Information processing device, its control program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of taking an appropriate countermeasure to an information terminal being left behind, and a control program and an information processing method thereof.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes acquisition means, confirmation means, and execution means. The acquisition means acquires identification information for identifying an information terminal with which a user operates to register a purchase item. The confirmation means confirms a state of accounting regarding the purchase items registered in association with the identification information, when an operation input is not performed in a prescribed time period by the information terminal. The execution means executes a process corresponding to the state of accounting regarding the purchase items.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a cart POS (Point Of Sales) system has been proposed for retail stores equipped with shopping carts. This system provides an information terminal equipped with a touch panel, a scanner, etc. on the shopping cart. When a customer using the shopping cart places the purchased item on the shopping cart, the customer causes the identification code of the purchased item to be read by the scanner to perform item registration. The data of the items registered by the information terminal is sent to the cash register. In the cash register, accounting processing is executed based on the data from the information terminal. Thus, since the cart POS system allows the customer to perform item registration while shopping, there are advantages such as eliminating the labor of store clerks performing item registration at the checkout.

[0003] However, in this type of cart POS system, even if the customer leaves the shopping cart in the sales floor, the checkout area, etc. and leaves the place, the information terminal cannot detect that it has been left unattended. Therefore, it remains unattended until the store clerk discovers the shopping cart, causing inconveniences such as the next customer being unable to use the shopping cart and the store being unaware of fraudulent accounting by the customer. Therefore, a countermeasure against such abandonment has been desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus is The system includes: an acquisition means for acquiring identification information to identify an information terminal operated by a user to register purchased products; a confirmation means for checking whether first management information and second management information associated with the identification information exist on the server device if no operation input is made on the information terminal within a predetermined time, checking the contents of the first management information and / or the contents of the second management information based on the confirmation result, and determining the status of the transaction processing based on the result of the content confirmation; and an execution means for outputting a predetermined notification to the information terminal and then returning the information terminal to its initial state if the status of the transaction processing is determined to be a predetermined completion state, and outputting a predetermined notification to the information terminal and an output of a notification regarding the information terminal to the administrator device if the status of the transaction processing is determined to be anything other than a completion state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the information processing device comprises an acquisition means, a confirmation means, and an execution means. The acquisition means acquires identification information that identifies an information terminal operated by a user to register purchased products. The confirmation means, if no operation input is made on the information terminal within a predetermined time, confirms the accounting status of the registered purchased products in association with the identification information. The execution means executes processing according to the accounting status of the purchased products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of a cart POS system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile controller. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase list. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing an example of a state table. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of a processor in an information terminal. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of a processor in an information terminal. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of a processor in an information terminal. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of the processor in a mobile controller. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of the processor in a mobile controller. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of the processor in a mobile controller. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for key components of the processor in a mobile controller. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the control procedure for the essential components of the processor in an accounting machine. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting guidance screen. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes an embodiment of an information processing device that can take appropriate measures against unattended information terminals, with reference to the drawings. This embodiment uses a tablet terminal (a so-called cart terminal) attached to a shopping cart as the information terminal in a cart POS system.

[0009] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the cart POS system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the cart POS system 1 includes a store server 10, a member server 20, a mobile controller 30, a monitoring terminal 40, a cashier 50, an information terminal 60, and an access point 70. The store server 10, member server 20, mobile controller 30, monitoring terminal 40, cashier 50, and access point 70 are connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0010] The information terminal 60 is a device that allows customers, who are purchasers, to self-enter data related to registering their purchased items. The information terminal 60 is installed on shopping cart C. Hereinafter, shopping cart C will be simply referred to as cart C. Multiple carts C are each equipped with an information terminal 60. A cart C is an example of a transporter that carries the purchased items of a customer who is the user of that cart C.

[0011] The information terminal 60 has a wireless unit. The information terminal 60 performs wireless communication with the access point 70. The access point 70 relays communication between each device connected to the network 2, that is, the store server 10, the member server 20, the mobile controller 30, the monitoring terminal 40, the accounting machine 50, and the information terminal 60. Although only one access point 70 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more depending on the scale of the store or the like.

[0012] The accounting machine 50 is a device that enables a store clerk or a customer to perform accounting for purchased goods. The number of accounting machines 50 is not particularly limited.

[0013] The store server 10 supports store operations. For this support, the store server 10 manages a product database, a sales database, etc. The product database stores product records that describe product data for each product sold in the store. The product data includes a product code, a product name, a price, etc. The product code is an identification code for the product. The sales database stores sales records that describe sales data for each item such as products, departments, time zones, dates, weeks, months, etc. The sales data includes the number of sales, the sales amount, etc.

[0014] The member server 20 supports the purchase operations of customers who have registered as members, so-called members. For this support, the member server 20 manages the member database 21. The member database 21 stores member records that describe member data for each member. The member data includes a member ID, a name, a gender, an email address, etc. The member ID is an identification code for the member.

