first transmitting means for transmitting first data including the product code and the identification information read by the first reading unit to the information processing device; a second transmission means for transmitting second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit to the information processing device; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a registration means for registering data of the purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information when the first data is received from the information terminal; and a cancellation means for cancelling the data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information when the second data is received from the information terminal. [C2] The information processing system described in [C1] further comprises a first output means for outputting a message to the information terminal when the first data is received from the information terminal and data of the purchased product identified by the product code included in the first data is registered in the list associated with the identification information. [C3] The information processing system described in [C1] further comprises a second output means for outputting a message to the information terminal when the second data is received from the information terminal and the data of the purchased product identified by the product code included in the second data is not registered in the list associated with the identification information. [C4] an information processing device which, when receiving first data including a product code and identification information for identifying a user, registers data of a purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information, and, when receiving second data including the product code and the identification information, cancels data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information; and an information terminal which constitutes an information processing system; The information terminal includes: a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading the product code; An acquisition means for acquiring the identification information; a first transmitting means for transmitting the first data including the product code and the identification information read by the first reading unit to the information processing device; a second transmission means for transmitting the second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit to the information processing device; An information terminal comprising: [C5] An information terminal including a first reading unit and a second reading unit, and an information processing device constituting an information processing system, The information processing device includes: a registration means for registering data of a purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information when first data including the product code read by the first reading unit and identification information for identifying a user is received from the information terminal; a cancellation means for cancelling data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information when second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit is received from the information terminal; An information processing device comprising: [C6] An information terminal including a first reading unit and a second reading unit and a computer of an information processing device constituting an information processing system, a registration means for registering data of a purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information when first data including the product code read by the first reading unit and identification information for identifying a user is received from the information terminal; and a cancellation means for cancelling data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information when second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit is received from the information terminal; A control program that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1... Information processing system, 2... Network, 10... Information terminal, 11, 51... Processor, 12, 52... Main memory, 13, 53... Auxiliary storage device, 14... Wireless unit, 15... Touch panel, 16... Registration scanner, 17... Cancellation scanner, 18... Reader, 19... Camera, 20, 55... System transmission path, 30... Store server, 40... Member server, 44, 54... Communication interface, 50... Virtual POS server, 60... Accounting machine, 70... Access point, 100... Shopping cart, 110... Tablet terminal, 120... Caster unit, 121... Wheel, 122... Receiving part, 130... Handle frame part, 131... Vertical frame, 132... Handlebar, 140... Basket receiving part, 150... Shopping basket, 160... Pole, 170... Battery, 521... Purchase registration list, 522... Purchased product data.

Claims

1. an information terminal including a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading a product code; an information processing device that connects the information terminals via a network; Including, The information terminal includes: An acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying a user; a first transmitting means for transmitting first data including the product code and the identification information read by the first reading unit to the information processing device; a second transmission means for transmitting second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit to the information processing device; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a registration means for registering data of the purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information when the first data is received from the information terminal; a cancellation means for cancelling the data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information when the second data is received from the information terminal.

2. The information processing system of claim 1, further comprising a first output means for outputting to the information terminal a message indicating that the first data is received from the information terminal and that the data of the purchased product identified by the product code included in the first data is registered in the list associated with the identification information.

3. The information processing system of claim 1, further comprising a second output means for outputting a message to the information terminal when the second data is received from the information terminal and the data of the purchased product identified by the product code included in the second data is not registered in the list associated with the identification information.

4. an information processing device which, when receiving first data including a product code and identification information for identifying a user, registers data of a purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information, and, when receiving second data including the product code and the identification information, cancels the data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information; and an information terminal which constitutes an information processing system; The information terminal includes: a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading the product code; An acquisition means for acquiring the identification information; a first transmitting means for transmitting the first data including the product code and the identification information read by the first reading unit to the information processing device; a second transmission means for transmitting the second data including the product code and the identification information read by the second reading unit to the information processing device; An information terminal comprising:

5. An information terminal including a first reading unit and a second reading unit, and an information processing device constituting an information processing system, The information processing device includes: a receiving means for receiving a command from the information terminal and confirming the type of the command; a registration means for registering data of a purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information when a purchase registration command including a product code of the purchased product read by the first reading unit and identification information for identifying a user is received from the information terminal; a cancellation means for cancelling data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information when a registration cancellation command including the product code and the identification information whose registration has been cancelled and read by the second reading unit is received from the information terminal; a second output means for outputting a message to the information terminal when the registration cancellation command is received from the information terminal and the data of the purchased product identified by the product code included in the registration cancellation command is not registered in the list associated with the identification information; An information processing device comprising:

6. An information terminal including a first reading unit and a second reading unit and a computer of an information processing device constituting an information processing system, a receiving means for, when receiving a command from the information terminal, confirming the type of the command; a registration means for registering data of a purchased product identified by the product code in a list associated with the identification information when a purchase registration command including a product code of the purchased product read by the first reading unit and identification information for identifying a user is received from the information terminal; a cancellation means for cancelling data of the purchased product identified by the product code from the list associated with the identification information when a registration cancellation command including the product code and the identification information whose registration has been cancelled and read by the second reading unit is received from the information terminal; and a second output means for outputting a message to the information terminal when the registration cancellation command is received from the information terminal and the data of the purchased product identified by the product code included in the registration cancellation command is not registered in the list associated with the identification information; A control program that functions as a

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