Terminal management device and its program

Abstract

To enable an information terminal to perform a display effective for further improving the sales promotion effect.SOLUTION: A terminal management apparatus includes an image generating unit and an output unit. The image generating unit generates a registered image including a registration area including an image indicating a purchased commodity and a sales promotion list area for arranging an image of sales promotion information related to the purchased commodity on the basis of the registration order of the purchased commodity in one screen area in accordance with the registration of a new purchased commodity in an information terminal. Here, the image generating unit deletes the image of the sales promotion information having the oldest registration order among the images included in the sales promotion list area, and adds the image of the sales promotion information associated with the new purchased commodity to the arrangement position of the image of the sales promotion information having the newest registration order in the sales promotion list area, thereby generating the registered image including the image of the sales promotion information. The output unit outputs the registered image to the information terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a terminal management device and a program for causing a computer to function as the terminal management device.

Background Art

[0002] A semi-self service type product sales system has already been put into practical use, in which the product registration function and the accounting function of a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal are separated into a registration machine and an accounting machine, the registration machine is operated by a store clerk, and the accounting machine is operated by the customer himself / herself. There is also already known a product sales system in which a customer walks around a sales floor with an information terminal having a wireless communication function and registers data of a product to be purchased in the information terminal by himself / herself, thereby simplifying the product registration operation to the POS terminal.

[0003] Therefore, the introduction of a product sales system in which the customer himself / herself operates an information terminal to register purchased products and the customer himself / herself performs accounting for the purchased products using an accounting machine is being considered. In such a product sales system, it has also been proposed to promote the sales of other products by receiving information on products related to the registered purchased products from a server and displaying it as a hierarchical menu. There is a need for a display method of sales promotion information that is more effective in improving the sales promotion effect.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a terminal management device and a program thereof that can perform an effective display for further improving the sales promotion effect on an information terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the terminal management device is a terminal management device for a product sales system in which users of information terminals operate their respective information terminals at the sales floor to register purchased products, and users pay for their purchased products at an accounting machine. This terminal management device comprises an image generation unit and an output unit. The image generation unit generates a registration image in response to the registration of a new purchased product on the information terminal, which includes a registration area containing an image showing the purchased product and a promotional list area where images of promotional information related to the purchased product are arranged according to the registration order of the purchased product. Here, the image generation unit generates a registration image including promotional information images by deleting the image of the oldest promotional information among the images included in the promotional list area and adding the image of the new promotional information related to the newly purchased product to the position of the image of the most recently registered promotional information in the promotional list area. The output unit outputs the registration image to the information terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] An overall diagram of the product sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing an example of a store layout that has implemented the product sales system. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first server in the product sales system. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the main data structure of product data records stored in the product database on the first server. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member data records stored in the member database on the first server. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing the main data structure of promotional data records stored in the promotional database on the first server. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the second server in the product sales system. [Figure 8]A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal table on the second server. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing an example of a registration list described in the information terminal table. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing an example of a promotional list written on the information terminal table. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping list written on the information terminal table. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the accounting machine table on the second server. [Figure 13] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the monitoring terminal in the product sales system. [Figure 14] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal in the product sales system. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing an example of a cart equipped with the information terminal. [Figure 16] A flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 17] A flowchart illustrating the login interrupt processing procedure executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 18] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the product registration interrupt processing performed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 19] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the product registration interrupt processing performed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 20] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the product registration interrupt processing performed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 21] A flowchart illustrating the accounting interrupt processing procedure executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 22] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for handling accounting request interrupts executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 23] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the accounting completion interrupt processing executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 24] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for handling face-to-face accounting interrupts executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 25]Flowchart showing the procedure of timeout interrupt processing executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 26] Flowchart showing the procedure of surveillance image creation processing executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 27] Flowchart showing the procedure of batch cancellation interrupt processing executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 28] Schematic diagram showing an example of a registration image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 29] Schematic diagram showing an example of a registration area in the registration image. [Figure 30] Schematic diagram showing an example of a staff confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 31] Schematic diagram showing an example of a plastic bag confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 32] Schematic diagram showing an example of a member barcode image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 33] Schematic diagram showing an example of a surveillance image displayed on the touch panel of the surveillance terminal. [Figure 34] Schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting machine status display section displayed in the surveillance image. [Figure 35] Schematic diagram showing an example of a terminal status display section displayed in the surveillance image. [Figure 36] Schematic diagram showing another example of a surveillance image displayed on the touch panel of the surveillance terminal. [Figure 37] Schematic diagram showing an example of a batch cancellation confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 38] Flowchart extracting and showing a part of the main information processing procedure executed by the processor of the information terminal in the product sales system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 39] Flowchart showing the procedure of product selection interrupt processing executed by the processor of the second server in the product sales system. [Figure 40] Flowchart showing the procedure of product cancellation interrupt processing executed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 41]A schematic diagram showing the main data structure of promotional data records stored in the promotional database of the first server in the product sales system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 42] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal table of the second server in the product sales system. [Figure 43] A schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase history list described in the information terminal table. [Figure 44] This flowchart shows a portion of the login interrupt processing procedure performed by the processor of the second server. [Figure 45] A schematic diagram showing an example of a registered image displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal in a product sales system related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes, with the help of drawings, an embodiment of a terminal management device that enables effective displays on the information terminal to further enhance promotional effectiveness in a product sales system where customers register their purchased items by operating an information terminal and also pay for those items themselves at a payment machine.

[0009] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the product sales system according to this embodiment. The product sales system includes a first server 10, a second server 20, a POS terminal 30, an accounting machine 40, an information terminal 50, and a monitoring terminal 60. The first server 10, the second server 20, the POS terminal 30, and the accounting machine 40 are connected to a network 70 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0010] Both the information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60 are equipped with wireless units. An access point 80 is connected to the network 70. The information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60 communicate wirelessly with the access point 80. The access point 80 relays communication between the devices connected to the network 70, namely the first server 10, the second server 20, the POS terminal 30, and the accounting machine 40, and the information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60.

[0011] There may be multiple POS terminals 30, accounting machines 40, and information terminals 50 in one store. There may also be two or more monitoring terminals 60 and access points 80, depending on the size of the store. At least one of the first server 10 and the second server 20 communicates with customer terminals via a public network. Customer terminals are, for example, tablet devices, smartphones, and personal computers owned by customers. The public network is, for example, the internet. In this embodiment, the first server 10 connects to the public network as a central server. The second server 20 communicates with the POS terminal 30 as a store server.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a store layout that has implemented the product sales system. The shopping cart used by customer M1, who is a buyer or consumer, when shopping in the store has an information terminal 50. In the following description, the shopping cart will be referred to as cart C. The customer becomes the user of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 may be attached to cart C or to a shopping basket. Customer M1 walks around the sales floor with cart C and places the items to be purchased into cart C. Customer M1 operates the information terminal 50 to register the purchased items. After registering the purchased items, customer M1 goes to a counter register G1 or a self-checkout register G2 and settles the transaction by paying for the purchased items. After payment, customer M1 bags the items at the packing counter SU as needed.

[0013] At the counter checkout counter G1, cashier M2, who is in charge of accounting, registers and processes the payment for purchased items. The counter checkout counter G1 has a POS terminal 30. The counter checkout counter G1 has a scanner. The scanner may be stationary or handheld. Cashier M2 registers the sales data of purchased items in the POS terminal 30 by scanning the barcode of each purchased item with the scanner SC. The POS terminal 30 calculates the payment amount for the registered purchased items. Customer M1 pays the cashier M2 the amount equivalent to the payment amount. Payment can be made with cash, credit card, electronic money, points, gift certificates, etc. The POS terminal 30 is an example of a product sales processing device that processes the registration and payment of purchased items.

[0014] Self-checkout G2 allows customer M1 to register and pay for their purchases. Self-checkout G2 has a payment machine 40. The second server 20 calculates the payment amount for the purchases registered by customer M1 using the information terminal 50. The second server 20 notifies the payment amount to the payment machine 40 via the network 70. Customer M1 pays the amount to the payment machine 40 that has been notified of the payment amount. Payment can be made in cash, by credit card, electronic money, points, etc.

[0015] The attendant counter AT is located near the self-checkout register G2. As described above, in the store of this embodiment, customer M1 can operate the information terminal 50 and the payment machine 40 to complete the entire process from registering purchased items to payment themselves. However, situations may arise where the intervention of a store employee is unavoidable. For example, a specialist salesperson may need to provide information to customer M1 who is purchasing pharmaceuticals. In some cases, the discount sticker information may be forgotten to be entered into the information terminal 50, resulting in the item being registered at the regular price. Alternatively, the barcode of an item may be scanned with the information terminal 50, but an error may occur, preventing registration. Errors may also occur in the payment machine 40, such as coin jams or running out of receipt paper.

[0016] To respond quickly to such incidents, Attendant M3, a staff member responsible for customer service, is stationed at the Attendant Counter AT. The Attendant Counter AT is equipped with a monitoring terminal 60. Attendant M3 uses the monitoring terminal 60 to monitor the status of each information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40.

[0017] Next, the configurations of the first server 10, the second server 20, the information terminal 50, and the monitoring terminal 60 will be described. The POS terminal 30 may be the same as the POS terminal used in stores with existing counter-service registers G1. The accounting machine 40 may be the same as the accounting machine used in semi-self-service product sales systems. The explanation of the configurations of the POS terminal 30 and the accounting machine 40 will be omitted.

[0018] First, let's describe the configuration of the first server 10. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first server 10. The first server 10 comprises a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, communication interface 14, gateway device 15, and system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The first server 10 connects the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, communication interface 14, and gateway device 15 to the system transmission path 15. The first server 10 constitutes a computer with the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 15 connecting them.

[0019] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as the first server 10 according to the operating system and application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0020] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system and application programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor to perform processing to control various parts in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor. For example, the non-volatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used as the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 for various processing tasks, as well as data created by the processing performed by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application programs described above.

[0022] The communication interface 14 transmits and receives data with each component connected via the network 70 according to the communication protocol. The gateway device 15 connects to the public network.

[0023] The first server 10 is equipped with a product database 131, a member database 132, and a promotional database 133 on an auxiliary storage device 13. In Figure 3, databases are abbreviated as DB.

[0024] The product database 131 stores data about each product sold in the store. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a product data record 131R for each product stored in the product database 131. As shown in Figure 4, the product data record 131R includes items such as product ID, product name, price, category name, link promotion ID, and restriction flag.

[0025] The product ID is a unique code assigned to each product to identify it individually. The product name and price are the name of the product identified by that product ID and the selling price per unit.

[0026] The classification name is information that identifies the classification to which a product identified by its product ID belongs. For example, the product "apple" includes many varieties such as "Fuji," "Jonagold," and "Kogyoku," and a different product ID is assigned to each variety. However, regardless of the variety, the classification name is unified as "apple."

[0027] The Link Promotion ID is a code that identifies the promotional information associated with the product identified by its product ID, among the promotional information stored in the promotional database 133. Promotional information associated with a product includes, for example, information on campaigns that can be participated in by purchasing that product, information on special sale items that offer discounts, and information on coupons that can be obtained. Incidentally, if no promotional information is associated with a product, a Null value is set as the Link Promotion ID. In this embodiment, one piece of promotional information is associated with one product, but two or more pieces of promotional information may be associated with a product.

[0028] The restriction flag is a 1-bit piece of information used to identify whether the product identified by its product ID is an age-restricted product, such as alcohol or tobacco. In this embodiment, the restriction flag for age-restricted products is set to "1", and the restriction flag for products without age restrictions is set to "0".

[0029] The member database 132 stores data about customers who have registered as members, such as point members. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a member data record 132R per member stored in the member database 132. As shown in the figure, the member data record 132R includes items such as member ID, purchase history data, and shopping data. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to identify them individually. Members possess a recording medium on which their member ID is recorded. Recording mediums include, for example, magnetic cards, contact IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, contactless IC cards, and smartphones. The purchase history data is data that shows the purchase history of what the member identified by that member ID purchased and when.

[0030] Shopping data is data about the products that a member, identified by their member ID, plans to purchase. A customer can, for example, access the first server 10 via a public network by operating a customer terminal and register their shopping data in their member data record 132R. The shopping data includes the name of the product the customer plans to purchase. The name may be the product name set in the product data record 131R or the classification name. In other words, a customer who plans to purchase the product "apple" regardless of the variety should register the name "apple" as their shopping data. On the other hand, a customer who plans to purchase the product "apple" whose product name is "Fuji apple" should register the name "Fuji apple" as their shopping data.

[0031] The promotional database 133 stores promotional information such as campaigns, special offers, and coupons as described above. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a single promotional data record 133R stored in the promotional database 133. As shown in the figure, a promotional data record 133R includes a promotional ID and promotional data. The promotional ID is a unique code set for each promotional piece of information to identify it individually. The promotional data is image data that specifically represents the promotional information. By making the promotional ID and the linked promotional ID of the product data record 131R the same, it becomes possible to link the product identified by the product ID with the promotional information. This is the case when one promotional piece of information is associated with one product, as described above. If two or more promotional pieces of information are associated with one product, the linked promotional ID will include multiple promotional IDs.

