Product sales data processing system, program, and settlement device

Abstract

To allow a customer to properly use a coupon.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processing system includes: registration means for registering a commodity specified based on imaging in a terminal device by which a customer registers a commodity; acquisition control means which causes a settlement apparatus to acquire settlement information for the settlement apparatus to settle a payment in accordance with the registered commodity; selection means which selects, before the acquisition control means causes the settlement apparatus to acquire the settlement information, whether the use of a privilege determined to be applied to the commodity registered by the registration means is necessary or not, on the basis of privilege information on the privilege to be offered in accordance with purchase of a commodity; and calculation means which calculates the amount to be settled by the settlement apparatus on the basis of the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and a result selected by the selection means for the privilege.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system, a program, and a settlement device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A system is known in which customers themselves can register products using a mobile terminal and then settle the bill for the registered products at a settlement device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-55700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system such as that described in Patent Document 1, coupons can be used to provide benefits such as discounts in response to the purchase of products by customers. In such cases, it is preferable that the coupons can be used in a way that is convenient for customers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to enable customers to use coupons appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a product sales data processing system that includes a terminal device used to register purchased products by customer operation, and a settlement device that settles the payment based on the product registration results by the terminal device, and that includes: a registration means that registers products identified based on images captured by the terminal device; an acquisition control means that causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered products; a selection means that, before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire the settlement information, selects whether or not to use a benefit that the registration means has determined to be applicable to the registered product based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of a product; and a calculation means that calculates the amount to be settled at the settlement device based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and the result of the benefit selection by the selection means.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a terminal device in a product sales data processing system, which includes a terminal device used for registering purchased products through customer operation and a settlement device for settling payments based on the product registration results from the terminal device, to function as: registration means for registering products identified based on images captured by the terminal device; determination means for determining whether or not a bonus applies to a product registered by the registration means based on bonus information regarding bonuses granted in response to the purchase of a product; and acquisition control means for causing the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settling payments at the settlement device corresponding to the registered products.

[0008] This settlement device is in a product sales data processing system that includes a terminal device used for registering purchased products through customer operation, and a settlement device that settles the account based on the product registration results by the terminal device, and in response to a hold release that changes the status of a product that was registered as a held product due to an unsuccessful registration by the terminal device to a normal registration, the settlement device is equipped with a bonus setting means that enables the use of a bonus corresponding to the normally registered product when it is determined that a bonus is applicable to the normally registered product based on bonus information related to the purchase of the product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a shopping system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the state near the entrance of a store that has introduced a shopping system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of how a mobile terminal is set in a shopping cart according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of the appearance and configuration of a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transaction management server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transaction information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a rocker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of EC transaction information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of customer information, store information, and cart information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12]A sequence diagram showing an example of processing procedures executed by a mobile terminal, a settlement device, and a transaction management server according to this embodiment in response to the accounting of one transaction in self-service operation. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of a start-up screen, a product registration initial screen, a product registration update screen, and a code screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon list screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal according to the embodiment in relation to a coupon usage declaration. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an explanation confirmation screen and an explanation necessity designation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an explanation confirmation screen and a purchase unavailable notification screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a purchase guide screen according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment> [Example of shopping system configuration] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a shopping system (an example of a product sales data processing system) according to this embodiment. The shopping system in the figure allows customers to shop (transact) using an EC (Electronic Commerce) site, or by visiting a drugstore ST.

[0011] The EC site is operated by a drug store chain company that includes ST stores. Products sold on the EC site and at ST stores are common to both.

[0012] A customer can use a mobile terminal 50 to shop on an EC site. An application for members of a drugstore chain (membership application) is installed on the mobile terminal 50. A customer can shop on the EC site by operating the member application installed on the mobile terminal 50 to access the EC site from the mobile terminal 50.

[0013] Shopping at an EC site may be performed by accessing the EC site using a web browser installed on the mobile terminal 50, for example. In the following description, an example will be given in which shopping on an EC site is performed using a member application installed on the mobile terminal 50.

[0014] Alternatively, a customer can go to the store ST and use the mobile terminal 50 to do shopping as follows: In other words, the customer takes a product to be purchased from the shelves at the store ST, registers the taken product using the mobile terminal 50, and then pays for the registered product using the payment device 40. A shopping application that works in conjunction with the member application is installed on the mobile terminal 50. The shopping application running on the mobile terminal 50 is used by customers to register products at the store ST. The mobile terminal 50 may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0015] The shopping system of this embodiment includes an EC site server 70, a transaction management server 60, a coupon server 90, and a mobile terminal 50. The shopping system of this embodiment also includes a management device 10, a transaction information management device 80 (assist monitor), a locker device 30, and a payment settlement device 40 in the store ST. The management device 10, the transaction information management device 80, the locker devices 30, and the settlement device 40 are communicably connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) in the store ST.

[0016] The EC site server 70 is a server that provides an EC site. A customer can access the EC site by operating a member application on the mobile terminal 50 and register products to be purchased in a cart on the EC site. The customer can also settle (pay) for the products registered in the cart on the EC site. The EC site can accept payments via credit card or a predetermined internet payment service. The EC site server 70 can execute processes related to the registration of products in a cart and the settlement of payments performed on such an EC site.

[0017] Customers can specify a method for receiving products purchased using the EC site. One method is to have the products delivered to a specified delivery address (delivery and receipt). The other method is to specify a store ST as the delivery destination and then have the products picked up at the specified store ST (store and receipt). The EC site server 70 executes processing according to delivery instructions or instructions to have the store ST pick up the purchased products so that the products can be received using the method specified by the customer.

[0018] The management device 10 is a business terminal used by store staff for store management, etc. The management device 10 is capable of communicating with the transaction management server 60 via a network.

[0019] Transaction information management device 80 is a business terminal used in a store to monitor the transaction status of customers who register products using mobile terminal 50. The transaction status monitoring function of transaction information management device 80 may include outputting information about the transaction status by displaying it on transaction information management device 80, as well as control of transactions, such as releasing the hold status of a held product (described below) in response to an operation by a store clerk. The transaction information management device 80 is capable of communicating with the transaction management server 60, and is capable of realizing a transaction status monitoring function by transmitting and receiving data to and from the transaction management server 60.

[0020] Although four payment terminals 40 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of payment terminals 40 within one store is not particularly limited.

[0021] The mobile terminal 50 is a terminal operated by a customer. The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and as described above, a member application and a shopping application are installed on the mobile terminal 50.

[0022] The mobile terminal 50 may be, for example, a terminal loaned to a customer by a store. A shopping application having a function of registering products in accordance with the shopping system of this embodiment is installed on the mobile terminal 50 loaned to the customer by the store. The mobile terminal 50 loaned to the customer by the store may be one that is held by the customer or may be one that is attached to a shopping cart and used by the customer.

[0023] The settlement device 40 is a settlement device that performs settlement processing in response to customer operations. The settlement device 40 is configured to be able to communicate with the transaction management server 60. Note that the settlement device 40 may be able to communicate with the transaction management server 60, for example, via a relay via the management device 10.

[0024] The locker device 30 is used to deliver to a customer merchandise purchased through an EC site, for example, when the customer selects pick-up at the store ST as the pick-up method for shopping on an EC site. A store clerk stores the merchandise purchased on the EC site and selected pick-up at the store ST as the pick-up method in the storage shelves of the locker device 30. A customer who purchases a merchandise through an EC site and selects pick-up at the store ST as the pick-up method goes to the store ST and removes the merchandise from the storage shelf of the locker device 30 where the merchandise is stored. In this way, the customer can pick up the merchandise purchased on the EC site at the store ST.

[0025] The transaction management server 60 manages transactions carried out at the store ST as transactions carried out in accordance with the shopping system of this embodiment.

[0026] The coupon server 90 is a server that manages coupons corresponding to the coupon service provided in the shopping system of this embodiment. Coupons corresponding to products set as applicable targets are registered in the coupon server 90. The coupon server 90 stores coupon information for the registered coupons.

[0027] 2 shows an example of the state near the entrance of a store ST that has introduced the shopping system of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, near the entrance (or the entrance if the entrance and exit are separate), rental shopping carts 7, rental shopping baskets 8, and shopping bags 9 for sale are prepared. When a customer visits the store, they place their shopping basket 8 in the shopping cart 7, place their shopping bag 9 in the shopping basket 8, and proceed inside the store. At this time, the customer can place their mobile terminal 50 in the shopping cart 7.

[0028] The customer may bring the shopping bag 9 purchased this time as their own bag the next time they visit the store, or may bring a different bag as their own bag. Alternatively, they may purchase a plastic shopping bag.

[0029] Although not shown in the figure, the shopping cart 7 may be configured to be able to attach a bag for reserved items (described later) in addition to the shopping basket 8.

[0030] [Example of how to place a mobile device in a shopping cart] When registering a product at the store ST, the customer can use the mobile terminal 50 while it is held in the holder 7a of the shopping cart 7 (cart-held state), or can remove it from the holder 7a of the shopping cart 7 and hold it in their hand (hand-held state).

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, an example of how the mobile terminal 50 is set (attached) to the shopping cart 7 when a customer uses the mobile terminal 50 while holding the cart will be described. Figure 3(A) is a side view of the part of the shopping cart 7 where the mobile terminal 50 is set. Figure 3(B) is a top view of the part of the shopping cart 7 where the mobile terminal 50 is set.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3(A), a holder 7a for setting the mobile terminal 50 is attached to the shopping cart 7. The customer sets the mobile terminal 50 in the holder 7a. When the mobile terminal 50 is set in the holder 7a, it is ready to capture an image of the entire shopping bag 9 or the personal bag by the imaging unit 506 (see Fig. 6), as shown in Fig. 3(B).

[0033] [About the payment device] The settlement device 40 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4(A) is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the settlement device 40 (a front view seen from the customer side). Figure 4(B) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device 40. In Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0034] The settlement device 40 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a hard disk 404, a display unit 405, a scanner unit 406, a card payment unit 408, a change dispenser 409, a printing unit 413, an audio output unit 414, a communication unit 415, an imaging unit 416 (camera), and a sign pole 417. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The settlement device 40 may further include a key operation unit.

[0035] The CPU 401 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the settlement device 40 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 402 . The ROM 402 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 401, including programs.

[0036] The RAM 403 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information as a main storage device, such as information read from the ROM 402 or the hard disk 404, information acquired from the outside, and information generated during processing.

[0037] The hard disk 404 stores various information as an auxiliary storage device. For example, the hard disk 404 may store programs executed by the CPU 401 instead of the ROM 402. Furthermore, instead of the RAM 403, the hard disk 404 may store information read from the ROM 402, information obtained from the outside, information generated during processing, etc. Note that instead of the hard disk 404, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided.

[0038] The display unit 405 is a touch panel that displays various information and accepts operations performed on the touch panel.

