Server equipment, sales data processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processing device and a program that enable payment to be performed without requiring a special operation of a customer even in a case where a commodity to be reserved and a commodity not to be reserved are mixed.SOLUTION: A server device (a commodity sales data processing device) includes: a registration information generation unit that generates registration information on a commodity acquired from a tablet terminal (a first portable terminal) and a payment code that uniquely specifies the registration information; a reservation instruction acquisition unit that acquires, from the tablet terminal, a reservation instruction for a commodity that can be reserved; a commodity reservation information generation unit that generates commodity reservation information in which a commodity code of a commodity, reservation of which has been instructed, terminal identification information that specifies a tablet terminal which is the source of the reservation instruction, and a reservation place are associated; a commodity reservation instruction unit that outputs the reservation instruction for the commodity to a picker portable terminal (a second portable terminal); and a payment execution instruction unit that when the payment code is acquired from a self-service POS terminal (a payment processing device), causes payment processing for the registration information to be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to server devices Sales data processing system and programs.

Background Art

[0002] When shopping at a store, a system has been proposed in which product registration is performed using a shopping terminal, an instruction to place the registered product is given, and the placed product is received at the time of checkout (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a system, since it is assumed that all products are to be placed, cases where products that the customer wants to carry to the cashier themselves (for example, perishable products such as fresh food) and products for which placement is requested are mixed have not been considered.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a server device Sales data processing system and a program that enable checkout without requiring the customer to perform any special operations even when products to be placed and products not to be placed are mixed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The server device of the embodiment includes a registration information generation unit, a placement instruction acquisition unit, a product placement information generation unit, a product placement instruction unit, A unit for acquiring the reservation status and a unit for outputting reservation completion information.The system includes an accounting execution instruction unit. The registration information generation unit generates registration information, including product information of the products to be purchased by the customer, obtained from the first mobile terminal, and an accounting code that uniquely identifies the registration information. The reservation instruction acquisition unit obtains reservation instructions from the first mobile terminal for products that can be reserved among the products to be purchased. The product reservation information generation unit generates product reservation information that associates first identification information that identifies the reserved product, second identification information that identifies that the reservation instruction is from the first mobile terminal, and the product reservation location. The product reservation instruction unit outputs a reservation instruction to the second mobile terminal to the product reservation location. The reservation status acquisition unit acquires information from the second mobile terminal indicating the reservation status of the reserved items. The reservation completion information output unit outputs information indicating that the reservation is complete and information indicating the reservation location to the first mobile terminal in a displayable format, provided that the collection of the reserved items at the reservation location is complete. The accounting execution instruction unit, upon receiving an instruction from the accounting processing unit to perform accounting, instructs the accounting processing unit to carry out accounting processing related to the registered information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a product sales data processing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of a product master. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the storage location master. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of a product registration file. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of a reservation instruction file. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a tablet device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal for pickers. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a tablet device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a mobile terminal for pickers. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of product registration and reservation instruction acquisition processes performed by the server device. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed by the server device for acquiring a reservation work declaration and updating the reservation status. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of accounting execution instruction processing and notification instruction processing performed by the server device. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a tablet device. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a picker's mobile terminal. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is the first diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on a tablet device. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows an example of a screen for requesting to reserve items that are available for reservation, as displayed on a tablet device. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows an example of a screen displayed on a tablet device indicating that the product reservation has been completed. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a second diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on a tablet device. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for declaring a person in charge of collecting placed goods, which is displayed on a portable terminal for a picker. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for showing a storage location and a placement location of placed goods, which is displayed on a portable terminal for a picker. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a self-POS terminal when a customer starts accounting. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when not all of the goods for which a placement request has been made are collected at the placement location when a customer starts accounting.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] An embodiment in which the merchandise sales data processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a merchandise sales data processing system 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] (Schematic Configuration of Merchandise Sales Data Processing System) The schematic configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system.

[0009] The merchandise sales data processing system 10 is a system in which a customer 24 can request a placement when purchasing goods such as large-sized goods or heavy goods when shopping at a store. The goods for which a placement request has been made are temporarily stored beside the accounting location of the store and handed over to the customer 24 when the customer 24 conducts accounting.

[0010] The product sales data processing system 10 comprises a server device 12, a tablet terminal 14 installed on a shopping cart 23 carried by a customer 24, a picker's mobile terminal 16 carried by a picker (store clerk) who collects the products that the customer 24 has instructed to reserve and places them in the reservation area, and a self-service POS terminal 18. The tablet terminal 14 and the picker's mobile terminal 16 communicate wirelessly with an access point 22 installed in the store. The tablet terminal 14 may also be connected to a cloud server (store server) via a mobile communication network. The access point 22 and the self-service POS terminal 18 are connected to the server device 12 via the in-store network 21 and the internet 20.

[0011] The server device 12 oversees the entire process performed by the product sales data processing system 10. Specifically, when a customer 24 reads barcode or other code information attached to a product they wish to purchase using a tablet terminal 14, the server device 12 acquires the code information and performs product registration processing to register the product. Furthermore, if the product registered by the customer 24 is a product that can be reserved, the server device displays information on the tablet terminal 14 asking whether the customer 24 wishes to reserve the product and performs reservation instruction acquisition processing to acquire the customer's preference. If the customer 24 wishes to reserve the product, the server device 12 determines the reservation location, displays information requesting the product to be reserved on the picker's mobile terminal 16, and performs reservation work declaration acquisition processing to acquire the picker's work declaration. Finally, the server device 12 performs reservation status update processing to acquire information entered by the picker on the picker's mobile terminal 16 according to the progress of the reservation work. Furthermore, when a customer 24 issues an instruction to the self-service POS terminal 18 to perform payment, the server device 12 performs an accounting execution instruction process, which instructs the server device 12 to execute the accounting process. Also, when performing the accounting execution instruction process, the server device 12 performs a notification instruction process, which instructs the self-service POS terminal 18 to notify the customer if the collection of all reserved items at their designated locations has not yet been completed. Note that the server device 12 may be a cloud server (store server). The server device 12 is an example of a product sales data processing device in this disclosure.

[0012] The tablet terminal 14 reads the code information attached to the product when the customer 24 registers the product to be purchased. The tablet terminal 14 also displays various information and obtains instruction information from the customer 24 in response to instructions from or a response from the server device 12. Specifically, the tablet terminal 14 displays the results of product registration by the server device 12. The tablet terminal 14 also obtains the customer 24's reservation instructions for items that can be reserved and outputs them to the server device 12. The tablet terminal 14 also displays information indicating that the reservation of the items requested by the customer 24 has been completed, that is, that the reserved items have been collected at the reservation location. The tablet terminal 14 also displays a payment code on its screen when the customer 24 finishes shopping and proceeds to payment. The displayed payment code is read by the self-service POS terminal 18 and the payment process begins. Note that the tablet terminal 14 is an example of the first mobile terminal in this disclosure.

[0013] The picker's mobile terminal 16 is carried by the picker who is instructed to collect the items to be reserved. The picker's mobile terminal 16 displays various information related to the reservation of items upon instruction from the server device 12. The picker's mobile terminal 16 also acquires information indicating the progress of the item collection work performed by the picker and outputs it to the server device 12. Specifically, the picker's mobile terminal 16 displays information indicating that an instruction to reserve items has been received from customer 24. The picker's mobile terminal 16 also acquires information indicating that an available picker has declared that they will perform the work upon receiving the reservation instruction and outputs it to the server device 12. The picker's mobile terminal 16 also acquires information indicating that the picker has placed the reserved items in the designated reservation location and outputs it to the server device 12. There are multiple pickers in the store, and each of them carries a picker's mobile terminal 16. Therefore, there are multiple picker's mobile terminals 16. The picker's mobile terminal 16 is an example of a second mobile terminal in this disclosure.

[0014] The self-service POS terminal 18 performs accounting processing based on the accounting code presented by the customer 24 via the tablet terminal 14, upon receiving instructions from the server device 12. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 18, upon receiving instructions from the server device 12, notifies the customer if the reservation of all items requested by the customer 24 has not been completed. Multiple self-service POS terminals 18 exist, and the customer 24 performs accounting processing at an available self-service POS terminal 18. Note that the self-service POS terminal 18 is an example of an accounting processing device in this disclosure.

