Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can sell variable weight products in an appropriate manner in an online supermarket. [Solution] The display control unit 212 of the control unit 21 displays the prices of variable weight items at guide prices on the product selection screen of the online supermarket application, and displays the prices of variable weight items at authorization prices higher than the guide prices on the order confirmation screen of the electronic cart. The authorization request unit 213 makes an authorization request using an authorization payment amount, which is an amount calculated based on the authorization prices of the variable weight items. The acquisition unit 214 acquires the actual prices of the traded variable weight items. The actual prices are equal to or less than the authorization prices. The notification unit 216 notifies the user of the total amount of the items traded in response to the authorization request, which is calculated based on the actual prices of the variable weight items, as the final payment amount.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems for managing the sales of variable-weight products are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information system for managing product sales in a store that sells products by weight. The information system described in Patent Document 1 updates inventory information based on an identifier that includes information about the product and information about the sales price based on the product quantity and unit price of the quantity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-119042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When selling variable weight products at online supermarkets, they are generally sold at a price corresponding to a fixed amount set as a guideline amount, regardless of the actual amount of the variable weight product. In this case, if the actual amount of the product prepared at the store is more than the guideline amount, the store must cover the difference in price, which is an issue. On the other hand, if the actual amount of the product prepared at the store is less than the guideline amount, this could lead to consumer dissatisfaction.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can sell variable weight products in an appropriate manner in an online supermarket. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors are capable of executing the following steps: in a first display control step, displaying the prices of variable weight items at estimated prices on a product selection screen of an online supermarket application; in a second display control step, when a user adds the variable weight items to an electronic cart, displaying the prices of the variable weight items at authorization prices higher than the estimated prices on an order confirmation screen of the electronic cart; in an authorization request step, issuing an authorization request using an authorization payment amount, which is the total price of items held in the electronic cart and calculated based on the authorization prices of the variable weight items; in an acquisition step, acquiring actual prices of the transacted variable weight items; and in a notification step, notifying the user of the total price of the items transacted in response to the authorization request and calculated based on the actual prices of the variable weight items as a final payment amount, where the actual price is equal to or less than the authorization price.

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method in which an information processing system executes each of the above steps.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer including one or more processors and a memory to execute each of the steps described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present disclosure provides an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can sell variable weight products in an appropriate manner in an online supermarket. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a store terminal and a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of the information processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a product data registration process. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a product database. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing the flow from when a user starts using the online supermarket to when they request authorization. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow from picking at a store to sales confirmation processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an individual product details screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cart confirmation screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an order confirmation screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a picking screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0012] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 according to embodiment 1. In the following description, a processor is synonymous with a circuit configured by a central processing unit or the like.

[0013] 1.1 Information Processing System 1 The information processing system 1 is a computer system that operates an online supermarket. In particular, the information processing system 1 manages the sale of variable weight products in the online supermarket. The information processing system 1 comprises an information processing device 2, a headquarters terminal 3, a store terminal 4, a user terminal 5, and a payment card system 6. These devices are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0014] 1.2 Information processing device 2 The information processing device 2 is a computer such as a server that manages the online supermarket system. Specifically, the information processing device 2 registers product data, transmits screen information to the user terminal 5, accepts orders, requests authorization to the payment card system 6, and issues picking instructions to the store terminal 4.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device 2 according to embodiment 1. The information processing device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, and these components are electrically connected within the information processing device 2 via a communication bus 26.

[0016] The control unit 21 processes and controls the overall operations related to the information processing device 2. The control unit 21 is a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 21 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. That is, the information processing instructions stored in the storage unit 22 are specifically realized by the control unit 21, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 21. The functional configuration will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 21 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented with multiple control units 21 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0017] The storage unit 22 is a storage device including a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium, and stores various information defined above. The storage unit 22 can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and variables related to the information processing device 2 executed by the control unit 21, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information related to program calculations (arguments, arrays, etc.).

[0018] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting to the network NW.

[0019] 1.3 Headquarters Terminal 3 The headquarters terminal 3 is a computer terminal used by headquarters staff of a business that operates an online supermarket to register product information, set prices, and so on. The business may be, for example, a supermarket with a physical store. The headquarters terminal 3 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, or other communication terminal capable of input and output. The hardware configuration of the headquarters terminal 3 is substantially the same as that of the store terminal 4 described below, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] 1.4 Store terminal 4 The store terminal 4 is a computer terminal operated by a store staff member of a store that delivers products for the online supermarket. The store is a physical supermarket. For example, the store terminal 4 is used when picking up products based on orders from users. 3(A) is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store terminal 4. The store terminal 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and a display unit 45, and these components are electrically connected within the store terminal 4 via a communication bus 46. The control unit 41 is a processor such as a CPU. Note that the hardware configurations of the control unit 41, storage unit 42, and communication unit 43 are substantially the same as those of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, and communication unit 23 in the information processing device 2 described above, and therefore will not be described here. The input unit 44 is a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, barcode scanner, or the like, and accepts operations and information input by store staff. The display unit 45 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen that can be operated by store staff.

