Information processing system

Abstract

To personalize processing to be performed on the basis of commodity identification information after acquiring the commodity identification information in a portable terminal device.SOLUTION: An information processing system 1 includes a mode receiving section 101 and a processing section 102. The mode receiving section 101 receives a mode of processing to be performed when acquiring commodity identification information. The modes include a registration mode for registering the commodity identification information to a list and an information display mode for displaying information on a commodity corresponding to the acquired commodity identification information and the like. The processing section 102 performs processing according to the received mode when the commodity identification information is acquired by a customer's operation in a portable terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] There is self-scanning shopping in which a customer registers products while shopping using a terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, there is a technique for changing from a transaction terminal mode in which a device installed in a store operates as a price confirmation terminal that can be used by all customers to a self-scanning transaction mode in which a customer can input information on purchased products into a transaction log file based on the customer's identification information (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, what a customer wants to do after reading product identification information such as a product code using a terminal device in a store varies depending on the customer. For example, after acquiring product identification information in a terminal device, a customer may want to register the product identification information, create a shopping list, or investigate a product.

[0005] [[ID=四十三]]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information processing method in one aspect of this disclosure receives a mode of processing to be performed when product identification information identifying a product is obtained, and when the product identification information is obtained by customer operation on a mobile terminal device, it performs processing according to the received mode.

[0008] A program in one aspect of this disclosure accepts a mode of processing to be performed when product identification information identifying a product is obtained, and when the product identification information is obtained by customer operation on a mobile terminal device, it causes a computer to execute processing according to the accepted mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, after acquiring product identification information in a mobile terminal device, it is possible to personalize the processing performed based on the product identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the information processing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of a server configuration according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of mode acceptance 1. [Figure 7]It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reception of a mode 2. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reading a product code. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of a screen according to the product registration mode. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of a screen according to the product registration mode. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of a screen according to the shopping list registration mode. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the information processing system, information processing method, and program, as well as a non-temporary recording medium for recording the program, relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosed technology.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, the basic functions of the information processing system in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The information processing system 1 includes a mode reception unit 101 and a processing unit 102.

[0013] The mode reception unit 101 receives the mode of processing to be performed when product identification information is acquired by the mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device may be a smartphone or a tablet device. Alternatively, the mobile terminal device may be a device attached to a mobile object such as a shopping cart. Specifically, for example, the mode reception unit 101 receives the mode based on the customer's operation.

[0014] Here, product identification information is information that can identify a product. Product identification information includes the product name (hereinafter abbreviated as product name), an identifier that identifies the product, and image data of the product. Here, the identifier that identifies the product is a product code such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, an EAN (European Article Number) code, or a UPC (Universal Product Code). Furthermore, the type of mode is not particularly limited. For example, the mode may be a registration mode to various lists. The type of list is not particularly limited. For example, the list may be a list of products that the customer intends to purchase (hereinafter referred to as the purchase product list). The purchase product list is used for payment. Here, for example, the registration mode for registering product identification information to the purchase product list is called the product registration mode. Also, for example, the list may be a list of products that the customer wants to buy in the future but will not purchase this time (hereinafter referred to as the shopping list). Here, the registration mode for registering product identification information to the shopping list is called the shopping list registration mode. For example, the list may be a list of products that the customer likes (hereinafter referred to as the favorites list). The registration mode for adding product identification information to the favorites list is called the favorites registration mode. The mode may also be a mode for displaying various types of information. The information display mode may be, for example, at least one of the following: review mode, dialogue mode, and specific information display mode. Review mode displays reviews of previously registered products. Dialogue mode displays a dialogue with a store employee or AI. The dialogue with AI refers to an AI chatbot. Specific information display mode displays specific information. Various modes and screen examples corresponding to the processing results of each mode will be described in detail in Embodiment 2.

[0015] Furthermore, the method of reception by the mode reception unit 101 is not particularly limited. For example, the mode reception unit 101 may receive a mode by input to an input / output device such as a touch panel display in a mobile terminal device. Specifically, for example, the mode reception unit 101 may receive a mode by receiving a tap of a button corresponding to the mode on a screen displayed on the touch panel display by the customer's operation. More specifically, the mode reception unit 101 may receive a mode corresponding to a button when a button on the screen is tapped. Also, for example, the mode reception unit 101 may receive a mode not limited to a button, but also by input from a keyboard displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal device. Alternatively, the mode reception unit 101 may receive a mode by input to an input device. Examples of input devices include buttons, microphones that receive voice, and keyboards. The mode reception unit 101 may receive a mode when the microphone receives words spoken by the customer.

[0016] When product identification information is acquired by the mobile terminal device, the processing unit 102 performs processing according to the accepted mode. For example, if the registration mode is accepted, when product identification information is acquired by the mobile terminal device, the processing unit 102 registers the product identification information in the list. For example, if the information display mode is accepted, when product identification information is acquired by the mobile terminal device, the processing unit 102 identifies the product information corresponding to the acquired product identification information and outputs the identified information. Detailed examples of processing according to each mode will be explained using Embodiment 2.

[0017] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The mode receiving unit 101 receives a mode (step S101). Next, the processing unit 102 performs processing according to the received mode (step S102).

[0018] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the information processing system 1 receives a mode to be performed when product identification information is acquired, and when product identification information is acquired, it performs processing according to the accepted mode. This allows the information processing system 1 to personalize the processing performed by the terminal device after acquiring product identification information.

[0019] Embodiment 1 is not limited to the example described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, each functional unit may be implemented by a single device, or each functional unit may be implemented by multiple devices. For example, the mode receiving unit 101 and the processing unit 102 may be implemented by a single device, or by different devices. For example, the mode receiving unit 101 and the processing unit 102 may be implemented by a single server. In such a case, for example, a mobile terminal device may include a receiving unit (not shown), and when the receiving unit receives a mode, it may transmit information identifying the mode to the server, and the server may receive the information identifying the mode, thereby accepting the mode.

[0020] Furthermore, the stores that utilize the information processing system 1 are not particularly limited. For example, the stores may be supermarkets, supercenters, convenience stores, mass retailers, home improvement stores, drugstores, stores that handle apparel, etc., or they may be small, independent stores such as bakeries and delicatessens.

[0021] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 2 is based on the functions described in Embodiment 1, and will further describe in detail specific examples of modes, specific examples of processing according to the mode, and whether or not to skip the information display mode. To the extent that the description of Embodiment 2 does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0022] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to Embodiment 2. The information processing system 2 consists of, for example, a mobile terminal device 20 and a server 21. For example, the mobile terminal device 20 and the server 21 are connected via a communication network 22.

[0023] The mobile terminal device 20 is a device capable of acquiring product identification information. For example, the mobile terminal device 20 acquires product identification information through customer operation. As described in Embodiment 1, the mobile terminal device 20 may be either a smartphone or a tablet-type device. Alternatively, the mobile terminal device 20 may be a device attached to a mobile object such as a shopping cart.

