Program

Abstract

To facilitate the use of a self-service system using a mobile terminal.SOLUTION: A program for allowing a computer to function as a portable terminal that is loaned to a customer for the purpose of registering items and returned after use, allows the computer to function as display means for displaying information to a customer; image capturing means for capturing an image of an item to be registered, and communication means for communicating with other devices. The display means displays different types of information to a customer depending on the status of the portable terminal when it is returned by the customer and not lent out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program To the extent .

Background Art

[0002] A self-system in which a customer registers a product using a mobile terminal is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there are also customers who are not accustomed to the self-system as described above.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for making it easier to use a self-system using a mobile terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a program that causes a computer to function as a mobile terminal that is lent to a customer for registering a product and returned after use, and causes the computer to function as a display unit that displays information to the customer, an imaging unit that images the product to be registered, and a communication unit that communicates with another device, and the display unit displays different types of information to the customer according to the status of the mobile terminal when it is returned by the customer and not lent out.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network for explaining the sales system 1 of the present embodiment. The sales system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a head office server 10, a cloud server 20, a store controller 30 (for example, a server or the like), a transaction status management device 40 (for example, a personal computer or the like), a settlement device 50, a registered settlement device 51, a mobile terminal 60, and a lending and returning device 90.

[0009] The store controller 30, the transaction status management device 40, the settlement device 50, the registered settlement device 51, and the lending / return device 90 are communicably connected via the LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). The sales system 1 can be introduced into various stores (such as supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home centers, home appliance mass retailers, etc.).

[0010] In FIG. 1, the number of each device (terminal) is an illustration. For example, in FIG. 1, although "..." is illustrated on the right side of the transaction status management device 40, the number of transaction status management devices 40 installed in one store may be one or more. Also, for example, in FIG. 1, although two mobile terminals 60 are illustrated, the number of mobile terminals 60 used in the store changes according to the number of customers.

[0011] The sales system 1 provides a self-service mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as Service A) such as registering products using the mobile terminal 60 and performing settlement using the settlement device 50. That is, Service A is a self-service mode in which the customer himself / herself performs product registration and settlement, using the mobile terminal 60 for product registration and the settlement device 50 for settlement.

[0012] In addition to Service A, the sales system 1 also provides other services. For example, as other services, the sales system 1 can also provide services in modes such as the customer registering and settling products using the registered settlement device 51, or the store clerk registering products using a registration device (not shown) and the customer settling using a settlement device (not shown).

[0013] The head office server 10 is a server installed outside the store (for example, at the head office, data center, etc.) and manages the entire sales system 1. The head office server 10 stores various types of information (for example, product master, special sale file, etc.) necessary for the operation of services including Service A, and performance information of services in the store (for example, sales performance information, product sales performance information, etc.). The head office server 10 communicates with the cloud server 20 and the store controller 30. The head office server 10 may communicate with other devices (for example, transaction status management device 40, settlement device 50, lending and return device 90, etc.). The head office server 10 may be composed of multiple servers.

[0014] The cloud server 20 is a server installed outside the store (for example, at a data center, etc.) and provides Service A. For example, the cloud server 20 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The cloud server 20 communicates with the head office server 10 and the mobile terminal 60. The cloud server 20 may communicate with other devices (for example, store controller 30, transaction status management device 40, lending and return device 90, etc.). The cloud server 20 may be composed of multiple servers.

[0015] The cloud server 20 stores various types of information necessary for the operation of Service A (for example, product master, transaction information (also referred to as cart information), etc.). The transaction information (cart information) will be described. The cloud server 20 generates transaction information at the start of a transaction and updates the transaction information as the transaction progresses. The transaction information includes, for example, transaction identification information (cart identification information), transaction start date and time, transaction end date and time, member identification information, registered product information (including registered information (total), registered information (product N; N is an integer)). The transaction identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies the transaction information. The transaction start date and time is the start date and time of the transaction (for example, the generation date and time of the cart information, or the registration date and time of one item of product). The transaction end date and time is the end date and time of the transaction (for example, the completion date and time of settlement). The member identification information is information that uniquely identifies a customer (member). The registered information (total) is information that is updated each time a product is registered. The registered information (total) includes the number of items (quantity of products), subtotal amount, etc. The registered information (product N) is the registration information of the Nth item of product. The registered information (product N) includes the product code, product name, quantity, price, etc. Note that at the time of generating the transaction information, some information (registered product information, transaction end date and time, etc.) is blank.

[0016] The store controller 30 is a device that controls the part of the sales system 1 related to the store. The store controller 30 communicates with each device within the LAN 19 (for example, the settlement device 50, the lending and returning device 90, etc.) and each device outside the LAN 19 (for example, the head office server 10). For example, the store controller 30 receives the product master and the special sale file from the head office server 10 and supplies them to the settlement device 50.

[0017] The transaction status management device 40 is a device that mainly manages each device within the LAN 19. For example, the transaction status management device 40 communicates with each device within the LAN 19 (e.g., the settlement device 50, the registered settlement device 51, the lending and return device 90), and monitors the processing status, operation status, etc. of each device within the LAN 19. Further, the transaction status management device 40 may communicate with each device outside the LAN 19 (e.g., the head office server 10, the cloud server 20) (it may communicate directly or via the store controller 30). For example, the transaction status management device 40 may refer to the transaction information (cart information) stored in the cloud server 20.

[0018] The mobile terminal 60 is a terminal used when registering a product in Service A. That is, the customer uses the mobile terminal 60 when registering a product in Service A. In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 60 is lent (loaned) by the store side to the customer (member) who uses Service A. In the present embodiment, the customer who uses Service A borrows the mobile terminal 60 from the lending and return device 90 and returns the borrowed mobile terminal 60 to the lending and return device 90.

[0019] The settlement device 50 is a device used when settling in Service A. That is, the customer uses the settlement device 50 when settling the product registered using the mobile terminal 60. For example, the settlement device 50 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a display unit (touch display), a scanner unit, a card settlement unit (non-cash settlement unit), a change machine (cash settlement unit), a printing unit, an audio output unit, a communication unit, an imaging unit, and a signature pole, and these communicate with each other via a bus.

[0020] Among the above, for example, the scanner unit optically reads various information. Specifically, the scanner unit scans a code (the settlement two-dimensional code GA631 (described later)) displayed on the mobile terminal 60 and reads information necessary for the settlement process. Further, the scanner unit may scan codes attached to vouchers (gift vouchers, coupon vouchers, discount vouchers), various cards (for example, membership cards, point cards, etc.), and read the respective information. Further, the scanner unit may scan a code attached to a name tag of a store clerk or the like and read the store clerk code. Further, the scanner unit may scan a code attached to a product and read the product code (JAN code, etc.). The card settlement unit is a settlement mechanism using various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, cash cards at the time of debit payment, point cards at the time of point payment, etc.). The card settlement unit may include a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it suffices to include at least a card recognition unit. Note that the card recognition unit may recognize various cards (for example, point cards, membership cards, shareholder cards, etc.) for giving benefits, discounts, etc. The change machine is a settlement mechanism using cash, has an inlet for bills and coins, an outlet for bills and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the inlet, calculates the change amount which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, and discharges the change from the outlet. When bills or coins are inserted into the inlet, they are detected by a sensor (detection that insertion has occurred, detection of the number of bills by denomination, etc.). The imaging unit images, for example, customers. Note that the settlement device 50 may include two or more imaging units and may simultaneously image the face and the hand area (near the inlet and outlet of the change machine). The sign pole has a light emitting part at the tip and notifies various information (store clerk call, operation status, etc.) according to the light emission mode of the light emitting part. Note that the settlement device 50 may further include a key operation unit composed of various keys (buttons). Further, the settlement device 50 may further include a sensor (such as a human presence sensor) that detects the presence of a person.

[0021] The registration and settlement device 51 is mainly used by customers and is used for registering and settling goods. The configuration of the registration and settlement device 51 may be the same as that of the settlement device 50. In the registration and settlement device 51, the scanner unit mainly scans the code attached to the goods and reads the product code (such as JAN code, etc.).

[0022] The lending and returning device 90 is a device for lending and returning the mobile terminal 60. As described above, a customer who uses Service A borrows the mobile terminal 60 from the lending and returning device 90 and returns the borrowed mobile terminal 60 to the lending and returning device 90. The lending and returning device 90 is installed, for example, at the entrance and exit of a store or the like. In this embodiment, the lending and returning device 90 has a charging function for charging the mobile terminal 60.

[0023] Figure 2 is a configuration example of the mobile terminal 60. The mobile terminal 60 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage 304, a display unit 305, an audio output unit (speaker, speaker terminal) 314, a communication unit 315, an imaging unit (camera) 316, and an audio input unit (microphone, microphone terminal) 318. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0024] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit. By reading and executing the programs stored in the ROM 302 and the programs stored in the storage 304 (for example, an application program downloaded as an application program used for Service A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a specific application)), the operation of the mobile terminal 60 is controlled. For example, when the imaging unit 316 is imaging the barcode attached to the goods, the CPU 301 extracts the feature points in the captured image (an image acquired as a through image (live view)) captured by the imaging unit 316 and recognizes the barcode as an object. The ROM 302 is a read-only memory and stores various types of information used by the CPU 301, including programs. The RAM 303 is a read-write memory that stores various information as the main memory device. For example, the RAM 303 stores information read from the ROM 302 or the storage 304, information acquired from the outside, information generated in the process, and the like. The storage 304 stores various information (for example, specific applications, screen information of various screens displayed by specific applications, etc.) as an auxiliary storage device. Instead of the RAM 303, the storage 304 may store information read from the ROM 302, information acquired from the outside, information generated in the process, and the like.

[0025] The display unit 305 is a touch display that displays various information and accepts various inputs. The audio output unit 314 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 314 outputs a confirmation sound, a warning sound, voice guidance, etc. Also, the audio output unit 314 may be related to a call and output a call sound and the voice of the other party. The communication unit 315 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (for example, the cloud server 20). Also, the communication unit 315 may be related to a call and transmit and receive audio information to and from other mobile terminals 60 and the like. Note that the communication by the communication unit 315 may be wireless communication based on a method defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (such as 4G, 5G, etc.), or may be wireless communication based on a method defined by a wireless LAN group (such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.). The imaging unit 316 captures images. For example, the imaging unit 316 captures various codes (for example, barcodes, two-dimensional codes). The audio input unit 318 inputs audio. For example, the audio input unit 318 inputs audio in an operation by voice recognition. Also, the audio input unit 318 is related to a call and inputs audio to be transmitted to the other party.

[0026] Note that the mobile terminal 60 may further include a positioning unit (GPS function), a motion determination unit (for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc.), a short-range wireless communication unit (Bluetooth (registered trademark), an infrared sensor), and the like.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows an example of the appearance of the lending / returning device 90. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the holder section 93 and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the lending / returning device 90 includes a housing section 91 and a display section 905. On the upper surface of the housing section 91, a mobile terminal installation section 92 is formed. The mobile terminal installation section 92 is formed in a stepped shape of 1 to 5 steps. In each step (the 1st to 5th steps) of the mobile terminal installation section 92, five holder sections 93 are formed. That is, a total of 25 holder sections 93 are formed in the lending / returning device 90 (mobile terminal installation section 92).

