Information processing terminals and information processing programs

Abstract

To provide an information processing terminal and an information processing program capable of suppressing error display.SOLUTION: The information processing terminal mounted on a cart capable of detecting weight comprises a display processing unit. The display processing unit displays a notification regarding a shopping basket before a product is registered by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing terminal and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, cart POS systems, in which shopping carts are equipped with POS (Point Of Sales) devices, have been becoming widespread. In such a POS system, customers register the products they intend to purchase by themselves and place the products into the shopping cart.

[0003] When a shopping cart is equipped with a sensor or the like that detects changes in weight, an error notification regarding situations such as forgetting to scan the barcode of a product put into the shopping cart or forgetting to return a product to the shelf when registration is canceled may be displayed based on the weight change of the shopping cart.

[0004] For example, when the shopping cart parking area is separated from the basket storage area, a customer may place a basket or the like into the shopping cart after the shopping cart starts weighing. In such a case, the POS system detects a weight increase corresponding to the weight of the basket via the sensor or the like, determines that a product has been put into the shopping cart without product registration, and may display an error notification such as forgetting to scan.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a technology that can suppress error displays such as forgetting to scan caused by detecting the weight of a basket.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0006]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide an information processing terminal and an information processing program that can suppress error displays. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, an information processing terminal mounted on a weight-detectable cart includes a display processing unit. The display processing unit displays a notification regarding the shopping cart before the user registers the items. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the information processing procedure by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping start image displayed in a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a first aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a third aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a third aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Embodiment) (Example configuration) Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a cloud server 1, a POS terminal 2, an attendant terminal 4, and a cart 5. The cart 5 includes a weighing device 3. The cloud server 1, the POS terminal 2, and the attendant terminal 4 are communicatively connected to each other via a network. For example, the network is constituted by one or more networks among various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network. Note that the information processing system 100 may also refer to a system including at least two devices among the cloud server 1, the POS terminal 2, and the attendant terminal 4.

[0011] The cloud server 1 is an electronic device that collects data and processes the collected data. The electronic device includes a computer. The cloud server 1 is communicatively connected to the POS terminal 2 and the attendant terminal 4 via a network. The cloud server 1 receives various data from the POS terminal 2 and the attendant terminal 4, and outputs various data to the POS terminal 2 and the attendant terminal 4. An exemplary configuration of the cloud server 1 will be described later.

[0012] POS terminal 2 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. POS terminal 2 is, for example, a device used by customers shopping in a store. POS terminal 2 is a device capable of product registration operations such as registering purchased items, changing quantities, and canceling purchases. Customers register purchased items by, for example, reading product identification codes, etc., using a camera or scanner built into or externally connected to POS terminal 2. Customers operate POS terminal 2 to cancel registered items, change quantities, etc. POS terminal 2 may be a terminal used mounted on cart 5, or a terminal used independently of cart 5. POS terminal 2 may be a terminal lent by the store, or a terminal owned by the user. POS terminal 2 can be a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, or tablet device, etc. "Customer" may be read as "user" or "person." POS terminal 2 is an example of an information processing terminal. An example configuration of POS terminal 2 will be described later. In the following description, "customer" will be referred to as the user of POS terminal 2, or simply "user." There may be multiple POS terminals (2) in a single store.

[0013] The weighing device 3 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices mounted on a cart 5. The weighing device 3 is a device that detects the weight inside the cart 5. The weighing device 3 sets a zero value for the weighing scale 32 when a user starts shopping using the cart 5. The weighing device 3 sets the zero value such that the weight detected by the weighing scale 32 becomes zero in a state where a shopping basket is placed on the cart 5. For example, notification images displayed on a POS terminal 2 described later (for example, FIGS. 4 to 6) are displayed on the POS terminal 2 such that the weight detected by the weighing scale 32 can be set to a zero value in a state where a shopping basket is placed on the cart 5. The cart 5 is, for example, a shopping cart used by a user in a store. It is assumed that a total of two shopping baskets can be placed on the cart 5, one on an upper tier and one on a lower tier. The shopping basket may be placed on both the upper tier and the lower tier of the cart 5, or on either one of them. The weighing device 3 can detect the weights of the upper tier and the lower tier of the cart 5. The weighing device 3 may be a device capable of detecting the combined weight of the upper tier and the lower tier of the cart 5, or may be a device capable of detecting the weights of the upper tier and the lower tier of the cart 5 separately. Note that the number of shopping baskets that can be placed on the cart 5 is not limited to two. The cart 5 is an example of a cart capable of detecting weight. A shopping basket is also simply referred to as a basket. A configuration example of the weighing device 3 will be described later.

[0014] An attendant terminal 4 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. The attendant terminal 4 is, for example, a device used by an attendant who monitors and supports a user's behavior in a store. For example, the attendant terminal 4 is a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The term "attendant" may be replaced with store clerk, staff member, user, or person. An attendant is an example of a user of the attendant terminal 4. A plurality of attendant terminals 4 may be provided in one store.

[0015] A configuration example of the POS terminal 2 will be described. The POS terminal 2 is an electronic device that includes a processing circuit 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, communication interface 24, connection interface 25, display device 26, speaker 27, input device 28, and camera 29. Each component of the POS terminal 2 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0016] The processing circuit 21 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 21 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes by multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 21 loads a program pre-stored in the main memory 22 or auxiliary storage device 23 into the main memory 22. The program is a program that allows the processing circuit 21 to execute the processing performed by each part described later. By executing the program loaded into the main memory 22, the processing circuit 21 makes it possible to perform various processes.

[0017] The main memory 22 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 22, the operating system or programs are stored. The volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 22 is used as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 21. For example, the main memory 22 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 22 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 is an example of the storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices are, but are not limited to, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 21 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 21.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores transaction information of the POS terminal 2. The transaction information includes identification information of the POS terminal 2, etc. The identification information of the POS terminal 2 is unique identification information assigned to each POS terminal 2 in order to identify each POS terminal 2 individually. The identification information of the POS terminal 2 includes the IP address of the POS terminal 2, etc. The transaction information may also include user identification information of the user of the POS terminal 2. The user identification information is unique identification information assigned to each user in order to identify each user individually.

[0020] Transaction information includes store code, terminal code, transaction code, transaction status, and transaction details. The transaction code is a unique identifier assigned to each transaction. The transaction status indicates the state of the transaction. Transaction states include, for example, entering the store, shopping, paying, and leaving the store. Entering the store indicates the state from the start of use until the first product registration process is completed. Shopping indicates the state where product registration is being processed for a transaction on POS terminal 2. Paying indicates the state where payment processing is being processed for a transaction on POS terminal 2. Leaving the store indicates the state where transaction processing, such as product registration and payment processing, has been completed for a transaction on POS terminal 2. Transaction details include information on registered products (hereinafter, product information), payment processing information, etc. Registered product information includes product identification information, product quantity, product price, etc. Product identification information is a unique identifier assigned to each product to identify each product individually. Transaction details can be updated based on user operations on POS terminal 2. User operations include product registration operations such as product registration, quantity change, and cancellation. Product registration operations include plus operations and minus operations. Plus operations include registering products and increasing product quantities. Minus operations include canceling products and decreasing product quantities. Payment processing information is detailed information about payment processing.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the user operation history of the POS terminal 2. The user operation history includes the history of product registration operations performed by the user of the POS terminal 2. Product registration operations include plus operations and minus operations. Plus operations include product registration operations and operations to increase the quantity of products. Minus operations include product cancellation operations and operations to decrease the quantity of products. The auxiliary storage device 23 may update the user operation history each time it acquires a user operation. The user operation history is also simply called the operation history.

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores weighing information for the POS terminal 2. The weighing information includes weight data indicating the weight in the cart 5 detected by the weighing device 3. The weight data is data output from the weighing device 3 in a time series. The weighing information may also include information indicating the date and time the weight data was detected. The weighing information may also include the detection results of weight fluctuations in the cart 5. The detection results of weight fluctuations include weight increase, weight decrease, no weight fluctuation, etc. The detection results of weight fluctuations may also include the weight value. The detection results of weight fluctuations may also include the value of the weight that has changed. The auxiliary storage device 23 may update the weighing information each time it acquires weight data from the weighing device 3. The auxiliary storage device 13 may update the weighing information each time it acquires the detection results of weight fluctuations from the weighing device 3. The weighing information may be retained for a certain period of time. The auxiliary storage device 23 may delete the weighing information after the retention period has elapsed.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores basket weight information relating to the weight of shopping baskets that can be placed on the cart 5. The basket weight information includes, for example, the weight of one shopping basket that can be placed on the cart 5. The basket weight information may also include the total weight information of any number of shopping baskets that can be placed on the cart 5. In the following description, the weight of one shopping basket that can be placed on the cart 5 is also referred to as the basket weight.