[0024] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the payment method. The mobile terminal device 20 may perform the payment, or a settlement device (not shown) may perform the payment. Also, the server 21 and the mobile terminal device 20 or settlement device may perform the payment jointly. Alternatively, the payment may be performed jointly by another server 21 (not shown) other than server 21 and the mobile terminal device 20 or settlement device.

[0025] Furthermore, Server 21 manages a product database that stores product information. Server 21 may also manage the various lists mentioned above. These lists include, as previously stated, a purchase list, a shopping list, a favorites list, and so on.

[0026] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. The mobile terminal device 20 includes an acquisition unit 202, a reception unit 201, and a display control unit 203. The data used for processing in each unit and the results of processing in each unit may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) or the like. The storage unit (not shown) may be provided in the mobile terminal device 20 or in a device different from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0027] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server 21 according to Embodiment 2. The server 21 comprises a mode reception unit 210, a processing unit 211, and a determination unit 215. For example, the mode reception unit 210 and the processing unit 211 each have the functions of the mode reception unit 101 and the processing unit 102 described in Embodiment 1 as basic functions. The processing unit 211 includes, for example, a specification unit 212, a list generation unit 213, and a dialogue unit 214. The server 21 may also have a product DB 2101, a purchased product list DB 2102, a review DB 2103, a purchase history DB 2104, a shopping list DB 2105, and a favorites list DB 2106. For example, each DB may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Also, data used for processing each unit and the results of processing each unit may be stored in a storage unit not shown. Note that the storage unit not shown may be provided in the server 21 or in a device different from the server 21. Furthermore, some of the multiple databases may be implemented as a single database. Also, each database may be further divided into multiple databases. Thus, the implementation method for each database is not particularly limited.

[0028] Product DB2101 stores information about products handled by a store or affiliated stores including that store. Product information is information that represents a product. Product DB2101 stores product information according to product identification information. As mentioned above, product identification information is not particularly limited and may include product codes, product names, and image data. The product identification information used may differ depending on the method of obtaining product identification information, which will be described later. Also, for example, if a product code is used as product identification information, the product name and image data are information that can identify a product, but may also be used as product information. Specifically, product DB2101 stores product information according to product codes, for example. For example, product DB2101 stores information such as product codes, product names, product classifications, product prices, other product characteristics, product image data, and product video data in association with each other. Product classifications are not particularly limited. For example, product classifications may be broad categories such as food and stationery. Alternatively, product classifications may be subcategories that divide broad categories, such as confectionery, meat, and vegetables. Product price is, for example, the base price of the product. The base price is the price used as the basis for calculating the tax-inclusive price, subtotal, and total amount. Hereafter, the base price will also be referred to as the tax-exclusive price. The tax-inclusive price is the tax-exclusive price to which consumption tax has been applied. Other product features are, but are not limited to, the product name, product classification, and other features of the product other than the price. Other product features may vary depending on the product. For example, if the product is a shirt, other product features may include length, size, material, country of origin, etc. For example, if the product is food, other product features may include expiration date and allergy information. Note that product DB2101 may store information indicating the location where price, features, image data, and video data are stored, instead of price, features, image data, and video data.

[0029] The purchased items list DB2102 stores the most recent purchased items for each customer that have not yet been paid for. The purchased items list stores, for example, information that identifies the customer, product identification information for the items the customer plans to purchase, and purchase quantity information, associated with each customer. The information that identifies the customer is not particularly limited and only needs to be able to uniquely identify the customer. For example, a customer ID (Identifier) ​​is assigned to a customer before registering products for a new customer. If a member ID such as a point card number is accepted, the member ID may be used as the customer ID.

[0030] Furthermore, product identification information registered in the purchased product list DB2102 includes, for example, a product code. This allows the mobile terminal device 20 and the server 21 to obtain the price, product name, etc., of a product from the product DB2101 using the product code registered in the purchased product list. Additionally, the contents of the stored purchased product list can be modified in various ways depending on the construction method of the information processing system 2.

[0031] The review database 2103 stores product reviews for each product. Here, a review is information representing an evaluation, report, or opinion of a product by a customer who has purchased or used the product. More specifically, a review includes, for example, the product's strengths, weaknesses, ease of use, and impressions gained from actual use. Specifically, for example, the review database 2103 stores product codes in association with product review information. As a result, the mobile terminal device 20 and the server 21 can obtain product review information from the review database 2103 using the product code obtained from the product.

[0032] The purchase history DB 2104 stores information about products purchased in the past for each customer. For example, the purchase history DB 2104 can store customer IDs associated with product codes of previously purchased products. In addition to customer IDs and product codes, the purchase history DB 2104 may also include information such as the purchase date and quantity purchased. This allows the mobile terminal device 20 and the server 21 to determine from the purchase history DB 2104 whether the product whose product code has been read has been purchased in the past, based on the product code read from the product.

[0033] The shopping list DB2105 stores shopping lists for each customer. For example, each shopping list stores customer identification information and product identification information (e.g., product code) for items that the customer will not purchase this time but may want to purchase in the future. The shopping list may also store the quantity of each item the customer wants to purchase, along with the product identification information.

[0034] Furthermore, the Favorites List DB2106 stores a favorites list for each customer. For example, the favorites list stores information that identifies the customer and product identification information for the products that the customer likes, in association with each customer.

[0035] Each database may contain some of the information mentioned above. Furthermore, each database may contain information other than that mentioned above. Also, parts of multiple databases may be implemented by a single database. For example, the purchase history database 2104, the shopping list database 2105, and the favorites list database 2106 may be managed by a single database for each customer.

[0036] First, let's explain an example of accepting a mode.

[0037] The mode reception unit 210 receives a mode. The method by which the mode reception unit 210 receives a mode is not particularly limited. For example, the mode reception unit 210 may receive a mode via the reception unit 201 of a mobile terminal device 20 that can be operated by the customer. For example, the reception unit 201 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives a mode. The reception unit 201 transmits information indicating the received mode to the server 21. The mode reception unit 210 may then receive the mode by receiving the information indicating the mode. Again, the method by which the reception unit 201 receives a mode is not particularly limited. Here, the mode is the mode of processing performed when product identification information is acquired. As described in Embodiment 1, the mode may be a registration mode to the list or an information display mode.

[0038] Specifically, for example, the reception unit 201 may accept at least one mode from a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes may be two or more modes, and the number and types of modes are not particularly limited. The plurality of modes may be three or more modes. The number of candidate modes is not particularly limited. Also, the number of modes to be accepted is not particularly limited. For example, the reception unit 201 may accept some or all of the modes from a plurality of modes. Taking three candidate modes as an example, the reception unit 201 may accept three modes from the three candidate modes. The reception unit 201 may accept two modes from the three candidate modes. The reception unit 201 may accept one mode from the three candidate modes.

