Mobile terminal and program

Abstract

To provide an environment that facilitates shopping in purchasing a commodity sold by measure by utilizing a portable terminal.SOLUTION: A portable terminal has: commodity category acquisition means to acquire a category of a commodity sold by measure; first communication means that establishes intercommunication with second communication means of a measuring device that measures the commodity sold by measure; measured value acquisition means to acquire a measured value of the commodity sold by measure measured by the measuring device that has established the intercommunication; and commodity registration means to register the category of the commodity and the measured value corresponding to the category of the commodity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 37

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales data processing system and program for identifying and managing product information. [Background technology]

[0002] Self-service POS systems that allow customers to register the products they purchase have been widely used, but there are also portable registration devices that allow customers to register products at the same time they place them in a shopping cart, etc. In recent years, sales data processing systems have become known in which customers download a shopping application onto their mobile devices, such as smartphones, and use the device as a registration device to register their own products in stores. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6242444 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A sales data processing system using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone allows customers to register products using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone that they are familiar with, thereby reducing the time required for registration processing at the cash register.

[0005] However, for products sold by weight, where the price is determined by measuring the weight of the product, the customer is required to operate the weighing device himself. When customers shop using a mobile device, they are required to input the type of bulk product and its weight into the mobile device. Processing using both the mobile device and the weighing device is cumbersome for customers to handle alone.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an environment that makes shopping easier when purchasing bulk products using a mobile terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, an acquisition unit for acquiring information on a product to be purchased and a weighing device Used to establish communication with How to read the symbol code The read symbol code is analyzed and communication with the weighing device is established. means and Mutual communication established A mobile terminal is provided which includes a weight value acquisition means for acquiring, by communication, the weight values ​​of merchandise sold by weight measured by a weighing device, and which prohibits transition to a settlement process if merchandise sold by weight is included in the merchandise acquired by the acquisition means until the weight values ​​of the merchandise sold by weight are acquired by the weight value acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The sales data processing device of this embodiment can provide an environment that makes shopping easier when purchasing bulk products using a mobile terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating data in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a store that employs a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of an implementation of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example of an implementation of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example of an implementation of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]1 illustrates an example of an implementation of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a processing flow in a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a processing flow in a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is an example of a screen of a POS terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 25]FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 26] 10 is an example of a processing flow of image display in a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is an example of a screen of a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 29] 10 is an example of a processing flow of image display in a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 illustrates store identification in one embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a member is prompted to select a payment method. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of customer monitoring in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 34] 10 is an example of a process flow for identifying a store on a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 35] 10 is an example of a processing flow of settlement at a mobile terminal of the sales data processing system of an embodiment. [Figure 36] 10 is an example of a processing flow relating to customer monitoring on a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a member uses a mobile terminal to acquire the type of bulk product that the member wishes to purchase. [Figure 38] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a weighing device. [Figure 39] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating interconnections between a mobile terminal and a weighing device. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the acquisition of the weight value of a commodity sold by weight. [Figure 41] FIG. [Figure 42]10A and 10B are diagrams showing the display information and operation of the weighing device after a weight value is acquired. [Figure 43] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the information displayed on the weighing device and the mobile terminal when weighing is stopped or finished. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a process for canceling the registration of a weighed commodity. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a payment process is instructed when there are products for which weighing values ​​have not been obtained. [Figure 46] 10 is a flowchart showing the cooperation between the mobile terminal and the weighing device. [Figure 47] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation when there is a registered commodity for which the weight value has not been acquired. [Figure 48] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying registration information and an operation of changing registration information on a mobile terminal; [Figure 49] 10 is a flowchart showing a manual operation of the weighing device. [Figure 50] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A sales data processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. -Overall configuration of sales data processing system- As shown in FIG. 1, a sales data processing system 1 in one embodiment includes a host device 10 equipped with storage means for storing a product master 110, a store master 120, a member master 130, a shopping file 140, etc., and a mobile terminal 20 connected to the host device 10 via the Internet or the like.

[0011] The upper device 10 is, for example, a cloud server, and is connected to a store via the Internet or the like. The product sales system 6 is linked to a store controller (management device) 60, and the product master 110 and other data stored in the higher-level device 10 are updated appropriately, for example, at predetermined times, based on the information of the store controller 60.

[0012] For example, a smartphone personally owned by a customer is used as the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 includes a camera (input unit) 260 for capturing images, a display unit (display input unit) 250 such as a touch panel, and the like. Note that the mobile terminal 20 may be a dedicated mobile terminal for rental in a store. By installing a dedicated application, the mobile terminal (smartphone) 20 has the function of a registration device that executes a registration process for products purchased when shopping at a store.

[0013] The mobile terminal 20 can exchange information appropriately with the product master 110, store master 120, shopping file 140, etc. stored in the higher-level device 10. The mobile terminal 20 also outputs registration information to a checkout device such as a POS terminal 70.

[0014] The store's product sales system 6 includes a store controller 60 and a plurality of POS terminals (registration and settlement devices) 70, and the POS terminals 70 can be used to perform registration and settlement processes for products purchased by customers.

[0015] The store controller 60 is an information processing device that manages the entire product sales system 6 of the store, manages the POS terminals 70, and also manages various information such as a product master and a member master. The store controller 60 acquires and stores the product master reflecting the latest product information from an external source (for example, a server at the headquarters or a removable storage medium). The product master is a file that stores product information such as product name (product name, item name), sales price, discount information, etc., linked to product identification information (for example, JAN code) assigned to each product.

[0016] The POS terminal 70 is a device that processes the registration and settlement of products purchased by customers, and has an input unit 760 such as a barcode reader, preset keys, or CCD camera for reading information about the products purchased by customers, a display unit 750 such as a touch panel for displaying the read product information, and a printing unit 770 for printing receipts, etc. The POS terminal 70 can refer to the shopping file of the higher-level device 10 as needed, for example, when shopping identification information is input from the mobile terminal 20.

[0017] An example of the POS terminal 70 is a POS terminal dedicated to settlement. In this embodiment, a customer can register a product at the store using his / her own smartphone (mobile terminal) 20. Then, by performing settlement processing using the POS terminal dedicated to settlement, the customer can complete a product transaction without the intervention of a store clerk.

[0018] The POS terminal 70 is not limited to a POS terminal dedicated to settlement, but may be a semi-self-service POS in which a store clerk registers the products purchased by the customer and the customer settles the payment themselves. In the case of a semi-self-service POS, the POS may be a POS in which the registration device that performs the registration process and the settlement device are separate, and the registration information registered by the registration device is output to the settlement device and the customer settles the payment themselves at the settlement device, or it may be a face-to-face POS that has a screen for performing the registration process facing the store clerk, a screen for performing the settlement process facing the customer, and a cash processing unit. The POS terminal 70 may be a POS terminal in which the customer registers and settles the purchases of the products themselves, that is, a POS terminal of a type without the intervention of a store clerk (full-self type).

[0019] In addition, the POS terminal 70 may be a switchable POS that can be switched between a semi-self-service POS where the customer processes the payment themselves, the face-to-face semi-self-service POS, or the full-self-service POS, depending on the congestion situation, the availability of store staff, etc. An example of a switching type POS terminal 70 is shown in Fig. 2. The example of the POS terminal 70 shown in Fig. 2 includes a table 70a. Furthermore, the device may be a normal POS register in which a store clerk registers and settles the items purchased by the customer, and is not limited to any device that can handle settlement.

[0020] The sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment can be added on to, for example, a product sales system 6 of a store equipped with a store controller 60 and multiple POS terminals 70, thereby creating a sales data processing system in which products can be registered using smartphones owned by customers in the store.

[0021] The outline of the overall configuration of the sales data processing system of this embodiment has been explained above, but some examples will be further explained. Generally, when a customer purchases an item at a store, the customer takes the item to the cash register, and a store clerk enters the price of each item into the cash register, and the prices of all the items are added up to determine the sales price for the transaction. When determining sales prices, stores try to attract customers by applying various discounts and the like to lower sales prices.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a system that is used in supermarkets and other businesses that operate multiple stores. Typically, in systems such as supermarkets, a headquarters system (server) 50 is installed to oversee and manage all stores, and this headquarters system 50 manages a common product master, a store master, a product master for each store, a common sales plan master, a sales plan master for each store, and a member master, etc.

[0023] In each store, a POS terminal 70 and a store controller 60 that manages the POS terminal 70 are installed, and a POS system is constructed. The store controller 60 of each store receives the common product master, store master, product master for each store, common sales plan master, and sales plan master for each store from the headquarters system 50, and also inputs (registers) this data at the store. Note that the member master may be received from the headquarters system 50 in the same way as other masters, but it may not be held by the store controller, and the headquarters system may be queried each time member information is inquired.

[0024] Each store's POS system has its own selling price determination logic. The selling price determination logic has several logics for calculating the selling price of the product purchased by the shopper, and also includes a function for determining which logic to apply when calculating the selling price of the product. For example, if a certain product is eligible for a single item discount but also for a set match discount, the set match discount will be applied to get the lower price. Note that which discount logic is selected is determined by the settings.

[0025] Here, several examples of selling price determination logic for determining the selling price of a product will be described. First, the standard selling price determination logic is called the selling price determination logic (basic). Second, the selling price determination logic unique to each company or store is called the selling price determination logic (company / store). The selling price determination logic (basic) is, for example, subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discount, single It has features such as product discounts, bundle / mix match discounts, and set match discounts. The selling price determination logic (company / store) may include, for example, the above-mentioned subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discounts / discounts, single item discounts / discounts, bundle / mix match discounts, and set match discounts, as well as discounts / discounts for special services for members and discounts / discounts for each payment type used for payment. The selling price determination logic (company / store) also has its own unique functions, such as determining which condition to prioritize when multiple discount / discount conditions conflict at the same time. The selling price determination logic (company / store) may also have its own unique logic for the subtotal (calculation of total amount), subtotal discounts / discounts, single item discounts / discounts, bundle / mix match discounts, and set match discounts.

[0026] The logic of the selling price determination logic will be explained with reference to Figure 3(a). The subtotal (Logic A) is a logic for determining the selling price of the products to be purchased, and calculates the total price by adding up the prices of the latest product information for each product. Subtotal discount (Logic B) is a process that applies a predetermined amount or a predetermined percentage discount to the subtotal (total amount). Single item discounts (Logic C) are processes that provide special discounts or discounts on specific single items.

[0027] Bundle / mix-match discounting (Logic D) is a process of offering a discount or discount on the purchase of several products from a specific product group. Set-match discounts (Logic E) are a process that allows you to receive a discount or discount on the purchase of specific products in combination.

[0028] Payment type discount (Logic F) is a process that gives a discount or discount depending on the payment type used by the member at the time of payment. Membership type discount (Logic G) is a process that gives a discount or discount on a specific product or subtotal amount based on membership. The lowest price calculation logic (Logic H) is a process that determines which discount to apply to calculate the lowest price when a product meets multiple discount conditions (multiple logics are applicable).

[0029] Each store then sets its own selling price determination logic by combining several of the logics A through H described above, depending on the measures required by the store operator, such as a company, and determines the sales price. It goes without saying that the logic for determining the selling price can be set by the store operator as appropriate in addition to the logic described above (for example, by setting which discount to select when multiple discounts overlap), and logic other than Logic A to Logic H described above may also be provided.

[0030] Next, an introduction model of the sales data processing system of this embodiment will be described.

[0031] -An example of introducing a new sales data processing system with basic pricing logic- Figure 5 shows an outline of a model for introducing a sales data processing system with an independent selling price determination logic (basic) that is unrelated to the existing selling price determination logic, such as when opening a new store. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system is configured by a store controller of the store, and the mobile terminal 20 can be configured by directly communicating with the store controller, which is the upper device 10. Note that the product master 110, store master 120, etc. stored in the upper device 10 can be created by directly inputting product information and store information using a web browser or the like. You can build it by putting effort into it.

[0032] In this example, the sales decision logic to be adopted in the new store is set in the store controller, so that the sales data processing system can be smoothly constructed. An example of the processing flow in this example will be briefly explained below. Note that the numbers in parentheses in the explanation refer to the processing in FIG.

[0033] In the sales data processing system of this example, (1) when a member carrying a mobile terminal 20 starts an app on the mobile terminal 20, the app acquires GPS information and the like from the mobile terminal 20 and transmits the acquired location information to the higher-level device 10. If the location information cannot be acquired, the app may display a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the entrance of a store or the like on the display unit 250 so that the QR code (registered trademark) can be read by the mobile terminal 20, and when the QR code (registered trademark) is read, information for identifying the store that has been converted into a QR code (registered trademark) may be transmitted to the higher-level device 10. The means for acquiring location information is not limited to GPS.

[0034] (2) Upon receiving location information (or information for identifying a store) from the mobile terminal 20, the upper device 10 transmits to the mobile terminal 20 store information of one or more stores closest to the location of the mobile terminal 20 based on the received location information, etc. and the information stored in the store master 120. When transmitting the store information to the mobile terminal 20, the higher-level device 10 may also transmit customer information (such as the number of acquired points and member rank). Furthermore, the upper device 10 may also transmit to the mobile terminal 20 sale information (such as the store name, information on special sales being held at the store, flyer information containing the store information, etc.) of the store information used by the member.

[0035] The mobile terminal 20 that has received the store information displays the received store information on the display unit 250. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 20 displays a plurality of pieces of received store information in a selectable manner. The member checks the stores displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20, and if multiple stores are displayed, selects one to specify the store where the member will make a purchase. By identifying the store, the upper device 10 associates the product master of the identified store with the mobile terminal 20 and generates a shopping file (basket data).

[0036] (3) When the member reads the symbol code information of the product to be purchased at the identified store using the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the read symbol code information (product identification information) to the higher-level device 10. Product identification information includes all information that can identify the product and can be acquired as an image, such as barcodes, object recognition based on image features, and character recognition. (4) Upon receiving the product identification information, the upper level device 10 extracts product information from the product master 110 based on the received product identification information and transmits the extracted product information to the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 registers the received product information as a product to be purchased by the member.

[0037] (5) The product information registered by the mobile terminal 20 is transmitted to the higher-level device 10 as registered product information, and the higher-level device 10 stores the received registered product information in a shopping file (basket data). (6) The upper device 10 calculates the subtotal for the registered product information stored in the shopping file using the selling price determination logic, and (7) transmits the calculated total amount to the mobile terminal 20. This allows the member to proceed with shopping while viewing the current total amount (or an estimated total amount in some cases).

[0038] (8) When the member has finished shopping, the member displays symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) storing the shopping identification information on the display unit 250 and reads it into the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70. By doing so, the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70. (9) The POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information requests the upper device 10 to send shopping information (registered product information, etc.) linked to the shopping identification information.

[0039] (10) Upon receiving the shopping identification information from the POS terminal 70, the upper device 10 extracts the calculated shopping information linked to the shopping identification information from the basket data and transmits it to the POS terminal 70. (11) The POS terminal 70 receives the calculated shopping information and displays a payment screen based on the received shopping information. The member makes payment according to the payment screen, thereby completing one transaction using the mobile terminal 20. The processing flow in this example has been described above.

[0040] The subtotal calculation based on the selling price determination logic may be performed by the POS terminal 70. In this case, the higher-level device 10 may transmit (10) uncalculated shopping information related to the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70 in response to (9) a shopping information request from the POS terminal 70. Furthermore, the subtotal calculation based on the selling price determination logic may be performed by the mobile terminal 20.

[0041] -Example of introducing a sales data processing system into an existing store (Part 1)- This example is an example in which accounting can be performed for an existing store shown in FIG. 4 using the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system, without using the selling price determination logic of the store. In this example, for example, a sales data processing system equipped with selling price determination logic (basic) can be added to an existing store where the selling price determination logic set is selling price determination logic (basic).

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a sales data processing system is provided to the existing store shown in FIG. 4 by a cloud service, and the mobile terminal 20 can be configured by communicating with the higher-level device 10 located in the cloud service.

[0043] In this example, the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system is the same as the selling price determination logic (basic) set in the existing store, so there is no need to use the selling price determination logic of the existing store when determining the selling price based on the registered product information registered and processed by the mobile terminal 20. The selling price determination logic set in the existing store and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0044] In this example, to use the sales data processing system, product information (product master, sale plan master, etc.) and store information are periodically sent via the Internet from an existing headquarters system 50 or a store controller installed in the store to the higher-level device 10 provided by the cloud service. It is preferable that only information valid on the day be sent for the product master and sale plan master.

[0045] The upper device 10 provided by the cloud service acquires and stores product information (product master, sale plan master, etc.) and store information, so a sales data processing system can be constructed simply by adding a POS terminal 70 that performs settlement processing using the registration information of products registered by the mobile terminal 20.

[0046] The shopping information in the shopping file 140 stored in the cloud service is periodically transmitted to the headquarters system 50 or the store controller 60 of the store via the Internet. The transaction record may be transmitted to the store controller 60 via an in-store network, and the transaction record may be stored.