[0028] Incidentally, the holder section 93 that is the Bth (B ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}) from the left in the Ath (A ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}) step may be referred to as the holder section 93-AB. For example, the holder section 93 that is the 2nd from the left in the 1st step is referred to as the holder section 93-12, and the holder section 93 that is the 4th from the left in the 2nd step is referred to as the holder section 93-24. Also, the five holder sections 93 (holder sections 93-A1, 93-A2, 93-A3, 93-A4, 93-A5) that are the 1st to 5th from the left belonging to the Ath step may be collectively referred to as the holder section 93-AX. For example, in FIG. 4, the five holder sections 93-11, 93-12, 93-13, 93-14, 93-15 in the 1st step are collectively shown as the holder section 93-1X. Also, the five holder sections 93 (holder sections 93-1B, 93-2B, 93-3B, 93-4B, 93-5B) that are the Bth from the left belonging to each step may be collectively referred to as the holder section 93-XB.

[0029] A mobile terminal 60 can be set (installed) in each holder section 93. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 60 is set in each of the holder sections 93-X4 (the five holder sections 93-14, 93-24, 93-34, 93-44, 93-54 that are the 4th from the left belonging to each step).

[0030] Each holder part 93 is provided with a mobile terminal connection part 917. That is, in the lending / return device 90 (mobile terminal installation part 92), a total of 25 mobile terminal connection parts 917 are formed. In addition, the mobile terminal connection part 917 provided in the holder part 93-AB (the B-th holder part 93 from the left in the A-th row) may be referred to as the mobile terminal connection part 917-AB. For example, in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal connection parts 917-11, 917-12, 917-13, 917-14, 917-15 provided in each of the holder parts 93-1X are shown.

[0031] Each mobile terminal connection part 917 can wirelessly supply power (charge) to the mobile terminal 60 set in each holder part 93. In addition, each mobile terminal connection part 917 can wirelessly transmit and receive information (communicate) with the mobile terminal 60 set in each holder part 93. That is, the lending / return device 90 wirelessly supplies power to the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder part 93-AB via the mobile terminal connection part 917-AB, and wirelessly transmits and receives information with the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder part 93-AB via the mobile terminal connection part 917-AB. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lending / return device 90 wirelessly supplies power to the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder part 93-14 via the mobile terminal connection part 917-14, and wirelessly transmits and receives information with the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder part 93-14 via the mobile terminal connection part 917-14.

[0032] A customer who starts a transaction by Service A takes out the mobile terminal 60 set in the lending / return device 90 (any one of the holder parts 93-11 to 93-55), and sets (returns) it to the lending / return device 90 (any one of the holder parts 93-11 to 93-55) after the transaction ends. In the following description, as the state of the mobile terminal 60, the state of being set in the lending / return device 90 (any one of the holder parts 93-11 to 93-55) may be referred to as the non-lent state (stored state), and the state of not being set may be referred to as the lent state (non-stored state).

[0033] Note that the lending and returning device 90 may transmit predetermined information to the mobile terminal 60 set in the lending and returning device 90 (holder unit 93) at predetermined intervals (transmitting without depending on a request from the mobile terminal 60 or transmitting in response to a request from the mobile terminal 60). The mobile terminal 60 may determine whether it is in a lent state based on communication with the lending and returning device 90. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may determine that it is in a stored state when receiving predetermined information from the lending and returning device 90 at predetermined intervals, and determine that it is in a lent state when not receiving predetermined information from the lending and returning device 90 at predetermined intervals. The mobile terminal 60 may determine whether it is in a lent state based on power supply from the lending and returning device 90 instead of or in addition to communication with the lending and returning device 90. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may determine that it is in a stored state when there is power supply from the lending and returning device 90 (the power supply continues if it is set to continuously consume power by screen display), and determine that it is in a lent state when there is no power supply.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a configuration example of the lending and returning device 90. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIGS. 3 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 5, the lending and returning device 90 includes a CPU 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, a storage 904, a display unit 905, a communication unit 915, and a mobile terminal connection unit 917. Although one mobile terminal connection unit 917 is shown in FIG. 5, the lending and returning device 90 includes 25 mobile terminal connection units 917-11 to 917-55 as described in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0035] The CPU 901 is a central processing unit that controls the entire lending and returning device 90. For example, the CPU 901 controls the display on the display unit 905. Also, for example, the CPU 901 controls the transmission and reception of information by the mobile terminal connection unit 917. Note that the CPU 901 may control the power supply by the mobile terminal connection unit 917. The ROM 902 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 901. The RAM 903 is a read-write memory that stores various types of information as a main memory device. Storage 904 stores various information (e.g., images to be displayed on display unit 905) as an auxiliary storage device. Note that information stored in other devices (e.g., cloud server 20, etc.) may be received and stored in storage 904. Display unit 905 displays various information (e.g., images, etc.). The display mode of display unit 905 will be described later. Note that display unit 905 may be one that not only displays various information but also accepts various inputs (e.g., a touch display). Communication unit 915 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (e.g., head office server 10, cloud server 20). Note that the communication by communication unit 915 may be wireless communication based on a method according to regulations defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (such as 4G, 5G, etc.), or may be wireless communication based on a method according to regulations defined by a wireless LAN group (such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.). Mobile terminal connection unit 917 wirelessly connects to mobile terminal 60. As described in FIGS. 3 and 4, mobile terminal connection unit 917 wirelessly supplies power to mobile terminal 60 and wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from mobile terminal 60.

[0036] Note that lending / returning device 90 may also receive information stored in other devices (e.g., cloud server 20, etc.) and display it on display unit 905 in addition to the information stored in its own storage unit (ROM 902, RAM 903, storage 904). Also, lending / returning device 90 may not include storage 904 (information such as that stored in storage 904 may be obtained from other devices).

[0037] Note that lending / returning device 90 may further include an imaging unit, a key operation unit, a human sensor, a sign pole, etc.

[0038] Figs. 6 to 9 are display examples of the mobile terminal 60. Figs. 6(A) to 6(C) are tutorial screens (guidance screens) of Service A. Fig. 6(D) is a preparation screen (charging screen). Fig. 7(A) is a menu screen of Service A. Figs. 7(B) to 8(A) are registration screens. Fig. 8(B) is a 2D code display screen for settlement. Fig. 8(C) is a 2D code reading completion screen for settlement. Fig. 8(D) is a transaction completion screen (settlement completion screen). Figs. 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams for explaining the small screen SG660. Fig. 9(C) is a caution screen. The mobile terminal 60 stores the screen information of the above-described various screens in a storage unit (for example, the storage 304).

[0039] (Tutorial Screen) The tutorial screen is a screen for explaining Service A. When the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value in the storage state where the mobile terminal 60 is set in the lending / returning device 90, the mobile terminal 60 displays a tutorial screen as shown in Figs. 6(A) to 6(C). Further, in the lending state where the mobile terminal 60 is not set in the lending / returning device 90, the mobile terminal 60 displays a tutorial screen as shown in Figs. 6(A) to 6(C) until a predetermined operation (operation of the service start button BT604) is performed.

[0040] An image GA601 introducing shopping (concept) by Service A is displayed on the tutorial screen shown in Fig. 6(A). An image GA602 introducing shopping (product registration part) by Service A is displayed on the tutorial screen shown in Fig. 6(B). An image GA603 introducing shopping (accounting part) by Service A is displayed on the tutorial screen shown in Fig. 6(C). Further, a service start button BT604 declaring the start of the service is arranged on the tutorial screens shown in Figs. 6(A) to 6(C). Note that the tutorial screen shown in Fig. 6(A) may be referred to as the first tutorial screen, the tutorial screen shown in Fig. 6(B) may be referred to as the second tutorial screen, and the tutorial screen shown in Fig. 6(C) may be referred to as the third tutorial screen.

[0041] If the service start button BT604 is not operated within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) from the start of displaying the first tutorial screen, the mobile terminal 60 displays the second tutorial screen. If the service start button BT604 is not operated within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) from the start of displaying the second tutorial screen, the mobile terminal 60 displays the third tutorial screen. If the service start button BT604 is not operated within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) from the start of displaying the third tutorial screen, the mobile terminal 60 displays the first tutorial screen. That is, when the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value in the storage state set in the lending / returning device 90, the mobile terminal 60 repeatedly displays the first to third tutorial screens until a predetermined operation (operation of the service start button BT604) is performed.

[0042] A customer who uses Service A may borrow the mobile terminal 60 from the lending / returning device 90 and use the borrowed mobile terminal 60 by attaching it to the shopping cart, or may use the mobile terminal 60 while holding it in hand without attaching it to the shopping cart. Note that the image GA602 of the second tutorial screen shown in FIG. 6(B) (the same applies to the image GA603 of the third tutorial screen shown in FIG. 6(C)) shows a state where the mobile terminal 60 is used with it attached to the shopping cart.

[0043] (Preparing screen) The preparing screen is a screen for notifying that the mobile terminal 60 is being prepared (charged). When the remaining battery level is less than the reference value in the storage state set in the lending / returning device 90, the mobile terminal 60 displays a preparing screen as shown in FIG. 6(D). The preparing screen shown in FIG. 6(D) displays a message indicating that it is being prepared and a guide prompting the use of other mobile terminals 60.

[0044] (Menu screen) The menu screen (the same applies to the registration screen, the payment 2D code display screen, the payment 2D code reading completion screen, the transaction completion screen, and the caution screen) is a screen displayed in the unrented state not set in the lending / return device 90. When the service start button BT604 is operated on the tutorial screen of the mobile terminal 60 and the member identification information (member number) is input, the mobile terminal 60 displays a menu screen as shown in Fig. 7(A). For example, when a member borrows (takes out) the mobile terminal 60 (the mobile terminal 60 displaying the tutorial screen) from the lending / return device 90 and operates the service start button BT604 on the tutorial screen, the mobile terminal 60 displays an input field for receiving the input of the member identification information and an execution button after the operation of the service start button BT604 (for example, a small screen provided with the above input field and execution button is displayed in front of the tutorial screen). When the member inputs the member identification information in the input field and operates the execution button, the mobile terminal 60 displays a menu screen as shown in Fig. 7(A). Various buttons related to Service A are arranged on the menu screen shown in Fig. 7(A). For example, a shopping start button BT610 for declaring the start of shopping is arranged on the menu screen shown in Fig. 7(A).

[0045] (Registration screen) When the shopping start button BT610 is operated on the menu screen of the mobile terminal 60, the mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen (initial registration screen) as shown in Fig. 7(B). The upper part of the registration screen is mainly an imaging image display area HR621 for displaying the captured image. The central part of the imaging image display area HR621 is a barcode reading area suitable for reading the barcode (a rectangular area with a message "Please hold the barcode in front" displayed in the center). The lower part of the registration screen is mainly a registration information display area HR622 for displaying the registration information of the product. The lowermost part of the registration screen is a related information display area HR623 for displaying other related information.

[0046] Figure 7(C) shows the registration screen (initial registration screen) when ○○ bread is imaged as one item of merchandise. In the imaging image display area HR621 (barcode reading area) of the registration screen shown in Figure 7(C), the barcode attached to ○○ bread is displayed as a through image.

[0047] Figure 7(D) shows the registration screen after the registration of one item of merchandise (○○ bread) is completed. That is, when the registration of one item of merchandise (○○ bread) is completed, the mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen as shown in Figure 7(D). In the registration information display area HR622 of the registration screen shown in Figure 7(D), the product name "○○ bread", the quantity "1", and the price "￥220" are displayed (reference sign a). Also, in the registration information display area HR622, the approximate total "1 item ￥220" is displayed (reference sign b). The mobile terminal 60 displays a part of the registration information (quantity) as a quantity button. The quantity button is a button for changing the quantity.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7(D), after registering the merchandise (one item of merchandise), the mobile terminal 60 displays the "Proceed to Checkout" button BT626 that can be operated to declare that the registration of the merchandise is completed and proceed to checkout (settlement), and also displays an image GA627 explaining the "Proceed to Checkout" button BT626.