[0032] Next, we will describe the configuration of the second server 20. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the second server 20. Similar to the first server 10, the second server 20 includes a processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, communication interface 24, and system transmission line 25, with the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and communication interface 24 connected to the system transmission line 25. The second server 20 constitutes a computer with the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and the system transmission line 25 connecting them. A general description of the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and communication interface 24 may be the same as the description for the first server 10.

[0033] The second server 20 functions as a terminal management device for the product sales system. To realize its function as a terminal management device, the second server 20 uses a portion of the volatile area in the main memory 22 as an information terminal table 221 and an accounting machine table 222. The information terminal table 221 includes an area that holds various information for each information terminal 50 provided in each cart C.

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal table 221. The information terminal table 221 has areas A1 to A13 for describing the following information: terminal ID, terminal status ST1, member ID, accounting machine ID, first timer T1, second timer T2, third timer T3, counter N, registration list, promotional list, shopping list, accounting code, and ranking.

[0035] Area A1 is an area for describing a unique terminal ID set for each information terminal 50 in order to individually identify each information terminal 50. In Figure 8, terminal IDs are represented as TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, ... The terminal ID is terminal identification information. Area A2 is an area for describing information indicating the state of the information terminal 50 identified by the corresponding terminal ID, so-called terminal status ST1. Terminal status ST1 represents "Waiting," "Registering," "Paying," and "Idle." "Waiting" is the state from when the previous customer's payment is completed until the next customer logs in. "Registering" is the state from when the user logs in until the payment is approved. "Paying" is the state from when the payment is approved until the payment is completed. "Idle" is the state after the user has been left idle for a certain period of time from the "Registering" state.

[0036] Area A3 is for describing the member ID of a member who has logged into the information terminal 50. Area A4 is for describing the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 40 that handles the accounting for products registered on the information terminal 50. Each accounting machine 40 has a unique accounting machine ID to identify it individually.

[0037] Area A5 is for describing the value of the first timer T1, which measures the elapsed time since login. Area A6 is for describing the value of the second timer T2, which measures the elapsed time since the barcode of a discounted product was scanned. Area A7 is for describing the value of the third timer T3, which measures the elapsed time since the registration of the last purchased product after login. Area A8 is for describing the value of counter N, which counts the number of promotional data items.

[0038] Area A9 is for describing the registration list L1 shown in Figure 9, which lists information about products registered on the information terminal 50. Area A10 is for describing the promotional list L2 shown in Figure 10, which lists promotional information associated with products registered on the information terminal 50. Area A11 is for describing the shopping list L3 shown in Figure 11, which lists shopping data of members who have logged into the information terminal 50. Area A12 is for describing the accounting code that is issued for each commercial transaction to identify the commercial transaction in which a product was registered on the information terminal 50. Area A13 is for describing the rank when the status of the information terminal 50 is displayed on the monitoring terminal 60. The accounting code and rank will be explained in a later section.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration list L1. The registration list L1 lists the product ID, product name, quantity, price, first flag F1, second flag F2, and third flag F3 in a sequential numerical order. The first flag F1, second flag F2, and third flag F3 will be explained later. The registration list L1 of the information terminal table 221 functions as a first table that describes the information of purchased items registered at each information terminal 50.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a promotional list L2. The promotional list L2 lists the promotional ID, promotional data, product ID, and fourth flag F4 in sequential order. The fourth flag F4 will be explained later. The promotional list L2 of the information terminal table 221 functions as a second table that describes promotional information related to the purchased products described in the registration list L1, which is the first table, for each information terminal 50.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping list L3. The shopping list L3 lists items in a sequential order, along with their names and the fifth flag F5. The fifth flag F5 will be explained later.

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the accounting machine table 222. The accounting machine table 222 has areas B1 to B4 for describing the accounting machine ID, accounting machine status ST2, first error flag EF1, and second error flag EF2, respectively.

[0043] Area B1 is for describing the unique accounting machine ID assigned to each accounting machine 40 to individually identify each accounting machine 40. Area B2 is for describing the accounting machine status ST2. Accounting machine status ST2 is information indicating the state of the accounting machine 40 identified by the accounting machine ID. Accounting machine status ST2 represents "Idle" and "Paying". "Idle" is the state from when the previous customer's payment is finished until the next customer's payment begins. "Paying" is the state from when a customer's payment begins until it is finished.

[0044] Area B3 is an area for describing the first error flag EF1, which is a one-bit piece of information indicating whether or not an error has occurred in the printer of the accounting machine 40. The accounting machine 40 has a printer for printing receipts. The accounting machine 40 will experience a printer error, for example, if it runs out of receipt paper. When a printer error occurs, the first error flag EF1 changes from "0" to "1". After the error is resolved, the first error flag EF1 returns from "1" to "0".

[0045] Area B4 is an area for describing a second error flag EF2, which is a 1-bit piece of information indicating whether or not an error has occurred in the change dispenser of the accounting machine 40. The accounting machine 40 has a change dispenser for collecting deposits and dispensing change. The accounting machine 40 will have a change dispenser error if, for example, a coin jam occurs. When a change dispenser error occurs, the second error flag EF2 changes from "0" to "1". After the error is resolved, the second error flag EF2 returns from "1" to "0".

[0046] Next, the configuration of the monitoring terminal 60 and the information terminal 50 will be described. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the monitoring terminal 60. The monitoring terminal 60 comprises a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, wireless unit 64, touch panel 65, and system transmission line 66. The system transmission line 66 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The monitoring terminal 60 connects the processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, wireless unit 64, and touch panel 65 to the system transmission line 66 either directly or via signal input / output circuits. The monitoring terminal 60 constitutes a computer with the processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, and the system transmission line 66 connecting them.

[0047] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a monitoring terminal 60, according to the operating system and application programs. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0048] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system and application programs are stored. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor to perform processing to control various parts in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor. For example, the non-volatile memory area is ROM, and the volatile memory area is RAM.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD may be used as the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, as well as data created by the processing performed by the processor 61. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0050] The wireless unit 64 transmits or receives data wirelessly to or from the access point 80 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0051] The touch panel 65 is a device that combines the input and display functions of the monitoring terminal 60. The monitoring terminal 60 implements a browser for displaying images on the touch panel 65 based on image data created by a web server such as the second server 20.

[0052] The monitoring terminal 60 can be a computer device such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

[0053] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 comprises a processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, wireless unit 54, touch panel 55, scanner 56, reader 57, and system transmission line 58. The system transmission line 58 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The information terminal 50 connects the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, wireless unit 54, touch panel 55, scanner 56, and reader 57 to the system transmission line 58 directly or via signal input / output circuits. The information terminal 50 constitutes a computer with the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, and the system transmission line 58 connecting them. A general description of the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, and wireless unit 54 may be the same as the description for the monitoring terminal 60.

[0054] The touch panel 55 is a device that combines the input and display functions of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 implements a browser for displaying images on the touch panel 55 based on image data created by a web server such as the second server 20.

[0055] The scanner 56 has a camera as an imaging unit. The scanner 56 reads code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional data codes from the image captured by the camera.

[0056] Reader 57 reads the member ID recorded on the recording medium. If the recording medium is a magnetic card, Reader 57 is a magnetic card reader; if it is a contact IC card, Reader 57 is an IC card reader. In the case of recording mediums that use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), such as contactless IC cards or smartphones, an RFID reader is used as Reader 57.

[0057] The information terminal 50 is configured by electrically connecting a scanner 56 and a reader 57 to a tablet terminal™ shown in Figure 15, which is equipped with, for example, a processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, wireless unit 54, and touch panel 55.

[0058] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C to which an information terminal 50 is attached. The cart C comprises a caster section C1 for movement, a handle frame section C2, and a basket support section C3. The caster section C1 has four wheels for smooth movement on the floor. The handle frame section C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster section C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket support section C3 is located in front of the middle part of the handle frame section C2. The cart C has a shopping basket BA for holding goods placed on the basket support section C3 and the caster section C1.

[0059] The scanner 56 is located midway along the handlebar C22. The scanner 56 is mounted on the handlebar C22 so that the reading window faces forward. The cart C has a pole C4 attached to one of its vertical frames C21. The tip of the pole C4 is positioned above the handlebar C22. The tablet terminal TM is mounted on the tip of the pole C4 so that the screen of the touch panel 55 faces backward. The reader 57 is mounted on the tablet terminal TM so that the card slit faces backward. In Figure 15, the reader 57 is a magnetic card reader. The battery BT is mounted on the lower end of the handlebar frame C2, spanning the vertical frames C21, C21. The battery BT powers the tablet terminal TM and the scanner 56.

[0060] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 51 of the information terminal 50. Figures 17 to 27 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. Figures 28 to 32 and 37 are examples of images displayed on the touch panel 55, which is the display device of the information terminal 50. Figures 33 to 36 are examples of images displayed on the touch panel 65, which is the display device of the monitoring terminal 60. The main operations of the product sales system according to this embodiment will be explained below using each figure. The processing content described below is an example. The processing procedures and content are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0061] First, we will explain the operation of the information terminal 50. The processor 51 of the information terminal 50 displays an initial image on the touch panel 55 as Act 1 in Figure 16. The initial image can be any image. For example, the processor 51 may use an image explaining the login procedure as the initial image. The image data of the initial image is received from the second server 20. The processor 21 of the second server 20 distributes the image data of the initial image to the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "waiting". The information terminal 50, which is waiting to log in, displays the initial image on the touch panel 55.

[0062] Customer M1, who is a member, takes an empty cart C from the cart storage area upon arriving at the store. Customer M1 confirms that the initial image is displayed on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50 attached to cart C. After confirmation, customer M1 logs in. That is, customer M1 has the reader 57 read the data on the recording medium in which the member ID is recorded.

[0063] Processor 51 waits for a login as Act 2. When the data on the recording medium containing the member ID is read by the reader 57, processor 51 determines that a login has been performed and proceeds to YES in Act 2. Processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to send a login command to the second server 20 as Act 3. Wireless unit 54 transmits the login command wirelessly. The login command includes the member ID read by the reader 57 and the terminal ID of the information terminal 50. Access point 80 receives the login command. Access point 80 sends the login command to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0064] Upon receiving a login command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 initiates the login interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 17. First, as Act 21, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID from the login command. As Act 22, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID detected from the login command. In the following description, the terminal ID detected from the login command will be referred to as the login terminal ID.

[0065] If terminal status ST1 is "Waiting", processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 22. Processor 21 detects the member ID from the login command in Act 23. Processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send an authentication query for the member ID to the first server 10 in Act 24. The communication interface 24 sends an authentication query command. The authentication query command includes the member ID. The first server 10 receives the authentication query command via network 70.

[0066] The processor 11 of the first server 10 detects the member ID from the authentication query command. The processor 11 accesses the member database 132 and reads the member data record 132R containing the member ID. If the member data record 132R for the member ID is not registered in the member database 132, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a denial response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a denial response signal to the second server 20.

[0067] If the processor 11 can read the corresponding member data record 132R from the member database 132, it controls the communication interface 14 to send an approval response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends an approval response signal to the second server 20. The approval response includes the shopping data of the member data record 132R.

[0068] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controls the transmission of the authentication query command, waits for a response signal from the first server 10 as Act 25. If it receives an approval response signal within a certain time, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 25. As Act 26, the processor 21 checks whether the approval response contains shopping data.

[0069] If customer M1 who has logged in has previously registered shopping data, that shopping data will be included in the approval response. If shopping data has not been registered, the shopping data will not be included in the approval response. If the approval response includes shopping data, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 26. Processor 21 creates a shopping list L3 from that shopping data as Act 27. That is, processor 21 creates a shopping list L3 by assigning a series of numbers to the names that make up the shopping data. Processor 21 saves the shopping list L3 in area A11 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. Processor 21 sets all fifth flags F5 corresponding to each number in the shopping list L3 to "0" as Act 28. If the approval response does not include shopping data, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 26. Processor 21 does not execute the processes in Acts 27 and 28 described above.

[0070] Processor 21 creates the registration image P1 shown in Figure 28 as Act 29. Processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send an acknowledgment response to the information terminal 50 that sent the login command as Act 30. Processor 21 further controls the communication interface 24 to send the image data of the registration image P1 to the same information terminal 50 as Act 31. The communication interface 24 transmits the acknowledgment response signal and the image data of the registration image P1 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal and image data. Information terminal 50 that sent the login command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from access point 80.

[0071] The processor 21, which controls the transmission of response signals and image data, changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "Waiting" to "Registering" as Act 32. The processor 21 resets the value of counter N associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 to "0" as Act 33. Furthermore, the processor 21 starts the counting operation of the first timer T1 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 34. With this, processor 21 terminates the login interrupt processing.

[0072] If the terminal status ST1 is not "Waiting", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 22. If the response from the first server 10 is a denial, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 25. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send a denial to the information terminal 50 that sent the login command as Act 35. The communication interface 24 transmits the denial response signal via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the denial response signal. The information terminal 50 that sent the login command receives the denial response signal wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0073] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16. In Act 3, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the login command, waits for a response signal from the second server 20 in Act 4. If a denial response signal is received via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 4. The processor 51 marks the login as an error. If the login is an error, the processor 51 displays an error notification image, including a confirmation button, on the touch panel 55. If the confirmation button is touched, the processor 51 returns the image on the touch panel 55 to the initial image and waits for the next login.

[0074] If the processor 51 receives an acknowledgment response signal via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 4. In Act 5, based on the image data received along with the acknowledgment response, the registered image P1 is displayed on the touch panel 55.