[0039] Furthermore, the types of modes are not limited. For example, multiple modes may include multiple registration modes. As mentioned above, registration modes include a product registration mode for registering items to the purchase list, a shopping list registration mode for registering items to the shopping list, and a favorites registration mode for registering items to the favorites list.

[0040] Furthermore, multiple modes may include multiple information display modes. For example, as mentioned above, information display modes may include review mode, dialogue mode, and specific information display mode. The specific information display mode may be further classified into modes based on the information of the product being displayed.

[0041] Furthermore, multiple modes may include one or more registration modes and one or more information display modes. Figure 6 illustrates an example of accepting modes from multiple registration modes and one information display mode.

[0042] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of mode selection 1. The display control unit 203 displays screen d001 which includes buttons corresponding to the selectable modes. Screen d001 includes a "Create Shopping List" button, a "Learn About Products" button, and a "Register Products" button. For example, the "Create Shopping List" button corresponds to the shopping list registration mode described above. For example, the "Learn About Products" button corresponds to the information display mode. For example, the "Register Products" button corresponds to the products registration mode described above.

[0043] The reception unit 201 accepts the mode corresponding to the button when the button displayed on screen d001 is pressed (tapped). The reception unit 201 may accept presses of multiple buttons. In the following explanation, when a button is tapped, the reception unit 201 will accept various selections by sensing the button tap.

[0044] Screen d001 includes these three buttons, as well as a "Cancel Transaction" button. When the "Cancel Transaction" button is pressed, the transaction is terminated.

[0045] Next, using Figure 7, we will explain an example of accepting a mode from multiple information display modes. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing example 2 of mode acceptance. The display control unit 203 displays screen d002 which includes buttons corresponding to the selectable modes. Screen d002 includes a "View Reviews" button, a "Ask a Question with the Chatbot" button, and a "Show Various Information" button. For example, the "View Reviews" button corresponds to the review mode. For example, the "Ask a Question with the Chatbot" button corresponds to the dialogue mode. For example, the "Show Various Information" button corresponds to the specific information display mode.

[0046] The reception unit 201 accepts the mode corresponding to the button when the button displayed on screen d002 is pressed (tapped). The reception unit 201 may accept presses of multiple buttons. In the following explanation, when a button is tapped, the reception unit 201 will accept various selections by sensing the button tap.

[0047] Screen d002 includes a "Cancel Transaction" button in addition to these three buttons. When the "Cancel Transaction" button is pressed, the transaction is terminated.

[0048] Furthermore, when the information display mode is received in Figure 6, the display control unit 203 may also display the screen d002 shown in Figure 7. Also, the information display mode in Figure 6 may be fixed to at least one of the following modes: review mode, chatbot mode, and dialogue mode.

[0049] The reception unit 201 transmits information indicating the received mode to the server 21. The mode reception unit 210 of the server 21 accepts the mode by receiving the information indicating the mode.

[0050] Next, the acquisition unit 202 acquires product identification information. The acquisition unit 202 may acquire the product identification information after receiving the mode from the reception unit 201. Alternatively, it may acquire the product identification information before receiving the mode from the reception unit 201. Thus, the order of processing by the acquisition unit 202 and the reception unit 201 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the order of processing by the acquisition unit 202 and the reception unit 201 may be predetermined, or it may be changed by the customer as appropriate. Here, we will describe an example in which the acquisition unit 202 acquires product identification information after receiving the mode from the reception unit 201.

[0051] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 202 is not particularly limited, as long as it is information that can uniquely identify a product. For example, the type of product identification information may differ depending on the acquisition method used by the acquisition unit 202. The acquisition method used by the acquisition unit 202 is not particularly limited.

[0052] If the product identification information is a product code, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire the product code by reading the product code attached to the product using an imaging device. As mentioned above, product codes include, for example, JAN codes, EAN codes, and UPCs. Product codes may also be represented by, for example, one-dimensional codes (barcodes) or two-dimensional codes. Thus, product identification information is not limited to product codes, but may also be image data representing an image of a barcode representing a product code. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire image data representing a product code or an image of a barcode from a storage unit (not shown).

[0053] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire product identification information by reading a tag to which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​has been attached via a reader. The product identification information here may be a product code, product name, or product image data. When using RFID, the reader is an RFID reader. Note that the acquisition unit 202 may acquire product identification information not only through RFID, but also through a reader via short-range wireless communication or other means.

[0054] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire product identification information by selecting product identification information from the results of the product search. The product identification information acquired by this acquisition method may be a product code, product name, or product image data. For example, the method of product search is not particularly limited. Product searches may be performed by text. Product searches may be performed by images. More specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire product identification information by selecting a product from the displayed product images through customer operation.

[0055] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire product identification information by receiving input of a product code represented by numbers or letters via an input device or input / output device. An example of an input / output device is a touch panel display, and an example of an input device is a keyboard capable of inputting numbers and letters.

[0056] In this embodiment 2, we will explain an example in which the acquisition unit 202 acquires a product code as product identification information by reading a barcode representing the product code via an imaging device. The mobile terminal device 20 may also have a specific application program for use in stores pre-installed. The acquisition unit 202 may then activate the imaging device via the specific application program and read the barcode using the imaging device.

[0057] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of product code reading. The display control unit 203 displays a screen d003 that includes a frame indicating the barcode reading position. The acquisition unit 202, for example, captures an image of the barcode that is captured within the frame by a customer's operation. The acquisition unit 202 then acquires the product code represented by the captured barcode. The acquisition unit 202 sends the acquired product code to the server 21.

[0058] When a product code is obtained by a customer operation on the mobile terminal device 20, the processing unit 211 performs processing according to the accepted mode. More specifically, the product code may be obtained by an acquisition unit (not shown) of the server 21 receiving the product code transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20. When the product code is obtained by the acquisition unit (not shown), the processing unit 211 performs processing according to the accepted mode based on the product code. Since the mode differs depending on the function to be implemented, the processing unit 211 has a functional unit that performs processing according to the implemented mode. As mentioned above, the processing unit 211 shown in Figure 5 includes, for example, a specific unit 212, a list generation unit 213, and a dialogue unit 214.

[0059] (Example of processing depending on the product registration mode) First, let's explain the case where the product registration mode is received. The list generation unit 213 may, for example, identify product information such as the product name and price associated with the acquired product code from the product DB 2101. The product information identified here is used to display on the mobile terminal device 20 before product registration. For this reason, the list generation unit 213 may transmit the identified product information (for example, product name and price) to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0060] Figures 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing example screens corresponding to the product registration mode. The display control unit 203 displays screen d004 (shown in Figure 9), which includes the product name and price. Screen d004 shown in Figure 9 has a "Go to Purchased Products List" button. When the customer taps the "Go to Purchased Products List" button, the reception unit 201 requests the server 21 to register the product. Upon receiving the registration request, the list generation unit 213 updates the customer's purchased products list based on the product code.