[0015] The configuration of the product sales data processing system 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the example in Figure 1. For example, the tablet terminal 14 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the customer. Also, the self-service POS terminal 18 may be a person-to-person POS terminal. Furthermore, while the tablet terminal 14 or the mobile device owned by the customer can display an accounting code and process the accounting via the self-service POS terminal 18, it is not limited to this, and each mobile device may also be equipped with a function to process the accounting using payment methods such as credit card payment, code payment, or other electronic money payment.

[0016] (Server hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the server device 12 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device.

[0017] The server device 12 includes a control unit 31 that controls the entire server device 12, a storage unit 35, a display device 45, an operation device 46, and a communication unit 47.

[0018] The control unit 31 comprises a CPU 32, a ROM 33, and a RAM 34. The CPU 32 comprehensively controls each part of the server device 12. The ROM 33 stores various programs. The RAM 34 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0019] The CPU 32, ROM 33, and RAM 34 are connected via an internal bus 44. The control unit 31 performs various processes by having the CPU 32 operate according to the program stored in the memory unit 35 and loaded into the RAM 34.

[0020] The storage unit 35 has a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 35 stores the control program 36, the product master 37, the storage location master 38, the product registration file 39, and the storage instruction file 40.

[0021] The control program 36 is a program that controls the overall operation of the server device 12.

[0022] Product Master 37 is a master file that stores information about the products sold in the store. The specific structure of Product Master 37 will be described in detail later (see Figure 3).

[0023] The storage location master 38 is a master file that stores information about the storage locations of products that can be reserved. The specific structure of the storage location master 38 will be described in detail later (see Figure 4).

[0024] The product registration file 39 is a file that stores information related to the product code read by the tablet terminal 14, that is, information related to the product purchased by the customer 24. The specific structure of the product registration file 39 will be described in detail later (see Figure 5).

[0025] The reservation instruction file 40 is a file that stores information about reserved items, and is generated when the reservation request button 118 (see Figure 22) on the tablet terminal 14 is pressed, that is, when the customer 24 instructs to reserve an item. The specific structure of the reservation instruction file 40 will be described in detail later (see Figure 6). The reservation instruction file 40 is an example of item reservation information in this disclosure.

[0026] The display device 45 displays a screen generated by the instructions of the control unit 31. The display device 45 is composed of devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence).

[0027] The operating device 46 acquires the operator's input and transmits it to the control unit 31. The operating device 46 is composed of, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard.

[0028] The communication unit 47 is a communication connection unit for communicating with the tablet terminal 14, the picker's mobile terminal 16, and the self-service POS terminal 18.

[0029] (Data structure of various data stored by server devices) Figures 3 to 6 illustrate the data structure of various data stored by the server device 12. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the product master. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the storage location master. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the product registration file. Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the storage instruction file.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the product master 37 stores product information for products corresponding to product codes, associated with product codes that identify the products. Product information includes product name, type, price, weight, size, product icon, availability information, display location, storage location, etc.

[0031] Stores independently determine whether an item can be reserved based on its weight and size. For example, items with a "0" assigned to their reservation status cannot be reserved, while items with a "1" assigned to their reservation status can be reserved.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the storage location master 38 stores storage location information corresponding to a storage location code that uniquely identifies the storage location. The storage location information includes the type of storage location, storage location information, and supplementary information.

[0033] The types of locations where items are held include, for example, the service counter or shelves next to the cash register in the store.

[0034] The location information for the reserved item includes the store's floor number, aisle number, and register number.

[0035] Additional information includes shelf numbers, etc.

[0036] The product registration file 39 is generated by the server device 12 when it receives the product code read by the tablet terminal 14. As shown in Figure 5, the product registration file 39 stores product registration information corresponding to the accounting code, associating it with an accounting code that uniquely identifies the product registered according to the instructions of the customer 24. The product registration information includes transaction ID, terminal ID, product code, quantity, price, reservation ID, reservation ID sub-number, reservation location code, reservation status, etc.

[0037] The transaction ID is issued by the server device 12 when customer 24 checks in to the store or when the first product is registered.

[0038] The terminal ID is terminal identification information that uniquely identifies the tablet terminal 14 operated by customer 24. This terminal identification information is output to the server device 12 along with the code information of the product purchased by customer 24 when the code information of the product purchased by customer 24 is read. Alternatively, the product registration file 39 may store user identification information that uniquely identifies customer 24 from the tablet terminal 14 instead of terminal identification information that uniquely identifies the tablet terminal 14. User identification information that uniquely identifies customer 24 may be, for example, a user number that customer 24 has previously registered with the store.

[0039] The reservation ID, reservation ID sub-number, reservation location code, and reservation status are all stored only for the reserved items that customer 24 requested to reserve.

[0040] The reservation ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the product as being reserved by customer 24. The server device 12 issues a reservation ID when it receives a request to reserve a product from customer 24.

[0041] The reservation ID sub-number is information issued by the server device 12 to indicate that the reservation requests are from the same customer 24 when the customer requests to reserve multiple items. For example, when customer 24 requests to reserve the first item, the server device 12 issues a new reservation ID. At this time, the server device 12 simultaneously issues reservation ID sub-number "1" to indicate that it is the first item that customer 24 requested to reserve. Then, when the same customer 24 requests to reserve a second item, the server device 12 assigns the same reservation ID issued earlier to the second item, and simultaneously issues reservation ID sub-number "2" to indicate that it is the second item that customer 24 requested to reserve.

[0042] The reservation location code is information indicating the location where the requested item will be reserved. The reservation location may be set by the server device 12 or selected by the customer 24. Furthermore, the server device 12 sets the same reservation location for the second and subsequent items requested by the same customer 24 as for the first item. In addition, if there is only one picker, or if the picker is handling reservation instructions associated with the same terminal ID, the picker may specify the reservation location.

[0043] The reservation status is information indicating the status of the items that have been requested to be reserved. The reservation status can store one of the following values: "0" indicating that instructions have not yet been given to the picker, "1" indicating that instructions have been given to the picker, "2" indicating that the picker who received the instructions is collecting the items, or "3" indicating that collection to the reservation location has been completed. The reservation status is updated sequentially based on information received from the picker's mobile terminal 16.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the reservation instruction file 40 stores reservation information corresponding to the reservation ID issued by the server device 12, in association with the reservation ID. The reservation information includes the reservation ID sub-number, product code, product name, quantity, price, reservation location code, reservation status, picker's terminal ID, etc.

[0045] The server device 12 outputs the item reservation instruction file 40 to the picker's mobile terminal 16. The picker who receives the item reservation instruction file 40 declares that they will perform the collection work to collect the instructed items at the designated storage location. Specifically, the picker inputs into the picker's mobile terminal 16 that they will perform the collection work. Once the work declaration is entered, the picker's mobile terminal 16 updates the item reservation status of the item reservation instruction file 40 to "Collecting". The picker's mobile terminal 16 then outputs the item reservation instruction file 40 with the updated item reservation status to the server device 12. When the collection work is completed, the picker inputs information indicating that the work has been completed into the picker's mobile terminal 16. Once the completion of the work is entered, the picker's mobile terminal 16 updates the item reservation status of the item reservation instruction file 40 to "Collection Complete". The picker's mobile terminal 16 then outputs the item reservation instruction file 40 with the updated item reservation status to the server device 12.

[0046] (Tablet device hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the tablet device 14 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a tablet device.

[0047] The tablet terminal 14 includes a control unit 51 that controls the entire tablet terminal 14, a storage unit 55, a display device 65, an operation device 66, a camera 67, and a communication unit 68.

[0048] The control unit 51 comprises a CPU 52, a ROM 53, and a RAM 54. The CPU 52 comprehensively controls each part of the tablet terminal 14. The ROM 53 stores various programs. The RAM 54 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0049] The CPU 52, ROM 53, and RAM 54 are connected via an internal bus 64. The control unit 51 performs various processes by having the CPU 52 operate according to the program stored in the memory unit 35 and loaded into the RAM 34.

[0050] The storage unit 55 has a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 55 stores the control program 56 and the product registration file 57.

[0051] The control program 56 is a program that controls the overall operation of the tablet terminal 14.

[0052] The product registration file 57 is a file that stores product information for products that customer 24 has instructed to register code information for. The product registration file 57 is retrieved by the tablet terminal 14 from the server device 12 each time customer 24 registers code information.

