JP6993443B2 - Transaction processing system, control device and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to transaction processing systems, control devices and information processing programs.

A transaction processing system for registering purchased products according to an operation by a customer on a terminal device such as a cart terminal attached to a shopping cart or a mobile information communication terminal owned by the customer has been considered.
In such a transaction processing system, the number of terminal devices used at the same time varies depending on the number of customers who are shopping in the store. Further, in such a transaction processing system, the number of terminal devices that can be used at the same time is limited due to the limitation of resources on the store side. Therefore, at the time of congestion, a situation may occur in which the use of a new terminal device cannot be started.
It is hoped that the possibility of such a situation occurring will be reduced.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-153089

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system capable of reducing the possibility of a situation in which a new terminal device cannot be started.

The transaction processing system of the embodiment includes operating means, determining means, detecting means , controlling means, and reporting means . The operating means is provided in the terminal device and is operated by the operator. The determination means is provided in one of the information processing devices, and performs a process for determining the content of the transaction according to the operation received by the operation means. The detection means is provided in one of the terminal device or the information processing device, and detects a non-operation state that cannot be operated by the operation means. The control means is provided in one of the terminal device or the information processing device, and during the period from the start of the process for determining the content of one transaction to the completion of the determination of the content of the one transaction. When the no-operation state is detected by the detection means, the determination means is controlled so as to end the process related to the one transaction. The reporting means notifies a predetermined reporting destination that the determining means has ended without completing the process.

A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the main part circuit composition of the store server in FIG. The block diagram which shows the main part circuit composition of the virtual POS server in FIG. The block diagram which shows the main part circuit composition of the mobile controller in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the main data structure of the data record included in the transaction management database shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the main data structure of the data record included in the registration database shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of a user terminal in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of a cart terminal in FIG. Flowchart of smartphone UI processing. Flowchart of smartphone UI processing. Flowchart of smartphone UI processing. Flowchart of smartphone UI processing. Flowchart of cart UI processing. Flowchart of management action. Flowchart of mediation processing. Flowchart of mediation processing. Flowchart of mediation processing. Flowchart of transaction processing. Flowchart of transaction processing. The figure which shows an example of a list screen. The figure which shows an example of the registration screen. The figure which shows an example of a list screen. The figure which shows an example of the accounting screen.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the transaction processing system will be described with reference to the drawings.
The transaction processing system in this embodiment processes the transaction of the product in the store that sells the product displayed in the store to the visiting customer.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to the present embodiment.
The transaction processing system includes a plurality of store systems 100, a relay server 200, a user terminal 300, a cart terminal 400, a payment server 500, an electronic receipt server 600, and a communication network 700. Then, the plurality of store systems 100, the relay server 200, the user terminal 300, the payment server 500, and the electronic receipt server 600 can be communicated via the communication network 700.

FIG. 1 shows two store systems 100. These store systems 100 are provided in different stores A and B that use the transaction processing system, respectively. There may be three or more stores that use the transaction processing system, and a store system 100 is provided for each store. In the following, when it is necessary to distinguish the store system 100 provided in each store, the store system 100 provided in the store A is referred to as the store system 100A, and the store system 100 provided in the store B is referred to as the store. Represented as system 100B.
The business operator that operates the store A may be the same as or different from the business operator that operates the store B. When the transaction processing system is used in other stores, the business operator that operates the store may be the same as or different from the business operator that operates the store A or the store B.

The relay server 200 relays data communication between the user terminal 300 and the store system 100. The relay server 200 provides, for example, a data communication relay function as a cloud service via the communication network 700.

The user terminal 300 is a terminal device that functions as a user interface for customers who shop at a store using a transaction processing system. The user terminal 300 has a function of wirelessly communicating with the store system 100 and a function of wirelessly communicating with the communication network 700. As the user terminal 300, a communication terminal having a data communication function such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal can be used. The user terminal 300 is owned by the customer. That is, the user terminal 300 is an example of a terminal device brought into a store by a customer.

The cart terminal 400 is a terminal device that functions as a user interface for customers who perform shopping using a transaction processing system at a store. The cart terminal 400 has a function of wirelessly communicating with the store system 100. The cart terminal 400 is attached to the shopping cart C1 and is installed in the store. The cart terminal 400 is used by customers in stores. That is, the cart terminal 400 is an example of a terminal device lent to a customer by a store.

The payment server 500 performs payment processing for online payment in response to a payment request via the communication network 700. The payment server 500 may be compatible with only one of a plurality of types of payment methods such as credit card payment and electronic money payment, or may be compatible with a plurality of payment methods. .. As the payment server 500, for example, an existing payment server operated by a payment agent that supports a plurality of payment services including those of a plurality of payment methods can be applied.

The electronic receipt server 600 provides a receipt showing the transaction result as an image or a web page. As the electronic receipt server 600, for example, an existing electronic receipt server that provides an electronic receipt service can be applied.

As the communication network 700, for example, the Internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN (local area network), public communication network, mobile communication network and the like can be used alone or in combination as appropriate. As the communication network 700, a mobile communication network and the Internet or VPN are typically used.

The schematic configuration of each store system 100 is common. That is, the store system 100 is configured so that the store server 1, the virtual POS server 2, the mobile controller 3, the communication server 4, the accounting machine 5, and the access point 6 can communicate with each other via the in-store communication network 7. However, the store server 1, the virtual POS server 2, the mobile controller 3, the communication server 4, the accounting machine 5, the access point 6, and the in-store communication network 7 need only have the same functions for realizing the operations described later, and are complete. Does not have to be the same. Further, some store systems 100 may include devices not shown in FIG.

The store server 1 is an information processing device for comprehensively managing a plurality of transactions targeted for processing in the transaction processing system. The store server 1 has, for example, a function similar to that of an existing POS server.
The virtual POS server 2 is an information processing device that performs information processing (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing) for registering purchased products for each transaction and settling the price of the purchased products in response to an external request. The virtual POS server 2 virtually realizes the functions of the existing POS terminal. The information processing performed by the virtual POS server 2 is customized to adapt to the difference in the operation policy of each store. That is, for example, the transaction processing performed by the store server 1 provided in the store system 100A and the transaction processing performed by the store server 1 provided in the store system 100B may be partially different.

The mobile controller 3 is an information processing device that executes management processing and mediation processing. The management process is information processing for managing the above-mentioned transaction process executed by the virtual POS server 2. In the intermediary processing, the virtual POS server 2 and the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 are used in order to perform the above transaction processing executed by the virtual POS server 2 while using the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 as a user interface device. It is information processing for mediation.
The communication server 4 performs communication processing for the store server 1, the virtual POS server 2, the mobile controller 3, and the accounting machine 5 to exchange data with the relay server 200 and the like via the communication network 700.

The accounting machine 5 obtains a price for a purchased product for each transaction managed by the virtual POS server 2, and performs a process for causing the customer to settle the price. The payment methods that the accounting machine 5 can use for the above payments are well-known such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, point payment, code payment (also referred to as mobile payment or smartphone payment, etc.). It may be all or any part of the payment method. The accounting machine 5 may be operated by either a clerk or a customer. As the accounting machine 5, for example, a self-type accounting machine used in an existing semi-self-type POS system can be used. The accounting machine 5 may have a function of performing information processing for registering a product as a purchased product. In this case, as the accounting machine 5, for example, a face-to-face POS terminal used in an existing POS system or a self-type POS terminal used in an existing self-type POS system can be used.

The access point 6 performs communication processing for enabling the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400 to access the in-store communication network 7 by wireless communication. As the access point 6, for example, a well-known communication device that performs wireless communication according to the 802.11 standard can be used. The access point 6 is installed in the store so that the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400 can wirelessly communicate with each other from anywhere in the store's sales floor. Depending on the store scale, a plurality of access points 6 may be arranged in one store system 100.
As the in-store communication network 7, the Internet, VPN, LAN, public communication network, mobile communication network, and the like can be used alone or in combination as appropriate. However, typically, the in-store communication network 7 is a LAN.