[0049] Figure 8(A) shows the registration screen after the registration of two items of merchandise (○○ oolong tea) is completed. That is, when the registration of two items of merchandise (○○ oolong tea) is completed, the mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen as shown in Figure 8(A).

[0050] (2D Code Display Screen for Settlement) When the "Proceed to Checkout" button BT626 is operated on the registration screen shown in Figure 8(A), the mobile terminal 60 displays a 2D code display screen for settlement as shown in Figure 8(B). The 2D code display screen for settlement shown in Figure 8(B) displays the 2D code for settlement GA631 and an image GA633 explaining how to have the 2D code for settlement GA631 read by the settlement device 50, and the "Return to Shopping" button BT639 is arranged.

[0051] The payment two-dimensional code GA631 encodes information necessary for executing a payment process into a two-dimensional code. For example, the payment two-dimensional code GA631 encodes into a two-dimensional code the transaction identification information for identifying the transaction information of the relevant transaction from among a plurality of transaction information stored in the cloud server 20. Note that as long as the payment device 50 can acquire the transaction information of the relevant transaction by reading, the information to be two-dimensionally coded does not have to be the transaction identification information. For example, the payment two-dimensional code GA631 may be a two-dimensional code encoding the location information (storage location within the sales system 1, such as a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)) of the transaction information of the relevant transaction.

[0052] (Payment Two-Dimensional Code Reading Completion Screen) When the member causes the payment device 50 to read the payment two-dimensional code GA631 displayed on the payment two-dimensional code display screen, the mobile terminal 60 displays a payment two-dimensional code reading completion screen as shown in Fig. 8(C). On the payment two-dimensional code reading completion screen shown in Fig. 8(C), an image GA641 indicating that the payment machine (payment device 50) has read the accounting code (payment two-dimensional code GA631) and guiding the payment by the payment machine is displayed.

[0053] (Transaction Completion Screen) When the payment in the payment device 50 is completed, the mobile terminal 60 displays a transaction completion screen as shown in Fig. 8(D). On the transaction completion screen shown in Fig. 8(D), an image GA651 indicating that the transaction has been completed and guiding the return to the lending / return device 90 of the mobile terminal 60 is displayed.

[0054] Note that the mobile terminal 60 may notify the position of the lending / return device 90 on the transaction completion screen. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may display, on the transaction completion screen, an image indicating the position of the lending / return device 90 (map image, floor image) instead of or in addition to the image showing the return status of the lending / return device 90 (image GA651 shown in FIG. 8(D)) (it may be displayed as one image showing the position of the lending / return device 90 and the return status of the lending / return device 90). Further, the mobile terminal 60 may display, on the transaction completion screen, the correct way to return the lending / return device 90 (the method of correctly charging the set). For example, the mobile terminal 60 may display, on the transaction completion screen, an image showing the correct way to charge the set instead of or in addition to the image showing the return status of the lending / return device 90 (image GA651 shown in FIG. 8(D)) and the image indicating the position of the lending / return device 90 (it may be displayed as one image).

[0055] (Small screen displayed in the placed state) When the mobile terminal 60 is in a placed state (described later) during lending (lending state), it displays a small screen SG660 as shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B). FIG. 9(A) shows the small screen SG660 displayed on the front of the registration screen, and FIG. 9(B) shows the small screen SG660 displayed on the front of the settlement two-dimensional code display screen.

[0056] (Caution screen) The mobile terminal 60 displays a caution screen as shown in FIG. 9(C) in a predetermined case during lending (lending state). For example, the mobile terminal 60 displays a caution screen when there is a response indicating that it is not in use (operation of the "No" button) on the small screen SG660 or when there is no response within a predetermined time after the display of the small screen SG660.

[0057] (Abnormal screen) When operation confirmation is required for the mobile terminal 60 (when there is a risk of failure or the like), it displays an abnormal screen. For example, when operation confirmation is required in the stored state, the mobile terminal 60 may display an abnormal screen as shown in FIG. 9(D).

[0058] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 60. Specifically, the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state (processing at the time of storage). The mobile terminal 60 repeatedly executes the storage-time processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 in the stored state. Note that, in relation to the storage-time processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (the same applies to the storage-time processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 described later), it is assumed that the mobile terminal 60 stores an erased flag (not erased "0 (initial value)", erased "1") and a tutorial display flag (not displayed "0 (initial value)", being displayed "1") in a storage unit (for example, the RAM 303 and the storage 304). Further, it is assumed that when the mobile terminal 60 changes from the lent state to the stored state, the erased flag is initialized to 0 (not erased), and the tutorial display flag is initialized to 0 (not displayed). Further, the battery consumption (the same applies to the preparation screen) due to the display of the tutorial screen (the same applies to the preparation screen) is extremely small (a consumption amount that can be ignored with respect to the charge amount) (if it is not extremely small, there is no meaning in charging). In relation to this, the charging by the lending return device 90 may be high-spec charging (such as rapid charging), and the screen that can be displayed during charging (such as the tutorial screen and the preparation screen) may not be an extremely rich screen.

[0059] Step S1: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the erased flag is 1 (erased). If the erased flag is 1 (erased) (Step S1: YES), the process proceeds to Step S8. If the erased flag is 0 (not erased) (Step S1: NO), the process proceeds to Step S2.

[0060] Step S2: The mobile terminal 60 erases the transaction information (member number, product registration information, etc. stored in the transaction of Service A). That is, the mobile terminal 60 initializes the transaction information stored at the time of past lending. Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S3. Step S3: The mobile terminal 60 sets the erased flag to 1 (erased). Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S8.

[0061] Step S8: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the tutorial display flag is 1 (displaying). If the tutorial display flag is 1 (displaying) (Step S8: YES), it proceeds to Step S14. If the tutorial display flag is 0 (not displayed) (Step S8: NO), it proceeds to Step S9. Step S9: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the remaining battery level of the mobile terminal 60 is equal to or higher than a reference value. If it is equal to or higher than the reference value (Step S9: YES), it proceeds to Step S10. If it is less than the reference value (Step S9: NO), it proceeds to Step S15. Note that the reference value for comparison with the remaining battery level may be calculated (determined) based on, for example, the consumption amount in one rental. Step S10: The mobile terminal 60 sets the tutorial display flag to 1 (displaying). Subsequently, it proceeds to Step S14.

[0062] Step S14: The mobile terminal 60 displays the tutorial screen (the first to third tutorial screens) (if already displayed, continue to display). Then, the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends (after ending, resume from Step S1). Step S15: The mobile terminal 60 displays the preparation screen (if already displayed, continue to display). Then, the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends (after ending, resume from Step S1).

[0063] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 (the same applies to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14), when it is determined that the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value, the tutorial display flag is set to 1 (displaying), and thereafter (as long as the storage state continues), the determination as to whether the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value is omitted. That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, by using the tutorial display flag, the number of times of determining whether the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value is reduced, and a decrease in the remaining battery level due to the determination is suppressed. Further, by using the tutorial display flag, even if a situation occurs in which the remaining battery level that was equal to or higher than the reference value becomes less than the reference value due to the display of the tutorial screen (note that, as described above, the consumption of the battery due to the display of the tutorial screen is extremely small and thus basically does not occur), a phenomenon in which the preparation screen and the tutorial screen frequently switch is prevented.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 60 and the cloud server 20. Specifically, the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 11 shows an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 60 and the cloud server 20 from when the menu screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state until the two-dimensional code display screen for settlement is displayed. In FIG. 11, the left side shows the processing of the mobile terminal 60, and the right side shows the processing of the cloud server 20. Note that in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 11 (the same applies to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 12), it is assumed that the mobile terminal 60 is not in the left-behind state (the state of step S20 (YES) in FIG. 13).

[0065] Step S100: The mobile terminal 60 displays a menu screen (FIG. 7(A)). For example, the mobile terminal 60 displays the menu screen based on the fact that the service start button BT604 is operated on the tutorial screen and the member identification information is input. Step S101: The mobile terminal 60 receives an operation to start shopping (operation of the shopping start button BT610 on the menu screen). Step S102: The mobile terminal 60 transmits shopping start instruction information notifying that there has been an operation to instruct the start of shopping. The shopping start instruction information includes member identification information.

[0066] Step S103: The cloud server 20 receives the shopping start instruction information. Step S104: The cloud server 20 generates (assigns a serial number) transaction identification information. Also, the cloud server 20 generates transaction information (registration information (such as "Product 1") is empty) for the transaction. Step S105: The cloud server 20 transmits the transaction identification information.

[0067] Step S106: The mobile terminal 60 receives and stores the transaction identification information. Step S107: The mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen (initial registration screen. FIG. 7(B)).

[0068] Step S108: The mobile terminal 60 reads the barcode attached to one item of merchandise. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the mobile terminal 60 reads the barcode by imaging the barcode attached to the merchandise. The mobile terminal 60 obtains the product code of the merchandise from the above barcode. Step S109: The mobile terminal 60 transmits the transaction identification information of the transaction and the product code of the merchandise.

[0069] Step S110: The cloud server 20 receives the transaction identification information and the product code. Step S111: The cloud server 20 updates the transaction information of the transaction. Specifically, the cloud server 20 identifies the merchandise based on the received product code and stores the product information of the merchandise in "registration information (Product 1)". Also, the cloud server 20 stores the product information (price, etc.) of the merchandise in "registration information (total)". Step S112: The cloud server 20 transmits the product information (registration information) of the merchandise.

[0070] Step S113: The mobile terminal 60 receives the product information (registration information). Step S114: The mobile terminal 60 displays (updates the display content) the registration screen (Fig. 7(D)).

[0071] Note that after this step S114, it is also possible to read the barcodes attached to the products from the second item onwards (the second item product, the third item product, etc.) (step S108), and it is also possible to accept the operation to proceed to settlement (step S115).

[0072] Step S115: The mobile terminal 60 accepts the operation to proceed to settlement (the operation of the button BT626 to proceed to settlement on the registration screen). Step S116: The mobile terminal 60 displays the settlement two-dimensional code display screen (Fig. 8(B)). That is, the mobile terminal 60 displays the settlement two-dimensional code GA631 to be read by the settlement device 50. Note that the mobile terminal 60 may generate the settlement two-dimensional code GA631 by itself and display it on the settlement two-dimensional code display screen, or request another device (for example, the cloud server 20), and receive the settlement two-dimensional code GA631 generated by another device in response to the request and display it on the settlement two-dimensional code display screen.

[0073] Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the settlement device 50, the cloud server 20, and the mobile terminal 60. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 12 shows an example of the settlement device 50, the cloud server 20, and the mobile terminal 60 from when the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state displays the settlement two-dimensional code display screen (the settlement two-dimensional code GA631) (step S116 in Fig. 11) until it displays the transaction completion screen. In Fig. 12, the left side shows the processing of the settlement device 50, the center shows the processing of the cloud server 20, and the right side shows the processing of the mobile terminal 60. Note that at the start of the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 12, it is assumed that the settlement device 50 is displaying a screen (initial screen, not shown) guiding to read the settlement two-dimensional code GA631.

[0074] Step S120: The settlement device 50 reads the two-dimensional code GA631 for settlement displayed on the mobile terminal 60 on the initial screen. The settlement device 50 acquires transaction identification information for identifying transaction information of the transaction (the transaction in which goods were registered using the mobile terminal 60) from the two-dimensional code GA631 for settlement. Step S121: The settlement device 50 transmits transaction information request information for requesting the transaction information of the transaction. The transaction information request information includes transaction identification information for identifying the transaction. Step S122: The cloud server 20 receives the transaction information request information. Step S123: The cloud server 20 transmits the transaction information of the transaction. Step S124: The settlement device 50 receives and stores the transaction information of the transaction. Step S125: The settlement device 50 displays a product list screen (not shown) that lists the products (product names, prices, etc.) in the transaction based on the transaction information. On the product list screen, a confirmation button is arranged for the member to proceed with the process after confirming the products (product names, prices, etc.) in the transaction.