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the product master. The product master stores product identification information (product code) and product information of products handled at the store in association with each other. The product information includes product name, price, etc.

[0025] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that enable communication between the POS terminal 2 and other devices via a network, according to a predetermined communication protocol. For example, it enables communication between the POS terminal 2 and external devices via a network. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network. The network may include, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc.

[0026] The connection interface 25 is an interface for wired connection between the POS terminal 2 and external equipment. The external equipment includes a scanner 250.

[0027] The display device 26 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processing circuit 21. For example, the display device 26 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display device 26 is an example of a display unit.

[0028] Speaker 27 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of POS terminal 2. Speaker 27 is an example of an audio output device.

[0029] The input device 28 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the POS terminal 2. The input device 28 may include a keyboard or a touch panel, etc.

[0030] Camera 29 is a device capable of acquiring shooting data within the shooting range. Camera 29 can, for example, photograph items in the shopping cart 5.

[0031] The hardware configuration of POS terminal 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. POS terminal 2 allows for the omission and modification of the above-mentioned components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0032] The various components implemented in the processing circuit 21 described above will now be explained. The processing circuit 21 implements a setting unit 210, a product registration processing unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, a display processing unit 213, a first determination unit 214, a second determination unit 215, and an output unit 216. Each part implemented in the processing circuit 21 can also be called a function. Each part implemented in the processing circuit 21 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit which includes the processing circuit 21 and the main memory 22.

[0033] The setting unit 210 performs the initial setup for weight fluctuation detection. The initial setup includes starting synchronization with the weighing device 3. The initial setup includes retaining the weight information at the start of synchronization with the weighing device 3. The initial setup includes deleting the previous weighing information. The initial setup includes determining whether the battery value of the weighing device 3 is below a reference value. The reference value can be set by an administrator or the like. The setting unit 210 determines whether the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally. The setting unit 210 may determine whether the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally based on information regarding the weighing instruments 32 and the battery 33 included in the weighing device 3. The setting unit 210 may determine whether the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally based on information regarding the motion sensors included in the weighing device 3. Based on the determination that the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally, the setting unit 210 may output a weighing start instruction to the weighing device 3 to start weighing the contents of the cart 5. If the setting unit 210 determines that the weighing device 3 is not functioning properly, it may make the POS terminal 2 function as a POS terminal 2 without a weighing function.

[0034] The setting unit 210 terminates synchronization with the weighing device 3 after the payment processing is completed. The setting unit 210 may delete the weighing information when the payment processing at the POS terminal 2 is completed. The setting unit 210 also terminates synchronization with the weighing device 3 when the user of the POS terminal 2 cancels the purchase. The setting unit 210 may delete the weighing information when the purchase is canceled.

[0035] The product registration processing unit 211 performs product registration processing based on user operations on the POS terminal 2. Specifically, based on the fact that the product code of a product has been scanned by the user, the product registration processing unit 211 refers to the product master and obtains the transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code. The transaction product data includes data such as the product code, product name, product price, and quantity of the product. The product corresponding to the product code is also called the transaction product. The product registration processing unit 211 outputs the transaction information to the cloud server 1.

[0036] The product registration processing unit 211 may also perform product registration processing in cooperation with the cloud server 1. In this case, the product registration processing unit 211 outputs a product registration request to the cloud server 1. The cloud server 1 retrieves product information based on the product code included in the product registration request and stores the transaction information. The cloud server 1 outputs the transaction information to the POS terminal 2. The product registration processing unit 211 stores the transaction information.

[0037] The acquisition unit 212 acquires weighing information from the weighing device 3 via the communication interface 24. The acquisition unit 212 checks the weighing information at regular intervals and detects weight fluctuations in the cart 5. The acquisition unit 212 acquires the detection results of weight fluctuations in the cart 5. The detection results show, for example, the increase or decrease in the weight value based on the weighing information over time. The weight value based on the weighing information is, for example, the median of multiple values ​​shown by the weight data included in the weighing information at multiple consecutive timings. Note that the weight value based on the weighing information may be the mean or mode, not just the median, and is not limited to that. The detection results are not limited to showing the increase or decrease in the weight value over time, but may also include showing that there was a weight fluctuation or that there was no weight fluctuation. The detection results may be, for example, no weight fluctuation, weight increase, weight decrease, etc. The detection results may include increase or decrease values ​​such as "plus 30 grams". Note that the acquisition unit 212 may also acquire the detection results from the weighing device 3 via the communication interface 24. In this case, the weighing device 3 may detect weight fluctuations in the cart 5 based on weight data. The weighing device 3 may output the weight fluctuation detection result to the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 may use the detection result as a trigger to determine whether the user operation is appropriate or not.

[0038] The acquisition unit 212 may acquire battery information from the weighing device 3 via the communication interface 24. The battery information includes information indicating battery values ​​such as the voltage of the battery of the weighing device 3. The acquisition unit 212 may also acquire payment completion information from the cloud server 1 via the communication interface 24, indicating that the payment process has been completed. In the following description, "acquisition" may be read as "calculation".

[0039] The display processing unit 213 processes the display on the display device 26. The display processing unit 213 displays various notifications on the display device 26. The display processing unit 213 displays notifications related to the shopping cart on the display device 26. Notifications related to the shopping cart include, for example, notifications prompting the user to place the shopping cart on the cart 5. Notifications prompting the user to place the shopping cart on the cart 5 are also called cart confirmation notifications. Cart confirmation notifications include, for example, messages such as "Please place the shopping cart on the cart." Cart confirmation notifications may also include messages such as "If you are using two shopping carts, please place both on the cart." A cart confirmation notification is an example of the first type of notification related to the shopping cart. Notifications related to the shopping cart include, for example, notifications to confirm whether or not the shopping cart has been placed on the cart 5. Notifications to confirm whether or not the shopping cart has been placed on the cart are also called cart addition confirmation notifications. Cart addition confirmation notifications include, for example, messages such as "Have you placed the shopping cart?" The cart addition confirmation notification is an example of the second type of notification related to the shopping cart. Notifications related to the shopping cart include, for example, notifications prompting the user to correctly place the shopping cart into cart 5. Notifications prompting the user to correctly place the shopping cart into cart 5 are also called cart error notifications. Cart error notifications include messages such as, for example, "Please place the shopping cart correctly." Placing a shopping cart into the cart can also be rephrased as setting the shopping cart in the cart.

[0040] The display processing unit 213 displays notifications on the display device 26 that are different from notifications related to the shopping cart. Notifications different from notifications related to the shopping cart include, for example, notifications to inform the user that they have forgotten to add an item. Notifications to inform the user that they have forgotten to add an item are also called scan forgetting notifications. Scan forgetting notifications include, for example, a message such as "An item has been added to your cart. Please add the item." Notifications different from notifications related to the shopping cart also include, for example, warning notifications. Warning notifications include notifications to alert the user regarding the use of cart 5. Warning notifications include, for example, a message such as "It is dangerous to get into the cart."

[0041] The display processing unit 213 displays the notification on the display device 26 based on the determination result from the first determination unit 214.

[0042] The first determination unit 214 determines the weight change within the cart 5 based on the detection result of the weight change within the cart 5. The first determination unit 214 may also determine an increase or decrease in the weight within the cart 5 based on a preset threshold. For example, consider the case where the threshold for determining an increase is "plus 25 grams" and the threshold for determining a decrease is "minus 25 grams". The first determination unit 214 may determine that the weight has increased if the positive value is 25 grams or more. The first determination unit 214 may determine that the weight has decreased if the negative value is 25 grams or more.