[0021] 1.5 User terminal 5 The user terminal 5 is a computer terminal that allows a user to order products using an online supermarket application (hereinafter simply referred to as online supermarket), and may be a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, etc. The online supermarket application may include a case where an online supermarket site is used via a browser application.

[0022] 3(B) is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 5. The user terminal 5 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an input unit 54, and a display unit 55, and these components are electrically connected within the user terminal 5 via a communication bus 56. Note that the hardware configurations of the control unit 51, storage unit 52, communication unit 53, and display unit 55 are substantially the same as the control unit 41, storage unit 42, communication unit 43, and display unit 45 in the above-mentioned store terminal 4, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The input unit 54 is a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or the like, and accepts user operations and information input.

[0023] 1.6 Payment Card Systems6 The payment card system 6 is a payment system provided by a credit card company or the like. For example, upon receiving an approval request (hereinafter referred to as an authorization request) from the information processing device 2 to settle a payment amount using a set payment card, the payment card system 6 determines whether or not the payment card can be used based on the authorization data and credit information included in the authorization request. If the approval for use of the payment card is successful, a credit limit equivalent to the authorization payment amount, which is the payment amount included in the authorization data, is secured. Note that the authorization data includes payment card information, affiliated store information, etc. in addition to the authorization payment amount. This approval process is sometimes called authorization processing.

[0024] In addition, upon receiving confirmed sales data from the headquarters terminal 3 or the store terminal 4, the payment card system 6 confirms that the payment amount included in the sales data will be used from the available amount limit and executes the settlement process. The sales data includes the actual payment amount, as well as payment card information and affiliated store information. The series of processes from confirming the sales data to the settlement process is sometimes called the clearing process.

[0025] 2. Functional configuration This section describes the functional configuration of the first embodiment, particularly the functional configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing method described below is executed by the information processing device 2. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 21 of the information processing device 2. The control unit 21 executes a program to realize the functions of a registration unit 211, a display control unit 212, an authorization request unit 213, an acquisition unit 214, a sales confirmation unit 215, and a notification unit 216.

[0026] The registration unit 211 receives the product data transmitted from the headquarters terminal 3 and registers the product data in a product database T1, which will be described later.

[0027] The display control unit 212 generates each screen of the online supermarket to be displayed on the user terminal 5, or information required to generate each screen, and transmits it to the user terminal 5. These screens include a product selection screen, a cart confirmation screen, and an order confirmation screen.

[0028] Here, online supermarkets may handle not only fixed weight products but also variable weight products. Variable weight products are products whose prices fluctuate depending on the weight or size of individual products, even if they are the same item. For example, the price of variable weight products is calculated by multiplying the actual weight of the product traded by the unit price. Examples of variable weight products include meat, seafood, and cheese. In contrast, fixed weight products are products whose individual weights are approximately constant, so the price is constant for the same item.

[0029] In a first display control step, the display control unit 212 displays the price of the variable weight item at a guide price when displaying information about the variable weight item on the product selection screen of the online supermarket. Also, for example, in a second display control step, when a user places the variable weight item in an electronic cart (hereinafter simply referred to as cart), the display control unit 212 displays the price of the variable weight item at an authorization price that is higher than the guide price on the cart order confirmation screen. The guide price and authorization price will be described in detail later.

[0030] In addition, when the display control unit 212 displays information on the user terminal 5, it may mean that the display control unit 212 sends screen data showing that information to the user terminal 5, or it may mean that the display control unit 212 sends data necessary to generate a screen showing that information to the user terminal 5.

[0031] In an authorization request step, the authorization request unit 213 requests authorization processing from the payment card system 6 in response to an order confirmation instruction from the user. Here, if the products to be ordered include products with an irregular weight, the authorization request unit 213 requests authorization processing using an authorization payment amount, which is an amount calculated based on the authorization price of the products with an irregular weight.

[0032] In the acquisition step, the acquisition unit 214 generates and transmits each screen to be displayed on the store terminal 4 operated by the store staff of the store where the products are to be picked. Then, if the products to be picked include products with an irregular weight, the acquisition unit 214 acquires the actual prices of the picked products with an irregular weight from the store terminal 4. At this time, the actual prices are equal to or less than the authorization price.

[0033] As a sales confirmation step, the sales confirmation unit 215 confirms the sales based on the acquired actual price.

[0034] In the notification step, when the sales are confirmed by confirming the products picked to be delivered to the user, the notification unit 216 notifies the user terminal 5 of the confirmed payment amount. When the products to be delivered to the user include products with an unspecified weight, the confirmed payment amount can also be considered a payment amount for clearing calculated based on the actual prices of the products with an unspecified weight.