[0075] Step S126: After receiving the transaction information request information (in this example, after transmitting the transaction information to the settlement device 50), the cloud server 20 transmits reading completion information for notifying that the settlement device 50 has read the two-dimensional code GA631 for settlement. The reading completion information may include transaction identification information. Note that the cloud server 20 may transmit the reading completion information to the mobile terminal 60 before transmitting the transaction information to the settlement device 50. Step S127: The mobile terminal 60 receives the reading completion information. Step S128: The mobile terminal 60 displays a two-dimensional code reading completion screen (Fig. 8(C)).

[0076] Step S129: Based on the confirmation operation (operation of the confirmation button) on the product list screen, the settlement device 50 displays a settlement method selection screen (settlement type selection screen, not shown) for selecting a settlement method (for example, cash settlement, credit card settlement). On the settlement method selection screen, there are settlement type buttons (for example, cash button, credit card button) for the member to select the settlement method for the transaction. Step S130: Based on the settlement method selection operation (operation of the settlement type button) on the settlement method selection screen, the settlement device 50 displays a settlement content confirmation screen (settlement execution instruction screen, not shown) for confirming the settlement content including the settlement method. On the settlement content confirmation screen, there is a confirmation button for the member to proceed with the process after confirming the settlement content of the transaction. Step S131: The settlement device 50 performs settlement (payment) based on the confirmation operation (operation of the confirmation button) on the settlement content confirmation screen. For example, when it is cash settlement, the settlement device 50 uses the change machine for settlement, and when it is credit card settlement, the settlement device 50 uses the card settlement unit for settlement. Although not shown in the figure, when it is credit card settlement, the settlement device 50 transmits and receives information to and from an external device (for example, a server related to credit settlement (not shown)) for settlement. Step S132: The settlement device 50 transmits settlement information. The settlement information includes transaction identification information. Step S133: The settlement device 50 displays an initial screen (not shown).

[0077] Step S134: The cloud server 20 transmits the settlement information. Step S135: After receiving the settlement information, the cloud server 20 transmits transaction completion information notifying that the transaction has been completed. The transaction completion information may include transaction identification information. Step S136: The mobile terminal 60 receives the transaction completion information. Step S137: The mobile terminal 60 displays a transaction completion screen (Fig. 8(D)).

[0078] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 60. Specifically, the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process (idle state monitoring process) for monitoring the idle state of the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state. The mobile terminal 60 in the lent state executes the idle state monitoring process (the process shown in FIG. 13) in parallel with the transaction execution process related to Service A (the processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). For example, the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state executes the idle state monitoring process (FIG. 13) in each scenario such as during the period until an operation to start shopping is received on the menu screen (between steps S100 and S101 in FIG. 11), during the period from receiving the operation to start shopping until transmitting the shopping start instruction information (between steps S101 and S102), and during the period from transmitting the shopping start instruction information until receiving the transaction identification information (between steps S102 and S105). That is, when the mobile terminal 60 is in the lent state, it performs the transaction execution process related to Service A (FIGS. 11 and 12) and the idle state monitoring process (FIG. 13) in parallel (as multi-tasks).

[0079] Step S20: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the mobile terminal 60 is in an idle state (a state of being left unattended by a person for a predetermined time during the lending period). As an example, the mobile terminal 60 determines that it is in an idle state when there is no movement of the position (for example, determined by a GPS, an acceleration sensor, etc.), no change in the posture (for example, determined by an angular velocity sensor), and no operation for a predetermined time. If it is in the idle state (step S20: YES), the process proceeds to step S21. If it is not in the idle state (step S20: NO), the flowchart in FIG. 13 ends. That is, when the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state determines that it is not in the idle state, it executes the transaction execution process related to Service A (FIGS. 11 and 12) and resumes the flowchart in FIG. 13 from step S20 as appropriate (for example, by interruption).

[0080] Step S21: The mobile terminal 60 displays a confirmation screen for checking whether it is in use. For example, the mobile terminal 60 displays a small screen SG660 (FIGS. 9(A)(B)) with a YES button indicating that it is in use and a NO button indicating that it is not in use. For example, when the mobile terminal 60 determines that it is in a stationary state during the display of the registration screen, it displays the small screen SG660 in front of the registration screen as shown in FIG. 9(A). When it determines that it is in a stationary state during the display of the settlement two-dimensional code display screen, it displays the small screen SG660 in front of the settlement two-dimensional code display screen as shown in FIG. 9(B). Subsequently, it proceeds to step S22.

[0081] Step S22: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether there is a response indicating that it is in use. For example, the mobile terminal 60 determines whether there is an operation on the YES button on the small screen SG660. If there is a response indicating that it is in use (step S22(YES)), it proceeds to step S27. If there is no response indicating that it is in use (step S22(NO)), it proceeds to step S23. Step S23: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether there is a response indicating that it is not in use. For example, the mobile terminal 60 determines whether there is an operation on the NO button on the small screen SG660. If there is a response indicating that it is not in use (step S23(YES)), it proceeds to step S25. If there is no response indicating that it is not in use (step S23(NO)), it proceeds to step S24. Step S24: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes) has elapsed since the start of confirmation (start of display of the small screen SG660). If it has elapsed (step S24(YES)), it proceeds to step S25. If it has not elapsed (step S24(NO)), it returns to step S22.

[0082] Step S25: The mobile terminal 60 deletes the transaction information (member number, product registration information, etc. stored in the transaction of Service A). Subsequently, it proceeds to step S26.

[0083] Step S26: The mobile terminal 60 displays a caution screen (Fig. 9(C)). Then, the flowchart in Fig. 13 ends. That is, when the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state is in the idle state and not in use, it erases the transaction information, displays a caution screen, and aborts the transaction execution process related to Service A (Figs. 11 and 12).

[0084] Note that the caution screen shown in Fig. 9(C) displays a message asking the customer, who is the user of the mobile terminal 60, to return the mobile terminal 60 (the message "Please return this device to its original location when you stop using it.") and a message asking the customer, who is not the user of the mobile terminal 60, to contact the store clerk about the mobile terminal 60 (the message "If you find this device, please call the store clerk."). Instead of the caution screen shown in Fig. 9(C), a caution screen A that displays a message asking the customer, who is the user of the mobile terminal 60, to return the mobile terminal 60 and a caution screen B that displays a message asking the customer, who is not the user of the mobile terminal 60, to contact the store clerk about the mobile terminal 60 may be prepared. When there is a response indicating that it is not in use (Step S23(YES)), the mobile terminal 60 may display the caution screen A, and when a predetermined time has elapsed (Step S24(NO)), it may display the caution screen B.

[0085] Step S27: The mobile terminal 60 erases the confirmation screen (small screen SG660). Then, the flowchart in Fig. 13 ends. That is, when the mobile terminal 60 in the lent state is determined to be in the idle state but is actually in use, it erases the confirmation screen (small screen SG660), executes the transaction execution process related to Service A (Figs. 11 and 12), and resumes the flowchart in Fig. 13 from Step S20 as appropriate (e.g., by interruption).

[0086] According to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the mobile terminal 60 is in a left-alone state (a state of being left alone by a person for a predetermined time during lending), it responds that it is not in use or deletes transaction information when a predetermined time has elapsed. On the other hand, according to the flowchart of FIG. 10, when the mobile terminal 60 is in a stored state (when it is returned to the holder unit 93), it immediately deletes the transaction information.

[0087] (Display of Tutorial Screen in Stored State) When the battery remaining amount of the mobile terminal 60 (the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state) set in the lending / returning device 90 is equal to or greater than the reference value, it displays a tutorial screen (the first tutorial screen in FIG. 6(A), the second tutorial screen in FIG. 6(B), the third tutorial screen in FIG. 6(C)) (FIG. 10). However, when a plurality of mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value are set in the lending / returning device 90, the plurality of mobile terminals 60 display the tutorial screen in any one of the following display modes 1, 2, and 3.

[0088] (Display Mode 1 / Each Independently Displays Tutorial Screen) Each mobile terminal 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value independently displays the tutorial screen regardless of other mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value. For example, when the mobile terminal 60 determines that the battery remaining amount is equal to or greater than the reference value, it displays the first tutorial screen immediately after the determination, and thereafter, it may repeatedly display the first to third tutorial screens in the order of the second tutorial screen → the third tutorial screen → the first tutorial screen. That is, when a mobile terminal 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value is set in the lending / returning device 90, the display of the first tutorial screen starts when it is set. When a mobile terminal 60 with a battery remaining amount less than the reference value is set in the lending / returning device 90, the display of the first tutorial screen may start when the battery remaining amount becomes equal to or greater than the reference value by charging. Note that the storage process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 shows the control according to this display mode 1.

[0089] (Display mode 2 / Multiple units display the tutorial screen in tandem) As described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the lending / returning device 90 includes 25 holder units 93 (holder units 93-11 to 93-55). When a plurality of mobile terminals 60 with remaining battery power levels equal to or above the reference value are set (unlike display mode 3, the positions of the holder units 93 set do not matter), the timings of switching between the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide for the plurality of mobile terminals 60. For example, when two mobile terminals 60 with remaining battery power levels equal to or above the reference value are set in the lending / returning device 90, the timings of switching between the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide for the two mobile terminals 60. In addition, when three mobile terminals 60 with remaining battery power levels equal to or above the reference value are set in the lending / returning device 90, the timings of switching between the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide for the three mobile terminals 60.

[0090] The above-mentioned plurality of devices may be a predetermined number or more. For example, in the case where the predetermined number is 10, when there are less than 10 mobile terminals 60 whose remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than the reference value, each of the less than 10 mobile terminals 60 may display a tutorial screen independently of the other mobile terminals 60 (display mode 1), and when there are 10 or more mobile terminals 60 whose remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than the reference value, each of the 10 or more mobile terminals 60 may display a tutorial screen by synchronizing the switching timing of the first to third tutorial screens (display mode 2).

[0091] In display mode 2, the rental / return device 90 may determine whether or not the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens are to be synchronized (that is, whether or not there are multiple portable terminals 60 whose remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than a reference value in display mode 2). The switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens may be controlled by the rental / return device 90 or by each individual portable terminal 60 (for example, the clocks of all portable terminals 60 may be accurately synchronized, and the timings may be synchronized after the rental / return device 90 makes the above-mentioned determination).

[0092] (Display mode 3: Multiple devices within a group display the tutorial screen in synchronization) As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lending / returning device 90 includes 25 holder units 93 (holder units 93-11 to 93-55). Two or more of the 25 holder units 93 are grouped together, and 1 to 12 groups can be preset in the lending / returning device 90 (details will be described later). When all the mobile terminals 6 are set on all the holder units 93 belonging to a certain group, and the remaining battery levels of all the mobile terminals 60 set on the holder units 93 belonging to the group are equal to or higher than the reference value, the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide for all the mobile terminals 60 set on the holder units 93 belonging to the group.

[0093] In display mode 3, whether or not to make the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens coincide (that is, in display mode 3, whether all the mobile terminals 6 are set on all the holder units 93 belonging to a certain group, and whether the remaining battery levels of all the mobile terminals 60 set on the holder units 93 belonging to the group are equal to or higher than the reference value) may be determined by the lending / returning device 90. Regarding the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens, the lending / returning device 90 may perform control, or each individual mobile terminal 60 may perform control (for example, the clocks of all the mobile terminals 60 may be accurately adjusted, and the timings may be made to coincide after the above determination by the lending / returning device 90).