[0053] The display device 65 displays a screen generated by the instructions of the control unit 51. The display device 65 is composed of, for example, an LCD or an organic EL.

[0054] The operating device 66 acquires the operator's input and transmits it to the control unit 51. The operating device 66 is composed of, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard.

[0055] Camera 67 takes a picture of the barcode or QR code of the product being purchased.

[0056] The communication unit 68 is a communication connection unit for communicating with the server device 12.

[0057] (Hardware configuration of the mobile terminal for pickers) The hardware configuration of the picker's mobile terminal 16 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the picker's mobile terminal.

[0058] The picker's portable terminal 16 comprises a control unit 71 that controls the entire picker's portable terminal 16, a storage unit 75, a display device 85, an operation device 86, and a communication unit 87.

[0059] The control unit 71 comprises a CPU 72, a ROM 73, and a RAM 74. The CPU 72 comprehensively controls each part of the picker's portable terminal 16. The ROM 73 stores various programs. The RAM 74 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0060] The CPU 72, ROM 73, and RAM 74 are connected via an internal bus 84. The control unit 71 performs various processes by having the CPU 72 operate according to the program stored in the memory unit 75 and loaded into the RAM 74.

[0061] The storage unit 75 has a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 75 stores a control program 76, a storage location master 77, and a storage instruction file 78.

[0062] The control program 76 is a program that controls the overall operation of the picker's portable terminal 16.

[0063] The storage location master 77 is the same master file as the aforementioned storage location master 38, which is stored in the server device 12.

[0064] The reservation instruction file 78 is a file that stores reservation information for one of the sub-numbers of the aforementioned reservation instruction file 40 stored in the server device 12. The reservation instruction file 78 is output from the server device 12 to the picker's portable terminal 16 each time a reservation instruction is given for a product.

[0065] The display device 85 displays a screen generated by the instructions of the control unit 71. The display device 85 is composed of, for example, an LCD or an organic EL.

[0066] The operating device 86 acquires the operator's input and transmits it to the control unit 71. The operating device 86 is composed of, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard.

[0067] The communication unit 87 is a communication connection unit for communicating with the server device 12.

[0068] (Hardware configuration of self-service POS terminals) The hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 18 will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal.

[0069] The self-service POS terminal 18 includes a control unit 91 that controls the entire self-service POS terminal 18, a storage unit 95, a display device 105, an operating device 106, a code reader 107, and a communication unit 108.

[0070] The control unit 91 comprises a CPU 92, a ROM 83, and a RAM 94. The CPU 92 comprehensively controls each part of the self-service POS terminal 18. The ROM 83 stores various programs. The RAM 94 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0071] The CPU 92, ROM 93, and RAM 94 are connected via an internal bus 104. The control unit 91 performs various processes by having the CPU 92 operate according to the program stored in the memory unit 95 and loaded into the RAM 94.

[0072] The storage unit 95 has a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 95 stores the control program 96 and the product registration file 97.

[0073] The control program 96 is a program that controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 18.

[0074] Product registration file 97 is the same file as the aforementioned product registration file 39, which is stored in the server device 12.

[0075] The display device 105 displays a screen generated by the instructions of the control unit 91. The display device 105 is composed of a device such as an LCD or an organic EL.

[0076] The operating device 106 acquires the operator's input and transmits it to the control unit 91. The operating device 106 is composed of, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard.

[0077] The code reader 107 is, for example, a barcode reader that reads the accounting code displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14.

[0078] The communication unit 108 is a communication connection unit for communicating with the server device 12.

[0079] (Server device functional configuration) The functional configuration of the server device 12 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device.

[0080] The control unit 31 of the server device 12 loads the control program 36 into RAM 34 and operates it, thereby realizing the following functional units as shown in Figure 10: product information acquisition unit 131, registration information generation unit 132, reservation instruction acquisition unit 133, accounting code output unit 134, product reservation information generation unit 135, product reservation instruction unit 136, reservation status acquisition unit 137, reservation completion information output unit 138, accounting code acquisition unit 139, notification instruction unit 140, and accounting execution instruction unit 141. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0081] The product information acquisition unit 131 acquires a product code that uniquely identifies the product purchased by the customer 24, and terminal identification information that uniquely identifies the tablet terminal 14, from the tablet terminal 14. The product information acquisition unit 131 also determines whether the product with the acquired product code is available for reservation. Furthermore, the product information acquisition unit 131 acquires information from the tablet terminal 14 indicating that the customer has completed specifying all the products to be purchased.

[0082] The registration information generation unit 132 generates a product registration file 39 that stores registration information including product information of the products purchased by the customer 24, obtained from the tablet terminal 14, and an accounting code that uniquely identifies the said registration information. The registration information generation unit 132 also outputs the contents of the generated product registration file 39 to the tablet terminal 14. The accounting code may be generated by the tablet terminal 14. For example, when the server device 12 receives an accounting request from the tablet terminal 14, the server device 12 checks whether there are any unregistered products or products restricted to those 20 years of age and older that cannot be purchased by minors. If there are no problems, the server device 12 returns a response command to the tablet terminal 14. The tablet terminal 14 then receives the response command and may generate an accounting code that identifies the various information shown in Figure 5.

[0083] The reservation instruction acquisition unit 133 acquires reservation instructions from the tablet terminal 14 for items that can be reserved among the items purchased by the customer 24. When the reservation instruction acquisition unit 133 acquires a reservation instruction, it also determines whether it has already received a reservation instruction from the same tablet terminal 14.

[0084] The accounting code output unit 134 outputs the accounting code generated by the registration information generation unit 132 to the tablet terminal 14, provided that registration of all purchased items has been completed.

[0085] The product reservation information generation unit 135 generates a reservation instruction file 40 (product reservation information) that associates a product code, which is product identification information that identifies the product for which a reservation instruction has been given, terminal identification information that identifies that the reservation instruction is from the tablet terminal 14, and the location where the product is to be reserved. The product code is an example of the first identification information in this disclosure. The terminal identification information is an example of the second identification information in this disclosure. The product reservation information generation unit 135 also sets the location where the product for which a reservation instruction has been given is to be reserved.

[0086] The product reservation instruction unit 136 outputs an instruction to the picker's portable terminal 16 to place the product in the designated reservation location.

[0087] The reservation status acquisition unit 137 acquires information indicating the reservation status of the reserved items from the picker's mobile terminal 16 and updates the reservation status registered in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40. The information indicating the reservation status of the items includes, for example, information declaring that product collection work will be performed and information indicating that the reservation of the items has been completed. The reservation status acquisition unit 137 also updates the reservation status registered in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40 when the product reservation instruction unit 136 outputs a reservation instruction to the picker's mobile terminal 16 to the product reservation location. Furthermore, based on the reservation status, the reservation status acquisition unit 137 determines whether all items for which a reservation instruction was given from the same tablet terminal 14 have been successfully reserved.

[0088] The reservation completion information output unit 138 outputs information indicating that the reservation is complete and information indicating the reservation location to the tablet terminal 14, provided that the movement of the reserved items to the reservation location is complete. Furthermore, provided that the self-service POS terminal 18 has performed accounting processing before all reserved items have been moved to their reservation locations, the reservation completion information output unit 138 outputs information indicating that all reserved items have been moved to their reservation locations to the tablet terminal 14, provided that the movement of all reserved items to their reservation locations is complete.

[0089] The accounting code acquisition unit 139 acquires the accounting code from the self-service POS terminal 18.

[0090] The notification instruction unit 140 notifies the self-POS terminal 18 when the accounting execution instruction unit 141 instructs the self-POS terminal 18 to perform accounting processing, provided that the collection of all reserved items to their designated locations has not yet been completed.

[0091] When the accounting execution instruction unit 141 obtains an accounting code from the self-service POS terminal 18 that performs accounting, it outputs a product registration file 39 corresponding to the accounting code to the self-service POS terminal 18. Furthermore, when the accounting execution instruction unit 141 receives an instruction to perform accounting from the self-service POS terminal 18 that performs accounting, it instructs the self-service POS terminal 18 to perform accounting processing related to the registration information registered in the product registration file 39.

[0092] (Tablet device functionality configuration) The functional configuration of the tablet device 14 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a tablet device.

