Server equipment and transaction management system

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a transaction management system, capable of facilitating check work of attendants.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: transaction management means which manages transaction identification information for identifying one transaction, transaction information required for checkout processing for a customer to make a payment, and check completion information that is registered when confirmation by a store clerk has completed with respect to a product registered through operation of the customer in association with one another; acceptance means which accepts a transaction information request including the transaction identification information; and output means which, on the condition that the transaction identification information included in the transaction information request accepted by the acceptance means is registered in association with the check completion information, outputs transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to Server equipment and a transaction management system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in stores such as supermarkets, systems in which customers themselves perform product registration in the sales floor have been adopted. As such a system, for example, a system using a shopping cart equipped with a tablet terminal and a scanner has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] A customer who is shopping scans a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product to be purchased in the store's sales floor (hereinafter also referred to as a "product barcode") with a scanner. Product registration is performed based on the product code read by the scanner, and the registered product information (product name, price, etc.) is stored in a tablet terminal or a store server. Then, the above product information is transferred to a cash register that performs accounting processing when the customer pays. The customer makes a payment with a cash register that they operate themselves.

[0004] In addition, systems that enable shopping using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a customer instead of a tablet terminal or a scanner prepared by a store have also been adopted. In this system, a shopping application program is installed on the customer's smartphone. Then, the product barcode is imaged with the camera of the smartphone to read the product code.

[0005] Stores that adopt the above system generally arrange employees in a cash register area where cash registers are installed. An employee (hereinafter also referred to as an "attendant") arranged in the cash register area checks the products purchased by the customer and supports the operation of the cash register for the customer. Checks performed by the attendant vary from store to store depending on the operation, but for example, include checking the age of the customer when the purchased product includes an age confirmation product.

[0006] The attendant performs the check at the payment machine where the customer is making the payment. For example, if the items a customer is purchasing include items that require age verification, a call light on the payment machine illuminates, and the attendant moves to that machine to verify the customer's age. This meant the attendant had to move to the payment machine each time, making the check process cumbersome. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to make it possible to facilitate the check work of attendants. Server equipment And to provide a transaction management system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Embodiment Server equipment teeth, A server device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal operated by a customer, Transaction identification information that identifies a single transaction, transaction information necessary for accounting processing for the customer to make a payment, and products registered by the customer's operation. or transactions that include the product A transaction management system that manages the checked information, which is registered once the store clerk's check is complete, in association with the checked information. From the aforementioned mobile device Including the aforementioned transaction-specific information Accounting Instructions Accept 1 Registration methods and A second receiving means that accepts input of information indicating that a store clerk has checked the transaction of the transaction-specific information included in the accounting instruction in response to the accounting instruction; a registration means that, after the second receiving means has accepted the input of the information, registers the checked information in the transaction-specific information of the corresponding transaction; and the transaction-specific information Checked information but With support ke Provided that it is registered, the transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information will be provided. At the accounting machine It comprises an output means for outputting, and [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic of the transaction management system in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the accounting area of ​​a store employing the transaction management system in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the product master stored in the storage unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the terminal management table stored in the storage unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the highlight information management table stored in the storage unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the transaction information management table stored in the storage unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the mode management table stored in the storage unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of a mobile terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of a mobile terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates the data structure of the status management table stored in the memory unit of the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the transaction management system in the embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a transaction information display screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a transaction list screen displayed on the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an attendant check screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a transaction details screen displayed on the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a guidance screen displayed on the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an accounting screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the attendant check determination process by the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a highlight setting screen displayed on the attendant PC in the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the attendant check process by the control unit of the accounting machine in the modification example.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes an information processing device and a transaction management system based on embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, the embodiments described below describe an example where the information processing device is a server device that manages information for multiple stores, but the invention is not limited to this. The information processing device may be a store server or attendant PC that manages information for a single store, or it may be composed of a server device and these devices. Furthermore, the embodiments described below describe an example where the mobile terminal used for product registration is an information terminal owned by the customer, but the invention is not limited to this. The mobile terminal may be an information terminal provided by the store. Product registration refers to storing (registering) information about products purchased by the customer.

[0011] The transaction management system of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the transaction management system 1. The transaction management system 1 is used in stores that sell goods, such as supermarkets. The transaction management system 1 includes a server device 2 and a mobile self-checkout system 3. The server device 2 and the mobile self-checkout system 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a network such as the Internet.

[0012] The mobile self-checkout system 3 is a system used in a single store and includes a customer-carried mobile terminal 4, a payment machine 5, and an attendant PC 6. The mobile terminal 4, payment machine 5, and attendant PC 6 are connected to each other via an in-store network such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). In addition, the mobile terminal 4, payment machine 5, and attendant PC 6 are connected to a server device 2 via the same in-store network.

[0013] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 4 may communicate with the server device 2 without going through the in-store network described above. In addition, various other devices may be connected to the in-store network. For example, a POS terminal where store employees perform product registration and payment operations, a self-service POS terminal where customers perform product registration and payment operations, and a semi-self-service POS system where store employees perform product registration operations and customers perform payment operations may be connected to the in-store network. Moreover, the number of mobile terminals 4 and payment machines 5 is not limited to the example shown.

[0014] Server device 2 receives store entry information from mobile terminal 4. The store entry information includes the company code and store code of the store where the customer is located. By receiving the store entry information from mobile terminal 4, server device 2 can identify the store where mobile terminal 4 is located. Server device 2 issues a terminal code and a transaction code to the mobile terminal 4 that sent the store entry information and transmits them to the mobile terminal 4. The terminal code is terminal identification information that identifies mobile terminal 4, and the transaction code is transaction identification information that identifies the transaction.

[0015] Furthermore, the server device 2 transmits mode information to the mobile terminal 4. The mode information indicates the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 at the store where the customer is located. Details of the mode information will be described later.

[0016] When the mobile terminal 4 transmits various information to the server device 2, it transmits the above-mentioned terminal code, allowing the server device 2 to easily identify the mobile terminal 4 that is sending the information. In this embodiment, multiple transaction codes will not be issued to a single mobile terminal 4 while a customer is shopping. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the terminal code and the transaction code, so one can be assigned the function of the other.

[0017] Specifically, a transaction can be identified by the terminal code. Therefore, the terminal code is also an example of transaction identification information. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 4 can be identified by the transaction code. Therefore, the transaction code is also an example of terminal identification information. For this reason, in the following explanation, the terminal code and the transaction code are interchangeable as appropriate. Also, the server device 2 may issue only the terminal code or only the transaction code.

[0018] Server device 2 receives a registration request from mobile terminal 4. The registration request includes the terminal code and the product code read by mobile terminal 4. Server device 2, which manages product information for each store, reads the product information corresponding to the product code included in the registration request received from mobile terminal 4 and registers it as a transaction item. In other words, server device 2 registers the above product information as part of the transaction information. The transaction information includes various information necessary for the customer to make a payment, such as product information. Product information includes information such as product name, price, and highlight information. Highlight information is information that indicates a product that should be paid attention to when the attendant checks it. In this way, server device 2 manages transaction information in real time for each customer, or in other words, for each terminal code.

[0019] Server device 2 transmits transaction information of the store where the attendant PC 6 is installed (hereinafter also referred to as "store transaction information") from the transaction information it manages to the attendant PC 6. Server device 2 periodically receives store transaction information requests from the attendant PC 6 at short intervals and transmits store transaction information as a response to the store transaction information request. As a result, the attendant PC 6 can obtain transaction information for its own store in virtually real time. The attendant PC 6 manages the status of each customer based on the acquired transaction information. Server device 2 may also transmit the store transaction information of the store whose transaction information has been updated to the attendant PC 6 each time the transaction information is updated. In this case, the attendant PC 6 does not need to send a store transaction information request.

[0020] Server device 2 receives check information from attendant PC 6. The check information indicates that the attendant has checked the product whose barcode the customer scanned, i.e., the customer's purchased product, and includes the transaction code. In the following description, the check performed by the attendant on purchased products may be referred to as "attendant check". Server device 2 manages whether each transaction has been attendant checked or not by associating and storing the terminal code, transaction code, and check information.

[0021] Server device 2 receives a transaction information request from accounting machine 5. The transaction information request is a request for transaction information that a customer needs to make a payment, and includes a transaction code that identifies the transaction to be paid for. When server device 2 receives a transaction information request, it determines whether the transaction identified by the transaction code included in the transaction information request (the target transaction) has been checked by an attendant.