[0035] That is, the information processing system 1 displays the price of the variable weight item on the product selection screen at a guide price lower than the authorization price, while confirming the order with the user at the authorization price and then executing the authorization process at the authorization price. Finally, the information processing system 1 notifies the user based on the actual price, which is lower than the authorization price. The information processing system 1 also executes the clearing process at the actual price.

[0036] 3. Operation of the information processing device 2 In Section 3, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. The information processing mainly includes product data registration processing and order processing. 3.1 Overview of product data registration process First, an overview of the product data registration process will be described. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the product data registration process. First, a headquarters staff member operates the headquarters terminal 3 to request the information processing device 2 to register product data (S101). The product data includes a product ID, product name, product attributes, a flag indicating whether the product is an irregular weight product, and information related to price. For irregular weight products, the product data sent from the headquarters terminal 3 to the information processing device 2 includes at least a guide price as information related to price. The registration unit 211 of the information processing device 2 registers the product data received from the headquarters terminal 3 in the product database T1 stored in the memory unit 22 (S102).

[0037] 3.2 Product database T1 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the product database T1 used in the registration process. The product database T1 is stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the product database T1 stores items such as a product ID (T10), a product name (T11), a product attribute (T12), a variable quantity product flag (T13), a fixed quantity price (T14), a guide price (T15), a minimum price (T16), and a maximum price (T17) in association with each other as records.

[0038] The product ID (T10) is information that identifies the product. The product name (T11) is the name of the product. Product attributes (T12) are information that represent attributes such as the type or nature of the product. Product attributes (T12) may have a hierarchical structure and may include, for example, major categories and minor categories. For example, major categories indicate the items handled by each sales floor and are department classifications related to the division of sales floor staff or ordering responsibilities. As an example, major categories are department codes in POS codes and may indicate fresh produce, meat, fresh fish, prepared foods, or daily items. On the other hand, minor categories are subdivisions of department classifications and are classifications related to shelf allocation. As an example, minor categories are category codes in POS codes and may indicate pork, tofu, bread, or lactic acid bacteria drinks.

[0039] The indefinite weight product flag (T13) is information indicating whether or not the product is an indefinite weight product. If the product is an indefinite weight product, the indefinite weight product flag (T13) is set to ON. The fixed price (T14) is the selling price when the product is a fixed price product. The guide price (T15), floor price (T16), and ceiling price (T17) are information about the selling price of a product when the product is a variable weight product. The guide price (T15) is the price of a variable weight product at a standard weight, i.e., the base price, which varies in price. The floor price (T16) and ceiling price (T17) indicate the lower and upper limits of the selling price of the variable weight product, respectively, and are determined based on the guide price (T15). In the first embodiment, the floor price (T16) is a price obtained by reducing the guide price of the variable weight product based on a predetermined reduction condition. The reduction condition may be a reduction by a predetermined percentage or a reduction by a predetermined amount. The reduction percentage may be determined according to the product category or for each product. The reduction amount may be determined for each product. The ceiling price (T17) is a price obtained by increasing the guide price of the variable weight product based on a predetermined increase condition. The increase condition may be an increase by a predetermined percentage or a predetermined amount. The increase rate may be determined according to the product category or for each product. The increase amount may also be determined for each product. If the upper limit price (T17) is a predetermined increase from the guide price (T15), the increase rate may be 5%, 15%, or 20%. If the lower limit price (T16) is a predetermined decrease from the guide price (T15), the decrease rate may be the same as or different from the increase rate of the upper limit price (T17) relative to the guide price (T15). In the former case, the guide price is the median between the lower limit price and the upper limit price. The registration unit 211 may automatically set the lower limit price (T16) and the upper limit price (T17) based on the guide price T15 set by the headquarters staff. This upper limit price (T17) is used as the authorization price in the order processing described below.

[0040] 3.3 Order Processing Overview Next, an outline of the order process will be described. Figures 7 and 8 are sequence diagrams showing the order processing flow from when a user starts using the online supermarket to when they make a payment. Figure 7 shows the flow from when a user starts using the online supermarket to when they request authorization, and Figure 8 shows the flow from when the item is picked up at the store to when the sales are finalized.

[0041] First, the user operates the user terminal 5 to log in to the online supermarket application (S111). The display control unit 212 of the information processing device 2 transmits product information constituting the product selection screen to the user terminal 5 and causes the user terminal 5 to display the product selection screen (S112). Next, the user selects a product and adds the product to the cart (S113). When the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 2 receives a cart confirmation request from the user terminal 5 through user operation (S114), it causes the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 2 to display a cart confirmation screen on the user terminal 5 (S115). The cart confirmation screen includes information on the products in the cart held in the cart and is capable of accepting changes to the products in the cart. If the cart includes a variable weight product, the cart confirmation screen is generated based on the authorization price of the variable weight product. When the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 2 receives an order confirmation request from the user terminal 5 through user operation (S116), it causes the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 2 to display an order confirmation screen on the user terminal 5 (S117). The order confirmation screen includes information about the items in the cart and an operation area for confirming the order. If the cart contains items with a variable weight, the order confirmation screen is generated based on the authorization price of the items with a variable weight.