[0093] The control unit 51 of the tablet terminal 14 loads the control program 56 into the RAM 54 and operates it to realize the following functional units as shown in Figure 11: product code reading unit 151, product code output unit 152, registration information acquisition unit 153, reservation instruction acquisition unit 154, reservation instruction output unit 155, reservation completion information acquisition unit 156, product specification completion determination unit 157, and accounting code display unit 158. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0094] The product code reading unit 151 reads code information, including product codes, such as barcodes and 2D codes, attached to products.

[0095] The product code output unit 152 outputs the code information read by the product code reading unit 151 and terminal identification information that uniquely identifies the tablet terminal 14 to the server device 12.

[0096] The registration information acquisition unit 153 acquires product registration information registered in the product registration file 39 from the server device 12. The registration information acquisition unit 153 also displays the acquired product registration information on the display device 65.

[0097] The reservation instruction acquisition unit 154 acquires a reservation instruction from the customer 24 if the registered product is eligible for reservation.

[0098] The reservation instruction output unit 155 outputs the reservation instruction from customer 24, acquired by the reservation instruction acquisition unit 154, to the server device 12.

[0099] The reservation completion information acquisition unit 156 acquires reservation completion information from the server device 12, indicating that the reservation of the requested product has been completed. The reservation completion information acquisition unit 156 also displays the acquired reservation completion information on the display device 65.

[0100] The product selection completion determination unit 157 determines whether the customer 24 has read the code information for all products. For example, the product selection completion determination unit 157 determines that the customer 24 has finished reading the product codes for all products by detecting that a button indicating that product registration is complete has been pressed on the tablet terminal 14.

[0101] The accounting code display unit 158 ​​obtains an accounting code from the server device 12 that uniquely identifies the registered information of the purchased product and displays it on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14.

[0102] (Functional configuration of the mobile terminal for pickers) The functional configuration of the picker's mobile terminal 16 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the picker's mobile terminal.

[0103] The control unit 71 of the picker's portable terminal 16 loads the control program 76 into the RAM 74 and operates it to realize the following functional units as shown in Figure 12: the product reservation information acquisition unit 171, the reservation 담당 declaration acquisition unit 172, the reservation 담당 declaration output unit 173, the reserved product storage location / reservation location display unit 174, the reservation completion information acquisition unit 175, and the reservation completion information output unit 176. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0104] The product reservation information acquisition unit 171 acquires instructions from the server device 12 to reserve the product at its designated location.

[0105] The item reservation declaration acquisition unit 172 acquires declaration information from the picker to perform the item collection work in response to the item reservation instruction acquired by the item reservation information acquisition unit 171. Specifically, the item reservation declaration acquisition unit 172 acquires operation information of the button on the display device 85 of the picker's mobile terminal 16 that declares that the item will be collected.

[0106] The reservation 담당 declaration output unit 173 outputs the declaration information acquired by the reservation 담당 declaration acquisition unit 172 to the server device 12.

[0107] The reserved product storage location / reservation location display unit 174 displays the storage location and reservation location of the reserved product on the display device 85 of the picker's portable terminal 16.

[0108] The reservation completion information acquisition unit 175 acquires information from the picker's operation of a button on the display device 85 of the picker's portable terminal 16, indicating that the reservation of the product has been completed, when the picker has finished carrying the product to the reservation location.

[0109] The reservation completion information output unit 176 outputs the reservation completion information acquired by the reservation completion information acquisition unit 175 to the server device 12.

[0110] (Functional configuration of self-service POS terminals) The functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 18 will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal.

[0111] The control unit 91 of the self-service POS terminal 18 loads the control program 96 into the RAM 94 and operates it, thereby realizing the accounting code reading unit 191, accounting code output unit 192, registration information acquisition unit 193, accounting execution instruction acquisition unit 194, accounting execution instruction output unit 195, accounting processing execution unit 196, and notification information output unit 197 as functional units, as shown in Figure 13. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0112] The accounting code reading unit 191 reads the accounting code displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14 by the customer 24 using the code reader 107.

[0113] The accounting code output unit 192 outputs the accounting code read by the accounting code reading unit 191 to the server device 12.

[0114] The registration information acquisition unit 193 acquires the product registration file 39 from the server device 12 that corresponds to the accounting code output by the accounting code output unit 192.

[0115] The accounting execution instruction acquisition unit 194 acquires accounting execution instructions from the customer 24. Specifically, The accounting execution instruction acquisition unit determines that it has acquired an accounting execution instruction when it detects the pressing of an accounting button (not shown) displayed on the display device 105 of the self-service POS terminal 18.

[0116] The accounting execution instruction output unit 195 outputs information to the server device 12 indicating that the accounting execution instruction acquisition unit 194 has acquired an accounting execution instruction.

[0117] The accounting processing execution unit 196 receives accounting instructions from the server device 12 and executes accounting processing.

[0118] The notification information output unit 197 receives a notification instruction from the server device 12 if the collection of all items instructed to be reserved to their designated locations has not been completed. Furthermore, the notification information output unit 197, having received a notification instruction from the server device 12, issues a notification indicating that the collection of all items instructed to be reserved to their designated locations has not been completed.

[0119] (Processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system) Using Figure 14, the processing flow of the product sales data processing system 10 will be explained, mainly from the perspective of the operations and actions performed by the customer 24 and the picker. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the product sales data processing system according to the embodiment. In particular, the flowchart in Figure 14 is drawn focusing on the flow of operations and tasks performed by the customer 24 and the picker in relation to the product sales data processing system 10. The detailed processing flow of each component of the product sales data processing system 10, including the server device 12, tablet terminal 14, picker's mobile terminal 16, and self-POS terminal 18, will be described later (see Figures 15 to 20).

[0120] First, we will explain the operations and flow of actions of customer 24. First, the tablet terminal 14 starts being used by customer 24 when it detects, for example, that the product registration start button has been pressed (step S11).

[0121] Customer 24 picks up the product to be purchased and scans the barcode or 2D code containing the registered code information with the camera 67 of the tablet terminal 14 (step S12).

[0122] The tablet terminal 14 determines whether the product is available for reservation (step S13). If it is determined that the product is available for reservation (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product is not available for reservation (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0123] In step S13, if it is determined that the product is available for reservation, the tablet terminal 14 asks the customer 24 if they wish to reserve it (step S14). If the customer 24 wishes to reserve the product (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the customer 24 does not wish to reserve the product (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0124] In step S14, if customer 24 requests to reserve an item, the server device 12 issues a reservation ID that uniquely identifies the item as being reserved by customer 24 (step S15). The process then proceeds to step S16. The contents of the reservation ID are also communicated to the picker.

[0125] If the product is not determined to be available for reservation in step S13, if the customer 24 does not wish to reserve the product in step S14, and if a reservation ID is issued in step S15, the product whose code information was read in step S12 is registered in the server device 12 (step S16).

[0126] Customer 24 determines whether there is another item to purchase (step S17). If they determine that there is another item to purchase (step S17: Yes), they return to step S12. On the other hand, if they do not determine that there is another item to purchase (step S17: No), customer 24 moves to the self-service POS terminal 18, which is the checkout location (step S18). After that, they proceed to the processing sequence performed by the self-service POS terminal 18, which will be described later. Note that the absence of another item to purchase is determined, for example, by the product selection completion determination unit 157 detecting that a button indicating the completion of product registration has been pressed on the tablet terminal 14.

[0127] Next, we will explain the operation of the picker who collects the reserved items and the flow of the picker's actions. The picker's portable terminal 16, which is carried by the picker, receives a reservation instruction including the reservation ID issued in step S15 (step S21).

[0128] The picker declares that they will perform the task of collecting the items that have been requested to be set aside (step S22). Specifically, the item reservation declaration acquisition unit 172 determines that the item reservation task has been declared when it detects that the OK button 126 (see Figure 25) displayed on the picker's mobile terminal 16 has been pressed.

[0129] When a picker declares they will be holding the item, the holding status is updated to "Collecting" (Step S23).

[0130] The picker collects the items (Step S24).

[0131] The collected items are transported to the item storage area and stored (step S31).

[0132] When the picker completes the item placement work, the item placement completion information acquisition unit 175 detects that the work completion button 144 displayed on the picker's mobile terminal 16 has been pressed and outputs information indicating that the item placement work has been completed to the server device 12. The server device 12 then updates the item placement status to "Item Placement Complete" (step S25).