[0022] The server device 2 then transmits transaction information for the target transaction to the accounting machine 5 if the transaction has been checked by an attendant. If the transaction has not been checked by an attendant, the server device 2 transmits error information to the accounting machine 5 without transmitting the transaction information. The error information indicates that the transaction has not been checked by an attendant. As a result, the server device 2 allows the customer to make a payment at the accounting machine 5, provided that the transaction has been checked by an attendant in advance.

[0023] Server device 2 is an example of an information processing device. Note that server device 2 may be composed of multiple computers. In other words, the functions of server device 2 may be distributed among multiple computers.

[0024] Mobile terminal 4 is a mobile device owned by the customer. In this embodiment, mobile terminal 4 is a smartphone owned by the customer. Mobile terminal 4 has an application program for the mobile self-checkout system installed. Mobile terminal 4 reads the product code by capturing an image of the product barcode with the imaging unit 44 (see Figure 10). Mobile terminal 4 sends and receives various information to and from the server device 2.

[0025] The accounting machine 5 is a self-service accounting machine operated by the customer. The accounting machine 5 is equipped with a scanner unit. The accounting machine 5 reads the transaction code from the accounting barcode displayed on the accounting screen on the mobile terminal 4 using the scanner unit. The accounting machine 5 sends a transaction information request, including the read transaction code, to the server device 2.

[0026] When accounting machine 5 receives transaction information from server device 2 in response to a transaction information request, it performs accounting processing based on that transaction information. Accounting processing is the process of paying for the goods purchased by the customer. In the case of cash payments, accounting processing includes, for example, displaying transaction information, calculating the amount of change, and dispensing the change, while in the case of cashless payments, it includes sending and receiving various information with the payment service provider's payment server.

[0027] When accounting machine 5 receives error information from server device 2 as a response to a transaction information request, it displays the error information on its own display unit. The displayed error information may indicate, for example, that payment cannot be made because the attendant check has not been completed. Accounting machine 5 sends and receives various information between itself and server device 2.

[0028] The attendant PC 6 is operated by an attendant or other store employee and is an example of an attendant terminal. The attendant PC 6 is equipped with a scanner unit 64 (see Figure 12). The attendant PC 6 reads the transaction code from the accounting barcode on the attendant check screen displayed on the mobile terminal 4 using the scanner unit 64. The attendant PC 6 obtains the transaction information corresponding to the read transaction code from the server device 2 and displays it on the display unit 62 (see Figure 12).

[0029] The attendant PC 6 can accept input of a terminal code via the operation unit 63 instead of reading the transaction code with the scanner unit 64. The terminal code is displayed on the attendant check screen of the mobile terminal 4. Since the terminal code is associated with the transaction code in the server device 2, the attendant PC 6 can also obtain transaction information corresponding to the transaction code from the server device 2 by sending the terminal code to the server device 2. This allows the attendant PC 6 to obtain the necessary transaction information from the server device 2 even if the scanner unit 64 is malfunctioning.

[0030] The attendant performs an attendant check based on the transaction information displayed on attendant PC6. For example, if the transaction includes an age-verification product, the attendant verifies the customer's age. Also, if the transaction includes an unregistered product, the attendant checks for the unregistered product. An unregistered product is a product for which the product information corresponding to the product code has not been registered in the product master for some reason. Once the attendant check is complete, the attendant PC6 is marked as checked. Upon receiving the checked information, the attendant PC6 sends the check information to server device 2.

[0031] If the attendant identifies an unregistered item, they will mark it as checked on the attendant's PC6, and then proceed with the customer to the checkout machine 5 or the dedicated register. The attendant will then operate the checkout machine 5 or the dedicated register to manually register the product information of the unregistered item as part of the transaction information.

[0032] Now, let's refer to Figure 2 to explain the operation in the store. Figure 2 shows the checkout area of ​​the store. Near the entrance to the checkout area, in other words, along the path that customers take to one of the checkout machines 5, an attendant and an attendant PC 6 operated by that attendant are positioned.

[0033] Before making a payment at the payment machine 5, the customer presents the attendant check screen displayed on the mobile terminal 4 to the attendant. The attendant scans the payment barcode on the attendant check screen with the scanner unit 64 of the attendant PC 6. The attendant PC 6 retrieves transaction information corresponding to the transaction code read from the payment barcode from the server device 2 and displays it on the display unit 62. The attendant performs an attendant check based on the displayed transaction information. Once the attendant check is complete, the attendant enters "checked" into the attendant PC 6. The attendant PC 6 transmits the checked information to the server device 2.

[0034] Once the attendant check is complete, the customer can make a payment at any of the payment machines 5. If a customer who has not completed the attendant check attempts to make a payment at payment machine 5, an error message will be displayed on the machine 5, and the payment will not be processed. In this case, the customer moves to the location of the attendant PC 6 to undergo the attendant check. Since the attendant can perform the attendant check for each customer at the location where the attendant PC 6 is installed, the checking process becomes easier.

[0035] Next, we will describe in detail the server device 2, mobile terminal 4, and attendant PC 6 that make up the transaction management system 1.

[0036] First, let's describe the server device 2. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, storage unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25, etc.

[0037] The control unit 20 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

[0038] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the server device 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as the work area for the CPU 201 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes for the server device 2 by having the CPU 201 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded into the RAM 203.

[0039] The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 21 stores the control program 211, product master 212, terminal management table 213, highlight information management table 214, transaction information management table 215, and mode management table 216.

[0040] The control program 211 is a program that implements functions such as sending and receiving information with external devices such as the mobile terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6, managing transaction information for each customer, and receiving transaction information requests and determining whether the transaction in question has been checked by an attendant.

[0041] Product Master 212 is a master file that stores information about the products handled by each store. Product Master 212 is updated based on information obtained from each store. Since the products handled by each store change daily, Product Master 212 is updated as needed. Figure 4 shows the data structure of the product master. Product Master 212 stores the company code, store code, product code, product name, price, and highlight item number in association with each other.

[0042] The company code is information that identifies the company operating the stores that use the transaction management system 1. The store code is information that identifies the stores that use the transaction management system 1. If multiple stores within a single company use the transaction management system 1, multiple store codes will be associated with the company code.

[0043] The product code is information that identifies a product. Since multiple products are sold in one store, multiple product codes are associated with the store code. The product name is information that indicates the name of the product. The price is information that indicates the price of the product. The highlight item number is information that identifies the highlight item that should be focused on during the attendant check. The highlight item number is associated only with products that are designated as products that attendants should carefully check (hereinafter also referred to as "highlight products"). The product name, price, and highlight item number are associated one-to-one with the product code.

[0044] The terminal management table 213 is a data table that manages the mobile terminals 4 used in the mobile self-checkout system 3. Figure 5 shows the data structure of the terminal management table 213. The terminal management table 213 stores the terminal code, notification destination, company code, and store code in association with each other.

[0045] The terminal code is information that identifies the mobile terminal 4 using the transaction management system 1. When the server device 2 receives entry information from the mobile terminal 4, it issues a terminal code to the mobile terminal 4 and registers it in the terminal management table 213. The terminal code may be an identification number of the mobile terminal 4 itself, such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). However, issuing a terminal code specifically for the transaction management system 1 has the advantage of reducing the number of digits in the terminal code and making it easier to operate if it becomes necessary to manually enter the terminal code.

[0046] The notification recipient is information indicating the notification recipient of mobile terminal 4, such as the communication address of mobile terminal 4. The company code is information that identifies the company operating the store where mobile terminal 4 is located. The store code is information that identifies the store where mobile terminal 4 is located. The notification recipient, company code, and store code are registered based on the store entry information received from mobile terminal 4. Furthermore, information related to the terminal code of a customer whose transaction payment has been completed may be sequentially deleted from the information registered in the terminal management table 213. In this case, the same terminal code can be used multiple times, thus reducing the number of digits in the terminal code used.

[0047] The Highlight Information Management Table 214 is a data table that manages the highlight items in highlight products. The Highlight Information Management Table 214 is updated based on information obtained from each store. The Attendant PC 6 displays the transaction details screen based on the information registered in the Highlight Information Management Table 214. Figure 6 shows the data structure of the Highlight Information Management Table 214. The Highlight Information Management Table 214 stores the company code, store code, highlight item number, item, importance, display order, and display comment in association with each other.

