Mobile terminal, information processing device, and its control program

Abstract

To enable self commodity registration through use of a portable terminal of a consumer to be easily performed not only for a commodity with a bar code, but also for a commodity without a bar code.SOLUTION: A portable terminal includes a reading unit, a display, and an output unit. The reading unit reads a code symbol. The display displays a first screen on which a first operator for transition to a second screen for registering a commodity with a code symbol by reading the code symbol and a second operator for transition to a third screen for registering a commodity without a code symbol by selection from a commodity list are arranged. When the first operator is operated, the first screen transitions to the second screen, and when the second operator is operated, the first screen transitions to the third screen. The output unit outputs data on the commodity registered via the second screen or the third screen to a commodity registration processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile terminal, an information processing apparatus, and a control program therefor.

Background Art

[0002] When a consumer purchases a product at a store, a so-called self-checkout system in which the consumer scans a barcode attached to the product using a camera function of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone is already known. By introducing the self-checkout system in a supermarket or the like where the store and the checkout area are separated, the scanning at the checkout area, that is, the product registration operation, becomes unnecessary, so there is an advantage of alleviating the congestion at the checkout area.

[0003] However, not all products necessarily have barcodes attached. For example, fruits or vegetables sold loose may be sold without barcodes. Assuming a case where a consumer uses a mobile terminal to register a product without a barcode, a method of entering a product code corresponding to the barcode by numeric keypad input can be considered. However, with such a method, input errors are likely to occur. Also, the burden on the consumer is large. Therefore, it is desired to construct a self-checkout system that can easily register products without barcodes using a mobile terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a technology that enables consumers to easily register products themselves using their mobile devices, not only for products with barcodes but also for products without barcodes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the mobile terminal includes a display unit. The display unit includes a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and an operator for registering products without a code symbol by selecting them from a product list. The product list is a screen having a list area that includes classification buttons. A second control that transitions to the third screen is placed there. It has a total area that displays the total score and total amount. Display the first screen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a self-service product registration system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating the main data structure stored in the transaction file. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the mobile device's processor according to a self-registration program. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the first registration support process, which is performed by the mobile device's processor according to the self-registration program. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for the second registration support process, which is performed by the mobile device's processor according to the self-registration program. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for quantity change processing performed by the mobile device's processor according to a self-registration program. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the steps involved in payment support processing performed by a mobile device's processor according to a self-registration program. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the procedure of the check-in notification process executed by the processor of the virtual POS server according to the registration control program. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the procedure of the scan notification process executed by the processor of the virtual POS server according to the registration control program. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the procedure of the barcode-free notification process executed by the processor of the virtual POS server according to the registration control program. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing the procedure of the quantity change notification process executed by the processor of the virtual POS server according to the registration control program. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing the procedure of the settlement notification process executed by the processor of the virtual POS server according to the registration control program. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of the check-in screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of the second screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the third screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 22] A diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 23] A diagram showing an example of the first screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Figure 24] A diagram showing an example of the accounting screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a case where, in a store such as a supermarket where the sales floor and the accounting area are separated, a consumer uses a mobile terminal to self-register the purchased goods at the sales floor. The goods include those with a barcode representing a product code for identifying the product and those without a barcode.

[0009] [Explanation of Self-Product Registration System] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a self-product registration system 10 constructed in the above store. The self-product registration system 10 is a system for enabling a consumer to use their own mobile terminal 20 to register the purchased goods at the sales floor.

[0010] The self-product registration system 10 includes devices such as a store server 11, a virtual POS server 12, and a cash register 13. The self-product registration system 10 connects each device via a communication network 14. The communication network 14 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. An access point 15 is connected to the communication network 14.

[0011] The access point 15 is communication equipment installed in the store as a relay point for data communication between each device constituting the self-product registration system 10 and the mobile terminal 20 used by the consumer via a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN complies with, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. In FIG. 1, only one access point 15 is shown, but the number of access points 15 is not limited to one. Two or more access points 15 may be connected to the communication network 14 considering the scale, layout, etc. of the store.

[0012] The mobile terminal 20 is a portable wireless communication terminal used by consumers when shopping in stores. While the mobile terminal 20 is typically the consumer's property, in some cases, the store may lend it to the consumer. The mobile terminal 20, as will be described in detail later, is equipped with hardware for reading code symbols such as QR codes and barcodes. For example, commercially available smartphones and tablet devices equipped with digital cameras can be used as mobile terminals 20.

[0013] The store server 11 is a computer that supports all aspects of store operations. To support these operations, the store server 11 manages various databases, including a product database. The product database is a collection of product records that describe the data of each product sold in the store. Each product record contains product data such as product code, classification code, price, and product name.

[0014] A product code is a unique identification code assigned to each product to distinguish it individually. Each product usually has a barcode representing its product code. However, some products, such as fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods, may not have barcodes. In the following, products with barcodes will be referred to as "barcoded products," and products without barcodes will be referred to as "non-barcoded products."

[0015] A classification code is a unique identification code assigned to each product category to identify the product's classification. Product categories include, for example, vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, beverages, dairy products, meat, fresh fish, processed foods, and confectionery.

[0016] The virtual POS server 12 is a computer that works in cooperation with the mobile terminal 20 to assist in making it appear as if a well-known POS terminal is operating. For example, the virtual POS server 12 has the following three functions: The first function is to process sales data of products that have been self-registered via the mobile terminal 20. The second function is to generate accounting data based on the sales data of each product that has been self-registered via the mobile terminal 20 in response to accounting instructions from the mobile terminal 20, and to transmit it to the store server 11. The accounting data includes the total number of items and the total amount for each registered product. The third function is to control the screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20. The virtual POS server 12 functions as a product registration processing device through the first and second functions. The virtual POS server 12 functions as an information processing device through the third function.

[0017] The payment terminal 13 is a terminal for settling payments for goods that have been self-registered via the mobile terminal 20. The payment terminal 13 obtains accounting data from the store server 11 and performs payment based on that accounting data. The payment method is not particularly limited. Common payment methods such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, point payment, and code payment (also referred to as mobile payment or smartphone payment, etc.) can be used.

[0018] Such accounting machines 13 include manned accounting machines where store employees input payment information, and self-checkout machines where consumers input payment information. The self-service product registration system 10 may have both manned and self-checkout machines, or only one of them. Conventional POS terminals can be used as manned accounting machines. Conventional self-service or semi-self-service accounting machines can be used as self-checkout machines. Furthermore, by setting up information such as credit card details on the mobile terminal 20, it is also possible to pay for purchased goods using the mobile terminal 20. When using such a system, the payment machine 13 can be removed from the self-service product registration system 10.

[0019] [Description of mobile devices] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal 20. As shown in Figure 2, the mobile terminal 20 includes a processor 21, internal memory 22, external memory 23, touch panel 24, camera 25, wireless unit 26, and system transmission line 27. The mobile terminal 20 also has a rechargeable battery 28 as its power source.

[0020] The system transmission path 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The mobile terminal 20 connects a processor 21, internal memory 22, external memory 23, a touch panel 24, a camera 25, and a wireless unit 26 to the system transmission path 27. In the mobile terminal 20, the computer is composed of the processor 21, internal memory 22, external memory 23, and the system transmission path 27 connecting them.

[0021] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 21 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a mobile terminal 20 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The internal memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The internal memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The internal memory 22 stores the operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The internal memory 22 stores data necessary for the processor 21 to perform processing to control each part in the volatile memory area. The internal memory 22 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 21. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] External memory 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an SD memory card, USB memory, etc., can serve as external memory 23. External memory 23 stores data used by the processor 21 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 21. External memory 23 may also store the application programs described above.