[0039] Scanner unit 406 optically reads various information. For example, scanner unit 406 scans a code (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code) displayed on the display unit of mobile terminal 50 to read information necessary for the payment process. Scanner unit 406 may also scan a code attached to a product to read the product code. Scanner unit 406 may also scan a code attached to a store clerk's name tag to read the store clerk code.

[0040] The card payment unit 408 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, cash cards for debit payments, point cards for point payments, etc.). The card payment unit 408 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least the card recognition unit. The card recognition unit may also recognize various cards (for example, point cards, membership cards, stockholder cards, etc.) for the purpose of granting benefits, discounts, etc.

[0041] The change dispenser 409 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism, and has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. When banknotes or coins are inserted into the input port, they are detected by a sensor (detecting that they have been inserted, detecting the number of coins by denomination, etc.).

[0042] The printing unit 413 prints and issues various media such as receipts. The audio output unit 414 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 414 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 415 communicates with other devices via a network in the store ST (in-store network).

[0043] The imaging unit 416 is provided to capture an image of, for example, the hands of a customer operating the change dispenser. The sign pole 417 is a part that issues a predetermined notification to store staff by lighting up in a predetermined pattern and color.

[0044] [Customer terminal device configuration example] 5 shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 in the figure includes a CPU 501, a storage unit 502, a RAM 503, a display unit 504, an operation unit 505, an imaging unit 506, and a network-compatible communication unit 507. The CPU 501 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 50 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 502 . The storage unit 502 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 501, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 501, including programs. The RAM 503 is the main storage device of the CPU 501 . The display unit 504 displays images according to the display control of the CPU 501. The display unit 504 may be configured as a touch panel that allows operations to be performed on the screen. The operation unit 505 collectively indicates various operators provided on the mobile terminal 50 and various input devices connected to the mobile terminal 50. The imaging unit 506 captures images under the control of the CPU 401. The imaging unit 506 of this embodiment can also function as a part that reads two-dimensional codes in a code reader that processes the two-dimensional codes. The network-compatible communication unit 507 is a unit that performs communication wirelessly via a network. The network-compatible communication unit 507 enables the mobile terminal 50 to communicate with the transaction management server 60.

[0045] [Example of transaction management server configuration] 6 shows an example of the configuration of the transaction management server 60. The transaction management server 60 in the figure comprises a CPU 601, a storage unit 602, a RAM 603, and a network-compatible communication unit 604. The CPU 601 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the transaction management server 60 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 602 . The storage unit 602 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 601, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 601, including programs. The RAM 603 is the main storage device of the CPU 601 . The network-compatible communication unit 604 is a part that performs communication via a network.

[0046] The storage unit 602 of the transaction management server 60 stores customer information, store information, product information, and cart information.

[0047] [Example of configuration of transaction information management device] 7 shows an example of the configuration of transaction information management device 80. Transaction information management device 80 in the figure includes a CPU 801, a storage unit 802, a RAM 803, an in-store communication unit 804, a network-compatible communication unit 805, a display unit 806, and an operation unit 807. The CPU 801 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the transaction information management device 80 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 802 . The storage unit 602 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 801, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 801, including programs. The RAM 803 is the main storage device of the CPU 801 . The in-store communication unit 804 communicates with terminals such as the settlement device 40 and management device 10 within the store via the LAN 19 . The network-compatible communication unit 805 is a component that communicates with the outside via a network. In the case of the transaction information management device 80, the network-compatible communication unit 805 can communicate with the transaction management server 60 on the cloud. The display unit 806 displays an image under the control of the CPU 801. The display unit 806 may be configured as a touch panel. The operation unit 807 collectively refers to the operators provided in the transaction information management device 80 and the input devices connected to the transaction information management device 80 .

[0048] [Example of locker device appearance] 8(A) and 8(B) show examples of the appearance of rocker device 30. Fig. 8(A) is a perspective view of rocker device 30 seen from the rear side. Fig. 8(B) is a perspective view of rocker device 30 seen from the front side. The rear side of the locker device 30 faces the store clerk who stores the ordered items in the locker device 30. The front side of the locker device 30 faces the customer who receives the ordered items.

[0049] As shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the locker device 30 in the figures has six storage openings 361 (361-1 to 361-6). In the case of the figures, the storage openings 361 are arranged so that there are three storage openings 361 in each of the upper and lower rows. Storage openings 361-1 to 361-6 are assigned storage opening numbers 1 to 6, respectively. In correspondence with these storage opening number assignments, when locker device 30 is viewed from the rear, as shown in Fig. 8(A), the upper storage openings 361 are assigned the numbers "1" to "3" from right to left, and the lower storage openings 361 are assigned the numbers "4" to "6" from right to left.

[0050] The number of storage openings 361 in the locker device 30 and the arrangement of the storage openings 361 are not particularly limited.

[0051] 8(A), the back side of the storage opening 361 is open and no door or the like is provided. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(B), doors 362 (362-1 to 362-6) are provided on the front side of each of the storage openings 361 (361-1 to 361-6). The doors 362 are provided with, for example, handles 364 (364-1 to 364-6 (handle 364-1 is not shown because door 362-1 is in the open state)). For example, when the door 362 is in the open state, a customer, a store clerk, or the like can push the handle 364 with their hand to close the door 362 from the front side. Note that in this embodiment, the door 362 operates to be in the open state when it is unlocked, so the handle 364 does not need to have a part to be grasped with a hand to open the door 362. Each door 362 is provided with a lock. Therefore, the door 362 cannot be opened in a locked state, but can be opened in an unlocked state. As described above, the door 362 may be operated to open in response to being unlocked. When the door 362 is closed, it is recessed a predetermined distance from the plane corresponding to the front panel of the locker device 30. Therefore, even if the handle portion 364 is provided to protrude from the door 362, it can be made so that it does not protrude forward or protrudes only slightly beyond the plane corresponding to the front panel.

[0052] 8(B), indicators 363 (363-1 to 363-6) are arranged for each storage opening 361 (361-1 to 361-6) on the front side of locker device 30. Indicators 363 notify the status of door 362 of the corresponding storage opening 361, for example, by lighting up in a predetermined pattern. Indicators may also be installed on the back side. Alternatively, interior lights may be provided on the ceiling or other surfaces of each storage opening 361 and used as indicators. The interior lights illuminate the inside of the storage opening 361. Whether the storage opening 361 is empty or filled with items can be visually determined based on whether the interior lights are on or off. The lighting status of the interior lights inside the storage opening 361 can be seen from both the front side (customer side) and the back side (clerk side). By checking the lighting status of the interior lights, customers can quickly and accurately determine which storage opening 361 contains their items. By checking the lighting status of the interior lights, clerks can quickly and accurately determine where their items are to be stored. The indicator and the interior light may be used together, or the indicator may be omitted and all notifications that can be made by the indicator may be realized by turning on the interior light.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8(B), a touch panel display unit 305 is provided on the front panel on the right side of the rocker device 30. The touch panel display unit 305 displays product pickup instructions and the like for customers, and also accepts operations by customers in response to product pickup. Additionally, a code reader 306 is provided below the front panel on the right side of the locker device 30. The code reader 306 reads the receipt certification code displayed on the mobile terminal 50. The information indicated by the receipt certification code displayed on the mobile terminal 50 includes transaction identification information (order number) that identifies the transaction made by the customer on the e-commerce site.

[0054] In the example shown in the figure, the code reader 306 is located at a position that is deeper than the plane corresponding to the front panel of the locker device 30. In other words, in the example shown in the figure, the lower right portion of the front of the housing of the locker device 30 is formed to be deeper than the plane of the front panel, and the code reader 306 is located in this formed portion. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent the code reader 306 from protruding from the front panel of the locker device 30.

[0055] In this way, when the door 362 is closed, the locker device 30 is designed so that there are no large protruding parts on the entire front, including the aforementioned handle 364. This prevents clothing, belongings, etc. from getting caught on parts that protrude from the front of the locker device 30, for example, when a customer passes in front of the locker device 30.

[0056] When the store clerk has prepared the products to be stored in the locker device 30, the clerk stores the prepared products from the rear side of the storage opening 361. In the same figure, the product FD is shown stored in the storage opening 361-1 in a bag (e.g., a plastic bag, a paper bag, etc.). If a store serving as a drug store is also allowed to sell prescription medicines, it is necessary to strengthen safety. In this case, a door may be provided on the rear side of storage opening 361, and the door of storage opening 361 may be closed and locked when storing prescription medicines in storage opening 361.

[0057] When a customer approaches the locker device 30, the locker device 30 is in a standby state waiting for the customer to unlock the door. In the standby state, a standby screen is displayed on the touch panel display unit 305 of the locker device 30.

[0058] [Locker device configuration example] 9 shows an example of the configuration of locker device 30. Locker device 30 in the figure includes a CPU 301, a storage unit 302, a RAM 303, a communication unit 304, a touch panel display unit 305, a code reader 306, door lock units 307 (307-1 to 307-6), door opening / closing sensors 308 (308-1 to 308-6), and indicators 363 (363-1 to 363-6).

[0059] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the locker device 30 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 302 . The storage unit 302 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 301, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 301, including programs. The RAM 303 is the main storage device of the CPU 301 . The communication unit 304 is a component that communicates with devices within the store via the store network.

[0060] The touch panel display unit 305 displays an image. The touch panel display unit 305 allows an operation to be performed by touching the display surface on which the image is displayed with an operating object such as a finger.

[0061] The code reader 306 reads codes such as two-dimensional codes or bar codes.

[0062] The door locking unit 307 is a lock provided for each door 362. The door locking unit 307 is locked and unlocked, for example, under the control of the CPU 301. Regarding locking, the door locking unit 307 may be configured to be locked by its own structure when the door 362 is closed, for example.

[0063] The door open / close sensors 308 are provided for each door 362 and detect whether the corresponding door 362 is in an open state or a closed state.

[0064] The indicators 363 are provided on the front side of the locker device 30 in correspondence with the respective storage openings 361. The indicators 363 may be configured, for example, with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can light up in a predetermined single color or multiple colors. As described above, indicator 363 lights up to notify the customer that the product to be picked up is stored in the corresponding storage opening 361, but indicator 363 may also be used for other notifications. For example, indicator 363 may be configured to light up in a predetermined pattern to notify the customer that door 362 has been left open for a certain period of time or longer, thereby notifying the customer that door 362 has been left open. Furthermore, the indicator 363 may use a predetermined lighting pattern to indicate whether the door 362 is unlocked or locked. Furthermore, the indicator 363 may use a predetermined lighting pattern to indicate, for example, whether the unlocked door 362 is closed or open, so as to distinguish between these states.

[0065] In addition to the indicators 363 provided on the front side of the locker device 30, indicators for notifying store staff may be provided on the back side of the locker device 30 in correspondence with the respective storage openings 361.