[0075] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registered image P1. As shown in Figure 28, the registered image P1 includes a registration list area PA1, a promotional list area PA2, a shopping memo area PA3, a touch button BU1 for [products without barcodes], and a touch button BU2 for [checkout].

[0076] The registration list area PA1 is located in the center of the registration image P1. The registration list area PA1 is the area for displaying the registration list L1 described in area A9, which is associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. Before product registration begins, the registration list area PA1 is blank.

[0077] The promotional list area PA2 is located at the top of the registration image P1. The promotional list area PA2 comprises multiple promotional areas along the top edge of the registration image P1. Figure 28 shows four promotional areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24. Each of the promotional areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 displays the promotional information from the promotional list L2 described in area A10, which is associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. Promotional area PA21, on the far left of the screen, displays the most recently registered promotional information in the promotional list L2. Promotional areas PA22, PA23, and PA24, to the right of promotional area PA21, sequentially shift the previously registered promotional information. Before product registration begins, the promotional list area PA2 is also blank. Promotional information that is not linked to the purchased product, such as "Tomorrow is a special sale day," may be displayed in the promotional areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 of the registration image P1 before product registration begins.

[0078] The shopping memo area PA3 is located on the left side of the screen in the registration image P1. The shopping memo area PA3 is an area for displaying the shopping list L3 described in area A11, which is associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. If customer M1 who has logged in has previously registered shopping data, the shopping memo area PA3 will display the information of the shopping list L3 based on that shopping data. If customer M1 who has logged in has not previously registered shopping data, the shopping memo area PA3 will be blank. Alternatively, the shopping memo area PA3 itself may be omitted from the registration image P1.

[0079] The touch buttons BU1 for [Products without barcodes] and BU2 for [Checkout] are located at the bottom of the registration image P1. Specifically, the touch button BU1 for [Products without barcodes] is on the left side of the screen, and the touch button BU2 for [Checkout] is on the right side. The positions of touch buttons BU1 and BU2 can be reversed.

[0080] The touch button BU1 for [products without barcodes] is used by customers to register products without barcodes in the information terminal 50. Most products sold in stores have a barcode corresponding to their product ID. Therefore, customers M1 who use cart C to self-register operate scanner 56 to read the barcode attached to the product before placing the purchased product in the shopping basket BA on the sales floor. When the barcode is read by scanner 56, the product ID represented by that barcode is entered into the information terminal 50. In other words, product registration is performed. On the other hand, some products, such as fresh food, do not have barcodes. If a purchased product does not have a barcode, customer M1 touches the touch button BU1. Then, touch buttons corresponding to products without barcodes, so-called product buttons, are displayed on the touch panel 55, and customer M1 touches the product button corresponding to the purchased product. When the product button is touched, the product ID of the product corresponding to that product button is entered into the information terminal 50. In other words, product registration is performed.

[0081] The [Checkout] touch button BU2 is used when the customer declares that they want to pay for their purchased items. In other words, customer M1, who has self-registered their purchased items using cart C, touches the touch button BU2 when proceeding to checkout.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16. In Act 5, the processor 51, which has displayed the registered image P1 on the touch panel 55, checks in Act 6 whether or not product registration has been performed. If product registration has not been performed, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 6. The processor 51 checks in Act 7 whether or not the [Checkout] touch button BU2 has been touched. If the [Checkout] touch button BU2 has not been touched, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 7. The processor 51 returns to Act 6. Here, the processor 51 waits in Act 6 and Act 7 for product registration to be performed or for the [Checkout] touch button BU2 to be touched.

[0083] When the processor 51 confirms that product registration has been performed during the waiting state of Act 6 and Act 7, it proceeds to YES in Act 6. The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to send a product registration command to the second server 20 as Act 8. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the product registration command. The product registration command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 and the product ID of the product to be registered. That is, if the barcode of the product to be registered is read by the scanner 56, the product registration command includes the product ID obtained from that barcode. If the product to be registered is selected by touching a product button, the product registration command includes the product ID assigned to that product button. The product registration command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0084] Upon receiving a product registration command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 initiates the product registration interrupt processing shown in the flowcharts of Figures 18 to 20. First, as Act 41, the processor 21 detects the product ID from the product registration command. As Act 42, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to query the first server 10 for product data. The communication interface 24 sends a product query command. The product query command includes the product ID. The product query command is sent to the first server 10 via the network 70.

[0085] The processor 11 of the first server 10, upon receiving a product inquiry command via the communication interface 14, detects the product ID from the product inquiry command. The processor 11 accesses the product database 131 and reads the product data record 131R containing the product ID. If the product data record 131R for the product ID cannot be read from the product database 131, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send an error response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends an error response signal to the second server 20.

[0086] If the processor 11 can read the corresponding product data record 131R from the product database 131, it controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response signal to the second server 20. The normal response includes product data such as the product ID, product name, price, category name, link promotion ID, and restriction flag of the product data record 131R.

[0087] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controls the transmission of the product inquiry command, waits for a response signal from the first server 10 as Act 43. If a response signal indicating a normal response is received within a certain time, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 43. As Act 44, the processor 21 adds the product data included in the normal response to the registration list L1 of the information terminal table 221. That is, the processor 21 adds the product ID, product name, quantity, and amount to the registration list L1 of area A9 associated with the terminal ID included in the product registration command in the information terminal table 221. The product ID and product name are included in the product data. The quantity is "1". The amount is the price of the product data. In the following explanation, the terminal ID included in the product registration command will be referred to as the registration terminal ID. As Act 45, the processor 21 sets the first to third flags F1 to F3 of the added product data to "0".

[0088] Processor 21 determines in Act 46 whether the registered product is a product with a discount sticker. In this embodiment, discounted products are fitted with a discount sticker indicating discount information, and a discount mark is also placed on part of the barcode. The discount information is, for example, the discount amount or discount rate. If the image of the barcode captured by the scanner 56 of the information terminal 50 contains a discount mark, processor 21 determines that the registered product is a product with a discount sticker. If the registered product is not a product with a discount sticker, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 46. Processor 21 then proceeds to the processing in Act 53.

[0089] If the registered product is a product with a discount sticker, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 46. Processor 21 starts the timer count operation of the second timer T2 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 47. Processor 21 checks as Act 48 whether or not discount information has been received. If discount information has not been received, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 48. Processor 21 checks as Act 49 whether or not the second timer T2 has timed out. For example, the second timer T2 times out after counting 15 seconds. If the second timer T2 has not timed out, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 49. Processor 21 returns to Act 48. Processor 21 waits in Act 48 and Act 49 for discount information to be received or for the second timer T2 to time out.

[0090] If a discount sticker is attached to a purchased item, customer M1, who is self-registering, needs to operate the scanner 56 to read the information on the discount sticker. If the item being registered has a discount sticker, the processor 21 should display guidance on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50 instructing the customer to read the discount sticker with the scanner 56.

[0091] When discount information is read by the scanner 56 of the information terminal 50, the wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the discount information. The discount information is received by the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0092] When the processor 21 of the second server 20 detects that it has received discount information via the communication interface 24 before the second timer T2 times out, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 48. The processor 21 performs the discount processing in Act 50. For example, the processor 21 obtains the discount amount based on the discount information and subtracts the discount amount from the amount of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the processing of Act 44. The processor 21 stops the second timer T2 in Act 51. After that, the processor 21 proceeds to the processing of Act 53.

[0093] If the second timer T2 times out, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 49. In Act 52, the processor 21 changes the second flag F2 of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the processing of Act 44 from "0" to "1". After that, the processor 21 proceeds to the processing of Act 53. If customer M1 has the scanner 56 read the discount sticker information before the second timer T2 times out, the registered product is discounted according to the discount information on the discount sticker and written to the registration list L1. However, if the second timer T2 times out, the registered product is written to the registration list L1 without being discounted. In other words, the registered product will result in a discount sticker reading error. The second flag F2 will be set to "1" for registered products with a discount sticker reading error.

[0094] In Act 53, the processor 21 checks the restriction flag for the product data. If the restriction flag is "0", meaning the registered product has no age restrictions, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 53. The processor 21 then proceeds to Act 61 in Figure 19.

[0095] If the restriction flag is "1", meaning the registered product is an age-restricted product, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 53. In Act 54, processor 21 changes the third flag F3 of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the processing of Act 44 from "0" to "1". In other words, the third flag F3 becomes "1" for registered products that are age-restricted.

[0096] Processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the age verification image data to the information terminal 50, the source of the product registration command, as Act 55. Processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 in Figure 19. The communication interface 24 transmits the age verification image data via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. Information terminal 50, the source of the product registration command, receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from access point 80.

[0097] When the information terminal 50 receives the image data of the age verification image, the age verification image is displayed on the touch panel 55. The age verification image displays a confirmation button along with a guidance message, for example, "Are you 20 years of age or older?" Customer M1, after confirming the age verification image, touches the confirmation button. The age verification image is then deleted, and the screen on the touch panel 55 returns to the registered image P1.

[0098] If processor 21 fails to receive a response signal indicating a successful response within a certain time period in response to the transmission of a product inquiry command, it proceeds to NO in Act 43. Processor 21 executes virtual product registration processing. For example, the product data record 131R of a registered product may have been deleted from the product database 131. In this case, processor 21 cannot receive a response signal indicating a successful response. As virtual product registration processing, processor 21 adds only the product ID of the registered product to registration list L1. The product name, quantity, and price are not added to registration list L1. In Act 58, processor 21 sets the first flag F1 of the product data to which only the product ID has been added to "1", and sets both the second flag F2 and the third flag F3 to "0". Processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 in Figure 19. The first flag F1 becomes "1" for products registered by the virtual product registration processing.

[0099] In Act 61, the processor 21 creates a registration list image based on the registration list L1 in area A9 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. The registration list image is the image displayed in the registration list area PA1 of the registration image P1. That is, as shown in Figure 28, the registration list image is an image that lists the product names, quantities, and prices of the product data registered in registration list L1. The sorting order is such that newly registered products are placed higher up, that is, in descending order from the largest registration number in registration list L1. The registration number is represented as "No." in Figure 9. The most recently added product data to registration list L1 is distinguishable from other product data by using a different text color or background color. The example in Figure 28 shows the case where the background color is different. A [Cancel] touch button BU3 is displayed for each product data. The [Cancel] touch button BU3 is touched by the customer M1 when they want to cancel the purchase of the corresponding product data midway through shopping. When the [Cancel] touch button BU3 is touched, the number of items and the price of the corresponding product in the registration list area PA1 will become "0". The [Cancel] touch button BU3 will be deleted.

[0100] Processor 21 checks whether promotional information is set in association with the registered product as Act 62. Specifically, Processor 21 examines the Link Promotion ID included in the product data in the response signal of the normal response received in Act 43. If the Link Promotion ID is a Null value, Processor 21 determines that no promotional information is set. If a code is set as the Link Promotion ID, Processor 21 determines that promotional information is set. If no promotional information is set, Processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 62. Processor 21 then proceeds to processing in Act 71.

[0101] If promotional information is set, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 62. Processor 21 searches for promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in information terminal table 221 as Act 63. Processor 21 checks whether the link promotional ID included in the product data is already registered in promotional list L2.

[0102] If the link promotion ID is not registered in the promotion list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 64. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to query the first server 10 for promotion data in Act 65. The communication interface 24 sends a promotion query command. The promotion query command includes the link promotion ID. The promotion query command is sent to the first server 10 via the network 70.

[0103] The processor 11 of the first server 10, upon receiving a promotional inquiry command via the communication interface 14, detects the linked promotional ID from the promotional inquiry command. The processor 11 accesses the promotional database 133 and reads the promotional data record 133R containing the linked promotional ID. If the promotional data record 133R for the said promotional ID is not registered in the promotional database 133, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response without promotion to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response without promotion to the second server 20.

[0104] If the processor 11 can read the corresponding promotional data record 133R from the promotional database 133, it controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response containing the promotional data to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response containing the promotional data to the second server 20.

[0105] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the promotional inquiry command, checks whether it received a normal response containing promotional data as Act 66. If it receives a normal response without promotional data, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 66. The processor 21 then proceeds to processing Act 71.

[0106] If a normal response containing promotional data is received, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 66. Processor 21 increments counter N in area A8 associated with the registered terminal ID in information terminal table 221 by "1" in Act 67. Processor 21 adds data to promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in information terminal table 221 in Act 68. The data consists of the product ID of the registered product, the linked promotional ID associated with that product ID, and the promotional data to which that linked promotional ID is set. The data is added to the area with the same number as counter N.

[0107] If the link promotion ID is already registered in the promotion list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 64. In Act 69, the processor 21 shifts the link promotion ID, along with the promotion data and product ID registered in the promotion list L2 together with this link promotion ID, to the area with the same number as counter N.

[0108] After completing the processing in Act 68 or Act 69, the processor 21, in Act 70, sets the fourth flag F4 of the area with the same number as counter N in the promotional list L2 to "1", and the fourth flag F4 of the areas with other numbers to "0". Then the processor 21 proceeds to Act 71. The fourth flag F4 becomes "1" for the promotional information associated with the newly registered product.

[0109] In Act 71, processor 21 checks whether counter N is counting a value greater than "0". If counter N is "0", processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 71. Processor 21 then proceeds to Act 81 in Figure 20.