[0024] The touch panel 24 is an input device that combines a display 241 as a display unit and a touch sensor 242 as a detection unit. The display 241 has a screen for displaying various images. The touch sensor 242 detects the position on the screen touched by the operator. The touch panel 24 acquires data input by the operator from the position on the screen detected by the touch sensor 242 and the image information displayed at that position.

[0025] Camera 25 is an imaging device built into the mobile terminal 20. Camera 25 operates as a device for capturing still images or videos, or as a device for scanning code symbols such as barcodes and 2D codes, depending on the application program installed on the mobile terminal 20. In other words, Camera 25 functions as a reader for reading code symbols.

[0026] The wireless unit 26 is a circuit for data communication with the access point 15 in accordance with the wireless LAN communication protocol. In other words, the wireless unit 26 functions as a transmitting unit that sends data to each device of the self-service product registration system 10 connected via the access point 15, and a receiving unit that receives data sent from each device. The transmitting unit can also be referred to as the output unit.

[0027] The mobile terminal 20 with this configuration is equipped with a self-registration program 30. The self-registration program 30 is an application program that enables self-registration of products in stores where the self-registration product registration system 10 is installed, on the computer of the mobile terminal 20. The self-registration program 30 consists of a program ID and the program body. The program ID is a unique identification information set for each program to individually identify the self-registration program 30 installed on each of multiple consumer mobile terminals 20. The program ID also functions as identification information for the mobile terminal 20.

[0028] The self-registration program 30 is installed in the external memory 23. The self-registration program 30 may also be installed in the internal memory 22. The method of installing the self-registration program 30 in the internal memory 22 or external memory 23 is not particularly limited. The self-registration program 30 can be installed in the internal memory 22 or external memory 23 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing the self-registration program 30 via communication over a network. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or USB memory.

[0029] [Description of Virtual POS Server] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 12. The virtual POS server 12 comprises a processor 121, main memory 122, auxiliary storage device 123, clock 124, communication interface 125, and system transmission line 126. The system transmission line 126 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The virtual POS server 12 connects the processor 121, main memory 122, auxiliary storage device 123, clock 124, and communication interface 125 to the system transmission line 126. In the virtual POS server 12, the computer is composed of the processor 121, main memory 122, auxiliary storage device 123, clock 124, and communication interface 125, and the system transmission line 126 connecting them.

[0030] The processor 121 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 121 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a virtual POS server 12 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 121 is, for example, a CPU.

[0031] Main memory 122 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 122 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 122 stores the operating system or application programs. In the volatile memory area, main memory 122 stores data necessary for the processor 121 to perform processing to control each part. This data may also be stored in the non-volatile memory area. Main memory 122 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 121. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 123 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 123. The auxiliary storage device 123 stores data used by the processor 121 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 121. The auxiliary storage device 123 may also store the application program described above.

[0033] Clock 124 measures the date and time. Virtual POS server 12 obtains the date and time measured by clock 124 as the current date and time.

[0034] The communication interface 125 is a circuit for sending and receiving data with each device connected via the communication network 14, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0035] The virtual POS server 12 with this configuration is equipped with a registration control program 40. The registration control program 40 is an application program (control program) that works in cooperation with a self-registration program 30 installed on a mobile terminal 20 to control self-registration of products by consumers using the mobile terminal 20.

[0036] The registration control program 40 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 123. The registration control program 40 may also be installed in the main memory 122. The method of installing the registration control program 40 in the main memory 122 or the auxiliary storage device 123 is not particularly limited. The registration control program 40 can be installed in the main memory 122 or the auxiliary storage device 123 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing the registration control program 40 via communication over a network. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or USB memory.

[0037] The virtual POS server 12 has a first product file 41 and a second product file 42 in its auxiliary storage device 123 as data files referenced by the registration control program 40. The first product file 41 is a data file that stores product data such as product code, classification code, price, and product name for products with barcodes. The second product file 42 is a data file that stores product data such as product code, classification code, price, and product name for products without barcodes.

[0038] The first product file 41 and the second product file 42 are created based on product records stored in the product database. For example, when a product record for a newly introduced product is added to the product database, if the product has a barcode, the product data for that product is added to the first product file 41; if the product does not have a barcode, the product data for that product is added to the second product file 42. Similarly, when a product record for a product that is discontinued is deleted from the product database, if the product has a barcode, the product data for that product is deleted from the first product file 41; if the product does not have a barcode, the product data for that product is deleted from the second product file 42. In addition, if the price of a product is changed, the price in the product data related to that product stored in the first product file 41 or the second product file 42 is changed.

[0039] The virtual POS server 12 uses a portion of the volatile area in its main memory 122 as storage for multiple transaction files 43. Each transaction file 43 is a memory area for temporarily storing data on products registered according to the registration control program 40. A transaction file 43 is created for each consumer who performs self-service product registration using a mobile terminal 20.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the transaction file 43. As shown in Figure 4, the transaction file 43 stores the following data: program ID, store code, entry date and time, one or more product sales data, total number of items, total amount, and accounting code.

[0041] The program ID is the program ID of the self-registration program 30 installed on the mobile terminal 20. The store code is the identification code of the store where the self-registration system 10 is installed. The date and time of entry is the date and time when the consumer who owns the mobile terminal 20 entered the store.

[0042] The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, number of units sold, sales amount, and cancellation flag for products that consumers have self-registered using their mobile terminal 20. The cancellation flag is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not the product sales data is for a product whose purchase has been canceled. In this embodiment, the cancellation flag for product sales data of products whose purchase has not been canceled is set to "0", and the cancellation flag for product sales data of products whose purchase has been canceled is set to "1".

[0043] The total points represent the total number of items whose purchases were not canceled, and the total amount represents the total amount for items whose purchases were not canceled. The accounting code is a unique code generated for the mobile terminal 20 that issued the accounting instruction. Note that the data stored in the transaction file 43 is not limited to the data for each of the items described above.

[0044] The processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 has the functions of a first control unit 51, a second control unit 52, a third control unit 53, a fourth control unit 54, a fifth control unit 55, a sixth control unit 56, and a seventh control unit 57. The first control unit 51, the second control unit 52, the third control unit 53, the fourth control unit 54, the fifth control unit 55, the sixth control unit 56, and the seventh control unit 57 are functions realized by the registration control program 40.

[0045] The first control unit 51 has the function of displaying a first screen on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20, i.e., the display 241. The first screen is a screen that has a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with barcodes by reading the barcode, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen for registering products without barcodes by selecting them from a product list. The first control unit 51 can be rephrased as the first control means.

[0046] The second control unit 52 has the function of transitioning the screen of the display 241 from the first screen to the second screen when the first operator is operated on the mobile terminal 20. The second control unit 52 can be referred to as the second control means.

[0047] The third control unit 53 has the function of transitioning the screen of the display 241 from the first screen to the third screen when the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal 20. The third control unit 53 can be referred to as the third control means.

[0048] The fourth control unit 54 has the function of transitioning the screen of the display 241 from the third screen to the second screen when the first operator on the third screen of the mobile terminal 20 is operated. The fourth control unit 54 can be referred to as the fourth control means.

[0049] The fifth control unit 55 has the function of transitioning the screen of the display 241 to the first screen, which displays the name and registered quantity of the product, when a product is registered on the mobile terminal 20 via the second or third screen. The fifth control unit 55 can be referred to as the fifth control means.

[0050] The sixth control unit 56 has the function of executing a quantity change process, which will be described later, when it receives a change in the registered quantity displayed on the first screen of the mobile terminal 20. The seventh control unit 57 has the function of executing the accounting process described later when the third operator for instructing accounting displayed on the first screen of the mobile terminal 20 is operated. Note that the functions of the processor 21 are not limited to those of the first control unit 51 to the seventh control unit 57.