[0047] The processing flow in this example is the same as that of the newly installed sales data processing system shown in Figure 5, except that the upper device 10 is not a store controller but is placed in a cloud service and acquires information from the headquarters system 50 or the store controller 60, so an explanation of the processing flow will be omitted. 6, the subtotal calculation based on the selling price determination logic may also be performed by an application on the POS terminal 70 or the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, it is also possible to address this issue by modifying the application of an existing POS terminal (payment settlement device) 70, without adding a new POS terminal 70.

[0048] -Example of introducing a sales data processing system to an existing store (part 2)- The example shown in Figure 7 is an example in which, for example, for an existing store as shown in Figure 4, the selling price is determined by the selling price determination logic of the store's POS terminal 70 while utilizing the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system, and the transaction is carried out. In this example, the settlement amount is determined using the selling price determination logic (company / store) set up in an existing store. In contrast, the selling price determination logic (basic) of the sales data processing system can provide an estimated amount to the mobile terminal during shopping.

[0049] In this example, a sales data processing system is provided to an existing store shown in FIG. 4 by a cloud service, and the mobile terminal 20 communicates with a higher-level device 10 arranged in the cloud service. In addition, by modifying an existing settlement device (POS terminal) 70 so that it can communicate with the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system and introducing an application that supports QR code (registered trademark) reading on the mobile terminal 20, a sales data processing system that supports product registration processing using the mobile terminal 20 can be constructed.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 7, the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system does not correspond to the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store, so the exact total amount cannot be displayed on the mobile terminal 20. However, the estimated amount calculated using the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 can be displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, and can be used as a guide for shopping.

[0051] In addition, the selling price determination logic set in existing stores and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (company / store) and the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0052] The processing flow in this example is the same as that of the newly installed sales data processing system shown in Figure 4 above, except that in (6), the selling price determination logic that calculates the subtotal is different from the store's selling price determination logic, so the total amount sent in (7) is an estimated amount, and the POS terminal 70 in (8), (9), (10), and (11) is a POS terminal installed in an existing store. Therefore, an explanation of the processing flow will be omitted.

[0053] -Example of introducing a sales data processing system to an existing store (Part 3)- The example shown in Figure 8 is an example in which, for example, for an existing store as shown in Figure 4, a subtotal service is performed in which the headquarters system (server) or store controller determines the selling price according to the store's selling price determination logic (company / store), and the transaction is carried out using a newly installed POS terminal 70 instead of an existing POS terminal. According to this example, even if a different POS terminal is delivered than the POS terminal 70 that settles the bill using the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in an existing store, there is no need to collect the program of that POS terminal.

[0054] In this example, a sales data processing system is provided to an existing store shown in FIG. 3 by a cloud service, and a mobile terminal 20 communicates with a higher-level device 10 arranged in the cloud service. By providing the upper device (cloud service) 10 with a basket linking function that transfers shopping information stored in the shopping file to a subtotal service such as a headquarters system (server) or store controller, as well as a function that updates the information in the shopping file based on the results calculated by the subtotal service, it is possible to build a sales data processing system that supports product registration processing by the mobile terminal 20. If necessary, a function for converting data when transferring information can be provided.

[0055] In this example shown in Figure 8, the subtotal calculation is performed by a subtotal service such as an existing store headquarters system, so there is no need to determine the selling price using the selling price determination logic of the existing POS terminal 70, and payments can be made using a new POS terminal 70 even without a network connection to the existing POS terminal 70. The data such as sales results can be managed by transmitting the data to the headquarters system (server) 50, the store controller 60, and the higher-level device (cloud service) 10, respectively.

[0056] In this example, too, the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 of the sales data processing system does not correspond to the selling price determination logic (company / store) set in the existing store, so the exact total amount cannot be displayed on the mobile terminal 20. However, the approximate amount calculated using the price determination logic (basic) set in the upper device 10 can be displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, and can be used as a guide for shopping.

[0057] In addition, the selling price determination logic set in existing stores and the selling price determination logic provided by the sales data processing system are not limited to the selling price determination logic (company / store) and the selling price determination logic (basic).

[0058] An example of the processing flow in this example will be briefly explained below. Note that the numbers in parentheses in the explanation refer to the processing in FIG.

[0059] In the sales data processing system of this example, steps (1) to (5) are the same as steps (1) to (5) shown in FIG. 4, and therefore will be omitted.

[0060] (6) The upper device 10 performs an approximate calculation of the registered product information stored in the shopping file using the selling price determination logic (basic), and (7) transmits the calculated approximate amount to the mobile terminal 20. This allows the member to proceed with shopping while viewing the current estimated price.

[0061] (8) When the member finishes shopping, the member displays symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) that stores the shopping identification information on the display unit 250 and has the symbol code information read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70, whereby the mobile terminal 20 outputs the shopping information to the POS terminal 70. (9) The POS terminal 70 that has input the shopping identification information transmits the shopping identification information to the higher-level device 10 and requests shopping information (registered product information, etc.) linked to the shopping identification information.

[0062] (10) The upper device 10 receives the shopping identification information from the POS terminal 70 and passes the shopping information linked to the shopping identification information to a subtotal service such as the headquarters system 50. (11) Upon receiving the shopping information, the headquarters system 50 calculates the total amount using the subtotal service and transmits the calculated shopping information (subtotal information) to the upper device 10.

[0063] Upon receiving the calculated shopping information (subtotal information), the higher-level device 10 updates the shopping information stored in the shopping file with the calculated shopping information, and transmits the calculated shopping information to the POS terminal 70. (13) The POS terminal 70 receives the calculated shopping information and displays a payment screen based on the received shopping information. The member makes payment according to the payment screen, thereby completing one transaction using the mobile terminal 20. The processing flow in this example has been described above.

[0064] As described above, the sales data processing system of the present invention is not limited in form. That is, the sales data processing system of the present invention can be any system in which merchandise transactions are conducted based on merchandise information registered by the mobile terminal 20, such as a system consisting of the host device 10 and the mobile terminal 20 that can be linked to the store's merchandise sales system later, an entire system in which the host device 10 and the mobile terminal 20 are linked to the store's merchandise sales system, a system in which the host device 10 is configured as the store controller 60 of the store's merchandise sales system and the mobile terminal 20 is directly linked to the store controller 60 or an in-store POS terminal 70, etc.

[0065] In the following description, an embodiment is described in which product registration processing and the like is performed by the mobile terminal 20. This is just one example, and the mobile terminal 20 may simply function as an interface for product registration processing, with other processing being performed by a higher-level system such as the higher-level device 10. In other words, it is possible to appropriately set which device constituting the sales data processing system will perform what processing.

[0066] -High-level device 10- The upper device 10 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with storage means for storing a product master 110, a store master 120, a member master 130, a shopping file 140, etc. The product master 110, store master 120, etc. of the upper device 10 are updated based on the information of each master stored in the store controller 60 of the store.

[0067] The product master 110 stores product information, store identification information, etc., linked to product identification information unique to each product. For example, the information stored in the product master can identify product information from product identification information, or identify product information handled by a store from store identification information. Note that the information stored in the product master 110 is not limited to the product information and store identification information.

[0068] In the sales data processing system of this embodiment, the product master 110 stores sales conditions (standard numbers) linked to product identification information, for example, as shown in FIG. 28(a). In addition, the product master 110 stores a special sale table that links, for each sales condition (specification number), discount type information, the identification number of the target product, the conditions for the discount to be granted, and the discount amount when the conditions are granted, as shown in Figure 28(b). Sales conditions are sales conditions set for each product, and include, for example, bulk discount information such as discount prices that are applied when multiple loose products such as vegetables are purchased together, quantity-limited information where the number of items purchased per customer is set, and information on indefinite weight products where the content volume and price differ for each pack, such as pre-packed products such as meat where the price per gram is set. The bulk discount information is not limited to products sold individually, such as vegetables, but can also be set for products such as canned goods and instant noodles. The information stored in the product master 110 is not limited to the above-mentioned product information, store identification information, and sales conditions.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3(b), the store master 120 stores store identification information, store name, location information such as the store's GPS information, and QR code (registered trademark) information indicating the store, all linked together.The information stored in the store master 120 makes it possible to identify nearby stores, for example, from location information.

[0070] As shown in Figure 3(c), member master 130 stores member identification information linked to member information such as member name (name, address, credit card number, etc.), and the information stored in member master 130 makes it possible to identify, for example, store information and credit card information used by a member from the member identification information.

[0071] Furthermore, the member master 130 may store, linked to the member identification information, information such as the number of times the member has used the mobile terminal 20 in the past to register products and the number of times the registered products were deleted (canceled) when registering products, as well as the member's level, which is determined by the frequency (number of times) of use and the frequency (number of times) of error. For example, the upper device 10 may set member levels from beginner level (L1) to preferred member (L5), and determine the member level based on the frequency (number of times) of product registration using the mobile terminal 20 and the frequency (number of times) of erroneous operation, and store the determined member level in the member master 130.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 3(d), the shopping file 140 is a file that stores registration information registered by a member using the mobile terminal 20 when shopping, and stores shopping identification information that identifies the member's purchase and registered product information (barcode information, product name, price, etc.) that was registered during the purchase, linked together as shopping information. Note that the shopping identification information may be configured, for example, as a combination of store identification information, date, serial number, etc.

[0073] In addition, the shopping file 140 may store shopping identification information in association with pending product information for which the product could not be registered by the mobile terminal 20 during the shopping trip, and may further store information in association with cancellation operation information relating to the cancellation of product registration performed by the member during the product registration process.

[0074] The shopping information stored in the shopping file 140 is synchronized with the registered information of the product in the mobile terminal 20, and when a member changes or deletes the quantity of the registered information registered by the mobile terminal 20 while shopping, the shopping information in the shopping file 140 is also changed or deleted. Also, at the time of payment, the member outputs the shopping identification information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70, and the POS terminal 70 requests the registration information linked to the shopping identification information from the shopping file 140 of the higher-level device 10. The higher-level device 10, which has been requested to provide the registration information, outputs the product information linked to the shopping identification information to the POS terminal 70.

[0075] When the settlement process for one transaction is completed, the upper device 10 stores the shopping information of that transaction as settled shopping information in the shopping file 140. The member can access the shopping file 140 using the mobile terminal 20 and refer to the past shopping history. The shopping file 140 is synchronized with the shopping file stored in the store controller 60 of the store, and stores shopping information about shopping that the member has done without using the mobile terminal 20. In this way, the member can refer to the entire history of his or her past purchases at the store.

[0076] Furthermore, the shopping file 140 may store past history and currently registered files in separate storage areas. When a current purchase is confirmed, it may be added to the past history file.

[0077] Furthermore, the higher-level device 10 supplies an application program (shopping application) that runs on the mobile terminal 20. The shopping application may be provided from a site on the Internet that provides applications for the mobile terminal 20.

[0078] -Mobile terminal 20- The mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 and the screen display examples shown in FIGS. The mobile terminal 20 will be described by taking as an example a smartphone personally owned by a customer, on which a dedicated application supplied from the higher-level device 10 or the like is installed.

[0079] (Advance preparation) In order to use a customer's smartphone as a mobile terminal 20 capable of performing store registration processing, the customer must register as a person (hereinafter referred to as a "member") who can perform registration processing using the smartphone.

[0080] When registering as a new member, it is preferable to register information that can be used to verify the member's identity, such as the member's name, address, telephone number, and email address, as well as credit card information. The registration procedure can be either online or offline. For example, the required information can be entered into a registration form or tablet at a store, and a download URL or the like can be sent to the registered email address to download a dedicated app. Alternatively, the dedicated app can be downloaded and installed from the higher-level device 10, and then the member registration screen can be launched to complete the registration procedure. The application can also be provided from an internet site that provides applications for the mobile terminal 20.

[0081] Furthermore, if the customer is already a card member of the store, the member registration process may complete the registration as a member by additionally registering only the credit card information, for example. The information to be registered is not limited to the above information. For example, if the store is a chain store, information about the store that the user regularly visits may be registered so that information unique to that store can be distributed. The higher-level device 10 stores information about the registered members in the member master 130.

[0082] The operation history in the member master 130 may be used outside the store. In other words, the conditions and thresholds for displaying a confirmation screen by a clerk at a payment device according to the member's operation level based on the operation history may be used outside the store. Considering that the system of the higher-level device 10 may be used by multiple companies, it is preferable to use it beyond the corporate group and among multiple companies, if its use is limited to security related to operation history. The security level can be set by each corporate group and each store, and the member level, operation level ranking, and conditions for the occurrence of a store clerk confirmation event can be freely set. Furthermore, the conditions can be stored on the payment device side and received when the shopping file (basket data) is acquired, and the occurrence of a store clerk confirmation event can be controlled on the payment device side.

[0083] (Store-specific processing) When a member starts up the dedicated application on the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 executes a process to identify the store in order to function as a registration device in the store (S201).

[0084] For example, when the member launches a dedicated app on the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may identify the store based on location information obtained from the GPS or the like of the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the location information to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10, having received the location information, transmits information on the store with the closest location information to the mobile terminal 20 based on the store master 120, thereby identifying the store where the member will shop. If there are multiple applicable stores, a selection screen may be displayed on the display unit 250 so that the member can select from among the multiple stores.

[0085] Alternatively, a QR code (registered trademark) storing QR code information stored in the store master 120 may be attached to the entrance of the store, and the member may read the QR code (registered trademark) with the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20, thereby allowing the mobile terminal 20 to identify the store. This method is effective when location information cannot be acquired, and when location information cannot be acquired, a message such as "Please read the store's QR code (registered trademark)" may be displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. Alternatively, when a member enters the store, the store may be identified using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or beacons within the store. In other words, the means for identifying location information is not limited in any way.

[0086] By identifying the store, the upper device 10 grants the mobile terminal 20 permission to access the product master of the store, and generates basket data (shopping file) linked to the mobile terminal 20.

[0087] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may display a selection screen for selecting a store on the display unit 250, and the member may select a store from the selection screen, thereby specifying the selected store as the store where the shopping will be carried out. When a member enters a store, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the member of information such as "sale information," "related / alternative products," "new products," and "out-of-stock information" at that store. If the identified store is closed, the display unit 250 may display this information. If the store is closing, the transition to the registration screen may be prohibited. Registration via the app may be prohibited at a predetermined time before closing, and customers who are currently registering may be notified of the closing time. However, customers who are currently registering may continue shopping, and registration may not be prohibited even when closing time arrives. Continuation is possible as long as the customer is within a specified range of the store's location. Notifications may be given in stages to encourage payment.

[0088] When the mobile terminal 20 identifies the store, it displays on the display unit 250 a start screen 800 (FIG. 12(a)) for starting shopping. The start screen 800 contains keys linked to member point information 800a, store information 800b of the identified store, notices 800c of sale information, etc., coupon information 800d, etc., as well as a "Start" key 800e that declares the start of product registration at the store.

[0089] When the member operates the "Start" key 800e on the start screen 800, the mobile terminal 20 displays a registration screen 810 shown in FIG. 12(b). It should be noted that the mobile terminal 20 may specify the store and immediately display the registration screen 810 without displaying the start screen 800.

[0090] 12(b) is divided into two areas, an upper area and an lower area, and the upper area of ​​the registration screen 810 is set as a first display area 811 that displays image data captured by the camera (input unit) 260 of the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 displays 811a saying "Please read the product barcode" in the first display area 811 of the registration screen 810, and also visibly displays a mark 811b indicating the reading range for recognizing the barcode (product identification information), thereby completing preparation for product registration.

[0091] (Reading operation detection process and product information acquisition process) When the member performs an operation to read the code information attached to the product (S202), the mobile terminal 20 acquires the product identification information of the product from the read code information or the like (S203). In step S202, the mobile terminal 20 detects that a reading operation to read code information has been performed by a customer or the like.

[0092] When a member takes an item to be purchased from a display shelf and places it in a shopping cart (basket), the member takes an image of the item using the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20, and as shown in Figure 13(a), by placing the barcode (code information) attached to the item within the mark 811b displayed in the first display area 811 of the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 automatically recognizes that it is a barcode (item identification information) and obtains the item identification information stored in the code information.

[0093] In this case, if the mobile terminal 20 is equipped with a distance sensor or the like, it can detect that the member has been attempting to read the code information by detecting that the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 has been brought close to the item for a certain period of time. Furthermore, if the mobile terminal 20 is constantly and automatically repeating barcode recognition and is not equipped with a distance sensor or the like, it may be configured to detect that the member has been attempting to read the code information by, for example, detecting that the same image has been captured for a certain period of time. Similarly, if this detection is detected for a certain period of time, a timeout process may be executed, and a message such as "Product registration was unsuccessful. Would you like to purchase? (Yes / No)" may be displayed, prompting the member to place the item on hold. A purchase confirmation may also be provided.

[0094] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may read the product identification information from code information captured by a shutter operation or the like while the app is running, rather than automatically recognizing code information such as a barcode. In this case, the operation to acquire the code information can be detected by detecting that a shutter operation has been performed on the app screen. Furthermore, a gyro sensor or the like may be used to monitor the tilt of the mobile terminal, and determine that a reading operation is being performed. Specifically, a combination of a predetermined distance and tilt from the product may be detected.