[0066] 10(A), an example of EC transaction information managed by the EC site server 70 will be described. The EC transaction information is information related to one transaction (EC transaction) in response to the purchase of a product through use of an EC site. The EC transaction information in the figure includes areas for EC transaction identification information, customer identification information, registered product information, payment information, and receipt method information. The EC transaction identification information field stores EC transaction identification information, which is identification information that uniquely identifies the corresponding EC transaction. The customer identification information field stores the customer identification information of the customer who performed the corresponding EC transaction. The area for EC registered product information stores product information for one or more products that have been added (registered) to a cart in a corresponding EC transaction and that have been subject to payment.

[0067] The payment information area stores information about the payment (settlement) of the corresponding EC transaction. The payment information includes, for example, the payment amount, the payment type, the payment date and time, etc. Furthermore, when store pickup is specified as the pickup method for a corresponding EC transaction, the customer may pay by credit card or online via the EC site, or may specify that payment will be settled when the customer visits the store ST and exchanges the product for the product (store payment) without paying via the EC site. When store payment is specified, the payment information will indicate that it is store payment.

[0068] The area for receipt method information stores receipt method information indicating the receipt method designated for the corresponding EC transaction.

[0069] FIG. 10(B) shows an example of the content of the receiving method information when delivery is specified as the receiving method for a product purchased through an EC transaction. The receipt method information in the figure includes a receipt method flag and delivery destination information. The receipt method flag is a flag that indicates whether the receipt method is delivery or in-store pickup. In this case, the receipt method flag indicates delivery. The delivery destination information includes information regarding the delivery address, specified delivery date, and specified delivery company.

[0070] FIG. 10(C) shows an example of the content of the receiving method information when store receiving is specified as the receiving method for a product purchased through an EC transaction. The receiving method information in the figure includes fields for a receiving method flag, store identification information, and store visit date and time. In this case, the receiving method flag indicates in-store receiving. The store identification information field stores store identification information that indicates the store ST designated by the customer as the recipient in the corresponding EC transaction. The store visit date and time field stores the store visit date and time. The store visit date and time is the date and time of the customer's visit to the store ST as the recipient, as specified by the customer in the corresponding EC transaction.

[0071] [Information stored by the transaction management server] The customer information stored in the memory unit 602 is information for managing individual customers. The transaction management server 60 generates customer information when a customer is registered (it may be considered that a customer has been registered when their customer information is stored). The transaction management server 60 also updates the customer information as appropriate based on cart information, etc. The transaction management server 60 may refer to the cart information at a predetermined time every day, for example, and update the customer information.

[0072] 11(A) shows an example of customer information stored in the memory unit 602 of the transaction management server 60. The customer information in this figure includes customer identification information, customer name, customer registration date, product cancellation information, customer rank, number of points, etc. The customer identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a customer. As the customer identification information (or instead of the customer identification information), for example, application identification information that is uniquely (for example, sequentially) assigned to each installed shopping application may be used. Also, as the customer identification information (or instead of the customer identification information), terminal identification information unique to the mobile terminal 50 on which the shopping application is installed may be used. The terminal identification information may be, for example, a telephone number assigned to the customer who is the user of the mobile terminal 50, or hardware identification information that is uniquely assigned to the hardware of the mobile terminal 50, such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address. The customer name is the customer's name or nickname, etc. The customer registration date is the date and time the customer was registered. The product cancellation information is information regarding cancellation of a product after it has been registered. The customer rank is a rank based on the customer's purchase history. When generating customer information for a new customer, the customer identification information, customer name, and customer registration date are generated, but since this is before the start of the actual transaction (product registration), other information (product cancellation information, etc.) is not generated.

[0073] The transaction management server 60 generates and stores customer identification information, for example, when a customer is registered (for example, when the mobile terminal 50 downloads or installs a shopping application from an external device (for example, a predetermined server that provides all applications, the transaction management server 60) to use the shopping service provided by the transaction management server 60). Furthermore, the transaction management server 60 acquires, for example, information entered in the name field of the registration form (input form) using the mobile terminal 50 when a customer is registered, and stores this as the customer name. Furthermore, the transaction management server 60 acquires, for example, the current date and time when the customer is registered, and stores this as the customer registration date.

[0074] In addition, instead of or in addition to storing customer information in its own memory, the transaction management server 60 may store some or all of the customer information in another device (such as a file server accessible to the transaction management server 60).

[0075] 11(B) shows an example of store information stored in the memory unit 602 of the transaction management server 60. The store information in the figure includes store identification information, store name (branch name), store identification information 1, and store identification information 2. The store identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a store. The store identification information shown in Fig. 11(B) is composed of a store (trade name) or company code and a branch code. The store name is the name of the store. The store name shown in Fig. 11(B) is composed of the store (trade name) or company name and the branch name. The store identification information 1 is information on a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark) or the like) for identifying a store where a transaction takes place (a store where a product is bought and sold). The store identification information 2 is store location information (GPS information) for identifying the store where the transaction is to be made. In the example shown in FIG. 11(B), the store identification information and the store specifying information 1 are different, but the store identification information and the store specifying information 1 may be the same.

[0076] The transaction management server 60 may acquire and store store information from an external source (such as a server (not shown) at a headquarters that oversees each store). The transaction management server 60 may also store some or all of the store information in another device (such as a file server accessible to the transaction management server 60) instead of or in addition to storing the store information in its own memory.

[0077] Cart information is information used to manage individual transactions. The transaction management server 60 generates cart information at the start of a transaction. The transaction management server 60 also updates the cart information as the transaction progresses (each time a product is registered). (The product may be considered to have been registered when it is stored in the cart information.)

[0078] FIG. 11(C) is an example of cart information stored in the storage unit 602 of the transaction management server 60. The cart information in the figure includes cart identification information, transaction start date and time, transaction end date and time, customer identification information, registered product information, reserved product information, and the like.

[0079] The cart identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies the cart information. For example, the cart identification information includes store identification information, a date, and a serial number (for example, a serial number for each store and date). The transaction start date and time is the date and time when the transaction started. The transaction start date and time may be, for example, the date and time when the cart information was created. The transaction start date and time may also be the date and time when the first item was registered (the date and time when the registered item information (registered item 1) in FIG. 11(C) was stored). The date and time when the cart information was created and the date and time when the first item was registered may both be stored separately.

[0080] The transaction end date and time is the end date and time of the transaction. For example, the transaction start date and time may be the settlement date and time. The customer identification information is customer identification information that identifies the customer of the transaction. When cart information is generated, cart identification information, transaction start date and time, and customer identification information are generated, but since this is before the start of the actual transaction (product registration), other information (transaction end date and time, etc.) is not generated. The settlement date and time may be the settlement start date and time or the settlement end date and time. Both the settlement start date and time and the settlement end date and time may be stored separately as the transaction end date and time.

[0081] Registered product information (total) is information that is updated each time a product is registered. Registered product information (total) includes the number of products (number of products), estimated subtotal amount (for example, the subtotal amount before discounts, etc. are reflected), subtotal amount, etc. Registered product information (registered product 1) is the registration information for one product item. Registered product information (registered product 2) is the registration information for two products. In the example shown in Figure 11 (C), registered product information (registered product 3) to registered product information (registered product 5) are omitted from the illustration. Registered product information (registered product N; N is an integer) includes the product code, product name (product name), price, etc.

[0082] The registered product information (N) may include the registration date and time of the Nth item of product. In other words, the transaction management server 60 may store the registration date and time of the registered product as the registered product information. The registration date and time of each product may also be used as information to determine whether or not to apply a special offer such as a limited time offer, and the effect of applying the special offer.

[0083] The reserved product information (total) is information that is updated each time a reserved product is registered. The reserved product information (total) includes the number of reserved products (items) of all types and the number of reserved products (items) of each type. In this embodiment, the reserved products are classified into multiple types, and each classification is managed by classification number (reserved major classification number, reserved minor classification number). In the example of FIG. 11(C), "Total number of items: 3" in the reserved product information (total) indicates that the number of items in all types (total of reserved products with reserved major classification numbers "1" to "4") is 3, "NON-FILE: 2" indicates that the number of reserved products classified as NON-FILE (total of reserved products with reserved major classification number "1") is 2, and "Read NG: 1" indicates that the number of reserved products classified as read NG (total of reserved products with reserved major classification number "2") is 1.

[0084] NON-FILE means that the barcode or product code was successfully scanned at the store (the product code was read), but the product code has not been stored (registered) in the product file. In other words, reserved products classified as NON-FILE are reserved products whose product code was successfully scanned, but the product code has not been stored in the product file.

[0085] A "read NG" means that the product code was not successfully read (scanned) at the store. In other words, a reserved product classified as a "read NG" is a reserved product whose product code was not successfully read.

[0086] Reserved Product Information (Reserved Product 1) is information on reserved product 1. Reserved Product Information (Reserved Product 2) is information on reserved product 2. Reserved Product Information (Reserved Product 3) is information on reserved product 3.

[0087] The reserved product information (reserved product N; N is an integer) includes a reserved major classification number. For example, if the Nth item of product is a reserved product classified as NON-FILE with a reserved major classification number of "1," the reserved product information (reserved product N) includes the reserved major classification number "1 (NON-FILE)" and a product code. Also, if the Nth item of product is a reserved product classified as read-NG with a reserved major classification number of "2," the reserved product information (reserved product N) includes the reserved major classification number "2 (read-NG)" and image data (a captured image captured by the mobile terminal 50). Note that the reserved product information for reserved products classified as NON-FILE may include image data in addition to the reserved major classification number "1 (NON-FILE)" and a product code.

[0088] 11 is an example of information stored by the transaction management server 60, and the transaction management server 60 may store other information (e.g., a product file). Information about one product in a product file may include, for example, a product code (product identifier), product name, price, etc.

[0089] [Example of basic processing procedures for self-shopping] In the shopping system of this embodiment, customers can do self-shopping. Self-shopping is a form of shopping in which a customer selects items to purchase from items available at the store ST they visit, registers the items using a mobile terminal 50 running a shopping application, and then settles the payment for the registered items using a settlement device 40.

[0090] The sequence diagram in Figure 12 shows an example of the processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal 50, the settlement device 40, and the transaction management server 60 in response to the settlement of one transaction in self-shopping. Specifically, the processing in Figure 12 shows an example of the processing of the mobile terminal 50, the settlement device 40, and the transaction management server 60 from when a customer registers a product to be purchased from products displayed in the store until the settlement of the registered product is completed.