[0043] The first determination unit 214 refers to the basket weight information and determines whether or not a shopping basket has been set in the cart 5. The first determination unit 214 determines whether or not the weight change (increase) in the cart 5 is an increase in weight equivalent to the weight of the basket. The weight equivalent to the weight of the basket is also called the basket equivalent weight. The basket equivalent weight is, for example, the weight of one shopping basket, the weight of two shopping baskets, etc. The basket equivalent weight may also be the weight of the basket, twice the weight of the basket, etc. The basket equivalent weight may be a weight with a range. The basket equivalent weight may also be a weight with an error added. The basket equivalent weight may be, for example, within a range of plus or minus 5 grams of the basket weight. The basket equivalent weight may vary depending on the number of baskets that can be set in the cart 5. The case where two baskets can be set in the cart 5 and the basket weight is 200 grams will be explained. The basket equivalent weight may be, for example, 200 grams, 400 grams, 195 to 205 grams, 395 to 405 grams, etc. The basket equivalent weight may be set differently for each store. The basket equivalent weight may be the weight of the basket used at each store minus or added to a predetermined threshold. The auxiliary storage device 23 may store basket equivalent weight information, including the basket equivalent weight. In this case, the first determination unit 214 may refer to the basket equivalent weight information and determine whether or not a shopping basket has been set in the cart 5.

[0044] The first determination unit 214 determines that a shopping basket has been set in the cart 5 if the weight fluctuation within the cart 5 is equal to or within the range of the basket's equivalent weight. The first determination unit 214 determines that a shopping basket has not been set in the cart 5 if the weight fluctuation within the cart 5 is not equal to or outside the range of the basket's equivalent weight.

[0045] The first determination unit 214 may determine whether appropriate user operation has been performed in accordance with the detection result of weight fluctuation in the cart 5. Based on the detection result, the first determination unit 214 may check whether or not there has been a weight fluctuation, and for each case, whether or not there has been a weight fluctuation, it may use the detection result as a trigger to determine whether or not the user operation was appropriate. For example, if the weight in the cart 5 increases and the user performs an upward operation, the first determination unit 214 may determine that the user operation was appropriate. If the weight in the cart 5 increases but the user does not perform an upward operation, the first determination unit 214 may determine that the user operation was inappropriate.

[0046] The first determination unit 214 may make a determination based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart 5, according to the weight fluctuations within a certain period of time. For example, the case in which an increase or decrease in weight is detected in the cart 5 within a certain period of time will be described. The first determination unit 214 may make an error determination if no user operation is performed. Error determination includes determining that the user operation is inappropriate or that the cart is not being used appropriately. Inappropriate user operation includes, for example, forgetting to scan or forgetting to cancel an item. Inappropriate cart use includes, for example, a person sitting in the cart or a person's weight being placed on the cart.

[0047] The second determination unit 215 determines whether to start the product registration process based on the determination result of the first determination unit 214. The second determination unit 215 determines that it is possible to start the product registration process based on the determination by the first determination unit 214 that the shopping basket has been set in the cart 5. If the second determination unit 215 determines that it is possible to start the product registration process, it may instruct the weighing device 3 to start weighing the cart 5. If the second determination unit 215 determines that it is possible to start the product registration process, it may enable the user to perform a product registration operation.

[0048] The output unit 216 outputs transaction information to the cloud server 1 via the communication interface 24. The output unit 216 may also output weighing information to the cloud server 1 via the communication interface 24. The output unit 216 may also output the detection result of weight fluctuation of the cart 5 to the cloud server 1 via the communication interface 24. In this case, the POS terminal 2 may display a notification on the display device 26 based on instructions from the cloud server 1.

[0049] An example of the configuration of the weighing device 3 will be described. The weighing device 3 is an electronic device that includes a control board 31, a weighing instrument 32, a battery 33, and a communication interface 34. Each component of the weighing device 3 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0050] The control board 31 controls each component of the weighing device 3. The weighing device 32 acquires weight data from the cart 5. The weighing device 32 outputs weighing information, including weight data, to the POS terminal 2 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time intervals include intervals of 200 milliseconds or 100 milliseconds, etc. If the cart has an upper and lower section, the weighing device 32 can simultaneously measure the weight of the upper and lower sections. The weighing device 32 may detect weight fluctuations in the cart 5 based on the weight data. In this case, the weighing device 32 may output the weight fluctuation detection result to the POS terminal 2. The weighing device 32 can measure the weight of the upper and lower sections of the cart separately. In this case, the weighing device 32 may be installed on each of the upper and lower sections of the cart.

[0051] Battery 33 is a rechargeable power source. The communication interface 34 is an interface for connecting the weighing device 3 to an external device. The connection interface 25 enables communication between the weighing device 3 and the POS terminal 2 via a network such as Bluetooth®. The connection interface 25 may also be connected via a wired connection.

[0052] The weighing device 3 may include a motion sensor to improve weighing accuracy. The motion sensor can detect when the cart 5 stops and when it moves. The weighing device 32 may acquire weight data of the cart 5 when the cart 5 is stopped.

[0053] The hardware configuration of the weighing device 3 is not limited to the configuration described above. The weighing device 3 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate. (Example of operation) The procedure for processing by the information processing system 100 will be explained. In the following explanation focusing on Cloud Server 1, Cloud Server 1 may be interpreted as the processing circuit of Cloud Server 1. Similarly, in the explanation focusing on POS Terminal 2, POS Terminal 2 may be interpreted as the processing circuit 21. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate. The following process assumes that a user of POS terminal 2 is making a purchase at store A.

[0054] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the information processing procedure at the start of shopping by the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. Users of POS terminal 2 check in by obtaining a check-in code displayed as a barcode or QR code at the entrance of store A. The check-in code includes, for example, a company code, a store code, and information for POS terminal 2 to connect to cloud server 1 via the network. For example, when a user launches a dedicated application program on POS terminal 2, a screen for reading the check-in code is displayed on display device 26. The user checks in by operating POS terminal 2 to read the check-in code. That is, the application on POS terminal 2 makes a configuration request to cloud server 1 based on the information read from the check-in code. Alternatively, check-in may be performed via a check-in device installed at the entrance of store A. For example, when a user launches a dedicated application program on POS terminal 2, a barcode or QR code representing the member ID is displayed on display device 26. The user checks in by reading the member ID via the check-in device. Alternatively, POS terminal 2 may automatically identify the relevant store based on the location information of POS terminal 2 as part of the check-in process. For example, POS terminal 2 may send location information to cloud server 1 along with a configuration request described later, and cloud server 1 may perform a check-in by identifying the store based on the location information of POS terminal 2. Check-in may also be performed by other known processes.

[0055] POS terminal 2 performs check-in processing based on a user's check-in operation (ACT001). When the check-in process begins, the output unit 216 of POS terminal 2 outputs a configuration request to the cloud server 1. The configuration request is an instruction to request configuration information that indicates the conditions for detecting weight fluctuations in the cart 5 associated with POS terminal 2 and for determining operations on POS terminal 2. The condition settings include the setting of conditions used for determining errors such as forgetting to scan, based on the user's operation on POS terminal 2. The configuration request may include identification information for POS terminal 2. The configuration request may include identification information for the cart 5 associated with POS terminal 2. The configuration request may include basket weight information for shopping baskets that can be placed on cart 5. In the following description, "acquisition" may be read as "reception".

[0056] Cloud Server 1 performs the check-in process (ACT002). For example, Cloud Server 1 determines the company and store of POS Terminal 2 and makes the product master accessible on POS Terminal 2. Cloud Server 1 outputs the configuration information to POS Terminal 2. Cloud Server 1 also issues a transaction code. Cloud Server 1 generates transaction information by associating the identification information and transaction code of POS Terminal 2. Note that the user of POS Terminal 2 may start shopping without checking in. For example, if the configuration information is set in advance on POS Terminal 2, the check-in operation in ACT001 and the check-in process in ACT002 can be omitted.

[0057] The acquisition unit 212 of POS terminal 2 acquires configuration information (ACT003). The setting unit 210 of POS terminal 2 performs various settings based on the configuration information.

[0058] The POS terminal 2 performs a shopping cart setting process as shown in Figures 9 to 13 (ACT004). The shopping cart setting process includes displaying a notification regarding the shopping cart on the display device 26.

[0059] The product registration processing unit 211 of the POS terminal 2 performs product registration processing based on user input (ACT005). The output unit 216 of the POS terminal 2 outputs a product registration request to the cloud server 1. The product registration request is a request to the cloud server 1 to register the product that the user intends to purchase. The product registration request may include product identification information such as a product code.

[0060] The registration processing unit 111 of the cloud server 1 performs registration processing based on the product registration request (ACT006). Specifically, the cloud server 1 retrieves product information from the product master based on the product identification information included in the product registration request, adds it to the transaction information, and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0061] The weighing device 3 outputs weighing information to the POS terminal 2 at predetermined time intervals (ACT007). The weighing device 3 may also detect weight changes of items placed in the cart 5 based on the weight data. The weighing device 3 may also output the weight change detection result to the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 may use the detection result as a trigger to determine whether the user operation is appropriate or not.