[0095] If the product's barcode (product identification information) cannot be recognized by the initial image capture, the member may set the product aside as a reserved product and proceed with the registration process for the next product. In this case, the member can simply take a photo of the reserved product and save the image. By leaving a photo of the reserved product, the member can easily identify the product during the later checkout process and make it easier for the store clerk to correct the product registration information. Specifically, there may be cases where the process of prompting the user to register the product as a reserved item, such as the timeout process described above, is not executed. In such cases, the customer will have to keep trying to register the product, which is inconvenient. In such cases, it may be possible to allow the user to register the product as a reserved item rather than registering it as a normal item at their own discretion. In such cases, for example, a "Register reserved item" button may be displayed on the registration screen or setting screen, and pressing this button will switch to an image capture mode in which the shutter is manually released, allowing the user to take a picture of the front packaging of the product that could not be registered in this image capture mode, as well as the product barcode and price tag on the shelf, at their own timing. In other words, the member may be able to switch to manual image capture mode at his / her discretion.

[0096] The method for detecting the reading operation of the commodity identification information is not particularly limited.

[0097] If the mobile terminal 20 detects a reading operation by the member in step S202 but is unable to acquire product identification information in step S203, it determines that registration of the product information has failed (no in S204).

[0098] For example, there are cases where the barcode attached to a product is damaged or distorted due to the condition of the product's packaging, making it impossible to read some or all of the information recorded on the barcode (unreadable product). Also, there are cases where a member images a part of a product that does not have a barcode. In such cases, it is not possible to obtain product identification information by reading code information, etc. As a result, the product cannot be registered. In step S204, it is detected that the product cannot be registered because the code information cannot be read.

[0099] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 20 detects a reading operation by the customer in step S202 and acquires product identification information in step S203, it checks whether the product identification information exists in the product master 110, and if the read product identification information does not exist in the product master, it determines that the registration of the product information has failed (no in S205).

[0100] For example, the product identification information recorded in the code information is acquired and transmitted to the higher-level device 10, but in the case of a product (non-file product) for which the acquired product identification information is not stored in the product master 110 or in the case of a problem in connection with the higher-level device 10, the product information cannot be acquired from the higher-level device 10. As a result, the product cannot be registered. In step S205, it is detected if the product cannot be registered because it is a non-file product or the like.

[0101] In addition, if the mobile terminal 20 is constantly automatically recognizing the barcode and is not equipped with a function for detecting a reading operation such as a distance sensor, step S202 for detecting the member's reading operation and judgment step S204, i.e., the detection process for when the product cannot be registered because the code information cannot be read, may be omitted.

[0102] (Product registration processing, registered product cancellation processing) In step S205, if the acquired product identification information exists in the product master and product information linked to the product identification information is acquired, the mobile terminal 20 registers the product information as registered product information of the product purchased by the customer. The registered product information registered in the mobile terminal 20 is also stored in the shopping file 140 (S206). Furthermore, to obtain product information, it is sufficient to refer to the product master 110 stored in the higher-level device 10, but if the product master is downloaded after the mobile terminal 20 identifies the store, it is also possible to obtain product information and register registered product information for the product only using the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, the product master to be referenced may be the product master stored in the store controller 60 or the POS terminal 70.

[0103] (Display processing) When the mobile terminal 20 registers a product, as shown in FIG. 13(a), a second display area 812 for displaying registered product information and a current registration status are displayed in the lower area of ​​the registration screen 810. The third display area 813 is displayed (S209).

[0104] The mobile terminal 20 displays product information 812a such as the product name, purchase quantity (operator) 812b, and product price 812c in the second display area 812, and displays the current registered number of items 813a, estimated total 813b, and a ``Checkout'' key 813c for proceeding to checkout based on the registered information in the third display area 813.

[0105] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 places the third display area 813 above the second display area 812, i.e., between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812. This allows the member to smoothly see the changes in the estimated total when registering products. As shown in FIG. 12(b), the mobile terminal 20 may display the third display area 813 with the number of registered items set to 0 and the estimated total amount set to 0 yen before the product is registered.

[0106] The third display area 813 may be arranged independently of the first display area 811 and the second display area 812 , or may be arranged within the range of the second display area 812 . Furthermore, it is preferable that the estimated total displayed in the third display area 813 displays the accurate total amount at the current time as the selling price of the products, but for example, if a sales data processing system is introduced into an existing store with a complex price determination logic, an accurate subtotal cannot be calculated using the store's price determination logic unless the registered product information is output to an existing POS terminal or other settlement device 70. In such cases, the estimated total calculated by adding up the list prices of each product, etc., may be displayed in the third display area 813 of the mobile terminal 20. By displaying the third display area 813 on the registration screen 810 of the mobile terminal 20, the member can grasp the current number of items to be purchased and the estimated total while registering the item. The mobile terminal 20 according to this embodiment displays the third display area 813 above the second display area 812, i.e., between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812. This allows the member to smoothly see the changes in the estimated total when registering a product.

[0107] The member can change the purchase quantity 812b of the product displayed in the second display area 812, or delete the registered product information of the product. For example, when a member touches the purchase quantity 812b portion displayed in the second display area 812, the mobile terminal 20 displays a quantity change screen (pop-up) 820 for changing the quantity of the product, as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0108] The quantity change screen 820 displays the current number of items purchased and the price, and also has a "+" key 820a and a "-" key 820b for changing the quantity of the item, as well as a "Cancel item" key 820c for deleting registered item registration information. In addition, if the registered product is a clearance item or other limited quantity product or an indefinite quantity product, the mobile terminal 20 may display a pop-up 821 that does not have a "+" key 820a or a "-" key 820b for changing the quantity of the product, as shown in Figure 14(b).

[0109] When the member operates the "+" key 820a or the "-" key 820b to change the quantity or other information of the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810, the mobile terminal 20 changes the purchase quantity 812b of the product displayed on the registration screen 810. The mobile terminal 20 then outputs the changed registered product information to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 updates the registered information stored in the shopping file 140 with the entered registered product information.

[0110] Furthermore, when a member deletes the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810 by operating the "Cancel Product" key 820c, the mobile terminal 20 cancels the registration of the registered product information displayed on the registration screen 810. The canceled (deleted) registered product information is output to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 updates the registered information stored in the shopping file 140.

[0111] In addition, when a member cancels registered product information, a notice may be sent to the member to return the product to the display shelf or the like. At this time, if the member's location within the store can be identified, it may be possible to detect whether the product whose registered product information has been cancelled is more than a certain distance away from the shelf to which it should be returned, and to display a screen that allows the member to choose between returning the product to the shelf or transferring it to a holding basket.

[0112] When a member cancels the registration of registered product information, the mobile terminal 20 may associate the product information of the deleted product with information indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed and store it as canceled product information. In particular, when a process is performed to move a product whose registered product information has been canceled to a holding cart, it is preferable to store it as canceled product information.

[0113] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may erase the registered product information whose registration has been cancelled so that it is not displayed on the registration screen 810, or may display it on the registration screen 810 so that it is clear that it has been cancelled, for example by drawing a line through it or by indicating that it is a cancelled product.

[0114] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may output information indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed by the member to the higher-level device 10, and the higher-level device 10 may store this information in the shopping file 140 as cancellation operation information. Furthermore, the higher-level device 10 may store in the member master 130, after the payment process for the purchase is completed, the number of times the member has performed a cancellation operation on the registered product information during the purchase.

[0115] (Notification processing) If it is determined in step S204 that the product cannot be registered because it is an unreadable product, or if it is determined in step S205 that the product cannot be registered because it is a non-file product, etc., the mobile terminal 20 notifies the member that the product cannot be registered (S207).

[0116] For example, the mobile terminal 20 displays a notification (pop-up) 830 on the display unit 250 to the effect that the product that cannot be registered will be placed on hold, as shown in Fig. 13(b). At this time, the mobile terminal 20 may display a notification that the two products will be handled differently, such as a display 830a that prompts the user to place the successfully registered product and the product that cannot be registered in different baskets (or specific areas within the basket). The notification that the product cannot be registered is not limited to a pop-up message or the like.

[0117] In addition, if the reserved product is an unreadable product and code information of the product is displayed on the display shelf of the product, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the user to read the code information attached to the display shelf.

[0118] (Reserved product information generation process) The mobile terminal 20 generates reserved product information for the product that cannot be registered (S208). The reserved product information records, for example, member identification information, shopping identification information, and reading time, and preferably also stores information on whether the reserved product is a non-file product or an unreadable product, and may further store image data when the code information is imaged.

[0119] (Display processing) The mobile terminal 20 that generated the pending product information stores the generated pending product information and displays pending product information 812e indicating that there is a pending product in accordance with the registered product information 812d in the second display area 812 of the registration screen 810, as shown in Figure 15(a) (S209). It is preferable that the reserved product information 812e displayed in the second display area 812 is displayed in a different display format from the registered product information 812d. In the example shown in FIG. 15(a), the mobile terminal 20 displays two pieces of registered product information 812d together with reserved product information 812e, and the background color of the reserved product information 812e is different from the background of the other registered product information 812d.

[0120] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may display the number of reserved items in a display field 812g in the second display area 812, and may also display a message 812f in the reserved item information 812e that prompts the member to handle the reserved items differently than for normally registered items, such as "Please add to a special basket," thereby informing the member that reserved items exist and that the reserved items will be handled differently. It is preferable that the display also indicate whether the reserved product is a "non-file product" or an "unreadable product." This display allows store staff to provide a quicker response to the customer.

[0121] It is also preferable that the reserved product information 812e displayed in the second display area 812 can be modified in quantity or deleted in the same way as for regular products. For example, if a member repeatedly performs a reading operation on the code information of a product that cannot be registered, multiple pieces of pending product information 812e may be generated. In such a case, the mobile terminal 20 may delete the pending product information 812e in response to the member's operation. The mobile terminal 20 may output the reserved product information and information regarding the operation to cancel the reserved product information to the higher-level device 10 in the same manner as the registered product information. The higher-level device 10 may then store the input reserved product information and the like in the shopping file 140.

[0122] (Registration information output) The mobile terminal 20 that has displayed the registration information proceeds to step S210 to detect whether the member has instructed it to proceed to checkout, and if the member has instructed it to proceed to checkout (Yes in S210), it outputs the registration information together with the instruction to proceed to checkout or the instruction to proceed to checkout (S211), and completes the process. Here, the registration information output by the mobile terminal 20 may be shopping identification information. The registration information may include registered product information for which product registration has been successful, pending product information for which product registration has not been successful, and may further include canceled product information for which product registration has been cancelled.

[0123] Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 detects that the member has operated the "Checkout" key 813c displayed on the registration screen 810 of the display unit 250, and when it detects that the "Checkout" key 813c has been operated, the mobile terminal 20 displays (outputs) on the output screen 840, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) 840a generated based on the shopping identification information, as shown in Fig. 15(b) (S211). Note that the mobile terminal 20 may also display (output) on the output screen 840 the QR code (registered trademark) 840a generated based on the registration information stored in the shopping file.

[0124] A member can have the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 read the QR code (registered trademark) 840a displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, and the POS terminal 70 can obtain registration information linked to the shopping identification information from the upper device 10.

[0125] Symbol code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) may store registration information including registered product information and owned product information, or it may store shopping identification information linked to the registration information including the registered product information and owned product information. For example, the shopping identification information may be path information such as a URL stored in a shopping file, or may be a combination of information such as a store identifier, member identifier, date and time, or may be identifiable by a sequence number, etc. There is no problem as long as the search destination is known on the payment device side.

[0126] In addition, instead of outputting the symbol code information storing the registration information, the mobile terminal 20 may select a POS terminal 70, and the selected POS terminal 70 may acquire the registration information stored in a location other than the mobile terminal 20. For example, the member may have the mobile terminal 20 read a QR code (registered trademark) that is generated on the screen of the POS terminal 70 and identifies the specified POS terminal 70, and the mobile terminal 20 may then transmit a transaction instruction together with the shopping identification information to the specified POS terminal 70. The POS terminal 70 that receives the transaction instruction may then obtain the registration information linked to the shopping identification information. It is also possible to obtain registration information using an IC reader by setting the FeliCa or NFC identifier of the mobile terminal in advance.

[0127] On the other hand, if the customer does not give an instruction to proceed to checkout (No in S210) and performs an operation such as reading the code information of another product, product registration from step S202 to step S208 is repeated until an instruction to proceed to checkout is given. The flow of processing in the mobile terminal 20 has been described above.

[0128] -POS terminal 70- Next, the POS terminal (payment settlement device) 70 of the sales data processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and the display examples shown in FIGS.

[0129] (Input processing) The POS terminal (payment settlement device) 70 inputs the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) output by the mobile terminal 20, etc. (S701).

[0130] For example, when a member has the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 read the QR code (registered trademark) 840a displayed (output) on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, the POS terminal 70 inputs the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.) stored in the QR code (registered trademark) 840a.

[0131] (Notification processing) The POS terminal 70, which has input the registration information (shopping identification information, etc.), requests the shopping information linked to the shopping identification information from the higher-level device 10, and determines whether the shopping information (registration information) sent from the higher-level device 10 includes reserved product information or canceled product information (S702). If the POS terminal 70 determines that the registration information includes reserved product information, it issues a notification to call a store clerk (S703).

[0132] For example, the POS terminal 70 may call a store clerk by flashing a light (Patlite (registered trademark)) that visually notifies the store clerk. The method of calling the store clerk is not limited to Patlite (registered trademark), but may also be an in-store announcement, a monitoring device that monitors the status of the POS register where the store clerk is stationed and all POS terminals, or a management device located in the back yard or the like. Any method may be used, such as notification to a device or a portable device carried by a store clerk. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the POS terminal 70 displays on the display unit 750 a pop-up 910 indicating that there is a reserved product among the registered products and that a store clerk is being called.

[0133] Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 may also issue a notification to call a store clerk when it determines that the registration information includes canceled product information (S703). That is, in step S702 above, if the registration information contains pending product information or cancelled product information, the POS terminal 70 may issue a notification to call a store clerk. Needless to say, the call notification to a store clerk may be controlled by detecting any of the above.

[0134] (Settlement processing) On the other hand, if the POS terminal 70 determines in step S702 that the registration information does not include reserved product information or canceled product information, it proceeds to the settlement process. Specifically, the POS terminal 70 displays a registration confirmation screen 900 on the display unit 750, as shown in FIG. 19 (S709).

[0135] The registration confirmation screen 900 shown in Figure 19 displays a list 900a of registered product information, and an arrow 900c is displayed in a predetermined position on the registration confirmation screen 900, allowing members to scroll through the list 900a of registered product information by operating the arrow 900c. At the top of the registration confirmation screen 900, a total display field is provided that displays the number of items purchased in the shopping trip and the total price, and a "Checkout" key 900b is also displayed.

[0136] Also, a price range registration number display 900d showing the registration quantity for each price range of products is located at the bottom of the registration confirmation screen 900. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the numbers "3," "4," "9," and "12," which represent the quantity of products in each price range, are displayed for the price ranges of "1,000 yen or more," "500 yen to 999 yen," "300 yen to 499 yen," and "300 yen or less." By displaying the registered quantities by price range, the store clerk can get an overview of the products purchased by the member. Furthermore, when a high-priced item is purchased, a light (Patlite (registered trademark)) or other device (monitoring device), a service manager, etc. may be notified, and a store clerk may assist with packing the high-priced item.

[0137] Then, when the member operates the "Checkout" key 900b displayed on the registration confirmation screen 900, the POS terminal 70 executes the settlement process using the registration information displayed on the registration confirmation screen 900 (S709), and completes the transaction.

[0138] (Display processing of registered product information and reserved product information) Meanwhile, the POS terminal 70 that performed the notification process in step S703 displays a registration confirmation screen 920 on the display unit 750, which displays a list of the entered registration information (registered product information and pending product information), when the member operates the "OK" key 910a of the pop-up 910 (S704).

[0139] In the example of the registration confirmation screen 920 shown in Figure 20, a list 920a of registered product information is displayed, along with information on two pending products 920b and 920c that could not be registered and information on one canceled product 920d whose registration was canceled. At this time, the POS terminal 70 receives the registered product information 920a and the reserved product information 920b shown in FIG. The display form of the registration confirmation screen 920 including the pending product information 920b, 920c, and the canceled product information 920d may be displayed in a different display form from the display form of the registration confirmation screen 900 displayed with only the registered product information shown in Fig. 19. For example, the registration confirmation screen 920 including the pending product information 920b, 920c, and the canceled product information 920d may be displayed in a different screen color such as a background color, or in a different text color or font.

[0140] Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 preferably places the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the cancelled product information 920d at the top of the list of registered information 920a. The display of the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the canceled product information 920d is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 20. For example, the POS terminal 70 may arrange the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the canceled product information 920d in the left region of the registration confirmation screen 920, and display the registered product information 920a in the right region. These displays allow the member or store clerk to easily recognize that there are pending or cancelled products among the products displayed in the list, and to easily grasp these pending or cancelled products.

[0141] Furthermore, the POS terminal 70 displays a price range registration number display 900d showing the registered quantity of each price range of products, as well as a field 920e showing the number of reserved products (including canceled products) at the bottom of the screen. In the example shown in Fig. 20, "3" is displayed as the number of reserved products. In addition, for products that require explanation by a registered salesperson or pharmacist, such as alcoholic beverages or Class 2 drugs that require age verification and require the intervention of a store clerk, the quantity of reserved products may be displayed, or a separate display area may be set up to display them. In this case, the display mode of the target products, such as the background color, font size, etc., may be changed, or a mark may be added to display them.