[0042] When the authorization request unit 213 of the information processing device 2 receives an order confirmation instruction from the user terminal 5 through user operation (S118), it confirms the order and sends an authorization request to the payment card system 6 (S119). The authorization request includes at least an authorization payment amount, which is the total price of the items held in the cart. If the items to be paid for include items with a variable weight, the authorization payment amount is calculated based on the authorization price of the items with a variable weight.

[0043] If the authorization process is successful (S120), the acquisition unit 214 of the information processing device 2 sends transaction data for the item to be picked to the store terminal 4 (S121). The transaction data includes the item ID, quantity, price, date and time of receipt, and delivery address information. At this time, the price indicates the fixed price for fixed-price items and the authorization price for variable-price items.

[0044] The store staff performs picking work while referring to the transaction data, and inputs the actual prices of the variable weight items using the store terminal 4 (S122). As a result, the acquisition unit 214 of the information processing device 2 acquires the actual prices of the picked variable weight items from the store terminal 4. The sales confirmation unit 215 performs sales confirmation processing based on the input actual prices (S123). For example, the sales confirmation unit 215 may confirm sales in response to the acquisition unit 214 acquiring the actual prices. Alternatively, the sales confirmation unit 215 may display sales data based on the acquired actual prices on the headquarters terminal 3 or the store terminal 4, and confirm sales by accepting a sales confirmation operation from the headquarters user or the store staff.

[0045] The notification unit 216 then notifies the user terminal 5 of the total amount of the products traded in response to the authorization request, which is the payment amount (payment amount for clearing) calculated based on the acquired actual price, as the final payment amount (S124). The sales confirmation unit 215 of the information processing device 2 also transmits the payment amount based on the actual price (payment amount for clearing) to the store terminal 4 (S125), and the clearing process is performed via the store terminal 4 (S126).

[0046] [effect] According to this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 secures a credit limit after obtaining the user's consent to the transaction at an authorization price, which is an estimated upper limit price for the variable weight item, and finalizes the payment at the actual price of the item actually picked. This allows the store to avoid the risk of having to bear the difference if the actual price exceeds the authorization price. Furthermore, because the payment is finalized at the actual price based on the quantity of the item prepared at the store, consumer dissatisfaction due to the quantity being less than the estimated amount is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, because the user confirms the order after recognizing the upper limit price (authorization price) at the time of ordering, the final payment amount will not exceed that amount, and dissatisfaction due to the payment amount being higher than expected is unlikely to occur. As a result, variable weight items can be sold appropriately in online supermarkets.

[0047] The information processing device 2 then notifies the user of the finalized payment amount, thereby preventing the user from making a mistake about the payment amount.

[0048] 3.4 Order Processing Details [Product selection screen (S112)] When the user operates the online supermarket application on the user terminal 5, the display control unit 212 generates and transmits information for each screen. FIG. 9 is an example of a product selection screen 61 displayed on the user terminal 5. This screen displays product information 611, 612. Each of the product information 611, 612 includes an image of the product, the product name, the price, and an object for accepting a request to add the product to the cart. Here, the product information 611 for a fixed-price product displays the fixed-price price, which is the normal selling price, while the product information 612 for a variable-price product displays the guide price registered in the product database T1. By using the guide price as the price of a variable-price product, which has a range of prices, it is possible to improve the visibility of the price even in a limited space.

[0049] In the product information 612 for variable weight products, an object or message indicating that the displayed price is an estimate price is displayed near the estimate price, and the weight corresponding to the estimate price is also displayed. This notifies the user that the actual weight of the product may fluctuate and that the displayed estimate price may differ from the actual price.

[0050] When the user makes a request to add a product to the cart from an object included in the product information 611, 612, the information processing device 2 adds the product to the cart. The product selection screen 61 further includes an object 613 for confirming the products in the cart. When the user requests confirmation of the products in the cart via the object 613, the display control unit 212 displays a cart confirmation screen 63 shown in FIG.

[0051] When the user requests detailed information by tapping on the product information 611, 612, the display control unit 212 may cause the user terminal 5 to display an individual product details screen 62 shown in FIG.