[0015] The mobile controller 30 provides support so that the information terminal 60 appears to function as a POS terminal by collaborating with the information terminal 60.

[0016] The monitoring terminal 40 is a monitoring terminal installed at the attendant counter where a store employee, also known as an attendant, is stationed. The monitoring terminal 40 is equipped with a display device for displaying the status of each information terminal 60 and the accounting machine 50. The attendant monitors the status of each information terminal 60 and the accounting machine 50 in real time based on the information displayed on the display device.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 includes a processor 611, main memory 612, auxiliary storage device 613, timer 614, wireless unit 615, touch panel 616, scanner 617, reader 618, camera 619, and system transmission line 620. The system transmission line 620 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The information terminal 60 connects the processor 611, main memory 612, auxiliary storage device 613, wireless unit 615, touch panel 616, scanner 617, reader 618, and camera 619 to the system transmission line 620. In the information terminal 60, the computer is composed of the processor 611, main memory 612, auxiliary storage device 613, and the system transmission line 620 connecting them.

[0018] The processor 611 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 611 controls various parts to realize various functions as an information terminal 60 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 611 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0019] Main memory 612 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 612 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 612 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 612 may also store data necessary for the processor 611 to perform processing to control each part in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 612 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 611. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0020] The auxiliary storage device 613 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be auxiliary storage devices 613. The auxiliary storage device 613 stores data used by the processor 611 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 611. The auxiliary storage device 613 may also store the application programs described above.

[0021] The timer 614 measures the set time under the control of the processor 611. The wireless unit 615 transmits data wirelessly to the access point 70 in accordance with the wireless communication protocol.

[0022] The touch panel 616 is a device that combines the input device and display device functions of the information terminal 60. The touch panel 616 detects the touch position on the displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 611.

[0023] The scanner 617 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. Products have code symbols that represent their product code. The scanner 617 outputs the data of the read code symbol to the processor 611. The scanner 617 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0024] The reader 618 reads the data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 611. The reader 618 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and an IC card reader if it is a contact IC card. In the case of a contactless IC card or a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 618.

[0025] Camera 619 is installed on cart C so as to be able to photograph the shopping basket placed in the basket holder of cart C from above. Camera 619 is for monitoring whether the customer, who is the user of cart C, has correctly placed the purchased items in the shopping basket.

[0026] In the information terminal 60 equipped with the circuit components described above, the processor 611, main memory 612, auxiliary storage device 613, timer 614, wireless unit 615, and touch panel 616 are all represented by a tablet terminal™. The information terminal 60 is then configured by electrically connecting a scanner 617, a reader 618, and a camera 619 to this tablet terminal™.

[0027] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile controller 30. The mobile controller 30 comprises a processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, communication interface 35, and system transmission path 36. The system transmission path 36 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The mobile controller 30 connects the processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, and communication interface 35 to the system transmission path 36. In the mobile controller 30, the computer is composed of the processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 36 connecting them.

[0028] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 31 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a mobile controller 30 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0029] Main memory 32 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 32 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 32 may also store data necessary for the processor 31 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application program described above.

[0031] The clock 34 functions as a time information source for the mobile controller 30. The processor 31 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 34.

[0032] The communication interface 35 is connected to network 2. The communication interface 35 communicates data with other devices connected via network 2 according to the communication protocol.

[0033] In this configuration, the mobile controller 30 uses a portion of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 32 as an area for creating the purchase list 321. The mobile controller 30 can create multiple purchase lists 321 (see Figure 4) in this area.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchased item list 321. As shown in Figure 4, the purchased item list 321 has areas for storing the member ID, date and time, one or more purchased item data, and total amount. The date and time is the date and time when the purchased item list 321 was created by the mobile controller 30. The purchased item data consists of the product code, product name, price, number of items purchased, purchase amount, etc. of the items purchased by the customer. The number of items purchased is the number of items identified by that product code purchased, and the purchase amount is the sum of the prices based on the number of items purchased. The total amount is the sum of the purchase amounts included in the purchased item data.

[0035] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 3. In this configuration, the mobile controller 30 stores a state table 331 (see Figure 5) in the auxiliary storage device 33.

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the status table 331. As shown in Figure 5, the status table 331 is a data table consisting of purchased product information, transaction information, and status. The purchased product information indicates whether or not the purchased product file, which will be described later, exists on the store server 10. If the purchased product file exists, it is set to "Yes," and if the purchased product file does not exist, it is set to "No." The transaction information indicates whether or not the transaction file, which will be described later, exists on the store server 10. If the transaction file exists, it is set to "Yes," and if the transaction file does not exist, it is set to "No." The status is information that indicates the accounting status of the purchased product identified by the purchased product information and transaction information. The statuses are "Before Accounting," "In Accounting," "Accounting Completed," and "Error." "Before Accounting" is the state in which the accounting process for the purchased product has not yet been completed. "In Accounting" is the state from when the accounting process is approved until it is completed. "Accounting Completed" is the state in which the accounting process for the purchased product has been completed. "Error" is an abnormal state of the cart POS system 1. In this embodiment, if the purchase item information is "Yes" and the transaction information is "No", the status is "Before Checkout". If the purchase item information is "No" and the transaction information is "No", the status is "Checkout in Progress". If the purchase item information is "No" and the transaction information is "Yes", the status is "Checkout Completed". If the purchase item information is "Yes" and the transaction information is "Yes", the status is "Error". Note that the status is not limited to "Before Checkout", "Checkout in Progress", "Checkout Completed", and "Error". Also, the items in status table 331 are not limited to the above items.