[0133] The customer 24 moves to the self-service POS terminal 18, displays the accounting code on the tablet terminal 14, and has the accounting code reader 191 of the self-service POS terminal 18 read the accounting code. The self-service POS terminal 18 outputs the read accounting code to the server device 12. The server device 12 then outputs the registration information of the product corresponding to the received accounting code to the self-service POS terminal 18. The self-service POS terminal 18 then acquires the registration information of the product output by the server device 12 (step S41).

[0134] The self-service POS terminal 18 determines whether there are reserved items in the registered product information (step S42). If it is determined that there are reserved items (step S42: Yes), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no reserved items (step S42: No), the process proceeds to step S45.

[0135] In step S42, if it is determined that there are reserved items, the self-service POS terminal 18 determines whether all reserved items have been reserved (step S43). If it is determined that all reserved items have been reserved (step S43: Yes), the reserved items are retrieved from, for example, a nearby item reservation location (step S32).

[0136] Subsequently, customer 24 instructs the self-service POS terminal 18 to perform the payment. Specifically, when the payment instruction acquisition unit 194 of the self-service POS terminal 18 determines that there is an input instructing the customer to perform the payment, the self-service POS terminal 18 performs the payment process (step S45). If the self-service POS terminal 18 and the product pickup location are far apart, customer 24 may go to the product pickup location and pick up the reserved products after completing the payment process.

[0137] Customer 24, having completed the payment process, leaves the store (Step S19).

[0138] (Process flow performed by the server device) Figures 15 to 17 illustrate the processing flow performed by the server device 12. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process and the reservation instruction acquisition process performed by the server device. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation work declaration acquisition process and the reservation status update process performed by the server device. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the accounting execution instruction process and the notification instruction process performed by the server device.

[0139] First, using Figure 15, we will explain the flow of product registration processing and reservation instruction acquisition processing performed by the server device.

[0140] The product information acquisition unit 131 acquires code information that uniquely identifies the product purchased by the customer 24 and terminal identification information that uniquely identifies the tablet terminal 14 from the tablet terminal 14 (step S51).

[0141] The registration information generation unit 132 generates or updates the product registration file 39 (step S52).

[0142] The product information acquisition unit 131 determines whether the product whose code information was acquired in step S51 is a product that can be reserved (step S53). If it is determined that the product can be reserved (step S53: Yes), the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product can be reserved (step S53: No), the process proceeds to step S55.

[0143] In step S53, if it is determined that the product is available for reservation, the registration information generation unit 132 outputs the product registration file 39 generated in step S52 and information indicating that the registered product is available for reservation to the tablet terminal 14 (step S54). The process then proceeds to step S56.

[0144] If, in step S53, it is determined that the product is not eligible for reservation, the registration information generation unit 132 outputs the product registration file 39 generated in step S52 to the tablet terminal 14 (step S55). The process then proceeds to step S56.

[0145] Following step S54 or step S55, the reservation instruction acquisition unit 133 determines whether it has received a reservation instruction from the tablet terminal 14 (step S56). If it is determined that a reservation instruction has been received (step S56: Yes), the process proceeds to step S57. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a reservation instruction has been received (step S56: No), the process proceeds to step S62.

[0146] In step S56, if it is determined that a reservation instruction has been received, the reservation instruction acquisition unit 133 determines whether it has already received a reservation instruction from the same tablet terminal 14 (step S57). If it is determined that it has already received a reservation instruction from the same tablet terminal 14 (step S57: Yes), the process proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has not already received a reservation instruction from the same tablet terminal 14 (step S57: No), the process proceeds to step S60.

[0147] In step S57, if it is determined that a reservation instruction has already been received from the same tablet terminal 14, the product reservation information generation unit 135 adds a new sub-number to the already issued reservation ID and registers it in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40 (step S58).

[0148] The product reservation information generation unit 135 sets the same reservation location as the reservation location corresponding to an already issued reservation ID (step S59). The reservation location code indicating the set reservation location is registered in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40. Then the process proceeds to step S62.

[0149] Returning to step S57, if it is determined in step S57 that a reservation instruction has not already been received from the same tablet terminal 14, the product reservation information generation unit 135 issues a new reservation ID (step S60). The issued reservation ID is registered in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40.

[0150] Furthermore, the product reservation information generation unit 135 sets the reservation location for the reserved product (step S61). The reservation location code, which indicates the set reservation location, is registered in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40. Note that the server device 12 may set the reservation location itself, or it may set the reservation location instructed by the customer 24 obtained via the tablet terminal 14. The process then proceeds to step S62.

[0151] Following step S59 or step S61, the product information acquisition unit 131 determines whether the registration of all products has been completed (step S62). If it is determined that the registration of all products has been completed (step S62: Yes), the server device 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 15. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the registration of all products has been completed (step S62: No), the process returns to step S51. Whether the registration of all products has been completed can be determined, for example, by whether information indicating registration completion has been obtained from the customer 24 via the tablet terminal 14.

[0152] Next, using Figure 16, we will explain the flow of the server device's processes for acquiring a reservation declaration and updating the reservation status.

[0153] The reservation instruction acquisition unit 133 determines whether a reservation instruction has been acquired from the tablet terminal 14 (step S71). If it is determined that a reservation instruction has been acquired (step S71: Yes), the unit proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a reservation instruction has been acquired (step S71: No), step S71 is repeated. The processing performed here corresponds to step S56 in Figure 15.

[0154] In step S71, if it is determined that a reservation instruction has been received, the product reservation information generation unit 135 issues a reservation ID (step S72). As mentioned above, if there is already a reservation instruction from the same tablet terminal 14, a new sub-number is added to the same reservation ID that has already been issued. The processing performed here corresponds to steps S58 and S60 in Figure 15.

[0155] The product reservation information generation unit 135 sets the reservation location for the reserved product (step S73). The reservation location code, which indicates the set reservation location, is registered in the product registration file 39 and the reservation instruction file 40. The processing performed here corresponds to steps S59 and S61 in Figure 15.

[0156] The product reservation instruction unit 136 outputs an instruction to the picker's portable terminal 16 to place the product in the designated reservation location (step S74).

[0157] The reservation status acquisition unit 137 updates the reservation status from "before instruction" to "instructed" (step S75).

[0158] The reservation status acquisition unit 137 determines whether it has received a declaration of product collection work from the picker's mobile terminal 16 (step S76). If it is determined that a declaration of product collection work has been received (step S76: Yes), the process proceeds to step S77. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a declaration of product collection work has been received (step S76: No), the process returns to step S71. The declaration of product collection work is output from the picker's mobile terminal 16 in step S123 of Figure 19, which will be described later.

[0159] In step S76, if it is determined that a declaration for product collection work has been obtained, the reservation status acquisition unit 137 updates the reservation status from "instructed" to "collecting" (step S77).

[0160] The reservation status acquisition unit 137 determines whether it has acquired reservation completion information from the picker's mobile terminal 16, indicating that the product collection work has been completed (step S78). If it is determined that reservation completion information has been acquired (step S78: Yes), the process proceeds to step S79. On the other hand, if it is not determined that reservation completion information has been acquired (step S78: No), the process returns to step S71. The reservation completion information is output from the picker's mobile terminal 16 in step S126 of Figure 19, which will be described later.

[0161] In step S78, if it is determined that the reservation completion information has been obtained, the reservation status acquisition unit 137 updates the reservation status from "Collecting" to "Reservation Complete" (step S79).

[0162] The reservation completion information output unit 138 outputs reservation completion information indicating that the reservation has been completed and information indicating the reservation location to the tablet terminal 14 that issued the reservation instruction (step S80).

[0163] The reservation status acquisition unit 137 determines whether the reservation of all reserved items instructed from the same tablet terminal 14 has been completed (step S81). If it is determined that the reservation of all reserved items has been completed (step S81: Yes), the server device 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 16. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the reservation of all reserved items has been completed (step S81: No), the process returns to step S71.

[0164] Next, using Figure 17, we will explain the flow of accounting execution instruction processing and notification instruction processing performed by the server device.

[0165] The accounting code acquisition unit 139 acquires the accounting code read by the self-service POS terminal 18 from the tablet terminal 14 (step S91).

[0166] The accounting execution instruction unit 141 outputs a product registration file 39 corresponding to the accounting code to the self-service POS terminal 18 (step S92).