[0052] [Individual product details screen] FIG. 10 shows an example of an individual product detail screen 62 displayed when a user selects a variable weight product. The individual product detail screen 62 is accessible from the product selection screen and displays detailed information about a specific product (e.g., a selected variable weight product). This screen displays a price range 621 (e.g., ¥220 to ¥330) indicating the price of the variable weight product from the minimum price to the maximum price registered in the product database T1. This allows the user to understand the price range of the product before purchasing. The individual product detail screen 62 may also include an object 622 indicating that the product is a variable weight product. Furthermore, a callout 623 may be highlighted at the bottom of the screen, indicating that the product contains a variable weight product, such as "This product is sold by the gram. The payment amount will vary depending on the amount of product delivered." This prevents the user from misunderstanding the product price.

[0053] The individual product detail screen 62 may also include an object 624 that accepts a request to add the product to the cart. This causes the information processing device 2 to add the product to the cart. Furthermore, similar to the product selection screen 61 shown in Fig. 9, the individual product detail screen 62 may also include an object 613 for confirming the products in the cart. When the user requests confirmation of the products in the cart via the object 613, the display control unit 212 causes the user terminal 5 to display a cart confirmation screen 63 shown in Fig. 11.

[0054] [Cart confirmation screen (S115)] 11 is an example of the cart confirmation screen 63. This screen displays information about the date and time of receipt, product information 631, 632 for the products in the cart, a planned payment amount 634 based on the current information about the products in the cart, and an object 636 for requesting order confirmation and proceeding to payment.

[0055] On this screen, in the product information 632 for the variable weight items included in the cart, the maximum price (authorization price) in the product database T1 is displayed as the price of the variable weight item. In the product information 632 for the variable weight item, an object indicating that the item is a variable weight item is highlighted. Furthermore, at the top of the screen, information indicating that the item is included in the cart, such as "Your cart contains items sold by the gram. The payment amount will change depending on the amount of product delivered," is highlighted as a callout 633.

[0056] The estimated payment amount 634 shown on this screen is a value calculated based on the authorization price. For example, the estimated payment amount 634 is the sum of the subtotal of the fixed price items in the cart and the subtotal of the authorization price of the non-fixed price items, plus a delivery fee.

[0057] The user can change the quantity of products in the cart on the cart confirmation screen 63. The display control unit 212 may update the estimated payment amount 634 in response to receiving a request to change the quantity from the user.

[0058] The display control unit 212 may include benefit information 635 on the cart confirmation screen 63. The benefit information 635 indicates the status of the user's cart, for example, benefits that the user may receive based on the items in the cart, and the conditions required to receive the benefit. For example, the benefit information 635 indicates a benefit such as "free delivery with another 154 yen purchase" or "double points with three more purchases." This effectively encourages users to make additional purchases.

[0059] When the user performs an operation to proceed to payment via the object 636, the products and quantities in the cart are provisionally confirmed, and the display control unit 212 causes the user terminal 5 to display an order confirmation screen 64 shown in FIG.

[0060] [Order confirmation screen (S117)] 12 shows an example of an order confirmation screen 64 for confirming the order details. This screen displays product information 641, 642 for the provisionally confirmed products in the cart, a payment amount for authorization 643 based on the information of the provisionally confirmed products in the cart, and an object 645 for instructing the user to confirm the order.

[0061] On this screen, the price of the variable weight product is also displayed as the upper limit price (authorization price). In the variable weight product product information 642, an object indicating that the product is a variable weight product is highlighted.

[0062] The authorization payment amount 643 is a value calculated based on the authorization price and is displayed as the payment amount. The authorization payment amount 643 may be the same as the provisionally confirmed estimated payment amount 634. In other words, the authorization payment amount 643 is the sum of the subtotal of the fixed price prices of the provisionally confirmed fixed-price items in the cart and the subtotal of the authorization prices of the provisionally confirmed non-fixed-price items in the cart, plus the delivery fee.

[0063] If the user uses a coupon or other payment method, the application of a discount may be determined based on the authorization payment amount. In other words, if the authorization payment amount satisfies a predetermined discount condition, the authorization request unit 213 may apply a discount to the authorization payment amount 643. Even if the payment amount based on the actual price in the sales confirmation process does not satisfy the discount condition, the discount need not be canceled. Therefore, in the notification step described below, the notification unit 216 may notify the user of the payment amount based on the actual price with the discount applied as the final payment amount. For example, if a coupon stating "500 yen off for a total amount of 3,500 yen or more" is used, the discount will be applied if the authorization payment amount is 3,559 yen. Even if the payment amount based on the actual price later falls below 3,500 yen, the discount once applied will not be canceled. This prevents the consumer's expectations for the discount from being damaged.

[0064] Furthermore, at the position on this screen corresponding to the authorization payment amount 643, the display control unit 212 highlights information indicating that the items to be ordered include items with a variable weight as a callout 644. This makes the user aware that there may be a difference between the amount presented on the order confirmation screen and the actual payment amount, preventing the user from making a mistake regarding the payment amount. It also makes it easier for businesses to comply with laws and regulations such as the Specified Commercial Transactions Act.