[0037] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 10. The store server 10 comprises a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, communication interface 14, and system transmission path 15. The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The store server 10 connects the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14 to the system transmission path 15. In the store server 10, the computer is composed of the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 15 connecting them.

[0038] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a store server 10 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0039] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0040] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application program described above.

[0041] The communication interface 14 is connected to network 2. The communication interface 14 communicates data with other devices connected via network 2 according to a communication protocol.

[0042] In this configuration, the store server 10 stores a purchase item file 131 and a transaction file 132 in an auxiliary storage device 13. The purchase item file 131 stores a purchase item list 321 and a payment barcode for each customer. The payment barcode will be described later. The transaction file 132 stores a purchase item list 321, a payment barcode, and transaction data for each customer. The transaction data includes data representing the details of the transaction and the accounting result. The transaction data includes, for example, the payment amount, the amount of change given, and the type of payment (cash, credit card, points, gift certificates, etc.).

[0043] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 50. The accounting machine 50 comprises a processor 511, main memory 512, auxiliary storage device 513, clock 514, change dispenser interface 515, communication interface 516, touch panel 517, scanner 518, reader 519, printer 520, and system transmission line 521. The system transmission line 521 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission line 521 interconnects the processor 511 with the main memory 512, auxiliary storage device 513, clock 514, change dispenser interface 515, communication interface 516, touch panel 517, scanner 518, reader 519, and printer 520. The computer of the accounting machine 50 is configured by connecting the processor 511, main memory 512, and auxiliary storage device 513 via the system transmission line 521.

[0044] The processor 511 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 511 controls each part in order to realize various functions as an accounting machine 50 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 511 is, for example, a CPU.

[0045] Main memory 512 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 512 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 512 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 512 may also store data necessary for the processor 511 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 512 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 511. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0046] The auxiliary storage device 513 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 413. The auxiliary storage device 513 stores data used by the processor 511 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 511, etc. The auxiliary storage device 513 may also store the application program described above.

[0047] The application program stored in the main memory 512 or auxiliary storage device 513 includes a control program describing the information processing performed by the accounting machine 50. The method of installing the control program in the main memory 512 or auxiliary storage device 513 is not particularly limited. The control program can be installed in the main memory 512 or auxiliary storage device 513 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing it via network communication. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0048] The clock 514 functions as a time source for the accounting machine 50. The processor 511 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 514.

[0049] The change dispenser interface 515 communicates data with the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 515 receives data such as the amount of money to be deposited and the number of coins stored from the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 515 transmits the change data to the automatic change dispenser.

[0050] The communication interface 516 is connected to network 2. The communication interface 516 communicates data with other devices connected via network 2 according to the communication protocol.

[0051] The touch panel 517 is a device that combines the input device and display device for the accounting machine 50. The touch panel 517 detects the touch position on the displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 511.

[0052] Scanner 518 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Scanner 518 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0053] The reader 519 reads the data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 511. If the recording medium is a magnetic card, the reader 519 is a magnetic card reader; if it is a contact IC card, it is an IC card reader. In the case of a contactless IC card or a recording medium using RFID, such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 519.

[0054] The printer 520 issues receipts by printing various text strings or images onto receipt paper. Examples of this type of printer 520 include thermal printers and dot matrix printers. The printer 520 functions as a printing device for the accounting machine 50.

[0055] Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the main processing performed by the processor 611 of the information terminal 60 according to the control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 612 or the auxiliary storage device 613. Figures 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the main processing performed by the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 according to the control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the main processing performed by the processor 511 of the accounting machine 50 according to the control program. The control program is stored in the main memory 512 or the auxiliary storage device 513.

[0056] The following flowcharts illustrate the main operations of the cart POS system 1, from when a member customer registers their purchased items using the information terminal 60 located in cart C, to when they complete the payment process at the checkout machine 50. Note that the operations described below are just one example; the procedure is not limited to any other method as long as similar results can be achieved.

[0057] First, a customer using cart C to make a purchase touches the touch panel 616. When the touch panel 616 is touched, the idle processor 611 starts up. The processor 611 begins processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0058] The processor 611 displays the login screen on the touch panel 616 as ACT1. The login screen is a screen that instructs members to log in. Members possess a membership card on which their membership code is recorded. After the member confirms the login screen, they have the reader 618 read the data from their membership card. Once the reader 618 reads the data from the membership card, that data is sent to the processor 611.