[0051] [Explanation of the operation of the self-service product registration system] Figures 5 to 9 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 according to the self-registration program 30. Figures 10 to 14 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 according to the registration control program 40. Figures 15 to 24 are examples of screens displayed on the display 241 of the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, Figure 15 is an example of the check-in screen SCa. Figures 16, 18, and 20 to 23 are examples of the first screen SCb. Figure 17 is an example of the second screen SCc. Figure 19 is an example of the third screen SCd. Figure 24 is an example of the accounting screen SCe. Details of each screen SCa to SCe will be described later.

[0052] The main operations of the self-service product registration system 10 will be explained below using Figures 5 to 24. Note that the information processing procedures shown in each flowchart are not limited to those shown. They can be modified as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved. Also, the screen examples are merely illustrative. The layout, images, text, etc., of each screen SCa to SCe are not limited to those shown.

[0053] First, we will explain the general process from entering the store to paying using Figures 5, 10, 15, and 16. Consumers who visit a store equipped with the self-service product registration system 10 and register their purchased items using a mobile terminal 20 first launch the self-service registration program 30. When the self-service registration program 30 is launched, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 begins processing information according to the procedure shown in Figure 5. The processor 21 displays the check-in screen SCa (see Figure 15) on the display 241 as ACT1.

[0054] Figure 15 shows an example of the check-in screen SCa. A two-dimensional code for entry is provided at the entrance of the store. The two-dimensional code encodes the store's configuration information using a predetermined two-dimensional code system. The configuration information includes the store code, in-store LAN data, mobile communication data, etc. The in-store LAN data includes the SSID, password, security information, etc., necessary for the mobile terminal 20 to connect to the access point 15 using wireless LAN. The mobile communication data includes the timeout period, number of retries, etc., necessary for the mobile terminal 20 to communicate with each device of the self-service product registration system 10.

[0055] As shown in Figure 15, the check-in screen SCa displays a camera activation button Ba along with guidance instructing the user to scan the QR code for entry. The camera activation button Ba is a soft button used to activate camera 25. A soft button can also be referred to as a soft key or operator. After confirming the check-in screen SCa, the consumer presses the camera activation button Ba. This activates camera 25, and the consumer then scans the QR code for entry with camera 25.

[0056] The processor 21, displaying the check-in screen SCa, waits for a check-in as ACT2. When the camera 25 scans the two-dimensional code for entering the store, the processor 21 determines that a check-in has occurred. The processor 21 then proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3. As ACT3, the processor 21 connects to the access point 15 via wireless LAN based on the in-store LAN data of the two-dimensional coded configuration information. Once connected to the access point 15, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 as ACT4 to send a check-in notification to the virtual POS server 12.

[0057] This control allows a check-in notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The check-in notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The check-in notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. The store code obtained from the two-dimensional code for entering the store is also included in the check-in notification command. Upon receiving the check-in notification command, the virtual POS server 12 executes the check-in notification process.

[0058] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the check-in notification process. When the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 receives a check-in notification command via the communication interface 125, it obtains the program ID from the check-in notification command as ACT 101. The processor 121 then checks whether the program ID is a valid ID.

[0059] For example, the store server 11 stores the program ID of the self-registration program installed by the consumer who committed the fraudulent transaction. The processor 121 checks whether the program ID obtained from the check-in notification command matches the program ID stored in the store server 11. If the program IDs match, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT 102 to ACT 103. As ACT 103, the processor 121 sends a denial response command to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the check-in notification command.

[0060] On the other hand, if the program ID does not match, processor 121 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT104. Processor 121 obtains the store ID from the check-in notification command as ACT104. Processor 121 also sets the current date and time measured by clock 124 as the entry date and time as ACT105. Then, processor 121 creates a transaction file 43 on main memory 122 as ACT105. The transaction file 43 stores the program ID and store code obtained from the check-in notification command, as well as the entry date and time.

[0061] Processor 121 sends an acknowledgment command as ACT106 to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the check-in notification command. Next, processor 121 sends the data for the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 as ACT107. The data for the first screen SCb is the data used to display the first screen SCb on the display 241 of the mobile terminal 20. The data for the first screen SCb is created based on pre-prepared screen layout data and data from the transaction file 43 in which the program ID included in the check-in notification command is stored (store code, product sales data, total number of items, total amount). With this, processor 121 finishes processing the information received when the check-in notification command is received.

[0062] In this manner, when a consumer scans the QR code for entering the store with the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20, a check-in notification command is sent from the mobile terminal 20 to the virtual POS server 12. In response to the check-in notification command, the virtual POS server 12 creates a transaction file 43 for the consumer using the mobile terminal 20. The virtual POS server 12 also sends an acknowledgment command to the mobile terminal 20 along with the data from the first screen SCb.

[0063] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. The processor 21, which has sent the check-in notification, waits for a response command from the virtual POS server 12 as ACT5. If it receives a negative response command, the processor 21 terminates processing as a check-in error.

[0064] On the other hand, if an acknowledgment command is received, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6. As ACT6, the processor 21 stores the data of the first screen SCb received following the acknowledgment command in the image memory. The image memory is, for example, a part of the storage area of ​​the built-in memory 22. As ACT7, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb (see Figure 16) on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory.

[0065] Figure 16 shows an example of the first screen SCb. As shown, the first screen SCb has a store name area ARa, a total area ARb, and multiple detail areas ARc. The store name area ARa displays the name of the store identified by the store code set in the two-dimensional code for entering the store. The total area ARb displays the total number of items and the total amount. The multiple detail areas ARc are currently blank. The first screen SCb also displays a scan button Bb, a no-barcode button Bc, and a checkout button Bd. The scan button Bb is a soft button operated by the consumer when self-registering items with barcodes. The scan button Bb is an example of the first operator. The no-barcode button Bc is a soft button operated by the consumer when self-registering items without barcodes. The no-barcode button Bc is an example of the second operator. The checkout button Bd is a soft button operated by the consumer when proceeding to checkout for self-registered purchased items. The checkout button Bd is an example of the third operator.

[0066] After the consumer confirms the first screen SCb, they begin shopping. If the purchased item has a barcode, the consumer presses the scan button Bb. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the consumer presses the no barcode button Bc. To finish shopping, the consumer presses the checkout button Bd.

[0067] The processor 21, displaying the first screen SCb, checks whether the scan button Bb has been pressed as ACT8. If the scan button Bb has not been pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9. The processor 21 checks whether the no-barcode button Bc has been pressed as ACT9. If the no-barcode button Bc has not been pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT10. The processor 21 checks whether the purchased item has been registered as ACT10. If the purchased item has not been registered, the processor 21 returns from ACT10 to ACT8. In this way, the processor 21 waits for either the scan button Bb or the no-barcode button Bc to be pressed until the purchased item is registered.

[0068] In this waiting state, when the processor 21 detects that the scan button Bb has been pressed, it proceeds from ACT8 to ACT11. The processor 21 executes the first registration support process as ACT11. The first registration support process is a process that assists in registering purchased items that have barcodes, in cooperation with the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. Details of the first registration support process will be described later. After completing the first registration support process, the processor 21 returns to the state of waiting for input from either the scan button Bb or the no-barcode button Bc.

[0069] In this waiting state, when the processor 21 detects that the no-barcode button Bc has been pressed, it proceeds from ACT9 to ACT12. The processor 21 executes the second registration support process as ACT12. The second registration support process works in cooperation with the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 to support the registration of purchased items that do not have barcodes. Details of the second registration support process will be described later. After completing the second registration support process, the processor 21 returns to the state of waiting for input from either the scan button Bb or the no-barcode button Bc.