[0167] The accounting execution instruction unit 141 determines whether an instruction to execute accounting has been received from the self-service POS terminal 18 (step S93). If it is determined that an instruction to execute accounting has been received (step S93: Yes), the process proceeds to step S94. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to execute accounting has not been received (step S93: No), the process repeats step S93. The instruction to execute accounting is output from the self-service POS terminal 18 in step S135 of Figure 20, which will be described later.

[0168] In step S93, if it is determined that the execution of accounting has been instructed, the reservation status acquisition unit 137 determines whether the reservation of all reserved items instructed to be reserved from the same tablet terminal 14 has been completed (step S94). If it is determined that the reservation of all reserved items has been completed (step S94: Yes), the process proceeds to step S95. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the reservation of all reserved items has been completed (step S94: No), the process proceeds to step S96.

[0169] In step S94, if it is determined that all reserved items have been reserved, the accounting execution instruction unit 141 instructs the self-service POS terminal 18 to execute the accounting process (step S95). After that, the server device 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 17.

[0170] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S94 that the reservation of all reserved items has been completed, the notification instruction unit 140 instructs the self-service POS terminal 18 to execute a notification (step S96).

[0171] Subsequently, the accounting execution instruction unit 141 outputs a product registration file 39 corresponding to the accounting code to the self-service POS terminal 18 (step S97). Then, the process returns to step S94.

[0172] (Process flow performed by the tablet device) Figure 18 illustrates the processing flow performed by the tablet device 14. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the tablet device.

[0173] The product code reading unit 151 uses the camera 67 to read code information including the product code, such as a barcode or 2D code attached to the product (step S101).

[0174] The product code output unit 152 outputs the code information read by the product code reading unit 151 and terminal identification information that uniquely identifies the tablet terminal 14 to the server device 12 (step S102).

[0175] The registration information acquisition unit 153 acquires product registration information registered in the product registration file 39 from the server device 12 (step S103).

[0176] The registration information acquisition unit 153 displays the product registration information acquired in step S103 on the display device 65 (step S104). At this time, the tablet terminal 14 displays, for example, the screen shown in Figure 21. The contents of this screen will be described in detail later.

[0177] The reservation instruction acquisition unit 154 determines whether the product registered in the product registration information acquired in step S103 is a product that can be reserved (step S105). If it is determined that the product can be reserved (step S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product can be reserved (step S105: No), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0178] In step S105, if it is determined that the product is available for reservation, the reservation instruction acquisition unit 154 determines whether a reservation instruction has been made (step S106). If it is determined that a reservation instruction has been made (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a reservation instruction has been made (step S106: No), the process proceeds to step S110. At this time, for example, the screen shown in Figure 22 is displayed on the tablet terminal 14. The reservation instruction acquisition unit 154 only needs to determine that a reservation instruction has been made when it detects, for example, that the customer 24 has pressed the reservation request button 118 shown in Figure 22, which is displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14. Details of the content of the screen in Figure 22 will be described later.

[0179] In step S106, if it is determined that there is a reservation instruction, the reservation instruction output unit 155 outputs to the server device 12 that there is a reservation instruction from customer 24 (step S107).

[0180] The reservation completion information acquisition unit 156 determines whether it has acquired reservation completion information from the server device 12 indicating that the reservation of the product for which reservation was instructed has been completed (step S108). If it is determined that the reservation completion information has been acquired (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the reservation completion information has been acquired (step S108: No), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0181] In step S108, if it is determined that the reservation completion information has been acquired, the reservation completion information acquisition unit 156 displays the acquired reservation completion information on the display device 65 (step S109). At this time, the tablet terminal 14 will display, for example, the screen shown in Figure 23. Details of the contents of this screen will be described later.

[0182] The product selection completion determination unit 157 determines whether the customer 24 has selected all the products to purchase (step S110). If it is determined that all the products to purchase have been selected (step S110: Yes), the tablet terminal 14 terminates the process shown in Figure 18. On the other hand, if it is not determined that all the products to purchase have been selected (step S110: No), the process returns to step S101. Whether all the products to purchase have been selected is determined by detecting that the customer 24 has pressed, for example, a product selection completion button (not shown) displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14. This product selection completion button may be a button for inputting that product registration is complete, or a button for inputting an operation to proceed to the accounting process (for example, an operation key for starting payment processing on the tablet device or an operation key for displaying an accounting code).

[0183] (Process flow performed by the picker's mobile terminal) Figure 19 illustrates the processing flow performed by the picker's mobile terminal 16. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the picker's mobile terminal.

[0184] The product reservation information acquisition unit 171 determines whether it has received an instruction from the server device 12 to place the product at the designated storage location (step S121). If it is determined that an instruction to place the product at the designated storage location has been received (step S121: Yes), the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to place the product at the designated storage location has not been received (step S121: No), the process repeats step S121. When an instruction to place the product at the designated storage location has been received, the picker's portable terminal 16 displays a screen, for example, as shown in Figure 25. Details of the contents of this screen will be described later.

[0185] In step S121, if it is determined that an instruction to place the goods in a designated storage location has been obtained, the storage assignment declaration acquisition unit 172 determines whether it has obtained declaration information from the picker to perform the goods collection work in response to the storage instruction obtained by the goods storage information acquisition unit 171 (step S122). If it is determined that the declaration information has been obtained (step S122: Yes), the process proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the declaration information has been obtained (step S122: No), the process repeats step S122.

[0186] In step S122, if it is determined that the declaration information has been acquired, the reservation 담당 declaration output unit 173 outputs the declaration information acquired by the reservation 담당 declaration acquisition unit 172 to the server device 12 (step S123).

[0187] The reserved item storage location / reservation location display unit 174 displays the storage location and reservation location of the reserved item on the picker's portable terminal 16 of the picker who has declared that they will collect the reserved item (step S124). At this time, the picker's portable terminal 16 of the picker who has declared that they will collect the reserved item will display a screen, for example, as shown in Figure 26. Details of the contents of this screen will be described later.

[0188] The reservation completion information acquisition unit 175 determines whether information indicating the completion of the reservation of the reserved items has been entered into the picker's mobile terminal 16 of the picker who declared the collection of the reserved items (step S125). If it is determined that information indicating the completion of the reservation of the items has been entered (step S125: Yes), the process proceeds to step S126. On the other hand, if it is not determined that information indicating the completion of the reservation of the items has been entered (step S125: No), the process repeats step S125.

[0189] In step S125, if it is determined that information indicating the completion of product reservation has been entered, the reservation completion information output unit 176 outputs information indicating the completion of product reservation to the server device 12 (step S126). After that, the picker's portable terminal 16 terminates the process shown in Figure 19.

[0190] Although not shown in the flowchart in Figure 19, if one picker declares that they will collect reserved items, the server device 12, which received the declaration, will instruct the other pickers' mobile terminals 16 to delete the reserved items.

[0191] (Process flow performed by a self-service POS terminal) Figure 20 illustrates the processing flow of the self-service POS terminal 18. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a self-service POS terminal.

[0192] The accounting code reading unit 191 uses the code reader 107 to read the accounting code displayed on the tablet terminal 14 by the accounting code display unit 158 ​​(step S131). At this time, the self-POS terminal 18 displays a screen, for example, as shown in Figure 27. The contents of this screen will be described in detail later.

[0193] The accounting code output unit 192 outputs the accounting code read by the accounting code reading unit 191 to the server device 12 (step S132).

[0194] The registration information acquisition unit 193 acquires the product registration file 39 corresponding to the accounting code output by the accounting code output unit 192 from the server device 12 (step S133).

[0195] The accounting execution instruction acquisition unit 194 determines whether there is an input instructing the execution of accounting (step S134). If it is determined that there is an input instructing the execution of accounting (step S134: Yes), the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if it is not determined that there is an input instructing the execution of accounting (step S134: No), step S134 is repeated.

[0196] In step S134, if it is determined that there is an input to instruct the execution of accounting, the accounting execution instruction output unit 195 outputs information to the server device 12 instructing it to execute accounting (step S135).

[0197] The accounting processing execution unit 196 determines whether it has received an accounting instruction from the server device 12 (step S136). If it is determined that an accounting instruction has been received from the server device 12 (step S136: Yes), the process proceeds to step S137. On the other hand, if it is not determined that an accounting instruction has been received from the server device 12 (step S136: No), the process proceeds to step S138.