[0094] The following (1) to (6) are examples of group settings in display mode 3. The lending / returning device 90 stores information regarding the set groups in a storage unit (for example, RAM 903, storage 904). (1) Setting example 1 (A group consisting of 5 in a horizontal row) Group 1 (The 5 holder units 93-1X in the first row) Group 2 (The 5 holder units 93-2X in the second row) Group 3 (The 5 holder units 93-3X in the third row) Group 4 (The 5 holder units 93-4X in the fourth row) Group 5 (five holder parts 93-5X in the fifth row) (2) Setting Example 2 (a group consisting of five in a vertical column) Group 1 (five holder parts 93-X1 at the first position from the left in each row) Group 2 (five holder parts 93-X2 at the second position from the left in each row) Group 3 (five holder parts 93-X3 at the third position from the left in each row) Group 4 (five holder parts 93-X4 at the fourth position from the left in each row) Group 5 (five holder parts 93-X5 at the fifth position from the left in each row) (3) Setting Example 3 (a group consisting of four at the four corners) Group 1 (four holder parts 93-11, 12, 21, 22 at the lower left corner) Group 2 (four holder parts 93-14, 15, 24, 25 at the lower right corner) Group 3 (four holder parts 93-41, 42, 51, 52 at the upper left corner) Group 4 (four holder parts 93-44, 45, 54, 55 at the upper right corner) (4) Setting Example 4 (a group consisting of nine near the center) Group 1 (holder part 93-YY). Y is {2, 3, 4} (5) Setting Example 5 (a group consisting of five on the diagonal) Group 1 (five holder parts 93-11, 22, 33, 44, 55 on the rising diagonal from the lower left to the upper right) Group 2 (five holder parts 93-51, 42, 33, 24, 15 on the falling diagonal from the upper left to the lower right) (6) Setting Example 6 (a group consisting of twenty-five (the whole unit)) Group 1 (holder part 93-XX)

[0095] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 60. Instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 (processing example in the case of display mode 1), the mobile terminal 60 may execute the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 (processing example in the case of display mode 2 and display mode 3). In a mode where a plurality of mobile terminals 60 in the stored state display the tutorial screen in conjunction as in display mode 2 or display mode 3, the mobile terminal 60 repeatedly executes, for example, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14. Note that since the processing of steps S1, S2, S8 to S10, S14, and S15 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is the same as that in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (processing example in the case of display mode 1), a part of the description will be omitted. In relation to the storage processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 60 stores an interlocking display flag (interlocking display off "0 (initial value)", interlocking display on "1") in a storage unit (for example, RAM 303, storage 304). Further, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 60 initializes the interlocking display flag to 0 (no interlocking display) when changing from the lent state to the stored state.

[0096] Step S1: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the erased flag is 1 (erased). If the erased flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S4. If the erased flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S2: The mobile terminal 60 erases the transaction information. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S3. Step S3: The mobile terminal 60 sets the erased flag to 1. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0097] Step S4: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether it has received the linkage start instruction information for instructing the start of the linked display of the tutorial screen from the lending return device 90. If the linkage start instruction information has been received (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5. If the linkage start instruction information has not been received (step S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S6. Step S5: The mobile terminal 60 sets the interlocking display flag to 1 (interlocking display on). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0098] Step S6: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether it has received from the lending / returning device 90 the linked termination instruction information for instructing the termination of the linked display of the tutorial screen. If it has received the linked termination instruction information (Step S6: YES), it proceeds to Step S7. If it has not received the linked termination instruction information (Step S6: NO), it proceeds to Step S8. Step S7: The mobile terminal 60 sets the linked display flag to 0 (no linked display). Subsequently, it proceeds to Step S8.

[0099] Step S8: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the tutorial display flag is 1. If the tutorial display flag is 1, it proceeds to Step S12. If the tutorial display flag is 0, it proceeds to Step S9. Step S9: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the remaining battery level of the mobile terminal 60 is equal to or higher than the reference value. If it is equal to or higher than the reference value, it proceeds to Step S10. If it is less than the reference value, it proceeds to Step S15. Step S10: The mobile terminal 60 sets the tutorial display flag to 1. Subsequently, it proceeds to Step S12.

[0100] Step S12: The mobile terminal 60 determines whether the linked display flag is 1 (linked display exists). If the linked display flag is 1 (linked display exists) (Step S12: YES), it proceeds to Step S13. If the linked display flag is 0 (no linked display) (Step S12: NO), it proceeds to Step S14.

[0101] Step S13: The mobile terminal 60 displays the tutorial screen in conjunction with another mobile terminal 60. Then, the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends (after ending, it resumes from Step S1). Step S14: The mobile terminal 60 displays the tutorial screen independently. Then, the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends (after ending, it resumes from Step S1). Step S15: The mobile terminal 60 displays the preparation screen. Then, the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends (after ending, it resumes from Step S1).

[0102] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the lending / returning device 90. In the mode where a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the stored state display the tutorial screen in conjunction as in display mode 2, the lending / returning device 90 repeatedly executes, for example, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 15 shows the processing in the case where the tutorial screen is displayed in conjunction as in display mode 2 when the number of portable terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than a reference value is equal to or greater than a predetermined number set in advance. Further, in relation to the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 15, it is assumed that the lending / returning device 90 stores an interlocking control flag (interlocking control off "0 (initial value)", interlocking control on "1") in a storage unit (for example, RAM 903, storage 904). Note that at the first start of the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 15 (for example, the processing first executed after the power is turned on), the interlocking control flag is 0 (interlocking control off).

[0103] Step S30: The lending / returning device 90 determines whether the interlocking control flag is 1 (interlocking control on). If the interlocking control flag is 1 (interlocking control on) (Step S30: YES), the process proceeds to Step S35. If the interlocking control flag is 0 (interlocking control off) (Step S30: NO), the process proceeds to Step S31.

[0104] Step S31: The lending / returning device 90 determines whether the number of portable terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than a reference value is set to be equal to or greater than a predetermined number set in advance. For example, the lending / returning device 90 may inquire each portable terminal 60 whether the battery remaining amount is equal to or greater than the reference value (for example, whether the tutorial display flag is 1) to determine whether the number of portable terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value is set to be equal to or greater than a predetermined number. If it is set to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Step S31: YES), the process proceeds to Step S33. If it is not set to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Step S31: NO), the flowchart of FIG. 15 ends (and resumes from Step S30 after the end).

[0105] Step S33: The lending / return device 90 transmits linkage start instruction information for instructing the start of the linked display of the tutorial screen to all the mobile terminals 60 (all the mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value). Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S34. Step S34: The lending / return device 90 sets the linkage control flag to 1 (linkage control enabled). Then, the flowchart in FIG. 15 ends (after the end, the process resumes from Step S30).

[0106] Step S35: Similar to Step S31, the lending / return device 90 determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value are set. If a predetermined number or more are set (Step S35: YES), the flowchart in FIG. 15 ends (after the end, the process resumes from Step S30). If a predetermined number or more are not set (Step S35: NO), the process proceeds to Step S36.

[0107] Step S36: The lending / return device 90 transmits linkage end instruction information for instructing the end of the linked display of the tutorial screen to all the mobile terminals 60 (all the mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value). Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S37. Step S37: The lending / return device 90 sets the linkage control flag to 0 (linkage control disabled). Then, the flowchart in FIG. 15 ends (after the end, the process resumes from Step S30).

[0108] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the lending / returning device 90. Instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 (processing example in the case of display mode 2), the lending / returning device 90 may execute the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 (processing example in the case of display mode 3). In a mode where a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the storage state display the tutorial screen in conjunction (in conjunction for each group) as in display mode 3, the lending / returning device 90 repeats, for example, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16. Note that in relation to the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 16, it is assumed that the lending / returning device 90 stores in a storage unit (for example, RAM 903, storage 904) an interlocking control flag for each group (interlocking control off "0 (initial value)", interlocking control on "1"). Also, at the first start of the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 16 (for example, the processing executed first after power-on), it is assumed that the interlocking control flag for each group is 0 (interlocking control off). Also, in the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 16, it is assumed that there are two or more groups (any of setting examples 1 to 3, 5). When there is one group (in the case of setting examples 4, 6), step S48 is unnecessary.

[0109] Step S40: The lending / returning device 90 determines whether the interlocking control flag of a certain group is 1. If the interlocking control flag is 1 (step S40: YES), the process proceeds to step S45. If the interlocking control flag is 0 (step S40: NO), the process proceeds to step S41.

[0110] Step S41: The lending / returning device 90 determines whether all the portable terminals 60 (all the portable terminals 60 belonging to the group) are set (that is, whether all the units belonging to the group are present). If all the portable terminals 60 are set (step S41: YES), the process proceeds to step S42. If at least one portable terminal 60 is not set (step S41: NO), the process proceeds to step S48.

[0111] Step S42: The lending / return device 90 determines whether the battery remaining levels of all the mobile terminals 60 belonging to the group are equal to or higher than a reference value. For example, the lending / return device 90 may inquire each mobile terminal 60 belonging to the group whether the battery remaining level is equal to or higher than the reference value (for example, whether the tutorial display flag is 1), and thereby determine whether the battery remaining levels of all the mobile terminals 60 belonging to the group are equal to or higher than the reference value. If the battery remaining levels of all the mobile terminals 60 are equal to or higher than the reference value (Step S42: YES), the process proceeds to Step S43. If the battery remaining level of at least one mobile terminal 60 is less than the reference value (Step S42: NO), the process proceeds to Step S48.

[0112] Step S43: The lending / return device 90 transmits linkage start instruction information to all the mobile terminals 60 (all the mobile terminals 60 belonging to the group). Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S44. Step S44: The lending / return device 90 sets the linkage control flag to 1. Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S48.

[0113] Step S45: Similar to Step S41, the lending / return device 90 determines whether all the mobile terminals 60 are set. If all the mobile terminals 60 are set (Step S45: YES), the process proceeds to Step S48. If at least one mobile terminal 60 is not set (Step S45: NO), the process proceeds to Step S46.

[0114] Step S46: The lending / return device 90 transmits linkage end instruction information to all the mobile terminals 60 (all the mobile terminals 60 belonging to the group). Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S47. Step S47: The lending / return device 90 sets the linkage control flag to 0. Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step S48.

[0115] Step S48: The lending and returning device 90 determines whether it has confirmed all groups (executed the processes after step S40). If it has confirmed all groups (step S48: YES), the flowchart in FIG. 16 ends (and resumes from step S40 after termination). If it has not confirmed at least some groups (step S48: NO), it returns to step S40 (to confirm the unconfirmed groups).

[0116] (Display on the display unit 905 of the lending and returning device 90) The lending and returning device 90 displays various information related to Service A on the display unit 905. For example, the lending and returning device 90 may display information explaining the lending and returning device 90 (or the mobile terminal 60 lent out by the lending and returning device 90) on the display unit 905. The lending and returning device 90 may also display information explaining Service A (for example, a tutorial screen) on the display unit 905.

[0117] Instead of or in addition to various information related to Service A, the lending and returning device 90 may display information related to the store (for example, store introduction information (business hours, store layout, etc.), various campaign information, membership recruitment information for Service A, job information, etc.), products, and information related to services (for example, new product information provided by manufacturers, etc.) on the display unit 905.