[0059] The processor 611, which displays the login screen, is waiting for a login as ACT2. The processor 611 receives data from the reader 618, and when it confirms that the data is the member card data including the member ID, it determines that a login has been performed. In other words, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0060] The processor 61 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a login command as ACT3 to the mobile controller 30. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via network 2. The login command includes the member ID of the member card read by the reader 618.

[0061] When the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 receives a command from the information terminal 60 via the communication interface 35, it checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 31 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 11.

[0062] Processor 31 detects the member ID from the login command as ACT31. Processor 31 then authenticates the member identified by that member ID as ACT32. Specifically, Processor 31 queries the member server 20 to see if a member record containing that member ID exists in the member database 21. If the member server 20 responds that the corresponding member record exists in the member database 21, Processor 31 determines that member authentication is valid. Conversely, if the member server 20 responds that the corresponding member record does not exist in the member database 21, Processor 31 determines that member authentication is invalid.

[0063] The processor 31, which performed member authentication, checks the authentication result as ACT33. If the authentication result is invalid, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT33 and proceeds to ACT34. The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output a denial response command to the information terminal 60 as ACT34. As a result of this control, the communication interface 35 sends a denial response command. The denial response command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60, which sent the login command.

[0064] If the authentication result is valid, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 33 and proceeds to ACT 35. The processor 31 creates a purchase item list 321 in main memory 32 as ACT 35. The processor 31 then writes the member ID included in the login command and the current date and time measured by the clock 34 to the purchase item list 321.

[0065] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output an acknowledgment response command as ACT 36 to the information terminal 60. This control causes the communication interface 35 to send the acknowledgment response command. The acknowledgment response command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60, which is the source of the login command.

[0066] In this manner, the mobile controller 30, upon receiving the login command, sends either a denial response command or an approval response command to the information terminal 60 that sent the login command. Once the processor 31 has finished sending either response command, it terminates the command reception process.

[0067] Return to the explanation of Figure 8. In ACT3, the processor 611 of the information terminal 60, which controlled the output of the login command, waits for a response command from the mobile controller 30 in ACT4. If a denial response command is received from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT4 and the login fails.

[0068] If a login error occurs, the customer, who is the operator of the information terminal 60, performs an error clearing operation from the touch panel 616. Once the clearing operation is performed, the processor 611 resumes processing from ACT1. Therefore, the customer will log in again.

[0069] When the processor 611 receives an approval response command from the mobile controller 30, it determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 61 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in the main memory 612.

[0070] The processor 611 displays the product registration screen on the touch panel 616 as ACT6. Although not shown in the diagram, the product registration screen displays the product name, price, and other purchase data of the products the customer is purchasing, as well as the total amount.

[0071] After checking the product registration screen, the customer walks around the store and places the items they intend to purchase, the so-called purchased items, into cart C. For example, the customer places purchased items into their shopping basket. Before placing purchased items into the shopping basket, the customer operates scanner 617 to read the code symbol attached to the item. When scanner 617 reads the code symbol, the product code represented by that code symbol is entered into information terminal 60. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0072] Note that some products, such as fresh food, may not have a code symbol. If a purchased product does not have a code symbol, the customer touches the product button corresponding to the purchased product from the product buttons displayed on the touch panel 616. When a product button is touched, the product code of the product corresponding to that product button is entered into the information terminal 60. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0073] Processor 611 starts timer 614 as ACT7. Processor 611 checks as ACT8 whether a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation input to the information terminal 60. Operation input to the information terminal 60 is, for example, touching the touch panel 616 or reading a code symbol with the scanner 617 during the product registration process. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes or 15 minutes. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily. If the predetermined time has elapsed without any operation input to the information terminal 60, it is assumed that the customer has left the area, leaving cart C unattended. If the predetermined time has elapsed, processor 611 determines YES in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT25 in Figure 12. The processing in ACT25 will be described later.

[0074] If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT9. The processor 611 then checks in ACT9 whether or not product registration has been performed.

[0075] If product registration is performed, processor 611 determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT10. At this point, product registration is considered to have been performed, meaning that an operation input has been made to information terminal 60. Processor 611 resets timer 614 in ACT10.

[0076] The processor 611 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a product registration command as ACT11 to the mobile controller 30. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the product registration command. The product registration command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via network 2. The product registration command includes the member ID stored in main memory 612 and the product code of the purchased item.

[0077] Upon receiving a product registration command, the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 12. Processor 31 detects the member ID from the product registration command as ACT41. Processor 31 extracts the purchased product list 321 containing that member ID as the target for processing as ACT42.

[0078] Processor 31 creates purchased product data based on the product code included in the product registration command as ACT43, and writes this purchased product data to the purchased product list 321. Processor 31 also updates the total amount in the purchased product list 321 as ACT44 by adding the purchase amount of the newly written purchased registration data.

[0079] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output a registered command as ACT45 to the information terminal 60. This control causes the communication interface 35 to send the registered command. The registered command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60, the source of the product registration command. The registered command includes the purchase product list 321. With this, the processor 31 terminates the product registration command reception process.