[0061] Furthermore, the process of displaying the product name and price on the mobile terminal device 20 is not required. In other words, the screen d004 shown in Figure 9 is not required to be displayed. For example, in product registration mode, when the list generation unit 213 receives a product code, it may update the customer's purchased product list based on the acquired product code. In this case, if the list generation unit 213 uses product information such as price to update the purchased product list, it may identify product information such as price associated with the acquired product code from the product DB 2101.

[0062] Then, the display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 displays the purchased product list updated by the list generation unit 213. In other words, the display control unit 203 displays screen d005 according to the product registration mode. Screen d005 shown in Figure 10 displays the purchased product list.

[0063] For example, screen d005 shown in Figure 10 includes the product name and the product price for each product. Also, for example, screen d005 includes the number of items in the purchased product list and the total price including tax for the items in the purchased product list. Also, for example, screen d005 includes a "Read Product" button, a "Pay" button, and a "Cancel Transaction" button. When the "Read Product" button is tapped, the display control unit 203 displays a screen where the product code can be obtained, as shown in screen d003 in Figure 8. The acquisition unit 202 can then obtain the new product code.

[0064] Furthermore, when the "Pay" button is tapped, payment is processed. The mobile terminal device 20 may also determine that product registration is complete when the "Pay" button is tapped. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations regarding payment.

[0065] (Example of processing depending on the shopping list registration mode) Next, we will explain what happens when the shopping list registration mode is received. The list generation unit 213 may, for example, identify product information such as the product name corresponding to the product code obtained from the product DB 2101. Then, the list generation unit 213 may transmit the product information such as the product name to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0066] Figures 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams showing example screens corresponding to the shopping list registration mode. The display control unit 203 displays screen d006 (shown in Figure 11), which includes the product name. Screen d006 shown in Figure 11 has an "Add" button. When the customer taps the "Add" button, the reception unit 201 requests the server 21 to register the item in the shopping list DB 2105. When the list generation unit 213 receives the registration request to the shopping list DB 2105, it updates the customer's shopping list DB 2105 based on the product code. Screen d006 may also include a "View Shopping List" button, a "Read Product" button, and a "Cancel Transaction" button.

[0067] Then, the display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 displays the shopping list generated by the list generation unit 213. In other words, the display control unit 203 displays screen d007 (shown in Figure 12) according to the shopping list registration mode. Screen d007 shown in Figure 12 displays the shopping list.

[0068] For example, screen d007 shown in Figure 12 includes the product name, registration date, and quantity of each product. Also, screen d007 includes a "Read Product" button and a "Finish Creation" button. When the "Read Product" button is tapped, the display control unit 203 displays a screen where the product code can be obtained, as shown in screen d003 in Figure 8. The acquisition unit 202 can then obtain the new product code. When the "Finish Creation" button is tapped, the creation of the shopping list is completed.

[0069] (Example of processing depending on the favorites list registration mode) The favorites list registration mode can be the same as the shopping list registration mode and product registration mode, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0070] (Example of processing according to the specific information display mode) Next, the specific information display mode will be explained. In the specific information display mode, the identification unit 212 of the processing unit 211 identifies the product information associated with the product code from the product DB 2101 based on the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 202. For example, the product information to be identified may be information specified by the customer. An example of the type of product information specified by the customer will be described later. The identification unit 212 transmits the identified product information to the mobile terminal device 20. Then, the display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives the identified product information and displays a screen containing the product information.

[0071] Figures 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams showing example screens corresponding to specific information display modes. In Figures 13 and 14, the display control unit 203 displays screen d008 containing product information such as product name, price, image, and other product features. For example, screen d008 may be scrollable. For example, when screen d008 in Figure 13 is scrolled down, screen d008 in Figure 14 is displayed. Note that in screen d008, other product features are represented as product features.

[0072] Screen d008 may include buttons such as "View Reviews," "Read Product," and "Exit." When the "Exit" button is tapped, the display of product information ends. When the "Read Product" button is tapped, the display control unit 203 displays a screen where the product code can be obtained, as shown in screen d003 in Figure 8. The acquisition unit 202 can then acquire a new product code.

[0073] When the "View Reviews" button is tapped, the reception unit 201 may accept the request for review mode and transition to review mode.

[0074] Furthermore, screen d008 may include review information in addition to product information. For example, if screen d008 shown in Figure 14 is scrolled further, review information not shown may be displayed.

[0075] Furthermore, the types of product information included in screen d008 shown in Figures 13 and 14 may be specified by the customer. In other words, the specific information display mode may include more detailed modes. Specifically, the reception unit 201 may accept the types of product information to be displayed when read in the specific information display mode. Also, screen d008 may include a "Register Product" button (not shown) for registering the product in the product purchase list.

[0076] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example screen where the type of product information can be specified. The display control unit 203 displays a screen d009 containing buttons corresponding to the type of product information. Screen d009 includes, for example, an "Image" button, a "Video" button, a "Price" button, and a "Features" button.

[0077] The "Image" button corresponds to the image display mode, which displays images of the product. The "Video" button corresponds to the video display mode, which displays videos of the product. The "Price" button corresponds to the price display mode, which displays the price of the product. The "Features" button corresponds to the features display mode, which displays other features of the product.

[0078] When a button is tapped, the reception unit 201 receives the mode corresponding to the tapped button. Here, one or more buttons may be tapped; that is, one mode may be selected, or multiple modes may be selected.

[0079] For example, the identification unit 212 identifies product information from the product database 2101 according to the accepted mode, based on the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 202. For example, when it receives a price display mode and a feature display mode, the identification unit 212 identifies the price of the product corresponding to the product code and other features of the product from the product database 2101. The identification unit 212 then transmits the identified price and other features of the product to the mobile terminal device 20. The display control unit 203 displays a screen (not shown) that includes the identified price and other features of the product.

[0080] Furthermore, the customer may specify which product information they wish to view from the product information included in screen d008 shown in Figures 13 and 14. For example, the reception unit 201 receives the type of product information the customer initially wishes to view. The reception method may be the same as that for screen d009 shown in Figure 15, so a detailed explanation is omitted. For example, the identification unit 212 identifies the information for each product from the product database 2101 based on the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 202. The identification unit 212 transmits the identified product information to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0081] When the display control unit 203 receives product information, it displays a screen containing at least a portion of the received product information, ensuring that the portion of the received information is visible to the customer. For example, in Figures 13 and 14, by scrolling the screen d008 shown in Figure 13, other features of the product are displayed as "Product Features," as shown in the screen d008 in Figure 14. For example, when the feature display mode is selected, the display control unit 203 displays the screen d008 shown in Figure 14. This allows the customer to easily check the desired information without having to search for it.