[0118] (Display, etc. of the transaction status management device 40) The transaction status management device 40 may display, as information related to the lending and returning device 90, for example, information as described in the following (1) to (3). (1) Lending status of the mobile terminal 60 (the number of mobile terminals 60 set in the holder unit 93) (2) Charging status of the mobile terminal 60 (the number of mobile terminals 60 among the mobile terminals 60 set in the holder unit 93 whose battery remaining amount is equal to or more than the reference value, the number of mobile terminals 60 among the mobile terminals 60 set in the holder unit 93 whose battery remaining amount is less than the reference value) (3) Display content of the display unit 905 Note that the transaction status management device 40 may control the switching of the display content in the lending / return device 90 (display unit 905).

[0119] (Contents related to the usage time of Service A) The usage time (available time) of Service A may be set shorter than the business hours of the store (for example, the business hours of the store are from 9:00 to 21:00, and the usage time of Service A is from 10:00 to 20:00). When the usage time of Service A is set shorter than the business hours of the store, for example, within the business hours, the following (1) to (4) may be controlled. Note that the business hours of the store are from 9:00 to 21:00, and the usage time of Service A is from 10:00 to 20:00. (1) Outside the usage time of Service A (from 9:00 to 10:00, from 20:00 to 21:00), the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state set in the lending / return device 90 may display that it is outside the usage time (for example, "It is outside the usage time", "Preparing (outside the usage time)", etc.). In addition to indicating that it is outside the usage time, the mobile terminal in the stored state may also display the usage time. Instead of or in addition to the mobile terminal 60, the lending / return device 90 (display unit 905) may display the above information. (2) Related to (1), at a predetermined time (for example, from 9:50 to 10:00) set in advance as the time when the usage time of Service A is about to start, the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state may display that the mobile terminal 60 will soon be available. In addition, the mobile terminal in the stored state may display a countdown (for example, in 1-minute units) of the remaining time until the lending starts. Also, at a predetermined time (for example, from 19:50 to 20:00) set in advance as the time when the usage time of Service A is about to end, the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state may display that the mobile terminal 60 will soon become unavailable. In addition, the mobile terminal in the stored state may display a countdown (for example, in 1-minute units) of the remaining time until the lending ends. Instead of or in addition to the mobile terminal 60, the lending / return device 90 (display unit 905) may display the above information. (3) Outside the usage hours of Service A, a cover (loan desk cover) may be provided to the lending and return device 90 so that the mobile terminal 60 cannot be taken (borrowed). The loan desk cover may be placed over the portion where the mobile terminal 60 is set (mobile terminal installation unit 92). In relation to (1) and (2), the loan desk cover may have a structure in which the display unit 305 of the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state can be seen from the outside, or when covering the display unit 305, at least the front portion of the display unit 305 may be transparent (or translucent) so that the display content can be seen. Also, a message (for example, "Please return it to a nearby store clerk") for customers who return the mobile terminal 60 outside the usage hours (customers who borrow at around 19:55 and return at around 20:05) may be printed on the loan desk cover. Further, the lending and return device 90 (display unit 905) may display a message for customers who return the mobile terminal 60 outside the usage hours. (4) At a predetermined time (for example, 19:50 to 20:10) set in advance as the time before and after the end time of the usage hours of Service A, when all the mobile terminals 60 have been returned to the lending and return device 90 (when it becomes 19:50 with all the mobile terminals 60 returned, or when the last one is returned between 19:50 and 20:10), it may be notified to the store clerk to that effect. For example, the lending and return device 90 may display on the display unit 905 that all the mobile terminals 60 have been returned, or the store clerk's carried terminal (mobile terminal, tablet terminal, etc.) or the transaction status management device 40 may be notified that all the mobile terminals 60 have been returned. Also, when the lending and return device 90 is provided with a sign pole, the store clerk may be notified that all the mobile terminals 60 have been returned by causing the sign pole to emit light in a predetermined manner.

[0120] As described above, regarding the embodiments, according to the above embodiments, the self-service system using the mobile terminal 60 becomes easier to use. For example, the mobile terminal 60 placed in the lending and returning device 90 displays different screens depending on whether it is in a state suitable for lending (Figs. 6(A) to 6(D)). Therefore, since the customer can easily confirm on the screen the mobile terminal 60 to be borrowed, the above self-service system becomes easier to use. Also, the mobile terminal 60 placed in the lending and returning device 90 (the mobile terminal 60 in a state suitable for lending) and the mobile terminal 60 immediately after being lent out repeatedly display information (guidance, instructions) regarding the usage method (Figs. 6(A) to 6(C)). Therefore, since the customer can confirm the usage method when actually using it, the above self-service system becomes easier to use.

[0121] Also, according to the above embodiments, the work burden on the store staff is reduced (as a result, it becomes possible to operate the store with a smaller number of people). For example, since the lending, returning, and charging of the mobile terminal 60 after return are performed by the customer (because it is left to the customer), the work burden on the store staff is reduced. Also, as described above, since the mobile terminal 60 repeatedly displays information regarding the usage method, at least the burden on the store staff is reduced compared to the case where the store staff explains from scratch. Also, the mobile terminal 60 displays information (guidance, instructions) regarding the return method (Fig. 8(D)) and is automatically charged when returned, so the frequency (scenes) of the store staff explaining to the customer regarding return (charging) and the frequency of being questioned by the customer decrease, and the work burden on the store staff is reduced.

[0122] (Modifications, etc.) As described above, regarding the embodiments, the configuration of the device, the configuration of the data, the processing flow, the display and output modes, etc. can be appropriately changed as shown in, for example, the following (1), (2),.... Also, the following (1), (2),... can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0123] (1) In the above embodiment, as a process of the portable terminal 60 in the stored state, an example was described in which after determining that the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value, the determination as to whether the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value is not made. However, even after determining that the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value, every time (or at a rate of once every several times, that is, every time a predetermined time elapses), it may be determined whether the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value. Note that in an aspect where it is determined at least every time whether the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value even after determining that the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value, the tutorial display flag is unnecessary.

[0124] (2) Related to the above (1), when the remaining battery level that was equal to or higher than the reference value becomes less than the reference value, the portable terminal 60 may notify an abnormality. For example, the portable terminal 60 may display an abnormality screen as shown in FIG. 9(D).

[0125] (3) In the above embodiment, regarding the display mode 3 of the tutorial screen, when the mobile terminal 6 is set on all of the holder parts 93 belonging to a certain group, and the battery remaining amount of all the mobile terminals 60 set on the holder parts 93 belonging to the group is equal to or greater than the reference value, it was explained that the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide for all the mobile terminals 60 set on the holder parts 93 belonging to the group. However, the condition for making the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens coincide does not have to be "all". For example, when the mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value are set on the holder parts 93 belonging to a certain group in a proportion equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (e.g., a majority, 80%, etc.) of the maximum number of units that can be set on the holder parts 93 belonging to the group, the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens may be made to coincide for the mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value. As an example, in the case of group 1 in setting example 1, when the mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value are set on the five holder parts 93 (holder parts 93-1X) belonging to the group 1 in a proportion equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio "majority" of the maximum number "5 units" that can be set on the holder parts 93 belonging to the group (that is, 3 units or more), the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens may be made to coincide for the mobile terminals 60 with a battery remaining amount equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0126] (4) In the above embodiment, as the display modes (display mode 2, display mode 3) for linking the tutorial screens, it was explained that the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide. However, they do not have to be exactly the same, but approximately the same, that is, it is sufficient if the switching timings appear to be approximately in sync visually.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the switching timings of the first to third tutorial screens are made to coincide has been described as a case where displays are made to interlock for a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the stored state. However, "interlock" is not limited to the above. For example, for a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the stored state, the switching timings of other screens may be made to coincide (or substantially coincide) instead of or in addition to the first to third tutorial screens. Further, for a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the stored state, the playback timings of videos displayed on the screens may be made to coincide (or substantially coincide). Further, for a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the stored state, the switching timings of the screens or the playback timings of the videos may be shifted little by little (like a round robin in a song) and displayed. Further, for a plurality of portable terminals 60 in the stored state, one image may be displayed using all of them. In the case of Group 1 of Setting Example 1, one image (still image, video) may be displayed using the five portable terminals 60 (display units 305) installed in the first row (for example, a video showing the flow of Service A in a horizontal time series, a video of a car running, etc.). In the case of Group 1 of Setting Example 2, one image (still image, video) may be displayed using the five portable terminals 60 (display units 305) at the leftmost position in each row (for example, a video showing the flow of points accumulating in a vertical time series, a video of a rocket taking off, etc.). Further, there are a plurality of types of screens (or videos) displayed on the portable terminals 60 in the stored state, and simply displaying the same type of screen (or image) may be referred to as "interlock".

[0128] (6) In relation to the above (4) and (5), the display unit 905 and the portable terminal 60 in the stored state (the portable terminal 60 with the battery remaining amount being equal to or greater than the reference value; the same shall apply hereinafter) may have their displays linked. For example, the display unit 905 and the portable terminal 60 in the stored state may display the same type of screen (or image). As an example, when the display unit 905 is displaying information regarding the store (e.g., store introduction information, etc.), the portable terminal 60 in the stored state may display the information regarding the store (e.g., store introduction information, etc.), and when the display unit 905 is displaying a tutorial screen, the portable terminal 60 in the stored state may display the tutorial screen. The switching timing of the screens may be made to coincide (or substantially coincide) between the display of the display unit 905 and the portable terminal 60 in the stored state.

[0129] (7) In the above embodiment, an example of determining whether to display a preparation screen (Fig. 6(D)) based on the current battery remaining amount of the portable terminal 60 in the stored state has been described, but the determination method for determining whether to display the preparation screen is not limited to this. Instead of or in addition to the battery remaining amount, it may be determined whether to display the preparation screen based on one or more of the following (a) to (g). (a) The battery consumption amount at the immediately preceding (nearest) lending time (the usage time of the most recent customer) (b) The lending time (the usage time of the most recent customer) at the immediately preceding lending time (c) The purchase count at the immediately preceding lending time (d) The number of times the product has been scanned at the immediately preceding lending time (e) The number of communication times (or communication volume) with the cloud server 20, etc. at the immediately preceding lending time (f) The total operating time (or the introduction start date and time) (g) The set screen brightness

[0130] (8) In the above-described embodiment, an example of determining whether to display the preparation screen (Fig. 6(D)) based on information regarding the mobile terminal 60 has been described. However, it may also be determined whether to display the preparation screen in consideration of the status of other mobile terminals 60. For example, as reference values for comparison with the remaining battery level, a first reference value and a second reference value less than the first reference value are prepared. When the number of mobile terminals 60 in the stored state is equal to or more than the reference number (for example, 13 units), the preparation screen is displayed for the mobile terminal 60 whose remaining battery level is less than the first reference value. When the number of mobile terminals 60 in the stored state is less than the reference number (for example, 13 units), the preparation screen may be displayed for the mobile terminal 60 whose remaining battery level is less than the second reference value. The same applies to the case of the determination according to (a) to (g) in the above (7). Further, for example, without providing a reference value, the remaining battery levels of the mobile terminals 60 in the stored state may be compared, and the preparation screen may be displayed for the mobile terminals 60 within a predetermined number from the ones with less remaining battery level. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined number may be constant or may be changed (for example, changed based on the operation rate (rental status) of all the mobile terminals 60, etc.). The same applies to the case of the determination according to (a) to (g) in the above (7).