[0110] If counter N is greater than "0", processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 71. Processor 21 creates a promotional image in Act 72 based on the promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. Once processor 21 has finished creating the promotional image, it proceeds to Act 81 in Figure 20.

[0111] The promotional image is the image displayed in the promotional list area PA2 of the registered image P1. In other words, as shown in Figure 28, the promotional image is the promotional information generated from the promotional data registered in the promotional list L2, arranged in areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24, respectively. Specifically, the promotional information is displayed in areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 in order from the highest number in the promotional list L2. The promotional information generated from the promotional data where the fourth flag F4 is "1", i.e., the promotional information displayed in area PA21, is distinguishable from the promotional information displayed in the other areas PA22, PA23, and PA24. For example, by making the frame color and background color of area PA21 the same as the text color and background color of the newly added registered product in the registration list area PA1, it can be distinguished from other promotional information. The example in Figure 28 shows the case where the background color is the same as the background color of the newly added registered product. The processor 21 functions as an image generation unit by working in cooperation with the communication interface 24, which is the communication unit, to execute the processing of Acts 61 to 72. The image generation unit generates a registration image P1 in a single screen area, which includes a registration list area PA1 containing an image of the purchased product, and a promotional list area PA2 in which images of promotional information related to the purchased product are arranged according to the registration order of the purchased product. The image generation unit generates a registration image P1 that includes images of promotional information by deleting the image of the oldest promotional information among the images included in the promotional list area PA2 and adding the image of promotional information related to the new purchased product to the promotional area PA21, which is the position of the image of the most recently registered promotional information in the promotional list area PA2. In the example in Figure 28, the number of promotional information images is 4. The processor 21, in cooperation with the communication interface 24, which is the communication unit, executes the processing of Acts 65 to 68. In response to the registration of a new purchased product at the information terminal 50, the processor 21 queries the first server 10, which is a server that stores promotional information related to the purchased product, for promotional information related to the product, retrieves the promotional information from the server 10, and adds it to the second table reserved in the main memory 22, which is the storage unit. The second table may be a promotional list L2 reserved in the information terminal table 221 reserved in the main memory 22, which describes the retrieved promotional information for each information terminal 50. The processor 21 functions as a control unit that, by executing the processes of Act 67 and Act 69, describes promotional information related to the purchased product in the second table allocated in main memory 22, associating it with information indicating the storage order of the promotional information. By executing the processes of Act 64 and Act 69, the processor 21 functions as a control unit that, when a new purchased item is registered at the information terminal 50, reassociates the relevant promotional information in the second table of the main memory 22 with information indicating the latest storage order, if the promotional information related to the purchased item is already stored in the second table of the main memory 22.

[0112] In Act 81, the processor 21 determines whether the shopping list L3 is stored in area A11 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. If the shopping list L3 is not stored, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 81. The processor 21 then proceeds to Act 86.

[0113] If shopping list L3 is saved, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 81. Processor 21 searches for shopping list L3 in Act 82. Processor 21 checks in Act 83 whether the registered product is included in shopping list L3. That is, processor 21 checks whether a name matching the product name or category name of the registered product exists in shopping list L3. If no matching name exists, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 83. Processor 21 proceeds to Act 85.

[0114] If a matching name exists, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 83. Processor 21 changes the fifth flag F5 corresponding to the matching name in shopping list L3 from "0" to "1" in Act 84. After that, processor 21 proceeds to Act 85. The fifth flag F5 becomes "1" for the names of registered products among the names described in shopping list L3.

[0115] In Act 85, processor 21 creates a shopping list image using the information from shopping list L3. Once processor 21 has finished creating the shopping list image, it proceeds to Act 86.

[0116] The shopping memo image is the image displayed in the shopping memo area PA3 of the registered image P1. That is, as shown in Figure 28, the processor 21 forms the shopping memo image by arranging the names registered in the shopping list L3 in order from top to bottom of the screen. The processor 21 erases names where the fifth flag F5 is "1". For example, the processor 21 erases names where the fifth flag F5 is "1" by drawing a strikethrough line through them. Alternatively, the processor 21 erases names where the fifth flag F5 is "1" by making the character density of those names lighter compared to other names.

[0117] In Act 86, the processor 21 edits the registered image P1. Specifically, the processor 21 edits the registered image P1 so that the registered list image created in Act 61, the promotional image created in Act 72, and the shopping memo image created in Act 85 are displayed in areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively.

[0118] The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the registration image P1 as Act 87 to the information terminal 50, the source of the product registration command. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the registration image P1, edited by Act 86, via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50, the source of the product registration command, receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0119] The processor 21 functions as an output unit that, through the processing of Act 87, works in cooperation with the communication interface 24 to output the registered image P1 to the information terminal 50.

[0120] The processor 21, which controlled the transmission of the registered image P1, starts the counting operation of the third timer T3 associated with the registered terminal information ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 88. If the third timer T3 has already started, the processor 21 restarts the third timer T3. With this, the processor 21 terminates the product registration interrupt processing.

[0121] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16. In Act 8, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the product registration command, returns to Act 5. That is, the processor 51 updates the registration image P1 displayed on the touch panel 55 based on the image data newly received from the second server 20.

[0122] The product name, quantity, and price of the item registered by customer M1 are added to the registration list area PA1. If the registered product already exists in the shopping list L3, its name is removed from the shopping memo area PA3. If promotional information is associated with the registered product, a promotional image based on that information is displayed in the promotional area PA21 of the promotional list area PA2. If other promotional information is already displayed in promotional areas PA21-PA23, it is shifted sequentially to the promotional areas PA22-PA24 on the right, and the promotional information previously displayed in promotional area PA24 is removed. However, if the promotional information for the registered product is already displayed in promotional area PA21, the promotional image does not change. If the promotional information for the registered product was displayed in promotional area PA22, for example, that promotional information moves to promotional area PA21, and the promotional information previously displayed in promotional area PA22 shifts back to promotional area PA22. The same applies if the promotional information for the registered product is displayed in other promotional areas PA23 or PA24.

[0123] Processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 6 each time a product is registered. Processor 51 then repeats the processing in Act 8 and Act 5.

[0124] Incidentally, for products registered through the virtual product registration process, the first flag F1 is set to "1". For registered products with the first flag F1 set to "1", the name becomes "Product Registration Error", as shown in the display example PR1 in Figure 29. Instead of the points and amount, the guidance "An attendant will verify at checkout" is displayed. An icon IC1 indicating that product registration is an error is displayed.

[0125] For registered items with a discount sticker reading error, the second flag F2 is set to "1". For registered items with the second flag F2 set to "1", the name becomes "Discount Sticker Error", as shown in the display example PR2 in Figure 29. Instead of the points and amount, the guidance "An attendant will check at checkout" is displayed. The icon IC2 indicating a discount sticker error is displayed.

[0126] For registered products with age restrictions, the third flag F3 is set to "1". For registered products with the third flag F3 set to "1", an icon IC3 indicating that it is an age-restricted product is displayed, as shown in the display example PR3 in Figure 29.

[0127] For items that have been instructed to be canceled by touching the [Cancel] touch button BU3, the points and amount do not need to be set to "0" in the registration list area PA1. As shown in the display example PR4 in Figure 29, a strikethrough may be displayed on the product name, points, and price, and the [Cancel] touch button BU3 may be erased. As shown in Figure 29, the sorting order of error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error" may be changed so that they are positioned higher in the registration list area PA1. Error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error" may also be left in their original sorting order, with newly registered items appearing higher, to serve as a reference for customer M1 searching for the corresponding product in the shopping cart BA. To make the position of the rows for error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error" easier to understand, the background color of the position corresponding to the row of the error item on the scroll bar at the right end of Figure 29 may be different from the background color of the position that does not correspond to the error item.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16. If the [Accounting] touch button BU2 is pressed while in the waiting state of Act 6 and Act 7, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 7. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 54 to send an accounting command to the second server 20 as Act 9. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the accounting command. The accounting command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50.

[0129] Upon receiving an accounting command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the accounting interrupt processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 21. First, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 using the terminal ID included in the accounting command as Act 101. In the following description, the terminal ID included in the accounting command will be referred to as the accounting terminal ID. The processor 21 checks whether there is any data in the registration list L1 within area A9 associated with the accounting terminal ID in which the first flag F1 is set to "1".

[0130] If no data exists with the first flag F1 set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 101. In Act 102, the processor 21 checks whether or not data exists in the same registration list L1 with the second flag F2 set to "1".

[0131] If no data exists with the second flag F2 set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 102. The processor 21 controls the communication interface to send an approval response to the information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command as Act 103. Furthermore, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the image data of the shopping bag confirmation image P3 shown in Figure 31 to the same information terminal 50 as Act 104. The communication interface 24 transmits the approval response signal and the image data of the shopping bag confirmation image P3 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0132] In Act 101, if there is data in the registration list L1 with the first flag F1 set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to YES and proceeds to the processing of Act 111. In Act 102, if there is data with the second flag F2 set to "1", the processor 21 also proceeds to YES and proceeds to the processing of Act 111. The processor 21 controls the communication interface to send a denial response to the information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command as Act 111. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the image data of the staff confirmation image P2 shown in Figure 30 to the same information terminal 50 as Act 112. The communication interface 24 transmits the denial response signal and the image data of the staff confirmation image P2 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits the response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the accounting command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0133] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16. In Act 9, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50 that controlled the transmission of the accounting command waits for a response signal from the second server 20 as Act 10. If a denial response signal is received via the wireless unit 64, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 10. In Act 11, the processor 51 displays the staff confirmation image P2 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received along with the response signal.

[0134] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the display of the staff confirmation image P2. As shown in Figure 30, the staff confirmation image P2 includes a [Yes] touch button BU4 along with guidance GA1 that notifies the customer that staff confirmation is required because there was an error in the self-service product registration. After confirming the staff confirmation image P2, customer M1 goes to the attendant counter AT and reports to attendant M3.

[0135] Upon receiving a request from customer M1, attendant M3 performs an operation to delete the data of the product for which the first flag F1 is "1" or the second flag F2 is "1" from the registration list L1. This operation may be performed from the monitoring terminal 60, from the information terminal 50, from the accounting machine 40, or by connecting other computer equipment to the network 70.

[0136] If the data for a product where the first flag F1 is "1" or the second flag F2 is "1" is deleted from the registration list L1, customer M1 touches the [Yes] touch button BU4.

[0137] The processor 51, which controls the display of the staff confirmation image P2, waits for the confirmation operation to be performed as Act 12. If the processor 51 detects that the [Yes] touch button BU4, which is the confirmation operation, has been touched, it proceeds to YES in Act 12. The processor 51 returns to Act 5. That is, the processor 51 returns the screen of the touch panel 55 to the registered image P1.

[0138] After confirming that the touch panel 55 screen has returned to registered image P1, customer M1 touches the [Checkout] touch button BU2 again. As a result, the processor 21 of the second server 20 receives NO in Act 101 and NO in Act 102 in Figure 21, and executes the processes of Act 103 and Act 104. Consequently, the information terminal 50 receives the approval response signal and the image data of the shopping bag confirmation image P3.

[0139] Upon receiving an acknowledgment response signal via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 10. In Act 13, the processor 51 displays the shopping bag confirmation image P3 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received along with the response signal.

[0140] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the display of the shopping bag confirmation image P3. As shown in Figure 31, the shopping bag confirmation image P3 includes a guidance GA2 that asks whether or not to purchase a shopping bag, along with a [Yes] touch button BU5 and a [No] touch button BU6. After viewing the shopping bag confirmation image P3, customer M1 touches the touch button BU5 if they wish to purchase a shopping bag, goes to the attendant counter AT, and receives the shopping bag. If they do not wish to purchase a shopping bag, customer M1 touches the touch button BU6 and does not receive a shopping bag.

[0141] The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to send the shopping bag information to the second server 20 as Act 14. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the shopping bag information. The shopping bag information is information indicating the purchase of a shopping bag if the [Yes] touch button BU5 is touched in the shopping bag confirmation image P3, and information indicating that a shopping bag will not be purchased if the [No] touch button BU6 is touched.

[0142] In Act 104 of Figure 21, the processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the shopping bag confirmation image P3, waits for shopping bag information as Act 105. If it receives shopping bag information indicating the purchase of a shopping bag, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 105. The processor 21 adds the shopping bag sales data to the registration list L1 as Act 106. If it receives shopping bag information indicating that a shopping bag was not purchased, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 105. The processor 21 skips the processing of Act 106.

[0143] If the price of shopping bags is fixed, the sales data for shopping bags only needs to be pre-configured. If the price of shopping bags varies depending on the size, etc., the barcode of the shopping bag is scanned with scanner 56 when the customer receives the bag. When the barcode of the shopping bag is scanned, the sales data for the shopping bag is added to the registration list L1 in the same procedure as for regular product registration.

[0144] Processor 21 issues a new accounting code as Act107. The accounting code is unique, for example, a combination of a date and a series of transaction numbers, and does not overlap with other accounting codes. Processor 21 stores the member code in area A12 of the information terminal table 221, which is associated with the accounting terminal ID.

[0145] The processor 21 converts the accounting code into a barcode as Act 108 to create the accounting barcode image P4 shown in Figure 32. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the accounting barcode image P4 to the information terminal 50, the source of the accounting command, as Act 109. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the accounting barcode image P4 via the network 70. The access point 80 transmits this image data wirelessly. The information terminal 50, the source of the accounting command, receives the image data transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80.