[0070] When the first or second registration support process is executed, the purchased items are registered. Therefore, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT10 to ACT13. In ACT13, the processor 21 checks whether a quantity change has been instructed. The instruction for a quantity change will be described later. If a quantity change has not been instructed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT13 to ACT14. In ACT14, the processor 21 checks whether payment has been instructed. When the payment button Bd on the first screen SCb is pressed, the processor 21 determines that payment has been instructed. If payment has not been instructed, the processor 21 returns from ACT14 to ACT8. In this way, after the purchased items are registered, the processor 21 waits for the scan button Bb, the no barcode button Bc, or the payment button Bd on the first screen SCb to be pressed, or for a quantity change to be instructed.

[0071] In this standby state, if the scan button Bb is pressed, the processor 21 executes the first registration support process. If the no barcode button Bc is pressed, the processor 21 executes the second registration support process.

[0072] On the other hand, if a quantity change is instructed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT13 to ACT15. The processor 21 executes the quantity change support process as ACT15. The quantity change support process works in conjunction with the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12 to support changes in the registered quantity of purchased items. Details of the quantity change support process will be described later. After completing the quantity change support process, the processor 21 returns to a state of waiting for input from the scan button Bb, the no barcode button Bc, or the checkout button Bd, or for a quantity change instruction.

[0073] In this waiting state, when processor 21 detects that the payment button Bd has been pressed, it proceeds from ACT14 to ACT16. Processor 21 executes payment support processing as ACT16. Payment support processing is a process that works in cooperation with processor 121 of virtual POS server 12 to support the payment of registered purchased goods. Details of payment support processing will be described later. After completing payment support processing, processor 21 terminates the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0074] Next, using Figures 6, 11, 17, and 18, we will explain the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when consumers self-register products with barcodes. As mentioned above, if the purchased item has a barcode, the consumer presses the scan button Bb displayed on the first screen SCb. The processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 then starts the first registration support process.

[0075] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the first registration support process. When the processor 21 starts the first registration support process, it controls the wireless unit 26 to send a scan notification to the virtual POS server 12 as ACT21. This control causes the scan notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The scan notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The scan notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. Upon receiving the scan notification command, the virtual POS server 12 executes the scan notification process.

[0076] Details of the scan notification process will be described later. Upon receiving the scan notification, the virtual POS server 12 sends data for the second screen SCc, and the processor 21 stores this data in image memory as ACT22. Then, as ACT23, the processor 21 displays the second screen SCc (see Figure 17) on the display 241 based on the data in image memory.

[0077] Figure 17 shows an example of the second screen SCc. As shown, the second screen SCc has a store name area ARa and a reading guidance area ARd. The reading guidance area ARd displays a window W indicating the barcode reading range, along with guidance to instruct the barcode to be read. A close button Be is also displayed.

[0078] In this way, when the consumer presses the scan button Bb on the first screen SCb, the display 241 transitions from the first screen SCb to the second screen SCc. After confirming the second screen SCc, the consumer holds the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20 over the purchased item so that the barcode attached to the purchased item is within window W. The camera 25 then scans the barcode. If the consumer wishes to cancel the scan, they press the close button Be.

[0079] The processor 21, displaying the second screen, checks as ACT24 whether the barcode of the purchased item has been scanned. If the barcode has not been scanned, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT25. The processor 21 then checks as ACT25 whether the close button Be has been pressed. If the close button Be has not been pressed, the processor 21 returns to ACT24. In this way, the processor 21, displaying the second screen, waits for either the barcode of the purchased item to be scanned or the close button Be to be pressed.

[0080] In this standby state, when the barcode of a purchased item is scanned by the camera 25, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT 24 to ACT 26. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to perform a registration notification as ACT 26. This control causes the registration notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The registration notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The registration notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30, as well as the scanned barcode data.

[0081] In the same waiting state, if the close button Be is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT25 to ACT27. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a cancellation notification as ACT27. This control causes the cancellation notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The cancellation notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The cancellation notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30.

[0082] When the virtual POS server 12, which is performing scan notification processing, receives a registration notification command or a cancellation notification command, the data of the first screen SCb is sent from the virtual POS server 12 to the mobile terminal 20. The processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 that sent the registration notification command or cancellation notification command stores the data of the first screen SCb in image memory as ACT28. Then, as ACT29, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in image memory. With this, processor 21 terminates the first registration support process.

[0083] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the scan notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives a scan notification command from the mobile terminal 20, it starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 11. First, the processor 121 sends the data for the second screen SCc as ACT 111 to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the scan notification command. The data for the second screen SCc is created based on pre-prepared layout data and the data (store code) in the transaction file 43 where the program ID included in the scan notification command is stored.

[0084] Processor 121, which sent the data for the second screen SCc, checks whether it has received a registration notification command as ACT112. If it has not received a registration notification command, processor 121 proceeds from ACT112 to ACT113. Processor 121 checks whether it has received a cancellation notification command as ACT113. If it has not received a cancellation notification command, processor 121 returns from ACT113 to ACT112. In this way, processor 121 waits to receive either a registration notification command or a cancellation notification command.

[0085] In this standby state, upon receiving a cancellation notification command, processor 121 proceeds from ACT113 to ACT122. Processor 121, as ACT122, sends the data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the cancellation notification command.

[0086] Thus, when a consumer who has pressed the scan button Bb to register a product with a barcode presses the close button Be on the second screen SCc to cancel the registration of the product with a barcode, the display 241 transitions from the second screen SCc to the first screen SCb. The first screen SCb at this time is the same as the first screen SCb before transitioning to the second screen SCc.

[0087] In this waiting state, if a registration notification command is received, processor 121 proceeds from ACT112 to ACT114. Processor 121 obtains the program ID from the registration notification command as ACT114. Then, as ACT115, processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 in which the program ID is stored.

[0088] Processor 121 also obtains the product code from the barcode data included in the registration notification command as ACT116. Then, as ACT117, Processor 121 searches the first product file 41 using that product code. As ACT118, Processor 121 reads the product name, price, etc., stored in association with the product code from the first product file 41. As ACT119, Processor 121 generates product sales data. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, number of units sold, sales amount, cancellation flag, etc. The number of units sold is "1". The sales amount is the price multiplied by the number of units sold. The cancellation flag is "0", indicating no cancellation.

[0089] Processor 121 saves the product sales data as ACT120 to the transaction file 43 selected in ACT115. Then, as ACT121, Processor 121 updates the data on the first screen SCb based on the data in this transaction file 43. Specifically, Processor 121 updates the data in the detail area ARc of the first screen SCb so that the product sales data saved in the transaction file 43, i.e., the product name, number of items sold, and sales amount for barcode-equipped products, are displayed. Processor 121 also updates the data in the total area ARb so that the total number of items and total amount for each product sales data are displayed. Processor 121 sends the data from the first screen SCb as ACT122 to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the registration notification command.

[0090] In this way, when a consumer scans the barcode of a purchased item using the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20, the virtual POS server 12 saves the product sales data of that purchased item to the consumer's transaction file 43. That is, the product sales data of the barcode-equipped item is registered. At the same time, the display 241 transitions from the second screen SCc to the first screen SCb. The first screen SCb at this point is updated with the product sales data of the purchased item.

[0091] Figure 18 shows an example of the first screen SCb after the sales data for five product items has been registered. As shown in the figure, the details area ARc of the first screen SCb displays the product name, sales amount, and number of units sold for each product sales data. Incidentally, the number of units sold is displayed in a pull-down box. The purpose of the pull-down box will be explained later. The total area ARb of the first screen SCb displays the total number of units and total amount for the five items.