[0048] As mentioned above, the company code is information that identifies a company, and the store code is information that identifies a store. The highlight item number is information that identifies the highlight item that should be focused on during the attendant check. The item is information that indicates the content of the highlight item, for example, information that indicates age verification products or unregistered products. The importance is information that indicates the importance of the highlight item, for example, "1" is registered for highlight items with high importance, and "0" is registered for highlight items with low importance. The display order is information that indicates the display order on the transaction details screen of Attendant PC6. The display comment is information that indicates the comment on the transaction details screen of Attendant PC6.

[0049] The transaction information management table 215 is a data table that manages transaction information for each store, transaction by transaction. The transaction information management table 215 is updated based on information from the mobile terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6. Figure 7 shows the data structure of the transaction information management table 215. The transaction information management table 215 stores the transaction code, terminal code, check-in time, accounting instruction time, accounting machine No., attendant check flag, transaction amount, accounting completed flag, product information, registration time, and cancellation flag in association with each other.

[0050] The transaction code is information that identifies a transaction. The terminal code is information that identifies the mobile terminal 4. When the server device 2 receives entry information from the mobile terminal 4, it issues the transaction code and terminal code and registers them in the transaction information management table 215. The check-in time is information that indicates the time the customer entered the store, for example, the time when the server device 2 received the entry information from the mobile terminal 4.

[0051] The accounting instruction time is information indicating the time when the server device 2 received the accounting instruction from the mobile terminal 4. The accounting machine number is information that identifies the accounting machine 5 that performs the accounting processing for the transaction with the corresponding transaction code. In other words, the accounting machine number is information that identifies the accounting machine 5 that read the corresponding transaction code from the accounting screen of the mobile terminal 4. The accounting machine number is registered based on the transaction information request from the accounting machine 5.

[0052] The attendant check flag indicates whether the attendant check has been completed. A value of "1" is registered if the check is complete, and "0" if it is not. The attendant check flag is rewritten to "1" based on the check information obtained from attendant PC6. An attendant check flag with a value of "1" is an example of checked information registered when the attendant check is completed.

[0053] The transaction amount is information indicating the total price of goods in a single transaction. The accounted-up flag is information indicating whether payment for the transaction has been completed, or in other words, whether accounting processing by accounting machine 5 has been completed. The accounted-up flag is set to "1" if payment for the transaction has been completed, and to "0" if it has not been completed. The accounted-up flag is rewritten to "1" based on the accounting completion notification received from accounting machine 5.

[0054] Product information includes the product code, product name, and price. If multiple products are purchased in a single transaction, multiple product entries are registered corresponding to the transaction code. The registration time indicates the time the product information was registered. The cancellation flag indicates whether the product information has been canceled; "1" is registered if it has been canceled, and "0" if it has not. The cancellation flag is rewritten to "1" based on cancellation information from the mobile terminal 4. The cancellation information is information instructing the cancellation of product registration and includes the product code of the product to be canceled.

[0055] The mode management table 216 is a data table that manages the modes set in each store's mobile self-checkout system 3. The mode management table 216 is updated based on information obtained from each store. Figure 8 shows the data structure of the mode management table 216. The mode management table 216 stores the company code, store code, and mode in association.

[0056] As mentioned above, the company code is information that identifies the company operating the store, and the store code is information that identifies the store. The mode is information that indicates the set mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3, and information indicating either front check mode or normal mode is registered.

[0057] Front check mode, as explained in Figure 2, is a mode for operations where an attendant check is performed before the customer makes a payment at the payment machine 5. Specifically, front check mode allows customers to make payments at payment machine 5 on the condition that they have undergone an attendant check. Normal mode is the mode for conventional operations. Specifically, normal mode allows customers to make payments at payment machine 5 without undergoing an attendant check. Each store can select either front check mode or normal mode according to its operational needs.

[0058] Returning to Figure 3, let's describe the hardware configuration of server device 2.

[0059] The display unit 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. The display unit 22 displays, as needed, information stored in, for example, the product master 212, terminal management table 213, highlight information management table 214, transaction information management table 215, and mode management table 216.

[0060] The operation unit 23 is for inputting information to the control unit 20 and consists of a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc.

[0061] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the mobile terminal 4, accounting machine 5, and attendant PC 6. The control unit 20 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 24, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with those external devices.

[0062] Next, the functional configuration of the server device 2 will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the server device 2. The control unit 20 functions as a transmitting / receiving means 2001, an information management means 2002, an information processing means 2003, a mode setting means 2004, and a highlight product setting means 2005, with the CPU 201 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0063] The transmitting / receiving means 2001 transmits and receives various information between the mobile terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6. For example, the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives entry information from the mobile terminal 4 and transmits the terminal code, transaction code, and mode information to the mobile terminal 4, which is the source of the entry information.

[0064] The transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives a registration request from the mobile terminal 4, including a terminal code and a product code, and in response transmits the registered product information to the mobile terminal 4, which was the source of the registration request. The transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives an accounting instruction from the mobile terminal 4, including a transaction code, and transmits the transaction amount for the transaction identified by the transaction code, and an attendant check screen display instruction to the mobile terminal 4, which was the source of the accounting instruction. The accounting instruction is information indicating that product registration has been completed for a transaction. The attendant screen display instruction is information instructing the mobile terminal 4 to display an accounting barcode for the attendant PC 6 to read. Note that the calculation of the transaction amount may be performed on the mobile terminal 4.

[0065] The transmitting / receiving means 2001 periodically receives requests for store transaction information, including a store code, from the attendant PC 6 at short intervals, and transmits transaction information for the store identified by that store code in response. This enables the attendant PC 6 to obtain transaction information for its own store in virtually real time.

[0066] The transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives check information from the attendant PC 6. The check information is information indicating that the attendant check has been completed, and includes a transaction code. Based on the received check information, the transmitting / receiving means 2001 sends an instruction to display the accounting screen to the mobile terminal 4 of the customer whose attendant check has been completed. The instruction to display the accounting screen is information that instructs the mobile terminal 4 to display the accounting barcode for the accounting machine 5 to read.

[0067] The transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives a transaction information request including a transaction code from the accounting machine 5 and transmits the transaction information identified by the transaction code in response. The transmitting / receiving means 2001 functions as a receiving means for receiving transaction information requests. The transmitting / receiving means 2001 also functions as an output means for outputting transaction information. The transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives an accounting completion notification from the accounting machine 5. The accounting completion notification is information indicating that payment related to the transaction has been completed and includes a transaction code.

[0068] The information management means 2002 manages various types of information, such as information received by the transmission / reception means 2001. Here, managing information means writing or reading various types of information (data) to or from the storage unit 21.

[0069] For example, when the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives store entry information, the information management means 2002 writes the terminal code and transaction code to the terminal management table 213 and the transaction information management table 215. Also, when the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives store entry information, the information management means 2002 reads the mode information corresponding to the store code contained in the store entry information from the mode management table 216.

[0070] When the transmission / reception means 2001 receives a registration request, the information management means 2002 registers product information corresponding to the product code included in the registration request in the transaction information management table 215. Specifically, the information management means 2002 refers to the terminal management table 213 and reads the company code and store code corresponding to the terminal code included in the registration request. Then, the information management means 2002 reads the product information from the product master 212 that is associated with the company code and store code and corresponds to the product code included in the registration request, and registers it in the transaction information management table 215. The information management means 2002 functions as a registration means that performs product registration.

[0071] When the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives a store transaction information request, the information management means 2002 extracts transaction information for the store identified by the store code included in the store transaction information request. Specifically, the information management means 2002 reads all terminal codes corresponding to the above store code from the terminal management table 213. The information management means 2002 then reads all transaction information corresponding to the read terminal codes from the transaction information management table 215.

[0072] When the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives a transaction information request, the information management means 2002 reads out the transaction information identified by the transaction code included in the transaction information request. When the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives check information, the information management means 2002 rewrites the attendant check flag corresponding to the transaction code included in the check information in the transaction information management table 215 to "1". The information management means 2002 writes to or reads other information from the storage unit 21 as needed.

[0073] As described above, the information management means 2002 manages a transaction information management table 215 that stores transaction identification information (transaction code or terminal code), transaction information, and checked information (attendant check flag) in association with each other, and is an example of a transaction management means.