[0146] The processor 21, which controls the transmission of the image data of the accounting barcode image P4, changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "Registering" to "Accounting" as Act 110. After completing the process of Act 110, or after completing the process of Act 112 described above, the processor 21 stops the count operation of the third timer T3 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 113. With this, the processor 21 terminates the accounting interrupt processing.

[0147] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16. In Act 14, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50 that transmitted the shopping bag information waits for the accounting barcode image P4 in Act 15. Upon receiving the image data of the accounting barcode image P4 via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 15. In Act 16, the processor 51 displays the accounting barcode image P4 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data. With this, the processor 51 finishes the post-login processing.

[0148] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram showing one example of how the accounting barcode image P4 is displayed. As shown in Figure 32, the accounting barcode image P4 includes barcode BC, which represents the accounting code. After confirming the accounting barcode image P4, customer M1 proceeds to an available checkout machine 40 of the self-checkout register G2 and uses the scanner connected to the checkout machine 40 to read barcode BC of the accounting barcode image P4.

[0149] When the scanner of the accounting machine 40 reads barcode BC, the accounting machine 40 sends an accounting request command, which includes the accounting code obtained from the barcode BC and the accounting machine's unique accounting machine ID, to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0150] Upon receiving the accounting request command, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the accounting request interrupt processing shown in Figure 22. First, the processor 21 detects the accounting code included in the accounting request command as Act121. As Act122, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12. In the following description, the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12 will be referred to as the accounting request terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is anything other than "Accounting in Progress", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act122. The processor 21 terminates this interrupt processing as an error.

[0151] If terminal status ST1 is "Accounting," processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 122. Processor 21 saves the accounting machine ID included in the accounting request command to area A4 of the information terminal table 221 associated with the accounting request terminal ID in Act 123. Processor 21 controls the sending of registration list L1, stored in area A9 of the information terminal table 221 associated with the accounting request terminal ID, to accounting machine 40, the source of the accounting request command, in Act 124. Processor 21 then searches accounting machine table 222 in Act 125 and sets accounting machine status ST2 corresponding to the accounting machine ID included in the accounting request command to "Paying." With this, processor 21 terminates the accounting request interrupt processing.

[0152] The communication interface 24 transmits the data from registration list L1 to the accounting machine 40 via the network 70. The accounting machine 40 is then able to perform accounting processing based on the data from registration list L1. Customer M1 pays the accounting machine 40 the settlement amount calculated based on the data from registration list L1. Once the accounting processing is complete, the accounting machine 40 transmits an accounting completion command, which includes the same accounting code and accounting machine ID as the accounting request command, to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0153] Upon receiving the accounting completion command, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the accounting completion interrupt processing shown in Figure 23. First, the processor 21 detects the accounting code included in the accounting completion command as Act 131. As Act 132, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12. In the following explanation, the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in area A12 will be referred to as the accounting completion terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is anything other than "Accounting in Progress", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 132. The processor 21 terminates this interrupt processing as an error.

[0154] If terminal status ST1 is "Checking," processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 132. Processor 21 searches the accounting machine table 222 in Act 133 and sets the accounting machine status ST2 corresponding to the accounting machine ID included in the checkout completion command to "Idle." Processor 21 searches the shopping list L3 in area A11 associated with the checkout completion terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 in Act 134. Processor 21 determines in Act 135 whether there is any data with the fifth flag set to "1." If there is data with the fifth flag set to "1" in shopping list L3, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 135. Processor 21 edits shopping list L3 in Act 136. That is, processor 21 deletes data with the fifth flag F5 set from shopping list L3. If there is no data with the fifth flag set to "1" in shopping list L3, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 135. Processor 21 does not execute Act 136.

[0155] Subsequently, the processor 21 controls the transmission of member data to the first server 10 as Act 137. The member data includes the member ID in area A3 associated with the accounting completion terminal ID in the information terminal table 221, the registration list L1 in area A9, and the shopping list L3 in area A11.

[0156] The processor 11 of the first server 10, upon receiving the accounting data, adds the data from registration list L1 included in the accounting data to the purchase history data in the member database 132, which is identified by the member ID included in the accounting data. The processor 11 then changes the shopping data in the member database 132 to the data from shopping list L3 included in the accounting data.

[0157] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controls the transmission of accounting data, initializes the information associated with the accounting completion terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 138. Specifically, the processor 21 clears the member ID in area A3, the accounting machine ID in area A4, the registration list L1 in area A9, the promotional list L2 in area A10, the shopping list L3 in area A11, and the accounting code in area A12. The processor 21 resets the values ​​of the first timer T1 in area A5, the second timer T2 in area A6, and the third timer T3 in area A9 to "0". Furthermore, the processor 21 resets the value of counter N in area A8 to "0".

[0158] Subsequently, as Act139, processor 21 changes the status ST1 associated with the accounting completion terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "Accounting" to "Waiting". With this, processor 21 terminates the accounting completion interrupt processing.

[0159] Incidentally, customer M1, who has self-registered using the information terminal 50 located on cart C, can also complete payment at the counter register G1. When payment is made at the counter register G1, cashier M2 inputs the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 into the POS terminal 30. For example, the information terminal 50 has a barcode indicating the terminal ID. Cashier M2 inputs the terminal ID by scanning the barcode with a scanner. Alternatively, the information terminal 50 has an RFID tag that wirelessly transmits the terminal ID. Cashier M2 inputs the terminal ID by reading the data from the RFID tag with an RFID reader connected to the POS terminal 30.

[0160] When a terminal ID is entered, a face-to-face payment command is sent from the POS terminal 30 to the second server 20 via the network 70. The face-to-face payment command includes the terminal ID entered in the POS terminal 30.

[0161] Upon receiving the face-to-face accounting command, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the face-to-face accounting interrupt processing shown in Figure 24. First, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID included in the face-to-face accounting command as Act 141. The processor 21 then checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID included in the face-to-face accounting command in the information terminal table 221 as Act 142. In the following description, the terminal ID included in the face-to-face accounting command in the information terminal table 221 will be referred to as the face-to-face terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is "waiting", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 142. The processor 21 then terminates the face-to-face accounting interrupt processing.

[0162] If the terminal status ST1 is anything other than "Waiting", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 142. In Act 143, the processor 21 initializes the information associated with the face-to-face terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as described above. Then, in Act 144, the processor 21 changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the face-to-face terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 to "Waiting". With this, the processor 21 terminates the face-to-face accounting interrupt processing.

[0163] The terminal status ST1 being "waiting" means that customer M1 has not logged into information terminal 50. In other words, customer M1 has completed payment at the counter register G1 without performing self-registration. In this case, even if the terminal ID of information terminal 50 is entered into POS terminal 30, the processor 21 of the second server 20 will not execute Act143 and Act144.

[0164] If the terminal status ST1 is, for example, "Registering," it means that customer M1, who logged into the information terminal 50, has completed payment at the counter register G1. In this case, the member ID is written in area A3 of the information terminal table 221, which is associated with the terminal ID of the information terminal 50. If customer M1 has registered shopping data, the shopping list L3 is stored in area A11. If customer M1 has performed self-registration, the registration list L1 and the promotional list L2 are stored in areas A9 and A10, respectively. The information terminal 50 cannot be used until these areas are initialized and the terminal status ST1 is returned to "Waiting." By executing the processes of Act 143 and Act 144, the processor 21 can restore the information terminal 50 that customer M1 was using, which switched from self-registration to the counter register G1, to a usable state.

[0165] By the way, when a customer pays at the counter register G1, the store clerk M2 may forget to enter the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 into the POS terminal 30. If the terminal ID is not entered, data related to the information terminal 50 remains in the information terminal table 221 even after the payment is completed. The terminal status ST associated with the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 is "Registering". As a result, the next customer cannot log in to the information terminal 50, and the shopping cart C is left unattended.

[0166] The third timer T3 restarts each time the processor 21 of the second server 20 executes a product registration interrupt process. When the processor 21 executes an accounting interrupt process, the third timer T3 stops. In other words, if the processor 21 executes a product registration interrupt process in response to a product registration command and does not receive the next product registration command or accounting command from the information terminal 50 that sent the product registration command, the third timer T3 corresponding to the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 continues to count up.

[0167] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the timer monitoring process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. The processor 21 starts this timer monitoring process, for example, at 1-minute intervals. Specifically, the processor 21 checks the timing of the third timer T3 as Act 151. The processor 21 determines, as Act 152, whether or not there is a third timer T3 that has timed to a pre-set first threshold time TM1, for example, 5 minutes. If the timing of the third timer T3 associated with all terminal IDs is less than the first threshold time TM1, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 152. The processor 21 terminates the timer monitoring process.

[0168] If the timing time of at least one third timer T3 is equal to or greater than the first threshold time TM1, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 152. In Act 153, the processor 21 checks the terminal status ST1 corresponding to the third timer T3 that has timed the first threshold time TM1. If the terminal status ST1 is "Registering", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 153. In Act 154, the processor 21 changes the terminal status ST1 from "Registering" to "Leave". If the terminal status ST1 is anything other than "Registering", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 153. The processor 21 does not execute the process in Act 154. With this, the processor 21 terminates the timer monitoring process.

[0169] As described above, the information terminal 50 located in the abandoned shopping cart C is managed in the information terminal table 221 with terminal status ST1 set to "abandoned". The member ID is written in area A3 of the information terminal table 221, which is associated with the terminal ID with terminal status ST1 set to "abandoned". If the customer has registered shopping data, the shopping list L3 is stored in area A11. If the customer has self-registered, the registration list L1 and the promotional list L2 are stored in areas A9 and A10, respectively. As mentioned above, the information terminal 50 cannot be used unless these areas are initialized and the terminal status ST1 is returned to "waiting".

[0170] In this embodiment, the data in the information terminal table 221 of the information terminal 50 installed on the abandoned cart C can be initialized by remote operation from the monitoring terminal 60. Next, the operation of the monitoring terminal 60 will be described.

[0171] Figure 33 shows an example of a monitoring image P11 displayed on the touch panel 65, which is the display device of the monitoring terminal 60. This example is for a case where there are three accounting machines 40.

[0172] The monitoring image P11 has a total of 15 status display units (T1) to (T15) arranged in a 5x3 matrix. The three status display units (T1) to (T3) in the first row to third row of the first column are accounting machine status display units Ta that display the status of the accounting machine 40. The status display units (T4) and (T5) in the fourth and fifth rows of the first column, and the status display units (T4) to (T15) in the second and third columns are terminal status display units Tb that display the status of the information terminal 50.

[0173] For example, the status display units (T1) to (T15) have the same shape, size, background color, etc. In this regard, differentiation may be achieved by making at least some aspects of the shape, size, background color, etc., different between, for example, the accounting machine status display unit Ta and the terminal status display unit Tb.

[0174] In addition, the monitoring image P11 includes touch buttons BU11 for [Operating], BU12 for [Standby], BU13 for [All Units], a layout button BU14 for the monitoring image, and a layout button BU15 for the detailed image. The arrangement and number of status display units in the monitoring image P11 shown in Figure 33 are merely examples. Needless to say, these can be changed as appropriate depending on the screen size of the touch panel 65, the number of accounting machines 40 and information terminals 50, etc.

[0175] Figure 34 shows an example of the accounting machine status display unit Ta. The accounting machine status display unit Ta consists of a first area Ta1 on the left side of the screen and a second area Ta2 on the right side of the screen. The first area Ta1 displays the accounting machine ID of accounting machine 40. In Figure 34, the accounting machine ID is "Q1". In Figure 33, the accounting machine IDs are "Q1", "Q2", and "Q3". The second area Ta2 displays the status of accounting machine 40. Specifically, the second area Ta2 displays whether accounting machine 40 is [idle] before accounting processing or [paying] while accounting processing is being performed. This status display is based on the accounting machine status ST2 in the accounting machine table 222. Incidentally, Figure 34 shows that accounting machine 40 is [idle].

[0176] The second area Ta2 displays mark MC1, which lights up when an error occurs in the printer of the accounting machine 40, and mark MC2, which lights up when an error occurs in the change dispenser. Mark MC1 lights up when the first error flag EF1 of the accounting machine table 222 becomes "1". Mark MC2 lights up when the second error flag EF2 of the accounting machine table 222 becomes "1".

[0177] Figures [A] to [E] in Figure 35 show examples of the terminal status display unit Tb. The terminal status display unit Tb consists of a first area Tb1 on the left side of the screen and a second area Tb2 on the right side of the screen. The second area Tb2 displays the status of the information terminal 50. Specifically, the second area Tb2 displays whether the information terminal 50 is [standby], [registering], [paying], or [left idle]. This status display is based on the terminal status ST1 in the information terminal table 221. For example, the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [A] of Figure 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [standby]. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [B] and [C] of Figure 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [registering]. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [D] of Figure 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [paying]. The terminal status display unit Tb shown in [E] of Figure 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is in the [Idle] state.

[0178] The second area Tb2 displays mark MC3, which lights up when a product with a "product registration error" is registered in registration list L1; mark MC4, which lights up when a product with a "discount sticker error" is registered; and mark MC5, which lights up when a product with an age restriction is registered. Mark MC3 lights up when there is data in registration list L1 where the first flag F1 is "1". Mark MC4 lights up when there is data in registration list L1 where the second flag F2 is "1". Mark MC5 lights up when there is data in registration list L1 where the third flag F3 is "1".