[0092] Next, using Figures 7, 12, 18, and 19, we will explain the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when consumers self-register products without barcodes. As mentioned above, if the purchased item does not have a barcode, the consumer enters the "No Barcode" button Bc displayed on the first screen SCb. Upon doing so, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 starts the second registration support process.

[0093] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the second registration support process. When the processor 21 starts the second registration support process, it controls the wireless unit 26 to send a barcode-less notification to the virtual POS server 12 as ACT 31. This control causes the barcode-less notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The barcode-less notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The barcode-less notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. Upon receiving the barcode-less notification command, the virtual POS server 12 executes the barcode-less notification process.

[0094] Details of the barcode-less notification process will be described later. The barcode-less notification process sends data for the third screen SCd from the virtual POS server 12, and the processor 21 stores the data for the third screen SCd in image memory as ACT32. Then, as ACT33, the processor 21 displays the third screen SCd (see Figure 19) on the display 241 based on the data in image memory.

[0095] Figure 19 shows an example of the third screen, SCd. As shown, the third screen, SCd, has a store name area ARa and a total area ARb, as well as a list area ARe for products without barcodes. The list area ARe displays multiple classification buttons Bf and multiple product buttons Bg, each assigned a product code for a product belonging to the classification of the selected classification button Bf. A scan button Bb and a back button Bh are also displayed. Each classification button Bf displays the classification of products that include products without barcodes. The product buttons Bg display the product name and price of the products without barcodes. Note that the information displayed on the product buttons Bg is not limited to the product name and price. Figure 19 is an example screen when "fruit" is selected as the classification.

[0096] In this way, when the consumer presses the "no barcode" button Bc on the first screen SCb, the display 241 transitions from the first screen SCb to the third screen SCd. After confirming the third screen SCd, the consumer operates the touch panel 24 to press the category button Bf to which the purchased item belongs, and then the product button Bg which displays the product name of the purchased item. By doing so, the product code assigned to the entered product button Bg is taken in by the processor 21. If the consumer realizes that the item has a barcode, they press the scan button Bb. If the consumer wishes to stop registering the item without a barcode, they press the back button Bh.

[0097] The processor 21, displaying the third screen SCd, checks whether the scan button Bb has been input as ACT34. If the scan button Bb has not been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT34 to ACT35. The processor 21 checks whether the back button Bh has been input as ACT35. If the back button Bh has not been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT35 to ACT36. The processor 21 checks whether the classification button Bf has been input as ACT36. If the classification button Bf has not been input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT36 to ACT37. The processor 21 checks whether the product button Bg has been input as ACT37. If the product button Bg has not been input, the processor 21 returns to ACT34. In this way, the processor 21, displaying the third screen SCd, waits for input from either the scan button Bb, the back button Bh, the classification button Bf, or the product button Bg.

[0098] In this standby state, when the processor 21 detects that the scan button Bb has been pressed, it proceeds from ACT34 to ACT38. As ACT38, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a scan notification to the virtual POS server 12. As a result of this control, the scan notification command is wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26, as described above. Upon receiving the scan notification command, the virtual POS server 12 executes the scan notification process described using Figure 11. Therefore, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT22 in Figure 6 and executes the processes of ACT22 to ACT29 in the same manner as described above.

[0099] In this standby state, if the back button Bh is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT35 to ACT39. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a back notification as ACT39. This control causes the back notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The back notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The back notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30.

[0100] When the virtual POS server 12, which is performing the barcode-less notification process, receives a return notification command, the data for the first screen SCb is sent from the virtual POS server 12. The processor 21 that sent the return notification then stores the data for the first screen SCb in image memory as ACT42. Then, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in image memory as ACT43.

[0101] In this waiting state, if any classification button Bf is selected, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT36 to ACT40. As ACT40, the processor 21 updates the product buttons Bg based on the data from the third screen SCd so that the product codes of the products belonging to the classification of the selected classification button Bf are assigned to each product button Bg. Then the processor 21 returns to the waiting state.

[0102] In this waiting state, if any product button Bg is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT37 to ACT41. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a registration notification as ACT41. This control causes the registration notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The registration notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The registration notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30, as well as the product code assigned to the selected product button Bg.

[0103] When the virtual POS server 12, which is performing a notification process for no barcode, receives a registration notification command, the data for the first screen SCb is sent from the virtual POS server 12. The processor 21 that sent the registration notification then stores the data for the first screen SCb in image memory as ACT42. Then, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in image memory as ACT43. With this, processor 21 terminates the second registration support process.

[0104] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the barcode-less notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives a barcode-less notification command from the mobile terminal 20, it starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 12. First, the processor 121 sends the data for the third screen SCd as ACT 131 to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the barcode-less notification command. The data for the third screen SCd is created based on pre-prepared layout data and product data stored in the second product file 42. Specifically, the classification names of the classification codes that exist as product data are assigned to each classification button Bf. Also, when any classification button Bf is selected, the data is edited so that the product name and price of the product belonging to that classification are assigned to each product button Bg. Therefore, the classification buttons Bf and product buttons Bg for barcode-less products displayed on the third screen SCd will differ depending on the store where the self-service product registration system 10 is built.

[0105] Processor 121, which sent the data for the third screen SCd, checks whether it has received a registration notification command as ACT132. If it has not received a registration notification command, processor 121 proceeds from ACT132 to ACT133. Processor 121 checks whether it has received a scan notification command as ACT133. If it has not received a scan notification command, processor 121 proceeds from ACT133 to ACT134. Processor 121 checks whether it has received a return notification command as ACT134. If it has not received a return notification command, processor 121 returns from ACT134 to ACT132. In this way, processor 121 waits to receive a registration notification command, a scan notification command, or a return notification command.

[0106] In this waiting state, upon receiving a scan notification command, processor 121 proceeds from ACT133 to ACT111 in Figure 11. Then, processor 121 executes the processing of ACT111 through ACT122 in the same manner as described above.

[0107] In this way, when a consumer who has entered the "No Barcode" button Bc to register a product without a barcode notices that the product has a barcode and enters the "Scan" button Bb on the third screen SCd, the display 241 transitions from the third screen SCd to the second screen SCc. Therefore, the consumer can quickly register a product with a barcode using the mobile terminal 20.

[0108] In this standby state, if a return notification command is received, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT134 to ACT143. As ACT143, the processor 121 sends the data of the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the return notification command.

[0109] Thus, when a consumer who has entered the "No Barcode" button Bc to register a product without a barcode enters the "Back" button Bh on the third screen SCd to cancel the registration of the product without a barcode, the screen on display 241 transitions from the third screen SCd to the first screen SCb. The first screen SCb at this point is the same as the first screen SCb before transitioning to the third screen SCd.

[0110] In this waiting state, if a registration notification command is received, processor 121 proceeds from ACT132 to ACT135. Processor 121 obtains the program ID from the registration notification command as ACT135. Then, as ACT136, processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 in which the program ID is stored.

[0111] Processor 121 also obtains the product code from the registration notification command as ACT137. Then, as ACT138, Processor 121 searches the second product file 42 using that product code. As ACT139, Processor 121 reads the product name, price, etc., stored in association with the product code from the second product file 42. As ACT140, Processor 121 generates product sales data. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, number of units sold, sales amount, cancellation flag, etc. The number of units sold is "1". The sales amount is the price multiplied by the number of units sold. The cancellation flag is "0", indicating no cancellation.

[0112] Processor 121 saves the product sales data as ACT141 to the transaction file 43 selected in ACT136. Then, as ACT142, Processor 121 updates the data on the first screen SCb based on the data in this transaction file 43. Specifically, Processor 121 updates the data in the detail area ARc of the first screen SCb so that the product sales data saved in the transaction file 43—that is, the product name, number of items sold, and sales amount for products without barcodes—is displayed. Processor 121 also updates the data in the total area ARb so that the total number of items and total amount for each product sales data is displayed. As ACT143, Processor 121 sends the data from the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the registration notification command.