In a store provided with the store system 100, a check-in two-dimensional code TC1 is posted near the entrance thereof, and a check-out two-dimensional code TC2 is posted near the exit. The two-dimensional code TC1 represents check-in data for check-in. The two-dimensional code TC2 represents checkout data for checkout. Check-in data and check-out data differ from store to store. Therefore, when it is necessary to distinguish between the two-dimensional codes TC1 and TC2 for store A and the two-dimensional codes TC1 and TC2 for store B, the two-dimensional codes for store A are expressed as two-dimensional codes TC1A and TC2A, and the store B is represented. The two-dimensional codes TC1B and TC2B are used.

Check-in data represents, for example, the following information.
(1) Operation version of store system 100. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents an operating version of the store system 100A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents an operating version of the store system 100B.
(2) A business operator code for identifying a business operator that operates a store in which the store system 100 is provided. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents the business operator code assigned to the business operator that operates the store A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a business operator code assigned to the business operator that operates the store B.
(3) A store code for identifying a store in which the store system 100 is provided. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents the store code assigned to the store A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents the store code assigned to the store B. The store code may be one that can identify each of all the stores that use the transaction processing system, or may be one that can identify each of a plurality of stores operated by the same business operator. ..

(4) The name of the business operator that operates the store in which the store system 100 is installed. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents the name of the business operator that operates the store A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents the name of the business operator that operates the store B.
(5) The name of the store where the store system 100 is installed. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents the name of the store A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents the name of the store B.
(6) A flag for distinguishing the two-dimensional code TC1 and the two-dimensional code TC2. The flag in the check-in data is in a state indicating that it is check-in data. The state is, for example, "1". The flag is common to all two-dimensional codes TC1.

(7) IP address of the communication server 4. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents the IP address of the communication server 4 included in the store system 100A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents the IP address of the communication server 4 included in the store system 100B.
(8) Domain name of the relay server 200. The domain name is common to all two-dimensional codes TC1. However, a plurality of relay servers 200 having different domain names may be used properly for each store. In this case, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1 represents the domain name of the relay server 200 used in the corresponding store.
(9) Address of the electronic receipt server 600. The address may be common to all the two-dimensional codes TC1, or any one of the plurality of addresses may be represented for each two-dimensional code TC1.

(10) A flag indicating whether the user terminal 300 should use wireless communication with the access point 6 or wireless communication with the communication network 700 for exchanging data with the store system 100. For example, in the store A, if the wireless communication between the access point 6 is used for exchanging data between the store system 100A and the user terminal 300, the flag is set to, for example, "1". For example, in the store B, if wireless communication with the communication network 700 is used for data exchange between the store system 100B and the user terminal 300, the flag is set to, for example, "0".
(11) SSID (service set identifier) for identifying the access point 6. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents an SSID that identifies the access point 6 included in the store system 100A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents the SSID of the access point 6 included in the store system 100B.
(12) Password for accessing access point 6. For example, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents a password set in the access point 6 included in the store system 100A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a password set in the access point 6 included in the store system 100B.

(13) Identification number of the security method used by the access point 6. For example, the identification number is assigned "1" to the WPA2-PSK method, "2" to the WPA-PSK method, and "3" to the WEP method. For example, if the access point 6 included in the store system 100A uses the WPA2-PSK method as the security method, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents "1" as the identification number. Further, for example, if the access point 6 included in the store system 100B uses the WPA-PSK method as the security method, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents "2" as the identification number.
(14) A flag for identifying whether an error occurs when the user terminal 300 fails to connect to the relay server 200, or whether the operation is continued without an error. For example, in the store A, if the setting is such that an error occurs when the user terminal 300 fails to connect to the relay server 200, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the flag. .. Further, for example, in the store B, if the user terminal 300 is set to continue operation even if the connection with the relay server 200 fails, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B is set to, for example, "0" as the flag. show.

(15) Identification number of the transmission mode regarding the status of the user terminal 300. The transmission mode includes, for example, a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. For example, the identification number of the transmission mode is assigned "1" to the first mode, "2" to the second mode, and "3" to the third mode. In the first mode, the status of the user terminal 300 is transmitted to the relay server 200. In the second mode, the status of the user terminal 300 is transmitted to the store system 100. In the second mode, the status of the user terminal 300 is not transmitted. For example, in the store A, if the first mode is applied as the transmission mode, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents "1" as the identification number. Further, for example, in the store B, if the second mode is applied as the transmission mode, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents "2" as the identification number.

(16) The identification number of the transmission mode for the log file in which the log data of the user terminal 300 is stored. The transmission mode includes, for example, a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fourth mode. For example, the identification number of the transmission mode is assigned "1" to the first mode, "2" to the second mode, "3" to the third mode, and "4" to the fourth mode. .. In the first mode, the log file is transmitted only to the relay server 200. In the second mode, the log file is transmitted only to the store system 100. In the third mode, the log file is transmitted to both the store system 100 and the relay server 200. In the fourth mode, the log file is not sent. For example, in the store A, if the first mode is applied as the transmission mode, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents "1" as the identification number.
Further, for example, in the store B, if the second mode is applied as the transmission mode, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents "2" as the identification number.

(17) A host name or IP address used when a log file is transmitted to a relay server 200 via a communication network 700 by FTP (file transfer protocol).
(18) User name used when transmitting a log file to the relay server 200 via the communication network 700 by FTP.
(19) A password used when transmitting a log file to the relay server 200 via the communication network 700 by FTP.
(20) The path name of the log file transmitted by FTP to the relay server 200 via the communication network 700.

(21) A flag for identifying whether to delete the check digit of the UPC (universal product cord), which is a type of product code. For example, in the store A, if the operation does not delete the check digit, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the flag. Further, for example, in the store B, if the operation is to delete the check digit, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "0" as the flag.
(22) Time until the camera screen is automatically changed in the user terminal 300. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents a preset time for the store A as the time. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a preset time for the store B as the time.
(23) Time-out time when the user terminal 300 communicates with the store system 100 via the access point 6. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents a preset time for the store A as the time. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a preset time for the store B as the time.

(24) The number of times that a retry is allowed when the communication between the user terminal 300 and the store system 100 via the access point 6 times out. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents a preset number of times for the store A as the number of times. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a preset number of times for the store B as the time.
(25) Time-out time when the user terminal 300 communicates with the store system 100 via the relay server 200. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents a preset time for the store A as the time. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a preset time for the store B as the time.
(26) The number of times that a retry is allowed when the communication between the user terminal 300 and the store system 100 via the relay server 200 times out. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents a preset number of times for the store A as the number of times. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents a preset number of times for the store B as the time.

(27) Authentication data used in the authentication process to certify the declaration of the end of confirmation regarding transactions targeting products that require confirmation by the clerk. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents authentication data preset for the store A. The check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents authentication data preset for the store B. It is preferable that the authentication data is set differently for each store, but the same authentication data may be set in different stores.
(28) Data for identifying the operation mode of the store system 100. For example, if the store system 100A is set to the normal mode in which the transaction processing system is normally operated, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the data. Further, for example, if the store system 100B is set to the demo mode in which the transaction processing system is demo-operated, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "2" as the data.
(29) Data for identifying the mode of data transfer to the accounting machine 5. For example, if the store system 100A is set to a mode in which data transfer is requested from the accounting machine 5 to the mobile controller 3, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the data. Further, for example, if the store system 100B is set to a mode for transferring data from the mobile controller 3 to the accounting machine 5 without a request from the accounting machine 5, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B is used as the data. For example, it represents "2".

(30) A flag indicating whether or not payment by the code payment method by the operation on the user terminal 300 is permitted. For example, if the store A allows the code payment, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the flag. Further, for example, if the code payment is not allowed in the store B, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "0" as the flag.
(31) A flag for identifying whether or not to allow registration of an age-restricted product for which a purchaser's age limit is set on the user terminal 300. For example, if the store A allows the registration of the age-restricted product on the user terminal 300, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the flag. Further, for example, if the code payment is not allowed in the store B, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "0" as the flag.
(32) Data for identifying the input mode of the membership code of the point member. For example, if the store system 100A is set to the mode in which the member code is manually input, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the data. Further, for example, if the store system 100B is set to a mode in which a member code is input by reading a barcode, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "2" as the data.