[0080] Return to the explanation of Figure 8. In ACT11, the processor 611 of the information terminal 60, which controlled the output of the product registration command, waits for a registered command in ACT12. When it receives a registered command from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT13. In ACT13, the processor 611 updates the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 616. That is, based on the purchased product list 321 included in the registered command, the processor 611 updates the product registration screen so that the product name and purchase amount of the purchased registered product are added and the purchase amount is added to the total amount. After that, the processor 611 returns to ACT7. The processor 611 executes the processing of ACT7 to ACT13 in the same way as described above. Therefore, in the mobile controller 30, the processor 31 also executes the product registration command reception processing shown in Figure 12 again.

[0081] If the product has not been registered, processor 611 determines NO in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT14. Processor 611 then checks whether accounting has been instructed in ACT14.

[0082] A part of the product registration screen displays an image of a checkout button. When a customer finishes shopping, they touch the checkout button. When the checkout button is touched, the processor 611 recognizes that checkout has been instructed. If checkout has not been instructed, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT14 and returns to ACT8. At this point, the processor 611 waits in ACT9 and ACT14 for product registration to be performed or for checkout to be instructed.

[0083] When the processor 611 detects that the accounting touch button has been touched, it determines YES in ACT14 and proceeds to ACT15. Here, the touching of the accounting touch button means that an operation input has been made to the information terminal 60. The processor 611 resets the timer 614 in ACT15.

[0084] The processor 611 controls the wireless unit 615 to output an accounting command as ACT16 in Figure 11 to the mobile controller 30. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the accounting command. The accounting command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via the network 2. The accounting command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 612.

[0085] Upon receiving an accounting command, the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0086] Processor 31 detects the member ID from the accounting command as ACT51. Processor 31 extracts the purchased product list 321 containing the detected member ID as the target for processing as ACT52.

[0087] The processor 31 generates accounting barcode data as ACT53. The accounting barcode is used to identify the customer making a payment at the accounting machine 50. An accounting barcode is generated for each customer making a payment at the accounting machine 50.

[0088] The processor 31 sends the purchased product list 321 extracted in the processing of ACT52 and the accounting barcode generated in the processing of ACT53 to the store server 10 as ACT54. Upon this transmission, the store server 10 saves the purchased product file 131, which stores the purchased product list 321 and the accounting barcode.

[0089] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output a display command as ACT 55 to the information terminal 60 that sent the accounting command. This control causes the communication interface 35 to send the display command. The display command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60 that sent the accounting command. The display command includes an accounting barcode.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. In ACT16, the processor 611 of the information terminal 60, which controls the output of accounting commands, waits for a display command as ACT17. When a display command is received in this waiting state, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT18. As ACT18, the processor 611 displays the accounting guidance screen 100 (see Figure 16) on the touch panel 616.

[0091] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the accounting guidance screen 100. As shown in Figure 16, the accounting guidance screen 100 displays an accounting barcode, a message prompting the customer to scan the accounting barcode with the accounting machine 50, and an image of the exit button 101. After the customer scans the accounting barcode with the accounting machine 50, they touch the exit button 101. Although not shown, when the exit button 101 is touched, a message screen is displayed notifying the customer that they have finished using the information terminal 60. The message displayed on the message screen is, for example, "Thank you for using our service." After a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, 5 minutes, the information terminal 60 is reset. In this embodiment, the information terminal 60 being reset means that the next member to use the information terminal 60 can perform the login operation. Note that the content of the text data displayed in Figure 16 is an example.

[0092] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 611, which displays the accounting guidance screen 100, starts the timer 614 as ACT19. The processor 611 then checks as ACT20 whether the timer 614 count has elapsed for a predetermined time without any operation input being made to the information terminal 60. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT20 and proceeds to ACT25 in Figure 10. The processing in ACT25 will be described later.

[0093] If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT20 and proceeds to ACT21. In ACT21, the processor 611 checks whether the accounting barcode has been scanned or not. If the accounting barcode has not been scanned, the processor 611 determines NO in ACT21 and returns to ACT20. After checking the payment guidance screen 100, the customer goes to the location where the payment machine 50 is installed and has the payment barcode scanned using the scanner 518 provided on the payment machine 50.

[0094] When the accounting barcode is scanned, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT22. Here, the scanning of the accounting barcode means that an operation input has been made to the information terminal 60. The processor 611 restarts the timer 614 as ACT22. In this embodiment, the restart means starting the timer 614's count value from "0".

[0095] Processor 611 checks, as ACT23, whether the exit button 101 on the accounting guidance screen 100 has been touched. If the exit button 101 has not been touched, processor 611 determines NO in ACT23 and returns to ACT20.

[0096] If the exit button 101 is touched, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24. Here, the touching of the exit button 101 means that an operation input has been made to the information terminal 60. The processor 611 stops the timer 614 as ACT24.