[0065] Furthermore, if the ordered items include items whose actual prices may change depending on the scheduled delivery date, the display control unit 212 may display information notifying the user of this on the order confirmation screen 64. Items whose actual prices may change depending on the scheduled delivery date include, for example, fresh foods whose prices change based on market prices, or items with limited-time special prices. This prevents users from making mistakes regarding payment amounts and makes it easier for businesses to comply with laws and regulations such as the Specified Commercial Transactions Act.

[0066] The display control unit 212 may also display a recommendation screen recommending recommended products to the user before the user transitions from the cart confirmation screen 63 to display the order confirmation screen 64 (third display control step). At this time, if the recommended products include an indeterminate weight product on the recommendation screen, the display control unit 212 may display the displayed price of the indeterminate weight product as an approximate price. By displaying the approximate price in the limited space of the recommendation screen, it is possible to prevent price errors as much as possible while improving the readability and visibility of the information on the recommended products.

[0067] [Authorization Request (S119)] When the user taps object 645 on the order confirmation screen 64 to instruct the user to confirm the order, the authorization request unit 213 requests authorization processing from the payment card system 6 using the calculated authorization payment amount (Figure 7: S119).

[0068] [Picking and Obtaining Actual Price (S121~S122)] If the authorization process is successful, the information processing device 2 transmits transaction data of the item to be picked to the store terminal 4 (FIG. 8: S121). The store staff performs the work while checking a picking screen 65 such as that shown in FIG. 13 on the store terminal 4. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the picking screen 65. On the picking screen 65, the acquisition unit 214 displays a price range (e.g., ¥220 to ¥330) or an authorization price for an irregular weight product 651 to be picked. This can encourage store staff to pick products within this price range, i.e., products below the authorization price. Note that on this screen, for irregular weight products, an object 652 indicating that the product is an irregular weight product may be highlighted.

[0069] The store staff scans the barcode of the product they have actually picked via the input area 654, or manually inputs the actual price via the input area 653, and the actual price of the variable weight product being traded is acquired by the acquisition unit 214 of the information processing device 2 (FIG. 8: S122). By allowing the store staff to easily input the actual price when picking, input errors can be reduced and the workload can be lightened.

[0070] At this time, if the input actual price exceeds the authorization price, an error may be displayed on the picking screen 65, and registration may be restricted. In other words, if the actual price of a variable weight item input by a store staff member exceeds the authorization price, the acquisition unit 214 may restrict acquisition of the actual price. This can reliably prevent picking of an item that exceeds the authorization price.

[0071] On the other hand, if the entered actual price is below the lower limit price, it may be registered. In this case, although the actual price is outside the price range, it does not exceed the authorization price, so there is no problem that the payment amount based on the actual price exceeds the authorization payment amount.

[0072] Furthermore, the user may be able to input a request such as "I would like a little more than 200g" when placing an order, and the information processing device 2 may be able to receive a request from the user regarding the quantity or price of the variable weight item (receiving step). At this time, the acquisition unit 214 may cause the store terminal 4 to display the received user request on this screen that displays the variable weight items to be picked. This allows store staff to meet the request to the extent possible, which can lead to improved customer satisfaction.

[0073] [Sales confirmation processing and notification (S123~S124)] When the acquisition unit 214 acquires the actual price of the variable weight item, the sales confirmation unit 215 calculates the final payment amount based on the actual price and the prices of the other items, and performs sales confirmation processing (FIG. 8: S123). Then, the notification unit 216 notifies the user terminal 5 of the payment amount based on this actual price as the confirmed payment amount (FIG. 8: S124). At this time, the notification unit 216 may include in the notification a message prompting the user to confirm the payment amount, as well as a link for inquiring about the payment amount or a link for canceling the order.

[0074] The notification of the settlement amount based on the actual price to the user may be made after the actual price is acquired and before the sale is confirmed.

[0075] 4. Variations Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the invention. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the upper limit price indicates the upper limit of the selling price of each variable weight product, but it does not have to be the upper limit of the selling price of the individual item actually in the store. The same applies to the lower limit price.