[0113] In this way, when a consumer selects a product to purchase from the list of barcode-less products displayed on the mobile terminal 20's display 241, the virtual POS server 12 saves the product sales data for that purchased product to the consumer's transaction file 43. In other words, the product sales data for the barcode-less product is registered. At the same time, the display 241 transitions from the third screen SCd to the first screen SCb. As shown in Figure 18, the first screen SCb is updated with the product sales data for the purchased product.

[0114] In other words, the first screen SCb displays product sales data for barcode-enabled products that the consumer has self-registered, as well as product sales data for barcode-less products that the consumer has also self-registered. The total number of items and the total price for both barcode-enabled and barcode-less products are also displayed. Therefore, consumers who view the first screen SCb can see the product sales data, the total number of items, and the total price of the purchased products that they self-registered by operating the mobile terminal 20, regardless of whether the product has a barcode or not.

[0115] Next, using Figures 8, 13, and 20 through 23, the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when a consumer changes the number of registered products sold will be explained. Note that changes to the number of products sold include increases when adding the same product and decreases when returning a product.

[0116] As mentioned above, the details area ARc on the first screen SCb displays the product name and sales price of the registered product, along with the number of units sold. The number of units sold is displayed in a pull-down box. To change the number of units sold for a registered product, the consumer selects the number of units sold from the pull-down box displayed alongside the product name.

[0117] When a pull-down box is selected, the processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 recognizes that a quantity change has been instructed. The processor 21 determines YES in ACT13 in Figure 5 and starts the quantity change support process as ACT15.

[0118] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the quantity change support process. Processor 21 retrieves the product code of the product sales data displayed in the detail area ARc of the pull-down box where the quantity change is specified as ACT51. Processor 21 also displays the pull-down menu PD (see Figure 20) in the pull-down box where the quantity change is specified as ACT52.

[0119] Figure 20 shows an example screen in the first screen SCb of Figure 18 when the dropdown box for the number of units sold, which is displayed along with the product name BBB, is selected. As shown in the figure, the selected dropdown box displays a dropdown menu PD with numerical values ​​from "0" to "10".

[0120] The consumer selects the new quantity of product BBB from the pull-down menu PD. For example, to add one unit of product BBB to make it two units, the consumer selects "2". For example, to return all units of product BBB, the consumer selects "0". If the number of units is "10" or more, the consumer selects "10". Then, as shown in Figure 21, a numeric keypad button PUa and a change quantity box PUb will pop up, and the consumer uses the numeric keypad button PUa to enter the new number of units sold. The entered number of units sold will be displayed in the change quantity box PUb, and the consumer then presses the confirmation button Bi included in the numeric keypad button PUa.

[0121] In other words, in ACT52, the processor 21 displays the pull-down menu PD and waits for a quantity to be selected from the pull-down menu PD as ACT53. Once a quantity is selected, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT53 to ACT54. In ACT54, the processor 21 checks whether "10" has been selected. If the selected number is any number from "0" to "9", the processor 21 proceeds from ACT54 to ACT57. In ACT57, the processor 21 obtains the selected number as the modified quantity N.

[0122] If "10" is selected, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT54 to ACT55. The processor 21 displays the numeric keypad button PUa as ACT55. Then, the processor 21 waits for a number to be entered via the numeric keypad button PUa as ACT56. Once a number is entered, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT56 to ACT57. The processor 21 obtains the selected number as the modified quantity N as ACT57.

[0123] After completing the processing of ACT57, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a quantity change notification as ACT58. This control causes the quantity change notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The quantity change notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The quantity change notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. The product code obtained in ACT51 and the changed quantity N obtained in ACT57 are also included in the quantity change notification command. Upon receiving the quantity change notification command, the virtual POS server 12 executes the quantity change notification processing.

[0124] Details of the quantity change notification process will be described later. Upon processing the quantity change, the virtual POS server 12 sends the data for the first screen SCb after the quantity change. However, if the changed quantity N is smaller than the original quantity M, the virtual POS server 12 sends a registration cancellation image PUc (see Figure 22) before the data for the first screen SCb.

[0125] Processor 21 checks whether or not it has received the registration cancellation image PUc as ACT59. If it receives data for the first screen SCb without receiving the registration cancellation image PUc, processor 21 proceeds from ACT59 to ACT60. Processor 21 stores the data for the first screen SCb in image memory as ACT60. Then, as ACT61, processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on display 241 based on the data in image memory.

[0126] On the other hand, if a registration cancellation image PUc is received, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT59 to ACT62. As ACT62, the processor 21 displays the registration cancellation image PUc as a pop-up on the first screen SCb.

[0127] Figure 22 shows an example screen where the registration cancellation image PUc is displayed as a pop-up on the first screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the registration cancellation image PUc displays an OK button Bj along with a message instructing the user to return the item to the shelf. After the consumer confirms the registration cancellation image PUc, they return the item to be returned to the shelf and press the OK button Bj.

[0128] The processor 21, which has displayed the registration cancellation image PUc as a pop-up, waits for the OK button Bj to be input as ACT63. When the OK button Bj is input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT63 to ACT64. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a confirmation notification as ACT64. This control causes the confirmation notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The confirmation notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The confirmation notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. The virtual POS server 12, which has received the confirmation notification command, sends the data for the first screen SCb.

[0129] The processor 21, having sent the confirmation notification command, proceeds to ACT60. As ACT60, the processor 21 stores the data of the first screen SCb in the image memory. Then, as ACT61, the processor 21 displays the first screen SCb on the display 241 based on the data in the image memory.

[0130] With this, processor 21 terminates the quantity change process.

[0131] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the quantity change notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. When the processor 121 receives a quantity change notification command from the mobile terminal 20, it starts the information processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 13.

[0132] Processor 121 obtains the program ID from the quantity change notification command as ACT151. Then, processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 in which the program ID is stored as ACT152.

[0133] Processor 121 obtains the product code from the quantity change notification command as ACT153. Then, as ACT154, Processor 121 obtains the number of units sold of the product sales data containing the product code from the product sales data stored in the selected transaction file 43, and uses this as the original quantity M.

[0134] Processor 121 obtains the changed quantity N from the quantity change notification command as ACT155. Then, as ACT156, Processor 121 compares the original quantity M with the changed quantity N. If the changed quantity N is smaller than the original quantity M, Processor 121 proceeds from ACT156 to ACT157. As ACT157, Processor 121 sends the registration cancellation image data to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the quantity change notification command. The registration cancellation image data is stored in the main memory 122 or the auxiliary storage device 123. Processor 121 waits for a confirmation notification command as ACT158. Upon receiving a confirmation notification command, Processor 121 proceeds from ACT158 to ACT159. On the other hand, if the changed quantity N is greater than or equal to the original quantity M, Processor 121 proceeds from ACT156 to ACT159. In other words, Processor 121 skips the processing of ACT157 and ACT158.

[0135] Processor 121, as ACT159, changes the number of items sold in the product sales data from the original quantity M to the new quantity N. Processor 121, as ACT160, checks whether the new quantity N is "0". If the new quantity N is "0", processor 121 proceeds from ACT160 to ACT161. Processor 121, as ACT161, changes the cancellation flag for the product sales data where the new quantity N is "0" to "1". If the new quantity N is not "0", processor 121 proceeds from ACT160 to ACT162. In other words, processor 121 skips the processing of ACT161.