[0062] POS terminal 2 performs operation detection processing (ACT008). POS terminal 2 determines, for example, whether or not an unauthorized operation has been performed by the user. POS terminal 2 determines whether or not an unauthorized operation has been performed, for example, based on weight changes and the user's operation of POS terminal 2. Unauthorized operations include operations that do not correspond to weight changes in cart 5. For example, unauthorized operations include canceling an operation for weight increase in cart 5, subtracting a quantity, and no operation. In this case, the user may have forgotten to register an item in the cart (forgotten to scan it), accidentally performed a cancel operation, or accidentally subtracted a quantity. Unauthorized operations also include registering an item for weight decrease in cart 5, adding a quantity, and no operation. If an unauthorized operation is detected, POS terminal 2 outputs a notification to cloud server 1.

[0063] Cloud server 1 receives the notification. Cloud server 1 outputs the notification to attendant terminal 4 (ACT009).

[0064] POS terminal 2 displays a notification regarding fraudulent operation on display device 26 based on the operation detection process (ACT010). The notification includes an error notification regarding fraudulent operation by the user of POS terminal 2. For example, the notification indicates that an operation corresponding to a weight change has not been performed. Specifically, if the weight in cart 5 decreases and the user has not performed a negative operation such as a cancel operation, it is presumed that an item has been removed from the cart. Operations corresponding to weight changes (decreases) are negative operations such as cancel operations and quantity reduction operations. Therefore, the notification includes a message prompting the user to perform a negative operation. For example, the notification displayed on display device 26 includes text information such as, "Have you removed an item from the cart? No cancel operation has been performed. Please cancel the item in question." Also, if the weight in cart 5 increases and the user has not performed a positive operation such as a registration operation, the notification displayed on display device 26 includes, for example, a scan forgetting notification image Ime as shown in Figure 7. A detailed explanation of the scan forgetting notification image Ime will be given later. POS terminal 2 may output the notification as audio or video.

[0065] Attendant terminal 4 displays a notification regarding fraudulent activity on a display device (ACT011). Attendant terminal 4 may output the notification as audio or video. The user of attendant terminal 4 checks the notification and, if necessary, checks the cart 5 on the corresponding POS terminal 2.

[0066] POS terminal 2 performs a payment operation based on user input (ACT012). POS terminal 2 may output a payment operation notification to cloud server 1 indicating that a payment operation has been performed. Alternatively, POS terminal 2 may internally maintain the operation state to detect payment operations such as the user pressing a payment button. POS terminal 2 processes the settlement of a transaction based on transaction data using its settlement function. Settlement is payment for a transaction. Settlement includes the meaning of accounting. Settlement methods for settling a transaction include offline settlement and online settlement.

[0067] (Example display) An example of the display on the display device 26 of the POS terminal 2 will be explained. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shopping start image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 shows the shopping start image Ima displayed on the display device 26 when shopping is started in the POS terminal 2. The shopping start image Ima includes a notification Ma. Notification Ma includes a text message such as "Start shopping." Notification Ma may include a button for the user to input "Start shopping." The button for the user to input "Start shopping" may also include an "OK" button.

[0068] The user of POS terminal 2 selects the "OK" button by touch input or other means. The "OK" button is a button that can be used to input a shopping start instruction via input device 28. Touch input of the "OK" button is one example of a shopping start instruction. The user of POS terminal 2 may also input a shopping start instruction by selecting notification Ma by touch input or other means. Figure 3 illustrates a case where notification Ma also functions as the "OK" button for inputting a shopping start instruction.

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows a shopping cart confirmation notification image Imb displayed on the display device 26 in the POS terminal 2 before the user registers an item. The shopping cart confirmation notification image Imb includes a notification Mb. The notification Mb contains a text message such as "Please place your shopping cart." The cart confirmation notification image Imb contains an "OK" button Ba. The "OK" button Ba is a button that can be input via input device 28 to hide the display of the notification Mb. Hiding the display includes clearing the display. The display of the shopping cart confirmation notification image (IMB) may be set individually for each store.

[0070] The user of POS terminal 2 places the shopping basket into cart 5 and then selects the "OK" button Ba by touch input or other means. POS terminal 2 may display the "OK" button Ba in a way that allows the user to select it at all times, or it may display it in a way that allows the user to select it at predetermined timings. Displaying it in a selectable manner includes, for example, displaying the "OK" button Ba in an operable manner. Displaying it in a selectable manner also includes displaying it in a way that allows the user to hide the notification. Displaying it in a non-selectable manner includes, for example, displaying the "OK" button Ba in an operable manner. An operable manner is, for example, graying it out. Displaying it in a non-selectable manner also includes displaying it in a way that prevents the user from hiding the notification. The predetermined timing includes, for example, the timing when the processing circuit 21 of POS terminal 2 determines that the basket has been placed in cart 5. The first determination unit 214 may determine that the user operation is inappropriate if the weight inside the cart 5 has increased but no additional operation has been performed by the user.

[0071] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 shows a shopping cart error notification image Imc displayed on the display device 26 in the POS terminal 2 before the user registers an item. The shopping cart error notification image Imc includes notification Mc. The notification Mc contains a text message such as "Please place your shopping cart correctly." The cart error notification image Imc contains an "OK" button Bb. The "OK" button Bb is a button that can be input via input device 28 to hide the display of the notification Mc.

[0072] The processing circuit 21 of the POS terminal 2, for example, displays the basket confirmation notification image Imb shown in Figure 4 on the display device 26, and then, if it detects a weight that deviates from the weight equivalent to the basket, it displays the basket error notification image Imc on the display device 26. The user of POS terminal 2 places the shopping basket into cart 5 and then selects the "OK" button Bb by touch input or other means. POS terminal 2 may display the "OK" button Bb in a way that allows the user to select it at all times, or it may display it in a way that allows the user to select it at predetermined times.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows the cart addition confirmation notification image Imd displayed on the display device 26 after shopping has started in the POS terminal 2. The cart addition confirmation notification image Imd includes notification Md. Notification Md includes a text message such as "Have you added a shopping cart?". The cart addition confirmation notification image Imd includes a "Yes" button Bc and a "No" button Bd. The "Yes" button Bc is a button that allows input device 28 to enter information indicating that a shopping cart has been added. The "No" button Bd is a button that allows input device 28 to enter information indicating that a shopping cart has not been added.

[0074] The processing circuit 21 of the POS terminal 2, for example, if it detects an increase in the weight equivalent to the shopping cart within the shopping cart 5 during shopping, displays a shopping cart addition confirmation image (Imd) on the display device 26. "During shopping" is an example of a situation where the user is registering products.

[0075] If the user of POS terminal 2 adds a shopping basket to cart 5, they select the "Yes" button Bc by touch input or other means. If the user of POS terminal 2 does not add a shopping basket to cart 5, they select the "No" button Bd by touch input or other means. If the user of POS terminal 2 selects the "Yes" button Bc, the processing circuit 21 may determine that the detected weight change is due to the addition of a shopping basket. If the user of POS terminal 2 selects the "No" button Bd, the processing circuit 21 may determine that the detected weight change is due to the addition of an item.

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 shows the scan reminder notification image Ime displayed on the display device 26 after the start of shopping in the POS terminal 2.

[0077] The scan forgetting notification image Ime indicates that no action has been taken in response to the weight change. The scan forgetting notification image Ime is an image displayed when the weight in cart 5 increases and the user has not taken any additional action such as registering an item. In this case, it is expected that the items added to the cart have not been registered. Actions that correspond to weight changes (increases) are additional actions such as registering an item or increasing the quantity. The scan forgetting notification image Ime includes a message notifying the user that a scan has been forgotten, or a message prompting the user to take an additional action. The scan forgetting notification image Ime includes a text message such as, "An item has been added to your cart. Please register the item." The scan forgetting notification image Ime may also include a "Confirm" button Be. The "Confirm" button Be is a button that can be used via input device 28 to input instructions to hide the display of the scan forgetting notification image Ime.

[0078] The user of POS terminal 2 checks the scan forget notification image Ime and performs registration operations, etc. The processing circuit 21 of POS terminal 2 may hide the scan forget notification image Ime after a certain period of time has elapsed, or it may hide the scan forget notification image Ime based on the user's selection of the "Confirm" button.