[0074] The information processing means 2003 performs various information processing tasks. For example, the information processing means 2003 calculates the transaction amount for a single transaction. The information processing means 2003 also performs transaction code and terminal code assignment processing and issues these transaction codes and terminal codes. The information processing means 2003 refers to the transaction information management table 215 to determine whether or not the transaction has been checked by an attendant.

[0075] The mode setting means 2004 sets the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 at each store to either front check mode or normal mode. Specifically, the mode setting means 2004 registers information indicating front check mode or normal mode in the mode management table 216 based on information obtained from the store.

[0076] The highlight product setting means 2005 sets highlight products from among the products registered in the product master 212. Specifically, the highlight product setting means 2005 registers information related to highlight products in the product master 212 and the highlight information management table 214 based on information obtained from the store.

[0077] Next, the details of the mobile terminal 4 will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 comprises a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, an imaging unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The control unit 40, storage unit 41, display unit 42, operation unit 43, imaging unit 44, and communication unit 45 are connected to each other via a bus 46, etc.

[0078] The control unit 40 has a computer configuration comprising a CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403. The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 46.

[0079] The CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is used as the work area for the CPU 401 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes for the mobile terminal 4 by having the CPU 401 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41 and loaded into the RAM 403.

[0080] The storage unit 41 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 41 stores the control program 411, the terminal code unit 412, the transaction information unit 413, and the mode information unit 414.

[0081] The control program 411 is an application program for a mobile self-checkout system. The application program for the mobile self-checkout system makes the mobile terminal 4 function as an input device for product registration. The application program for the mobile self-checkout system also makes the mobile terminal 4 function as a barcode display device for accounting.

[0082] The terminal code unit 412 stores the terminal code received from the server device 2. The terminal code is issued by the server device 2 in response to the entry information from the mobile terminal 4.

[0083] The transaction information unit 413 stores transaction information that associates the transaction code received from the server device 2 with the product information registered in the server device 2. Specifically, the product information registered by the server device 2 is sequentially registered in the transaction information unit 413, associated with the transaction code.

[0084] The mode information unit 414 stores mode information received from the server device 2. The mode information unit 414 stores mode information received from the server device 2 in response to store entry information from the mobile terminal 4. The mode information indicates the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 at the store where the mobile terminal 4 is located.

[0085] When the mobile terminal 4 receives a payment completion notification from the server device 2, the information stored in the terminal code unit 412, the transaction information unit 413, and the mode information unit 414 is cleared. The terminal code unit 412, the transaction information unit 413, and the mode information unit 414 store new information for each transaction.

[0086] The display unit 42 is composed of, for example, an LCD panel and displays various information. The display unit 42 displays, for example, product information of products registered in the server device 2 and the total amount of registered products. The display unit 42 also displays the attendant check screen and the accounting screen. These attendant check screen and accounting screen display accounting barcodes that are to be read by the attendant PC 6 and the accounting machine 5.

[0087] The operation unit 43 is composed of, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 42, and inputs information corresponding to the position touched by the user to the control unit 40. When a customer operates an operator displayed on the display unit 42, the operation unit 43 inputs information corresponding to that operator to the control unit 40.

[0088] The imaging unit 44 captures images of the two-dimensional code and product barcodes displayed at the entrance of the store and inputs the captured data to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 reads store information from the image of the two-dimensional code and reads the product code from the image of the product barcode. If the mobile terminal 4 recognizes the product code using so-called object recognition, the imaging unit 44 captures an image of the product's appearance and inputs it to the control unit 40.

[0089] The communication unit 45 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 2. The control unit 40 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 45, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0090] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the mobile terminal 4 will be described. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the mobile terminal 4. The control unit 40 functions as a transmitting / receiving means 4001, an input means 4002, a reading means 4003, an information management means 4004, an information processing means 4005, and a display control means 4006, with the CPU 401 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0091] The transmitting / receiving means 4001 transmits and receives various information with the server device 2. For example, the transmitting / receiving means 4001 transmits entry information to the server device 2 and receives terminal code, transaction code, and mode information from the server device 2.

[0092] The transmitting / receiving means 4001 sends a registration request including a terminal code and a product code to the server device 2, and receives the registered product information and transaction amount from the server device 2 as a response. The transmitting / receiving means 4001 sends an accounting instruction including a transaction code to the server device 2, and receives the transaction amount of the transaction identified by the transaction code and an instruction to display the attendant check screen from the server device 2. The transmitting / receiving means 4001 receives an instruction to display the accounting screen and an accounting completion notification from the server device 2.

[0093] Various information is input to the input means 4002 from the operation unit 43 and the imaging unit 44. For example, the input means 4002 receives transaction start instructions and accounting instructions from the operation unit 43. In addition, the input means 4002 receives image data of the two-dimensional code displayed at the entrance of the store, image data of product barcodes, etc., from the imaging unit 44.

[0094] The reading means 4003 extracts a two-dimensional code from the image data input to the input means 4002, decodes the two-dimensional code, and reads the store information. The reading means 4003 also extracts a product barcode from the image data input to the input means 4002, decodes the product barcode, and reads the product code. The decoding of the two-dimensional code and product barcode may be performed by the server device 2. In this case, the transmitting and receiving means 4001 transmits the image data of the two-dimensional code and barcode to the server device 2 and receives the store information and product code read by the server device 2 from the server device 2.

[0095] The information management means 4004 manages various types of information, such as information received by the transmitting and receiving means 4001. Here, managing information means writing or reading various types of information (data) to or from the storage unit 41.

[0096] For example, the information management means 4004 writes the terminal code received by the transmitting / receiving means 4001 to the terminal code section 412. The information management means 4004 also writes the transaction code and product information received by the transmitting / receiving means 4001 to the transaction information section 413. Specifically, when the transmitting / receiving means 4001 receives a transaction code, the information management means 4004 writes the transaction code to the transaction information section 413. Then, each time the transmitting / receiving means 4001 receives product information registered by the server device 2, it writes the product information to the transaction code in association with the above transaction code. The information management means 4004 also writes the mode information received by the transmitting / receiving means 4001 to the mode information section 414.

[0097] The information processing means 4005 performs various information processing. For example, when the transmitting / receiving means 4001 receives an instruction from the server device 2 to display the attendant check screen, the information processing means 4005 generates an accounting barcode to be displayed on the display unit 42.

[0098] The display control means 4006 causes the display unit 42 to display various information. For example, the display control means 4006 causes the product information and transaction amount stored in the transaction information unit 413 to be displayed in the display unit 42. The transaction amount may be obtained from the server device 2, or the information processing means 4005 may calculate it based on the transaction information stored in the transaction information unit 413.

[0099] If information indicating the front check mode is registered in the mode information unit 414, the display control means 4006 will display the attendant check screen on the display unit 42 when the accounting barcode is generated by the information processing means 4005. Then, when the transmission / reception means 4001 receives an instruction to display the accounting screen, the display control means 4006 will display the accounting screen on the display unit 42.

[0100] If information indicating the normal mode is registered in the mode information unit 414, the display control means 4006 will display the accounting screen on the display unit 42 without displaying the attendant check screen when the accounting barcode is generated by the information processing means 4005. Details of the attendant check screen and the accounting screen will be described later.

[0101] Next, the details of the attendant PC 6 will be described. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the attendant PC 6. The attendant PC 6 comprises a control unit 60, a storage unit 61, a display unit 62, an operation unit 63, a scanner unit 64, and a communication unit 65. The control unit 60, storage unit 61, display unit 62, operation unit 63, scanner unit 64, and communication unit 65 are connected to each other via a bus 66, etc.

[0102] The control unit 60 has a computer configuration comprising a CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603. The CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are connected to each other via a bus 66.

[0103] The CPU 601 controls the overall operation of the attendant PC 6. The ROM 602 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 601. The RAM 603 is used as the work area for the CPU 601 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. The control unit 60 executes various control processes for the attendant PC 6 by having the CPU 601 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61 and loaded into the RAM 603.

[0104] The storage unit 61 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 61 stores the control program 611 and the status management table 612.

[0105] The control program 611 is a program that implements functions such as sending and receiving information with the server device 2 and managing the status of customers in the store.