[0198] In step S136, if it is determined that an accounting instruction has been received from the server device 12, the accounting processing execution unit 196 executes the accounting process. After that, the self-service POS terminal 18 completes the process shown in Figure 20. The customer 24, having completed the accounting, then goes to the designated pickup location to receive the reserved items. Alternatively, a store employee at the pickup location may confirm that the customer 24 has completed the accounting process and hand over the reserved items to the customer 24.

[0199] In step S136, if it is determined that an accounting instruction has not been received from the server device 12, the notification information output unit 197 determines whether a notification instruction has been received from the server device 12 (step S138). If it is determined that a notification instruction has been received from the server device 12 (step S138: Yes), the process proceeds to step S139. On the other hand, if it is determined that a notification instruction has not been received from the server device 12 (step S138: No), the process returns to step S136.

[0200] The server device 12, as shown in Figures 20 and 17, does not execute the accounting process until all reserved items have been collected, but it is not limited to this. For example, even if all reserved items have not been collected, the server device 12 may execute the accounting process on the self-POS terminal 18 if the customer 24 enters an accounting instruction via the self-POS terminal 18. Alternatively, the server device 12 may execute the accounting process on the tablet terminal 14 if the customer 24 enters an accounting instruction via the tablet terminal 14, even if all reserved items have not been collected. In this case, the customer 24 completes the accounting process, waits for all reserved items to be collected at the collection location, and then receives the reserved items.

[0201] Furthermore, even if the product sales data processing system 10 has a system configuration different from the system configuration shown in Figure 1, for example, if the customer 24 uses their own mobile device instead of the tablet terminal 14, or if the accounting process is performed using a face-to-face POS terminal or the customer's own mobile device instead of the self-service POS terminal 18, the basic flow of the flowchart described above remains unchanged.

[0202] (Typical screens displayed on tablet devices) Figures 21 to 24 illustrate typical screens displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14. Figure 21 is the first example of a product registration screen displayed on the tablet terminal. Figure 22 is the first example of a screen for entering a reservation request for a product that can be reserved, displayed on the tablet terminal. Figure 23 is the first example of a screen indicating that the reservation of a product has been completed, displayed on the tablet terminal. Figure 24 is the second example of a product registration screen displayed on the tablet terminal.

[0203] Figure 21 is an example of a screen displaying a list of products registered by customer 24. At this time, the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14 displays the product name 113, unit price 114, and quantity 115 for each registered product. The total amount 116 for all products is also displayed. The screen in Figure 21 is displayed, for example, at step S104 of the flowchart in Figure 18.

[0204] The display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14 displays basic operation icons at the bottom of the screen. For example, the scan button 111 is pressed to activate the camera 67 when reading product code information. The payment button 112 is pressed when making a payment at the self-service POS terminal 18 to display the payment code on the display device 65.

[0205] Figure 22 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14 when the product registered by customer 24 is available for reservation. At this time, a message window 117 indicating that the product is available for reservation is displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14. Inside the message window 117, a "reserve request" button 118 to instruct the customer to reserve the product and a "do not reserve" button 119 to indicate that the customer does not wish to reserve the product are displayed. The screen in Figure 22 is displayed, for example, at step S106 of the flowchart in Figure 18.

[0206] Figure 23 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14 when the reservation of an item requested by customer 24 is completed. At this time, a message window 120 indicating that the reservation is complete is displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14. Inside the message window 120, a confirmation button 121 is displayed for the customer to press when they have confirmed the message. The screen in Figure 23 is displayed, for example, at step S109 of the flowchart in Figure 18.

[0207] Figure 24 is an example of a screen showing a list of products registered by customer 24, as displayed on the display device 65 of the tablet terminal 14. In particular, Figure 24 is an example that includes products that customer 24 has instructed to be reserved. Specifically, product C displayed in Figure 24 is the product that customer 24 has instructed to be reserved. When the reservation of the reserved product is completed, the column for product C will display a reservation completion icon 122 and reservation location information 123. Although not shown in the illustration, for products that customer 24 has instructed to be reserved but have not yet been reserved, for example, a reservation waiting icon will be displayed instead of the reservation completion icon 122.

[0208] (Typical screen displayed on the picker's mobile device) Figures 25 and 26 illustrate typical screens displayed on the display device 85 of the picker's mobile terminal 16. Figure 25 shows an example of a screen displayed on the picker's mobile terminal for declaring responsibility for collecting reserved items. Figure 26 shows an example of a screen displayed on the picker's mobile terminal for indicating the storage location and location of reserved items.

[0209] Figure 25 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display device 85 of a picker's mobile terminal 16 when the server device 12, which has received a product reservation instruction from customer 24, outputs the reservation instruction to the picker's mobile terminal 16. The display device 85 of the picker's mobile terminal 16 displays product information 124 indicating the reserved product and a message window 125 requesting that the picker be responsible for collecting the product. Inside the message window 125, there is an OK button 126 to declare that the picker will be responsible for the collection work and a Cancel button 127 to indicate that the picker will not be responsible for the collection work. The screen in Figure 25 is displayed, for example, when a transaction instruction is received in step S121 of the flowchart in Figure 19.

[0210] Figure 26 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 85 of a picker's mobile terminal 16 used by a picker who has declared their responsibility to collect reserved items, showing the storage location and collection location of the reserved items. The display device 85 of the picker's mobile terminal 16 displays the storage location 128 of the reserved items and the collection location 129 of the reserved items. The storage location 128 includes the display location of the item in the store and the storage location of the item in the back room. The collection location 129 of the reserved items is the collection location set by the server device 12. The screen in Figure 26 also displays a "work complete" button 144 and a "work cancel" button 145. The "work complete" button 144 is a button that informs the server device 12 that the collection work is complete when the picker has finished transporting the items to the collection location, i.e., when the collection work of the items is finished. The "work cancel" button 145 is a button that informs the server device 12 that the collection work has been canceled when the collection work is canceled due to the occurrence of another task, etc. The screen shown in Figure 26 is displayed, for example, at step S124 of the flowchart in Figure 19. Although not shown in the flowchart mentioned above, if the work cancel button 145 is pressed, the server device 12 outputs a transaction instruction again for the same reserved item to multiple picker mobile terminals 16.

[0211] (Typical screens displayed on self-service POS terminals) Figures 27 and 28 illustrate typical screens displayed on the display device 105 of the self-service POS terminal 18. Figure 27 shows an example of a screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal when a customer begins payment. Figure 28 shows an example of a screen displayed when a customer begins payment but not all of the reserved items have been collected at the designated location.

[0212] Figure 27 is an example of the screen initially displayed when customer 24 processes payment using the self-service POS terminal 18. The display device 105 of the self-service POS terminal 18 shows an image illustrating the reading of the payment code displayed on the tablet terminal by the code reader of the self-service POS terminal. Customer 24 looks at the screen in Figure 27, displays the payment code on the tablet terminal 14, and has the code reader 107 on the self-service POS terminal 18 read the payment code. A call button may also be displayed on the screen for calling a store employee if the customer does not understand how to operate the terminal. The screen in Figure 27 is displayed, for example, in step S131 of the flowchart in Figure 20.

[0213] Figure 28, although not shown in the flowchart above, shows that if the self-service POS terminal 18 has reserved items among the registered items of customer 24 who has instructed the customer to pay, it may display a message window 146 on the display device 105 indicating that a store employee will prepare the reserved items. Inside the message window 146, a confirmation button 147 is displayed to the server device 12 to indicate that the message has been acknowledged. Although not mentioned in the above explanation, the server device 12 is informed that the confirmation button 147 has been pressed. The server device 12 then outputs information identifying the reserved items and information identifying the self-service POS terminal 18 where the customer is paying to a handheld mobile device (not shown) held by the staff at the reservation location where the reserved items of customer 24 are located. The staff at the reservation location who has received the information then carries the reserved items to the self-service POS terminal 18 and hands them over to customer 24.