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed in the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 shows a warning notification image Imf displayed on the display device 26 after a purchase has started in the POS terminal 2.

[0080] The warning notification image Imf displays a notification to alert the user regarding the use of cart 5. The processing circuit 21 of the POS terminal 2 may display the warning notification image Imf on the display device 26 before the user registers the product. The processing circuit 21 may also display the warning notification image Imf on the display device 26 if it detects a predetermined weight during shopping. The predetermined weight is, for example, a weight heavier than the weight of a typical product. The predetermined weight is the weight used to determine whether or not it is necessary to warn the user about the use of the cart. The predetermined weight may be, for example, the weight that is expected to be on the cart when a person is standing on it, or the weight that is expected to be on the cart when someone puts their feet on it. For example, since the weight fluctuates when someone puts their feet on or stands on the cart, if a state is detected where the weight fluctuates by 1 kilogram or more than 5 kilograms for a certain period of time and the weight cannot be determined, it is assumed that the user is putting their feet on the cart. The predetermined weight is, for example, 1 kilogram or 5 kilograms. The predetermined weight can be set as appropriate.

[0081] The warning notification image Imf includes a text message such as "It is dangerous to ride in the cart." The warning notification image Imf may also include an "OK" button Bf. The "OK" button Bf is a button that can be used by input device 28 to input instructions to hide the display of the warning notification image Imf.

[0082] The user of POS terminal 2 checks the warning notification image Imf and confirms how to use the cart. The processing circuit 21 of POS terminal 2 may hide the warning notification image Imf after a certain period of time has elapsed, or it may hide the warning notification image Imf based on the user's selection of the "OK" button Bf. The processing circuit 21 may display the "OK" button Bf in a manner that is always selectable by the user, or it may display it in a manner that is selectable by the user at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing includes, for example, the timing when the processing circuit 21 of POS terminal 2 determines that the weight in the cart 5 has decreased.

[0083] (Example of operation) The procedure for processing by the information processing system 100 will be explained. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate. The following process assumes that a user of POS terminal 2 is making a purchase at store A.

[0084] The first to fourth aspects of information processing by the information processing system 100 at the start of shopping will be described below.

[0085] First, the user of POS terminal 2 checks in via the check-in device installed at the entrance of store A. However, the user of POS terminal 2 may begin shopping without checking in.

[0086] The user places a shopping basket in cart 5. The shopping basket is assumed to be located near the entrance of store A. The shopping basket may be placed close to the cart storage area for cart 5, or it may be placed some distance away from the cart storage area for cart 5. The user places the shopping basket in cart 5 and begins shopping inside store A.

[0087] POS terminal 2 prompts the user to place the shopping basket in cart 5 before the user registers the items. Before the user registers the items, this includes before the user places items in the shopping basket. Before the user registers the items, this includes after check-in and after the instruction to start shopping. After check-in, this includes, for example, after launching a dedicated application program or after reading the member ID via the check-in device. After the instruction to start shopping, this includes, for example, after POS terminal 2 receives the instruction to start shopping based on the user's operation. Before the user registers the items, this includes before the user places the shopping basket in cart 5. The prompt is, for example, a display of a basket confirmation notification.

[0088] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode of information processing by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. In the first mode, based on the user's shopping start operation, a shopping cart confirmation notification, such as the one shown in Figure 4, is displayed on the display device 26 before the user registers the items.

[0089] The processing circuit 21 acquires a shopping start instruction (ACT1) based on the user's shopping start operation in the shopping start image displayed on the display device 26. The processing circuit 21 may also output the shopping start instruction to the cloud server 1.

[0090] The processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification on the display device 26 (ACT2). The processing in ACT2 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification on the display device 26 based on the acquisition of a shopping start instruction. The processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification on the display device 26 after the user has started shopping. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0091] The processing circuit 21 determines whether the user has pressed the "OK" button (ACT3). The processing in ACT3 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the "OK" button has been pressed (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the "OK" button has not been pressed (ACT3: NO), the process repeats ACT3. Pressing the "OK" button corresponds to an instruction to hide the shopping cart confirmation notification.

[0092] The processing circuit 21 initiates the weighing device 3 to detect the weight inside the cart 5 (ACT4). The processing in ACT4 may also be performed by the setting unit 210. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 21 performs the initial settings for weight fluctuation detection based on the user's operation of the "OK" button. For example, the initial settings may include setting the weight detected by the weighing scale 32 to zero. The weighing device 3 may start detecting the weight inside the cart 5 after setting the weight of the weighing scale 32 to zero. The processing circuit 21 may start synchronizing with the weighing device 3. The processing circuit 21 starts communication with the weighing device 3 via the communication interface 24, based on the synchronization between the POS terminal 2 and the weighing device 3. The weighing device 3 detects the weight inside the cart 5.

[0093] The processing circuit 21 performs product registration processing based on the product registration operation performed by the user.

[0094] In this example, POS terminal 2 can display a basket confirmation notification on display device 26 before the user registers the items. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can prompt the user to place the basket in the cart before weighing begins due to item registration. This allows POS terminal 2 to suppress error displays based on weight fluctuations in the cart caused by the basket being placed in the cart.

[0095] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second mode of information processing by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. The second mode is one in which weighing by the weighing device 3 is started based on the user's shopping start operation. In the second mode, if a basket is placed in the cart 5 before the user registers the products, a basket confirmation notification, such as the one shown in Figure 4, is not displayed.

[0096] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT1, acquires a shopping start instruction (ACT11) based on the user's shopping start operation in the shopping start image displayed on the display device 26.

[0097] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT4, initiates the weighing device 3 to detect the weight inside the cart 5 (ACT12). The weighing device 3 detects the weight inside the cart 5.

[0098] The processing circuit 21 determines whether or not a shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5 based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart 5 (ACT13). The processing in ACT13 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. In ACT13, for example, the processing circuit 21 acquires basket weight information. The processing circuit 21 determines whether or not the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is equivalent to the weight of the basket. If the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is equivalent to the weight of the basket, the processing circuit 21 determines that a shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5. The processing circuit 21 may also determine whether or not a shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5 based on whether or not there has been a weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period can be set for each store. If the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is not equivalent to the weight of the basket, the processing circuit 21 determines that a shopping basket has not been placed in the cart 5. The processing circuit 21 may determine that a shopping basket is not set in cart 5 if there is no change (increase) in the weight of cart 5 within a predetermined period. In this case, the basket-equivalent weight is the weight equivalent to one shopping basket, the weight equivalent to two shopping baskets, and the weight obtained by adding an error to these weights. If the processing circuit 21 determines that a shopping basket is set in cart 5 (ACT13:YES), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT16. If the processing circuit 21 determines that a shopping basket is not set in cart 5 (ACT13:NO), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT14. Furthermore, if the processing circuit 21 detects a weight that is not the basket-equivalent weight, for example, when products are placed in cart 5 before the shopping basket is set in cart 5, it may determine that the weight is not the basket-equivalent weight, and instead of registering the product, it may issue a notification. In this case, the notification may be, for example, a basket error notification as shown in Figure 5.

[0099] The processing circuit 21 displays a basket confirmation notification on the display device 26 based on the determination result (ACT14). The processing of ACT14 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The processing circuit 21 displays the basket confirmation notification after the user initiates shopping. In a specific example, the processing circuit 21 displays the basket confirmation notification after weighing begins by the weighing device 3. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27. The processing circuit 21 may also issue a notification if it detects a user operation (scan, key operation, etc.) before detecting the amount equivalent to the basket, such as when a user operation (scan, key operation, etc.) is performed before the shopping basket is set in the cart 5. In this case, the notification may be a basket error notification, for example, as shown in Figure 5.

[0100] The processing circuit 21 determines whether the user has pressed the "OK" button (ACT15). The processing in ACT15 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the "OK" button has been pressed (ACT15: YES), the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT16. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the "OK" button has not been pressed (ACT15: NO), the process repeats ACT15.

[0101] The processing circuit 21 determines that it is possible to start the product registration process based on the determination result from the first determination unit 214 (ACT16). The process in ACT16 may also be performed by the second determination unit 215. The processing circuit 21 may also enable the user to perform a product registration operation.