[0106] The status management table 612 is a data table that manages the status of customers whose payments have not been completed. The status management table 612 is updated as needed based on information obtained from the server device 2. Figure 13 shows the data structure of the status management table 612. The status management table 612 stores the terminal code, transaction code, check-in time, browsing time, previous operation time, registered points, registered amount, status, and accounting device number in association with each other.

[0107] As described above, the transaction code is information that identifies a transaction, and the terminal code is information that identifies mobile terminal 4. The check-in time is information that indicates the time when the customer entered the store. The browsing time is the time since the customer entered the store and is calculated from the current time and the check-in time. The most recent operation time is information that indicates the time when the customer most recently operated mobile terminal 4. Specifically, the most recent operation time is information that indicates the time of the most recent operation, such as the check-in time, registration time, or payment instruction time.

[0108] The Registered Quantity is information indicating the number of registered items. The Registered Amount is information indicating the total amount of registered items. The Registered Amount has the same meaning as the Transaction Amount and can be either the tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive price. The Status indicates the customer's status and can be registered as "Shopping" or "Checkout". "Shopping" indicates that one or more items have been registered and no checkout instructions have been entered into the mobile terminal 4. "Checkout" indicates that checkout instructions have been entered into the mobile terminal 4 and payment has not yet been completed. The Accounting Machine No. is information that identifies the accounting machine 5 that is currently executing the accounting process for the corresponding transaction No.

[0109] Returning to Figure 12, let's describe the hardware configuration of Attendant PC6.

[0110] The display unit 62 is composed of, for example, an LCD panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 62 displays a transaction list screen, a transaction details screen, a guidance screen, and a highlight setting screen. The transaction list screen is a screen that displays a list of customer statuses. The transaction details screen is a screen that displays the details of a single customer's transaction. The guidance screen is a screen that displays guidance for attendants during attendant checks. The highlight setting screen is a screen for setting highlight products. Details of each of these screens will be described later.

[0111] The operation unit 63 is for inputting information to the control unit 60 and consists of a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc. For example, the operation unit 63 inputs information to the control unit 60 for setting the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 and for setting highlight products.

[0112] The scanner unit 64 scans the accounting barcode displayed on the attendant check screen of the mobile terminal 4 and inputs the scanned data to the control unit 60. The scanner unit 64 may also consist of an imaging unit that captures an image. In this case, the scanner unit 64 inputs the image data to the control unit 60.

[0113] The communication unit 65 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 2. The control unit 60 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 65, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0114] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6 will be described. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the attendant PC 6. The control unit 60 functions as a transmitting / receiving means 6001, an input means 6002, a reading means 6003, an information management means 6004, and a display control means 6005, with the CPU 601 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0115] The transmitting / receiving means 6001 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the server device 2. For example, the transmitting / receiving means 6001 sends a request for store transaction information including a store code to the server device 2 and receives transaction information corresponding to that store code in response. The transmitting / receiving means 6001 also sends check information to the server device 2.

[0116] The transmitting / receiving means 6001 transmits various setting information to the server device 2. For example, the transmitting / receiving means 6001 transmits mode setting information for the mobile self-checkout system 3 to the server device 2. The transmitting / receiving means 6001 also transmits setting information for setting highlight products to the server device 2. The attendant PC 6 may transmit and receive information with the server device 2 using the functions of a dedicated application program, or it may transmit and receive information with the server device 2 by accessing a website using a browser.

[0117] Various information is input to the input means 6002 from the operation unit 63 and the scanner unit 64. For example, checked information is input to the input means 6002 from the operation unit 43. Checked information indicates that the attendant check has been completed. In addition, scanned data of the accounting barcode displayed on the attendant check screen is input to the input means 6002 from the scanner unit 64.

[0118] The reading means 6003 decodes the scan data input to the input means 6002 and reads the transaction code. Alternatively, the decoding of the scan data may be performed by the server device 2. In this case, the transmitting / receiving means 6001 transmits the scan data to the server device 2 and receives the transaction code read by the server device 2.

[0119] The information management means 6004 manages various types of information, such as information received by the transmitting and receiving means 6001. Here, managing information means writing or reading various types of information (data) to or from the storage unit 61.

[0120] For example, the information management means 6004 writes the necessary information to the status management table 612 based on the transaction information of the store received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001. The information management means 6004 also reads the information to be displayed on the display unit 62 from the status management table 612 as needed.

[0121] The display control means 6005 causes the display unit 62 to display various information. For example, the display control means 6005 causes the transaction list screen, transaction details screen, guidance screen, and highlight setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 62. These transaction list screen, transaction details screen, guidance screen, and highlight setting screen are screens that are displayed by accessing the website provided by the server device 2.

[0122] Next, we will explain the general operation of the transaction management system 1 with the above configuration. Figure 15 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operation of the transaction management system 1. This sequence chart shows the flow of operation when the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 is set to front check mode. Furthermore, the above sequence chart shows the flow of operation when the customer undergoes an attendant check before payment at the accounting machine 5.

[0123] The customer launches the application program for the mobile self-checkout system (Step S1). Next, the customer reads the entry information with the mobile terminal 4 and enters the transaction start information (Step S2). The mobile terminal 4 transmits the entry information, including the company code, store code, and check-in time, to the server device 2 (Step S3).

[0124] Server device 2 issues a terminal code and a transaction code (step S4). At this time, server device 2 registers the necessary information in the terminal management table 213 and the transaction information management table 215 based on the received store entry information. Server device 2 reads the mode information of the store code included in the store entry information from the mode management table 216 (step S5). Server device 2 transmits the issued terminal code and transaction code, and the read mode information, to the mobile terminal 4 (step S6).

[0125] The mobile terminal 4 registers the received information (step S7). Specifically, the mobile terminal 4 registers the received terminal code in the terminal code unit 412, the transaction code in the transaction information unit 413, and the mode information in the mode information unit 414. When the customer scans the product barcode with the imaging unit 44, the mobile terminal 4 reads the product code that identifies the product (step S8). Note that the product code for products without a barcode is entered from the operation unit 43. The mobile terminal 4 sends a registration request including the terminal code and the product code to the server device 2 (step S9). The mobile terminal 4 may also send a registration request including the transaction code in place of the terminal code, or together with the terminal code, to the server device 2. In the following description, it will be assumed that the mobile terminal 4 also sends the terminal code when it sends information to the server device 2.

[0126] Server device 2 performs product registration based on the registration request. Specifically, server device 2 reads product information corresponding to the product code included in the registration request from product master 212 and registers it in transaction information management table 215 (step S10). Server device 2 transmits the read product information to mobile terminal 4 (step S11).

[0127] The mobile terminal 4 stores the received product information in the transaction information unit 413 and displays the transaction information display screen (step S12). Alternatively, each time the mobile terminal 4 reads a product code, it may retrieve transaction information, including all product information related to this transaction, that the server has registered in the product information management table 215.

[0128] Here, we will explain the transaction information display screen. Figure 16 shows the transaction information display screen displayed by the mobile terminal 4. The display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 4 displays the header section 421, the total information section 422, the product information section 423, and the footer section 424 on the transaction information display screen.

[0129] The header section 421 displays the company name "〇〇", the store name "△△ Store", and the text "Registering" to indicate that the customer is shopping. The header section 421 also includes a terminal code section 4211, which displays the terminal code.

[0130] The total information section 422 displays the total number of items and the total price of registered products. Products whose registration has been canceled after being registered are not included in the total number of items and total price.

[0131] The product information section 423 displays information on registered products and products whose registration has been canceled. The displayed product information includes the product name, price, tax rate, quantity, and additional information. Additional information may include, for example, information indicating that a product requires age verification, but is set independently of whether the product is highlighted. For products whose registration has been canceled, the product name, price, and quantity are crossed out.

[0132] The footer section 424 displays various controls. Specifically, the footer section 424 displays the "No Barcode" icon, the "Scan" icon, and the "Payment" icon. The "No Barcode" icon displays a preset screen for registering products that do not have a product barcode. The "Scan" icon is for capturing an image of the product barcode. The "Payment" icon is for entering payment instructions.

[0133] Returning to Figure 15, we will now explain the general operation of the transaction management system 1.

[0134] Each time a customer scans the barcode attached to a product, the process from steps S8 to S12 is repeated. The attendant PC 6 sends a store transaction information request to the server device 2 (step S13). Although the store transaction information request is described as a process in step S13 for the sake of explanation, it is repeatedly output to the server device 2 in a short period of time, independently of other processes. In other words, the store transaction information request is essentially being sent to the server device 2 at all times.