[0091] Step S1: The mobile terminal 50 acquires information identifying a store (store identification information). For example, a two-dimensional code for identifying the store may be displayed near the entrance of the store (the two-dimensional code may be output on a display screen, a medium with the two-dimensional code printed on it may be attached, etc.), and a customer visiting the store may scan (read) the two-dimensional code with the mobile terminal 50, thereby allowing the mobile terminal 50 to acquire the store identification information. When a customer visiting the store launches a shopping application, a screen instructing the customer to scan the two-dimensional code may be displayed as a start-up screen, or when a customer visiting the store scans the two-dimensional code with the mobile terminal 50, the shopping application may be launched, and a screen informing the customer that the transaction management server 60 is currently connected may be displayed as a start-up screen. In this embodiment, the shopping application may be started in response to a predetermined operation on the screen of the member application running on the mobile terminal 50.

[0092] Also, for example, since a store is identified by its location, a customer visiting the store may obtain location information (GPS information) on the mobile terminal 50 at the store (i.e., the store's location information may be obtained as store identification information). When a customer visiting the store starts up a shopping application, the location information may be obtained, and a start-up screen may be displayed informing the customer that the application is currently connected to the transaction management server 60. If multiple stores are detected from the location information and it is not possible to identify one, a selection screen may be displayed to allow the customer to make a selection. Alternatively, the application may be switched to a mode in which a two-dimensional code is forcibly obtained.

[0093] 13(A) shows an example of a shopping application startup screen displayed on the display unit 504 of the mobile terminal 50. The startup screen in the figure displays the store name. This store name is displayed based on the store identification information acquired in step S1. When a customer wants to start registering a product for shopping, the customer operates a transaction start instruction button BT1 arranged on the start screen. In response to the operation of the transaction start instruction button BT1, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a transaction start request including the acquired store identification information and customer identification information to the transaction management server 60. The transaction start request may be transmitted in response to the customer's operation on the mobile terminal 50 as described above, or may be transmitted in response to the acquisition of store identification information without receiving any particular operation. Regarding customer identification information, the information entered in the name field of the registration form using the mobile terminal 50 during customer registration (when downloading or installing a shopping application on the mobile terminal 50) may be stored in the customer information of the transaction management server 60, but may also be stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 50 in addition to the transaction management server 60. Note that when a store is identified (when the product registration initial screen described below is acquired), the store name, currently offered services (information on flyers distributed that day), and available coupon information of the store may be displayed on a screen (the product registration initial screen or a screen separate from the product registration initial screen). Note that service and coupon information may be acquired from the transaction management server 60 as screen information, for example.

[0094] Furthermore, the destination information (the address of the transaction management server 60) may also be obtained at the time of customer registration (when the shopping application is downloaded or installed on the mobile terminal 50) and stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 50. In the case of scanning a two-dimensional code, the destination information may also be converted into a two-dimensional code in addition to the store-specific information, and by scanning the two-dimensional code with the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 may obtain the destination information along with the store-specific information.

[0095] Step S2: The transaction management server 60, which has received the customer identification information and store identification information as a transaction start request from the mobile terminal 50, generates cart information for the transaction. Note that, in the initial state of the generated cart information, the cart identification information, transaction start date and time, and customer identification information are stored, but since the actual transaction (product registration) has not yet started, other information (transaction end date and time, product information (registered product information, pending product information), etc.) is not stored.

[0096] As described above, the transaction management server 60 stores store information such as that shown in Figure 11(B), and therefore, when it receives store identification information (also receives customer identification information) as a transaction start request from the mobile terminal 50, if the received store identification information is a two-dimensional code, it acquires the store identification information by referring to store identification information 1, and if the received store identification information is location information (GPS information), it acquires the store identification information by referring to store identification information 2. Note that if the store identification information received from the mobile terminal 50 is a two-dimensional code of the store identification information, the transaction management server 60 can simply acquire it as is.

[0097] In other words, when the transaction management server 60 receives customer identification information and store identification information from the mobile terminal 50 as a transaction start request, it acquires the store identification information from the store identification information received from the mobile terminal 50, acquires the current date, issues (assigns) a serial number, combines the store identification information with the current date and serial number, and stores the combined information as cart identification information in the cart information. Furthermore, when the transaction management server 60 receives store identification information and customer identification information from the mobile terminal 50 as a transaction start request, it acquires the current date and time and stores the combined information as the transaction start date and time (generation date and time) in the cart information. Furthermore, when the transaction management server 60 receives store identification information and customer identification information from the mobile terminal 50 as a transaction start request, it stores the customer identification information received from the mobile terminal 50 as customer identification information in the cart information.

[0098] Step S3: The transaction management server 60, which has generated the cart information for the transaction, generates product registration initial screen information (screen information for the product registration screen, which is the initial screen) and transmits it to the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the transaction management server 60, for example, generates product registration initial screen information and transmits the generated product registration initial screen information to the mobile terminal 50 together with cart identification information.

[0099] Step S4: The mobile terminal 50, which has received the cart identification information and the product registration initial screen information from the transaction management server 60, stores the cart identification information and displays the registration screen on the display unit. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 displays the product registration initial screen as shown in FIG. 13(B), for example.

[0100] The initial product registration screen is a product registration screen that is displayed first when product registration is started. The product registration screen has a captured image area AR1 and a product registration result area AR2. The captured image area AR1 is an area where a captured image obtained by capturing an image using the imaging unit 506 is displayed. A product code (e.g., a barcode) captured so as to fit within a predetermined range in the captured image displayed in the captured image area AR1 is the target of reading. The product registration result area AR2 shows the number of registered products (number of registered products) and the total price for the products registered so far, and is an area where list items corresponding to each registered product are placed. In the case of the product registration initial screen shown in the same figure, since no products have been registered yet, the product registration result area AR2 is blank with no list items placed therein.

[0101] Step S5: In response to an operation by the customer, the mobile terminal 50 scans the barcode attached to the product and reads the product code. In the figure, it is assumed that the barcode scan was successful. Steps S5 to S9 are repeatedly executed each time the barcode attached to the product is scanned.

[0102] The mobile terminal 50 that has acquired the barcode transmits to the transaction management server 60 a product registration request that includes the cart identification information and the product code obtained by scanning.

[0103] Step S6: Upon receiving the product registration request (cart identification information and product code) from the mobile terminal 50, the transaction management server 60 identifies the cart information of the transaction from the cart identification information included in the received product registration request.

[0104] Step S7: The transaction management server 60 updates the product data in the identified cart information. Specifically, if the received product registration request includes a product code for item N, the transaction management server 60 stores the product code as the product code of the registered product information (registered product N) in the identified cart information, obtains the product name and price corresponding to the product code from the product information, and stores them as the product and price of the registered product information (registered product N). The transaction management server 60 also updates the registered product information (total) in the identified cart information.

[0105] Step S8: After updating the product data in the cart information, the transaction management server 60 generates product registration update screen information (screen information of the product registration screen, which is an update screen to which the registered product has been added) and transmits it to the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the transaction management server 60 generates product registration update screen information such that the product registration update screen, to which the list item Itm of the currently registered product has been added, is displayed in the product registration result area AR2 on the mobile terminal 50, as shown in Figure 13(C), for example, and transmits the generated product registration update screen information to the mobile terminal 50 together with the cart identification information.

[0106] 13(C) is displayed on the mobile terminal 50 after "○○ bread" has been registered as the third item. That is, when "○○ yogurt" is stored in the cart information as the first item, the transaction management server 60 generates product registration update screen information such that "○○ yogurt" is displayed as the list item Itm on the mobile terminal 50 and transmits the generated product registration update screen information to the mobile terminal 50 together with the cart identification information. When "○○ chocolate" is stored in the cart as the second item, the transaction management server 60 generates product registration update screen information such that "○○ yogurt" and "○○ chocolate" are displayed as the list items Itm on the mobile terminal 50 and transmits the generated product registration update screen information to the mobile terminal 50 together with the cart identification information. When "○○ bread" is stored in the cart information as the third item, the transaction management server 60 generates product registration update screen information such that "○○ yogurt", "○○ chocolate", and "○○ bread" are displayed as the list items Itm on the mobile terminal 50 as shown in FIG. 13(C).

[0107] Step S9: The mobile terminal 50, which has received the cart identification information and product registration update screen information from the transaction management server 60, adds the product to the registration screen. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 displays a product registration update screen such as that shown in FIG. 13(C). As described above, the product registration screen (product registration update screen) shown in FIG. 13(C) is displayed on the mobile terminal 50 after "XX bread" has been registered as the third product item.

[0108] Step S10: The mobile terminal 50 accepts a payment instruction operation as an operation by the customer. For example, the mobile terminal 50 accepts a tap operation on the payment instruction button BT2 that displays "Proceed to Checkout" as shown in FIG. 13(C).

[0109] Step S11: The mobile terminal 50 that has accepted the payment transition instruction operation generates a two-dimensional code. That is, the mobile terminal 50 converts information (e.g., cart identification information) required to execute the payment process for the items purchased by the mobile terminal 50 into a two-dimensional code. The mobile terminal 50 that has generated the two-dimensional code displays the generated two-dimensional code on the display unit. For example, a code screen with a two-dimensional code arranged as shown in FIG. 13(D) is displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, a message area AR3 is arranged on the code screen. In this case, the message area AR3 displays a message such as "Please scan the following code with the settlement machine" to guide the customer to have the scanner unit 406 of the settlement device 40 scan the code on the code screen. Furthermore, when the back button BT3 located on the code screen in the same figure is operated, the display returns to the product registration screen, and the customer can register products from the state where the previous product registration results are carried over.

[0110] Step S12: The settlement device 40 scans (reads) the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 50. For example, the settlement device 40 scans the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 50 that is pointed by the customer within the recognition range of the scanner unit 406.

[0111] Step S13: The settlement device 40 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 50 and requests the transaction management server 60 to calculate the subtotal. For example, the settlement device 40 sends a calculation request (subtotal calculation request information) requesting the calculation of the subtotal to the transaction management server 60 together with the cart identification information obtained from the two-dimensional code.

[0112] Step S14: The transaction management server 60 receives the cart identification information and the sub-calculation output request information from the mobile terminal 50 and identifies the cart information of the transaction from the cart identification information.

[0113] Step S15: Having identified the cart, the transaction management server 60 calculates the subtotal amount using information such as prices in the registered product information included in the cart information corresponding to the identified cart information.

[0114] Step S16: After calculating the subtotal, the transaction management server 60 updates the cart information (storing the subtotal (calculated subtotal)) and sends the subtotal information indicating the calculated subtotal to the settlement device 40 together with the cart identification information (which may also be cart information).

[0115] Here, the subtotal information and cart identification information (or cart information) included in the settlement information may be information used by the settlement device 40 to display the settlement screen (settlement screen information).

[0116] Step S17: Upon receiving the cart identification information (or cart information) and subtotal information from the transaction management server 60, the settlement device 40 displays the subtotal amount (settlement screen) on the display unit 405.