[0102] In this example, if POS terminal 2 determines, based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart, that a basket has been placed in the cart before the user registers the product, it will not display the basket confirmation notification on display device 26. If POS terminal 2 determines, based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart, that a basket has not been placed in the cart before the user registers the product, it can display the basket confirmation notification on display device 26. Therefore, before weighing begins due to product registration, POS terminal 2 can prompt the user to place a basket in the cart if it has not been placed there. This allows POS terminal 2 to determine whether to display or hide the basket confirmation notification based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart. POS terminal 2 can omit the notification display process based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart. Furthermore, by pre-maintaining the basket weight, POS terminal 2 can suppress error displays based on weight fluctuations in the cart caused by a basket being placed in the cart.

[0103] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a third mode of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. The third mode is a mode in which weighing by the weighing device 3 is started based on a shopping start operation by the user. In the third mode, a basket confirmation notification is displayed before the product is registered by the user, and when the shopping basket is placed in the cart 5 by the user, it is possible to input an instruction to hide the basket confirmation notification.

[0104] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT1, acquires a shopping start instruction (ACT21) based on the user's shopping start operation in the shopping start image displayed on the display device 26.

[0105] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT4, initiates the weighing device 3 to detect the weight inside the cart 5 (ACT22). The weighing device 3 detects the weight inside the cart 5.

[0106] The processing circuit 21 displays a shopping cart confirmation notification on the display device 26 (ACT23). The processing of ACT23 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification after the user initiates shopping. In a specific example, the processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification after the weighing device 3 begins weighing. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as an audio signal via the speaker 27.

[0107] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT13, determines whether or not the shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5 based on the detection result of weight fluctuations within the cart 5 (ACT24). The processing of ACT24 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5 (ACT24: YES), the process transitions from ACT24 to ACT26. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the shopping basket has not been placed in the cart 5 (ACT24: NO), the process transitions from ACT24 to ACT25.

[0108] Based on its determination that the shopping basket is not set in the cart 5, the processing circuit 21 displays an error notification on the display device 26 instead of a basket confirmation notification (ACT25). The processing of ACT25 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The error notification is, for example, a basket error notification as shown in Figure 5. After displaying the error notification, the processing circuit 21 may return to the processing of ACT24. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0109] Based on its determination that the shopping basket is placed in the cart 5, the processing circuit 21 displays an "OK" button on the display device 26 in the basket confirmation notification (ACT26). The processing of ACT26 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. Displaying an "OK" button on the display device 26 is an example of displaying the basket confirmation notification in a manner that allows the user to choose whether to display or hide the notification.

[0110] The processing circuit 21 determines whether the user has pressed the "OK" button (ACT27). The processing in ACT27 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the "OK" button has been pressed (ACT27: YES), the process transitions from ACT27 to ACT28. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the "OK" button has not been pressed (ACT27: NO), the process repeats ACT27.

[0111] The processing circuit 21 determines that it is possible to start the product registration process based on the determination result from the first determination unit 214 (ACT28). The process in ACT28 may also be performed by the second determination unit 215. The processing circuit 21 may also enable the user to perform a product registration operation.

[0112] In this example, POS terminal 2 can display a basket confirmation notification on display device 26 before the user registers the product. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can prompt the user to place the basket in the cart before weighing begins due to product registration. Furthermore, if POS terminal 2 determines that the basket has been placed in the cart based on the detection results of weight changes in the cart, it can display the basket confirmation notification in a manner that allows the user to hide it. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can control the system so that product registration can only be performed when the basket has been placed in the cart. This allows POS terminal 2 to suppress error displays based on weight changes in the cart caused by the basket being placed in the cart.

[0113] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. The fourth aspect is an aspect in which weighing by the weighing device 3 is started based on a shopping start operation by the user. The fourth aspect is an aspect in which a basket confirmation notification is displayed before the user registers the product, and product registration is enabled when the user sets the shopping basket in the cart 5.

[0114] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT1, acquires a shopping start instruction (ACT31) based on the user's shopping start operation in the shopping start image displayed on the display device 26.

[0115] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT4, initiates the weighing device 3 to detect the weight inside the cart 5 (ACT32). The weighing device 3 detects the weight inside the cart 5.

[0116] The processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification on the display device 26 (ACT33). The processing in ACT33 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification after the user initiates shopping. In a specific example, the processing circuit 21 displays the shopping cart confirmation notification after the weighing device 3 begins weighing. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0117] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT13, determines whether or not the shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5 based on the detection result of weight fluctuations within the cart 5 (ACT34). The processing in ACT34 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the shopping basket has been placed in the cart 5 (ACT34: YES), the process transitions from ACT34 to ACT36. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the shopping basket has not been placed in the cart 5 (ACT34: NO), the process transitions from ACT34 to ACT35.

[0118] Based on its determination that the shopping basket is not set in the cart 5, the processing circuit 21 displays an error notification on the display device 26 instead of a basket confirmation notification (ACT35). The processing in ACT35 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The error notification is, for example, a basket error notification. After displaying the error notification, the processing circuit 21 may return to the processing in ACT34. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0119] The processing circuit 21 determines that it is possible to start the product registration process based on the determination result from the first determination unit 214 (ACT36). The processing in ACT36 may also be performed by the second determination unit 215. The processing circuit 21 may, for example, automatically hide the shopping cart confirmation notification displayed on the display device 26. The processing circuit 21 may display the product registration image on the display device 26. The processing circuit 21 may enable the user to perform a product registration operation. In this example, POS terminal 2 can display a basket confirmation notification on display device 26 before the user registers the items. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can prompt the user to place the basket in the cart before weighing begins due to item registration. Furthermore, POS terminal 2 can control the system to allow item registration if it determines that the basket has been placed in the cart based on the detection results of weight changes in the cart. This allows POS terminal 2 to suppress error displays based on weight changes in the cart caused by the basket being placed in the cart.

[0120] A fifth aspect of information processing by the information processing system 100 after the start of shopping will be described.

[0121] The user of POS terminal 2 places items into a shopping basket set in cart 5 and registers the placed items. When POS terminal 2 detects the weight equivalent to the basket while the user is registering items, it sends a notification to confirm whether or not the shopping basket has been added to cart 5. In the following process, it is assumed that the user has placed one shopping basket in cart 5 and is making a purchase.

[0122] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth aspect of information processing by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. The fifth aspect is a configuration in which a shopping cart is added to cart 5 while the user is shopping, and a cart addition confirmation notification is displayed. The fifth aspect shows the case where a shopping cart is added when one shopping cart is already set in cart 5. The fifth aspect can also be applied when the user starts without setting a shopping cart before registering products.

[0123] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT13, determines whether a shopping basket has been added to the cart 5 based on the detection result of the weight change in the cart 5 (ACT41). The processing of ACT41 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. The processing circuit 21 determines whether the weight change (increase) in the cart 5 is equivalent to the weight of a basket. In this case, the equivalent weight of a basket is the weight of one shopping basket, plus an error added to these weights.

[0124] For example, let's consider the case where the weighing device 3 simultaneously detects weight fluctuations in the upper and lower sections of cart 5. The processing circuit 21 determines that a basket has been added if the weight fluctuation of cart 5 is equal to the weight of a basket. However, if the processing circuit 21 has already detected a weight fluctuation of cart 5 corresponding to the weight of two baskets before registering the product, it will not determine that a shopping basket has been added to cart 5, even if the weight fluctuation (increase) in cart 5 is equal to the weight of a basket. In this case, the processing circuit 21 may display a scan reminder notification on the display device 26. After the setup of two baskets is complete, the processing circuit 21 may not determine that a basket has been added even if it detects a weight fluctuation (increase) equivalent to the weight of a basket, and instead determine that a product has been placed in the cart. In this case, the processing circuit 21 performs the product registration process in the same way as ACT005 and ACT006 shown in Figure 2.

[0125] The following describes the case where the weighing device 3 separately detects weight fluctuations in the upper and lower sections of the cart 5. The processing circuit 21 determines whether the weight fluctuation of the cart 5 was detected in the upper or lower section. If the processing circuit 21 detects a weight fluctuation of the cart 5 in the upper or lower section where the basket-equivalent weight has not been detected before product registration, it determines whether the weight fluctuation (increase) is equivalent to the basket-equivalent weight. If the weight fluctuation (increase) is equivalent to the basket-equivalent weight, the processing circuit 21 determines that a basket has been added. However, if the processing circuit 21 has detected weight fluctuations of the cart 5 corresponding to the basket-equivalent weight in both the upper and lower sections before product registration, it does not determine that a shopping basket has been added to the cart 5, even if the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is equivalent to the basket-equivalent weight. In this case, the processing circuit 21 may display a scan forgetting notification on the display device 26. After the baskets have been set in both the upper and lower sections, the processing circuit 21 may not recognize a weight change (increase) equivalent to the amount of a basket as a basket, but rather determine that a product has been placed in the basket. In this case, the processing circuit 21 performs product registration processing in the same manner as ACT005 and ACT006 shown in Figure 2.