[0097] The processor 511 of the accounting machine 50 is waiting for the accounting barcode to be read, as shown in ACT81 in Figure 15. If the accounting barcode is read, the processor 511 determines YES in ACT81 and proceeds to ACT82.

[0098] The processor 511 queries the store server 10 for the purchased product file 131 using the accounting barcode it read as ACT82. In response to this query, the store server 10 extracts the purchased product file 131 containing the queried accounting barcode and sends the purchased product file 131 to the checkout machine 50. The processor 511 then waits as ACT83 to receive the purchased product file 131. If the purchased product file 131 is received, the processor 511 determines YES in ACT83 and proceeds to ACT84.

[0099] Processor 511 performs accounting processing based on the data from the purchased product list 321 of the purchased product file 131 received as ACT84. This accounting processing is an existing process and is well-known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0100] Processor 511 creates transaction data based on accounting processing as ACT85. Processor 511 creates transaction file 132 as ACT86, which stores the accounting barcode read in ACT81, the purchase item list 321 from the purchase item file 131 received in ACT83, and the transaction data created in ACT85. Processor 511 sends the transaction file to the store server 10 as ACT87. Upon this transmission, the store server 10 saves the transaction file 132. With this, Processor 511 completes the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 15.

[0101] As mentioned above, in ACT8 in Figure 8 and ACT20 in Figure 9, if a predetermined time has elapsed, the processor 611 proceeds to ACT25 in Figure 10. The processor 611 controls the wireless unit 615 to output a confirmation command to the mobile controller 30 as ACT25. This control causes the wireless unit 615 to wirelessly transmit the confirmation command. The confirmation command is received by the access point 70 and sent to the mobile controller 30 via the network 2. The confirmation command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 612.

[0102] Upon receiving the confirmation command, the processor 31 of the mobile controller 30 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 14.

[0103] Processor 31 detects the member ID from the confirmation command as ACT61. Processor 31 then checks as ACT62 whether a purchased item list 321 containing the detected member ID exists. In this embodiment, if the purchased item list 321 is sent to the store server 10 in the process of ACT54 in Figure 13, the purchased item list 321 will not exist in the mobile controller 30. Before the purchased item list 321 is sent to the store server 10, that is, before the checkout button is touched, the purchased item list 321 exists in the mobile controller 30. Therefore, if the purchased item list 321 exists in the mobile controller 30, it means that the customer is registering items at the store. If the purchased item list 321 exists, processor 31 determines YES in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT72. The process of ACT72 will be described later.

[0104] If the purchase item list 321 does not exist, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT63.

[0105] Processor 31, as ACT63, queries the store server 10 to determine whether a file exists using the member ID detected in the processing of ACT61. In response to this query, the store server 10 responds to the mobile controller 30 regarding the existence of the purchased product file 131 and the transaction file 132, which contain the queried member ID. If the purchased product list 321 and the accounting barcode are sent to the store server 10 in the processing of ACT54 in Figure 13, the store server 10 saves the purchased product file 131. That is, the purchased product file 131 exists at the store server 10. Similarly, if the transaction file 132 is sent to the store server 10 in the processing of ACT85 in Figure 15, the store server 10 saves the transaction file 132. That is, the transaction file 132 exists at the store server 10. Processor 31 then waits for a response as ACT64 regarding whether the files exist or not.

[0106] If the store server 10 responds that the file exists, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT64 and proceeds to ACT65. In ACT65, the processor 31 checks whether the file present in the store server 10 is the purchased product file 131.

[0107] If it is the purchased product file 131, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT65 and proceeds to ACT66. In ACT66, the processor 31 checks whether the store server 10 also has a transaction file 132.

[0108] If there are 132 transaction files, processor 31 determines YES in ACT66 and proceeds to ACT67. Processor 31 stores in main memory 32 that the status is "Error" based on the status table 331 as ACT67. After that, processor 31 proceeds to ACT72.

[0109] If transaction file 132 does not exist, processor 31 determines NO in ACT66 and proceeds to ACT68. Processor 31 stores in main memory 32 that the status is "pre-accounting" based on the status table 331 as ACT68. After that, processor 31 proceeds to ACT72.

[0110] If the file present in the store server 10 is not the purchased product file 131, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT65 and proceeds to ACT69. In ACT69, the processor 31 checks whether the file present in the store server 10 is the transaction file 132.

[0111] If the transaction file is 132, processor 31 determines YES in ACT69 and proceeds to ACT70. In ACT70, processor 31 stores in main memory 32 that the status is "Accounting Complete" based on the status table 331. After that, processor 31 proceeds to ACT74. The processing in ACT74 will be described later.

[0112] If transaction file 132 does not exist, processor 31 determines NO in ACT69 and proceeds to ACT71. As ACT71, processor 31 stores in main memory 32 that the status is "Accounting in Progress" based on the status table 331.

[0113] The processor 31 creates a monitoring screen 200 (see Figure 17) based on the status stored in the main memory 32 as ACT72.