[0076] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the estimated price displayed on the product selection screen was a unique value within a price range. However, instead, the estimated price may be a numerical range having a lower limit and an upper limit (e.g., ¥220 to ¥330). The prices of items with a variable weight range on the cart confirmation screen 63 and the order confirmation screen 64 may also be displayed as estimated prices within this numerical range. In this case, the authorization price corresponds to the upper limit of the estimated price, i.e., the upper limit price. Even if the estimated price is displayed as a numerical range on the product selection screen, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 secures a credit limit after obtaining the user's consent for the transaction at the authorization price, which is the assumed upper limit price of the items with a variable weight range, and then settles the payment at the actual price of the items actually picked. Therefore, the above configuration achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0077] Furthermore, if the payment amount differs significantly from the amount at the time of authorization (for example, if it differs by 20% or more), in order to comply with the terms of the payment card system, an authorization request may be made again using the payment amount based on the actual price before proceeding to the sales confirmation process. That is, if the difference between the authorization payment amount and the payment amount based on the actual price satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 2 may make an authorization request again using the payment amount based on the actual price and then execute a notification step.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the product database T1 is stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, but it may be stored in an external device accessible by the information processing device 2.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the information processing device 2 is described as a single device. However, some or all of the components of the information processing device 2 may be realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. Furthermore, the processor in each embodiment may be synonymous with circuits configured by a central processing unit, etc. In this case, the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in a form in which each is connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the functions of the information processing device 2 may be provided in a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0080] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) An information processing system comprising one or more processors and a memory, The one or more processors are capable of performing the following steps: In the first display control step, the price of the variable quantity product is displayed as a guide price on the product selection screen of the online supermarket application, In the second display control step, when the user puts the variable weight product into the electronic cart, the price of the variable weight product is displayed on the order confirmation screen of the electronic cart at an authorization price that is higher than the guide price, In the authorization request step, an authorization request is made using an authorization payment amount, which is the total amount of the products held in the electronic cart and is an amount calculated based on the authorization price of the variable weight product; In the acquisition step, the actual price of the traded variable weight commodity is acquired; The actual price is less than or equal to the authorization price, In the notification step, the total amount of the products traded in response to the authorization request, which is calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product, is notified to the user as a confirmed payment amount. Information processing system. (Appendix 2) The authorization price is a price obtained by increasing the guide price of the variable weight product based on a predetermined increase condition. 10. The information processing system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) In the first display control step, the one or more processors display the authorization price and the minimum price as the prices of the variable weight products on an individual product detail screen that is a product detail screen that can be transitioned to from the product selection screen and that displays detailed information of the variable weight product, The minimum price is a price obtained by reducing the guide price of the variable weight product based on a predetermined reduction condition. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) the one or more processors are capable of executing a third display control step; In the third display control step, a recommendation screen for recommending recommended products to the user before transitioning from a cart confirmation screen for confirming the contents of the electronic cart to display the order confirmation screen; On the recommendation screen, when the recommended products include an indeterminate quantity product, the display price of the indeterminate quantity product is displayed at the guide price. 4. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) An information processing system comprising one or more processors and a memory, The one or more processors are capable of performing the following steps: In the first display control step, the price of the variable quantity product is displayed as a guide price on the product selection screen of the online supermarket application, The target price is a numerical range having a lower limit and an upper limit, In the second display control step, when the user puts the variable weight product into the electronic cart, the price of the variable weight product is displayed as an authorization price on the order confirmation screen of the electronic cart, The authorization price is the upper limit of the guide price, In the authorization request step, an authorization request is made using an authorization payment amount, which is the total amount of the products held in the electronic cart and is an amount calculated based on the authorization price of the variable weight product; In the acquisition step, the actual price of the traded variable weight commodity is acquired; The actual price is less than or equal to the authorization price, In the notification step, the total amount of the products traded in response to the authorization request, which is calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product, is notified to the user as a confirmed payment amount. Information processing system. (Appendix 6) In the second display control step, the one or more processors On the order confirmation screen, the authorization payment amount is displayed as the payment amount; At a position corresponding to the payment amount for authorization, information indicating that the products to be ordered include products with a variable weight is highlighted. 6. An information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) In the second display control step, the one or more processors If the order includes items whose actual prices may change depending on the expected delivery date, the order confirmation screen will display this information. 7. An information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) The one or more processors: In the authorization request step, if the authorization payment amount satisfies a predetermined discount condition, a discount is applied to the authorization payment amount, In the notification step, the amount calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight commodity to which the discount has been applied is notified to the user as the final payment amount. 8. An information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) In the acquiring step, the one or more processors acquire the actual price of the traded variable weight commodities from a store terminal operated by a store staff member who picks the variable weight commodities. 9. An information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) In the obtaining step, the one or more processors If the actual price of the variable weight product input by the store staff exceeds the authorization price, acquisition of the actual price is restricted. 10. The information processing system of claim 9. (Appendix 11) In the obtaining step, the one or more processors cause the store terminal to display the authorization price of the variable weight commodity to be picked. 11. The information processing system according to claim 9 or 10. (Appendix 12) The one or more processors may further perform a receiving step; In the receiving step, a request regarding the quantity or price of the variable weight product can be received from the user, In the acquiring step, the store terminal displays the request on a screen that displays the irregular weight commodities to be picked. 12. An information processing system according to any one of appendices 9 to 11. (Appendix 13) When a difference between the authorization payment amount and the payment amount calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product satisfies a predetermined condition, the one or more processors request authorization again using the payment amount calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product, and then execute the notification step. 13. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. (Appendix 14) An information processing system performs each step described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13. Information processing methods. (Appendix 15) A program for causing a computer having one or more processors and a memory to execute each of the steps described in any one of appendices 1 to 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Information Processing Systems 2. Information processing equipment 3 Headquarters terminal 4. Store terminals 5. User terminal 6. Payment card systems 21 Control section 211 Registration Department 212 Display control unit 213 Authorization Request Section 214 Acquisition Department 215 Sales Confirmation Department 216 Notification Department 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 41,51 Control unit 42,52 Storage part 43,53 Communications Department 44,54 Input section 45,55 Display section 61 Product selection screen 62 Individual product details screen 63 Cart confirmation screen 64 Order confirmation screen 65 Picking screen T1 Product Database NW Network