[0135] When server device 2 receives a store transaction information request, it extracts the transaction information associated with the store code included in the store transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215 as store transaction information (step S14). Server device 2 then transmits the extracted store transaction information to attendant PC 6 (step S15).

[0136] The attendant PC 6 updates the status management table 612 based on the received store transaction information (step S16). The attendant PC 6 displays the transaction list screen on the display unit 62 based on the information stored in the status management table 612 (step S17). As described above, store transaction information requests are repeatedly sent to the server device 2 at short intervals, so the processes in steps S14 to S17 that are performed in conjunction with the store transaction information requests are also repeatedly executed. Therefore, the transaction list screen is automatically updated.

[0137] Here, we will explain the transaction list screen. Figure 17 shows the transaction list screen displayed by the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays the update button 621, the terminal code input field 622, the accounting machine used display unit 623, the exit button 624, the highlight setting button 625, and the status display unit 626 on the transaction list screen.

[0138] The update button 621 is an operator for manually updating the information displayed on the status display unit 626. The terminal code input field 622 is an input field for entering a terminal code to display the transaction details screen related to that terminal code. The terminal code input field 622 is used, for example, when the scanner unit 64 is malfunctioning and the accounting barcode cannot be read. The accounting machine usage display unit 623 displays the number of accounting machines 5 being used.

[0139] The Exit button 624 is used to exit the transaction list display. The screen displayed after the Exit button 624 is pressed can be set arbitrarily by the store. The Highlight Settings button 625 is used to move to the highlight settings screen.

[0140] The status display unit 626 displays the customer's status for each terminal code. Specifically, the status display unit 626 displays the terminal code, browsing time, time of the most recent operation, registered points, registered amount, status, and accounting machine number in association with each item. The contents of each item are as described in the explanation of the status management table 612 of the attendant PC 6, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0141] Each item in the status display unit 626 displays a sorting icon 6261, which is shown as an upward or downward arrow. When the sorting icon 6261 of any one item is operated, the customer status is sorted using that item as the key. For example, in the state shown in Figure 17, if the sorting icon 6261 of the browsing time item is operated, the data will be sorted in ascending order of browsing time. That is, the data in the lowest row with the smallest browsing time will be placed at the top. All rows of data will be sorted in the same way. In that state, if the sorting icon 6261 of the browsing time item is operated again, the data will be sorted in descending order of collection time.

[0142] The same applies when other sorting icons 6261 are operated. Note that when sorting in ascending or descending order, if the numerical values ​​of key items are the same, the numerical value of the item located further to the left will be prioritized. For example, when sorting by browsing time in ascending order, in the example in Figure 17, the third row (the row with accounting machine No. 403) and the fourth row (the row with accounting machine No. 404) have the same browsing time, but the third row, which has a smaller terminal code value (the leftmost item), will be placed higher. Note that in the default display mode of the status display unit 626, data with the status item "Accounting" is placed at the top.

[0143] The status display unit 626 shows a highlight icon 6262 in the status item. The highlight icon 6262 indicates that the transaction information includes a highlighted product. The attendant can recognize that transactions with data displaying the highlight icon 6262 require careful attendant checking.

[0144] Returning to Figure 15, we will now explain the general operation of the transaction management system 1.

[0145] When the customer finishes registering the purchased items and operates the payment icon on the transaction information display screen, a payment instruction is entered into the mobile terminal 4 (step S18). The mobile terminal 4 then sends the payment instruction to the server device 2 (step S19).

[0146] Server device 2 updates transaction information and calculates the transaction amount based on the received accounting instructions (step S20). Specifically, server device 2 registers the accounting instruction time corresponding to the transaction code included in the accounting instructions in the transaction information management table 215. Server device 2 also calculates the transaction amount based on the product information corresponding to the above transaction code. Server device 2 transmits the calculated transaction amount and the attendant check screen display instruction to the mobile terminal 4 (step S21).

[0147] The mobile terminal 4 generates an accounting barcode indicating the transaction code (step S22). The mobile terminal 4 checks the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 by referring to the mode information unit 414 (step S23), and if it is in front check mode, it displays the attendant check screen (step S24). If the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 is normal mode, the mobile terminal 4 displays the accounting screen described later.

[0148] Here, we will explain the attendant check screen. Figure 18 shows the attendant check screen displayed by the mobile terminal 4. The display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 4 displays the header unit 421, the total information unit 422, and the accounting barcode unit 425 on the attendant check screen.

[0149] The header section 421 displays the company name "〇〇", the store name "△△ Store", and the text "Payment Machine Payment" indicating that the customer has entered payment instructions. The header section 421 also includes a terminal code section 4211, which displays the terminal code.

[0150] The total information unit 422 displays the total number of registered products and their total price. Furthermore, if discounted items are registered in a transaction for which accounting instructions have been entered, the total information unit 422 also displays the total discount amount.

[0151] The accounting barcode unit 425 displays an accounting barcode indicating the transaction code. The accounting barcode unit 425 also displays a guidance message for the customer, such as "Please present your accounting barcode at the entrance to the accounting area." Furthermore, the accounting barcode unit 425 displays an illustration illustrating the scanning of the accounting barcode by the attendant PC 6's scanner unit 64. Customers who view the attendant check screen will understand that they need to move to the location where the attendant PC 6 is positioned and present their accounting barcode.

[0152] Returning to Figure 15, we will now explain the general operation of the transaction management system 1.

[0153] When the attendant scans the accounting barcode on the attendant check screen presented by the customer using the scanner unit 64, the accounting barcode is entered into the attendant PC 6 (step S25). The attendant PC 6 reads the transaction code from the accounting barcode and sends a transaction information request including the transaction code to the server device 2 (step S26).

[0154] Server device 2 extracts transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215 (step S27). Server device 2 transmits the extracted transaction information to attendant PC 6 (step S28).

[0155] Attendant PC6 switches the display from the transaction list screen to the transaction details screen (step S29).

[0156] Here, we will explain the transaction details screen. Figure 19 shows the transaction details screen displayed by the attendant PC 6. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays the terminal code display unit 721, the total amount display unit 722, the total points display unit 723, the display switching button 724, the display target display unit 725, the product details section 726, the back button 727, and the OK button 728 on the transaction details screen.

[0157] The terminal code display unit 721 displays the terminal code corresponding to the target transaction being displayed on the transaction details screen. The total amount display unit 722 displays the transaction amount of the target transaction. The total number of items display unit 723 displays the number of items purchased in the target transaction.

[0158] The display toggle button 724 is an operator that switches the display target shown in the product details section 726. The display toggle button 724 switches whether the display target shown in the product details section 726 is all products that are the subject of the transaction or only highlighted products. In the example in Figure 19, only highlighted products are displayed in the product details section 726, so the display toggle button 724 displays the text "All". When the display toggle button 724 is operated in this state, all products that are the subject of the transaction will be displayed in the product details section 726.

[0159] For example, in a store where attendants check that all registered products and products in the shopping cart match, the items displayed in product details 726 will be all products involved in the transaction. Alternatively, in a store where attendants only check highlighted products among the registered products, the items displayed in product details 726 will be only the highlighted products.

[0160] The display target display section 725 displays the display targets shown in the product details section 726. In the example in Figure 19, only highlighted products are displayed in the product details section 726, so the display target display section 725 displays "Highlights Only".

[0161] Product Details 726 displays product details. Specifically, Product Details 726 displays the following items for each product: scan order, product name, quantity, price, tax, and verification points. The scan order indicates the order in which the items were scanned. The product name indicates the name of the product. The quantity indicates the number of the corresponding product that was registered. The price indicates the price of the corresponding product, specifically the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. The tax indicates the applicable tax type. The verification points indicate the display comments pre-set for the product (see Highlight Information Management Table 214).

[0162] The product details section 726 displays sorting icons 7261 for the scan order, quantity, and amount fields. The function of sorting icon 7261 is the same as sorting icon 6261 in the transaction list screen shown in Figure 17, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0163] In the product details section 726, a highlight icon 7262 and an important icon 7263 are displayed for items in the scan order. The highlight icon 7262 indicates that the product is a highlight item. The important icon 7263 indicates that the product is of high importance during attendant checks. The highlight icon 7262 and the important icon 7263 have the same shape but are displayed in different colors.