[0142] (Prohibition processing) If the input registration information includes pending product information 920b, 920c and canceled product information 920d, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the settlement process using the registration information including the pending product information 920b, 920c and canceled product information 920d (S705), following step S704.

[0143] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the execution of the settlement process by not displaying the "Checkout" key 900b that is displayed on the normal registration confirmation screen 900 on the registration confirmation screen 920 that includes pending product information 920b, 920c or canceled product information 920d.

[0144] (Editing process) The POS terminal 70 that has prohibited the execution of the settlement process corrects the reserved product information in response to the correction operation by the store clerk (S706).

[0145] For example, when a store clerk touches pending product information 920b on the registration confirmation screen 920 displayed on the display unit 750, the POS terminal 70 displays an editing screen 930 on the display unit 750 for editing the pending product information 920b, as shown in Figure 21. It should be noted that the editing screen 930 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 21. Furthermore, the editing screen 930 may be displayed as a pop-up, and may be displayed in a partial area (for example, the left area) of the registration confirmation screen 920.

[0146] A scan button 930a is arranged at a predetermined position on the edit screen 930, and when a store clerk operates the scan button 930a, the POS terminal 70 displays image data obtained when the code information of the product is read. The store clerk can check the reserved items by looking at the displayed image data and then place them on the shelves. The user can find out the correct product information by checking the product price, etc. Editing on the edit screen 930 may be done in any suitable manner.

[0147] If all reserved items are displayed in a list on the editing screen 930, it is possible to reduce the amount of switching back and forth between the registration confirmation screen 920 and the editing screen 930. Alternatively, since the reserved items are displayed in half of the area of ​​the registration confirmation screen 920 (for example, only the left side), the editing screen 930 can be displayed in the other half (the right side) overlaid on or in place of the registered item information, thereby reducing the effort required to transition between screens.

[0148] The POS terminal 70 may reflect the reserved product information corrected by the store clerk on the edit screen 930 in the product master or the like. For example, in the case of a new product being handled for the first time, a product from a new business partner, or a product where the barcode has been forgotten to be updated, even if the barcode attached to the sale item is read, it may not exist in the product master, and the item may become a non-file product. In such a case, by updating the product master with the changes to the reserved product information made on the POS terminal 70, it is possible to prevent the product from becoming a reserved product from then on. The product information editing process here only requires the items necessary for product registration and payment processing, such as the product name, unit price, barcode (product identification information), and tax classification (reduced tax rate, tax included, tax excluded, tax exempt, etc.).

[0149] Furthermore, for items whose prices and the like are unclear, the POS terminal 70 may be configured to allow provisional corrections by editing the department and amount.

[0150] Then, when the store clerk edits and updates the reserved product information 920b on the editing screen 930 to accumulatable registered product information, the POS terminal 70 corrects and displays the reserved product information 920b on the registration confirmation screen 920, as shown in Fig. 22. The POS terminal 70 may display the corrected reserved product information 920b at the top of the list of registered product information without moving the display position of the corrected reserved product information 920b, or may display the corrected reserved product information 920b by moving it to the display order of the other registered product information 920a. Furthermore, if the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the cancelled product information 920d are arranged in the left region of the registration confirmation screen 920, the corrected reserved product information 920b may be moved to the right region and displayed.

[0151] Then, the POS terminal 70 changes the number of reserved products 920e displayed at the bottom of the registration confirmation screen 920 to "2."

[0152] The POS terminal 70 that has corrected the pending product information 920b determines whether or not there is pending product information (including canceled product information) in the registration information, i.e., whether or not all pending product information has been corrected (S707), and if it determines that all pending product information has been corrected, it lifts the prohibition on the settlement process (S708) and displays the registration confirmation screen 920 in which all pending product information has been corrected, as shown in Figure 23 (S709).

[0153] On the registration confirmation screen 920 shown in Figure 23, correct product information is entered and registered for two pending product information items 920b and 920c that could not be registered, and cancellation of registration is confirmed for one canceled product information item 920d that was canceled at the time of registration. When the reserved product information 920b, 920c and the cancellation product information 920d are all corrected or confirmed, the POS terminal 70 displays "0" in the reserved product quantity 920e displayed at the bottom of the registration confirmation screen 920. In addition, the POS terminal 70 changes the background color of the registration confirmation screen 920 to the normal background color, and A "Decision" key 920f is displayed at the top of the recording confirmation screen 920. When the member or store clerk operates the "Enter" key 920f, the POS terminal 70 completes the product registration and correction process and moves to the checkout screen shown in FIG.

[0154] On the other hand, if it is determined that all the reserved product information has not been corrected, the POS terminal 70 returns to step S706 and repeats the correction process until all the reserved product information has been corrected. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the POS terminal 70 prohibits the execution of the settlement process until the reserved product information 920c and the canceled product information 920d are corrected.

[0155] The settlement screen 950 shown in Figure 24 displays a "Cash" key 950a and a "Credit Card" key 950b for selecting the payment amount and payment method, and the member can perform the settlement process by operating either key (S710) and complete the transaction. The flow of processing in the POS terminal 70 has been described above.

[0156] -Function block diagram- FIG. 9 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the sales data processing system of this embodiment. The mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system of this embodiment has a control unit 200, a display unit 250 such as a touch panel, and an input unit 260 such as a camera.

[0157] The control unit 200 includes a control means 201 for controlling the entire mobile terminal 20 overall, a store identification means 202 for identifying the store where shopping will be performed, an acquisition means 203 for acquiring product identification information of the product to be purchased, a detection means 204 for detecting an operation for acquiring the product identification information, a product registration means 205 for identifying and registering the product information based on the acquired product identification information, a reserved product registration means 206 for generating and storing information about products whose product information cannot be registered, a display means 207 for displaying the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205 and the reserved product information generated by the reserved product registration means 206 on the display unit 250, a notification means 208 for notifying that the product information cannot be registered, an output means 209 for outputting the registration information and the reserved product information, and a registered product cancellation means 210 for canceling the registered product information of the member.

[0158] The control means 201 controls the mobile terminal 20 as a whole, and for example, stores each piece of input (acquired) or detected information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each piece of information from the storage device and displays it on the display unit 250, and exchanges information with other devices. The control means 201 also executes various determination processes.

[0159] The store identification means 202 executes a store identification process. For example, the store identification means 202 outputs the location information of the mobile terminal 20 to the higher-level device 10, and inputs the information of the store where the shopping will be done from the store master of the higher-level device 10, thereby identifying the store where the shopping will be done.

[0160] The acquisition means 203 executes product information acquisition processing. For example, the acquisition means 203 acquires the product identification information of the product based on code information attached to the product, the image of which is captured using the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20. Note that, in the sales data processing system of the above embodiment, an example is used in which the product identification information is acquired by reading the barcode attached to the product, but the method of acquiring the product identification information by the acquisition means is not limited to reading the barcode.

[0161] For example, product identification information can be obtained by the mobile terminal 20 through non-contact detection using an RFID tag or by capturing a QR code, and furthermore, image recognition technology can be used to identify products based on their appearance (shape, color, material, etc.). In addition, by storing images taken by customers when registering products on the server and conducting AI learning, The recognition rate of the image recognition may be improved.

[0162] The detection means 204 executes a reading operation detection process. For example, the detection means 204 detects that an operation for capturing an image of code information attached to a product has been performed by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0163] The product registration means 205 executes a product registration process. For example, the product registration means 205 identifies a product based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition process and the information stored in the product master, acquires the product information, and registers it as registered product information. The reserved product registration means 206 executes reserved product information generation processing. For example, the reserved product registration means 206 generates and stores information about the product as reserved product information when product identification information cannot be obtained by the acquisition process or when the product identification information obtained by the acquisition process is not stored in the product master.

[0164] The display means 207 executes display processing. For example, the display means 207 displays, on the display unit 250, the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205 and the reserved product information generated by the reserved product registration means 206. The notification means 208 executes notification processing. For example, the notification means 208 notifies the member through the display unit 250 or the like when there is a product that cannot be registered through the member's product registration operation. The output means 209 outputs the registered product information registered by the product registration means 205, the reserved product information generated by the reserved product registration means 206, and the like.

[0165] The registered product cancellation means 210 executes the registered product cancellation process. For example, the registered product cancellation means 210 detects that a member has performed an operation to cancel a product registration, and generates registration deletion information and outputs to the higher-level device 10 that the registered product information has been cancelled.

[0166] The POS terminal 70 of the sales data processing system of this embodiment includes a control unit 700, a display unit 750 such as a touch panel, an input unit 760 such as a camera, a printing unit 770 such as a printer, and the like.

[0167] The control unit 700 includes a control means 701 for controlling the entire POS terminal 70, an input means 702 for inputting product registration information, a display means 703 for displaying the input registration information on the display unit 750, a settlement means 704 for settling the product based on the registration information, a notification means 705 for notifying a store clerk or the like when reserved product information is input, an editing means 706 for correcting reserved product information, and a prohibition means 707 for prohibiting the settlement process by the settlement means 704 when reserved product information is included in the product information.

[0168] The control means 701 controls the POS terminal 70 as a whole, and for example, stores each piece of input (acquired) or detected information in a storage device such as a memory as appropriate, reads each piece of information from the storage device and displays it on the display unit 750, and exchanges information with other devices. Furthermore, the control means 701 executes various types of determination processing. For example, in step S702 of the flow shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not there is reserved product information in the registered information, and in step S707 it is determined whether or not there is uncorrected reserved product information.

[0169] The input means 702 executes input processing. For example, the input means 702 inputs the registration information output by the output means 209 of the mobile terminal 20 . The display means 703 executes a process for displaying the registration information. For example, the display means 703 displays the input registration information (registration information and reserved products) on the display unit 750. In addition, the display form of the displayed registration information (registration information and reserved products) is changed as necessary.

[0170] The settlement means 704 executes the settlement process. For example, the payment means 704 performs payment processing for the product based on the registered information, and also acquires the payment method that the customer will use to pay prior to the payment processing. The notification means 705 executes notification processing. For example, when the input registration information includes reserved product information or canceled product information, the notification means 705 displays on the display unit 750 that there is a reserved product (cancelled product), and executes a call process to call a store clerk to the POS terminal 70. In addition, the notification means 705 executes a call process to call a store clerk depending on the member's situation and other needs.

[0171] The editing means 706 executes the editing process. For example, the editing means 706 displays an editing screen for correcting the reserved product information input by the input means 702. A store clerk or the like edits the reserved product information on the editing screen, thereby correcting the reserved product information into registered product information. The editing screen may be displayed by inputting a store clerk code or the like. The prohibition means 707 executes the prohibition process. For example, if the registration information contains reserved product information or reserved product information, the prohibition means 707 prohibits the settlement process until the reserved product information is corrected by the editing means 706 and registered as registered product information.

[0172] The functions of the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment will be further explained below. -How to display the list of registered details- Next, the screen display of the mobile terminal 20 during product registration will be further described. (Normal registration operation) During shopping, the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 displays a registration screen 810 shown in FIG. 16(a). When a member reads information such as a barcode attached to a product using the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 displays the products in order in a second display area 812 located in the lower area of ​​the registration screen 810 shown in Figure 16(a), with the most recently registered product being located in the upper position of the second display area 812.

[0173] As the member continues to register products, the second display area 812 is eventually filled with registered product information, and the registered product information whose barcode was previously read is no longer displayed in the second display area 812.

[0174] Members can check the registered products by looking at the second display area 812, but when purchasing many products, they have to scroll through the list displayed in the second display area 812 many times to check the information of the products they have registered earlier, which makes checking cumbersome. The mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment can expand the second display area 812 of the display unit 250 as needed, making it easier to check registered products.

[0175] Specifically, when the member has registered multiple products and it becomes impossible to display all of the product information registered in the second display area 812, the mobile terminal 20 displays the following in the third display area 813: An "expand" key (operator) 813d is displayed. Then, when the member operates the "Expand" key 813d, the mobile terminal 20 expands the second display area 812, as shown in Figure 16(b), and displays the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 using the entire area of ​​the display unit 250. Furthermore, by expanding second display area 812, a "reduce" key (operator) 813e may be displayed in third display area 813 to reduce second display area 812 to the original range before expansion.

[0176] It goes without saying that if all products cannot be displayed even when the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 are displayed using the entire area of ​​the display unit 250, they can be displayed by scrolling. Furthermore, the operation for expanding the second display area 812 is not limited to the operation using the “expand” key 813 d arranged in the third display area 813 .

[0177] It is preferable that the mobile terminal 20 hides the first display area 811 by displaying the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 using the entire area of ​​the display unit 250, and in conjunction with this, disables the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0178] It should be noted that by operating the "expand" key 813d, the second display area 812 and the third display area 813 do not necessarily have to be expanded to the entire area of ​​the display unit 250, and the expansion range may be changed by the member's operation, or the area may be expanded to a state where all products can be viewed depending on the number of products. In this case, the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the portable terminal 20 may be disabled immediately when the second display area 812 is changed to a range including the first display area 811, or the acquisition of image data by the input unit 260 of the portable terminal 20 may be disabled when the second display area 812 is expanded to the reading range visibly displayed in the first display area 811. As described above, when it becomes impossible to check the captured image data using first display area 811, the image capturing means of input unit 260 is disabled, thereby making it possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0179] Furthermore, the second display area 812 may be gradually expanded as the member performs the product registration process. In this case, by setting the maximum expansion state of the second display area 812, the second display area 812 may be automatically expanded while the first display area 811 is secured.

[0180] If a barcode (product identification information) is not recognized within the reading range of the second display area 812 for a predetermined time, the mobile terminal 20 may disable the imaging means of the input unit 260 to save power.

[0181] The reason why first display area 811 is located at the top of the screen is that when an operator operates the mobile terminal, the operator's line of sight conforms to the position of the camera on the mobile terminal, and the object to be photographed is also visible beyond the top edge of the mobile terminal, making it very easy to operate. Also, the reason why second display area 812 is located at the bottom of the screen is that when checking purchased products, it is sufficient to be able to see the screen, and when products exceeding the predetermined number of display lines are registered, the full screen can be displayed by using the expansion key in third display area 813 located in the center of the screen, and when the full screen display is insufficient, all products can be checked by scrolling or other operations. Furthermore, since the operation is performed while checking the current number of items purchased and the purchase amount during the imaging process, placing the third display area 813 between the first display area 811 and the second display area 812, which display the imaged screen, is extremely advantageous in that it does not put a burden on the operator's line of sight. Also, the operation of the aforementioned expansion keys is easy.

[0182] The display position of the controls on the screen may be changed based on the membership information or at any time. Specifically, the controls are positioned with right-handed operability in mind, making them less convenient for left-handed users or for left-handed operation. In this case, as shown in Figure 27(a), the "Checkout" key 813c is positioned at approximately the same distance from the center line of the screen, and as shown in Figure 27(b), the purchase quantity 812b and other keys may be moved in the same way, or may be positioned at the top of the product name display. In other words, the layout of the controls suitable for right-handed and left-handed operation can be memorized, and switching can be performed automatically based on switching instructions, membership information, etc. Furthermore, the "Checkout" key 813c may be intentionally placed in a location that is difficult to operate, for example, on the opposite side.

[0183] The process flow for displaying the list of registered details is shown in Fig. 26. This flow corresponds to the subroutine of step S209 in the flow shown in Fig. 7. In step S401, the mobile terminal 20 displays the first display area 811 and the second display area 812 on the display unit 212. Then, the mobile terminal 20 detects that the member has performed an expansion operation on the second display area 812 (S402), and upon detecting that the expansion operation has been performed, executes expansion processing on the second display area 812 (S403).

[0184] Then, it is determined whether the expanded second display area 812 has reached a predetermined range (S404). The predetermined range in step S404 may be, for example, a range that includes at least part of the range of first display area 811, a range that includes the read range in which the barcode can be recognized, or a range that includes the entire first display area 811.

[0185] When the mobile terminal 20 determines in step S404 that the second display area 812 has reached the predetermined range, the mobile terminal 20 proceeds to step S406 and disables the acquisition means 203. Specifically, the image capturing function of the camera is turned off (image capturing means by the input unit 260).

[0186] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S402 that an expansion operation has been performed by the member, the process proceeds to step S405, where it is detected that the barcode has not been recognized within the reading range of the second display area 812 for a predetermined time, and if it is determined that the barcode has not been recognized for a predetermined time, the mobile terminal 20 proceeds to step S406 and disables the acquisition means.

[0187] If the barcode is recognized in step S405, the process returns to step S402 to continue displaying the registration information. The above describes the process for displaying the product registration screen.

[0188] -Multiple purchases of the same product- When registering a product using the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment, if multiple copies of the same product are to be purchased, this can be done by changing the quantity displayed in the registered product information 812d on the registration screen 810, or by capturing an image of the code information of the same product multiple times.