(33) A flag for identifying whether or not the clerk's confirmation is required when entering the membership code when the mode for manually entering the membership code of the point member is set. For example, if the confirmation is required at the store A, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "1" as the flag. Further, for example, if the confirmation is not required at the store B, the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "0" as the flag.
(34) A threshold value for checking the remaining battery level of the user terminal 300 at check-in. The threshold value is set for each store or each business operator. For example, when the business operator who operates the store A defines the threshold value as "20%", the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1A represents, for example, "20" as the threshold value. Further, for example, when the store B defines the threshold value as "25%", the check-in data represented by the two-dimensional code TC1B represents, for example, "25" as the threshold value.
The above is an example of the information represented by the check-in data. However, the check-in data does not have to include a part of the various information shown above. Further, the check-in data may represent information different from the various information shown above.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the store server 1.
The store server 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a communication interface 14, and a transmission line 15. The processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the communication interface 14 can communicate with each other via the transmission line 15. Then, the processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected by the transmission line 15, so that a computer for controlling the store server 1 is configured.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing for realizing various functions as the store server 1 according to an information processing program such as an operating system and an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores the above information processing program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute information processing in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (read only memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (random access memory).

The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage unit 13, for example, a storage unit using a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive) can be used. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 for performing various processes, data created by the processes of the processor 11, and the like. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may store the above information processing program.

The communication interface 14 performs data communication with each unit connected to the in-store communication network 7 according to a predetermined communication protocol. As the communication interface 14, for example, a well-known communication device for LAN can be applied.
The transmission line 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like, and transmits data and control signals transmitted and received between the connected parts.

The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores the store management application AP11, which is one of the information processing programs. The store management application AP11 is an application program, and describes information processing for realizing the function as the store server 1. The store management application AP11 may be a separate one created according to the store management policy for each store or for each business operator that operates the store. For example, if the sales data management method is different between the store A and the store B, the store management application AP11 used in the store system 100A is for managing the sales data adapted to the sales data management method in the store A. The information processing is described, and the store management application AP11 used in the store system 100B describes information processing for managing sales data adapted to the sales data management method in the store B.

A part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 13 is used as the database group DB 11. The database group DB 11 includes a plurality of databases for managing various types of information. One of the databases included in the database group DB 11 is a product database for managing products sold in stores. A merchandise database is a collection of data records associated with a merchandise to be managed. The data record of the product database contains data about the associated product, such as product code, price and product name. The product code is an identification code defined for identifying a product for each SKU (stock keeping unit), and for example, a JAN (Japanese article number) code is used. The product name is a name defined so that humans can easily distinguish the product. The price is the amount of money for the sale of the product.

One of the databases included in the database group DB 11 is a user database for managing store users. A user database is a collection of data records associated with a customer registered as a store user. The data record of the user database contains data about the associated customer, such as a user code and attribute information for identifying the user. The user code is a unique identification code defined for each user of the store in order to individually identify the user of the store. Attribute information may include name, gender, age, address, telephone number, and the like. In addition, the data record of the user database may include payment information declared by the user of the store. The payment information is a credit number, a code payment ID (identifier), or the like. Further, when a plurality of payment methods can be selected, the payment information may include a payment method code for identifying the payment method. In the case of a store that provides a point service, the data record of the user database may include an identifier for identifying the user of the point service (hereinafter referred to as a point ID), the number of points held, and the like. .. Further, the data record of the user database may include a user identifier (hereinafter referred to as an electronic receipt ID) for identifying a user of the electronic receipt service. The various data contained in the data records of the user database do not have to contain substantive data for all users. For example, the user database may include only the point ID or the electronic receipt ID for which the user has applied for registration in advance.

In addition, the database group DB 11 may include various databases managed by the POS server in the existing POS system. It should be noted that what kind of database the database group DB 11 includes or what kind of data the database group includes and what kind of structure may be determined for each store.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 2.
The virtual POS server 2 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage unit 23, a communication interface 24, and a transmission line 25. The processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage unit 23, and the communication interface 24 can communicate with each other via the transmission line 25. Then, by connecting the processor 21, the main memory 22, and the auxiliary storage unit 23 by the transmission line 25, a computer for controlling the virtual POS server 2 is configured. The outline of the functions of the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage unit 23, the communication interface 24, and the transmission line 25 is the same as that of the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the communication interface 14, and the transmission line 15. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

However, the auxiliary storage unit 23 stores the virtual POS application AP21 instead of the store management application AP11. The virtual POS application AP21 is an application program and describes transaction processing. The virtual POS application AP21 may be a separate one created according to the store management policy for each store or for each business operator that operates the store. For example, if the store A provides a discount service that is not provided in the store B, the virtual POS application AP21 used in the store system 100A describes information processing for realizing the discount service, and the store system 100B is described. The virtual POS application AP21 used in the above does not describe information processing for realizing the discount service.

Further, a part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 23 is used as the transaction database DB 21 instead of the database group DB 11. The transaction database DB 21 is a set of data records associated with a transaction with a customer who is buying around in the store. The data record of the transaction database DB 21 includes a transaction code and product data related to a product registered as a purchased product. The transaction code is a unique identification code set for each transaction in order to identify each transaction. The product data represents a product code, a product name, a price, a quantity, and the like. The structure of the transaction database DB 21 may be individually determined according to the store management policy for each store or each business operator that operates the store.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the mobile controller 3.
The mobile controller 3 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a communication interface 34, and a transmission line 35. The processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the communication interface 34 can communicate with each other via the transmission line 35. Then, by connecting the processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage unit 33 by the transmission line 35, a computer for controlling the mobile controller 3 is configured. The outline of the functions of the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, the communication interface 34, and the transmission line 35 is the same as that of the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the communication interface 14, and the transmission line 15. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

However, the auxiliary storage unit 33 stores the transaction management application AP31 instead of the store management application AP11. The transaction management application AP31 is an application program, and describes management processing and intermediary processing. The transaction management application AP31 is common to each store system 100. However, various settings for information processing based on the transaction management application AP31 may be customized for each store system 100.

Further, a part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 23 is used as the transaction management database DB 31 and the registration database DB 32 instead of the database group DB 11. The structures of the transaction management database DB 31 and the registration database DB 32 are common to each store system 100.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the data record DR1 included in the transaction management database DB31.
The transaction management database DB 31 is a set of data records DR1 associated with the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 used by the customer in the store. Therefore, when there is only one customer in the store, the transaction management database DB 31 includes one data record DR1. Further, when there is no customer existing in the store, the transaction management database DB 31 does not include the data record DR1. The data record DR1 includes the fields F11, F12, F13, and F14.

A terminal code for identifying the associated user terminal 300 or cart terminal 400 is set in the field F11. As the terminal code, for example, a unique identification code set for each communication terminal can be used to identify each communication terminal used as the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400. Alternatively, as the terminal code, for example, an identification code set for the smartphone POS application or the cart terminal application when the smartphone POS application or the cart terminal application described later is installed on the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 can be used. .. A membership code for identifying a customer using the associated user terminal 300 or cart terminal 400 from another customer is set in the field F12. A transaction code for a transaction performed using the associated user terminal 300 or cart terminal 400 is set in the field F13. An electronic receipt ID is set in the field F14 as needed. The data record DR1 may include another field in which data different from the fields F11 to F14 is set.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the data record DR2 included in the registration database DB 32.
The registration database DB 32 is a set of data records DR2 associated with a transaction with a customer who is buying around in the store. The data record DR2 includes the fields F21 and F22. The data record DR1 may also include fields F23, F24, ....

The transaction code of the associated transaction is set in the field F21. This transaction code is the same as the transaction code set in the field F12 of the data record DR1 associated with the user terminal 300 used in the associated transaction. The field F22 is set with registration data relating to the attempted merchandise registration for the associated transaction. The registration data will be described later.