[0164] The back button 727 is used to return to the transaction list screen. The OK button 728 is used to input information indicating that the attendant check has been completed. When the OK button 728 is pressed, the attendant PC 6 sends the check information to the server device 2.

[0165] Figure 20 shows the guidance screen displayed by the attendant PC 6. The guidance screen is displayed before the transaction details screen is displayed. Whether or not to display the guidance screen can be set at the discretion of the store. The guidance screen is displayed as a pop-up guidance display unit 729 on the transaction details screen.

[0166] The guidance display unit 729 is displayed only when the transaction includes highlighted products. The guidance display unit 729 displays guidance on what the attendant should do during the attendant check. For example, the guidance display unit 729 displays a message indicating that the transaction includes products that require confirmation by an attendant. The guidance display unit 729 also displays messages indicating that age verification is required for alcoholic beverages, etc., and that unregistered products must be registered at a dedicated register.

[0167] The guidance display unit 729 displays a back button 7291 and an OK button 7292. The back button 7291 is used to return to the transaction list screen. The OK button 7292 is used to input information indicating that the attendant has confirmed the contents displayed on the guidance display unit 729. When the OK button 7292 is pressed, the guidance display unit 729 is cleared and the transaction details screen is displayed.

[0168] Returning to Figure 15, we will now explain the general operation of the transaction management system 1.

[0169] When the OK button 728 is pressed on the transaction details screen, the attendant PC 6 is marked as checked (step S30). The attendant PC 6 then sends the checked information to the server device 2 (step S31).

[0170] Server device 2 updates the attendant check flag (step S32). Specifically, server device 2 rewrites the attendant check flag corresponding to the transaction code included in the check information in the transaction information management table 215 to "1". Server device 2 sends an instruction to display the accounting screen to the mobile terminal 4 (step S33).

[0171] When the mobile terminal 4 receives an instruction to display the accounting screen, it switches from the attendant check screen and displays the accounting screen on the display unit 42 (step S34).

[0172] Now, let's explain the accounting screen. Figure 21 shows the accounting screen displayed by the mobile terminal 4. The display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 4 displays the header unit 421, the total information unit 422, and the accounting barcode unit 425 on the accounting screen. Since the accounting screen is similar to the attendant check screen, we will explain the differences between the two screens here, and omit redundant explanations.

[0173] The accounting barcode unit 425 displays guidance messages to the customer, such as "Please scan the accounting barcode on the screen with the scanner on the accounting machine." The accounting barcode unit 425 also displays an illustration that illustrates the act of reading the accounting barcode with the scanner on the accounting machine 5. Customers who view the accounting screen will understand that they need to move to the accounting machine 5 and have the accounting barcode scanned.

[0174] Returning to Figure 15, we will now explain the general operation of the transaction management system 1.

[0175] When a customer scans the accounting barcode with the scanner unit of the accounting machine 5, the accounting barcode is entered into the accounting machine 5 (step S35). The accounting machine 5 requests transaction information for the transaction code read from the accounting barcode from the server device 2 (step S36).

[0176] Server device 2 executes the attendant check determination process (step S37). The attendant check determination process determines whether or not the attendant check has been completed for the transaction for which a transaction information request has been made. Details of the attendant check determination process will be described later.

[0177] If the attendant check has been completed, the server device 2 sends the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request to the accounting machine 5 (step S38). At this time, the server device 2 stores the accounting machine No. associated with the transaction code included in the transaction information request in the transaction information management table 215.

[0178] If the attendant check has not been completed, server device 2 sends error information to accounting machine 5. Upon receiving the error information, accounting machine 5 displays a message prompting the customer to undergo the attendant check.

[0179] Upon receiving transaction information, the accounting machine 5 performs accounting processing (step S39). Based on the customer's input, the accounting machine 5 performs accounting processing for cash payments and cashless payments. If the customer's purchased items include unregistered items, or if operation by an attendant is required, the accounting machine 5 is also operated by the attendant. Once the accounting processing is complete, the accounting machine 5 sends an accounting completion notification to the server device 2 (step S40).

[0180] Server device 2 updates the transaction information based on the received accounting completion notice (step S41). Specifically, in the transaction information management table 215, server device 2 rewrites the accounting completed flag corresponding to the transaction code included in the accounting completion notice to "1".

[0181] Server device 2 sends a payment completion notification to mobile terminal 4 (step S42). Server device 2 sends a payment completion notification to mobile terminal 4 identified by a terminal code corresponding to the transaction code included in the payment completion notification received from accounting machine 5.

[0182] The mobile terminal 4 displays information on the display unit 42 indicating that the payment has been completed (step S43).

[0183] Through the above process, customers can make payments at payment machine 5, provided they have undergone an attendant check by an attendant positioned near the entrance to the payment area. This eliminates the need for attendants to move to payment machine 5 every time a check is required, improving the efficiency of the attendant check process.

[0184] Next, we will explain the attendant check determination process performed by the server device 2. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the attendant check determination process by the control unit 20 of the server device 2.

[0185] The control unit 20 determines whether the transmitting / receiving means 2001 has received a transaction information request from the accounting machine 5 (step S51). If it has not received a request (N in step S51), it returns to the process in step S51 and waits.

[0186] When the transmitting / receiving means 2001 receives a transaction information request (Y in step S51), the information management means 2002 reads the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request from the transaction information management table 215 (step S52).

[0187] Next, the information processing means 2003 determines whether the read transaction information has been checked by an attendant (step S53). Specifically, the information processing means 2003 determines whether "1" is registered in the attendant check flag of the read transaction information.

[0188] If the retrieved transaction information has been checked by the attendant (Y in step S53), the transmission / reception means 2001 transmits the transaction information to the accounting machine 5, which is the source of the transaction information request (step S54). Then, the control unit 20 terminates the attendant check determination process.

[0189] If the retrieved transaction information has not been checked by the attendant (N in step S53), the transmission / reception means 2001 sends error information to the accounting machine 5, which is the source of the transaction information request (step S55). The error information indicates that the transaction information cannot be transmitted because the attendant check has not been completed. The control unit 20 then terminates the attendant check determination process.

[0190] Based on the attendant check judgment process described above, server device 2 transmits transaction information to accounting machine 5 only for transactions for which the attendant check has been completed.

[0191] Next, we will explain how to set up highlighted items. Figure 23 shows the highlight setting screen displayed by the attendant PC 6. The highlight setting screen is displayed, for example, when the highlight setting button 625 is operated on the transaction list screen shown in Figure 17. The display unit 62 of the attendant PC 6 displays the item selection field 821, the importance selection field 822, the display order setting field 823, the display comment setting field 824, the back button 825, and the save button 826 on the highlight setting screen details screen.

[0192] The item selection field 821 displays multiple items, each with a corresponding checkbox. The available items include, for example, items requiring age verification, items not registered in the product master, bundled items, automatically discounted items, high-priced items, and many others. The user operating the attendant PC6 checks the checkboxes for the items they want to highlight in their store.

[0193] Products that fall under the category selected as a highlight item are set as highlight items, and a highlight icon 7262 is displayed on the transaction details screen (see Figure 19). Products that fall under the category include, for example, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products if the category is age verification products.

[0194] The importance selection field 822 displays radio buttons corresponding to each item. The user operating the attendant PC6 selects the radio button corresponding to the item that they set as important during attendant checks at their store. Products corresponding to the item for which the importance radio button has been selected will display an important icon 7263 on the transaction details screen (see Figure 19). Note that importance may be selectable only for highlighted items that have been checked in the checkbox in the item selection field 821, or it may be selectable for items that have not been checked in the checkbox in the item selection field 821.

[0195] The display order setting field 823 displays input fields corresponding to each item. The user operating the attendant PC6 enters the display order in the above input fields. The display order is the order in which items are displayed on the transaction details screen. In the example shown in Figure 23, the display order for items not registered in the product master is set to "1," so if the transaction includes items not registered in the product master, the items not registered in the product master will be displayed at the top of the transaction details screen.

[0196] The display comment settings section 824 displays a comment input field corresponding to each item. Users operating the attendant PC6 can enter comments in the above comment input fields as needed. The display comment settings section 824 is only editable for highlighted items or items with selected importance. The entered comments will be displayed as confirmation points on the transaction details screen.