[0189] However, if the code information of the same product is captured multiple times, either consecutively or at intervals, the mobile terminal 20 will display a message asking whether it is OK to purchase the same product multiple times, or will change the confirmation sound or vibration pattern when acquiring product identification information. For example, it will display a message such as "The same product has been scanned twice. Is the registration correct?" to notify the customer whether the operation was correct or incorrect. This allows the member to recognize that the product registration process he or she is currently performing is the multiple acquisition of code information.

[0190] Specifically, if the same product is photographed and confirmed as a product, the message "The same product has been registered. You can also display a "Do you want to add this item?" message with a "Yes / No" selection button to confirm. Also, when you confirm, you can display a screen that allows you to add or subtract the quantity. This method is efficient when registering the same item multiple times in a row, as there is a possibility that the amount may be increased. The same confirmation will be performed if you register the same product, then register another product, and then register the same product again. To prevent fraud, when multiple items are purchased, the number of times the card is read may be the same as the number of items purchased.Similarly, when deleting items, the number of times the card is read may be the same as the number of items to be deleted. The operation for purchasing multiple items of the same product may be either or both. The operation method may also be changed depending on the operation level (proficiency) of the member.

[0191] If a member registers the same product by capturing images multiple times, the mobile terminal 20 sets the purchase quantity of the registered product information for that product to the multiple times and displays it in the latest line of the list display. It goes without saying that registrations of the same product captured multiple times may be displayed in multiple lines.

[0192] -Registering products sold individually- To register products that are not suitable for affixing barcodes, such as fresh produce like cucumbers or products sold individually like fish, the product registration process can be carried out, for example, by capturing an image of the barcode attached to the shelf or container on which the product is displayed. It goes without saying that if a barcode is directly attached to the product, the barcode may be photographed.

[0193] The mobile terminal 20 may also identify products by capturing an image of a product that is not suitable for affixing a barcode and performing object recognition. Registration processing may also be performed using voice or other means, or by displaying preset keys on the display unit and having the member select one.

[0194] In addition, when selling individual products, discounts may be applied for bulk purchases (multiple sales). When a member reads the barcode information of a product to which a bulk discount applies, the mobile terminal 20 displays a pop-up 850 in which the number of items that will be discounted by buying in bulk is set as the initial number of items to be purchased, as shown in Figure 17(a). Pop-up 850 displays the product name 850a, price per unit 850b, number of units to be purchased 850c, and selling price 850d for the individual product, and also includes a "+" key 850e and a "-" key 850f, which are used to change the number of units to be purchased, a "Cancel product" key 850g, and a "OK" key 850h.

[0195] In the example shown in Figure 17(a), a pop-up 850 is displayed in which a product with the product name "Hokkaido Corn" is registered, and it displays that by purchasing three corns of the product, which cost 120 yen each, you can save 60 yen. The number of corns to purchase 850c is set to "3" as the default value, which is the number of corns in a bundle. The member can see from the pop-up 850 that the product is a discounted product for bulk purchases, and can easily set up product registration for bulk purchases by operating the "Enter" key 850h.

[0196] In addition, members can change the number of items purchased by operating the "+" key 850e and "-" key 850f, and can also cancel the registration of a product by operating the "Cancel Product" key 850g, just like with normal product registration operations.

[0197] When the member operates the "-" key 850f to change the number of purchases, the mobile terminal 20 changes the display of the pop-up 850 as shown in FIG. 17(b). In the pop-up 850 shown in Figure 17(b), the purchase quantity 850c is changed to "1" and the sales price (120 yen) without discount is displayed. Therefore, it is displayed that the discount is 60 yen. The content and timing of the display encouraging bulk purchases are not particularly limited, and the mobile terminal 20 may display that the bulk purchase discount will no longer be applied when the member changes the number of items to be purchased.

[0198] Then, when the member operates the "Enter" key 850h (confirmation operation), the mobile terminal 20 registers the registration information for the number of items set in the purchase quantity 850c. In this way, the member can know from the pop-up 850 that the item is a discounted item for bulk purchases, and can easily set up bulk purchases by operating the "OK" key 850h. Even if a bulk purchase discount is applied to a product, the initial value may be set to "1".

[0199] This registration operation also applies to regular single-item sales. In other words, the same registration operation can be performed by setting sales conditions such as bundle sales or bulk purchases. The sales conditions are set using product master data or special sale master data, and are generated as information that allows a mobile device to identify the product. Furthermore, special sales that are not available to general customers may also be applied to members.

[0200] In addition, for products with sales quantity restrictions, such as a limit of XX items per person, the "+" in the upper limit quantity can be disabled or hidden. Furthermore, only the "+" may be counted up in the quantity unit set in the sales conditions, and furthermore, the manner in which the addition / subtraction keys are displayed and functioned in "sales condition quantity" units may be changed. Furthermore, when the "sales condition quantity" is subtracted, the sales condition is not met and the explanation of the sales condition may be displayed in a different format. Also, when "1" is added to the "sales condition quantity," the display may be switched to the next sales condition fulfillment quantity and total discount amount, etc. This will encourage members to purchase the quantity specified in the sales conditions.

[0201] An example of the process flow for registering the loose products described above is shown in FIG. The mobile terminal 20 inputs product information of the product that the member wishes to purchase (S501). Specifically, the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 obtains the product identification information by reading the barcode (product identification information) attached to the product, and obtains (inputs) the product information of the product from the product master 110 based on the product identification information.

[0202] Next, the mobile terminal 20 detects whether or not special sales conditions are set in the sales conditions of the input product information (S502). For example, in the table shown in Fig. 28(a), it detects whether or not sales conditions (standard number) exist for the product with the input product identification number. The special sales conditions referred to here are sales conditions that set some conditions regarding the number of items sold, such as items that are subject to bulk sales or an upper limit on the number of items that can be purchased per person. Furthermore, if the number of items to be purchased is stored in advance in a shopping list or the like, the number may be included in the sales conditions. Also, the sales conditions may indicate that the item is a product that the customer frequently purchases (a product with a purchase history).

[0203] In step S502, if it is detected that special sales conditions are set in the product information, information on the number of units that are fulfilled and set in the sales conditions is obtained, for example, by referring to the product master sale data shown in Figure 28(b). Then, the mobile terminal 20 determines the number of items to be purchased when the member purchases the product based on the acquired information on the number of items that have been sold, that is, the detected sales conditions (S503).

[0204] For example, if the acquired product identification information is 0001 (corn), it is detected that the product is eligible for a bulk discount under plan number 1, and it is acquired that the number of units for which the sales conditions for plan number 1 are met is 3, and the number of units eligible for the discount, "3", is determined as the quantity. Alternatively, for a limited quantity product with sales conditions set, such as a limit of 2 units per customer, the limited quantity is determined as the quantity. Furthermore, if the product is one that the customer frequently purchases (a product with a purchase history), the number previously purchased may be used.

[0205] After determining the number, the mobile terminal 20 displays a confirmation screen for confirming the registration of the product on the display unit 250 with the number set in advance as the purchase quantity (S504). Normally, when a member reads the barcode (product identification information) of a product, the mobile terminal 20 sets the purchase quantity to "1" and registers the product. However, if the product obtained by reading the barcode (product identification information) has special sales conditions, for example, if the product is eligible for a bulk discount, a confirmation screen will be displayed with the bulk purchase quantity set as shown in Figure 17(a), for example.

[0206] In step S504, the mobile terminal 20 that has displayed the confirmation screen waits for the "Enter" key 850h arranged on the confirmation screen to be operated. If an operation to change the number of items to be purchased is performed on the confirmation screen, the number of items to be purchased is changed in accordance with the operation.

[0207] In step S506, when it is detected that the "Enter" key 850h has been operated by the member, the mobile terminal 20 registers the product based on the number of items purchased at the time the "Enter" key 850h was operated, and completes the process.

[0208] On the other hand, if it is detected in step S502 that no special sales conditions are set in the product information, the process proceeds to step S505, the purchase quantity is set to "1", and without displaying the confirmation screen, the process proceeds to step S507, the product is registered, and the process is completed. The above describes the process related to the registration operation of loose products.

[0209] -Registering variable quantity items- When registering products sold by weight such as meat and prepared foods, a pricing label on which product information is recorded is printed by a scale that weighs the products sold by weight, and the mobile terminal 20 performs product registration processing by reading the barcode printed on the pricing label. By connecting the weighing device to a store controller, the product information recorded on the issued pricing label can be added to the product master. It should be noted that for products with variable weight, it may be possible to prevent the purchase quantity from being changed by operating the list display on the registration screen 810.

[0210] Furthermore, if the weighing device is connected to a network, the weighing device and mobile terminal 20 may be connected by short-range wireless communication or the like, the barcode of the product to be weighed may be read by mobile terminal 20, the product to be weighed may be specified by operating a key to designate the product, and the product may be weighed on the weighing device, and information about the weighed product may be registered in mobile terminal 20. In this case, the label issued by the weighing device may be a label that lists only information such as the expiration date and be affixed to the product. Furthermore, if membership information and app user IDs can be recognized using ICs or other devices, shopping data can be generated even from bulk-specific weighing devices and uploaded as customer shopping data, and by comparing the two sets of data, it will be possible to prevent fraud and other such incidents. In addition, if the product has only been specified and the mass has not been determined, that is, the purchase price has not been determined, the product may be treated as a reserved product.

[0211] -Register coupon information- The mobile terminal 20 can register coupon information for paper coupons. For example, by reading the barcode printed on the coupon, the recorded discount information can be acquired and reflected in the registered product information. If the recorded coupon information is unique, the coupon information can be invalidated by reading the coupon information. If it is necessary to collect the coupon, a store clerk may be called during shopping to input the information, or the POS terminal 70 that performs the settlement process may be specified as a manned POS or the like to carry out the settlement.

[0212] The mobile terminal 20 may automatically calculate the maximum discount conditions for the coupon information that it has read, and may output the registration information with the price of the product reflected in the calculation. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may record the read coupon information in code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) in accordance with the product registration information, output the code information, and perform discount processing, etc., at the POS terminal 70. In this case, too, shopping identification information and coupon identification information may be recorded in the code information such as a QR code (registered trademark) output by the mobile terminal 20, and the POS terminal 70, which has acquired the identification information, may acquire the registration information and coupon information from the higher-level device 10 based on each identification information.

[0213] -Using a shopping list- Members can use their mobile terminal 20 to identify a store, specify all or part of the store's product master data, and download it, thereby creating a list of products they plan to purchase (hereinafter referred to as a "shopping list") using the mobile terminal 20. For example, the mobile terminal 20 creates a shopping list by having the member select and register products that he or she plans to purchase from a list of product information displayed on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically register products that are purchased on a daily basis as products that he or she plans to purchase when creating a shopping list.

[0214] When registering products at a store, a member can display the shopping list on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 and use the shopping list. The order of the items to be purchased in the displayed shopping list can be set or changed freely, such as in the order of store aisles or departments. Furthermore, for example, by voice input such as "vegetables" or "products," the mobile terminal 20 may display only the relevant department, or may display it at the top of the display area.

[0215] When a member registers a product, the mobile terminal 20 changes the display of product information on the shopping list and deletes the item from the shopping list, thereby letting the member know that the product they plan to purchase has been registered. It should be noted that the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to cancel or the like by notifying the planned purchase quantity for multiple products to be purchased and registering the planned quantity.

[0216] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured so that product registration processing cannot be performed until the member has specified the product to be registered from the shopping list. This allows the member to reliably purchase the product they have planned to purchase, and also prevents excessive impulse buying, such as purchasing unplanned products.

[0217] If the member images an item other than the specified item after specifying the item, the mobile terminal 20 may display an error message or give a notification. The mobile terminal 20 may also display an error message or give a notification when an image of another item registered in the shopping list is captured.

[0218] The mobile terminal 20 allows the registration process for products that are not on the shopping list, but in that case, it is preferable to notify the user that the product is not on the shopping list, such as by displaying a screen to confirm the purchase. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may display a list of registered information in such a way that it is possible to distinguish between products that are on the shopping list and products that are not on the shopping list.

[0219] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 may complete product registration by the member clicking on the product name displayed in the shopping list. The member does not need to read the product's barcode, allowing for smoother product registration. Also, by using the shopping list to register products, the registration process for products that do not have a barcode can be easily performed. It may also be limited to functioning as a preset key for products that do not have a barcode. There is no need to take the trouble of reading barcodes on price plates or the like. Furthermore, an operation button may be provided to display alternative products, such as the origin (manufacturer), specifications, and capacity.

[0220] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to automatically add regularly purchased items to a shopping list based on past shopping history information, or to create a "shopping list" by scanning the barcodes of empty containers and other items at home. If there is a product registered in the shopping list but without registration information, the mobile terminal 20 may notify the member by displaying on a registration screen or the like that the product has been forgotten to be purchased, and may further inquire as to whether or not to purchase the forgotten product.

[0221] -Registration information output processing- The process of outputting registration information at the time of payment will be further described. The registration information is basically output by converting the shopping identification information into a QR code (registered trademark), displaying it on the mobile terminal 20, and having the POS terminal 70 read it. The POS terminal 70 that reads the QR code (registered trademark) requests shopping information from the higher-level device 10 using the acquired shopping identification information, and the higher-level device 10 that receives the request from the POS terminal 70 calculates a subtotal using the shopping information linked to the shopping information and transmits the calculated shopping information to the POS terminal 70.

[0222] It should be noted that a QR code (registered trademark) encoding the shopping information may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20 and output to the POS terminal 70. In this case, the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) displayed on the output screen 830 of the mobile terminal 20 is read by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 to output the registration information and perform the settlement process, but if there is a large amount of registration information and one piece of code information is not enough, multiple pieces of code information may be displayed in succession and read in succession by the input unit 760 of the POS terminal 70 to output all of the registration information, and in this case, it is preferable to display the total number of pieces of code information and the number of the currently displayed piece of code information on the output screen 830.

[0223] Instead of reading the registered product information using a QR code (registered trademark), the information in the shopping file's storage area can be displayed and the "shopping file" can be acquired and received using the information in that storage area. Member information can be identified not only by a QR code (registered trademark) but also by a one-dimensional code, such as an NFC identification code on a mobile device, and the shopping file can be easily identified by setting the identifier in the shopping file.

[0224] As described above, when the registration information output process is performed by displaying code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) on the output screen 830 of the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 does not stop displaying the code information until the POS terminal 70 completes the registration information input process.

[0225] For example, the POS terminal 70 may complete the reading of the code information (QR code (registered trademark) 840a) and notify the mobile terminal 20 of this, and when the input of the code information in the POS terminal 70 is completed, the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20 may display a message such as "Product registration is complete. Subsequent operations will be performed at the checkout device," and then end the display of the code information.

[0226] This allows the member to understand that the product registration process using the mobile terminal 20 has been completed, and allows the member to concentrate on the payment process using the POS terminal 70. When the product registration process is completed, the mobile terminal 20 such as a smartphone closes the output screen 830 displayed on the display unit 250 and returns to the start screen 800.

[0227] Furthermore, the output of the registration information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70 is not limited to displaying code information. For example, a customer may complete the registration process using the mobile terminal 20 and select a POS terminal 70 to perform the settlement process, whereby the mobile terminal 20 identifies the POS terminal 70 and outputs the registration information to the POS terminal 70 via the network.

[0228] Furthermore, the input unit 260 of the mobile terminal 20 may read the identification information of the POS terminal 70 attached to (or displayed on) the POS terminal 70, and output the registration information to the POS terminal 70 corresponding to the read identification information via a network. In this case, the registration information may not be output directly to the POS terminal 70 selected by the mobile terminal 20, but may be output via a host system such as the host device 10 or the store controller 60. That is, the mobile terminal 20 may output the shopping identification information to the selected POS terminal 70, and the POS terminal 70 that inputs the shopping identification information may request and obtain the registration information corresponding to the higher-level system based on the shopping identification information.

[0229] In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may receive status information of the POS terminal 70 and display a status button or the like of the POS terminal 70 on the display unit 250, and when a member selects a POS terminal 70, the registration information may be output to the selected POS terminal 70. Furthermore, based on the status information transmitted from the POS terminal 70 to the mobile terminal 20, the mobile terminal 20 may automatically select the POS terminal 70 that outputs the registration information or shopping identification information, and output the information. The method of outputting the registration information from the mobile terminal 20 to the POS terminal 70 is not particularly limited, and may be performed by any appropriate method.

[0230] While shopping, the member may remember that they forgot to buy an item during the checkout process. In such a case, the member can press a cancel button or the like displayed on the display unit of the POS terminal 70 during the checkout process, which will cause the POS terminal 70 to display a notification screen on the display unit 730 stating, for example, "Checkout will be canceled. Subsequent operations will be performed on your smartphone." The registration screen 810 can also be displayed again on the display unit 250 of the mobile terminal 20, allowing the member to continue registering the item.