[0131] (9) In the above-described embodiment, examples in which the mobile terminal 60 deletes transaction information on the condition that it is set in the lending / returning device 90 (referred to as condition a) (step S2 in Fig. 10, step S2 in Fig. 14), and examples in which the mobile terminal 60 deletes transaction information on the condition that a response indicating that it is in use is not received during a predetermined time in the left-alone state (the state of being left alone by a person for a predetermined time during lending) and the predetermined time has elapsed (referred to as condition b) (step S25 in Fig. 13) have been described. However, the conditions under which the mobile terminal 60 deletes transaction information are not limited to condition a and condition b. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may delete transaction information on the condition of one or more of the following conditions c to h instead of or in addition to condition a and condition b. (Condition c) When receiving predetermined information from the lending / returning device 90 The mobile terminal 60 deletes transaction information on the condition that it has received predetermined information (deletion instruction notification) from the lending / returning device 90. Note that the lending / returning device 90 may transmit predetermined information to the mobile terminal 60 when the mobile terminal 60 is set, although this is related to the above-mentioned condition a. (Condition d) When changing from the stored state to the lent state The mobile terminal 60 deletes the transaction information on the condition that it has been removed from the holder part 93. (Condition e) When displaying the menu screen in the lent state The mobile terminal 60 displays the menu screen and deletes the transaction information on the condition that the service start button BT604 has been operated on the tutorial screen. (Condition f) When displaying the transaction completion screen in the lent state The mobile terminal 60 displays the transaction completion screen and deletes the transaction information on the condition that the transaction has been completed (for example, the mobile terminal 60 has received a transaction completion notification from the cloud server 20). (Condition g) When receiving predetermined information from a device other than the lending / returning device 90 (for example, the transaction status management device 40) The mobile terminal 60 deletes the transaction information on the condition that it has received predetermined information (deletion instruction notification) from another device. Note that the other device may transmit the predetermined information to the designated mobile terminal 60 based on a predetermined operation including the designation of the mobile terminal 60 (regardless of the storage information and the lent state). (Condition h) When there is a predetermined operation by a store clerk (for example, an operation dedicated to the store clerk) The mobile terminal 60 deletes the transaction information on the condition that, for example, a predetermined operation has been performed.

[0132] (10) In the above embodiment, the lending and returning device 90 wirelessly supplies power to the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder unit 93-AB via the mobile terminal connection unit 917-AB, and wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the mobile terminal 60 via the mobile terminal connection unit 917-AB. However, it does not have to be wireless. For example, the mobile terminal connection unit 917-AB may be a cable having connection terminals. That is, the lending and returning device 90 supplies power to the mobile terminal 60 set in the holder unit 93-AB and connected to the cable (mobile terminal connection unit 917-AB) via the cable, and may transmit and receive information to and from the mobile terminal 60 via the cable. That is, the power supply from the lending and returning device 90 to the mobile terminal 60 and the communication between the lending and returning device 90 and the mobile terminal 60 may be a non-contact method (a method of not physically directly connecting the two) or a contact method (a method of directly connecting the two).

[0133] (11) In the above embodiment, an example in which the mobile terminal 60 determines whether it is in a stored state based on communication with the lending and returning device 90 and power supply from the lending and returning device 90 has been described. However, the method for determining whether it is in a stored state is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may determine whether it is in a stored state based on its own position information (for example, position information obtained by GPS, beacon, surveillance camera, etc.) instead of or in addition to communication with the lending and returning device 90 and power supply from the lending and returning device 90. For example, the mobile terminal 60 stores the position information of the installation position of the lending and returning device 90 in a place where it can be referred to, and the mobile terminal 60 may determine that it is in a stored state when its own device is located at the installation position of the lending and returning device 90.

[0134] (12) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lending and returning device 90 has a charging function for charging the mobile terminal 60 has been described. However, the lending and returning device 90 may not have a charging function for charging the mobile terminal 60. For example, in the store, a lending and returning device without a charging function (lending and returning device 190) and a charging device for charging the mobile terminal 60 may be installed (for example, installed in the back room). Further, in the store, the lending and returning device 90 and the lending and returning device 190 may be installed. Note that the lending and returning device 190 (the same applies to the lending and returning device 390 described later) may include a mobile terminal connection part without a charging function, or may not include the mobile terminal connection part itself. Note that for the mobile terminal 60 set in the lending and returning device without a charging function (lending and returning device 190, lending and returning device 390), since it is not charged (the battery remaining amount does not increase) in the state of being set in the lending and returning device without the charging function, if the battery remaining amount is less than the reference value, it will always be less than the reference value thereafter. Therefore, after it is determined that the battery remaining amount is less than the reference value, it is not necessary to determine whether the battery remaining amount is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0135] (13) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lending and returning device 90 includes the display unit 905 has been described. However, the lending and returning device 90 may not include the display unit 905. For example, in the store, a lending and returning device without the display unit 905 (lending and returning device 290) and a display device (a device having a display unit similar to the display unit 905) may be installed (for example, installed side by side). Note that in the store, a lending and returning device (lending and returning device 390) without both a charging function and a display unit may be installed.

[0136] (14) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lending and returning device 90 is connected to the LAN 19 has been described. However, the lending and returning device 90 may not be connected to the LAN 19. For the lending and returning device 90, when communication with other devices on the LAN 19 is necessary (for example, as described above, when the transaction status management device 40 displays information regarding the lending and returning device 90), it is connected to the LAN 19, but if it is not necessary, it may not be connected to the LAN 19. The same applies to the lending and returning devices 190, 290, and 390.

[0137] (15) In the above embodiment, an example in which the mobile terminal 60 stores screen information and displays a screen (displayed by a specific application) based on the screen information and the like stored by itself has been described. However, the mobile terminal 60 does not necessarily need to store the screen information. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may display various screens based on the screen information generated (updated) by the cloud server 20 without storing the screen information. As an example, the initial registration screen may be displayed by performing the processes shown in steps S104 to S107 of FIG. 11 as follows. The cloud server 20 generates (numbers) transaction identification information and generates screen information of the initial registration screen (the registration information (such as "Product 1" etc. is empty)) (step S104). The cloud server 20 transmits the transaction identification information and the screen information of the initial registration screen (step S105). The mobile terminal 60 receives the transaction identification information and the screen information of the initial registration screen and stores the transaction identification information (step S106). The mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen (initial registration screen) based on the screen information received from the cloud server 20 (step S107). The same applies to other screens.

[0138] (16) In the above embodiment, an example in which the mobile terminal 60 is lent out to register a product has been described. However, as long as it is a mobile (portable) device capable of registering a product at the product display location, the device lent out does not necessarily need to be the mobile terminal 60. For example, a tablet terminal or a shopping cart equipped with a display unit (or a display detachable from the shopping cart) may be lent out to register a product. The above shopping cart may be equipped with an electronic tag recognition unit for recognizing the information of the electronic tag.

[0139] The above shopping cart (a shopping cart equipped with a display unit or a detachable display) may be equipped with an electronic tag recognition unit for recognizing the information of the electronic tag (hereinafter referred to as an electronic tag recognition cart). Further, the above shopping cart (which may be an electronic tag recognition cart) may be equipped with a battery (a battery that powers the display unit or the display) and be rechargeable (hereinafter referred to as a rechargeable cart). The charging of the rechargeable cart is performed, for example, at a cart storage location (a location where at least one of lending out and returning the shopping cart is carried out). For example, a charging device (charging facility) may be installed at the cart storage location, and the rechargeable cart may be charged by the charging device. The charging method (system) may be contact (contact charging) or non-contact (non-contact charging). In the case of contact charging, for example, a cable or the like is connected to the rechargeable cart for charging. At the cart storage location, the same number of cables or the like as the number of rechargeable carts that can be stored (the maximum number of standby carts before lending) are prepared (arranged at their respective storage locations if storage locations are set). In the case of non-contact charging, for example, a non-contact charging system (a power supply (transmission) unit and a power reception (reception) unit) is provided on the rechargeable cart side and the cart storage location (charging facility) side respectively, and the power transmitted from the power supply unit on the cart storage location side is received by the power reception unit on the rechargeable cart side for charging. At the cart storage location, the same number of power supply units as the number of rechargeable carts that can be stored are provided as in the case of contact charging, and they may be arranged in pairs for power supply and reception, or a large power supply unit capable of transmitting power to a plurality of rechargeable carts (power reception units) collectively may be arranged. Note that for taking out, returning, and charging (contact charging, non-contact charging) the rechargeable cart at the cart storage location, it may be done by a store clerk or by a customer (the store side may request the customer). When entrusting (requesting) the charging to the customer, the store clerk may periodically check the charging status (such as whether it is being charged correctly).

[0140] In the case of a shopping cart without a battery (a shopping cart that is not a charging cart, which may be an electronic tag recognition cart), charging to the display unit or the display may be performed on the display unit or the display. Note that, unlike a shopping cart equipped with a detachable display, in the case of a shopping cart equipped with a non-detachable display unit and charging is performed on the display unit, it is also understood that charging is performed on a part (display unit) of the shopping cart. Therefore, a shopping cart equipped with a display unit on which charging is performed may be referred to as a "charging cart".

[0141] When leaving the return of the charging cart to the customer, it may be communicated to the customer regarding the return. For example, the charging cart (the program of the charging cart) may display guidance information (guidance information) regarding the return on the display unit (or the display) on the condition that the transaction information has been transferred to the settlement device 50 (the settlement device 50 has read the settlement two-dimensional code GA631) or the settlement has been completed in the settlement device 50. As an example, the charging cart may display guidance for returning to the cart collection area on the display unit (or the display) on the settlement two-dimensional code reading completion screen (Fig. 8(C)) or the transaction completion screen (Fig. 8(D)). The above guidance may include map information (floor information) indicating the return destination (cart collection area). Note that the same applies to a shopping cart without a battery (which may be an electronic tag recognition cart) regarding the return.

[0142] When leaving the charging of the charging cart to the customer, it may be communicated to the customer regarding the charging. For example, the charging cart (the program of the charging cart) may display guidance information (guidance information) regarding the charging on the display unit (or the display) on the condition that the transaction information has been transferred to the settlement device 50 or the settlement has been completed in the settlement device 50. As an example, the charging cart may display guidance regarding the connection method of a cable or the like and guidance regarding the non-contact charging method on the display unit (or the display) on the settlement two-dimensional code reading completion screen or the transaction completion screen.

[0143] Guidance on the connection method of cables or the like may guide one or more of the following (a) to (c), for example. (a) Available cables or the like. For example, the foremost (nearest) unused cable or the like among a plurality of cables or the like prepared at the cart storage (b) Connection method of cables or the like. For example, regarding the insertion port of the cable or the like, for example, where the insertion port is located on the charging cart, the insertion direction, and the depth (c) Confirmation that the cable or the like is correctly connected (charging has started). For example, the cart device displays that power is being supplied on the screen. Or, the cart device is provided with a light-emitting part (LED) that notifies that power is being supplied, and the light-emitting part displays that power is being supplied. Note that, although also related to the above (c), on the cart storage side, an LED corresponding to each cable or the like may be provided (for example, provided for each cable or the like) so that it is possible to confirm that power is being supplied.

[0144] Guidance on the non-contact charging method may guide one or more of the following (a) to (c), for example. (a) Available parking areas. For example, the foremost (nearest) unused parking area among a plurality of parking areas provided at the cart storage (places where non-contact charging of each charging cart is possible) (b) Parking position. The parking position (positioning) in the parking area (c) Confirmation that the parking position is appropriate (charging has started) (similar to the guidance on the connection method of cables or the like) Note that, in relation to the above (b), in the case of non-contact power supply, since there is no physical connection, for example, an illustration of "△" or the like is described on the power supply unit, and an illustration of "▽" corresponding to "△" of the power supply unit is described on the power receiving unit, and the display unit (or display) may indicate to park so that the vertices of "▽" and "△" overlap. Since the actual illustration or the like is also displayed on the screen, the customer can intuitively grasp the parking position.