[0082] (Example of processing depending on review mode) Next, we will explain the review mode, one of the information display modes. In review mode, the identification unit 212 of the processing unit 211 identifies the review information associated with the product code from the review DB 2103 based on the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 202. The identification unit 212 then transmits the identified review information to the mobile terminal device 20. When the display control unit 203 receives the product review information from the server 21, it displays a screen containing the product review information.

[0083] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example screen corresponding to the review mode. In Figure 16, the display control unit 203 displays, for example, screen d010 containing review information. The number of reviews displayed and the types of reviews are not particularly limited. Types of reviews include reviews from other customers of a similar age to the customer, reviews from other customers of the same gender as the customer, positive reviews of the product, and negative reviews of the product.

[0084] Screen d010 may include buttons such as "View Reviews," "Read Product," and "Exit." When the "Exit" button is tapped, the display of product information ends. When the "Read Product" button is tapped, the display control unit 203 displays a screen where the product code can be obtained, as shown in screen d003 in Figure 8. The acquisition unit 202 can then acquire a new product code.

[0085] (Processing example according to dialogue mode) Next, the dialogue mode among the information display modes will be explained. In dialogue mode, the dialogue unit 214 of the processing unit 211 executes a dialogue function. The dialogue function by the dialogue unit 214 is, for example, the function of a chatbot, which is a dialogue between a customer and an AI. The details of the chatbot can be any existing technology and are not particularly limited. The dialogue unit 214 transmits the processing result of the chatbot to the mobile terminal device 20. Then, when the display control unit 203 receives the processing result from the dialogue unit 214, it displays the processing result.

[0086] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example screen corresponding to the dialogue mode. In Figure 17, the display control unit 203 displays a chat screen d011 which includes an input field where a question can be entered and a list of question candidates. The screen d011 also includes a product name. The reception unit 201 receives the input of a question into the input field and sends the question to the server 21. The dialogue unit 214 sends an answer corresponding to the received question to the mobile terminal device 20. The display control unit 203 then displays the answer in chat format on screen d011. The reception unit 201 may also accept taps on the question candidates. In the example in Figure 17, the screen d011 displays question candidates such as price and stock confirmation. For example, when the reception unit 201 receives a tap on the question candidate displayed as "price," it requests the server 21 to confirm the price. The dialogue unit 214 then identifies the price of the product associated with the product code from the product DB 2101.

[0087] Screen d011 may include buttons such as "Read Product" and "Exit". When the "Exit" button is tapped, the display of product information ends. When the "Read Product" button is tapped, the display control unit 203 displays a screen where the product code can be obtained, as shown in screen d003 in Figure 8. The acquisition unit 202 can then acquire a new product code.

[0088] (Example of operation 1) Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating example 1 of the operation of the information processing system 2. The reception unit 201 receives a mode input (step S201). Next, the reception unit 201 transmits information indicating the received mode (step S202). For example, the information indicating the mode may be an identifier that identifies the mode. Then, the mode reception unit 210 receives the mode by receiving the information indicating the mode transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0089] The acquisition unit 202 acquires the product code from the product's barcode using the imaging device as product identification information (step S203). The acquisition unit 202 transmits the read product code to the server 21 (step S204). The acquisition unit (not shown) of the server 21 then acquires the product code by receiving the product code transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0090] The processing unit 211 performs processing according to the received mode based on the product code (step S205). Then, the processing unit 211 transmits the processing result (step S206). The display control unit 203 displays a screen according to the processing result (step S207).

[0091] This concludes the explanation of Operation Example 1. The order of the steps shown in Figure 18 is not particularly limited. For example, although an example was shown in which the product code is read after the mode is received, the order of the steps is not limited to this. For example, since it is sufficient to receive the mode before starting the processing corresponding to the received mode, the mode may be received after reading the product code. That is, steps S201 and S202 may be executed after step S203. For example, the transmission of the product code (step S204) and the transmission of the mode information (step S202) may be performed simultaneously.

[0092] Furthermore, in Figure 18, mode selection may be performed, for example, each time before acquiring product identification information, or it may be performed at a specific timing. The specific timing may be once after the application program is launched, or it may be at a timing specified by the customer.

[0093] This concludes the explanation of each mode, the corresponding processing, and the example screens for each mode.

[0094] (Accepts multiple modes) Next, we will explain the case where multiple modes are received. As mentioned above, the reception unit 201 may receive multiple modes. The order of processing for each of the multiple modes is not particularly limited. For example, the order may be predetermined. Alternatively, the order may be specified by the customer. Therefore, when the reception unit 201 receives multiple modes, it receives the order of processing according to the modes.

[0095] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of accepting the order of processing according to the mode. For example, when the reception unit 201 receives the mode, it accepts the order of processing according to the mode. For example, the reception unit 201 may accept the order in which the buttons corresponding to the mode were tapped as the order of processing. Note that the method of accepting the order is not particularly limited.

[0096] In Figure 19, for example, the process corresponding to the information display mode for the "Learn more about the product" button is number 1, and the process corresponding to the shopping list registration mode for the "Add to shopping list" button is number 2.

[0097] Furthermore, screen d012 may include buttons such as "Confirm" and "Cancel Transaction". When the "Confirm" button is tapped, the reception unit 201 accepts confirmation of the mode and the order of the modes. The "Cancel Transaction" button is as described above.

[0098] When the product code is read by the acquisition unit 202, the processing unit 211 sequentially performs processing according to the mode. For example, the screen that displays the results of the processing according to each mode may include a button that acts as a trigger to start the processing according to the next mode.

[0099] Figures 20 and 21 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example where processing according to the information display mode is followed by processing according to the shopping list registration mode. For example, the identification unit 212 of the processing unit 211 identifies the product information corresponding to the product code (product identification information) read by the mobile terminal device 20 from the product DB 2101. The identification unit 212 transmits the product information to the mobile terminal device 20. When the display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives the product information from the server 21, it displays screen d013 containing the information of the identified product. For example, screen d013 shown in Figure 20 includes a "Next" button for screen d008 shown in Figures 13 and 14. For example, the "Next" button is a trigger button for starting processing according to the shopping list registration mode.

[0100] For example, when "Next" is tapped, the display control unit 203 displays screen d014 shown in Figure 21. For example, when the "Add" button is tapped, the list generation unit 213 of the processing unit 211 updates the shopping list DB 2105 based on the read product code. Also, screen d014 shown in Figure 21 includes a "Back" button in addition to screen d006 (shown in Figure 11) when adding to the shopping list. For example, when the "Back" button is tapped, the display control unit 203 may display screen d013 shown in Figure 20. In this way, there may be a function that allows the user to return to a previous mode even after processing has moved to the next mode.

[0101] (Skip information display mode) Next, when multiple modes are accepted, if an information display mode is included among the multiple modes, the information display mode may be skipped.

[0102] When a registration mode or information display mode is received, the determination unit 215, upon obtaining a product code, determines whether to perform processing according to the information display mode based on the product.