[0231] -Settlement processing- The member selects a payment method to be used for payment processing of the product on the payment screen 950. However, if the payment method is registered in advance when the member registers, the POS terminal 70 does not need to display a screen for selecting the payment method. Note that even if a payment method is registered, it is preferable to be able to change the payment method. In addition, for products that require age verification, such as alcoholic beverages, a store clerk must be called in, just like for reserved products. Also, for pharmaceuticals, second-class pharmaceuticals require an explanation from a pharmacist or registered salesperson. Since this is a mandatory procedure, a store clerk may be called separately from reserved items, etc. These items are treated in the same way as reserved items and stored as reserved item information, and when payment is due, a store clerk is called by the notification means, and if editing (confirmation processing) is not performed on the screen of the POS terminal 70 in the same way as reserved item information, the transaction is preferably prohibited by the prohibition means. Furthermore, the absence of a pharmacist or registered salesperson may be reported to prohibit purchases.

[0232] Payment can be made using gift certificates or points earned by point members. Coupons and other discount coupons can also be used, and payment can be made in the same way as regular payment processing, with change being paid and receipts being issued. If a store clerk's intervention is required to collect the gift certificate, a store clerk will be automatically called. Alternatively, a message guiding the customer to a service counter or manned POS may be displayed on the display unit.

[0233] It is also preferable that the payment process be controlled so that it is not carried out based on registered product information registered at a store other than the store specified by the member. In other words, the basket data (shopping file) generated by identifying the store contains store identification information, and when another store outputs the registration information registered by the identified mobile terminal 20 and attempts to perform the payment process using the POS terminal 70, an error message such as "This is not a purchase from this store" may be displayed on the display unit 750 of the POS terminal 70, and a store clerk may be called. Furthermore, when a product registration process is performed using a mobile terminal 20 that identifies another store, the display screen of the mobile terminal 20 may display a message such as "The checkout at the other store has not been completed. Would you like to create basket data for our store?" or "You are logged in to another store. You cannot log in," thereby preventing shopping at the other store.

[0234] It is also preferable to have a store clerk check the transaction as necessary during the payment process. The check by the store clerk may be performed in the store clerk calling process in step S703 of the flow in FIG. 11, but may also be performed at another timing. Furthermore, the check of the settlement process by the store clerk may be carried out randomly as a spot check, but it is preferable to carry out the check in accordance with the usage status of the member's mobile terminal 20.

[0235] For example, a store clerk may check members whose membership level stored in the customer file is the lowest level L1. This ensures that first-time members are always checked and supported by a store clerk. On the other hand, for members at a high level L5 who have completed the registration process multiple times using the mobile terminal 20 and have made few operational errors using the mobile terminal 20, checks and support by store staff will be omitted, thereby reducing the burden on the store.

[0236] In addition, as is done in the store clerk calling process in step S703 in Figure 11, it is preferable for a store clerk to check and provide support when there are pending products whose code information cannot be read during the member's registration operation, or when an operation to cancel registered product information is performed.

[0237] For example, the mobile terminal 20 or the POS terminal 70 may refer to the member file to obtain the number of past cancellations and have a store clerk check members who have made a predetermined number of cancellations or more in the past, or may refer to the shopping file to have a store clerk check members who have made a predetermined number of registration deletion (cancellation) operations during the same shopping trip.

[0238] Specifically, the POS terminal 70 may cancel the registration of the product multiple times (for example, three times) during the transaction. The system may be configured to call a store clerk for transactions that have been made more than once. Furthermore, when calling a store clerk based on a registration cancellation operation, the system may take into consideration the past shopping history. For example, if the total number of registration cancellation operations from the current, previous, and previous-previous period is five or more, the system may be set to call a store clerk.

[0239] This allows store staff to check, for example, customers who scan areas of the product where there is no barcode and pretend to be registering the product, or customers who delete registration information without returning the product.

[0240] Furthermore, by setting whether or not a store clerk checks the payment process based on the operation history of the mobile terminal 20 during the member's registration process, it is possible to improve service quality, efficiency, and security by actively having a store clerk intervene, focusing on members who frequently cancel registration or make incorrect operations, or members who are likely to be unfamiliar with registering using the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, a notification that the use of the app is prohibited may be issued.

[0241] In addition, the intervention of the store clerk based on the operation history of the mobile terminal 20 during the member registration process is not limited to the time of payment processing, but may also occur when entering the store or when registering a product.For members using the service for the first time, having the store clerk intervene when entering the store rather than at the time of payment can ensure a smoother product registration process.

[0242] -Prevent forgetting to pay- If the member moves outside the store without completing the payment process for the purchased product, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the member that the payment process for the product is incomplete. Specifically, the location of the mobile terminal 20 is identified using GPS location information, and if the customer moves outside the store premises without completing the payment process, the mobile terminal 20 notifies the customer via their registered email address or app screen.

[0243] In addition, when a product registration process is performed using the app, the customer may be notified by not forcibly closing the app and prohibiting the launch of other apps until the payment process is completed. In addition, automatic payment may be made using a pre-registered payment method such as a credit card, and notification may be sent by email. Furthermore, the system may be operated without processing the settlement at the settlement device by registering credit, electronic money, or a financial institution debit account. However, since confirming the purchase details allows the member to shop with peace of mind, the member may decide to confirm the details at the settlement device or a device with similar functionality. Furthermore, if there are no reserved items or depending on the member's operation level and other conditions, there is no need to pay in cash or use a gift certificate or coupon, i.e., if there is no need to use the settlement device for online payment or direct debit, the fact that operation at the settlement device can be skipped may be notified when the registration information or shopping identification information is displayed in a QR code (registered trademark) or the like during the registration completion operation, or a notification or guidance such as "No operation at the settlement device is required" may be displayed instead on the screen.

[0244] Next, an example of a block diagram of the mobile terminal 20 of the sales data processing system will be described with reference to FIG. 25(a). The sales data processing system of this embodiment has a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory 24, a network I / F 25, an input unit I / F 26, a display unit I / F 27, and the like as a control unit.

[0245] The CPU 21 constitutes the computer and executes instructions in the software program. The ROM 22 pre-stores programs and the like for operation by the CPU 21. The programs and the like may be stored on a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

[0246] The RAM 23 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and for software operation. The memory 24 is composed of a hard disk drive or the like and stores information such as product master data. The network I / F 25 is a circuit for exchanging data with devices connected to a network. The input unit I / F 26 is a circuit for performing input and output with the input unit 260 . The display unit I / F 27 is a circuit for performing input and output with a display unit 250 such as a touch panel.

[0247] Next, an example of a block diagram of the POS terminal 70 of the sales data processing system will be described with reference to FIG. 25(b). The sales data processing system of this embodiment has, as a control unit, a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory 74, a network I / F 75, an input unit I / F 76, a display unit I / F 77, a printing unit I / F 78, and the like.

[0248] The CPU 71 constitutes a computer and executes instructions of a software program. The ROM 72 pre-stores programs and the like for operation by the CPU 71. The programs and the like may be stored on a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

[0249] The RAM 73 is used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and for the software to operate. The memory 74 is composed of a hard disk drive or the like and stores information such as product master data. The network I / F 75 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to a network. The input unit I / F 76 is a circuit for performing input and output with the input unit 760 . The display unit I / F 77 is a circuit for performing input and output with a display unit 750 such as a touch panel. The printing unit I / F 78 is a circuit for performing input and output with a printing unit 770 such as a printer.

[0250] As described above, in the sales data processing system of this embodiment, when a product is registered using a customer's smartphone, the display area of ​​the registered product on the display unit of the mobile device is kept to a minimum during product registration, making it easier to check image data. In addition, the list screen of registered products can be expanded as needed, so registered products can be easily checked on a wide screen, reducing the amount of scrolling required.

[0251] In addition, if the image data of the photographed product cannot be confirmed by viewing the registered product on a wide screen, the input section such as the camera can be disabled, thereby saving power and preventing the temperature of the terminal device from rising.

[0252] It goes without saying that the above embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims, but are treated as examples. For example, in this embodiment, when the registration information includes reserved product information, the POS terminal Although the POS terminal 70 displays a list of both the registration information and the reserved product information, it may also display a list of only the reserved product information. The POS terminal 70 may display a list of the product information by having the store clerk modify all the reserved product information.

[0253] Moreover, the mobile terminal 20 can be provided with various additional functions. For example, a member may launch a dedicated app to detect and notify the remaining battery level and signal strength of the smartphone. If the battery is low, the member may be notified by displaying a message such as "The battery may run out at ____ minutes" or "The battery may run out during the reading process at ____ points."

[0254] Also, if the device switches to offline mode due to poor radio wave reception or other reasons, the user may be notified by displaying a message such as "Only barcode information is displayed. Prices are not displayed." By obtaining (entering) only the barcode information and quantity offline, the product master can be referenced and the data updated when the system returns to online mode, and by connecting to the product master via a communication medium such as a wired LAN at the time of checkout, product information can also be obtained and registered.

[0255] The shopping file on the higher-level device 10 is sent to the product sales system 6 (headquarters system or store controller) as the member's sales record, allowing the product sales system 6 to centrally manage the member's sales record other than that of the higher-level device 10. In other words, sales record for shopping at a store and sales record for shopping on a mobile terminal can be managed together. The upper device 10 can also be linked to an electronic receipt server (not shown). If a member desires an electronic receipt, the upper device 10 may provide the member with only the sales record of the electronic receipt. The product sales system may also be linked to the electronic receipt server. In this case, all purchase records can be viewed and downloaded as an electronic receipt. Sales records are sent from the host device 10 to the product sales system 6 at a predetermined timing. In addition, members who use the cloud service of the host device 10 may be able to view and download purchase records of other companies and stores as electronic receipts. As a result, members will find it convenient even if the same sales data processing system is adopted at other stores of the same company, and if they have experience using the system at other companies and stores, it will be easier for members to accept the sales data processing system.

[0256] In addition, in cases where a sales data processing system is introduced, such as in examples (1) and (3), even if the sales results are not sent from the POS terminal to the product sales system 6 but are only received from the higher-level device 10, it is possible to grasp the sales results, sales flash reports, and inventory status of the store.

[0257] The purchase history may also be displayed in an app installed on the mobile terminal 20. If you want to create an electronic receipt for tax purposes, you can specify the product from the purchase history and issue an instruction to generate an electronic receipt. If medical deductions and self-medication target flags are managed, you can output the relevant lists (either in CSV or PDF format) and use them for medical deductions, etc. Other tax deductions can also be aggregated, and aggregated information can be provided to members. If the same type of tax deduction applies to different products or if the tax deduction conditions are different, both can be compared and output, displayed, printed, and created as an electronic receipt. Members can also select the tax deduction that is most advantageous to them.

[0258] The purchase history may also be displayed in an app installed on the mobile terminal 20. The purchase history to be converted into an electronic receipt for tax purposes may be generated by specifying the purchased products. If the self-medication target flag is managed, it can also be used for medical deductions if the corresponding list can be output (in CSV or PDF format).

[0259] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 may obtain product information by referring to the product master of the higher-level device 10, etc., but the product master may also be downloaded to the mobile terminal 20 so that the product information can be obtained at the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, although the mobile terminal 20 acquires product identification information from the captured image data, the mobile terminal 20 may only acquire the captured image data, and the process of acquiring product identification information from the captured image data and subsequent processes may be performed by a higher-level system.

[0260] In other words, each process performed in this embodiment may be performed by any of the higher-level device 10, mobile terminal 20, store controller 60, POS terminal 70, etc., and there is no restriction on which device it is performed on as long as no contradiction arises.

[0261] The camera used to capture images of barcodes and the like attached to products may be a camera built into the smartphone, or a separate camera connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

[0262] -Implementation of store identification- When a member purchases an item at a specific store, the store to be shopped at is specified. Store specification will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0263] 30, the mobile terminal 20 is equipped with a location acquisition means 213 that acquires the location of the mobile terminal 20. For example, when a member launches a dedicated app on the mobile terminal 20, the location acquisition means 213 acquires the location of the mobile terminal 20 from the GPS of the mobile terminal 20, the radio wave intensity from multiple base stations of the mobile phone network, etc. Alternatively, the location acquisition means 213 may acquire location information using short-range wireless communication. For example, the location acquisition means 213 can directly acquire store information by interconnecting with Wi-Fi provided by the store or NFC installed at the entrance of the store.

[0264] The location of a mobile device can be estimated using the signal strength of short-range wireless communication or triangulation based on signal strength. Other short-range wireless communication standards besides Wi-Fi include BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), EnOcean (registered trademark), Wi-SUN, and Zigbee (registered trademark). BLE is an extension of the Bluetooth short-range wireless communication technology. iBeacon (registered trademark), developed by Apple Inc. (Apple is a registered trademark), is a communication system that uses BLE. iBeacon continuously transmits unique ID information from a fixedly installed transmitter (beacon) to nearby BLE-compatible smartphones and other devices. The receiver monitors the BLE radio waves and can recognize the ID information and beacon propagation strength. iBeacon allows you to set the ID transmission range from three options: "Immediate," "Near," and "Far."

[0265] It goes without saying that those skilled in the art can appropriately select what to use as the short-range wireless communication for estimating the location of the mobile terminal. In addition, the location acquisition means 213 can also be used to acquire location information about the location of the mobile terminal 20 within the store.

[0266] 30 identifies stores that are located within a predetermined range based on the location information of the mobile terminal 20 obtained from the location acquisition means 213. If multiple stores are located within the predetermined range, the multiple stores may be displayed on the mobile terminal 20 to prompt the member to identify one of the multiple stores.

[0267] By using the location information, it is possible to easily identify the store where the customer will enter and purchase the product.

[0268] If the specific store to enter cannot be identified based on the location information, the member may be prompted to input store information.

[0269] The POS terminal 70 has a control means 701 that compares the specified store (the store entered) identified by the mobile terminal 20 with the store where the POS terminal is installed, and if the comparison does not match, performs control to prohibit the settlement process.

[0270] The weighing device 30 has a control means 335 that compares the specified store (the store entered) identified by the mobile terminal with the store where the weighing device is installed, and if the comparison does not match, controls to prohibit interconnection with the mobile terminal 20.

[0271] FIG. 31(A) shows an example in which the mobile terminal 20 detects and displays two nearby stores A and B from location information. Because there are multiple nearby stores, a screen is displayed prompting the customer to select which store to enter. If the store to enter is store A (store pqr), the customer can select the store to enter by touching the corresponding button.

[0272] FIG. 31(B) shows an example of entering store information. This example shows a display screen 1310 installed at the entrance of a store or the like, displaying a symbol code 1312 that identifies the store. A member photographs the symbol code 1312 with the camera of their mobile terminal 20, and an app on the mobile terminal 20 recognizes the symbol code 1312. The captured symbol code 1322 is displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. By recognizing the symbol code 1312, the app can obtain information about the store to be entered. Instead of displaying the symbol code on the display 20, the symbol code may be printed on a poster or the like and displayed at the entrance of the store. Members can enter information about the store to be entered without performing cumbersome operations such as keystrokes. By appropriately changing the symbol code 1312 displayed on the display 20 over time, it is possible to prevent fraudulent operations, such as a member photographing a copy of the symbol code from a location away from the store, such as their home, and then entering the store to be entered.

[0273] 31(C) shows an example in which the symbol code 1324 displayed on the mobile terminal 20 is read by a camera 1332 of an imaging device 1330 installed at the entrance of a store or the like. By having the imaging device 1330 read the symbol code 1324 displayed on the mobile terminal 20, the app on the mobile terminal 20 can obtain store information via another network or the like. Note that by appropriately changing the symbol code 1324 displayed on the mobile terminal 20 over time, it is possible to prevent fraudulent operations, such as having the imaging device 1330 read a copy of the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20.

[0274] By reading the symbol code display as described above, it is easy to identify the information of the store to be entered. Alternatively, the store may be specified by displaying stores where the member frequently shops on the mobile terminal 20 and allowing the member to select a store.

[0275] In Fig. 30, the product registration means 205 may prevent the process from proceeding to the process that enables product registration until the store is identified by the store identification means 202. The reason for this is that if the store at which the product will be purchased is not determined, for example, the store at which the registered product will be paid for will not be determined. This makes it possible to prevent the payment process from being performed at the wrong store. For example, when multiple tenants (stores) coexist in the same building, it is important to identify the store before starting the product registration process.

[0276] It is also desirable to check which store the product was registered at during the payment process, as this will prevent fraudulent practices such as receiving a discount service when registering at another store and then paying at the discount service price at the other store.

[0277] FIG. 32 shows an example in which the display means 207 displays on the mobile terminal 20 a screen 1400 that allows the member to select a payment method.

[0278] Screen 1400 displays a cash button 1402, a credit card button 1404, an electronic money button 1406, and the like. If the member selects the cash button 1402, the member can use the mobile terminal 20 to pay cash using a settlement processing device that can handle cash (such as the POS terminal 70). Methods for linking the mobile terminal 20 to a settlement processing device that can handle cash include having the settlement processing device read a symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20, having the mobile terminal 20 read a symbol code displayed on the settlement processing device, or using near field communication (NFC) to bring the mobile terminal 20 close to the settlement processing device. Using such methods makes it possible to link the mobile terminal 20 to the settlement processing device, so the member can use the settlement processing device to pay the purchase price of the registered product.

[0279] When a member selects electronic payment by pressing the credit card button 1404 or the electronic money button 1406, for example, the following process is carried out.

[0280] The settlement means 211 in FIG. 30 may operate to limit the places where electronic settlement can be made on the mobile terminal 20 to predetermined places.