The data record DR2 includes fields F23 and subsequent fields when two or more purchased goods are attempted to be registered for the associated transaction. Then, the same registration data as in the field F12 is set in the fields after the field F23.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the user terminal 300.
The user terminal 300 includes a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage unit 303, a touch panel 304, a camera 305, a wireless communication unit 306, a mobile communication unit 307, a transmission line 308, and the like. The processor 301, the main memory 302, the auxiliary storage unit 303, the touch panel 304, the camera 305, and the mobile communication unit 307 can communicate with each other via the transmission line 308. Then, by connecting the processor 301, the main memory 302, and the auxiliary storage unit 303 by the transmission line 308, a computer for controlling the user terminal 300 is configured. Since the outline of the functions of the processor 301, the main memory 302, the auxiliary storage unit 303, and the transmission line 308 is the same as that of the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the transmission line 15, the description thereof will be omitted.

The touch panel 304 functions as an input device and a display device of the user terminal 300.
The camera 305 includes an optical system and an image sensor, and the image sensor generates image data representing an image in a field of view formed by the optical system.

The wireless communication unit 306 exchanges data with and from the access point 6 by wireless communication according to the wireless communication protocol. As the wireless communication unit 306, for example, a well-known communication device compliant with the 802.11 standard can be used.
The mobile communication unit 307 is an interface for data communication via the communication network 700. As the mobile communication unit 307, for example, a well-known communication device for performing data communication via a mobile communication network can be used.

The auxiliary storage unit 303 stores the smartphone POS application AP301, which is one of the information processing programs. The smartphone POS application AP301 is an application program, and describes information processing (hereinafter referred to as smartphone UI processing) described later for causing the user terminal 300 to function as a user interface of the store system 100. The smartphone POS application AP301 is commonly used by a plurality of user terminals 300.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the cart terminal 400.
The cart terminal 400 includes a tablet computer 401, a scanner 402, a reader 403, and a camera 404.

The tablet computer 401 includes a processor 401a, a main memory 401b, an auxiliary storage unit 401c, a wireless communication unit 401d, a touch panel 401e, a sound unit 401f, an interface unit 401g, and a transmission line 401h. The processor 401a, the main memory 401b, the auxiliary storage unit 401c, the wireless communication unit 401d, the touch panel 401e, the sound unit 401f, and the interface unit 401g can communicate with each other via the transmission line 401h. A computer for controlling the cart terminal 400 is configured by connecting the processor 401a, the main memory 401b, and the auxiliary storage unit 401c by the transmission line 401h. The functions of the processor 401a, the main memory 401b, the auxiliary storage unit 401c, the touch panel 401e, the wireless communication unit 401d, and the transmission line 401h are outlined in the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the touch panel 304, and the wireless communication unit 306. And since it is equivalent to the transmission line 15, the description thereof will be omitted.

However, the auxiliary storage unit 401c stores the cart terminal application AP401 instead of the store management application AP11. The cart terminal application AP401 is an application program, and describes information processing (hereinafter, referred to as cart UI processing) described later for making the cart terminal 400 function as a user interface of the store system 100. The cart terminal application AP401 is commonly used by a plurality of cart terminals 400.

The sound unit 401f outputs various sounds such as voice and melody.
A scanner 402, a reader 403, and a camera 404 are connected to the interface unit 401g. The interface unit 401g interfaces the transfer of data between the scanner 402, the reader 403, the camera 404, and the processor 401a. As the interface unit 401g, an existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used.

The scanner 402 reads a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional data code. The scanner 402 is mainly used to read a code symbol shown on a product and representing a product code or the like of the product. The scanner 402 may be displayed on a membership card or displayed on a mobile terminal and used to read a code symbol representing a membership code or the like. The scanner 402 outputs the data represented by the read code symbol. The scanner 402 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning a laser beam, or may be a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an image pickup device.

The reader 403 reads and outputs the data recorded on the recording medium. The reader 403 is a magnetic card reader when the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader when the recording medium is a contact type IC card. In the case of a recording medium using RFID (radio frequency identification) such as a contactless IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as a reader 403.
The camera 404 takes a bird's-eye view of the inside of the shopping cart placed on the shopping cart C1. Then, the camera 404 outputs image data representing the captured image.

As the hardware of the store server 1, the virtual POS server 2, or the mobile controller 3, for example, a general-purpose server device can be used. Then, in the transfer of the store server 1, the virtual POS server 2 or the mobile controller 3, the store management application AP11, the virtual POS application AP21 or the transaction management application AP31 are generally stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, 23 or 33, respectively, and the database group DB11, The transaction database DB21, or the transaction management database DB31 and the registration database DB32 are not stored. However, the store management application AP11, the virtual POS application AP21, or the transaction management application AP31 is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, 23 or 33, or another version of the application program of the same type is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, 23 or 33. The hardware in the state of being in the state and the store management application AP11, the virtual POS application AP21, or the transaction management application AP31 may be transferred individually. Then, the store management application AP11, the virtual POS application AP21, or the transaction management application AP31 is written to the auxiliary storage unit 13, 23 or 33 according to the operation of any worker, whereby the store server 1, the virtual POS server 2 or the store server 2 or The mobile controller 3 may be configured. The transfer of the store management application AP11, the virtual POS application AP21, or the transaction management application AP31 is performed by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. be able to. In the transaction database DB21, or the transaction management database DB31 and the registration database DB32, the processor 11,21 or 31 executes information processing based on the store management application AP11, the virtual POS application AP21 or the transaction management application AP31, so that the auxiliary storage unit 13 , 23 or 33. At least a part of the database included in the store management application AP11 and the database group DB11 may be stored in the main memory 12. At least a part of the virtual POS application AP21 and the transaction database DB 21 may be stored in the main memory 22. At least a part of the transaction management application AP31, the transaction management database DB31, and the registration database DB 32 may be stored in the main memory 32.

Next, the operation of the transaction processing system configured as described above will be described. The contents of the various processes described below are examples, and it is possible to change the order of some processes, omit some processes, or add another process as appropriate. For example, in the following description, in order to explain the characteristic operation of the present embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner, the description of some processes is omitted. For example, when some error occurs, processing for dealing with the error may be performed, but a part of such processing is omitted.

A service provided to a customer using a user terminal 300 by operating a transaction processing system is referred to as a smartphone POS service. Further, a service provided to a customer using the cart terminal 400 by operating the transaction processing system is referred to as a cart POS service.
The user terminal 300 exchanges data with the store system 100 in order to use the smartphone POS service, and whether to use wireless communication with the access point 6 or wireless communication with the communication network 700 for communication for that purpose is determined. Determined by the state of the flags contained in the check-in data. However, in the following, for the sake of simplification of the description, a case where wireless communication with the access point 6 is used will be described. In addition, there is a mode in which data transfer from the virtual POS server 2 to the accounting machine 5 is requested from the accounting machine 5 to the mobile controller 3 in order for the accounting machine 5 to perform accounting, and there is no request from the accounting machine 5. Whether to use the mode of transferring data from the mobile controller 3 to the accounting machine 5 is determined by the state of the flag included in the check-in data. However, in the following, for the sake of simplification of the description, the mode of requesting data transfer from the accounting machine 5 to the mobile controller 3 will be fixedly used.

In order to use the smartphone POS service, the customer installs the smartphone POS application AP301 on his / her own smartphone or the like and makes it available as a user terminal 300. Alternatively, the customer rents a user terminal 300 configured by installing the smartphone POS application AP301 on a tablet terminal or the like at a store. Then, the customer takes the user terminal 300 in the state where the information processing based on the smartphone POS application AP301 is activated, and enters any store in which the store system 100 is provided.

If the customer wants to confirm the result of the transaction using the smartphone POS service by the electronic receipt service, he / she registers the use of the electronic receipt service. By this usage registration, the customer is assigned an electronic receipt ID. Then, the customer stores the electronic receipt ID assigned to the user terminal 300 in the user terminal 300 owned by the customer. In addition, the electronic receipt ID may be stored in association with the point ID in the member database managed on the store side in order to manage the customer. In this case, the customer may store the point ID assigned to himself / herself in the user terminal 300 owned by himself / herself.