[0145] (17) In relation to the above (16), the relationship between the lending and returning device 90 (the same applies to the lending and returning devices 190, 290, and 0390) and the mobile terminal 60 (the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state) may be applied to the relationship between the cart gathering place and the shopping cart (the shopping cart existing in the cart gathering place, regardless of whether it is an electronic tag recognition cart or a charging cart). That is, for example, the shopping cart existing in the cart gathering place may display a tutorial screen if the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the reference value, display a preparing screen if the remaining battery level is less than the reference value, and display an abnormal screen if there is an abnormality in charging, similar to the mobile terminal 60 in the stored state.

[0146] (18) In relation to the above (16) and (17), the transaction status management device 40 may manage (monitor and control) the cart gathering place and the like. That is, the transaction status management device 40 can communicate with the device installed in the cart gathering place or the shopping cart itself existing in the cart gathering place. For example, it may display the number of shopping carts (regardless of whether it is an electronic tag recognition cart or a charging cart) existing in the cart gathering place (the number of waiting carts when the cart gathering place is a lending and returning location or a lending location) on the management screen. Also, when the shopping cart is a charging cart, the transaction status management device 40 may display on the management screen the charging status (such as the remaining battery level) of each charging cart in the cart gathering place, the number of available charging carts (charging carts with a remaining battery level equal to or higher than the reference value), etc. Instead of or in addition to the charging status of each charging cart in the cart gathering place, the transaction status management device 40 may display on the management screen the charging status of the charging carts in the store (during lending), etc. In this case, the charging cart may transmit information regarding the remaining battery level to the transaction status management device 40 via wireless communication.

[0147] (19) The transaction status management device 40 may display the operation history information of each device. For example, the transaction status management device 40 may display the operation history information of each device within the LAN 19, the mobile terminal 60, and the shopping cart (which may be an electronic tag recognition cart or a charging cart). The operation history includes, for example, the usage start time, the registration time of each product, the registration completion time, the settlement start time, the settlement end time, the transaction completion time, the lending time and return time of the mobile terminal 60, information regarding screen transitions, information regarding operations (including changes in the registered quantity of products, etc.), and the registration information of products. The operation history information includes both the history information regarding the operations of completed transactions and the history information regarding the operations of transactions before completion (the operations up to the present for the transaction). Therefore, a store employee (monitoring employee) can, through the transaction status management device 40, confirm, for example, how long a certain mobile terminal 60 (a certain customer) has stayed on a certain screen.

[0148] (20) The transaction status management device 40 may remotely control the display of guidance information in the mobile terminal 60, the shopping cart (which may be an electronic tag recognition cart or a charging cart), etc. In other words, the mobile terminal 60, etc. may display the guidance information according to the remote control by the transaction status management device 40. For example, the transaction status management device 40 may be capable of accepting an operation to select (specify) a target device (customer) and a target guidance (type of guidance), and based on the selection operation by the store employee, transmit information for causing the selected guidance to be displayed to the selected terminal.

[0149] According to the above (19) and (20), for example, a store clerk can infer the situation (such as a troubled situation) of each customer (each device) in the transaction situation management device 40 and provide suitable guidance to the necessary customers through remote operation. That is, at a predetermined location (if there is one transaction situation management device 40, it is one location), a plurality of customers can be efficiently supported (guided). Note that the transaction situation management device 40 can transmit map information in which the service counter position and the installation position of the transaction situation management device 40 are clearly shown to the necessary customers (devices) as guidance (or separately from the guidance) to guide the customers. Note that the mobile terminal 60 or the like may display map information based on the operation of the customer (such as the operation of a help button) so that the customer can appropriately check the service counter position or the like regardless of whether the information is transmitted. Note that the mobile terminal 60 or the like may store the map information and display the stored map information based on the operation of the customer, or may request the transaction situation management device 40 to display the map information based on the operation of the customer. In the former case, the mobile terminal 60 or the like may notify the transaction situation management device 40 that an operation such as a help button has been performed.

[0150] (21) In the above embodiment, the portable terminal 60 lent by the store is described as a mobile device capable of registering products at the product display location. However, the above mobile device may be an individual's possession. That is, a product may be registered at the product display location using a personal possession such as a mobile terminal or a tablet terminal (the device used for Service A may be a personal possession such as a mobile terminal). A personal possession such as a mobile terminal may be attached to a shopping cart to register products. That is, a detachable shopping cart for a personal possession such as a mobile terminal may be prepared. Further, the above shopping cart may be equipped with a battery for charging the above mobile terminal or the like.

[0151] (22) Related to the above (16) and (21), for Service A, either the terminal (such as mobile terminal 60, tablet terminal, etc.) lent by the store side to the customer or the terminal (such as mobile terminal, tablet terminal, etc.) owned by the customer can be used. However, by previously storing information (such as the contractor-specific ID or MAC address) for identifying the terminal lent by the store side to the customer, it is possible to distinguish and manage whether the terminal being used (or the terminal that has been used) is the terminal lent by the store. For example, in the transaction status management device 40, the current shopping situation, past sales history, etc. may be displayed in a distinguishable manner for both. Note that for the terminal lent by the store side to the customer, as described in "(display, etc. of the transaction status management device 40)", more detailed management becomes possible.

[0152] (23) In the above embodiment, mainly, the mode in which customers registered as members use Service A has been described. However, customers who are not registered as members (non-members) may also use Service A. In this regard, in the above embodiment, when there is an operation of the service start button BT604 on the tutorial screen, the mobile terminal 60 is described as displaying an input field for receiving the input of member identification information and an execution button (for example, displaying a small screen provided with the above input field and execution button in front of the tutorial screen). However, when there is an operation of the service start button BT604, a non-member button for receiving an operation indicating that the user is a non-member may be further displayed (for example, displaying a small screen provided with the above input field, non-member button, and execution button in front of the tutorial screen). When there is an operation of the non-member button by a non-member, the process may proceed (display the menu screen). Note that in the case of a non-member, as identification information corresponding to the member identification information of a member, customer identification information (a temporary customer number valid only within the transaction) for identifying the non-member customer in the transaction is numbered, and the process (for example, the process of transmitting the shopping start instruction information in step S102 of FIG. 11) may be advanced. <Summary of the Embodiment> [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a program and a mobile terminal. [Background Art] A self-service system is known in which customers themselves register products using a mobile terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-147252 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, there are also customers who are not accustomed to self-service systems as described above. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that makes it easier to use a self-service system using a mobile terminal. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0153] (1) A program (for example, a specific application) that causes a computer to function as a mobile terminal (for example, mobile terminal 60) lent to a customer for registering a product and returned after use, the computer being configured to display information to the customer (for example, display unit 305), an imaging unit (for example, imaging unit 316) for imaging the product to be registered, and a communication unit (for example, communication unit 315) for communicating with other devices, and the display unit is configured to display when it is returned from the customer and not lent out (when in a stored state). Different types of information (for example, a tutorial screen, a preparation screen, an abnormal screen) are displayed to the customer according to the status of the mobile terminal (current battery level, battery consumption at the previous lending, lending time at the previous lending, purchase points at the previous lending, number of scans of the product at the previous lending, number of communications at the previous lending, communication volume, total operating time, introduction start date and time, screen brightness, etc.). A program characterized by that. According to the program of (1), a self-service system using a mobile terminal becomes easier to use. That is, since suitable information according to the status of the mobile terminal is displayed when it is returned from the customer and not lent out, for example, the customer can select a mobile terminal to borrow while checking the displayed information.

[0154] (2) The display means displays, to the customer, information of a type corresponding to the status of the mobile terminal from among a plurality of types of information including information regarding the usage method of the mobile terminal (for example, a tutorial screen) and information indicating that the mobile terminal cannot be used (for example, a preparation screen, an abnormal screen). The program according to (1). (2) According to the program of (2), the self-service system using the mobile terminal becomes easier to use. That is, since information regarding the usage method of the mobile terminal and information indicating that the mobile terminal cannot be used are displayed, for example, when actually borrowing a mobile terminal, the customer can know which mobile terminal to borrow and what to do after borrowing.

[0155] (3) The display means displays, to the customer, different types of information according to the remaining battery level of the mobile terminal as the status of the mobile terminal (for example, if the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than a reference value, a tutorial screen is displayed; if the remaining battery level is less than the reference value, a preparation screen is displayed; if there is an abnormality in charging, an abnormal screen is displayed). The program according to (1) or (2). (3) According to the program of (3), the self-service system using the mobile terminal becomes easier to use. That is, since information according to the remaining battery level is displayed, for example, the customer can borrow a mobile terminal without worrying about battery shortage and use the self-service system comfortably.

[0156] (4) The mobile terminal is set in a charging device when it is returned by the customer and not lent out, and the display means displays the different information when set in the charging device. The program according to any one of (1) to (3). (4) According to the program of (4), the self-service system using the mobile terminal becomes easier to use. That is, while charging, suitable information according to the status of the mobile terminal is displayed. For example, while increasing the number of mobile terminals available for lending to customers, the customer can select the mobile terminal to borrow while checking the displayed information.

[0157] (5) The display means is characterized in that it displays information on the usage method in conjunction with the information on the usage method displayed by other mobile terminals, and is the program according to (2). (5) According to the program, it becomes easier to use the self-system using the mobile terminal. That is, it attracts attention, the information penetrates to customers, and as a result, it becomes easier to use.

[0158] (6) The computer is further caused to function as initialization means for initializing information, and the initialization means initializes the information when it is returned by the customer and when it has not been used for a predetermined time during the lending period, and is the program according to (2). (6) According to the program, the information to be erased can be preferably erased. As a result, even customers who have hesitated to use it in terms of security and privacy will find it easier to use.

[0159] (7) A mobile terminal that is lent to a customer for registering a product and returned after use, comprising display means for displaying information to the customer, imaging means for imaging the product to be registered, and communication means for communicating with other devices, wherein the display means displays different types of information to the customer according to the status of the mobile terminal when it is returned by the customer and not lent out. (7) According to the mobile terminal, it becomes easier to use the self-system using the mobile terminal.

[0160] In addition, a program (for example, a specific application in the mobile terminal 60) for realizing the functions of each of the above-described devices (the head office server 10, the store controller 30, the transaction status management device 40, the settlement device 50, the registered settlement device 51, the mobile terminal 60, etc.) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of each of the above devices. Here, "reading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium by the computer system" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" as used herein shall include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, or dedicated line. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes an internal or external recording medium provided to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program executable on the terminal device. That is, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable on the terminal device, the form stored in the distribution server does not matter. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different timings, and then combined on the terminal device, or the distribution servers for distributing each of the divided programs may be different. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" shall also include a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network and holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions.Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system to achieve the above-described functions.

Explanation of Signs

[0161] 1…Sales system 10…Headquarters server 20…Cloud server 30…Store controller 40…Transaction status management device 50…Settlement device 51…Registered settlement device 60…Mobile terminal 90, 190, 290, 390…Loan return device

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to function as a mobile terminal lent to a customer for registering a product and returned after use, wherein the computer is caused to function as a display means for displaying information to the customer, an imaging means for imaging the product to be registered, and a communication means for communicating with other devices, and the display means displays, when the mobile terminal has been returned by the customer and is not on loan, information of a type corresponding to the situation of the mobile terminal from among a plurality of types of information including information on how to use the mobile terminal and information indicating that the mobile terminal cannot be used, and displays an explanation screen for displaying information on how to use the mobile terminal, in synchronization with the timing at which another mobile terminal displays the explanation screen, characterized in that it is a program.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays a confirmation screen indicating whether or not it is in use when the mobile terminal has not been used for a predetermined period of time while on loan.

3. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the display means displays a caution screen prompting the return of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal has not been used for a predetermined period of time while on loan. ​

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