[0103] For example, the determination unit 215 may determine whether to perform processing according to the information display mode based on whether the product is in the customer's purchase history. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 215 identifies from the purchase history DB 2104 whether the product indicated by the product code has been purchased in the past. If the product has not been purchased in the past, the determination unit 215 determines to perform processing according to the information display mode. If the product has been purchased in the past, the determination unit 215 determines not to perform processing according to the information display mode.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 215 determines whether to perform processing according to the information display mode based on whether the product characteristics meet predetermined conditions. The product characteristics are not particularly limited. Examples of product characteristics include price, size, and weight. Product characteristics may also include information related to allergies. The predetermined conditions are not particularly limited as long as they are conditions for narrowing down the product characteristics. The predetermined conditions may be set by the customer or by the application program administrator. Taking the product price as an example, the predetermined condition may be that it is within a predetermined range or that it is above a threshold. The threshold may be set by the customer or by the application program administrator. For example, if the price of the product identified by the identification unit 212 is within a range such as 10,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen, the determination unit 215 determines to perform processing according to the information display mode. On the other hand, if the price of the product identified by the identification unit 212 is not within a range such as 10,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen, the determination unit 215 determines not to perform processing according to the information display mode. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 215 determines that if the price of the product identified by the identification unit 212 is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., 5,000 yen), it will perform processing according to the information display mode. On the other hand, for example, the determination unit 215 determines that if the price of the product identified by the identification unit 212 is not equal to or greater than the threshold, it will not perform processing according to the information display mode. Taking the weight of a product as an example, the predetermined condition may be within a predetermined range, or it may be equal to or greater than a threshold. The determination unit 215 determines that if the weight of the product identified by the identification unit 212 is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., 1 kilogram), it will perform processing according to the information display mode. On the other hand, for example, the determination unit 215 determines that if the weight of the product identified by the identification unit 212 is not equal to or greater than the threshold, it will not perform processing according to the information display mode.

[0105] (Example of operation 2) Figures 22 and 23 are flowcharts of Operation Example 2 of the Information Processing System 2. For the sake of clarity and ease of explanation, we will explain using an example where two modes are received: one of the registration modes and one of the information display modes.

[0106] The reception unit 201 receives the mode (step S211). Next, the reception unit 201 transmits information indicating the received mode (step S212). As mentioned above, the information indicating the mode can be any information that can identify the mode, for example, it may be an identifier that identifies the mode. Then, the mode reception unit 210 receives the mode by receiving the information indicating the mode transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0107] The acquisition unit 202 reads the product code from the product's barcode using the imaging device as product identification information (step S213). The acquisition unit 202 transmits the read product code to the server 21 (step S214). The acquisition unit (not shown) of the server 21 then acquires the product code by receiving the product code transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0108] Next, the determination unit 215 determines whether to skip the information display mode (step S215). Here, in step S215, the identification unit 212 may identify at least one of the product information and purchase history to be used by the determination unit 215 based on the product code. Then, the determination unit 215 may determine whether to skip the information display mode based on at least one of the product information identified by the identification unit 212 and the customer's purchase history.

[0109] If it is determined that the information display mode should be skipped (step S215: Yes), the list generation unit 213 performs processing according to the registration mode (step S216). The list generation unit 213 transmits the processing result (step S217). The display control unit 203 displays a screen according to the processing result (step S218).

[0110] On the other hand, if it is determined that the information display mode should not be skipped (step S215: No), the processing unit 211 performs processing according to the information display mode (step S219). The processing unit 211 transmits the processing result (step S220). In step S219 or step S220, the identification unit 212 or the dialogue unit 214 performs processing according to the mode and transmits the processing result to the mobile terminal device 20. Then, the display control unit 203 displays a screen according to the processing result (step S221).

[0111] The reception unit 201 determines whether it has accepted the transition to the next mode (step S222). In step S222, the reception unit 201 may also determine, for example, whether the "Next" button has been tapped. If the transition to the next mode has not been accepted (step S222: No), the reception unit 201 returns to step S222. If the transition to the next mode is to be made (step S222: Yes), the list generation unit 213 performs processing according to the registration mode (step S223). The list generation unit 213 transmits the processing result (step S224). The display control unit 203 displays a screen according to the processing result (step S225).

[0112] Since the system accepts both registration mode and information display mode, steps S211 to S225 show an example where the information display mode is processed first, followed by the registration mode. However, the order of processing is not limited to this. As mentioned above, this order may be predetermined or specified by the customer. When accepting the order of processing, the reception unit 201 may accept the order of processing when it receives the mode in step S211.

[0113] This concludes the explanation of Operation Example 2. The order of steps shown in Figures 22 and 23 is not particularly limited, as is the case with Operation Example 1 shown in Figure 16. For example, although an example was shown in which the product code is read after the mode is received, the order of steps is not limited to this.

[0114] In Embodiment 2, the accepted mode is either the registration mode for the list or the display mode for product information. This allows the information processing system 2 to personalize the processing performed by the mobile terminal device after acquiring product identification information.

[0115] A list is a list of items a customer will purchase. It can also be a list of items a customer wants to buy. Examples of such lists include favorites lists and shopping lists.

[0116] The product information display mode is at least one of the following: a product review mode, an interactive mode in which the customer can interact with the product information, and a specific information display mode that displays specific product information. In this way, the information processing system 2 can display the information desired by the customer in various ways.

[0117] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 accepts at least two of the following modes: a product review mode, a dialogue mode in which the customer can interact with product information, and a specific information display mode that displays specific product information. In this way, the information processing system 2 can display the information desired by the customer in various ways.

[0118] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 accepts any of the three or more modes. This allows the information processing system 2 to be personalized from a wider range of choices.

[0119] When the information processing system 2 accepts multiple modes, it accepts the order in which to perform the processing for each of the multiple modes and performs the processing for each of the multiple modes in the accepted order. The information processing system 2 allows the customer to specify the order in which to perform the processing, enabling more detailed personalization.

[0120] Information processing system 2 may accept the mode before product identification information is acquired. Alternatively, information processing system 2 may accept the mode after product identification information has been acquired. Information processing system 2 does not limit the timing of accepting the mode. This allows information processing system 2 to accept the mode at a time desired by the customer or the administrator of information processing system 2.

[0121] The information processing system 2, upon receiving a mode that includes both a mode for registering to a list and a mode for displaying product information, determines whether to perform processing according to the display mode based on the product once product identification information is obtained. If the information processing system 2 determines that it does not need to perform processing according to the display mode, it performs processing according to the registration mode without performing processing according to the display mode.

[0122] Furthermore, the information processing system 2 determines whether to perform processing according to the display mode based on whether the product is in the customer's purchase history. The information processing system 2 also determines whether to perform processing according to the display mode based on whether the product's characteristics or price meet predetermined conditions.