At the user terminal 300, the processor 301 acquires an electronic receipt ID or a point ID by a setting process based on the smartphone POS application AP301, and stores it in the auxiliary storage unit 303 as registration data related to the smartphone POS application AP301. For example, when the operator requests the registration of the electronic receipt ID, the processor 301 causes the operator to specify a login ID and a login password for authenticating the user on the electronic receipt server 600. Then, the processor 301 logs in to the electronic receipt server 600 using the designated login ID and login password, acquires the electronic receipt ID of the user identified by the login ID, and stores the electronic receipt ID in the auxiliary storage unit 303. .. The processor 301 may, for example, have an operator specify an electronic receipt ID and store the designated electronic receipt ID in the auxiliary storage unit 303. Further, for example, when the operator requests the registration of the point ID, the processor 301 causes the operator to specify the point ID and stores the designated point ID in the auxiliary storage unit 303. As the point ID, a point card number or the like given to the point card distributed to the customer is used. When the registration of each of the electronic receipt ID and the point ID is sequentially requested, the processor 301 individually executes the above processing, and stores both the electronic receipt ID and the point ID in the auxiliary storage unit 303. .. However, the processor 301 may store only one of the predetermined ones.

9, 10, 11, and 12 are flowcharts of smartphone UI processing executed by the processor 301 according to the smartphone POS application AP301.
First, as the ACT 101 shown in FIG. 9, the processor 301 displays the main menu screen on the touch panel 304. The main menu screen is a screen for receiving the designation of any of several processes to be performed according to the smartphone POS application AP301. On the main menu screen, a plurality of GUI elements including a GUI (graphical user interface) element for designating the start of shopping are arranged. The GUI element is, for example, a soft key.

As the ACT 102, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the start of shopping is specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to the ACT 103.
As the ACT 103, the processor 301 confirms whether or not a designation other than the start of shopping has been made. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to the ACT 102.
Thus, the processor 301 waits for the ACT 102 and the ACT 103 to be specified on the main menu screen. Then, if a designation other than the start of shopping is made, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 103 and proceeds to the designated processing. The description of the processing of the processor 301 in this case will be omitted. The process of the processor 301 for registering the electronic receipt ID or the point ID described above may be one of the processes here.

When the customer enters the store and starts shopping, the customer performs a predetermined operation for designating the start of shopping on the main menu screen. When the operation is detected on the touch panel 304, for example, the processor 301 determines YES on the ACT 102 and proceeds to the ACT 104.
As the ACT 104, the processor 301 causes the touch panel 304 to display a scan screen for check-in. The check-in scan screen is a screen that prompts the customer to read the check-in two-dimensional code TC1. For example, the processor 301 activates the camera 305, and the image obtained by the camera 305 shows a character message prompting the customer to read the two-dimensional code TC1 and an indication of the position where the two-dimensional code TC should be held. Generate a scan screen by overlapping with the line.

When the scan screen is displayed on the touch panel 304, the customer points the camera 305 at the two-dimensional code TC1 so that the two-dimensional code TC1 posted near the entrance of the store is reflected on the scan screen.

As the ACT 105, the processor 301 waits for the two-dimensional code to be read.
At this time, the processor 301 repeatedly analyzes the image obtained by the camera 305 and tries to read the two-dimensional code. The reading of the two-dimensional code may be performed as a process based on the smartphone POS application AP301, or may be performed as a process based on another application program for reading the two-dimensional code. Then, if the two-dimensional code is read, the processor 301 determines YES and proceeds to the ACT 106.

As the ACT 106, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the data represented by the read two-dimensional code is the check-in data. Then, the processor 301 determines NO if it is not the check-in data, and returns to the ACT 105. At this time, the processor 301 may display a screen on the touch panel 304 notifying the customer that the erroneous two-dimensional code has been read.

If the processor 301 can confirm that the data represented by the read two-dimensional code is the check-in data, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 106 and proceeds to the ACT 107.
As the ACT 107, the processor 301 stores the read check-in data in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage unit 303.

As the ACT 108, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to check in. Specifically, the processor 301 establishes wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 306 and the access point 6 based on the data represented by the check-in data. For example, if the camera 305 is pointed at the 2D code TC1A by the customer in the store A, the processor 301 wirelessly communicates with the access point 6 provided in the store system 100A based on the check-in data represented by the 2D code TC1A. Establish communication. Then, the processor 301 transmits the request data for requesting the check-in to the mobile controller 3 via the wireless communication with the access point 6. When wireless communication with the access point 6 provided in the store system 100A is established as described above, the requested data is transmitted via the access point 6 provided in the store system 100A and the in-store communication network 7. Then, it is transmitted to the mobile controller 3 provided in the store system 100A. The processor 301 includes identification data for identifying the request for check-in and a terminal code in the request data for requesting check-in. If the customer is a registered user of the smartphone POS service and has a membership code, the processor 301 also includes the membership code in the request data. The membership code is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage unit 303 of the user terminal 300. If the point ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303, the processor 301 also includes the point ID in the request data. Processor 301 may include other data in the request data, for example data for authenticating the customer.

As for various requests from the user terminal 300 to the mobile controller 3 described below, the request data including the identification data for identifying the reason for the request is transmitted to the access point 6 and the in-store communication network 7 in the same manner as described above. This is realized by sending data from the user terminal 300 to the mobile controller 3 via the user terminal 300.

When the cart terminal 400 is activated, the processor 401a executes the cart UI processing described below according to the cart terminal application AP401.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the cart UI processing executed by the processor 401a.

As ACT161, the processor 401a notifies the mobile controller 3 that it has been started. The processor 401a transmits notification data for activation notification to the mobile controller 3 via wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 401d and the access point 6. The notification data is transmitted to the mobile controller 3 via the access point 6 and the in-store communication network 7.
As the ACT 162, the processor 401a waits for the use start operation to be performed. At this time, the processor 401a is in a state of waiting for the start of shopping using the attached shopping cart C1. For example, in this standby state, the processor 401a displays a screen showing the start button on the touch panel 401e. When using the cart POS service, the customer takes out one of the shopping carts C1 placed in the cart storage area and uses the cart terminal 400 attached to the shopping cart C1 in advance to start using the service. Perform the specified operation. If the customer is a member, the scanner 402 or the reader 403 reads the membership code recorded on the membership card. If the customer is not a member, he / she operates the above start button. Then, if these operations are performed, the processor 401a determines that the operation for starting use has been performed and determines YES, and proceeds to ACT163.

As the ACT 163, the processor 401a requests the mobile controller 3 to check in. Specifically, the processor 401a transmits request data for requesting check-in to the mobile controller 3 via wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 401d and the access point 6. The request data is transmitted to the mobile controller 3 via the access point 6 and the in-store communication network 7. The request data for requesting check-in includes identification data for identifying the request for check-in and a terminal code for identifying the cart terminal 400 on which the processor 401a is mounted. , Include the membership code mentioned above. When the start button is touched, the processor 401a notifies the virtual POS server 2 of a member code predetermined for non-members. The membership code for non-members may be common to a plurality of customers or may be different. The notification data is transmitted to the mobile controller 3 via the access point 6 and the in-store communication network 7.

As for various requests from the cart terminal 400 to the mobile controller 3 described below, the request data including the identification data for identifying the reason for the request is transmitted to the access point 6 and the in-store communication network 7 in the same manner as described above. This is realized by sending data from the user terminal 300 to the mobile controller 3 via the user terminal 300.

In the mobile controller 3, the processor 31 executes a management process according to the transaction management application AP31.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the management process by the processor 31.

As the ACT181, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the activation notification has been made. Then, if the corresponding notification cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT182.
As the ACT 182, the processor 31 confirms whether or not a check-in request has been made. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT183.
As the ACT 183, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the mediation process is completed. Then, if the end of the mediation process cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and returns to ACT181.
Thus, the processor 31 waits for the start notification, the check-in request, or the end of the mediation process for the ACT181 to ACT183.