[0281] The settlement means 211 preferably acquires current location information from the location acquisition means 213 and allows the mobile terminal 20 to proceed to electronic payment processing, such as credit card or electronic money, only when the mobile terminal 20 is located in a designated location under the supervision of a store clerk. The display means 207 may control the credit card button 1404 and the electronic money button 1406 so that they can be pressed only in designated locations. When electronic payment processing, such as credit card or electronic money, is performed on the mobile terminal 20, it is desirable for a store clerk or a store monitoring system (not shown) to confirm whether or not the payment has been made. The monitoring system may, for example, check the screen of the POS terminal shown in FIG. 2 or the confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Note that the screens shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 may be displayed on a simple display terminal without a settlement function. Payment may only be possible once the clerk confirms that the payment has been made and detects the clerk's action of confirming completion, such as pressing a button. In this case, the display device is preferably equipped with a touch panel, but a (physical) keyboard, primarily operated by the clerk, may also be connected. The display means 207 may display a screen such as the pop-up 1402 in Figure 32(C) so that the store clerk can visually confirm that the electronic settlement has been completed. In this way, the store clerk can reliably confirm that the settlement has been completed before the member leaves the store with the purchased items.

[0282] When a member selects electronic payment by pressing the credit card button 1404, electronic money button 1406, etc., the settlement means 211 acquires location information from the location acquisition means 213 and confirms that the mobile terminal 20 is in a predetermined area. If the mobile terminal 20 is not in the predetermined area, a message is displayed urging the member to move into the predetermined area.

[0283] The pop-up 1410 in FIG. 32(B) shows an example of a screen that prompts the member to move to a predetermined area (for example, near the credit card payment counter). For example, a store clerk may be on standby at the counter to monitor whether the payment has been made correctly by electronic payment such as credit card payment. The store clerk may also check by comparing the purchased items held by the member with the items paid for. If the check is done on a sample basis, the burden on the store clerk is reduced and the member can quickly complete the payment process and leave the store.

[0284] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of customer monitoring in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment.

[0285] The control means 201 monitors and controls the location information from the location acquisition means 213, and monitors and controls whether the mobile terminal 20 has, for example, left the store even though the payment for the registered products has not been completed. Then, the control means 201 causes the display means 207 to display a pop-up 1512 urging the member to return to the store because "payment has not been completed," as shown in Fig. 33(A). Alternatively, the display means 207 may cause the mobile terminal 20 to display a message urging the member to pay by payment means such as a credit card or electronic money because the member has left the store.

[0286] 33(B), the mobile terminal 20 may communicate with a POS terminal 70 operated by a store clerk, and cause the display unit 750 of the POS terminal 70 to display information (1522) of a member who has left the store without completing payment on a screen 1520 of the POS terminal 70 via the display means 703 of the POS terminal 70. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 20 may cause the screen 1520 to be displayed on another management screen (not shown) of the store. Alternatively, the higher-level device 10 may monitor the mobile terminal 20 and display the screen 1520 on a display screen (not shown) of the higher-level device 10.

[0287] It is desirable that the member information (1522) display information including, for example, at least one of the following: the fact that payment is not yet complete, the time the member left the store, the member's name (customer name), the member number, a list of registered products for which payment is not yet complete, the member's telephone number, and the current location of the member's mobile terminal 20.

[0288] -Process flow of an embodiment regarding store identification- FIG. 34 shows an example of a process flow for identifying a store in a mobile terminal of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. Each procedure (step) in the mobile terminal 20 will be explained below. FIG. 34(A) shows a processing flow regarding entering a store using a mobile terminal.

[0289] [S1002] The current location is identified. Then, the process proceeds to step S1004. The location information is acquired using a GPS or the like. As already explained, there are various methods other than GPS for identifying the current location of the mobile terminal 20.

[0290] As already mentioned, the symbol code displayed on the mobile device may be recognized by a reader installed at the entrance of the store, thereby linking the mobile device to the reader, and the mobile device may acquire store information through this link. Other short-range wireless communication technologies such as NFC may also be used to identify the store.

[0291] [S1004] A process for identifying a store is performed based on the store's location information and the identified current location. The process proceeds to step S1006. [S1006] It is checked whether a store has been identified based on the current location information. If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S1014. If this check is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0292] [S1008] The current location information is checked to see if there are multiple candidate stores. If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step S1010. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step S1012.

[0293] [S1010] Since there are multiple store candidates, the user (member) is prompted to select a store, and the user's selection is accepted. The process proceeds to step S1014.

[0294] [S1012] The mobile terminal 20 reads a symbol code, for example, located at the entrance of a store. The symbol code contains information including store information. The store can be identified based on this store information. Note that the process for making the mobile terminal 20 recognize the store is not limited to this process. As already mentioned, the store can be identified by various methods under the member's instructions. The process proceeds to step S1014. [S1014] The transition to the product registration process, which had been inhibited, is released. Thereafter, the member can register the purchased products in the store using the mobile terminal 20. It is desirable that a shopping basket for the member is generated in the store's system when the member enters the store. Products registered by the member are added to the shopping basket.

[0295] FIG. 34(B) shows the processing flow when the mobile terminal is used to settle the bill or when purchasing products sold by weight. [S1022] This process is executed by interruption when the process shifts to the settlement process or when an instruction to interconnect with the weighing device is given. The interconnection between the mobile terminal and the weighing device will be described in detail later. The process proceeds to step S1024. [S1024] In this case, it is determined whether the store information held by the payment device or weighing device matches the store entry information on the mobile terminal. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the store is a match and the process ends. If this determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1026. [S1026] Normally, a member carrying a mobile terminal will settle the bill at the store they enter and will use the weighing device at the store they enter.

[0296] However, there may be cases where a member leaves a store and enters another store to settle their account or use a weighing device at another store. In this case, settling their account at the other store or purchasing bulk items at the other store requires adjustments to sales calculations and inventory management between stores, which requires complex processing at the store.

[0297] Therefore, a simple solution would be to uniformly prohibit members from paying at other stores or using weighing devices at other stores. As mentioned above, it is desirable to not allow payments at other stores and not allow interconnection between weighing devices and mobile terminals. This process prohibits members from paying at other stores, or prevents members from using weighing devices. This measure can avoid the inconveniences mentioned above.

[0298] As an example of "exception handling," regardless of location information, the item may be settled as a product handled by the store where the current settlement device is installed. Alternatively, the mobile terminal and the weighing device may be interconnected, and the item may be registered on the mobile terminal as a product of the store linked to the weighing device. The settlement device may then settle the item as a product of the store linked to the weighing device. In the case of the above exception handling, it is desirable to carry out processing for each store to adjust for discrepancies between the theoretical and actual stock quantities and sales figures.

[0299] 35 shows an example of the processing flow for settlement at a mobile terminal in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. The processing flow will be explained below.

[0300] [S1102] The member declares that the payment will be settled by electronic payment using the mobile terminal 20. Examples of electronic payment include, but are not limited to, payment by credit card or electronic money. Processing proceeds to step S1104.

[0301] [S1104] The current location is identified. This current location is the location of the mobile terminal 20, and is the current location of the member. The process proceeds to step S1106.

[0302] [S1106] A check is made to see if the current location is within a first area. Examples of the first area include a location near a counter where a store clerk is present, or a location near a credit card payment desk where a store clerk is present. If the current location is within a first area, the store clerk can monitor the electronic payment made by the member using the mobile terminal 20. The store clerk can also easily check the purchased items. If this check is affirmative (yes), processing proceeds to step S1110. If this check is negative (no), processing proceeds to step S1108.

[0303] [S1108] The member carrying the mobile terminal 20 is now outside the first area, and is therefore prompted, for example, on the display screen of the mobile terminal 20 to enter the first area. The display may also show the route through the store to the first area to guide the member (not shown). The process returns to step S1104. [S1110] Since the member is in the first area, electronic payment processing is performed using the mobile terminal 20.

[0304] 36 shows an example of a processing flow relating to customer monitoring on a mobile terminal in a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. The processing flow will be described in detail below. It is desirable that the following processing be started by an interrupt process or the like.

[0305] [S1200] This process is started by interrupt, periodically, or when a "specific process on the mobile terminal" is performed. Here, the "specific process on the mobile terminal" refers to, for example, the following processes. (1) A process to display the QR code for payment on the mobile device so that it can be read by the POS terminal and used for payment. (2) Processing when an instruction to proceed to the sub-page is given in the case where the sub-page display function is available (3) Proceed to payment by credit card, electronic money, etc. Processing when a display is made (4) Processing when an instruction is given to cancel all registered products (5) Processing when an instruction is given to establish mutual communication with a measuring device When the above processing is performed, it is desirable to perform the following processing, since this is an important stage in the shopping process. [S1202] The current location of the mobile terminal 20 is identified. The process proceeds to step S1204.

[0306] [S1204] It is checked whether the current location of the mobile terminal 20 is outside the second area (for example, outside the store). If this check is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S1206. If this check is negative (no), the process ends.

[0307] [S1206] It is checked whether the payment for the registered products has been completed on the mobile terminal 20. If the check is affirmative (yes), the process ends. If the check is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S1208.

[0308] [S1208] It is discovered that the member carrying the mobile terminal 20 has left the store even though the payment has not been completed. Therefore, information about the member is displayed to the store clerk. An example of the display has already been described. In addition, a notification (display) is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20 to the member, for example, to return to the store. An example of this notification (display) has already been described. Alternatively, the store can be identified again based on the acquired location information, and if it is determined that the mobile terminal is located in a different store, the member's current store can be re-registered. In this case, a new product basket for the re-registered store can be created, and the previously created product basket can be put on hold. Alternatively, since the member is outside the store, the screen can be returned to the initial screen for identifying the store. This process makes it easier to deal with members who have not yet completed their payments appropriately, and then the process ends.

[0309] -Embodiment relating to cooperation between a weighing device and a mobile terminal-

[0310] Returning to Figure 30, the product type acquisition means 203a in Figure 30 acquires the type of product sold by weight that a member is about to purchase, for example, via a mobile terminal, etc. The weight value acquisition means 203b acquires the weight value of the acquired product sold by weight from the weighing device 30.

[0311] For products that need to be weighed, the unit price (price per kg, price per unit, etc.) is set in advance for each product type. If the product type and weight value of the bulk product that a member is purchasing is known, the price of that product can be calculated by using the unit price of that product type. The product type and its weight value are obtained so that the product can be registered and the price can be calculated. The product registration means 205 can register products sold by weight using the product type of the product sold by weight and its measurement value.

[0312] The display unit 207 preferably displays the product type in a manner indicating that a weight value has not been acquired until the weight value acquisition unit 203b acquires a weight value corresponding to the product type. Alternatively, the display unit 207 may notify the user to weigh the product of the product type.

[0313] Furthermore, it is desirable that the settlement means 211 of the mobile terminal 20 prohibits the transition to the settlement process when the type of the bulk product is acquired, and lifts the prohibition of the transition to the settlement process when the corresponding weight value is acquired. This is because it is desirable not to transition to the settlement process until the weight value is acquired, since the price of the bulk product is not determined.

[0314] Figure 37 shows an example in which a member acquires the type of bulk product he or she wishes to purchase using a mobile terminal 20. In Figure 37, lemons 3002, apples 3004, and oranges 3006 are displayed, and signs 3012, 3014, and 3016, each with a display, are placed behind each of the bulk products.

[0315] For example, the sign 3012 displays the word "lemon," the price per kg, and that the unit price is nn yen. Also, a barcode 3013a is displayed so that the mobile terminal 20 can optically read this information. These displays may be displayed in a state where they are printed on paper or the like. By displaying using a display, it is possible to quickly display information that takes into account discounts for time special offers, etc. Also, by changing and displaying the barcode at predetermined intervals, it is possible to display a barcode, etc., that has been photographed in advance with a camera, on the mobile terminal. By scanning the data at the end of the transaction, fraud such as registering bulk products at different unit prices can be prevented.

[0316] 37 is equipped with a camera, and it can be seen that the barcode 3013b of lemon 3002 has been read by the detection means 204. In the second display area, one yogurt for 160 yen has already been registered 3050. Also, apple has been read 3040, and an indication that weighing is required 3041 and a price of ?? yen 3042 are displayed.

[0317] Similarly, lemon has been read 3030, and weighing required indication 3031 and price ??? yen 3042 are displayed. In the subtotal column 3020, it is displayed that there is one officially registered item, the estimated total is 160 yen, and a button to proceed to checkout is displayed. Since the weighing values ​​of the lemon and apple have not been obtained, weighing required 3041 and weighing required 3031 are notified, prompting the member to weigh them. Furthermore, since they have not been weighed, ??? yen is displayed. Furthermore, columns 3030 and 3040 for items sold by weight that have not been weighed are shaded, so that the member can recognize that weighing values ​​have not been obtained. Returning to Figure 30, the weighing device 30 has an instruction receiving means 331, which also has a display function, and a communication means 333, which are controlled by a control means 335.

[0318] The communication means 333 communicates with the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 20. The instruction receiving means 331 may be, for example, a display device having a touch panel. The instruction receiving means 331 displays symbol codes, messages, buttons, etc., and can receive various instructions by touching the screen. Although not shown in the measurement value of Fig. 30, it is desirable to have a printer, a short-range wireless device (Bluetooth, NFC, etc.), a weighing function, a platform for placing the item to be weighed, a reader for reading the symbol code, etc.

[0319] The symbol code displayed on the weighing device 30 is read by the mobile terminal 20, thereby linking the weighing device 30 to the mobile terminal 20. Alternatively, the weighing device 30 and the mobile terminal 20 may be linked by having a reader on the weighing device 30 read the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20. Then, once linked, the mobile terminal 20 and the weighing device 30 can occupy mutual communication via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and can communicate information with each other.

[0320] The communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 20 may be able to control the weighing device 30 via the communication means 333 using established mutual communication such as Bluetooth.

[0321] Furthermore, when the instruction receiving means 331 of the weighing device 30 detects that a customer who does not use the portable terminal 20 has declared their intention to use the weighing device 30, or when an item is placed on the platform, it may prohibit the establishment of mutual communication with the portable terminal 20, allowing the weighing to proceed smoothly, and then lifting this prohibition once, for example, the printing of the label has been completed.

[0322] Figure 38 shows the weighing device 30. The display section shows an initial screen 4053a of the weighing device. Initial screen 4053b is an enlarged version of this. Display screen 4053b shows a display area 4055 displaying a symbol code used to establish intercommunication with a mobile terminal, and an area 4057 that serves as both an explanation screen and a touch area for using the weighing device without a mobile terminal. If a customer wishes to use the weighing device without using a mobile terminal, the customer can simply touch the display area 4057 or place the product on the platform 4062. The weighing device 30 is equipped with a printed label outlet 4060 and a symbol code reading unit 4061. There are. The reading unit 4061 can read, for example, a symbol code displayed on a mobile terminal. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the interconnection between the mobile terminal 20 and the weighing device 30.

[0323] 39(A) is a diagram showing how the camera of the mobile terminal 20 reads the symbol code 4056a displayed on the weighing device 30. The mobile terminal 20 displays the captured symbol code 4056b on its screen.

[0324] The detection means 204 of the mobile terminal 20 analyzes the symbol code and obtains information necessary for mutual communication. Using this information, the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 20 and the communication means 333 of the weighing device 30 can establish mutual communication using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Note that the reading unit 4061 of the weighing device 30 may read the symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal 20 to establish mutual communication, or obtain the information necessary for mutual communication using NFC. Note that after mutual communication is established, not only short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth but also other wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, optical communication, wide-area communication networks for mobile phones, etc. may be used in combination.

[0325] 39(B) shows the situation when mutual communication is established and information about the bulk product registered by the mobile terminal 20 is transferred to the weighing device. Note that information about the bulk product registered by the mobile terminal 20 may be transmitted directly from the mobile terminal 20 to the weighing device 30 via mutual communication, but it goes without saying that it may also be transmitted to the weighing device 30 via a connected POS terminal 70, other equipment such as the higher-level device 10, or a server device (not shown).

[0326] In Figure 39(C), display information 4060a of the weighing device 30 is enlarged in display information 4060b. As shown in Figure 39(B), the same display information 4060c may also be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 20. By displaying display information 4060c of the weighing device 30 on the mobile terminal 20 in this way, the member can issue instructions to the weighing device 30 from the mobile terminal 20. It goes without saying that the mobile terminal 20 may not display such a screen and may instead display a product registration screen.

[0327] As shown in display information 4060b in Figure 39(C), a button 4063 for apples and a button 4065 for lemons are displayed, which are products sold by weight for which weight values ​​have not yet been acquired. The reason these two products sold by weight are displayed is because the barcodes of apples and lemons were read in Figure 37, and the product types were acquired by the camera of mobile terminal 20. A message saying "Please select a product and place it on the counter" is displayed to encourage the member to select a product and weigh each of the apples and lemons that the member has.

[0328] Also displayed are a button 4066 for canceling weighing and a button 4067 for searching for products sold by weight, which can be used when the user wishes to weigh products that are not displayed.