[0123] Embodiment 2 is not limited to the example described above and can be modified in various ways. The configuration of the information processing system 2 is not particularly limited. The information processing system 2 may be implemented by a single device, or by different devices for each function or database. The information processing system 2 may be composed of a combination of servers 21 such as a core server, a database server, a PLU (Price Look Up) server, a POS (Point of Sales) server, and an application server. The server 21 that manages various databases may function as a database server, for example. The server 21 that displays the screen to the mobile terminal device 20 may be at least one of the application server, POS server, or core server. Each server 21 receives information used for its assigned processing via, for example, a communication network 22. However, the names of the servers 21 that constitute the information processing system 2 are not limited to these. Furthermore, the information processing system 2 may be composed of some of these servers 21.

[0124] Next, a modified example of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0125] [Modification 1 of Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 2, for example, a mobile terminal device 20 is equipped with a display control unit 203, and the display control unit 203 controls the display of each screen on the terminal device's display device. For example, a server 21 may also be equipped with a display control unit 203. In such a case, the display control unit 203 of the server 21 generates information such as the screen to be displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal device 20, and the mobile terminal device 20 displays the screen on the display device based on the screen information.

[0126] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, for example, the server 21 includes a determination unit 215. For example, the mobile terminal device 20 may also include a determination unit 215. In such a case, when the determination unit 215 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives the result of processing according to the information display mode from the processing unit 211 of the server 21, it may determine whether to display the processing result. Alternatively, when the determination unit 215 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives information to be used for determination from the processing unit 211 of the server 21, it may determine whether to skip the information display mode based on this information.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, if all functional units are implemented by a single mobile terminal device 20, the mode reception unit 210 and the reception unit 201 may be the same functional unit.

[0128] [Modification 2 of Embodiment 2] In each screen, each button is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button, but the type of button is not particularly limited. Also, in each screen, the position, color, size, etc. of each item such as buttons, input fields, and display fields are not particularly limited. Buttons, information, display fields, etc. not shown may be added to each screen. The background color of the screen may also be changed. For example, the background color of the screen may differ for each mode. Furthermore, the screen may include identification information such as symbols or pictures that can identify which mode is being used.

[0129] [Modification 3 of Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 describes an example in which the display control unit 203 displays the purchased product list updated by the list generation unit 213. Specifically, for example, the list generation unit 213 of the server 21 updates the purchased product list and transmits the updated purchased product list to the mobile terminal device 20. The display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 then displays the received updated purchased product list.

[0130] Alternatively, the list generation unit 213 of server 21 may send an identifier to the mobile terminal device 20 that identifies the purchased product list. The display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 then retrieves the purchased product list corresponding to the identifier from the purchased product list DB 2102. The display control unit 203 of the mobile terminal device 20 then displays the retrieved purchased product list. This is useful when server 21 is divided into multiple different servers 21, such as a database server and a POS server.

[0131] Similarly, when updating a shopping list or a favorites list by the list generation unit 213, the list generation unit 213 may either send the updated list to the mobile terminal device 20, or send the identifiers of those lists to the mobile terminal device 20 after the update.

[0132] Thus, the data exchange between the display control unit 203 and the list generation unit 213 is not particularly limited.

[0133] This concludes the description of each embodiment. Note that each embodiment and the modified examples described therein may be used in combination.

[0134] (Computer device) Next, we will describe an example of a hardware configuration when each of the devices described in Embodiment 2, such as the mobile terminal device 20 and the server 21, is implemented using a computer device. Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer device hardware configuration. For example, some or all of the devices described in Embodiment 2, such as the terminal device and the server 21, can also be implemented using any combination of a computer device 30 and a program, as shown in Figure 24.

[0135] The computer device 30 includes, for example, a processor 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage device 304, a communication interface 305, and an input / output interface 306. Each component is connected via a bus 307.

[0136] The processor 301 controls the entire computer device 30. Examples of processors 301 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). There may be multiple processors 301. The computer device 30 includes memory units such as ROM 302, RAM 303, and a storage device 304. Examples of storage devices 304 include semiconductor memory such as flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, the storage device 304 stores OS (Operating System) programs, application programs, and programs related to each embodiment. Alternatively, ROM 302 stores application programs and programs related to each embodiment. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the processor 301.

[0137] The processor 301 also loads programs stored in the memory device 304, ROM 302, etc. Then, the processor 301 executes each process coded in the program. The processor 301 may also download various programs via the communication network 32. Furthermore, the processor 301 functions as part or all of the computer device 30. The processor 301 may also execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0138] The communication interface 305 is connected to a communication network 32, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired communication line. This allows the computer device 30 to connect to external devices and computers via the communication network 32. The communication interface 305 manages the interface between the communication network 32 and the internal workings of the computer device 30. Furthermore, the communication interface 305 controls the input and output of data from external devices and computers.

[0139] Furthermore, the input / output interface 306 is connected to at least one of the input device, output device, and input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, and microphones. Examples of output devices include display devices, lighting devices, and speakers that output sound. Examples of input / output devices include touch panel displays. The input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer device 30 or may be external.

[0140] The hardware configuration of the computer device 30 is an example. The computer device 30 may have some of the components shown in Figure 24. The computer device 30 may have components other than those shown in Figure 24. For example, the computer device 30 may have a drive device. The processor 301 may read programs and data stored on a recording medium mounted on the drive device or the like into the RAM 303. Examples of non-temporary tangible recording media include optical discs, flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, as mentioned above, for example, the computer device 30 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer device 30 may have output devices such as a display. Furthermore, the computer device 30 may have input devices, output devices, and input / output devices, respectively.

[0141] The computer device 30 may have an imaging device capable of reading barcodes, etc. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the computer device 30 may have a reading device for short-range wireless communication, etc.

[0142] The computer device 30 may have various sensors not shown in the diagram. The type of sensor is not particularly limited. Examples of sensors include acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, magnetic sensors, GPS (Global Positioning System), and other sensors. Other examples of sensors include fingerprint sensors, LiDAR (Light, Detection and Ranging), proximity sensors, and ambient light sensors.

[0143] This concludes the explanation of the hardware configuration of each device. Furthermore, there are various variations in how each device can be implemented. For example, an information processing system may be implemented by any combination of different computers and programs for each component. Alternatively, the multiple components of each device may be implemented by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0144] Furthermore, some or all of the components of the information processing system may be implemented using application-specific circuits. Alternatively, some or all of the information processing system may be implemented using general-purpose circuits, including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the information processing system may be implemented using a combination of application-specific circuits and general-purpose circuits. These circuits may also be a single integrated circuit, or they may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. These multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0145] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of each device are implemented by multiple computers or circuits, these computers or circuits may be centrally located or distributed.

[0146] The information processing methods described in each embodiment are implemented by the execution of a mobile terminal device 20 or a server 21. Alternatively, the information processing methods are implemented by a computer, such as the mobile terminal device 20 or server 21, executing a pre-prepared program. The programs described in each embodiment are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. The program is then executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. Furthermore, the program may be distributed via a communication network 32.