If the notification data for activation notification transmitted from the cart terminal 400 is received by the communication interface 34 as described above, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT181 and proceeds to ACT184.
As ACT184, processor 31 updates the cart list. The cart list is data representing a list of terminal codes of the cart terminal 400 in operation. The cart list is stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33. The processor 31 updates the cart list to include, for example, the terminal code included in the above notification data. The processor 31 may acquire various data related to the cart terminal 400 such as the SSID of the cart terminal 400 from the cart terminal 400 and describe it in the cart list in association with the terminal code. After that, the processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT181 to ACT183. Although a specific description is omitted, when the processor 31 detects that the cart terminal 400 has stopped operating, the processor 31 updates the cart list so as to delete the terminal code of the cart terminal 400.

If the request data for the check-in request transmitted from the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 is received by the communication interface 34 as described above, the processor 31 determines YES in the ACT 182 and proceeds to the ACT 185. ..
As the ACT 185, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the virtual POS server 2 can start a new transaction process. As will be described later, the virtual POS server 2 executes a plurality of transaction processes in parallel. However, the number of transaction processes that can be executed in parallel (hereinafter referred to as the maximum number) is limited due to the limitation of resources such as the processing capacity of the processor 21. For example, if the total number of transaction processes executed by the processor 21 at that time is less than the maximum number, the processor 31 determines that it can be started and determines YES, and proceeds to ACT186.

As ACT186, the processor 31 confirms whether or not it is the cart terminal 400 that is requesting check-in. The processor 31 checks, for example, whether or not the terminal code included in the request data is included in the cart list. Then, if the corresponding terminal code is not included in the cart list, the processor 31 determines that the user terminal 300 is requesting check-in and determines NO, and proceeds to ACT187.
The processor 31 may confirm whether the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 is requesting check-in based on the type data included in the request data. However, in this case, at least one of the processor 301 of the user terminal 300 and the processor 401a of the cart terminal 400 should include the type data for distinguishing the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400 in the request data for requesting check-in. To.
As the ACT 187, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the transaction processing for the user terminal 300 is allowed to start. For example, if the number of transaction processes executed by the virtual POS server 2 with respect to the user terminal 300 is a predetermined allowable number, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT188. The processor 31 compares, for example, the number of executions stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33 with respect to the intermediary processing for the user terminal 300 with the allowable number for the determination here.

As an example, the manager of the store system 100 determines the limited number of cart terminals 400 to be operated simultaneously in the store for each store. The processor 31 inputs a limited number of units according to the operation of the administrator or the like, and stores the limited number of units in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33. If the limited number of units is already stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33, the processor 31 overwrites the newly input limited number of units. Then, the number of processors 31 obtained by subtracting the limited number from the maximum number is set as the allowable number. Specifically, if the maximum number is 24 and the limit number is 15, the permissible number is 9. In the case of this example, it is always guaranteed that the transaction processing can be executed in parallel with each of the limited number of cart terminals 400 as the target terminal.

However, the limited number of units is determined by, for example, the creator of the transaction management application AP31, and may be fixedly applied to all stores. Further, the allowable number is determined by, for example, the creator of the transaction management application AP31, and may be fixedly applied to all stores. Further, the allowable number may be the number of terminal codes described in the cart list, that is, the number of operating cart terminals 400 subtracted from the maximum number. The permissible number is obtained by multiplying the limited number of cart terminals 400 or the number of operating cart terminals by a coefficient of less than 1, or by subtracting a certain number and performing appropriate rounding, and subtracting the integer value obtained from the maximum number. It may be a number. Further, instead of the limited number, the guaranteed connection number determined as the number less than the maximum number regardless of the limited number is stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the guaranteed number of connections is subtracted from the maximum number. The number may be an allowable number.

The processor 31 proceeds to ACT188 not only when it is determined to be NO by ACT187 but also when it is determined to be NO by ACT185. If the total number of transaction processes executed by the processor 21 matches the maximum number, the processor 31 determines that it cannot be started and determines NO in the ACT 185. The processor 31 obtains the above total number as the sum of the two execution numbers stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33, as will be described later.
As the ACT 188, the processor 31 notifies the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400, which is the request source of the check-in, of an error indicating that the check-in cannot be performed. After that, the processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT181 to ACT183. That is, in the processor 31, the number of check-in requests made from the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 or the number of executions of transaction processing related to the user terminal 300 reaches the allowable number in a state where the virtual POS server 2 cannot start new transaction processing. The check-in request made from the user terminal 300 in this state is rejected.

When the virtual POS server 2 can start a new transaction process and the check-in request is from the cart terminal 400, the processor 31 determines YES in the ACT 186 and proceeds to the ACT 189. For example, when the terminal code included in the request data is included in the cart list, the processor 31 determines that the check-in request is from the cart terminal 400 and determines YES in ACT186. Further, in the processor 31, when the virtual POS server 2 can start a new transaction process and the check-in request is from the user terminal 300, but the number of transaction processes executed for the user terminal 300 is less than the allowable number. , ACT187 determines YES and proceeds to ACT189.
As the ACT 189, the processor 31 starts an intermediary process for the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 that has requested check-in. The intermediary process is executed by the processor 31 in parallel with the management process, for example, as a process of a thread different from the management process. If the processor 31 is already executing the mediation process for another user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400, the processor 31 starts a new mediation process in parallel with the mediation process. That is, the processor 31 may execute a plurality of intermediary processes in parallel.

As the ACT 190, the processor 31 increases the number of executions of the mediation process. For example, the processor 31 manages the number of executions of the mediation process for the user terminal 300 and the number of executions of the mediation process for the cart terminal 400 by storing them in, for example, the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. .. Then, when the processor 31 starts the mediation process targeting the user terminal 300 at the ACT 189, the processor 31 increases the number of executions of the mediation process targeting the user terminal 300 by one. Further, if the processor 31 starts the mediation process for the cart terminal 400 at the ACT 189, the processor 31 increases the number of executions of the mediation process for the cart terminal 400 by one. After that, the processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT181 to ACT183.

When the intermediary process started as described above is completed, the processor 31 determines YES in the ACT 183 and proceeds to the ACT 191.
As ACT191, the processor 31 reduces the number of executions. For example, if the terminated intermediary process targets the user terminal 300, the processor 31 reduces the number of executions of the intermediary process targeting the user terminal 300 by one. Further, if the completed mediation process targets the cart terminal 400, the processor 31 reduces the number of executions of the mediation process targeting the cart terminal 400 by one. After that, the processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT181 to ACT183.

15 and 16 are flowcharts of mediation processing by the processor 31.
As described above, the processor 31 may execute a plurality of intermediary processes in parallel for each of a plurality of user terminals 300 or cart terminals 400. In the following description of the mediation process, when the term "user terminal 300 or cart terminal 400" is used, it means the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 that is the target of the mediation process. When it is not necessary to distinguish the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 that is the target of the mediation process, it is described as the target terminal.

As the ACT 201 of FIG. 15, the processor 31 performs a check-in process. The processor 31 requests, for example, the virtual POS server 2 to start a transaction, and is notified of the transaction code.
Then, the processor 31 adds a new data record DR1 to the transaction management database DB 31. The processor 31 sets the terminal code included in the request data in the field F11 of the new data record DR1. If the request data includes a membership code, the processor 31 sets the membership code in the field F12 of the new data record DR1. The processor 31 sets the above notified transaction code in the field F13 of the new data record DR1. If the request data includes a point ID, the processor 31 attempts to acquire an electronic receipt ID associated with the point ID. That is, for example, the processor 31 accesses the store server 1, checks the user database included in the database group DB 11, and acquires the electronic receipt ID if the point ID is associated with the electronic receipt ID. Then, if the processor 31 can acquire the electronic receipt ID in this way, the processor 31 sets the electronic receipt ID in the field F14 of the new data record DR1. As a result, the management of transactions performed using the target terminal is started.