[0179] The first area Tb1 is an area that allows the status of the information terminal 50 to be identified by color, etc. When the terminal is in a normal state with no errors, such as [Standby], [Registering], or [Accounting], the background color of the first area Tb1 is, for example, blue. In the example of Figure 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [A] and [D] is blue. When the terminal is in the [Accounting] state, the first area Tb1 displays the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 40 that is performing the accounting process. In the example of Figure 35, the accounting machine ID is displayed in the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [D]. When the terminal is in the [Registering] state, if an age-restricted product has been registered and a warning is needed for the staff, the background color of the first area Tb1 is set to a color that encourages warning, such as yellow. In the example of Figure 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [B] is yellow. In the [Registering] state, if staff intervention is required for accounting due to an error such as a "product registration error" or "discount sticker error," the background color of the first area Tb1 will be changed to a warning color, such as red. In the example in Figure 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [C] is red. In the [Idle] state, the background color of the first area Tb1 will be changed to a different warning color, such as black. The second area Tb2 will display the mark MC6, which indicates that the device is in an idle state. In the example in Figure 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [E] is black, and the mark MC6 is displayed in the second area Tb2.

[0180] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating a monitoring image executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. The processor 21 starts this monitoring image creation process, for example, at 10-second intervals. First, as Act 161, the processor 21 selects an information terminal 50 from the information terminal table 221 whose terminal status ST1 is "Accounting". As Act 162, the processor 21 assigns ranks from 1st to ath to the selected information terminal 50 in descending order of the count value of the first timer T1, and stores these ranks in area A13 of the information terminal table 221. Rank a corresponds to the number of information terminals 50 with "Accounting". If there are no information terminals 50 with terminal status ST1 "Accounting", the processor 21 does not execute the process of Act 162.

[0181] Processor 21, as Act 163, selects an information terminal 50 from the information terminal table 221 whose terminal status ST1 is "Registering". Processor 21, as Act 164, calculates the remaining points in shopping list L3 for each selected information terminal 50. The remaining points are the number of names registered in shopping list L3 minus the names for which the 5th flag F5 is "1". If shopping list L3 is not saved, the remaining points are set to a default value, for example, "100". Processor 21, as Act 165, assigns ranks from a+1 to a+b to the selected information terminals 50 in descending order of remaining points, and stores these ranks in area A13 of the information terminal table 221. Rank b corresponds to the number of information terminals 50 that are "Registering". Processor 21, as Act 166, determines whether there are other information terminals 50 with the same remaining points. If at least two customers who have not registered their shopping data in advance are logged in, there will be multiple information terminals 50 with a remaining score of "100". If there are multiple information terminals 50 with the same remaining score, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 166. In Act 167, the processor 21 sets the order in descending order of the count value of the first timer T1. If there are no information terminals 50 with terminal status ST1 set to "Registering", the processor 21 does not execute the processes in Acts 164 through 167.

[0182] Processor 21 selects an information terminal 50 with terminal status ST1 of "inactive" from the information terminal table 221 as Act 168. Processor 21 assigns ranks to the selected information terminal 50 from a+b+1 to a+b+c in order of the terminal IDs set in the information terminal table 221, and stores these ranks in area A13 of the information terminal table 221. Rank c corresponds to the number of information terminals 50 with "inactive" status. If there are no information terminals 50 with terminal status ST1 of "inactive", Processor 21 does not execute the process of Act 169.

[0183] Processor 21 selects an information terminal 50 with terminal status ST1 set to "Waiting" from the information terminal table 221 as Act170. Processor 21 assigns ranks to the selected information terminal 50 from a+b+c+1 to a+b+c+d in the order of the terminal IDs set in the information terminal table 221, and stores these ranks in area A13 of the information terminal table 221. Rank d corresponds to the number of information terminals 50 with terminal status ST1 set to "Waiting". If there are no information terminals 50 with terminal status ST1 set to "Waiting", Processor 21 does not execute the process of Act171.

[0184] The processor 21 generates a monitoring image P11 as Act 172 based on the data from the information terminal table 221 and the accounting machine table 222. Specifically, the processor 21 creates an accounting machine status display unit Ta for each accounting machine 40 based on the accounting machine ID, accounting machine status ST2, first error flag EF1, and second error flag EF2 from the accounting machine table 222. The processor 21 places the accounting machine status display unit Ta of each accounting machine 40 in the status display unit (T1), status display unit (T2), and status display unit (T3) of the monitoring image P11.

[0185] The processor 21 creates a terminal status display unit Tb for each information terminal 50 based on the terminal ID, terminal status ST1, and the first to third flags F1 to F3 of the registration list A9 in the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 selects the terminal status display unit Tb for each information terminal 50 ranked from 1st to 12th and places them in order from 1st to 12th in the status display units (T4) to (T15).

[0186] Once the processor 21 has created the monitoring image P11, it controls the communication interface 24, which is the communication unit, to send the monitoring image P11 to the monitoring terminal 60 as Act 173. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the monitoring image P11 via the network 70. The access point 80 transmits this image data wirelessly. The monitoring terminal 60 receives the image data transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80. The touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 displays the monitoring image P11 shown in Figure 33.

[0187] If the [In Operation] touch button BU11 on the monitoring image P11 is touched, the processor 21 executes a monitoring image creation process that omits the processes of Act161 and Act162 and Act170 and Act171 in Figure 26. The monitoring image P11 is narrowed down to show only the terminal status display unit Tb indicating the status of the information terminal 50 as [Accounting], [Registering], or [Idle]. If the [Standby] touch button BU12 is touched, the processor 21 executes a monitoring image creation process that omits the processes of Act161 to Act169 in Figure 26. The monitoring image P11 is narrowed down to show only the terminal status display unit Tb indicating the status of the information terminal 50 as [Standby].

[0188] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 33, the monitoring image P11 includes the page-turning touch button BU16. The accounting machine status display unit Ta and the terminal status display unit Tb are touch buttons.

[0189] As shown in Figure 26, after controlling the transmission of the monitoring image, the processor 21 of the second server 20 checks whether the page-turning touch button BU16 has been touched as Act 174. If the touch button BU16 has not been touched, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 174. The processor 21 checks whether the accounting machine status display unit Ta or the terminal status display unit Tb has been touched as Act 175. If the accounting machine status display unit Ta or the terminal status display unit Tb has not been touched, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 174. The processor 21 checks whether a timer interrupt signal has been detected as Act 176. If no timer interrupt signal has been detected, the processor 21 returns to Act 174. In other words, the processor 21 waits for the page-turning touch button BU16 to be touched, the accounting machine status display unit Ta or the terminal status display unit Tb to be touched, or for a timer interrupt signal to be detected.

[0190] If a timer interrupt signal is detected, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 176. The processor 21 then repeats the processing from Act 161.

[0191] When the page-turning touch button BU16 is touched, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 174. The processor 21 returns to Act 172. That is, the processor 21 recreates the monitoring image P11. For example, the processor 21 creates a monitoring image P11 in which each status display unit (T1) to (T15) is a terminal status display unit Tb with ranks from 13th to 27th. When attendant M3 touches the page-turning touch button BU16, each status display unit (T1) to (T15) displays terminal status display units Tb2 with ranks from 13th to 27th.

[0192] The patterns of the monitoring image P11 created by the processor 21 when the page-turning touch button BU16 is operated are not limited to those described above. For example, the status display units (T1) to (T3) on which the accounting machine status display unit Ta is located may be fixed, and a monitoring image P11 may be created in which terminal status display units Tb2 with ranks from 13th to 24th are placed in the remaining status display units (T4) to (T15).

[0193] If the accounting machine status display unit Ta or the terminal status display unit Tb is touched, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 175. The processor 21 obtains the registration list L1 as Act 177. For example, if the accounting machine status display unit Ta of accounting machine 40 whose status is [Paying] is touched, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and obtains the registration list L1 associated with the accounting machine ID of accounting machine 40 and the terminal ID described in area A4. If the terminal status display unit Tb of information terminal 50 whose status is [Registering] is touched, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and obtains the registration list L1 associated with the terminal ID of information terminal 50.

[0194] Once the registration list L1 is obtained, the processor 21 returns to Act 172 and creates the monitoring image P11 again. Specifically, the processor 21 creates a monitoring image P11 that includes the touched accounting machine status display unit Ta or terminal status display unit Tb, and a detailed image showing the contents of the registration list L1 obtained in the processing of Act 177, such as product name, points, amount, etc. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the monitoring image P11 to the monitoring terminal 60 as Act 173.

[0195] Attendant M3 can, for example, by touching the accounting machine status display unit Ta, check the information of the purchased items of customer M1 who is paying at accounting machine 40 whose status is displayed on the accounting machine status display unit Ta. Attendant M3 can, for example, by touching the terminal status display unit Tb where mark MC5 is lit and the first area Tb1 is yellow, check the information of the purchased items of customer M1 who is purchasing an age-restricted product. Attendant M3 can, for example, by touching the terminal status display unit Tb where mark MC3 or mark MC4 is lit and the first area Tb1 is red, check the information of the purchased items of customer M1 who is experiencing a "product registration error" or "discount sticker error".

[0196] If the transmission of the monitoring image P11, which includes detailed images, is controlled in Act 173, the processor 21 ignores the timer interrupt in Act 176. For example, upon detecting that the layout button BU14 for the monitoring image has been touched, the processor 21 returns to processing in Act 161.

[0197] Figure 36 is an example of a monitoring image P11 when the terminal status display unit Tb, which indicates the [Idle] state, is touched. As shown in Figure 36, the monitoring image P11 includes the touched status display unit Tb, a detailed image P111 of the product name, quantity, amount, etc. of the product registered on the information terminal 50 whose status is displayed on the status display unit Tb, and the [Batch Cancel] touch button BU17. When the terminal status display unit Tb, which indicates the [Registering] state, is touched, the detailed image P111 is displayed, but the [Batch Cancel] touch button BU17 is not displayed.

[0198] As mentioned above, information terminal 50, whose terminal status ST1 is managed as "inactive," cannot be used unless the information in the information terminal table 221 is initialized. When attendant M3 finds the terminal status display unit Tb shown in [E] of Figure 35, she touches the terminal status display unit Tb. When the terminal status display unit Tb is touched, the monitoring image P11 in Figure 36 is displayed. Attendant M3 touches the [Cancel All] touch button BU17.

[0199] When the processor 61 of the monitoring terminal 60 detects that the [Batch Cancel] touch button BU17 has been touched, it controls the wireless unit 64 to send a batch cancel command to the second server 20. The wireless unit 64 wirelessly transmits the batch cancel command. The batch cancel command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 assigned to the terminal status display unit Tb that was touched. The batch cancel command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0200] Upon receiving a batch cancellation command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 initiates the batch cancellation interrupt process shown in the flowchart in Figure 27. First, as Act 181, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID from the batch cancellation command. As Act 182, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID detected from the batch cancellation command. In the following description, the terminal ID detected from the batch cancellation command will be referred to as the cancellation terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is anything other than "inactive", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 182. The processor 21 terminates the batch cancellation interrupt process.

[0201] If the terminal status ST1 is "inactive", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 182. In Act 183, the processor 21 checks whether the third timer T3 associated with the cancellation terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 has elapsed a second threshold time TM2, which is longer than the first threshold time TM1, for example, 15 minutes. If the third timer T3 has elapsed the second threshold time TM2, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 183. The processor 21 then proceeds to the processing in Act 186.

[0202] If the third timer T3 has not reached the second threshold time TM2, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 183. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the image data of the cancellation confirmation image P12 shown in Figure 37 to the monitoring terminal 60. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the cancellation confirmation image P12 via the network 70. The access point 80 transmits this image data wirelessly. The monitoring terminal 60 receives the image data transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80. The monitoring terminal 60 displays the cancellation confirmation image P12 on the touch panel 65.

[0203] Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the display of the cancellation confirmation image P12. As shown in Figure 37, the cancellation confirmation image P12 includes a [Yes] touch button BU21 and a [No] touch button BU22, along with guidance GA3 that asks whether or not to perform a bulk cancellation. After reviewing the cancellation confirmation image P12, attendant M3 confirms again whether or not to allow the bulk cancellation. If the bulk cancellation is allowed, attendant M3 touches the touch button BU21. If the bulk cancellation is to be canceled, attendant M3 touches the touch button BU22.

[0204] The processor 21, which controls the transmission of the image data for the cancellation confirmation image P12, waits for an instruction input as Act 185 to determine whether or not to perform a batch cancellation. If the processor 21 detects that the [Do not cancel] touch button BU22 on the cancellation confirmation image P12 has been touched, it proceeds to NO in Act 185. The processor 21 then terminates this batch cancellation interrupt process.

[0205] If the processor 21 detects that the [Do] touch button BU22 on the cancellation confirmation image P12 has been touched, it proceeds to YES in Act 185. The processor 21 then proceeds to the processing in Act 186.