[0197] The back button 825 is used to return to the transaction list screen. The save button 826 is used to save the settings information entered on the highlight settings screen. When the save button 826 is pressed, the store information (company code, store code) where the attendant PC6 is installed and the settings information are sent to the server device 2.

[0198] Server device 2 updates the highlight information management table 214 based on the received store information and configuration information. This allows server device 2 to manage the highlight products set for each store.

[0199] Next, a modified version of the attendant check judgment process will be described. In the example described above, the server device 2 performed the attendant check judgment process, whereas in the modified version, the accounting machine 5 performs the attendant check judgment process.

[0200] As a prerequisite, the accounting barcode read by the scanner unit of the accounting machine 5 is assumed to have a check code encoded in addition to the transaction code, indicating whether or not it has been checked by an attendant. For example, in the sequence chart shown in Figure 15, when the mobile terminal 4 receives an instruction to display the accounting screen in step S33, it generates an accounting barcode to be displayed on the accounting screen. The accounting barcode displayed on the accounting screen has a check code encoded in addition to the transaction code, indicating whether or not it has been checked by an attendant. The customer has the scanner unit of the accounting machine 5 read the above accounting barcode.

[0201] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the attendant check judgment process executed by the control unit of accounting machine 5.

[0202] The control unit determines whether or not an accounting barcode has been entered (step S61). If it has not been entered (N in step S61), it returns to the process in step S61 and waits. When an accounting barcode is entered, the control unit reads the check code encoded in the accounting barcode (step S62).

[0203] The control unit determines whether the read check code indicates that the attendant has been checked (step S63). If the attendant has been checked (Y in step S63), the control unit performs the accounting process (step S64). The accounting process is the same as in the example described above. Next, the control unit sends an accounting completion notification to the server device 2 (step S65). Then, the control unit terminates the attendant check determination process.

[0204] In the process of step S63, if the attendant check has not been completed (N in step S63), the control unit displays error information on the display unit of the accounting machine 5 (step S66). The displayed error information is, for example, information indicating that payment cannot be made because the attendant check has not been completed. The control unit then terminates the attendant check determination process.

[0205] As described above, the server device 2 of the embodiment includes a transaction management means (information management means 2002) that manages transaction identification information (transaction code or terminal code) that identifies a transaction, transaction information necessary for accounting processing for a customer to make a payment, and checked information (attendant check flag) that is registered when a store employee has completed checking a product registered by the customer's operation, in association with each other; a receiving means (transmitting / receiving means 2001) that receives a transaction information request that includes the transaction identification information; and an output means (transmitting / receiving means 2001) that outputs transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information, provided that the transaction identification information included in the transaction information request received by the receiving means is registered in association with the checked information.

[0206] This allows the server device 2 to guide customers to undergo an attendant check before they make a payment at the payment machine 5. This makes the check process easier for the attendant.

[0207] Furthermore, the server device 2 of the embodiment further includes a mode setting means 2004 that can set a front check mode in which the output means outputs the transaction information on the condition that the transaction identification information is registered in association with the checked information when the receiving means receives the transaction information request, and a normal mode in which the output means outputs the transaction information without the condition that the transaction identification information is registered in association with the checked information when the receiving means receives the transaction information request.

[0208] This allows the server device 2 to select the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 between front check mode and normal mode. Therefore, stores can adopt the mode of the mobile self-checkout system 3 that is suitable for their own operations.

[0209] The transaction management system 1 of the embodiment comprises a server device 2 for managing transaction information and an accounting machine 5 for executing accounting processing related to the transaction information managed by the server device 2. The server device 2 manages transaction identification information (transaction code or terminal code) that identifies a transaction, transaction information necessary for accounting processing for a customer to make a payment, and checked information (attendant check flag) that is registered when a store clerk has completed checking a product registered by the customer's operation. The server device 2 receives a transaction information request from the accounting machine that includes transaction identification information that identifies a transaction, and, on the condition that the transaction identification information included in the received transaction information request is registered in association with the checked information, outputs transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information to the accounting machine 5. The accounting machine 5 transmits the transaction information request to the server device 2 and receives the transaction information as a response to the transaction information request, and executes accounting processing based on the received transaction information.

[0210] This allows the transaction management system 1 to guide customers to undergo an attendant check before making a payment at the accounting machine 5. This makes the attendant's checking process easier.

[0211] Furthermore, the transaction management system 1 of this embodiment further includes an attendant PC 6 operated by a store employee. The attendant PC 6 displays transaction information received from the server device 2 and transmits the entered checked information and transaction identification information to the server device 2 in association with each other. The server device 2 stores the received checked information and transaction identification information in association with each other.

[0212] This allows attendants to perform attendant checks while verifying customer transaction information on Attendant PC6, and then input the checked information into Attendant PC6. This makes the checking process easier for attendants.

[0213] Furthermore, the attendant PC 6 of the transaction management system 1 of the embodiment displays the transaction information while highlighting pre-set specific products (highlighted products). In addition, the attendant PC 6 of the transaction management system 1 of the embodiment displays comments regarding product checks for each of the specific products.

[0214] This allows attendants to easily identify the items that need checking, making the checking process easier for them.

[0215] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the server device 2, the mobile terminal 4, the accounting machine 5, and the attendant PC 6 may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each device in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or they may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0216] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1. Transaction Management System 2. Server device (information processing device) 4 Mobile devices 5. Cash register 6. Attendant PC (Attendant Terminal) 2001 Transmission and Reception Means (Receiving Means, Output Means) 2002 Information Management Methods (Transaction Management Methods) 2004 Mode setting method [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0218] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-67947

Claims

1. A server device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal operated by a customer, A transaction management means that manages by associating transaction identification information that identifies a single transaction, transaction information necessary for accounting processing when a customer makes a payment, and checked information that is registered when a store employee completes a check on a product registered by the customer or a transaction including such a product. A first receiving means that receives accounting instructions including the transaction identification information from the aforementioned mobile terminal, A second receiving means that accepts input of information indicating that a store clerk has checked the transaction of the transaction-specific information included in the accounting instruction, in response to the accounting instruction, After the second receiving means receives the input of the information, a registration means registers the checked information in the transaction identification information of the corresponding transaction, A means for outputting transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information to an accounting machine, provided that the checked information is registered in association with the transaction identification information, A server device equipped with the following features.

2. The mobile terminal further comprises a transmission means for transmitting a display instruction to the mobile terminal for receiving the input of the transaction identification information from a device other than the mobile terminal in response to the accounting instruction, The second receiving means accepts the input of the information via the screen displayed on the mobile terminal in response to the display instruction. The server device according to claim 1.

3. The mobile terminal further comprises a transmission means for transmitting a display instruction for code information corresponding to the transaction identification information in response to the accounting instruction, The second receiving means accepts input of the information relating to the transaction of the transaction-specific information corresponding to the code information in response to an instruction to display the code information. The server device according to claim 1.

4. A transaction management system comprising a mobile terminal operated by a customer, a server device for managing transaction information, and an accounting machine for performing accounting processing related to the transaction information managed by the server device, The server device is A management means for managing transaction identification information that identifies a single transaction, transaction information necessary for accounting processing when a customer makes a payment, and checked information that is registered when a store employee completes a check on a product registered by the customer or a transaction including such product, in association with each other. A first receiving means that receives accounting instructions including the transaction identification information from the aforementioned mobile terminal, A second receiving means that accepts input of information indicating that a store clerk has checked the transaction of the transaction-specific information included in the accounting instruction, in response to the accounting instruction, After the second receiving means receives the input of the information, a registration means registers the checked information in the transaction identification information of the corresponding transaction, The system includes an output means that outputs transaction information corresponding to the transaction identification information to the accounting machine, provided that the checked information is registered in association with the transaction identification information. The aforementioned accounting machine, The server device receives the transaction information, Based on the received transaction information, accounting processing is performed. Transaction management system.

5. Furthermore, it has an attendant terminal operated by the store staff, The aforementioned attendant terminal is, The system displays the transaction information received from the server device, and upon receiving a checked input indicating that the check has been completed, it transmits to the server device the information indicating that the check by the store clerk has been completed, along with the transaction identification information. The registration means is, The checked information is registered for the transaction identified by the received transaction identification information. The transaction management system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned attendant terminal is, Display the transaction information by highlighting pre-set specific products. The transaction management system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned attendant terminal is, For each of the aforementioned specific products, comments regarding product checks will be displayed. The transaction management system according to claim 6.

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