[0147] Each component of the information processing system in the embodiments described above may be implemented in hardware, such as a computer device. Alternatively, each component may be implemented in a computer device or firmware based on program control.

[0148] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described herein, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The structure and details of each present disclosure may include embodiments that apply various modifications that can be grasped by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include embodiments that combine or substitute the matters described herein as appropriate. For example, matters described using a particular embodiment may be applied to other embodiments to the extent that they do not cause a contradiction. For example, although multiple operations are described sequentially in the form of a flowchart, the order in which they are described does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0149] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows. However, some or all of the above embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0150] (Note 1) A mode receiving means that accepts the mode of processing to be performed when product identification information that identifies a product is obtained, When the product identification information is acquired by the customer's operation in a mobile terminal device, processing means are provided to perform processing according to the accepted mode, An information processing system equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The aforementioned mode is at least one of the following: a mode for registering to a list, and a display mode for displaying information about the aforementioned product. The information processing system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The aforementioned list is a list of the products that the customer will purchase. The information processing system described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The aforementioned list is a list of the products that the customer wants to buy. The information processing system described in Appendix 2. (Note 5) The display mode is at least one of the following: a product review mode; a dialogue mode in which the customer can interact with information about the product; and a specific information display mode in which specific information about the product is displayed. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 2 to 4. (Note 6) The processing means, when the mode receiving means receives multiple modes, performs processing according to each of the multiple modes in a predetermined order. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) When the mode receiving means receives multiple modes, it receives the order in which to perform the processing corresponding to each of the multiple modes. The processing means performs processing according to each of the plurality of modes in the order in which they are received. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 8) When the mode receiving means receives a plurality of modes, including the registration mode and the display mode, the processing means performs processing according to the display mode, and then performs processing according to the registration mode. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 2 to 5. (Note 9) The mode receiving means accepts the mode after the product identification information has been acquired. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8. (Note 10) The mode receiving means accepts the mode before the product identification information is acquired. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8. (Note 11) When the mode receiving means receives a plurality of modes, including the registration mode and the display mode, and the product identification information is acquired, a determination means determines whether to perform processing according to the display mode based on the characteristics of the product identified by the acquired product identification information or the customer's purchase history of the product. Equipped with, If the processing means determines that it is not necessary to perform processing according to the display mode, it will perform processing according to the registration mode without performing processing according to the display mode. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 2 to 5. (Note 12) The characteristics of the aforementioned product are at least one of the following: price, size, and weight. The information processing system described in Appendix 11. (Note 13) The mode receiving means accepts at least one of the three or more modes. An information processing system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 12. (Note 14) The mode of processing to be performed when product identification information that identifies a product is obtained is accepted. When the product identification information is obtained by the customer's operation on the mobile terminal device, processing is performed according to the accepted mode. Information processing methods. (Note 15) On the computer, The mode of processing to be performed when product identification information that identifies a product is obtained is accepted. When the product identification information is obtained by the customer's operation on the mobile terminal device, processing is performed according to the accepted mode. A program that executes a process. (Note 14) On the computer, The mode of processing to be performed when product identification information that identifies a product is obtained is accepted. When the product identification information is obtained by the customer's operation on the mobile terminal device, processing is performed according to the accepted mode. A non-temporary, tangible recording medium readable by the computer for recording a program that executes a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Information Processing System 2. Information Processing Systems 20 Mobile terminal devices 21 servers 22 Communication Networks 30 Computer equipment 32 Communication Networks 101 Mode Reception Section 102 Processing Unit 201 Reception Department 202 Acquisition Department 203 Display Control Unit 210 Mode Reception Section 211 Processing Unit 212 Specific section 213 List Generation Unit 214 Dialogue Section 215 Judgment section 301 Processor 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 Storage device 305 Communication Interface 306 Input / Output Interfaces 307 Bus 2101 Product DB 2102 Purchased Item List DB 2103 Review Database 2104 Purchase History 2105 Shopping List DB 2106 Favorites List DB

Claims

1. A mode receiving means that accepts the mode of processing to be performed when product identification information that identifies a product is obtained, When the product identification information is acquired by the customer's operation in a mobile terminal device, processing means are provided to perform processing according to the accepted mode, When the mode receiving means receives a number of modes, including a registration mode for registering products identified by the product identification information into a list and a display mode for displaying the product information on the mobile terminal device, and the product identification information is acquired, the determination means determines whether to perform processing according to the display mode based on the product characteristics identified by the product identification information acquired from a product database that stores product information including product price and product characteristics in association with product identification information for each product, Equipped with, When the product identification information is obtained, the determination means determines that if the characteristics of the product identified by the obtained product identification information, which are identified from the product database, do not match predetermined conditions, it will not perform processing according to the display mode. The processing means is If it is determined that processing according to the display mode is not to be performed, the processing according to the registration mode will be performed without performing the processing according to the display mode. When the registration mode is accepted, the following processing is performed according to the registration mode: the product database is referenced, the product information associated with the acquired product identification information is identified from the product database, and the product identification information and the price of the product included in the product information are registered in the list. When the aforementioned display mode is received, the following processing is performed according to the aforementioned display mode: the product database is referenced, the product information associated with the acquired product identification information is identified from the product database, and the product information is displayed on the mobile terminal device. Information processing system.

2. A mode receiving means that accepts the mode of processing to be performed when product identification information that identifies a product is obtained, When the product identification information is acquired by the customer's operation in a mobile terminal device, processing means are provided to perform processing according to the accepted mode, When the mode receiving means receives a plurality of modes, including a registration mode for registering a product identified by the product identification information into a list and a display mode for displaying the product information on the mobile terminal device, and the product identification information is acquired, the determination means determines whether to perform processing according to the display mode based on the customer's purchase history of the product, Equipped with, The determination means determines, based on the customer's purchase history of the product, that if the product identified by the acquired product identification information has been purchased by the customer in the past, it will not perform the processing corresponding to the display mode. The processing means is If it is determined that processing according to the display mode is not to be performed, the processing according to the registration mode will be performed without performing the processing according to the display mode. When the registration mode is accepted, the following processing is performed according to the registration mode: a product database is referenced, which stores product identification information that identifies a product for each product and product information including the price of the product, and the product information associated with the acquired product identification information is identified from the product database, and the product identification information and the price of the product included in the product information are registered in the list. When the aforementioned display mode is received, the following processing is performed according to the aforementioned display mode: the product database is referenced, the product information associated with the acquired product identification information is identified from the product database, and the product information is displayed on the mobile terminal device. Information processing system.

3. The characteristics of the aforementioned product are any of the following: price, size, and weight. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned list is a list of the products that the customer will purchase. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned list is a list of the products that the customer wants to buy. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The display mode is one of the following: a product review mode, a dialogue mode that allows the customer to interact with information about the product, and a specific information display mode that displays specific information about the product. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The mode receiving means accepts some or all of the modes from three or more modes. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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