[0126] If the processing circuit 21 determines that the shopping cart has been added to cart 5 (ACT41: YES), the process transitions from ACT41 to ACT42. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the shopping cart has not been added to cart 5 (ACT41: NO), the process transitions from ACT41 to AC43.

[0127] Based on the determination result, the processing circuit 21 displays a basket addition confirmation notification on the display device 26 as shown in Figure 6 (ACT42). The processing of ACT42 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The user may input information indicating whether or not a basket has been added based on the basket addition confirmation notification. If the user inputs information indicating that a basket has not been added, the processing circuit 21 may display a scan forgetting notification on the display device 26. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as an audio signal via the speaker 27.

[0128] Based on its determination that the shopping cart has not been added to cart 5, the processing circuit 21 displays an error notification on the display device 26 (ACT43). The processing in ACT43 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. The error notification is, for example, a notification that an item has not been scanned. The processing circuit 21 may also display a cart error notification on the display device 26.

[0129] In this example, if POS terminal 2 determines that a basket has been placed in the cart based on the detection results of weight changes in the cart during shopping, it can display a basket addition confirmation notification on display device 26. POS terminal 2 can determine that a basket has been added to the cart during shopping by pre-recording the basket weight. Therefore, if POS terminal 2 determines that a basket has been added to the cart, it can display a basket addition confirmation notification without displaying error messages such as a forgotten scan notification. This allows POS terminal 2 to suppress error messages based on weight changes in the cart caused by the addition of a basket.

[0130] The first to fourth aspects of information processing by the information processing system for warning notifications, as shown in Figure 8, will be explained.

[0131] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first mode of information processing related to warning notifications by the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment. The first mode is one in which a warning notification is displayed on the display device 26 based on the user's shopping initiation operation, before the user registers the product.

[0132] The processing circuit 21 acquires a shopping start instruction (ACT51) based on the user's shopping start operation in the shopping start image displayed on the display device 26. The processing circuit 21 may also output the shopping start instruction to the cloud server 1.

[0133] The processing circuit 21 confirms the weighing function of the weighing device 3 (ACT52). The processing in ACT52 may also be performed by the setting unit 210. In ACT52, for example, the processing circuit 21 performs the initial setup for weight fluctuation detection based on the user's operation of the "OK" button. The processing circuit 21 may start synchronization with the weighing device 3. The processing circuit 21 starts communication with the weighing device 3 via the communication interface 24, based on the synchronization between the POS terminal 2 and the weighing device 3. The weighing device 3 starts detecting the weight in the cart 5. The processing circuit 21 may determine whether the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally based on information from the motion sensor. The processing circuit 21 may determine whether the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally based on battery information from the battery 33. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weighing device 3 is able to operate normally (ACT52: YES), the process transitions from ACT52 to ACT53. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weighing device 3 is not able to operate normally (ACT52:NO), the process terminates. In this case, the processing circuit 21 may make the POS terminal 2 function as a POS terminal 2 without weighing functionality.

[0134] The processing circuit 21 displays a warning notification on the display device 26 (ACT 53). The processing in ACT 53 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. In ACT 53, for example, the processing circuit 21 displays a notification on the display device 26 to alert the user regarding the use of the cart 5. The processing circuit 21 displays a cart confirmation notification after the user initiates shopping. In a specific example, the processing circuit 21 displays a warning notification after weighing begins by the weighing device 3. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification after a certain period of time has elapsed. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification based on the user's selection of the "Confirm" button, etc. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0135] In this example, if the POS terminal 2 is able to detect the weight of the cart 5, it can display a warning notification on the display device 26 before the user registers the items. This suppresses error displays such as forgotten scanning caused by weight fluctuations in the cart resulting from actions other than item registration.

[0136] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment. The second aspect is a configuration in which a warning notification is displayed on the display device 26 when it becomes necessary to alert the user about the use of the shopping cart while they are shopping. When it becomes necessary to alert the user about the use of the shopping cart, for example, the weighing device 3 has detected that the weight in the shopping cart 5 exceeds a predetermined weight. The predetermined weight is, for example, 1 kilogram.

[0137] The processing circuit 21 determines, based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart 5, whether the weight in the cart 5 has increased by more than a predetermined weight (ACT61). The processing of ACT61 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. In ACT61, for example, the processing circuit 21 acquires basket weight information. The processing circuit 21 determines whether the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is greater than or equal to a predetermined weight. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is greater than or equal to a predetermined weight (ACT61: YES), the process transitions from ACT61 to ACT62. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weight fluctuation (increase) in the cart 5 is not greater than or equal to a predetermined weight (ACT61: NO), the process ends.

[0138] The processing circuit 21 displays a warning notification on the display device 26 (ACT62). The processing in ACT62 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. In ACT62, for example, the processing circuit 21 displays a notification on the display device 26 to alert the user regarding the use of cart 5. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification after a certain period of time has elapsed. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification based on the user's selection of the "Confirm" button, etc. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification if it detects a change (decrease) in the weight of cart 5. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0139] Furthermore, if the weighing device 3 detects weight fluctuations in the upper and lower sections of the cart 5 separately, the processing circuit 21 may determine in ACT 61 whether or not the weight in the lower section has increased by a predetermined amount or more.

[0140] In this example, POS terminal 2 can display a warning notification on display device 26 based on the detection of a weight increase exceeding a predetermined weight in the cart 5. For example, POS terminal 2 can display a warning notification prompting caution regarding the use of the cart in response to a weight increase in cart 5 that is thought to be caused by actions such as placing feet on the cart or standing on the cart. This allows POS terminal 2 to suppress error displays such as forgotten scanning caused by weight fluctuations in the cart due to actions other than product registration, when a weight increase exceeding a predetermined weight is detected. Furthermore, POS terminal 2 can provide notifications in response to weight detection. In addition, POS terminal 2 can encourage users to use the cart correctly.

[0141] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a third aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment. The third aspect is a method in which a warning notification is displayed on the display device 26 when it becomes necessary to alert the user about the use of the cart while they are shopping. In the third aspect, the reason why it becomes necessary to alert the user about the use of the cart is that the weighing device 3 has repeatedly detected an increase or decrease in weight of more than a predetermined weight within the cart 5. For example, if the user repeatedly places their feet on and off the cart 5, it is assumed that an increase or decrease in weight of more than a predetermined weight will be repeatedly detected within the cart 5. The predetermined weight is, for example, 1 kilogram.

[0142] The processing circuit 21 determines, based on the detection result of weight fluctuations in the cart 5, whether the weight in the cart 5 has increased or decreased by more than a predetermined weight within a certain period of time (ACT71). The processing of ACT71 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. The certain period of time is, for example, 1 minute or 5 minutes. In ACT71, for example, the processing circuit 21 acquires basket weight information. The processing circuit 21 determines whether the weight fluctuation (increase or decrease) in the cart 5 is greater than or equal to a predetermined weight. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weight fluctuation (increase or decrease) in the cart 5 has been repeated for a certain period of time (ACT71: YES), the process transitions from ACT71 to ACT72. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weight fluctuation (increase or decrease) in the cart 5 has not been repeated for a certain period of time (ACT71: NO), the process ends. Repeating for a certain period of time includes an increase in the weight in the cart 5 followed by a decrease within that period of time. Repeating for a certain period of time includes the repeated cycle of the weight in cart 5 increasing and then decreasing within that period. The processing circuit 21 may also determine whether the weight increase or decrease within cart 5 has been repeated for a certain period of time or longer, and whether the weight increase or decrease has exceeded a predetermined weight.

[0143] The processing circuit 21 displays a warning notification on the display device 26 (ACT72). The processing in ACT72 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. In ACT72, for example, the processing circuit 21 displays a notification on the display device 26 to alert the user regarding the use of cart 5. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification after a certain period of time has elapsed. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification based on the user's selection of the "Confirm" button, etc. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification if it detects a change (decrease) in the weight of cart 5. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0144] Furthermore, if the weighing device 3 detects weight fluctuations in the upper and lower sections of the cart 5 separately, the processing circuit 21 may determine in ACT71 whether the weight in the lower section has increased or decreased by more than a predetermined amount.