[0214] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the server device 12 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment includes: a registration information generation unit 132 that generates registration information including product information of products to be purchased by a customer 24, and an accounting code that uniquely identifies the registration information, obtained from a tablet terminal 14 (first mobile terminal); a reservation instruction acquisition unit 133 that acquires reservation instructions from the tablet terminal 14 for products that can be reserved among the products to be purchased; a product reservation information generation unit 135 that generates product reservation information associating a product code (first identification information) that identifies the product for which a reservation instruction has been given, terminal identification information (second identification information) that identifies that the reservation instruction is from the tablet terminal 14, and the location where the product is to be reserved; a product reservation instruction unit 136 that outputs a reservation instruction to the picker mobile terminal 16 (second mobile terminal) to the location where the product is to be reserved; and an accounting execution instruction unit 141 that, when it acquires an accounting code from a self-POS terminal 18 (accounting processing device) that performs accounting processing, causes the self-POS terminal 18 to perform accounting processing related to the registration information. Therefore, even if there is a mix of items to be reserved and items not to be reserved, the payment can be processed without requiring the customer to perform any special actions. In addition, the customer 24 does not need to carry large or heavy items around in a shopping cart 23. Furthermore, since heavy items do not need to be placed in the shopping cart 23, the lifespan of the shopping cart 23 can be extended.

[0215] Furthermore, the server device 12 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment further includes a reservation status acquisition unit 137 that acquires information indicating the reservation status of products for which reservation has been instructed from a picker's mobile terminal 16 (second mobile terminal), and a reservation completion information output unit 138 that, on the condition that collection of the reserved products at the reservation location has been completed, outputs information indicating that the reservation has been completed and information indicating the reservation location to a tablet terminal 14 (first mobile terminal) in a displayable format. Therefore, the customer 24 can reliably grasp that the reservation of the products for which they have instructed to be reserved has been completed and the reservation location.

[0216] Furthermore, the server device 12 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment also includes a notification instruction unit 140 that, when the accounting execution instruction unit 141 causes the self-POS terminal 18 (accounting processing device) to perform accounting processing, notifies the self-POS terminal 18 if the collection of all reserved items at their designated locations has not yet been completed. Therefore, the customer 24 can immediately recognize that the reservation of all the items they have requested to be reserved has not yet been completed.

[0217] Furthermore, the server device 12 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment is further equipped with an accounting code output unit 134 that outputs an accounting code to the tablet terminal 14 (first mobile terminal) when the customer has completed specifying all the products to be purchased. The notification instruction unit 140, upon receiving information from the self-POS terminal 18 (accounting processing device) indicating that the self-POS terminal 18 has read the accounting code from the tablet terminal 14, will notify the self-POS terminal 18, provided that the movement of all the reserved products to their designated locations has not yet been completed. Therefore, the customer 24 can immediately recognize that the reservation of all the products they have requested to be reserved has not yet been completed.

[0218] Furthermore, in the server device 12 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment, the reservation completion information output unit 138 outputs to the tablet terminal 14 (first mobile terminal) that all reserved items have been moved to their designated locations, provided that the self-service POS terminal 18 (accounting processing device) has executed the accounting process when all reserved items have been moved to their designated locations. Therefore, the customer 24 can complete the accounting process before all reserved items are fully reserved, wait for the items to be reserved, and then receive the items.

[0219] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0220] 10. Product Sales Data Processing System 12. Server device (product sales data processing device) 14. Tablet device (first mobile device) 16. Mobile terminal for pickers (second mobile terminal) 18 Self-service POS terminal (accounting processing device) 20 Internet 21 In-store network 22 access points 23 Shopping Cart 24 customers 37 Product Master 38. Reservation location master 39 Product Registration File 40. Reservation Instruction File (Product Reservation Information) 111 Scan button 112 Payment button 118 Request to reserve button 119 No reservation required button 131 Product Information Acquisition Department 132 Registration Information Generation Unit 133 Retention instruction acquisition department 134 Accounting Code Output Unit 135 Product Reservation Information Generation Department 136 Product Reservation Instruction Department 137 Reservation Status Acquisition Section 138 Retention completion information output section 139 Accounting Code Acquisition Section 140 Information and Instruction Department 141 Accounting Execution Instruction Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0221] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-288641

Claims

1. A registration information generation unit generates registration information, including product information of the product purchased by the customer, obtained from a first mobile terminal, and an accounting code that uniquely identifies the said registration information. A reservation instruction acquisition unit that acquires a reservation instruction for a reserved item among the items to be purchased from the first mobile terminal, A product reservation information generation unit generates product reservation information that associates first identification information for identifying the product for which a reservation instruction has been given, second identification information for identifying that the reservation instruction is from the first mobile terminal, and the location where the product is to be reserved. A product placement instruction unit outputs an instruction to the second mobile terminal to place the product at the designated storage location, A reservation status acquisition unit acquires information indicating the reservation status of the reserved product from the second mobile terminal, A reservation completion information output unit outputs information indicating that the reservation has been completed and information indicating the reservation location to the first mobile terminal, provided that the collection of the reserved items at the reservation location has been completed. When the accounting code is obtained from the accounting processing device that performs accounting processing, an accounting execution instruction unit is provided to cause the accounting processing device to perform accounting processing related to the registration information, A server device equipped with the following features.

2. The accounting execution instruction unit further includes a notification instruction unit that, when instructing the accounting processing unit to perform accounting processing, notifies the accounting processing unit if the collection of all reserved goods to the reserved location has not been completed. The server device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes an accounting code output unit that outputs the accounting code to the first mobile terminal when the customer has completed specifying all the items to be purchased. The aforementioned notification instruction unit is, When the accounting processing device obtains information indicating that it has read the accounting code from the first mobile terminal, it is instructed to notify the accounting processing device, provided that the movement of all reserved goods to the reserved location has not yet been completed. The server device according to claim 2.

4. The reservation completion information output unit is The accounting processing device, provided that it has performed accounting processing when the movement of all reserved goods to the designated storage location has not been completed, outputs to the first mobile terminal in a displayable format that the movement of all reserved goods to the designated storage location has been completed when the movement of all reserved goods to the designated storage location has been completed. The server device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. A first mobile terminal, A second mobile device, An accounting processing device that performs accounting, A sales data processing system comprising a server device capable of communicating with the first mobile terminal and the second mobile terminal, and capable of communicating with the accounting processing device, The server device is A registration information generation unit generates registration information, including product information of the product purchased by the customer, obtained from the first mobile terminal, and an accounting code that uniquely identifies the registration information. A reservation instruction acquisition unit that acquires a reservation instruction for a reserved item among the items to be purchased from the first mobile terminal, A product reservation information generation unit generates product reservation information that associates first identification information for identifying the product for which a reservation instruction has been given, second identification information for identifying that the reservation instruction is from the first mobile terminal, and the location where the product is to be reserved. A product placement instruction unit outputs an instruction to the second mobile terminal to place the product at the designated storage location, A reservation status acquisition unit acquires information indicating the reservation status of the reserved product from the second mobile terminal, A reservation completion information output unit outputs information indicating that the reservation has been completed and information indicating the reservation location to the first mobile terminal, provided that the collection of the reserved items at the reservation location has been completed. When the accounting code is obtained from the accounting processing device, an accounting execution instruction unit is provided to cause the accounting processing device to perform accounting processing related to the registration information, A sales data processing system equipped with the following features.

6. The aforementioned product reservation information generation unit, when a customer requests the reservation of multiple products, sets the same reservation location as the first product. The sales data processing system according to claim 5.

7. The computer that controls the server device A registration information generation unit generates registration information, including product information of the product purchased by the customer, obtained from a first mobile terminal, and an accounting code that uniquely identifies the said registration information. A reservation instruction acquisition unit that acquires a reservation instruction for a reserved item among the items to be purchased from the first mobile terminal, A product reservation information generation unit generates product reservation information that associates first identification information for identifying the product for which a reservation instruction has been given, second identification information for identifying that the reservation instruction is from the first mobile terminal, and the location where the product is to be reserved. A product placement instruction unit outputs an instruction to the second mobile terminal to place the product at the designated storage location, A reservation status acquisition unit acquires information indicating the reservation status of the reserved product from the second mobile terminal, A reservation completion information output unit outputs information indicating that the reservation has been completed and information indicating the reservation location to the first mobile terminal, provided that the collection of the reserved items at the reservation location has been completed. When the accounting code is obtained from the accounting processing device that performs accounting processing, an accounting execution instruction unit is provided to cause the accounting processing device to perform accounting processing related to the registration information, A program that can be made to function.

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