[0329] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing how to obtain the weight value of an item sold by weight. In FIG. 40(A), the member first touches the apple button 4063 on the display information 4060d. As the member's finger 3100 touches the apple button 4063 on the screen of the weighing device, the apple button 4063 is highlighted. This action causes the instruction receiving means 331 of the weighing device 30 to detect that apples are being weighed. The display information then shows that the unit price of the apples is 360.00 yen / kg. This unit price is either obtained in advance by the weighing device from, for example, the store's product master, or is obtained when the member selects apples as a sold by weight item. In response to the selection, the unit price of apples is retrieved from the product master and displayed.

[0330] Figure 40(B) shows display information 4070a of weighing device 30. Enlarged display information 4070b displays a message 4073 saying "Please place the product" to prompt the member to place the apple on platform 4062. An image 4075 of an apple is also displayed to make it easier for the member to understand. Back button 4077 is a command button that returns to the previous screen and displays the previous display information. In response to this display, the member is about to place apple 3080 on platform 4062 with member's finger 3100.

[0331] Figure 41 is a diagram showing the weighing process. In Figure 41a, apples 3080a have been placed on platform 4062, and display information 4090a (4090b) shows that the weight is 1.2006 kg, the unit price is 360.00 yen, and based on the weight and unit price, the total price of the apples is 432 yen. The total price can be calculated by rounding down any decimal point, for example.

[0332] Display information 4090b displays a label print command button 4093. It is desirable that print command button 4093 only be displayed once the product has been placed and the weight value has stabilized. Alternatively, print command button 4093 may be darkened so that pressing it will not result in printing until the weight value has stabilized, and then brightened once the weight value has stabilized so that pressing it will result in printing. A message is also displayed saying, "Please press the print button." After confirming that the member's operation is correct, the member touches print command button 4093 with their finger 3100.

[0333] FIG. 41(B) shows the display information 4095 after the print command button 4093 is touched. The display information 4095 displays a notification urging the user to affix the label 4097 to the bag 4081 once the label 4097 has been printed by the weighing device 30a. It is also possible to omit printing of the label. It is also possible to avoid printing of the symbol code containing the weight information on the label. The product type and weight are preferably transferred to the mobile terminal 30 via the communication means 215 of the mobile terminal 30 from the communication means 333 of the weighing device 30 via a mutual communication. The weighing device 30 may also transmit the product type and weight via a communication line to be stored in the member's basket on another host device in the store.

[0334] Figure 42 shows the display information 4060e of the weighing device 30 after the weight value has been acquired and its operation. As shown in Figure 42(A), the apple display has disappeared from area 4063a. This is because the weight value of the apple has already been acquired and the label has already been printed out, so there is no need to display the apple.

[0335] Figure 42(B) shows an example in which the member's finger 3100 touches the button 4066 to stop weighing. Because the display information 4060f still shows the lemon 4065a, the member is prompted to weigh the lemon, but even in this situation, the member can stop weighing at their discretion. FIG. 43 shows the information displayed on the weighing device 30 and the mobile terminal 20 when weighing is stopped or finished.

[0336] As shown in Figure 43(A), the screen of the weighing device 30 displays the initial display information 4053c. This allows other members to interconnect with the mobile terminal 20. Customers who do not have mobile phones can also use the weighing device 30.

[0337] FIG. 43(B) shows the display of the mobile terminal 20. Because the apples have been weighed and the mobile terminal 20 has acquired the apple weight, the apple display field 3040a has changed from a shaded display to a normal display. Additionally, the display in position 3041a, where the number of apples is normally displayed, has changed from "weighing required" to "weigh." This display indicates that the apples are a product that requires weighing. This change in display allows the member to confirm that the apples they are purchasing have been properly registered. In contrast, the lemon display field 3030 remains unchanged because the lemons have not been weighed. Because the display remains shaded, it can be seen that the lemons are being treated the same as the reserved items described above. In this embodiment, items for which the weight has not been acquired can be treated the same as reserved items. In the estimated total field 3020, the price of the apples, 432 yen, has been added to 160 yen, changing the amount 3021a to 592 yen.

[0338] Returning to Fig. 30, when an instruction is given to change the number of products to be weighed, the registration means 205 of the mobile terminal 20 may be configured to accept only a change to the number that sets the number to zero (i.e., equivalent to canceling registration), because it is not assumed that there will be multiple products of the same weight when weighing products to be received.

[0339] There are also products sold by the number of apples, for example, sold by the number of apples calculated from the total weight of the apples on a weighing device. The weighing device may register one apple for 150 yen and three apples for 450 yen, and issue a label. In this case, the quantity may be changed to two or more. (For such products, it may be possible to register apples by reading the code for the apple product type on a mobile terminal, as shown in FIG. 37, for example, without using the weighing device 30 (weighing device 30 may not be used).) In this case, the weighing device 30 may still calculate the number of apples, print a label, and send the number based on the weight to the mobile terminal 20 or a higher-level device.

[0340] Furthermore, if there is a counting scale element, for example, if candy is sold in units of 5 yen each and it is common for members to buy 20 or 30 candies, it would be difficult for the member to actually count them. For this reason, the number of candies is calculated from the unit weight of the candy and the measured value. For such products, it may be necessary to use a weighing device 30. In this case, it is desirable that the number cannot be changed and can only be canceled. Alternatively, it may be possible to only change the quantity within the range of an upper and lower limit (for example, a margin of error of ±1 per 20 candies), and only cancel the registered product.

[0341] Figure 44 shows the process of canceling the registration of a weighed product. Figure 44(A) shows a member's finger 3100 touching button 3041b labeled "Weigh" to change the number of apples.

[0342] FIG. 44(B) shows the subsequent pop-up display 3043 and notification display 3110. Pop-up display 3043 displays product cancellation button 3044. Note that, for products whose quantity can be changed, buttons 820a and 820b for instructing the member to increase or decrease the quantity are displayed, as shown in FIG. 11(a). FIG. 44(B) is a display similar to pop-up display 821 in FIG. 11(b). In FIG. 44(B), product cancellation is touched with the member's finger 3100. When this operation is performed, notification display 3110 is displayed. This display prompts the member to place the apple in the holding basket. Furthermore, the member can cancel the cancellation operation by pressing back button 3114. Furthermore, OK button 3112 is a button that notifies mobile terminal 20 that the member has accepted this action. The member places the apple in the holding basket. Note that the holding basket is merely an example, and it is sufficient if the holding basket can be distinguished from other registered products. Alternatively, a notice may be given to return the product to the display shelf.

[0343] FIG. 44(C) is a diagram showing the display on the mobile terminal 20 after the member touches the OK button 3112. Because the registration of the apple has been cancelled, a strikethrough 3045 is displayed, and the price of the apple has changed to 0 yen 3042a. The estimated total amount 3021a also becomes 160 yen, reflecting the cancellation of the apple. Note that the strikethrough 3042a is an example for making it clear that a cancellation has been made, and the display column for the apple itself may be erased. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 20 may not execute the cancellation, but may indicate that a cancellation instruction has been given. In this case, the item may continue to be treated as a reserved item, and the reserved item display 3110 may be displayed to prompt the member to add the item to the reserved basket. FIG. 45 shows a case where payment (proceed to checkout) processing is instructed when there are products for which weighing values ​​have not been obtained.

[0344] Figure 45(A) shows what happens when a member presses the Proceed to Checkout button 3108 when there are products for which weight values ​​have not been obtained. In response to this instruction, the mobile terminal 20 displays a display 3110 regarding the reserved products. The mobile terminal 20 then prompts the member to place the lemons for which weight values ​​have not been obtained into the reserved basket. The member then touches the OK button 3110a. Note that if weight values ​​have been obtained for all product types to be weighed, the display 3110a regarding the reserved products will not be displayed. In this case, the prohibition on checkout processing has been lifted, and the member can proceed with checkout processing.

[0345] 45(B) is a diagram showing the display screen of the mobile terminal 20 after the OK button 3110a has been touched. A strikethrough 3035 is displayed on the display of a lemon for which no weight value has been acquired.

[0346] Such strikethrough items can be treated the same as reserved items as explained above. Note that when the display 3110 regarding the reserved items is displayed, a notification to call a store clerk may be issued. Alternatively, a notification to call a store clerk may be issued, and the display 3110 regarding the reserved items may not be displayed.

[0347] 46 is a flowchart showing the linked operation between the mobile terminal 20 and the weighing device 30. The details of this flow will be explained below. [S2002] The mobile terminal 30 reads the symbol code of the bulk product. This operation causes the mobile terminal to acquire the type of bulk product. The acquired product type is registered on the mobile terminal and displayed on the screen. At this stage, the weight of the bulk product has not been acquired, so proceeding to the checkout process is prohibited. Note that the member operating the mobile terminal may be permitted to press the "Proceed to checkout" button. In this case, as already explained, the member may be prompted to place the product for which weight has not been acquired into the reserved basket. It is also desirable to notify the member that a "weight must be acquired" message is displayed, as shown in Figure 39, etc., to request that a weight be acquired. Processing proceeds to step S2004.

[0348] [S2004] A check is made to see if the task of obtaining the type has been completed. This check will result in a positive determination (yes) if, for example, the Proceed to Checkout button is pressed. In this case, the process moves to step S2006. In all other cases, a negative determination (no) is automatically made, and the process returns to step S2002.

[0349] [S2006] Information regarding communication with the weighing device is acquired. That is, the symbol code of the weighing device is read by the mobile terminal 20. Note that the mobile terminal may also acquire connection information by connecting via NFC, or by the weighing device reading a symbol code displayed on the mobile terminal. Processing proceeds to step S2008.

[0350] [S2008] Mutual communication is established with the weighing device. The short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth is exclusively used by the portable terminal 20 and the weighing device 30. The process proceeds to step S2010.

[0351] [S2010] The customer operates the weighing device to obtain a weight value. Alternatively, the weighing device may obtain the weight value in response to the customer's operation using a mobile terminal 20 with which mutual communication has been established. The mobile terminal 20 obtains the weight value from the weighing device 30 and registers it. The mobile terminal 20 may change the display mode of the product column for which the weight value was obtained to indicate that the weight value has been obtained. Alternatively, the price may be calculated from the weight value and unit price and displayed. Processing proceeds to step S2012.

[0352] [S2012] A check is made to determine whether weight values ​​for all product types to be weighed have been acquired. If the check is negative (no), the process returns to step S2010. If the check is positive (yes), the process proceeds to step S2014. [S2014] The prohibition on transition to the settlement process is lifted, and mutual communication is cut off. This completes the linked operation between the weighing device 30 and the portable terminal 30.

[0353] Figure 47 is a flowchart showing the operation when there is a registered product for which weighing values ​​have not been acquired. Figure 47(A) is a process that starts by interruption when an instruction to proceed to checkout is received or when an instruction to cancel a product to be weighed is received.

[0354] [S2102] Payment is requested (the Proceed to Checkout button is pressed), and the mobile terminal 20 determines whether all weight values ​​corresponding to the acquired product types have been acquired. If the determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2106. If the determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2104.

[0355] [S2104] The mobile device notifies the user that the items whose weights have not been obtained should be placed in the reserved basket. Because the Proceed to Checkout button has been pressed, the mobile device notifies the user that the items whose weights have not been obtained should be placed in the reserved basket. Processing then proceeds to step S2106.

[0356] [S2106] It is determined whether an instruction to cancel the product to be weighed has been given. If the determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2108. If the determination is negative (no), the process ends.

[0357] [S2108] A notification (A) is issued to prompt the user to place the product for which cancellation has been instructed into the reserved basket. The notification (A) is processed as shown in FIG. 47(B). FIG. 47(B) starts by interruption when the above notification (A) is made.

[0358] [S2112] The mobile terminal 20 determines whether the OK button has been pressed. The OK button is, for example, the OK button 3110 in FIG. 44(B), which is pressed when the member approves placing an item whose weight has not yet been obtained in the reserved basket. If this determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2114. If this determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2116.

[0359] [S2114] The mobile terminal 20 cancels the notification and changes the display by, for example, striking out the item. Then, it resets the price of the canceled item to 0, recalculates the total amount, and updates the display.

[0360] [S2116] For example, if there is no operation after a certain period of time has elapsed, a store clerk can be notified. This notification is transferred from the mobile terminal to a higher-level device, such as a POS terminal, and a store clerk is called. The called store clerk then checks the transaction. The above is the operation flow of the mobile terminal 20 when the acquisition of the weight value is incomplete. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile terminal 20 to display the registered information and to change the registered information.

[0361] FIG. 48(A) is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile terminal 20 for displaying the registration information. [S2202] The mobile terminal determines whether the registered product information indicates a product with a price that varies by weight or a product sold by weight. If the determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2206. If the determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2204. [S2204] The mobile terminal 20 displays the quantity in the quantity display field based on the member's instructions, and the process ends. [S2206] Since the registered information of the product indicates that the price varies depending on the weight or that the product is sold by weight, the mobile terminal displays something other than the quantity in the quantity display field. FIG. 48(B) is a flowchart showing the operation of changing the registration information of the mobile terminal 20.

[0362] [S2210] The mobile terminal determines whether the registered product information indicates a product with a price that varies by weight or a product sold by weight. If the determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2214. If the determination is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S2212. [S2212] The mobile terminal 20 displays the change in accordance with the quantity change instruction and processes the change to be reflected.

[0363] [S2214] Because the registered product information indicates that the price varies depending on the weight or that the product is sold by weight, the mobile terminal 20 accepts only an instruction to set the quantity to zero, i.e., a deletion instruction, when changing the quantity. The process proceeds to step S2216.

[0364] [S2216] In the case of a deletion instruction, the mobile terminal displays a message indicating that the item has been deleted, prompts the user to place the deleted item in a specific location, and, if necessary, notifies the user to call a store clerk. Then, the process ends. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the operation of the weighing device when it is operated manually, that is, when the customer uses the weighing device without using the mobile terminal 20.

[0365] [S2302] The weighing device determines whether a product has been placed on the platform of the weighing device or whether it has detected a customer's declaration that they will use the weighing device without a mobile device. An example of this declaration is when it detects that the customer has touched display area 4057 in Figure 38. If this determination is affirmative (yes), processing proceeds to step S2304. If this determination is negative (no), processing ends.

[0366] [S2304] The weighing device prohibits the mobile terminal from establishing intercommunication with the weighing device. This is because if the mobile terminal 20 attempts to connect to the weighing device 30 while the customer is operating the weighing device, it may interfere with the customer's operation. An example of how to prohibit the establishment of intercommunication is to not display the symbol code 4056 in Figure 38. Processing proceeds to step S2306.

[0367] [S2306] The weighing device determines whether the customer has finished using the weighing device. If the determination is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2308. If the determination is negative (no), step S2306 is repeated. [S2308] Since the customer has finished using the metering device, the metering device cancels the prohibition on establishing mutual communication.

[0368] 50 is a flowchart of the operation of the POS terminal. The POS terminal may be of any type, such as a self-service POS terminal operated by the member himself or herself, or a POS terminal operated by a store clerk. As described in step S2400, the POS terminal can perform the following operations. That is, the POS terminal (payment device) - Products sold by weight that are registered but not weighed - Products whose bulk sales registration has been cancelled - The registration of a product with a different price depending on the weight has been cancelled will be treated the same as reserved items. The handling of reserved items has already been described in detail.

[0369] For products sold by weight that have been registered but not weighed, the weight value can be obtained by weighing them using a weighing device connected to the POS terminal.

[0370] The order of steps in each processing flow of this embodiment may be changed as long as there is no contradiction, and steps may be executed simultaneously as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, the embodiments in this specification are not mutually exclusive, and part or all of one embodiment can be appropriately combined with another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0371] 10: Upper device 20: Mobile devices 201: Control means 202: Store identification method 203 :Acquisition means 204: Detection means 205: Product registration method 206: Pending product registration method 207:Display means 208: Notification means 209: Output means 210:Means for cancelling registered goods 211: Payment method 213: Location acquisition means 215: Means of communication 331: Instruction receiving means 333: Means of communication 335: Control means 60: Store Controller 70: POS terminal 700: Control unit 701: Control means 702: Input means 703:Display means 704: Payment method 705: Notification means 706: Editing methods 707: Prohibited means 750:Display section 760: Input section 770: Printing Department

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information about the product to be purchased; means for reading symbol codes used to establish intercommunication with the weighing device; means for analyzing the read symbol code and establishing mutual communication with the weighing device; and a weight value acquisition means for acquiring, via communication, the weight value of the commodity sold by weight measured by the weighing device with which the mutual communication has been established, If the products acquired by the acquisition means include products sold by weight, the transition to the checkout process is prohibited until the weight values ​​of the products sold by weight are acquired by the weight value acquisition means. Mobile device.

2. A program for controlling a mobile terminal, A mobile computer, A means of acquiring information about the product to be purchased; means for reading the symbology used to establish intercommunication with the weighing device; means for analyzing the read symbol code and establishing mutual communication with the weighing device; a weight value acquiring means for acquiring, via communication, the weight value of the commodity sold by weight weighed by the weighing device with which the mutual communication has been established; It functions as If the products acquired by the acquisition means include products sold by weight, the transition to the checkout process is prohibited until the weight values ​​of the products sold by weight are acquired by the weight value acquisition means. program.

Images