[0117] Step S18: The settlement device 40, which has displayed the subtotal on the display unit 405, executes the payment (settlement). Specifically, the settlement device 40 accepts the selection of the payment type. In the case of cash, it accepts the deposit, calculates the amount of change, and, if there is change, dispenses the change and issues a receipt. Furthermore, when the settlement is complete, the settlement device 40 sends settlement completion information along with the cart information to the transaction management server 60, and the transaction management server 60 stores the transaction end date and time (settlement date and time) for that cart.

[0118] Note that, for example, mobile terminal 50 may store product registration requests corresponding to the read product codes without transmitting them, as in the second example of the plastic bag registration determination described above, rather than transmitting a product registration request for each product each time a product code is read as shown in the procedure of Figure 12. Then, mobile terminal 50 may transmit all of the product registration requests that have been stored so far in a lump sum in response to, for example, a payment transition instruction operation being performed.

[0119] [About purchasing products in the shopping system] In the shopping system of this embodiment, the following four examples of purchase modes (purchase modes) for customers to purchase products are listed: first purchase mode to fourth purchase mode.

[0120] The first purchasing mode is a purchasing mode in which a customer operates a member application on the mobile terminal 50 to purchase (order) a product on the EC site, and receives the purchased product by having it shipped.

[0121] The second purchasing mode is a mode in which a customer operates a member application on the mobile terminal 50 to purchase (order) a product on an EC site, and then picks up the purchased product at a designated store ST. In the second purchase method, payment may be made using a payment method supported by the EC site (such as credit card payment or internet payment) when placing an order on the EC site using the member application, or the customer may use the payment device 40 at the store ST. In addition, in the second purchasing method, when a customer receives a product at the store ST, there are two ways: the customer receives the product stored by a store clerk in the locker device 30 (locker reception), and the customer receives the product handed to them by a store clerk (store clerk reception).

[0122] In the second purchasing mode, when a customer purchases (orders) a product on an EC site using a mobile terminal 50, the customer is allowed to specify that the product will be picked up at a store ST. At this time, the customer specifies the store where the product will be picked up, the date and time when the customer plans to visit the store to pick up the product (visit date and time), and the method of pickup (locker pickup or store clerk pickup). The mobile terminal 50 transmits store pickup information, including information about the specified store, the visit date and time, and the pickup method, to the EC site server 70. The EC site server 70 transmits store pickup instruction information, including the received store pickup information and information about the ordered items, to the management device 10 of the store ST specified by the received store pickup information. The management device 10 displays a store pickup instruction screen based on the received store pickup instruction information. The store pickup instruction screen displays a list of items to be prepared for pickup by the customer, the specified pickup method, and the specified visit date and time. The management device 10 may issue a store clerk pickup instruction slip that reflects the content displayed on the store clerk pickup instruction screen. The store clerk prepares the products according to the displayed product list. If store clerk pickup is specified as the pickup method, the store clerk stores the prepared products in a specified storage location. If locker pickup is specified as the pickup method, the store clerk stores the bag containing the prepared products in an open storage slot 361 in the locker device 30, for example, at a predetermined time before the customer's visit date and time. The store clerk performs an operation, for example, on the transaction information management device 80, to associate the number of the storage slot 361 where the product was stored with the order number corresponding to the stored product. The customer picks up the product at the store ST around the specified date and time of visit. If store clerk pickup has been specified as the pickup method, the customer goes to a specified location, such as a POS terminal counter, and displays a store pickup code (two-dimensional code or barcode) on the mobile terminal 50. The store clerk then has the customer perform an operation to have the POS terminal read the store pickup code. This causes the POS terminal to output the order number on the EC site by displaying or printing it. The store clerk then compares the output order number with the order number of the product stored, and hands the product with the same order number to the customer. At this time, if payment at the store ST has been specified, the store clerk will settle the bill using the POS terminal, for example. Furthermore, if the customer has selected locker pickup as the pickup method, the customer goes to the locker device 30 and displays the store pickup code (collection certification code: two-dimensional code or barcode) on the mobile terminal 50. The customer then has the code reader 306 of the locker device 30 read the displayed store pickup code. The locker device 30 then transmits the order number indicated in the read collection certification code to, for example, the transaction information management device 80. The transaction information management device 80 then controls the unlocking of the storage slot 361 associated with the received order number. The customer then removes the product from the unlocked storage slot 361. In this way, the customer receives the product ordered on the e-commerce site.

[0123] The third purchasing mode is self-shopping, which is performed by a customer visiting a store ST. As described above, self-shopping is a purchasing mode in which a customer registers products to be purchased at the store ST using a mobile terminal 50 running a shopping application, and then settles the payment for the registered products using the settlement device 40. In the third purchasing method, when a customer receives a product at the store ST, the product may be received by either locker collection or store clerk collection.

[0124] The fourth purchase mode is a purchase mode in which a customer operates the membership application on the mobile terminal 50 to order products on the EC site and products registered at the store ST and pay for them together at the store ST. That is, the customer first operates the membership application on the mobile terminal 50 to order products on the EC site. In this case, the customer does not make a payment for the products ordered on the EC site (EC site-ordered products) via the EC site, but sets up the payment so that the products will be carried over to shopping at the store ST. The customer then goes to the store ST, registers the products using the shopping application, and combines the registered products (store-registered products) and the EC site-ordered products that will be carried over to shopping at the store ST into a single transaction, and pays for them at the settlement device 40.

[0125] In the fourth purchasing method, one way in which customers can collect products is for a store clerk to prepare the products ordered on the EC site at the store ST, and then the customer can collect the prepared products ordered on the EC site along with the products they have purchased at the store ST. In this case, the product ordered on the EC site may be handed over to the customer by a store clerk. Alternatively, the product may be available for pickup at a locker. That is, the product ordered on the EC site may be stored in the storage opening 361 of the locker device 30, and the customer may receive the product by removing it from the storage opening 361.

[0126] [About using coupons] The shopping system of this embodiment provides a coupon service, which provides benefits such as discounts to customers when they purchase certain products sold on the EC site or in the store ST.

[0127] In the case of purchasing products using an EC site, such as the first or second purchase method, if there are any products registered on the EC site that are eligible for a coupon, the coupon for the applicable product is presented. At this time, the EC site server 70 inquires of the coupon server 90 about the presence or absence of an applicable coupon for each registered product. In response to the inquiry, the coupon server 90 determines whether or not there is an applicable coupon for each registered product, and for products for which there is an applicable coupon, transmits the corresponding coupon information to the EC site server 70. The EC site server 70 uses the received coupon information to present coupons for the applicable products among the registered products on the EC site. The customer performs an operation to specify which coupon to use from among the coupons presented on the EC site. In the following explanation, specifying the coupon to be used may be referred to as "declaration of use." The EC site applies the declared coupon to the target product and calculates the total amount, and the customer settles the calculated total amount using a payment method compatible with the EC site, or settles the calculated total amount at the settlement device 40 in the store ST.

[0128] Furthermore, when self-shopping is performed as in the third purchasing method, coupons are used as follows. In the third purchasing mode, the customer registers the products to be purchased at the store ST using the mobile terminal 50 running a shopping application. Then, when the customer determines that they have finished registering all the products to be purchased, they perform a checkout instruction operation on the mobile terminal 50 (operation of the checkout instruction button BT2).

[0129] In this case, in response to the payment instruction operation, the mobile terminal 50 determines whether the product registered at the store ST in response to the current self-shopping transaction is eligible for a coupon. To this end, the mobile terminal 50 sends a coupon inquiry to the transaction management server 60. The coupon inquiry inquires whether or not a coupon is applicable to each product registered in the current transaction. The coupon inquiry includes cart identification information according to the current transaction. The transaction management server 60 sends a coupon information request to the coupon server 90 for products registered in the cart information indicated by the cart identification information included in the received coupon inquiry. In response to the coupon information request, the coupon server 90 sends coupon information for products registered in the cart information that have applicable coupons registered to them to the transaction management server 60. The transaction management server 60 sends the received coupon information to the mobile terminal 50 in response to the coupon inquiry. The mobile terminal 50 determines that products corresponding to the received coupon information are eligible for coupon application, and that products not corresponding to the received coupon information are not eligible for coupon application. Furthermore, if no applicable coupons are registered for any of the products registered in the cart information, the coupon server 90 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 50 in response to the coupon inquiry, notifying the mobile terminal 50 that no applicable coupons exist. In this case, the mobile terminal 50 determines that none of the products registered in the cart information are eligible for coupon application. When the mobile terminal 50 receives a notification that there is no applicable coupon, the mobile terminal 50 displays a code screen as shown in FIG. 13(D).

[0130] On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 50 determines that the plastic bag is not registered as a result of the plastic bag registration determination, it displays a coupon list screen instead of the code screen (FIG. 13(D)) in response to the checkout instruction operation. The coupon list screen is a screen that presents a list of coupons (candidate coupons for declaration) for products that are eligible for coupon application among the products registered in the current transaction.

[0131] An example of the coupon list screen is shown in Figure 14. On the coupon list screen, a coupon item area AR10 is arranged as a list item corresponding to each declaration candidate coupon that applies to the applicable product among the products registered in the current transaction.

[0132] The coupon list screen in the figure can be scrolled up and down, and by scrolling, coupon item area AR10 that was previously outside the range of the coupon list screen can be displayed.

[0133] One coupon item area AR10 corresponds to one declaration candidate coupon. In one coupon item area AR10, a product information area AR11, a coupon information area AR12, and a declaration button BT11 are arranged. The product information area AR11 is an area where information about products to which the corresponding coupon can be applied is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the product information area AR11 displays a photo of the applicable product and the product name. The coupon information area AR12 is an area where information about the corresponding coupon is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the coupon information area AR12 displays the coupon benefit details, such as the discount amount and discount rate, as well as the expiration date. The declaration button BT11 is a button that a customer operates when declaring the use of a corresponding coupon. Each time the declaration button BT11 is tapped, the display switches between a state indicating that use has been declared (a state in which "Use" is displayed) and a state indicating that use has not been declared (a state in which "Do not use" is displayed). The customer can set whether or not to declare the use of a coupon by operating the declaration button BT11 for each coupon item area AR10.

[0134] For example, in the initial display of the coupon list screen, the declaration buttons BT11 in all coupon item areas AR10 may be set to a state indicating that the coupon has been declared for use. In this case, the customer may tap the declaration button BT11 in the coupon item area AR10 of the coupon that they do not want to declare for use, to change the state to indicate that the coupon has not been declared for use.

[0135] The customer sets whether or not to declare use for each coupon item area AR10 as described above, and then performs a confirmation operation. Although not shown in the figure, the confirmation operation may be, for example, an operation on a confirmation button arranged on the coupon list screen. In response to the confirmation operation, the presence or absence of a declaration of use for each coupon corresponding to each coupon item area AR10 on the coupon list screen at the time of the confirmation operation is confirmed. At this time, the mobile terminal 50 transmits information indicating the presence or absence of a declaration of use for each declaration candidate coupon (coupon use declaration information) to the transaction management server 60. The transaction management server 60 adds the received coupon use declaration information to the corresponding cart information, as exemplified in FIG. 11(C).