[0136] Processor 121 updates the data on the first screen SCb as ACT162. Specifically, processor 121 controls the details area ARc of the first screen SCb so that the product name, number of items sold, and sales amount of the product sales data stored in the transaction file 43 are displayed. It also controls the product name and sales amount of product sales data for which the cancellation flag has been changed to "1" to be struck through. Processor 121 sends the data on the first screen SCb to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the registration notification command as ACT163.

[0137] Figure 23 shows an example of the first screen SCb after changing the sales quantity of product BBB to "0". As shown in the figure, the product name and sales price of product BBB, whose sales quantity has been changed to "0", are crossed out. Therefore, consumers can see that the registration of product BBB has been canceled before payment.

[0138] Next, using Figures 9, 14, and 24, we will explain the operation of the self-service product registration system 10 when a consumer pays for purchased goods. As mentioned above, when proceeding to checkout for self-registered purchased items, the consumer presses the checkout button Bd displayed on the first screen SCb. The processor 21 of the mobile terminal 20 then starts the payment support process.

[0139] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the payment support process. When the processor 21 starts the payment support process, it controls the wireless unit 26 to send a payment notification to the virtual POS server 12 as ACT 71. This control causes the payment notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The payment notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The payment notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30. Upon receiving the payment notification command, the virtual POS server 12 executes the payment notification process.

[0140] Details of the payment notification process will be described later. During the payment notification process, data for the accounting screen SCe is sent from the virtual POS server 12, and the processor 21 stores the data for the accounting screen SCe in image memory as ACT72. Then, the processor 21 displays the accounting screen SCe (see Figure 24) on the display 241 based on the data in image memory as ACT73.

[0141] Figure 24 shows an example of the accounting screen SCe. As shown in the figure, the accounting barcode BCD is displayed on the accounting screen SCe. A back button Bh is also displayed on the accounting screen SCe.

[0142] After viewing the payment screen SCe, the consumer proceeds to the location of the payment machine 13. If payment machine 13 is a manned payment machine, the consumer presents the payment barcode BCD from the payment screen SCe to the cashier. The cashier scans the payment barcode BCD with the scanner on payment machine 13. If payment machine 13 is a self-service payment machine, the consumer scans the payment barcode BCD themselves with the scanner on payment machine 13. To cancel the transaction, the consumer presses the back button Bh.

[0143] When the accounting barcode BCD is scanned by the scanner of the accounting machine 13, the accounting machine 13 executes the settlement process based on the data in the transaction file 43 identified by that accounting barcode BCD. At the same time, a settlement completion command is sent from the virtual POS server 12 to the mobile terminal 20.

[0144] The processor 21, which displays the accounting screen SCe, checks whether it has received a settlement completion command as ACT74. If it has not received a settlement completion command, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT74 to ACT75. The processor 21 checks whether the back button Bh has been pressed as ACT75. If the back button Bh has not been pressed, the processor 21 returns to ACT74. In this way, the processor 21 waits for either a settlement completion command to be received or for the back button Bh to be pressed.

[0145] In this waiting state, if the back button Bh is pressed, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT75 to ACT76. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to send a cancellation notification as ACT76. This control causes the cancellation notification command to be transmitted wirelessly via the wireless unit 26. The cancellation notification command is received by the access point 15 and sent to the virtual POS server 12 via the communication network 14. The cancellation notification command includes the program ID of the self-registration program 30.

[0146] In this waiting state, if a settlement completion command is received, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT74 to ACT77. The processor 21 then clears the accounting screen SCe as ACT77. With this, the processor 21 terminates the information processing according to the self-registration program 30.

[0147] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the accounting notification process executed by the processor 121 of the virtual POS server 12. Upon receiving an accounting notification command from the mobile terminal 20, the processor 121 begins information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 14.

[0148] Processor 121 obtains the program ID from the accounting notification command as ACT171. Then, as ACT172, Processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 in which the program ID is stored. Processor 121 generates a unique accounting barcode BCD as ACT173. Then, as ACT174, Processor 121 saves the accounting barcode BCD data to the selected transaction file 43.

[0149] Processor 121 sends the data from the accounting screen SCe, including the accounting barcode BCD, as ACT175 to the mobile terminal 20, the source of the accounting notification command. Then, as ACT176, Processor 121 checks whether it has received the accounting barcode BCD data from the accounting machine 13. If it has not received the accounting barcode BCD data, Processor 121 proceeds from ACT176 to ACT177. As ACT177, Processor 121 checks whether it has received an accounting cancellation notification command from the mobile terminal 20. If it has not received an accounting cancellation notification command, Processor 121 returns from ACT177 to ACT176. In this way, Processor 121 waits to receive either the accounting barcode BCD data or the accounting cancellation notification command.

[0150] As mentioned above, when the consumer presses the back button Bh on the accounting screen SCe, an accounting cancellation notification command is sent from the mobile terminal 20 to the virtual POS server 12. Once the processor 121 confirms that it has received the accounting cancellation notification command, it proceeds from ACT177 to ACT178. As ACT178, the processor 121 clears the accounting barcode BCD data that was saved in the transaction file 43 during the processing of ACT174.

[0151] As mentioned above, when the accounting barcode BCD is scanned by the scanner of the accounting machine 13, the accounting machine 13 sends the accounting barcode BCD data to the virtual POS server 12. Upon receiving the accounting barcode BCD data, the processor 121 proceeds from ACT 176 to ACT 179. As ACT 179, the processor 121 selects the transaction file 43 containing the accounting barcode BCD data. Then, as ACT 180, the processor 121 edits the settlement data from the product sales data and the total number of items and total amount data stored in the transaction file 43, and sends it to the accounting machine 13 that sent the accounting barcode BCD data. The processor 121 also sends a settlement completion command as ACT 181 to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the accounting notification command. With this, the processor 121 finishes processing the information when it receives the accounting notification command.

[0152] [Explanation of the effects and benefits of the self-service product registration system] As detailed above, when the consumer, who is the operator, presses the scan button Bb on the first screen SCb of the mobile terminal 20, the first screen SCb transitions to the second screen SCc, which corresponds to the registration of products with barcodes. In this state, when the consumer scans the barcode of a product with a barcode using the camera 25, the virtual POS server 12 processes the registration of product sales data for that product with a barcode. Also, when the consumer presses the no-barcode button Bc on the first screen SCb, the first screen SCb transitions to the third screen SCd, which corresponds to the registration of products without barcodes. In this state, when the consumer selects to specify a product without a barcode by pressing the classification button Bf or the product button Bg on the third screen SCd, the virtual POS server 12 processes the registration of product sales data for that product without a barcode. In other words, products without barcodes can be registered without having to enter the product code of the product without a barcode using the numeric keypad.

[0153] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a portable terminal 20 that can correctly self-register not only products with barcodes but also products without barcodes with simple operations. Furthermore, the screen transitions described above are realized by a third function of the virtual POS server 12. Thus, it is possible to provide a virtual POS server 12 (information processing device) that can control the screen of the portable terminal 20 so that not only products with barcodes but also products without barcodes can be correctly self-registered with simple operations.

[0154] Furthermore, when a consumer presses the scan button Bb on the third screen SCd of the mobile terminal 20, the third screen SCd transitions to the second screen SCc. Therefore, if a consumer attempts to register a product without a barcode and then realizes that the product has a barcode, they can easily switch to registering the product with a barcode.

[0155] Furthermore, when a product is registered via the second screen SCc or the third screen SCd, the mobile terminal 20 transitions to the first screen SCb, which displays the name and registered quantity of the product. Therefore, consumers can easily access data on purchased products that they have self-registered by operating the mobile terminal 20, regardless of whether the product has a barcode or not. Incidentally, the first screen SCb may also display product sales data for products with barcodes and product sales data for products without barcodes in a distinguishable manner. By doing so, consumers can easily distinguish whether the product sales data displayed on the first screen SCb is for products with barcodes or products without barcodes.