[0206] In Act 186, processor 21 initializes the information associated with the cancellation terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. Specifically, processor 21 clears the member ID in area A3, the accounting machine ID in area A4, the registration list L1 in area A9, the promotional list L2 in area A10, the shopping list L3 in area A11, and the accounting code in area A12. Processor 21 resets the values ​​of the first timer T1 in area A5, the second timer T2 in area A6, and the third timer T3 in area A9 to "0". Furthermore, processor 21 resets the value of counter N in area A8 to "0".

[0207] Subsequently, as Act187, processor 21 changes the status ST1 associated with the cancellation terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "Idle" to "Waiting". With this, processor 21 terminates the batch cancellation interrupt processing.

[0208] When the batch cancellation interrupt process is executed, the data in the information terminal table 221 relating to information terminal 50, whose terminal status ST1 was "inactive," is initialized. After the data in the information terminal table 221 is initialized, information terminal 50 becomes available for use as a self-registration terminal.

[0209] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, the second server 20 describes the information of purchased products registered by the information terminal 50 as a registration list L1 in the information terminal table 221 and stores it in the main memory 22 for each information terminal. The second server 20 describes the promotional information associated with each purchased product as a promotional list L2 in the information terminal table 221 and stores it in the main memory 22 for each information terminal. The second server 20 places several of the most recent images of promotional information related to the purchased product registered by the information terminal 50, for example, four images, in the promotional list area PA2 of the registered image P1. The information terminal 50 receives the registered image P1 from the second server 20 and displays it on the touch panel 55. By displaying this registered image P1, the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50 presents the customer M1 with multiple pieces of promotional information, including the most recent one. Displaying the registered image P1 in this way is an effective way to further improve the promotional effect on the customer M1.

[0210] According to this embodiment, the second server 20 places the latest promotional information in the promotional list area PA2 of the registered image P1. Here, the second server 20 places it in the leftmost promotional area PA21 within the promotional list area PA2 of the registered image P1. The second server 20 makes this latest promotional information visually different from other promotional information so that it can be identified as relating to the most recently purchased product. The information terminal 50 receives the registered image P1 from the second server 20 and displays it on the touch panel 55. Customer M1 views the registered image P1 displayed on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50. By viewing this registered image P1, customer M1 can easily recognize which of the multiple promotional information items is related to the purchased product that has just been registered. In other words, it becomes easier for customer M1, who has just registered a purchased product and should be interested in it, to identify that it is the relevant promotional information.

[0211] According to this embodiment, the second server 20 generates an image in the registration image P1, in which the newly registered purchased item is placed at the top of the registration list area PA1 that displays the list of purchased items. The second server 20 makes the newly registered purchased item identifiable in the image. The information terminal 50 receives the registration image P1 from the second server 20 and displays it on the touch panel 55. From the display of the registration image P1 on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50, the customer M1 can easily determine the relationship between the purchased item and the promotional information.

[0212] According to this embodiment, if the second server 20 has already written promotional information in the promotional list L2, it shifts the relevant promotional information in the promotional list L2 to the most recent written order. The promotional list area PA2 in the registered image P1 does not contain duplicate images of the same promotional information. The limited promotional list area PA2 can be used effectively.

[0213] According to this embodiment, if the link information for the purchased product is already registered in the promotional list L2, the second server 20 does not query the first server 10 for promotional information. This configuration does not waste limited communication resources, thus reducing power consumption by the communication interface 24.

[0214] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, promotional information is displayed triggered by product registration. In this embodiment, the display of promotional information is also changed in response to other triggers.

[0215] The configuration of the product sales system according to this second embodiment may be the same as the configuration of the product sales system according to the first embodiment.

[0216] The operation is as follows: Figure 38 is a flowchart showing a portion of the main information processing steps performed by the processor 51 of the information terminal 50 in the product sales system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, if product registration has not been performed in Act 6, the processor 51 proceeds to NO. The processor 51 checks whether any product has been touched from the list of purchased products displayed in the registration list area PA1 of the registration image P1, that is, whether a product selection operation has been performed. If no product selection operation has been performed, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 191. In Act 192, the processor 51 checks whether the [Cancel] touch button BU3 has been touched, that is, whether a product cancellation operation has been performed. If no product cancellation operation has been performed, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 192. In Act 7, the processor 51 checks whether the [Checkout] touch button BU2 has been touched. In Act6, Act191, Act192, and Act7, the processor 51 waits for a product to be registered, a product to be selected, a product to be canceled, or the [Checkout] touch button BU2 to be touched.

[0217] In the waiting state of Act 6, Act 191, Act 192, and Act 7, if the processor 51 confirms that a product selection operation has been performed, it proceeds to YES in Act 191. The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to send a product selection command to the second server 20 as Act 193. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the product selection command. The product selection command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 and the product ID of the selected product. The access point 80 receives the product selection command and sends it to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0218] Upon receiving a product selection command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the product selection interrupt processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 39. Processor 21 detects the product ID from the product selection command as Act 201. Processor 21 searches the promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 202. Processor 21 proceeds to NO as Act 203 if no promotional data associated with the corresponding product ID is registered in the promotional list L2. Processor 21 terminates the product selection interrupt processing.

[0219] If promotional data associated with the relevant product ID is registered in the promotional list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 203. In Act 204, the processor 21 shifts the relevant product ID, promotional ID, and promotional data to the area with the same number as counter N. In Act 205, the processor 21 sets the value of the fourth flag F4 in the area with the same number as counter N in the promotional list L2 to "1", and sets the value of the fourth flag F4 in the areas with other numbers to "0".

[0220] In Act 206, processor 21 creates a promotional image based on the promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. In Act 207, processor 21 edits the promotional list area PA2 in the registered image P1.

[0221] The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the registration image P1 as Act 208 to the information terminal 50 that sent the product registration command. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the registration image P1 edited by Act 207 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the product registration command receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

[0222] Returning to the explanation of Figure 38. In Act 193, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the product selection command, returns to Act 5. That is, the processor 51 updates the registered image P1 displayed on the touch panel 55 based on the image data newly received from the second server 20.

[0223] Upon updating the registered image P1, the display on the touch panel 51 of the information terminal 50 transitions as follows: If promotional information is set for a product selected by customer M1 from the registration list area PA1, the information terminal 50 displays a promotional image based on that promotional information in the promotional area PA21 of the promotional list area PA2. At this time, if other promotional information is already displayed in promotional areas PA21 to PA23, they are sequentially shifted to the promotional areas PA22 to PA24 on the right. Promotional information that was originally displayed in promotional area PA24 is no longer displayed. If the promotional information for the selected product is already displayed in promotional area PA21, the promotional image in the promotional list area PA2 does not change. If the promotional information for the selected product was displayed in promotional area PA22, for example, that promotional information moves to promotional area PA21, and the promotional information that was previously displayed in promotional area PA22 shifts to promotional area PA22. The same applies if the promotional information for the selected product is displayed in other promotional areas PA23 and PA24.

[0224] Processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 191 each time a product is selected. Processor 51 then repeats the processing in Act 193 and Act 5.

[0225] In the waiting states of Act 6, Act 191, Act 192, and Act 7 described above, if the processor 51 confirms that a product cancellation operation has been performed, it proceeds to YES in Act 192. The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to send a product cancellation command to the second server 20 as Act 194. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the product cancellation command. The product cancellation command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 and the product ID of the product for which the [Cancel] touch button BU3 was touched. The access point 80 receives the product cancellation command and sends it to the second server 20 via the network 70.

[0226] Upon receiving the product cancellation command via the communication interface 24, the processor 21 of the second server 20 starts the product cancellation interrupt process shown in the flowchart of Figure 40. Processor 21 detects the product ID from the product cancellation command as Act 211. Processor 21 then sets the points and amount of the corresponding product ID in the registration list L1 of area A9 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 to "0" as Act 212.

[0227] Processor 21 searches for the promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 213. If no promotional data associated with the corresponding product ID is registered in the promotional list L2 as Act 214, Processor 21 proceeds to NO. Processor 21 terminates the product cancellation interrupt process.

[0228] If promotional data associated with the relevant product ID is registered in the promotional list L2, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 214. Processor 21 deletes the relevant product ID, promotional ID, and promotional data in Act 215. Processor 21 counts down the value of counter N in area A8 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 by "1" in Act 216.

[0229] In Act 217, processor 21 checks whether the value of counter N is greater than "0". If the value of counter N is "0", processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 217. Processor 21 then proceeds to Act 220.

[0230] If the value of counter N is greater than "0", processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 217. In Act 218, processor 21 sets the value of the fourth flag F4 in the area with the same number as counter N in the promotional list L2 to "1", and sets the value of the fourth flag F4 in the areas with other numbers to "0".

[0231] In Act 219, processor 21 creates a promotional image based on the promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. In Act 220, processor 21 edits the promotional list area PA2 in the registered image P1.

[0232] The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to send the registered image P1 as Act 221 to the information terminal 50 that sent the product cancellation command. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the registered image P1 edited by Act 220 via the network 70. The access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data, and the information terminal 50 that sent the product cancellation command receives it.

[0233] Returning to the explanation of Figure 38. In Act 194, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50 that controlled the transmission of the product cancellation command returns to Act 5. That is, the processor 51 updates the registered image P1 displayed on the touch panel 55 based on the image data newly received from the second server 20.

[0234] With the update of the registered image P1, the display on the touch panel 51 of the information terminal 50 transitions as follows: When customer M1 cancels a product by touching the [Cancel] touch button BU3 in the registered list area PA1, if promotional information is set up in association with that product, the promotional area PA21 of the promotional list area PA2 will no longer display a promotional image based on that promotional information. At this time, if the promotional information is already displayed in any of the promotional areas PA21 to PA24, that display will disappear, and the promotions that were displayed in the promotional areas to the right will shift sequentially to the left. Promotional area PA24 will display the promotional information associated with the registered product five entries prior, which had been shifted to the right from the promotional list area PA and had been removed from display. If the promotional information for the canceled product is not already displayed in the promotional list area PA2, the image in the promotional list area PA2 will not change.

[0235] Processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 192 each time a product is canceled. Processor 51 then repeats the processing in Act 194 and Act 5.

[0236] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, when customer M1 selects a purchased item from the registration list area PA1 using the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50, the second server 20 places an image of promotional information related to the purchased item in the promotional area PA21 for the latest promotional information in the promotional list area PA2. The information terminal 50, having received this registration image P1 from the second server 20, displays this registration image P1, including the image of promotional information related to the purchased item in the promotional area PA21, on the touch panel 55. In this way, by switching the display to promotional information related to previously registered items, customer M1 can view promotional information that they overlooked during shopping or that they want to check again. Since promotional information that customer M1 was interested in can be presented again, a sales effect can be expected.

[0237] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if a purchased item is canceled, the second server 20 removes the image of the promotional information related to the canceled item from the promotional list area PA2, or ensures that it is no longer included in the promotional list area PA2. This prevents the waste of the limited promotional list area PA2 by displaying promotional information about items that the customer M1 is no longer interested in.

[0238] [Third Embodiment] Promotional information includes coupons that can be used on the next visit. In this third embodiment of the product sales system, such promotional information to be displayed on the next visit is not displayed at the time of product registration, but rather when the member customer M1 logs in for the next time, in the promotional list area PA2.

[0239] The configuration of the product sales system according to this third embodiment may be basically the same as that of the product sales system according to the first embodiment, except for the parts described below.

[0240] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the promotional data record 133R stored in the promotional database 133 of the first server 10 in the product sales system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the promotional data record 133R includes a promotional ID and promotional data, as well as display timing data. This display timing data indicates whether the promotional information will be displayed at the time of product registration or at the next login. For example, this display timing data is set as 1-bit data, with a value of "0" when the promotional information is to be displayed at the time of product registration, and a value of "1" when it is to be displayed at the next login.

[0241] Figure 42 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information terminal table 221 provided in the main memory 22 of the second server 20. In this embodiment, the information terminal table 221 has, in addition to the configuration of the information terminal table 221 in the first embodiment, an area A14 for describing information of the purchase history list.

[0242] Figure 43 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase history list L4 described in this region A14. The purchase history list L4 describes at least the product IDs in a series of numbered order.

[0243] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 44 is a flowchart showing a portion of the login interrupt processing procedure performed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. The processor 21, as Act 28, sets all fifth flags F5 corresponding to each number in the shopping list L3 to "0", and then, as Act 231, determines whether or not there is purchase history data in the approval response from the first server 10.

[0244] In this embodiment, the processor 11 of the first server 10, in response to an authentication query for a member ID, includes purchase history data in the approval response if purchase history data is stored in the member data record 132R of the member database 132 identified by that member ID. The purchase history data includes at least the product ID. The purchase history data to be included in the approval response may be all of the purchase history data stored in the member data record 132R. From the viewpoint of communication volume and storage capacity on the second server 20, it is desirable to set some restrictions on the purchase history data to be included in the approval response. For example, the purchase history data to be included in the approval response may be limited to data from the most recent to a certain number of days ago. For example, the purchase history data to be included in the approval response may be limited to data corresponding to the second server 20 that made the authentication query. For example, the purchase history data to be included in the approval response may be limited to data from the most recent to a certain number of days ago among the data corresponding to the second server 20 that made the authentication query.

[0245] If customer M1, who has logged in, has previously purchased a product, the approval response will include purchase history data. If no product has been purchased, the approval response will not include purchase history data. If the approval response does not include purchase history data, processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 231. Processor 21 then proceeds to processing Act 28.