In the virtual POS server 2, the processor 21 starts the transaction processing according to the virtual POS application AP21 when the mobile controller 3 requests the start of the transaction.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of transaction processing by the processor 21.

The processor 21 starts the transaction processing every time the start of the transaction is requested. If another transaction process has already been executed, the new transaction process is started in parallel with it. That is, when a plurality of intermediary processes are executed in parallel by the mobile controller 3, the processor 21 executes a plurality of transaction processes corresponding to each of the plurality of intermediary processes in parallel.

That is, the processor 31 starts the mediation process in response to the request from the user terminal 300 or the cart terminal 400 as the terminal device, and thereby performs the transaction process in response to the instruction from the request source terminal device to the processor of the virtual POS server 2. 21 to start. However, in the processor 31, the requesting terminal device is the user terminal 300 as a terminal device belonging to the first type, and a predetermined allowable number of transaction processes are already executed by the processor 21 with the user terminal 300 as the target terminal. If so, do not initiate transaction processing in response to the above request.

As the ACT 301, the processor 21 executes a transaction start process. In this transaction start process, the processor 21 determines the transaction code according to a predetermined rule, and sets the transaction database DB 21 to include a new data record for managing the purchased product in the transaction identified by the transaction code. Update. Then, the processor 21 notifies the mobile controller 3 of the above-determined transaction code.

As the ACT 302, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the change of the purchased product is requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 21 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 303.
As the ACT 303, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the transaction is requested to be cancelled. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 21 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 304.
As the ACT 304, the processor 21 confirms whether or not payment has been requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 21 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 305.
As the ACT 305, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the transfer of payment data is requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 21 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 306.
As the ACT 306, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the termination is instructed. Then, if the corresponding instruction cannot be confirmed, the processor 21 determines NO and returns to the ACT 302.
Thus, the processor 21 waits for ACT 302 to ACT 306 to be requested to change, cancel, settle, or transfer, or to be instructed to end.

Now, when the processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 finishes the check-in process, it proceeds to ACT202 in FIG.
As the ACT 202, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the check-in process has been completed normally. Then, if the check-in process cannot be completed normally due to some abnormality, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 203.
As the ACT 203, the processor 31 notifies the target terminal of the error. For example, the processor 31 transmits notification data for error notification to the target terminal via the in-store communication network 7 and the access point 6. The processor 31 includes identification data for identifying that it is an error notification in the notification data. The processor 31 may include an error code indicating the cause of the error in the notification data. Then, the processor 31 ends the mediation process with this.

In the various notifications from the mobile controller 3 to the target terminal described below, notification data including identification data for identifying the reason for the notification is transmitted via the in-store communication network 7 and the access point 6 in the same manner as described above. It is realized by sending from the mobile controller 3 to the target terminal.

On the other hand, if the check-in process can be completed normally, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT202 and proceeds to ACT204.
As ACT204, the processor 31 notifies the target terminal of the completion of check-in.

At the user terminal 300, the processor 301 requests check-in at the ACT 108 in FIG. 9, and then proceeds to the ACT 109.
As the ACT 109, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the check-in completion has been notified. Then, if the corresponding notification cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to the ACT 110.
As the ACT 110, the processor 301 confirms whether or not a check-in error has been notified. Then, if the corresponding notification cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to the ACT 109.
Thus, the processor 301 waits for the ACT 109 and ACT 110 to be notified of the completion of check-in or an error. Then, if the notification data for error notification in ACT 188 in FIG. 14 or ACT 203 in FIG. 15 is received by the wireless communication unit 306, the processor 301 determines YES in ACT 110 and proceeds to ACT 111.

As the ACT 111, the processor 301 displays an error screen on the touch panel 304. The error screen is a screen defined as a screen for notifying the customer that check-in is not possible. For example, in response to the error notification in ACT188 in FIG. 14, the processor 301 notifies that check-in is not possible due to the congestion of the store, and further, an error screen prompting the user to try check-in after a while. Is displayed. If the processor 301 is instructed to cancel the display of the error screen by, for example, operating the GUI element displayed in the error screen, the processor 301 returns to the ACT 101.

On the other hand, if the notification data for the above-mentioned check-in completion notification is received by the wireless communication unit 306, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 109 and proceeds to the ACT 112 in FIG.
As the ACT 112, the processor 301 displays the list screen on the touch panel 304. The list screen is a screen showing a list of registered purchased products.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen SC1.
The list screen SC1 includes display areas AR11, AR12 and buttons BU11, BU12, and BU13. The display area AR11 represents the total number of purchased products and the total price of the purchased products. The display area AR12 represents a list of purchased products. The button BU 11 is a soft key for the customer to declare that the purchase is canceled and the shopping is stopped. The button BU 12 is a soft key for the customer to declare that the scan of the product registered as the purchased product is started. Button BU13 is a softkey for the customer to declare that the checkout is to be started.
Note that FIG. 20 shows the list screen SC1 in which the purchased product has not been registered yet. Therefore, both the total number and the total amount represent "0" in the display area AR11, and nothing is represented in the display area AR12.

As the ACT 113 in FIG. 10, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the start of scanning the product is specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 114.
As the ACT 114, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the quantity change is specified.
Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 115.
As the ACT 115, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the cancellation of shopping is specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to ACT116.
As the ACT 116, the processor 301 confirms whether the start of accounting is specified.
Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to the ACT 113.
Thus, the processor 301 waits for ACT 113 to ACT 116 to be designated as scan start, quantity, stop, or accounting start.

If the customer registers the product as a purchased product, the customer specifies the start of scanning by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BU12 on the list screen SC1. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 113, and proceeds to the ACT 117.
As the ACT 117, the processor 301 displays the registration screen on the touch panel 304. The registration screen is a screen that prompts the customer to read a barcode representing the product code of the product to be registered as a purchased product.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen SC2.
The registration screen SC2 includes a display area AR21, a message ME21, and a button BU21. The display area AR21 displays the image obtained by the camera 305. The message ME21 is a text message urging the customer to read the barcode of the product. The button BU 21 is a soft key for the customer to declare that the scanning of the product code is stopped.
For example, the processor 301 activates the camera 305, and the image obtained by the camera 305 is superimposed on the line showing the range of the display area AR21 and the image showing the message ME21 and the button BU21 to generate the registration screen SC2. do.

As the ACT 118 in FIG. 10, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the barcode has been read. At this time, the processor 301 analyzes the image obtained by the camera 305 and tries to read the barcode. The barcode reading may be performed as a process based on the smartphone POS application AP301, or may be performed as a process based on another application program for reading the barcode. Then, if the barcode cannot be read, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to ACT119.
As ACT119, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the stop of scanning is specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to ACT 118.
Thus, the processor 301 waits for the ACT 118 and the ACT 119 to read the barcode or to specify that the scan should be stopped.

If the customer wishes to return to the list screen without performing this scan, the customer specifies to stop the scan by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BU21. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 119 and returns to the ACT 112.

When the registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 304, the customer points the camera 305 at the product so that the barcode displayed on the product to be registered as the purchased product is reflected in the display area AR21. If the barcode is read in response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 118 and proceeds to the ACT 120.
As the ACT 120, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to register. The request data transmitted by the processor 301 includes data represented by the read barcode (hereinafter referred to as barcode data).
As the ACT 121, the processor 301 waits for an instruction to display the list screen.

When the customer touches the area showing the number on the list screen SC1 while the ACT 113 to ACT 116 are in the standby state, the processor 301 displays a list box for specifying the number on the list screen SC1. Then, when this list box is operated, the processor 301 receives this as a quantity specification. Then, in this case, the processor 301 determines YES at the ACT 114 in FIG. 10, and proceeds to the ACT 122 in FIG.

As the ACT 122, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the specified number is 0. Then, the processor 301 determines NO if the specified number is not 0, and proceeds to the ACT 123.
As the ACT 123, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to change the quantity. The request data transmitted by the processor 301 includes specific data for specifying a product for which a quantity is specified and a specified number. The specific data may be a product code, or may be data that can identify the purchased product only by the mobile controller 3, such as a number for identifying each purchased product in the list of purchased products. If the product code is used as the specific code, the processor 31 includes the product code for each purchased product in the instruction data for instructing the display of the list screen.