[0156] On the first screen, SCb, the number of units sold for a product is displayed in a pull-down box. When a consumer operates the pull-down box and selects a desired number from the displayed menu, the number of units sold for that product is changed to the selected number. Furthermore, if the consumer wants to change the number to 10 or more, they select "10" from the pull-down menu. Then, the numeric keypad buttons PUa appear, and the consumer enters a desired number of two or more digits. The number of units sold for that product is then changed to the entered number. Thus, according to this embodiment, the number of registered products sold can be changed with simple operations.

[0157] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the virtual POS server 12 was described as having a third function for controlling the screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 20. The information processing device having the third function is not limited to the virtual POS server 12. For example, the store server 11 may have the third function. Alternatively, a server dedicated to the third function may be one form of the information processing device.

[0158] When attempting to scan a barcode with the camera 25 of the mobile terminal 20, it may be impossible to scan the barcode if, for example, the barcode is dirty. In this case, a manual input button is displayed on the second screen SCc. When the manual input button is pressed, the processor 21 displays the numeric keypad button PUa shown in Figure 21 to accept manual input of the product code. By adding this configuration, even if the camera 25 cannot scan the barcode, products with barcodes can be self-registered.

[0159] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the mobile terminal 20 used by the consumer accesses the virtual POS server 12 of the self-service product registration system 10 via the access point 15. For example, if the virtual POS server 12 is a server that provides services as cloud computing, the mobile terminal 20 may access the virtual POS server 12 via an external connection, such as the internet.

[0160] 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 within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The original claims of this application are included below. [C1] A reading unit that reads code symbols, A display unit that displays a first screen on which a first operator is placed to transition to a second screen for registering products with the aforementioned code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator is placed to transition to a third screen for registering products without the aforementioned code symbol by selecting them from a product list, and when the first operator is operated, the display unit transitions from the first screen to the second screen, and when the second operator is operated, it transitions from the first screen to the third screen, An output unit that outputs the product data registered via the second screen or the third screen to a product registration processing device, A mobile device equipped with the following features. [C2] The third screen has the first control panel on it. The mobile terminal according to C1, wherein the display unit transitions from the third screen to the second screen when the first operator on the third screen is operated. [C3] The display unit transitions to the first screen displaying the name and quantity of the registered product when the product is registered via the second screen or the third screen, as described in C1 or C2 of the mobile terminal. [C4] The display unit includes means for displaying a change acceptance unit that accepts changes to the registered quantity displayed on the first screen, The output unit, upon receiving a change in the registered quantity from the change acceptance unit, outputs the data of the changed registered quantity to the product registration processing device, as described in C3. [C5] The aforementioned first screen further includes a third operator for instructing accounting, The output unit outputs data instructing accounting to the product registration processing device when the third operator is operated, as described in one of C1 to C4, the portable terminal. [C6] A first control means that displays a first screen on the display unit of a mobile terminal, which includes a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen for registering products without a code symbol by selecting them from a product list. When the first operator is operated on the mobile terminal, a second control means causes the screen of the display unit to transition from the first screen to the second screen, When the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal, a third control means is provided to transition the screen of the display unit from the first screen to the third screen, An information processing device equipped with the following. [C7] The third screen has the first control panel on it. When the first operator on the third screen of the mobile terminal is operated, a fourth control means transitions the screen of the display unit from the third screen to the second screen. The information processing device according to C6, further comprising the above. [C8] When a product is registered on the mobile terminal via the second screen or the third screen, the fifth control means transitions the display unit's screen to the first screen which displays the name and quantity of the product. An information processing apparatus according to C6 or C7, further comprising the above. [C9] In the computer of the information processing device that communicates with the mobile terminal, A function to display a first screen on the display unit of the mobile terminal, which includes a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen for registering products without a code symbol by selecting them from a product list. When the first control element is operated on the mobile terminal, the display unit has a function to transition the screen from the first screen to the second screen, and When the second operator is operated on the mobile terminal, the display unit has a function to transition the screen from the first screen to the third screen. A control program to achieve this. [C10] On the computer of a mobile device, The mobile terminal has a function to display a first screen on its display unit, which includes a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen for registering products without a code symbol by selecting them from a product list. When the first control element is operated on the mobile terminal, the display unit has a function to transition the screen from the first screen to the second screen, and When the second control element is operated on the mobile terminal, the display unit has a function to transition the screen from the first screen to the third screen. A control program to achieve this. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 10...Self-service product registration system, 11...Store server, 12...Virtual POS server, 13...Accounting machine, 14...Communication network, 15...Access point, 20...Mobile terminal, 21...Processor, 22...Internal memory, 23...External memory, 24...Touch panel, 25...Camera, 25...Wireless unit, 27...System transmission path, 27...Battery, 30...Self-service registration program, 40...Registration control program, 41...First product file, 42...Second product file, 43...Transaction file, 51...First control unit, 52...Second control unit 53...3rd control unit, 54...4th control unit, 55...5th control unit, 56...6th control unit, 57...7th control unit, 121...processor, 122...main memory, 123...auxiliary storage device, 124...clock, 125...communication interface, 126...system transmission path, Bb...scan button (1st operator), Bc...no barcode button (2nd operator), Bd...checkout button (3rd operator), SCa...check-in screen, SCb...1st screen, SCc...2nd screen, SCd...3rd screen, SCe...checkout screen.

Claims

1. A display unit that displays a first screen having a total area for displaying the total points and total amount, which includes a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen having a list area including classification buttons for registering products without a code symbol by selecting from a product list, the product list being a first screen having a total area for displaying the total points and total amount. A mobile device equipped with the following features.

2. A reading unit that reads the aforementioned code symbol, An output unit that outputs the product data registered via the second screen or the third screen to a product registration processing device, It further possesses, The mobile terminal according to claim 1.

3. The third screen has the first operator on it. The display unit transitions from the third screen to the second screen, as described in claim 2.

4. The mobile terminal according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when a product is registered via the second screen or the third screen, the display unit transitions to the first screen displaying the name and quantity of the product.

5. The display unit includes means for displaying a change acceptance unit that accepts changes to the registered quantity displayed on the first screen, The portable terminal according to claim 4, wherein the output unit, upon receiving a change in the registered quantity from the change acceptance unit, outputs data of the changed registered quantity to the product registration processing device.

6. The aforementioned first screen further includes a third operator for instructing accounting, The portable terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the output unit outputs data instructing accounting to the product registration processing device when the third operator is operated.

7. A first control means displays a first screen having a total area that displays the total points and total amount, on the display unit of a mobile terminal, which includes a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen, which is a screen having a list area including classification buttons, for registering products without a code symbol by selection from a product list, and which serves as the product list. An information processing device equipped with the following.

8. The third screen has the first operator on it. A fourth control means for transitioning the screen of the display unit of the mobile terminal from the third screen to the second screen, The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. When a product is registered on the mobile terminal via the second screen or the third screen, a fifth control means transitions the display unit's screen to the first screen displaying the product's name and registered quantity. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising:

10. In the computer of the information processing device that communicates with the mobile terminal, A control program for realizing a function to display a first screen having a total area that displays the total number of points and total amount, on the display unit of the mobile terminal, which has a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen, which is a screen having a list area including classification buttons, for registering products without a code symbol by selection from a product list.

11. On the computer of a mobile device, A control program for realizing a function that displays a first screen having a total area that displays the total number of items and total amount, with a first operator that transitions to a second screen for registering products with a code symbol by reading the code symbol, and a second operator that transitions to a third screen, which is a screen having a list area including classification buttons, for registering products without a code symbol by selection from a product list.

Images