[0246] If the approval response includes shopping data, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 231. Processor 21 creates a purchase history list L4 from the purchase history data as Act 232. That is, processor 21 creates a purchase history list L4 by assigning a series of numbers to the product IDs that make up the purchase history data. Processor 21 saves the purchase history list L4 in area A14 of the information terminal table 221 associated with the login terminal ID.

[0247] Processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to query the first server 10 for promotional data as Act 233. The communication interface 24 sends a promotional data query command. The promotional data query command includes the product ID contained in the purchase history list L4 saved in Act 232. The promotional data query command is sent to the first server 10 via the network 70.

[0248] The processor 11 of the first server 10, upon receiving a promotional data query command via the communication interface 14, detects the product ID from the promotional data query command. The processor 11 accesses the product database 131 and reads the product data record 131R containing the product ID. The processor 11 then accesses the promotional database 133 using the linked promotional ID contained in this product data record 131R and reads the promotional data record 133R containing the promotional ID corresponding to the linked promotional ID. If the promotional data record 133R for the corresponding promotional ID is not registered in the promotional database 133, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response without promotion to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response without promotion to the second server 20.

[0249] If the processor 11 can retrieve the corresponding promotional data record 133R from the promotional database 133, it checks the display timing data of the corresponding promotional data record 133R. If the value of the display timing data is "0", it is the same as if the promotional data record 133R for the corresponding promotional ID was not registered in the promotional database 133. The processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response without promotion to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response without promotion to the second server 20.

[0250] If the value of the display timing data for the relevant promotional data record 133R is "1", the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response containing the promotional data to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response containing the promotional data to the second server 20.

[0251] The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the promotional inquiry command, checks whether it received a normal response containing promotional data as Act 234. If it receives a normal response without promotional data, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 234. The processor 21 then proceeds to processing Act 29.

[0252] If a normal response containing promotional data is received, processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 234. Processor 21 increments the value of counter N in area A8 associated with the registered terminal ID in information terminal table 221 by "1" in Act 235. Processor 21 adds data to the promotional list L2 in area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in information terminal table 221 in Act 236. The data consists of the product ID of the purchased product, the link promotional ID associated with that product ID, and the promotional data to which that link promotional ID is set. Processor 21 adds this data to the area with the same number as the value of counter N.

[0253] As Act237, the processor 21 sets the value of the fourth flag F4 in the area with the same number as the value of the counter N in the promotion list L2 to "1", and sets the value of the fourth flag F4 in the areas with other numbers to "0". As Act238, the processor 21 creates a promotion image based on the promotion list L2 in the area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. After finishing creating the promotion image, the processor 21 proceeds to Act29. Thereafter, as described in the first embodiment, the processor 21 generates a registered image and transmits it to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the login command.

[0254] When the purchase history list L4 stored in Act232 contains multiple product IDs, the processor 21 sequentially repeats the process from Act233 for each product ID.

[0255] Through such processing, the information terminal 50 that is the source of the login command can present the promotion information set to be displayed at the time of login to the customer M1.

[0256] When there is a promotion inquiry command from the second server 20 at the time of product registration, the processor 11 of the first server 10 reads the promotion data record 133R from the promotion database 133 based on the link promotion ID included in the promotion inquiry command. When the promotion data record 133R of the promotion ID is not registered in the promotion database 133, and even if it is registered and the value of the display time data is "1", the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to transmit a normal response indicating no promotion to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a normal response indicating no promotion to the second server 20.

[0257] The processor 11 can read the corresponding promotional data record 133R from the promotional database 133, and if the value of the display timing data is "0", it controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response containing the promotional data to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 sends a normal response containing the promotional data to the second server 20.

[0258] This allows the information terminal 50 to present promotional information, which is set to be displayed when a product is registered, to the customer M1.

[0259] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, when customer M1 logs in, the second server 20 checks customer M1's purchase history and places promotional information images in the promotional list area PA2 based on that purchase history. This allows the server to present promotional information that should be displayed to customer M1 on their next visit, thereby promoting sales.

[0260] The number of bits in the display timing data of the promotional data record 133R stored in the promotional database 133 of the first server 10 may be further increased so that promotional information can be displayed not only at the time of product registration and the next login, but also at both the time of product registration and the next login. For example, the value of the display timing data would be "01" if the promotional information is to be displayed at the time of product registration, "10" if it is to be displayed at the next login, and "11" if it is to be displayed at both the time of product registration and the next login. The display timing data value can be appropriately assigned to settings such as "at login," "at product registration," "at checkout," "at checkout completion," "at next login," "at next product registration," "at next checkout," and "at next checkout completion." Not only individual products, but also specific departments / classes or total amounts may be used as properties of the promotional information to be displayed.

[0261] The display period data may include a relative expiration date, such as a number of days from the purchase date. The display period data does not need to include an absolute expiration date, such as a specific date in the month. This is because once that absolute expiration date has passed, the promotional data record 133R will be deleted or the display period data of the promotional data record 133R will be rewritten.

[0262] The above describes an embodiment of a terminal management device that enables information terminals to display information that is effective in further improving promotional effects, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0263] For example, the registration image displayed on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50 in the product sales system may be a registration image P5 as shown in Figure 45. This registration image P5 includes a registered product area PA5 instead of the registration list area PA1 of registration image P1. This registered product area PA5 displays information about the latest registered product. In addition to registration image P1, registration image P5 further includes a [barcode scan] touch button BU23 and a [shopping cart] touch button BU24. The [barcode scan] touch button BU23 is a button that is touched when registering a product using the scanner 56. The [shopping cart] touch button BU24 includes an image indicating that it is a shopping cart, as well as an image indicating the total amount and an image indicating the number of registered products. When this [shopping cart] touch button BU24 is touched, a list of registered products is displayed. When this [shopping cart] touch button BU24 is touched, the registration image P5 may be switched to a registration image P1 as shown in Figure 28.

[0264] In the above embodiment, the most recently added product data to the registration list L1 is distinguishable from other product data by using a different text color or background color. The product data may also be displayed with dynamic identifiable features, such as flashing lights or a lit-up border. This further improves the identifiability of the product data. As a result, customer M1 is more likely to interact with related promotional information.

[0265] In response to customer M1 touching the promotional information, the second server 20 may display more detailed promotional information on the information terminal 50. Such operation is commonly performed, and its details are omitted here.

[0266] The second server 20 may enable customer M1 to slide the touch panel 55 to display past promotional information not shown in the promotional list area PA2 on the information terminal 50.

[0267] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the information terminal 50 is provided on the shopping cart C. However, the information terminal 50 does not necessarily have to be provided on the shopping cart C. The customer themselves may carry the information terminal 50 around the sales floor and operate the information terminal 50 as needed to register the purchased items.

[0268] The transfer of the second server 20 is generally carried out with the program stored in ROM. However, it is not limited to this, and the transfer may also be carried out with the program not stored in ROM. In this case, the program etc. that was transferred separately from the second server 20 may be written to a writable storage device provided by the second server 20 in response to user operations. The transfer of the program etc. can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via network 70. The recording medium can be of any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0269] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention as described in the original claims of the patent application is listed below. [1] A terminal management device for a product sales system in which users of information terminals operate the information terminal at the sales floor to register purchased products and the users pay for the purchased products at an accounting machine, comprising: an image generation unit that generates a registration image including the promotional information image when a new purchased product is registered on the information terminal, the registration image including the registration area including an image of the purchased product and a promotional list area which arranges images of promotional information related to the purchased product according to the registration order of the purchased product, by deleting the image of the oldest promotional information among the images included in the promotional list area and adding the image of the new promotional information related to the purchased product to the position of the image of the most recently registered promotional information in the promotional list area, thereby generating a registration image including the promotional information image; and an output unit that outputs the registration image to the information terminal. [2] The terminal management device as described in Appendix [1], wherein the image generation unit generates an image of the promotional information related to the new purchased product in the promotional list area of ​​the registered image, as an image that can be identified from images of the promotional information related to other purchased products. [3] The terminal management device as described in Appendix [1], wherein the image generation unit includes images showing multiple purchased items in the registration area of ​​the registered image, and generates images in the registration area and the promotional list area of ​​the registered image that show the new purchased item and images of the promotional information related to the new purchased item as images that can be identified from images showing other purchased items and images of the promotional information related to other purchased items. [4] A terminal management device as described in Appendix [1], further comprising: a storage unit for storing information, which stores, for each information terminal, a first table describing information of purchased products registered at the information terminal, and for each information terminal, a second table describing promotional information related to the purchased products described in the first table; and a control unit that, in response to the registration of a new purchased product at the information terminal, queries a server that stores promotional information related to the purchased product for the purchased product, obtains the promotional information from the server, and adds it to the second table of the storage unit, wherein the image generation unit reads the promotional information described in the second table of the storage unit from the newly written information and generates an image of the promotional information. [5] The terminal management device as described in Appendix [4], wherein the control unit describes promotional information related to the purchased product in the second table of the storage unit, associating it with information indicating the storage order of the promotional information; when a new purchased product is registered on the information terminal, the control unit, if promotional information related to the purchased product is already described in the second table of the storage unit, reassociates the relevant promotional information in the second table with information indicating the latest description order; and the image generation unit reads the promotional information based on the information indicating the description order in the second table of the storage unit and generates an image of the promotional information. [6] A program for a computer in a terminal management device of a product sales system, which allows users of information terminals to register purchased products by operating the information terminal at the sales floor and to pay for the purchased products at an accounting machine, to generate a registration image in a single screen area in response to the registration of a new purchased product on the information terminal. The registration image includes a registration area containing an image of the purchased product and a promotional list area where images of promotional information related to the purchased product are arranged according to the registration order of the purchased product, and the program deletes the image of the oldest promotional information among the images included in the promotional list area and adds the image of the promotional information related to the new purchased product to the position of the image of the most recently registered promotional information in the promotional list area, thereby enabling the generation of a registration image containing images of promotional information and the output of the registration image to the information terminal. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0270] 10…First server, 20…Second server, 30…POS terminal, 40…Accounting machine, 50…Information terminal, 60…Monitoring terminal, 70…Network, 80…Access point, 11,21,51,61…Processor, 12,22,52,62…Main memory, 13,23,53,63…Auxiliary storage device, 14,24…Communication interface, 54,64…Wireless unit, 55,65…Touch panel, 56…Scanner, 57…Lee Da, 131...Product database, 132...Member database, 133...Promotional database, 221...Information terminal table, 222...Accounting machine table, BU3...[Cancel] touch button, C...Cart, L1...Registered list, L2...Promotional list, L3...Shopping list, L4...Purchase history list, P1, P5...Registered image, PA1...Registered list area, PA2...Promotional list area, PA21~PA24...Promotional area, PA5...Registered product area.

Claims

1. A terminal management device for a product sales system, wherein users of information terminals operate the information terminals at the sales floor to register purchased items, and the users pay for the purchased items at an accounting machine, A storage unit that stores terminal identification information set on the information terminal and a first identifier set for the user of the information terminal identified by the terminal identification information, in association with each other. A first detection means for detecting the first identifier set for the user of the information terminal, A second detection means for detecting information on purchased items registered by the user of the aforementioned information terminal, A first storage means that stores the information of the purchased product detected by the second detection means in the storage unit, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the first identifier of the user who registered the purchased product, A second storage means for storing in the storage unit an accounting code generated when a user who has finished registering the purchased items operates the information terminal and gives an instruction to pay, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the first identifier of the user, A third storage means that stores in the storage unit a second identifier set for the accounting machine that has read the accounting code with the reading unit of the accounting machine, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the accounting code, A transmission means that transmits information about the purchased goods stored in the storage unit to the accounting machine on which the second identifier has been set, in association with terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the second identifier, A terminal management device equipped with the following features.

2. The terminal management device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is an information terminal table that stores the first identifier, the information of the purchased goods, the accounting code, and the second identifier in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal.

3. The terminal management device according to claim 2, wherein the information terminal table further stores a terminal status indicating whether the information terminal is waiting before user login, registering after login, or accounting.

4. The terminal management device according to claim 2, wherein the information terminal table further stores a timer value that measures the elapsed time since a user logged into the information terminal, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal.

5. The terminal management device according to claim 2, wherein the information terminal table further stores a timer value that measures the elapsed time since a user logged into the information terminal last registered a purchased item, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal.

6. A terminal management device for a product sales system in which users of information terminals operate the information terminals at the sales floor to register purchased products, and the users pay for the purchased products at an accounting machine, wherein the computer in the terminal management device is equipped with a storage unit that stores in association the terminal identification information set on the information terminal and a first identifier set for the user of the information terminal identified by the terminal identification information, A first detection means for detecting the first identifier set for the user of the information terminal, A second detection means for detecting information on purchased items registered by the user of the aforementioned information terminal, A first storage means that stores the information of the purchased product detected by the second detection means in the storage unit, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the first identifier of the user who registered the purchased product. A second storage means that stores in the storage unit an accounting code generated when a user who has finished registering the purchased items operates the information terminal and gives an accounting instruction, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the first identifier of the user. A third storage means for storing in the storage unit a second identifier set for the accounting machine that read the accounting code with the reading unit of the accounting machine, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the accounting code, and A transmission means that transmits information about the purchased goods stored in the storage unit to the accounting machine on which the second identifier has been set, in association with the terminal identification information of the information terminal associated with the second identifier. A program designed to function as such.

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