[0136] When the declaration of use of the candidate coupon is confirmed as described above, the display on the display unit 504 of the mobile terminal 50 transitions to the code screen shown in FIG. 13(D). In this case, when the customer has the settlement device 40 read the two-dimensional code displayed on the code screen, settlement is performed based on the cart information to which the coupon use declaration information has been added. In other words, the cart information identified by the transaction management server 60 based on the two-dimensional code read by the settlement device 40 in this case has the coupon use declaration information added to it. In this case, the transaction management server 60 calculates the total amount when the coupons indicated as declared for use by the added coupon use declaration information are applied to the corresponding products. The settlement device 40 displays a settlement screen reflecting the coupon application results and executes settlement processing according to the total amount to which the coupon application results have been reflected.

[0137] 14, those coupons with a remaining period until the expiration date that is less than a predetermined period may be forcibly set as having a usage declaration and applied to the target product at the time of payment. This can reliably prevent the expiration date from passing without the coupon being applied.

[0138] In addition, even when a customer pays for both the products ordered on the EC site and the products registered at the store ST using the checkout device 40 at the store ST in the fourth purchase format, a coupon usage declaration may be made for the products registered at the store ST as described in Figure 14.

[0139] An example of a processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal 50 of this embodiment in relation to a coupon usage declaration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S101: The mobile terminal 50 running the shopping application executes a product registration process in response to an operation of registering a product by a customer (an operation of having the mobile terminal 50 read a code attached to the product).

[0140] Step S102: When the customer has completed the registration of all the products that he / she wishes to purchase, he / she performs a checkout instruction operation (tap operation on the checkout instruction button BT2). The mobile terminal 50 accepts the checkout instruction operation performed by the customer.

[0141] Step S103: In response to the payment transition instruction operation, the mobile terminal 50 determines whether any of the products registered by this product registration process are eligible for the coupon. To do this, the mobile terminal 50 sends a coupon inquiry to the transaction management server 60 as described above. If the transaction management server 60 sends coupon information for products eligible for the coupon in response to the coupon inquiry, the mobile terminal 50 determines that there are products eligible for the coupon. On the other hand, if the transaction management server 60 sends a notification in response to the coupon inquiry that there are no applicable coupons, the mobile terminal 50 determines that there are no products eligible for the coupon.

[0142] Step S104: If it is determined in step S103 that there is a product to which the coupon is applicable, the mobile terminal 50 causes the display unit 504 to display a coupon list screen (FIG. 14).

[0143] Step S105: The mobile terminal 50 accepts a coupon use declaration operation performed by the customer on the displayed coupon list screen. The coupon use declaration operation is an operation to set whether or not to declare use of a declaration candidate coupon by operating the declaration button BT11 in the coupon item area AR10 on the coupon list screen.

[0144] Step S106: When the customer has finished setting whether or not to declare use for each declaration candidate coupon by the coupon use declaration operation, the customer performs a confirmation operation to confirm the setting whether or not to declare use. Step S107: In response to the confirmation operation, the customer transmits to the transaction management server 60 coupon use declaration information indicating whether or not a confirmed use declaration has been made for each declaration candidate coupon. Step S108: The mobile terminal 50 displays a code screen on the display unit 504 in place of the coupon list screen that has been displayed so far.

[0145] For example, after it is possible to perform a coupon usage declaration operation for a declaration candidate coupon corresponding to a product registered on the mobile terminal 50 as described above, it may also be possible to perform a coupon usage declaration operation for a declaration candidate coupon corresponding to the same registered product at the settlement device. In this case, for example, when the payment device 40 is displaying the payment screen, before the payment is completed, a coupon list screen that allows a coupon usage declaration operation to be performed by a predetermined operation may be displayed in a predetermined manner. The customer can perform a coupon usage declaration operation on the displayed coupon list screen to change whether or not to declare the usage of any of the declaration candidate coupons.

[0146] [What to do if a product eligible for a coupon is registered as a reserved product] When registering products using the mobile terminal 50, some products may end up being registered in the cart information as reserved products due to reasons such as incorrect reading of the product code. When a product is registered as a reserved product, a store clerk is called when the payment is made at the settlement device 40, and the called store clerk operates the settlement device 40 to release the reserved status of the reserved product (release the hold). There are two main ways to release the hold: identifying the product that was unknown because it was in a reserved status (resetting the registration normal), and deleting the reserved product from the cart information. The hold release may be performed not only by the settlement device 40 but also by a store clerk remotely using the transaction information management device 80, for example. When the reserved item is released, the settlement device 40 executes the settlement process corresponding to the total amount reflecting the result of the release of the reserved item.

[0147] If the reserved product is then identified by the release of the reservation, the settlement device 40 determines whether the identified product is eligible for a coupon. To do so, the settlement device 40 queries the transaction management server 60 about the coupon for the identified product. The coupon query includes the product code of the identified product. The transaction management server 60 sends a coupon information request to the coupon server 90 for the product identified by the product code included in the received coupon inquiry. In response to the coupon information request, the coupon server 90 searches for coupon information that applies to the product identified by the product code included in the coupon information request. If the coupon server 90 finds the corresponding coupon information, it sends the coupon information to the transaction management server 60 as a response to the coupon information request. On the other hand, if the coupon server 90 does not find the corresponding coupon information, it sends a coupon non-application notification to the transaction management server 60 as a response to the coupon information request, indicating that the coupon has not been applied. When the transaction management server 60 receives coupon information, it transmits the received coupon information to the settlement device 40 as a response to the coupon inquiry. When the coupon information is received, the settlement device 40 determines that the specified product is eligible for the coupon. On the other hand, if the transaction management server 60 receives a coupon non-application notification, it also transmits the coupon non-application notification to the settlement device 40. If a coupon non-application notification is received, the settlement device 40 determines that the specified product is not eligible for the coupon application.

[0148] If the settlement device 40 determines that the specified product is not eligible for the coupon, it calculates the total amount reflecting the price set for the specified product and executes settlement processing according to the calculated total amount. Furthermore, if the settlement device 40 determines that the specified product is eligible for coupon application, it displays a coupon use declaration operation screen. The coupon use declaration operation screen is a screen on which an operation can be performed to select whether or not to declare the use of a coupon that applies to the specified product. When a customer (or store clerk) selects to declare use as an operation on the coupon use declaration operation screen, the settlement device 40 calculates the total amount reflecting the price to which the coupon is applied for the identified product, and executes the settlement process according to the calculated total amount. On the other hand, if the customer (or store clerk) selects not to declare use as an operation on the coupon use declaration operation screen, the settlement device 40 calculates the total amount reflecting the price without applying the coupon for the identified product, and executes the settlement process according to the calculated total amount.

[0149] [Example of product registration according to pharmaceutical classification] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the store ST is a drugstore. Drugstores sell over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (hereinafter simply referred to as medicines). The medicines sold at the store ST are classified into four categories: prescription-only medicines, Category 1 medicines, Category 2 medicines, and Category 3 medicines. For prescription drugs and Category 1 drugs, it is stipulated that pharmacists are obligated to provide written explanations to customers when selling them. For Category 2 drugs, it is stipulated that pharmacists or registered salespeople are obligated to make an effort to provide explanations to customers. For Category 3 drugs, there are no legal provisions regarding explanations to customers. Furthermore, for all four categories, it is stipulated that sellers are obligated to respond to inquiries from customers.

[0150] In this embodiment, when a customer registers a product using the mobile terminal 50 at the store ST, in response to the registration of a specific category of medicine, the following operation is performed regarding the product description.

[0151] For example, when shopping at a store ST, a customer purchases a product that is a Category 2 OTC drug, and has the mobile terminal 50 read the product code attached to the product's packaging. In this case, the mobile terminal 50 determines that the product to be registered, indicated by the read product code, falls under the category of Category 2 OTC drugs. If the mobile terminal 50 determines that the product to be registered falls under the category of Category 2 OTC drugs in this way, it displays an explanation confirmation screen BW20 as shown in FIG. 16(A). The explanation confirmation screen BW20 in the same figure shows an example in the form of a dialog window that is displayed so as to be superimposed on the product registration screen.

[0152] In addition, the classification of the medicine may be determined, for example, by transmitting the product code read by the mobile terminal 50 to the transaction management server 60, and then based on the product code received by the transaction management server 60.

[0153] The explanation confirmation screen BW20 displays a message informing the customer that the product to be registered this time is a Category 2 OTC drug, and that an explanation is available if the customer requests it. After the customer confirms the contents of the message, they operate the confirmation button BT21 on the explanation confirmation screen BW20. When the confirmation button BT21 is operated, the explanation confirmation screen BW20 disappears and the display returns to the product registration screen. This allows the customer to register the next product (or issue a payment transition instruction).

[0154] Alternatively, the mobile terminal 50 may transition from the explanation confirmation screen BW20 to the explanation necessity specification screen BW30 as shown in FIG. 16(B) in response to an operation of the confirmation button BT21 on the explanation confirmation screen BW20. The explanation requirement specification screen BW30 is a screen on which an operation is performed to specify whether an explanation is required for the Category 2 OTC drug as the product to be registered. The explanation required / unnecessary specification screen BW30 has an explanation required button BT31 and an explanation not required button BT32. If the customer wishes to receive an explanation about the product as a Category 2 OTC drug to be registered, the customer operates the explanation required button BT31, and if the customer does not wish to receive an explanation, the customer operates the explanation not required button BT32. When the explanation required declaration button BT31 is operated, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a product registration request including an explanation required flag to the transaction management server 60. The transaction management server 60 stores the received product registration request as registered product information in the corresponding cart information. The registered product information stored in the cart information thus includes the explanation required flag, which indicates that an explanation from the store ST is required for the corresponding product. When the explanation-free declaration button BT32 is operated, the mobile terminal 50 transmits to the transaction management server 60 a product registration request that does not include an explanation-needed flag. In response to the operation of the explanation required declaration button BT31 or the explanation not required declaration button BT32, the explanation required / unnecessary specification screen BW30 is cleared, and the display returns to the product registration screen. After this, the customer registers other products as needed, and when the product registration is complete, performs a checkout instruction operation to display the code screen. The customer then goes to the checkout device 40 and has the checkout device 40 read the two-dimensional code on the displayed code screen. The checkout device 40 then obtains the cart identification information indicated by the read two-dimensional code from the transaction management server 60.