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising one or more processors and a memory, The one or more processors are capable of performing the following steps: In the first display control step, the price of the variable quantity product is displayed as a guide price on the product selection screen of the online supermarket application; In the second display control step, when the user puts the variable weight product into the electronic cart, the price of the variable weight product is displayed at an authorization price higher than the guide price on the order confirmation screen of the electronic cart, In the authorization request step, an authorization request is made using an authorization payment amount, which is the total amount of the products held in the electronic cart and is an amount calculated based on the authorization price of the variable weight product; In the acquisition step, the actual price of the traded variable weight commodity is acquired; The actual price is less than or equal to the authorization price, In the notification step, the total amount of the products traded in response to the authorization request, which is calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product, is notified to the user as a confirmed payment amount. Information processing system.

2. The authorization price is a price obtained by increasing the guide price of the variable weight product based on a predetermined increase condition. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. In the first display control step, the one or more processors display the authorization price and the minimum price as the prices of the variable weight products on an individual product detail screen that is a product detail screen that can be transitioned to from the product selection screen and displays detailed information of the variable weight product, The minimum price is a price obtained by reducing the guide price of the variable weight product based on a predetermined reduction condition. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. the one or more processors are capable of executing a third display control step; In the third display control step, a recommendation screen for recommending recommended products to the user before transitioning from a cart confirmation screen for confirming the contents of the electronic cart to display the order confirmation screen; On the recommendation screen, when the recommended products include an indeterminate quantity product, the display price of the indeterminate quantity product is displayed at the guide price. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. An information processing system comprising one or more processors and a memory, The one or more processors are capable of performing the following steps: In the first display control step, the price of the variable quantity product is displayed as a guide price on the product selection screen of the online supermarket application; The target price is a numerical range having a lower limit and an upper limit, In the second display control step, when the user puts the variable weight product into the electronic cart, the price of the variable weight product is displayed as an authorization price on the order confirmation screen of the electronic cart, The authorization price is the upper limit of the guide price, In the authorization request step, an authorization request is made using an authorization payment amount, which is the total amount of the products held in the electronic cart and is an amount calculated based on the authorization price of the variable weight product; In the acquisition step, the actual price of the traded variable weight commodity is acquired; The actual price is less than or equal to the authorization price, In the notification step, the total amount of the products traded in response to the authorization request, which is calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product, is notified to the user as a confirmed payment amount. Information processing system.

6. In the second display control step, the one or more processors On the order confirmation screen, the authorization payment amount is displayed as the payment amount; At a position corresponding to the payment amount for authorization, information indicating that the products to be ordered include products with a variable weight is highlighted.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 5.

7. In the second display control step, the one or more processors If the order includes items whose actual prices may change depending on the expected delivery date, the order confirmation screen will display this information.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 5.

8. The one or more processors: In the authorization request step, if the authorization payment amount satisfies a predetermined discount condition, a discount is applied to the authorization payment amount, In the notification step, the amount calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight commodity to which the discount has been applied is notified to the user as the final payment amount.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 5.

9. In the acquiring step, the one or more processors acquire the actual price of the traded variable weight commodities from a store terminal operated by a store staff member who picks the variable weight commodities.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 5.

10. In the obtaining step, the one or more processors If the actual price of the variable weight product input by the store staff exceeds the authorization price, acquisition of the actual price is restricted. The information processing system according to claim 9 .

11. In the obtaining step, the one or more processors cause the store terminal to display the authorization price of the variable weight commodity to be picked. The information processing system according to claim 9 .

12. The one or more processors may further perform a receiving step; In the receiving step, a request regarding the quantity or price of the variable weight product can be received from the user, In the acquiring step, the store terminal displays the request on a screen that displays the irregular weight commodities to be picked. The information processing system according to claim 9 .

13. When a difference between the authorization payment amount and the payment amount calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product satisfies a predetermined condition, the one or more processors request authorization again using the payment amount calculated based on the actual price of the variable weight product, and then execute the notification step.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 5.

14. An information processing system executes each step of claim 1 or 5. Information processing methods.

15. A program for causing a computer having one or more processors and a memory to execute the steps of claim 1 or 5.

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