[0114] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the monitoring screen 200. This example assumes there are 3 accounting machines 50 and 8 information terminals 60 in use. As shown in Figure 17, the monitoring screen 200 has an accounting machine status display unit 201 for each accounting machine 50 and a terminal status display unit 202 for each information terminal 60. The accounting machine status display unit 201 and the terminal status display unit 202 are touch buttons. The accounting machine status display unit 201 displays the accounting machine number. Although not shown, touching the accounting machine status display unit 201 displays the accounting machine status. For example, it displays whether accounting machine 50 is "idle" before accounting processing or "in progress" when accounting processing is being performed. It is also possible to check the information of the products purchased by the customer using the accounting machine 50 that is currently processing the transaction. The terminal status display unit 202 displays the information terminal number. Although not shown, touching the terminal status display unit 202 displays the terminal status. For example, the status of the information terminal 60 is displayed, such as "Error," "Before Payment," "Payment in Progress," or "Payment Completed." Furthermore, information about the purchased items of the customer using the information terminal 60 in that status can be confirmed. The terminal status display unit 202 also has an area 203. Area 203 is an area that allows the status of the information terminal 60 to be identified by color, etc. If a predetermined time has elapsed without the processor 611 making any operation input to the information terminal 60, and the payment processing for the purchased items has not been completed, i.e., the status is "Error," "Before Payment," or "Payment in Progress," the background color of area 203 is changed. Note that the content of the text data, the shape, size, arrangement, and number of display units shown in Figure 17 are examples only.

[0115] Return to Figure 16. The processor 31 transmits data from the monitoring screen 200 to the monitoring terminal 40 as ACT73. This transmission causes the monitoring terminal 40 to display the monitoring screen 200 on its touch panel. Therefore, the store clerk, after checking area 203 of the monitoring screen 200 displayed on the touch panel of the monitoring terminal 40, searches for the cart C that has been left unattended in the sales area, checkout area, etc.

[0116] The processor 31 creates a message screen to be displayed on the information terminal 60 as ACT74 based on the status stored in the main memory 32. For example, if the status is "Error," "Before Checkout," or "Checkout in Progress," the message is "A staff member will be with you shortly, please wait a moment," because the checkout process for the purchased items is not yet complete. If the status is "Checkout Complete," the message is "Thank you for your patronage." Also, if the status is "Checkout Complete," the information terminal 60 is reset after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, 5 minutes, since the message was displayed, similar to when the exit button 101 on the checkout guidance screen 100 described above is touched. Note that the messages are not limited to those described above.

[0117] The processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output a screen command as ACT75 to the information terminal 60. This control causes the communication interface 35 to send the screen command. The screen command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 70 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 60, the source of the screen command. The screen command includes data for the message screen. With this, the processor 31 terminates the confirmation command reception process.

[0118] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. In ACT25, the processor 611 of the information terminal 60, which controlled the output of the confirmation command, waits for a screen command as ACT26. When it receives a screen command from the mobile controller 30, the processor 611 determines YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT27. In ACT27, the processor 611 displays a message screen on the touch panel 616. With this, the processor 611 completes the information processing procedure shown in the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10.

[0119] As is clear from the above explanation, the mobile controller 30, which is an example of an information processing device, constitutes an acquisition means by having the processor 31 execute the processing of ACT61 in Figure 14. That is, the mobile controller 30 acquires identification information that identifies the information terminal 60 that is operated by the user, i.e., the customer, to register purchased products.

[0120] The mobile controller 30 constitutes a verification means by having the processor 31 execute the processes of ACT62 to ACT71 in Figure 14. Specifically, if no operation input is made on the information terminal 60 within a predetermined time, the mobile controller 30 verifies the accounting status of the purchased goods registered in association with the identification information.

[0121] The mobile controller 30 constitutes an execution means by having the processor 31 execute the processes of ACT72 to ACT75 in Figure 14. In other words, the mobile controller 30 executes processes according to the status of the accounting of purchased goods.

[0122] As described above, according to this embodiment, if a predetermined time elapses without any operation input to the information terminal 60, processing is performed according to the payment status of the customer who is the user of cart C. Specifically, if the payment status is "payment completed," a message screen is displayed on the information terminal 60, and then the information terminal 60 is reset. If the payment status is "before payment," "payment in progress," or "error," i.e., payment is not completed, a message screen is displayed on the information terminal 60, and the monitoring terminal 40 is notified. Therefore, the store clerk does not need to search for cart C that has been left unattended for a predetermined time, and if payment is completed, there is no need to prepare the information terminal 60 installed on cart C for the next member to use it to perform a login operation. If payment is not completed, the presence of cart C that has been left unattended due to fraudulent payment can be easily found by checking area 203 of the monitoring screen 200. Therefore, the effort and burden on the store clerk are reduced.

[0123] The embodiments of the information processing device, its control program, and information processing method have been described above, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0124] In the above embodiment, an example was given where login to the information terminal 60 is performed using a membership card. The login method is not particularly limited; for example, a code symbol indicating the membership code may be displayed on the display of the customer's smartphone, and the customer may log in by having the scanner 617 read this code symbol. In this case, the reader 618 can be omitted from the information terminal 60.