[0155] If the cart information acquired from the transaction management server 60 contains registered product information that includes an explanation required flag, the settlement device 40 transmits a request to call a store clerk to, for example, the transaction information management device 80 to provide an explanation about the product. In response to the store clerk call request, the transaction information management device 80 displays a message calling a store clerk to provide an explanation about the Category 2 OTC drug. The display of the store clerk call indicates the settlement device 40 that sent the store clerk call request. The display of the store clerk call may also indicate the Category 2 OTC drug product that is the subject of the explanation. Alternatively, if the cart information obtained from the transaction management server 60 during settlement contains registered product information that includes an explanation required flag, the settlement device 40 may light up the sign pole 417 in a predetermined manner to call a store clerk to provide an explanation about the Class 2 pharmaceutical product.

[0156] The settlement device 40 that sent the store clerk call request may, for example, display a message screen on the display unit 405 informing the customer that a store clerk will be coming to explain about the Category 2 OTC drug. While this message screen is displayed, the settlement device 40 may not accept any operations by the customer. This prevents the settlement from being completed before the store clerk has finished explaining. Upon receiving the clerk call, the explanation clerk (pharmacist or registered salesperson) goes to the settlement device 40 that sent the clerk call request and explains about the Category 2 OTC drug to the customer. At this time, the clerk giving the explanation may perform an operation to clear the message screen.

[0157] In addition, a POS terminal operated by a store clerk may be provided in the store ST. In addition, the settlement of a transaction in which a Category 2 OTC drug product designated as requiring an explanation is included in the registered goods may be carried out by a store clerk at the POS terminal, rather than by the customer using the settlement device 40. In this case, the clerk operating the POS terminal or a clerk located nearby who is an explanation staff member can immediately explain to the customer, so the customer does not have to wait for an explanation staff member to come in response to a call from the clerk, as is the case when settling at the settlement device 40.

[0158] In this case, in response to the operation of the explanation required declaration button BT31 on the explanation required / unnecessary specification screen BW30 in FIG. 16(B), the settlement device 40 may display, for example, a message instructing the customer to go to the POS terminal operated by a store clerk and have the clerk explain the Category 2 OTC drug product and settle the payment. In response to the customer performing a confirmation operation in response to this guidance message (for example, operating the confirmation button displayed on the guidance message screen), the settlement device 40 may transition to displaying the code screen in FIG. 13(D). In this case, the store clerk operating the POS terminal can read the code displayed on the code screen of the mobile terminal 50, causing the POS terminal to obtain the corresponding cart information from the transaction management server 60 and cause the POS terminal to execute settlement.

[0159] Next, we will explain the case where a product is registered as a Category 1 OTC drug. In this case, when shopping at store ST, a customer purchases a product that is a Category 1 OTC drug, and has the mobile terminal 50 read the product code attached to the product's packaging. In this case, the mobile terminal 50 determines that the product to be registered, indicated by the read product code, falls under the category of Category 1 OTC drug. If it is determined that the product to be registered falls under the category of Category 1 OTC drug, the mobile terminal 50 displays an explanation confirmation screen BW40 on the product registration screen, as shown in FIG. 17(A).

[0160] The explanation confirmation screen BW40 displays a message informing the customer that the product currently being registered is a Category 1 OTC drug and that they should receive an explanation. After the customer confirms the contents of the message, they operate the confirmation button BT41 on the explanation confirmation screen BW40. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT41, the explanation confirmation screen BW20 is cleared and the display returns to the product registration screen.

[0161] The settlement procedure when registered products include Class 1 pharmaceuticals may be the same as when the aforementioned Class 2 pharmaceuticals are included and an explanation is required. That is, in this case, if the cart information obtained from the transaction management server 60 in response to the customer having read the two-dimensional code on the code screen contains registered product information for a Category 1 OTC drug, the settlement device 40 sends a request to the transaction information management device 80 to call a store clerk to explain the product. Alternatively, the settlement device 40 may light up its own sign pole 417 in a predetermined manner to call a store clerk to explain the Category 1 OTC drug.

[0162] The settlement device 40 that sent the store clerk call request displays, for example, on the display unit 405, a message screen informing the customer that a store clerk will come to explain about the Category 1 OTC drug product. Upon receiving the clerk call, the explanation clerk (pharmacist or registered salesperson) goes to the settlement device 40 that sent the clerk call request and explains about the Category 1 OTC drug to the customer. At this time, the clerk giving the explanation may perform an operation to clear the message screen. Furthermore, when a transaction includes a Category 1 OTC drug as a registered product, the customer may not have to settle the transaction themselves at the settlement device 40, but may have a store clerk settle the transaction at the POS terminal.

[0163] Furthermore, when a customer has the mobile terminal 50 scan the product code of a product classified as a Class 1 pharmaceutical, if it is determined that a store clerk (pharmacist or registered salesperson) is not present at the store ST to explain the product, the mobile terminal 50 may display a purchase ineligible information screen BW50 such as that shown in Figure 17(B) instead of the explanation confirmation screen BW40 of Figure 17(A). When determining whether the explanation staff member is absent, a request to confirm the presence of the explanation staff member is transmitted from mobile terminal 50 to transaction information management device 80. The transmission of the presence confirmation request from mobile terminal 50 to transaction information management device 80 may be relayed by transaction management server 60, for example, or may be transmitted directly from mobile terminal 50 to transaction information management device 80 via a network within the store ST, such as a wireless LAN. The transaction information management device 80 also manages the operating status of the store ST's staff. In response to receiving a presence confirmation request, the transaction information management device 80 determines whether an explanation staff member (pharmacist or registered salesperson) at the store ST is currently available to assist the customer. In response to the presence confirmation request, if the transaction information management device 80 determines that an explanation staff member is available, it sends a notification that the explanation staff member is present (presence notification), and if it determines that the explanation staff member is not available, it sends a notification that the explanation staff member is absent (absence notification). When the mobile terminal 50 receives an absence notification, it displays a purchase unavailable notification screen BW50. When the mobile terminal 50 receives a presence notification, it displays an explanation confirmation screen BW40 of FIG.

[0164] 17(B) displays a message informing the customer that the registered product as a Category 1 OTC drug cannot be purchased because the store clerk responsible for explaining the product is absent. After checking the contents of the message, the customer operates the confirmation button BT51 arranged on the purchase unavailable notification screen BW50. When the confirmation button BT51 is operated, the unavailable purchase notification screen BW50 is cleared and the display returns to the product registration screen. At this time, the product to be registered as a Category 1 OTC drug may be registered as is, or may not be registered. Also, the customer may be able to specify whether or not to include the product in the registered products.

[0165] [Regarding empty box product registration] In the drug store ST, products are displayed on shelves. Some of the products displayed on the shelves are in empty boxes (packaging). Products in empty boxes are, for example, expensive products or products that should be prevented from being abused as medicines. When a customer purchases an empty box display commodity, the customer picks up the empty box of the empty box display commodity to be purchased from the display shelf in the same way as other commodities, and has the mobile terminal 50 read the commodity code attached to the empty box.

[0166] In the product information stored by the transaction management server 60, if the corresponding product is a product displayed in an empty box, an empty box display product flag indicating that the product is a product displayed in an empty box is stored. The mobile terminal 50 sends a product registration request including the read product code to the transaction management server 60. In this case, the transaction management server 60 determines that the corresponding product is a product displayed in an empty box based on the content of the product information of the product indicated by the product code included in the received product registration request. If it is determined that the corresponding product is a product displayed in an empty box, the transaction management server 60 sends a notification (empty box display product notification) to the mobile terminal 50 that the corresponding product is a product displayed in an empty box. In response to receiving the empty box display product notification, the mobile terminal 50 displays a purchase guide screen for the empty box display product on the display unit 504.

[0167] 18 shows an example of a purchase guide screen BW60 for products displayed in empty boxes. The purchase guide screen BW60 in the figure shows an example in the form of a dialog window that is displayed superimposed on the product registration screen. The purchase guidance screen BW60 displays information informing the customer that the empty box used to register the product should be returned to the display shelf, and that a voucher to be exchanged for the actual product will be issued by the checkout device 40 upon checkout. After checking the information displayed on the purchase guide screen BW60, the customer operates the confirmation button BT61 located on the purchase guide screen BW60. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT61, the purchase guide screen BW60 is cleared and the display returns to the product registration screen. At this point, the registration of the empty box display product has been completed.

[0168] When the registered product information of the cart information acquired by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the code screen of the mobile terminal 50 includes registered product information of an empty box display product, the settlement device 40 issues a receipt or the like during the settlement process, and also issues a voucher for the corresponding empty box display product. Information indicating the corresponding empty box display product is printed on the voucher. Specifically, the voucher may have the product name, product code, etc. of the corresponding empty box display product printed on it. The customer hands the issued exchange ticket to a store clerk and requests that the empty boxed product be collected. The store clerk confirms the empty boxed product indicated on the exchange ticket, removes it from the shelf, etc., and hands it to the customer. If the product code of the empty boxed product is printed on the exchange ticket as a two-dimensional code (or a barcode), the store clerk may have a terminal operating within the store ST, such as a POS terminal, read the two-dimensional code and then hand the corresponding empty boxed product to the customer. By having the terminal read the two-dimensional code on the exchange ticket, the shopping system can manage information about the exchange history of empty boxed product.

[0169] [About the structure for preventing drug abuse] Furthermore, the products sold at the drugstore ST may include drugs that may be abused due to drug addiction (abuse prevention drugs). It is necessary to prevent the purchase of such abuse prevention drugs for abuse. Therefore, in the shopping system of this embodiment, the quantity of abuse prevention drugs that a customer may purchase is limited as follows:

[0170] Of the product information stored in transaction management server 60, the product information for products classified as abuse-countermeasure drugs includes information indicating that the corresponding product is an abuse-countermeasure drug (abuse-countermeasure drug identification information). Transaction management server 60 also stores purchase history information indicating the purchase history of each customer's products. The purchase history information is a purchase history that integrates the purchase history of affiliated stores, including the corresponding store ST, and the EC site.

[0171] If the product indicated by the product code included in the product registration request transmitted by mobile terminal 50 in response to reading the product code is an abuse-countermeasure drug, transaction management server 60 acquires the purchase history of the corresponding abuse-countermeasure drug from the corresponding customer's purchase history information. Transaction management server 60 determines whether the corresponding abuse-countermeasure drug is likely to be purchased for abuse based on the acquired purchase history of the abuse-countermeasure drug. Specifically, transaction management server 60 may determine that there is a possibility of purchase for abuse when a certain quantity or more has been purchased within a certain period of time. If transaction management server 60 determines that there is a possibility of purchase for abuse, it notifies the customer that there is a possibility of purchase for abuse. In this case, transaction management server 60 does not need to register the product as an abuse-resistant drug in the cart information in response to the product registration request. Furthermore, transaction management server 60 may add, for example, history information to the customer's purchase history or customer information indicating that it has been determined that there is a possibility of purchase for abuse of the corresponding abuse-resistant drug. Upon receiving the notification that there is a possibility of purchase for abuse, the mobile terminal 50 may, for example, display a notification screen on the registration screen (not shown) to inform the customer that the product cannot be purchased due to the high purchase frequency. Alternatively, a screen may be displayed instructing the customer to speak to a store clerk before purchasing. In this way, the shopping system of this embodiment can prevent customers from abusing potentially abused drugs.