[0145] In this example, POS terminal 2 can display a warning notification on display device 26 based on the detection of a weight increase or decrease exceeding a predetermined weight within the cart 5 within a certain period of time. For example, POS terminal 2 can display a warning notification prompting caution regarding the use of the cart in response to a weight increase or decrease within the cart 5 that is thought to be caused by actions such as putting feet on or taking them off the cart, or getting on or off the cart. As a result, if POS terminal 2 detects a weight increase or decrease exceeding a predetermined weight within a certain period of time, it can suppress the display of error messages such as forgotten scanning caused by weight fluctuations in the cart due to actions other than product registration. Furthermore, POS terminal 2 can encourage users to use the cart correctly.

[0146] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth aspect of information processing related to warning notifications by the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment. The fourth aspect is a configuration in which a warning notification is displayed on the display device 26 when it becomes necessary to alert the user about the use of the shopping cart while they are shopping. When it becomes necessary to alert the user about the use of the shopping cart, for example, the weighing device 3 has detected that the weight in the shopping cart 5 exceeds a predetermined weight. The predetermined weight is, for example, 1 kilogram.

[0147] The processing circuit 21, similar to ACT61, determines whether the weight inside the cart 5 has increased by more than a predetermined weight based on the detection result of the weight fluctuation inside the cart 5 (ACT81). The processing of ACT81 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weight fluctuation (increase) inside the cart 5 is more than a predetermined weight (ACT81: YES), the process transitions from ACT81 to ACT82. If the processing circuit 21 determines that the weight fluctuation (increase) inside the cart 5 is not more than a predetermined weight (ACT81: NO), the process ends.

[0148] The processing circuit 21 refers to the user operation history and determines whether or not a positive operation was performed by the user within a predetermined period (ACT82). The processing in ACT82 may also be performed by the first determination unit 214. The predetermined period is, for example, 10 seconds after the time the detection result of the weight change in the cart 5 is obtained. If the processing circuit 21 determines that a positive operation was performed within the predetermined period (ACT82: YES), the process ends. If the processing circuit 21 determines that there has been a weight change (increase) in the cart 5 and that no positive operation was performed within the predetermined period (ACT82: NO), the process transitions from ACT82 to ACT83.

[0149] The processing circuit 21 displays a warning notification on the display device 26 (ACT83). The processing in ACT83 may also be performed by the display processing unit 213. In ACT83, for example, the processing circuit 21 displays a notification on the display device 26 to alert the user regarding the use of cart 5. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification after a certain period of time has elapsed. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification based on the user's selection of the "Confirm" button, etc. The processing circuit 21 may hide the warning notification if it detects a change (decrease) in the weight of cart 5. In addition to displaying the notification, or instead, the processing circuit 21 may output the notification as sound via the speaker 27.

[0150] Furthermore, the processing circuit 21 may determine, based on the detection result of weight fluctuations within the cart 5 in ACT 81, whether or not the weight within the cart 5 has increased or decreased by more than a predetermined amount within a certain period of time.

[0151] If the weighing device 3 detects weight fluctuations in the upper and lower sections of the cart 5 separately, the processing circuit 21 may determine in ACT 81 whether the weight in the lower section has increased by more than a predetermined amount. If the processing circuit 21 determines that weight fluctuations (increases and decreases) in the cart 5 have been repeated for a certain period of time (ACT 81: YES), the process transitions from ACT 81 to ACT 82. If the processing circuit 21 determines that weight fluctuations (increases and decreases) in the cart 5 have not been repeated for a certain period of time (ACT 81: NO), the process ends.

[0152] In this example, POS terminal 2 can display a warning notification on display device 26 if it detects a weight increase exceeding a predetermined weight in the cart 5 and there is no product registration operation by the user. For example, POS terminal 2 will not display a warning notification prompting caution regarding cart usage if products exceeding a predetermined weight are placed in the cart. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can suppress error displays such as forgotten scanning caused by weight fluctuations in the cart resulting from actions other than product registration. Furthermore, POS terminal 2 can encourage the user to use the cart correctly. In addition, POS terminal 2 can provide notifications in response to weight detection.

[0153] (Other embodiments) The information processing device may be implemented as a single electronic device, such as a POS terminal 2, or as multiple electronic devices with distributed functions.

[0154] The embodiments described above may be applied to methods performed by the device. The embodiments described above may be applied to a program that can cause the device's computer to perform each function. The embodiments described above may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0155] Each of the one or more circuits that make up a processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs some of the multiple processes. Some of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be contained in a single device, or they may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0156] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0157] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of 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.

[0158] Some of the embodiments described above may be expressed as follows: (1) An information processing terminal mounted on a cart capable of detecting weight, It includes a display processing unit that displays a notification regarding the shopping cart before the user registers the product. Information processing terminal. (2) The system includes a first determination unit that determines whether or not a shopping basket has been placed in the cart based on the detection result of weight fluctuations of the cart, The display processing unit displays a notification regarding the shopping cart based on the determination result by the first determination unit. (1) The information processing terminal described above. (3) A first determination unit that determines whether or not a shopping basket has been placed in the cart based on the detection result of the weight fluctuation of the cart, A second determination unit determines the start of the product registration process based on the determination result by the first determination unit, The information processing terminal described in (1) is equipped with the following: (4) The display processing unit displays a notification different from the notification regarding the shopping cart based on the determination result by the first determination unit. (2) The information processing terminal described above. (5) A first determination unit that determines whether or not a shopping cart has been placed in the cart based on the detection result of weight fluctuation of the cart while the user is registering products, The display processing unit displays a second notification regarding the shopping cart based on the determination result by the first determination unit. (1) The information processing terminal described above. (6) The computer of the information processing terminal mounted on the cart capable of detecting weight, An information processing program that executes a display processing function to show a notification about the shopping cart before the user registers an item. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 1...Cloud server, 2...POS terminal, 3...Weighing device, 4...Attendant terminal, 5...Cart, 13...Auxiliary storage device, 21...Processing circuit, 22...Main memory, 23...Auxiliary storage device, 24...Communication interface, 25...Connection interface, 26...Display device, 27...Speaker, 28...Input device, 29...Camera, 31...Control board, 32...Weighing device, 33...Battery, 34...Communication interface, 100...Information Processing system, 210...Setting unit, 211...Product registration processing unit, 212...Acquisition unit, 213...Display processing unit, 214...First determination unit, 215...Second determination unit, 216...Output unit, 250...Scanner, A...Store, Ba~Bf...Button, Ima...Shopping start image, Imb...Cart confirmation notification image, Imc...Cart error notification image, Imd...Cart addition confirmation notification image, Ime...Scan forgotten notification image, Imf...Warning notification image, Ma~Md...Notification.

Claims

1. An information processing terminal mounted on a cart capable of detecting weight, A display processing unit that displays a notification regarding the shopping cart before the user registers the product, and a first determination unit that determines whether the shopping cart has been set in the cart based on the detection result of the weight change of the cart, depending on whether the weight change is equivalent to the weight of the cart. Equipped with, If the display processing unit determines, based on the first determination unit, that the shopping basket is not set in the cart, it displays a notification regarding the shopping basket. Information processing terminal.

2. If the first determination unit determines that the shopping basket is set in the cart, a second determination unit determines whether to start the product registration process. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The first determination unit determines that the user operation is inappropriate when the weight of the cart increases and the product registration operation is not performed. The display processing unit, if the first determination unit determines that the user operation is inappropriate, displays a notification different from the notification regarding the shopping cart. The information processing terminal according to claim 1.

4. The first determination unit determines whether or not a shopping basket has been placed in the cart based on the detection result of the weight change of the cart while the user is registering products. If the display processing unit determines, based on the first determination unit, that the shopping cart has been added to the cart, it displays a second notification regarding the shopping cart. The information processing terminal according to claim 1.

5. The computer in the information processing terminal mounted on the weight-detecting cart, A display processing function that shows a notification about the shopping cart before the user registers an item, An information processing program for executing a first determination function that, based on the detection result of weight fluctuation of the cart, determines whether or not a shopping basket has been set in the cart, depending on whether or not the weight fluctuation is equivalent to the weight of the basket, The display processing function, if it is determined by the first determination function that the shopping basket is not set in the cart, displays a notification regarding the shopping basket. Information processing program.

Images