[0125] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the information terminal 60 is attached to the cart C. The information terminal 60 does not necessarily have to be attached to the cart C. For example, a smartphone, tablet, or the like owned by the customer may be used as the information terminal 60.

[0126] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the member ID is stored in the purchased product list 321. For example, the terminal ID, which is the identification code of the information terminal 60, may be stored, or both the member ID and the terminal ID may be stored.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the processor 611 of the information terminal 60, upon receiving a screen command, displays a message screen on the touch panel 616. For example, the output is not limited to display but may also be output by voice or other means. The information terminal 60 may also be equipped with a lamp that can be lit or blinked.

[0128] The cart POS system 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. For example, the store server 10, the member server 20, and the mobile controller 30 may be configured with one or two servers. Also, for example, the member server 20 may not be directly connected to the network 2, but rather provided on the internet as cloud computing.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the control program was described as being pre-stored in the main memory 612 or auxiliary storage device 613 of the information terminal 60. In this regard, a monitoring program, which is separately transferred from the information terminal 60, may be written to a writable storage device provided by the information terminal 60 in response to user operation. The transfer of the control program can be done by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication over a network. The recording medium can be of any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0130] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The original claims of this application are included below. [C1] A means for acquiring identification information to identify the information terminal that a user operates to register purchased products, If no operation input is performed on the information terminal within a predetermined time, a confirmation means is provided to confirm the accounting status of the purchased product registered in association with the identification information. An execution means for performing processing according to the accounting status of the purchased goods, An information processing device equipped with the following. [C2] The execution means outputs a notification to the information terminal according to the accounting status of the purchased goods. [C1] Information processing device described in [C1]. [C3] The execution means resets the information terminal when the accounting status for the purchased goods is complete. [C2] Information processing device described in [C2]. [C4] The aforementioned execution means notifies the monitoring terminal if the accounting status of the purchased goods is incomplete. [C1] Information processing device described in [C1]. [C5] We obtain identification information to identify the information terminal that the user operates to register purchased items. If no operation input is performed on the information terminal within a predetermined time, the accounting status of the purchased product registered in association with the identification information is checked. The process is executed according to the accounting status of the purchased goods. Information processing methods. [C6] The computer of the information processing device, means for obtaining identification information to identify the information terminal that a user operates to register purchased products. If no operation input is performed on the information terminal within a predetermined time, a confirmation means is provided to confirm the accounting status of the purchased product registered in association with the identification information, and An execution means for performing processing according to the accounting status of the purchased goods, A control program to enable it to function as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1…Cart POS system, 2…Network, 10…Store server, 11, 31, 511, 611…Processor, 12, 32, 512, 612…Main memory, 13, 33, 513, 613…Auxiliary storage device, 14, 35, 516…Communication interface, 20…Member server, 21…Member database, 30…Mobile controller, 34, 514…Clock, 36, 521, 620…System transmission path, 40…Monitoring Terminal, 50... Cash register, 60... Information terminal, 131... Purchased item file, 132... Transaction file, 321... Purchased item list, 331... Status table, 515... Change dispenser interface, 517, 616... Touch panel, 518, 617... Scanner, 519, 618... Reader, 520... Printer, 614... Timer, 615... Wireless unit, 619... Camera, C... Cart (shopping cart), TM... Tablet terminal.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring identification information that identifies an information terminal operated by a user to register purchased products, If no operation input is performed on the information terminal within a predetermined time, the confirmation means checks whether the first management information and the second management information associated with the identification information exist on the server device, checks the contents of the first management information and / or the contents of the second management information based on the confirmation result, and determines the status of the transaction processing based on the result of the content confirmation. If the status of the transaction processing is determined to be a predetermined completed state, the execution means outputs a predetermined notification to the information terminal and then returns the information terminal to its initial state; if the status of the transaction processing is determined to be anything other than the predetermined completed state, the execution means outputs a predetermined notification to the information terminal and also outputs a notification regarding the information terminal to the administrator device. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The confirmation means is If the first management information exists and the second management information does not exist, the state relating to the transaction processing is determined to be a first state other than the completed state. If the first management information does not exist and the second management information does not exist, the state relating to the transaction processing is determined to be a second state other than the completed state. If the first management information does not exist and the second management information exists, the status of the transaction processing is determined to be the completed state. If the first management information exists and the second management information exists, the status of the transaction processing is determined to be a third status other than the completed state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first management information includes information about the purchase target registered by the information terminal, The second management information includes information relating to the transaction of the purchased item, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. When the execution means determines that the status of the transaction processing is other than the completed state, it outputs a notification to the administrator device in a manner that allows the information terminal to be identified based on the identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The execution means includes, as a process for restoring the information terminal to the initial state, at least a process for deleting or invalidating the information relating to the registration of the item to be purchased on the information terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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