[0172] The notification to inform the customer that the purchase is not possible may be sent when the customer has completed product registration using the mobile terminal 50 and is about to proceed to settlement with the settlement device 40 after performing a settlement instruction operation. In this case, if the transaction management server 60 has determined that there is a possibility of abusive purchase when registering the product for the corresponding transaction, it will also send a notification that there is a possibility of abusive purchase when sending subtotal information (settlement screen information) in response to step S16 of Figure 12. In this case, the transaction management server 60 may send a notification that there is a possibility of abusive purchase without sending the settlement screen information. When the settlement device 40 receives a notification indicating that a product may be purchased for abuse, it may not proceed to the settlement process, but may instead display a notification screen to inform the customer that the registered products include a product that cannot be purchased. At this time, the settlement device 40 may execute a process to call a store clerk, such as a pharmacist or registered salesperson. In this case, in order to prevent abuse, the settlement device 40 may execute a call to a store clerk regardless of whether the product determined to be a drug with a purchase possibility for abuse is a Category 2 or Category 3 drug, for which no explanation is required.

[0173] <Modification> A modification of this embodiment will now be described. [First Modification] In the above embodiment, the coupon list screen is displayed when the store ST is a drugstore. However, the display of the coupon list screen and the declaration of coupon use in response to operations on the coupon list screen in this embodiment can also be applied to stores of other business types than drugstores, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants.

[0174] [Second Modification] Note that some of the processing performed by the mobile terminal 50 in the above embodiment may be performed by, for example, the transaction management server 60, the transaction information management device 80, the locker device 30, the settlement device 40, other higher-level devices in the store, or server devices on the cloud. Similarly, some of the processing performed by the transaction management server 60, the transaction information management device 80, the locker device 30, the settlement device 40, etc. may also be performed by other devices. As one of the above-mentioned aspects, the product sales data processing system of this embodiment may be provided with a thin client system configuration. As an example, the transaction management server 60 or another server may be configured as a thin client-compatible server device (e.g., a cloud server), and the mobile terminal 50 or the like may function as a thin client terminal. Furthermore, the transaction management server 60, transaction information management device 80, etc. may be configured to be distributed across multiple computers or servers.

[0175] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system, a program, and a settlement device. [Background technology] BACKGROUND ART A system is known in which customers themselves can register products using a mobile terminal and then settle the bill for the registered products at a settlement device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-55700 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] In a system such as that described in Patent Document 1, coupons can be used to provide benefits such as discounts in response to the purchase of products by customers. In such cases, it is preferable that the coupons can be used in a way that is convenient for customers. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to enable customers to use coupons in a manner that is convenient for them.

[0176] [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing system (e.g., a shopping system) that includes a terminal device (e.g., a mobile terminal 50) used to register purchased products through customer operation, and a settlement device (40) that performs settlement based on the product registration results by the terminal device, and that includes: a registration means that registers products identified based on images captured by the terminal device; an acquisition control means that causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered products; a selection means that, before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire the settlement information, selects whether or not to use (declare / do not use) a benefit that the registration means has determined to be applicable to the registered product (that there is an applicable coupon) based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of a product; and a calculation means that calculates the amount to be settled at the settlement device based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and the result of the benefit selection by the selection means.

[0177] According to the above configuration, in a system where customers themselves register products using their mobile terminals, after product registration is complete and before proceeding to payment, customers can specify which coupons to use in the current transaction from among those applicable to the registered products. This allows customers to use coupons appropriately.

[0178] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing system as described in (1) or (2), in which the settlement device is equipped with a usage setting means that can set the usage of benefits that are determined to be applicable to the registered products.

[0179] According to the above configuration, even after the customer has proceeded to the stage of making payment at the payment settlement device 40, the customer can change whether or not to declare the use of any declaration candidate coupon.

[0180] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing system as described in (1) or (2), in which the registration means includes a registration normalization means that, if registration is not performed normally, registers the product as a pending product by suspending normal registration, and normally registers the pending product in response to a store clerk's operation, and a benefit setting means that enables the use of a benefit corresponding to the correctly registered product in response to the registration normalization means determining, based on the benefit information, that a benefit is applicable to the correctly registered product.

[0181] According to the above configuration, when the reserved product is released from the reserved product and the identified product is eligible for a coupon, the customer can declare that they will use the coupon for the identified product.

[0182] (4) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a terminal device in a product sales data processing system, which includes a terminal device used for registering purchased products through customer operation and a settlement device for settling the accounts based on the product registration results by the terminal device, to function as a registration means for registering products identified based on images captured by the terminal device, a first determination means for determining whether or not a benefit is applied to the product registered by the registration means based on benefit information regarding benefits granted in response to the purchase of the product, and an acquisition control means for causing the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settling the accounts at the settlement device corresponding to the registered products.

[0183] (5) One aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a product sales data processing system that includes a terminal device used to register purchased products through customer operation and a settlement device that settles the account based on the product registration results by the terminal device, and that includes a bonus setting means that, in response to a hold release that changes the status of a product registered as pending due to an unsuccessful registration by the terminal device to a normal registration, enables the use of a bonus corresponding to the correctly registered product in response to determining, based on bonus information regarding bonuses granted in response to the purchase of the product, that a bonus is applicable to the correctly registered product.

[0184] Note that a program for implementing the functions of each device in the shopping system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of each device. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, a recording medium storing a program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is not important, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable on a terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at a different time and then combined on a terminal device, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 10 Management device, 30 Locker device, 40 Payment device, 50 Mobile terminal, 60 Transaction management server, 70 EC site server, 80 Transaction information management device, 90 Coupon server

Claims

1. A product sales data processing system comprising a terminal device used for registering purchased products by a customer's own operation, and a settlement device for settling a payment based on the product registration results by the terminal device, a registration means for registering the product identified based on the image captured by the terminal device; an acquisition control means for displaying code information on the terminal device to be read by the settlement device in order to identify the settlement information when the settlement device acquires settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered product; a selection means for selecting whether or not to use a benefit when it is determined that there is a benefit applicable to the product registered by the registration means based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of the product after the product registration is completed and before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information; a calculation means for calculating an amount to be settled at the settlement device based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and the result of the selection of the benefit by the selection means; A product sales data processing system comprising:

2. The settlement device A usage setting means for setting the usage of the benefit determined to be applicable to the registered product is provided.

2. The merchandise sales data processing system according to claim 1.

3. The registration means, when registration is not performed normally, registers the product as a reserved product by suspending normal registration, a registration normalization means for normally registering the reserved product in response to an operation by a store clerk; and a benefit setting means for enabling the use of a benefit corresponding to the properly registered product when it is determined based on the benefit information by the registration normalization means that a benefit is applicable to the properly registered product.

3. The product sales data processing system according to claim 1.

4. A product sales data processing system comprising a terminal device used for registering purchased products by customer operation, and a settlement device for settling based on the product registration results by the terminal device, a registration means for registering a product identified based on the image captured by the terminal device, and for registering the product as a reserved product by suspending the normal registration if the registration is not performed normally; an acquisition control means for causing the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered product; a selection means for selecting whether or not to use a benefit determined to be applicable to the product registered by the registration means, based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of the product, before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information; and a calculation means for calculating an amount to be settled at the settlement device based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and the result of the selection of the benefit by the selection means; a registration normalization means for normally registering the reserved product in response to an operation by a store clerk; a benefit setting means for enabling the use of a benefit corresponding to the correctly registered product when it is determined based on the benefit information by the registration normalization means that a benefit is applicable to the correctly registered product; A product sales data processing system comprising:

5. In a product sales data processing system having a terminal device used for registering purchased products by customer operation itself and a settlement device for settling based on the product registration results by said terminal device, a program including a first program for causing a first computer to function as said terminal device and a second program for causing a second computer to function as said settlement device, The first program causes the first computer to: a registration means for registering the product identified based on the image captured by the terminal device; an acquisition control means for displaying code information to be read by the settlement device in order to identify the settlement information when the settlement device acquires settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered product; after the product registration is completed and before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information, when it is determined that there is a benefit applicable to the product registered by the registration means based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of the product, the selection means functions as a selection means for selecting whether or not to use the benefit; The second program causes the second computer to: The acquisition control means is configured to function as a calculation means for calculating an amount to be settled at the settlement device based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and the result of the selection of the benefit by the selection means. program.

6. In a product sales data processing system having a terminal device used for registering purchased products by customer operation itself and a settlement device for settling based on the product registration results by said terminal device, a program including a first program for causing a first computer to function as said terminal device and a second program for causing a second computer to function as said settlement device, The first program causes the first computer to: a registration means for registering the product identified based on the image captured by the terminal device, and for registering the product as a reserved product by suspending the normal registration if the registration is not performed normally; acquisition control means for causing the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered product; Before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information, the acquisition control means functions as a selection means for selecting whether or not to use a benefit determined to be applicable to the product registered by the registration means, based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of the product, The second program causes the second computer to: a calculation means for calculating an amount to be settled at the settlement device based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition control means and the result of the selection of the benefit by the selection means; a registration normalization means for normally registering the reserved product in response to an operation by a store clerk; and functioning as a benefit setting means for enabling the use of a benefit corresponding to a properly registered product in response to the determination based on the benefit information by the registration normalization means that a benefit is applicable to the properly registered product. program.

7. A terminal device in a product sales data processing system comprising a terminal device used for registering purchased products by customer operation, and a settlement device for settling based on the product registration results by the terminal device, a registration means for registering the product identified based on the image captured by the terminal device; an acquisition control means for displaying code information on the terminal device to be read by the settlement device in order to identify the settlement information when the settlement device acquires settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered product; a selection means for selecting whether or not to use a benefit when it is determined that there is a benefit applicable to the product registered by the registration means based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of the product after the product registration is completed and before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information; A terminal device comprising:

8. A computer as a terminal device in a product sales data processing system including a terminal device used for registering purchased products by a customer's own operation and a settlement device for settling a payment based on the product registration result by the terminal device, a registration means for registering the product identified based on the image captured by the terminal device; an acquisition control means for causing the settlement device to acquire settlement information for settlement at the settlement device corresponding to the registered product, and for displaying code information to be read by the settlement device in order to identify the settlement information when the settlement device acquires the settlement information; a selection means for selecting whether or not to use a benefit when it is determined that there is a benefit applicable to the product registered by the registration means based on benefit information regarding a benefit granted in response to the purchase of the product after the product registration is completed and before the acquisition control means causes the settlement device to acquire settlement information; A program to function as a

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