If the specified number is 0, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 122 and proceeds to the ACT 124.
As the ACT 124, the processor 301 displays the deletion screen on the touch panel 304. The deletion screen is a screen for notifying the customer that the product for which the number is specified to be 0 is deleted from the purchased product. The delete screen includes a delete button for specifying deletion and a return button for specifying to return to the state before specifying the change of the number without changing the number.

As ACT 125, processor 301 confirms whether deletion is specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to ACT126.
As the ACT 126, the processor 301 confirms whether a return has been specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to the ACT 125.
Thus, the processor 301 awaits deletion or return designation for ACT125 and ACT126.

If the customer wishes to cancel the deletion and return to the state before specifying the quantity change, the customer specifies the return by a predetermined operation such as touching the return button on the deletion screen.
In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 126, and returns to the ACT 112 in FIG. In this case, since the registration state of the purchased product is not changed, the processor 301 causes the touch panel 304 to display the list screen SC1 in the same state as that displayed before displaying the deletion screen again on the touch panel 304.

If there is no mistake in the deletion, the customer specifies the deletion by a predetermined operation such as touching the delete button on the delete screen. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 125 and proceeds to the ACT 127.
As ACT127, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to delete it. The request data transmitted by the processor 301 includes specific data for identifying the product for which deletion is specified.

The processor 301 proceeds to the ACT 128 after requesting the quantity change in the ACT 123 or the deletion in the ACT 127.
As the ACT 128, the processor 301 waits for an instruction to display the list screen.

By the way, in the mobile controller 3, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 205 after notifying the completion of check-in at ACT 204 in FIG.
As the ACT 205, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the change of the purchased product is requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT206.
As the ACT 206, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the cancellation of the purchased product is requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 207.
As the ACT 207, the processor 31 confirms whether accounting has been requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 208.
As the ACT 208, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the time limit has elapsed. Then, the processor 31 determines NO if the situation is not applicable, and returns to ACT 205.
Thus, the processor 31 waits for ACT 205 to ACT 208 to request any change, cancellation, or accounting, or for the time limit to elapse. Then, if any of registration, quantity change, and deletion is requested by the user terminal 300, which is the target terminal, as described above, the processor 31 determines YES in the ACT 205, and proceeds to the ACT 209 in FIG. move on.

As the ACT 209, the processor 31 transfers the request from the user terminal 300 to the virtual POS server 2 with the notification of the transaction code of the transaction to be processed. At this time, the processor 31 may transfer the request data sent from the user terminal 300 to the virtual POS server 2 as it is, or may send the converted request data by some processing to the virtual POS server 2. However, the processor 31 notifies the virtual POS server 2 of the barcode data or the specific data included in the request data sent from the user terminal 300.

In the virtual POS server 2, when the processor 21 is in the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 305 in FIG. 18, if the request data regarding registration, quantity change or deletion is transferred from the mobile controller 3, the processor 21 is set to YES in ACT 302. Judgment is made and the process proceeds to ACT307.
As the ACT 307, the processor 21 updates the transaction database DB 21 in response to a request in the transferred request data. For example, when registration is requested, the processor 21 considers that the barcode data included in the request data is read by the barcode scanner provided in the existing POS terminal, and is existing. Attempts to register the purchased product by the same processing as the POS terminal of. However, for some reason, the product code represented by the barcode data may not be registered in the product database. In addition, the product may display a barcode different from the one representing the product code. Then, in these cases, the processor 21 cannot register the purchased product, and an error occurs. In this way, the processor 21 registers the purchased product based on the regular barcode reading. For example, when the quantity change is requested, the processor 21 changes the quantity already shown in the transaction database DB 21 with respect to the product subject to the quantity change. For example, when the deletion is requested, the processor 21 updates the transaction database DB 21 so as to exclude the target product from the purchased product.

As the ACT 308, the processor 21 transmits the result data representing the result of the above processing to the mobile controller 3. When the purchased product is correctly registered, the processor 21 includes identification data for identifying the notification of regular registration, and the product code, product name, and price of the registered product in the result data. When the quantity is changed, the processor 21 includes the product code of the changed product and the changed quantity in the result data. When the purchased product is deleted, the processor 21 includes the product code of the product excluded from the purchased product in the result data. Further, in the case of an error, the processor 21 includes the identification data for identifying the notification of the error and the bar code data sent in the registration request in the result data. When the processor 21 finishes transmitting the result data, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 305.

The processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 transfers the request in the ACT 209, and then proceeds to the ACT 210.
As the ACT 210, the processor 31 acquires the result data transmitted from the virtual POS server as described above. The processor 31 stores the acquired result data in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33.

As the ACT 211, the processor 31 updates the registration database DB 32 based on the above result data. The update of the registration database DB 32 is performed, for example, as follows.
First case: Notification of regular registration, when the data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed does not contain the registration data including the notified product code.
In this case, the processor 31 adds a new field after the last field already existing in the data record DR2 with which the transaction being processed is associated, and adds new registration data to the field. The processor 31 includes the notified product code, an error flag set to "0" indicating that it is not an error, the notified product name and price, and the number set to "1" in the new registration data. Includes a cancellation flag set to "0" to indicate that it has not been canceled. Thus, the registration data added in this case has a structure as shown on the upper right side of FIG.

Second case: It is a notification of regular registration, and although the data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed contains the registration data including the notified product code, the registration data is canceled. When it is "1" indicating that the flag has been canceled.
In this case, the processor 31 processes in the same manner as in the case of the first case described above.

Third case: Notification of regular registration, data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed contains registration data including the notified product code, and the cancellation flag of the registration data. Is "0".
In this case, the processor 31 rewrites the value of the number included in the registered data including the notified product code and the cancellation flag is "0" to one larger value.

Fourth case: Notification of quantity change.
In this case, the processor 31 finds out the registration data including the notified product code from the data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed. Then, the processor 31 rewrites the number included in the corresponding registration data to the number included in the result data.

Fifth case: When it is a notification of deletion.
In this case, the processor 31 finds the registered data including the notified product code from the data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed. Then, the processor 31 changes the cancellation flag included in the corresponding registration data to "1".

Sixth case: When it is an error notification.
In this case, the processor 31 adds a new field after the last field already existing in the data record DR2 with which the transaction being processed is associated, and adds new registration data to the field. The processor 31 includes the notified barcode data and the error flag set to "1" indicating an error in the new registration data. Thus, the registration data added in this case has a structure as shown in the lower right side of FIG.

By being updated by the processor 31 in this way, the registration database DB 32 represents a list of purchased products registered in the virtual POS server 2, and in addition, records an error bar code reading.
The processor 31 stores the barcode data sent in the registration request in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33, and in the above-mentioned sixth case, the stored barcode data is registered data. May be included in. In this case, the processor 21 in the virtual POS server 2 does not have to include the barcode data in the result data. Further, the processor 31 may take out a product code from the stored barcode data and process the first case to the fifth case based on the product code. Further, the product name and the price may be acquired by the processor 31 from the store server 1 or the like based on the product code.

As the ACT 212, the processor 31 instructs the user terminal 300 to display the list screen. For example, the processor 31 transmits instruction data including identification data for identifying the display instruction on the list screen to the user terminal 300 via the in-store communication network 7 and the access point 6. The processor 31 includes the product code, product name, price, and quantity included in the data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed in the registration database DB 32 in the instruction data. Further, if the registration this time is an error, the processor 31 includes error data indicating that fact in the instruction data. After that, the processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT 205 to ACT 208 in FIG.

As for various instructions from the mobile controller 3 to the user terminal 300 described below, the in-store communication network 7 and the access point 6 are provided with instruction data including identification data for identifying the reason for the instruction, as described above. This is realized by sending data from the mobile controller 3 to the user terminal 300 via the mobile controller 3.

When the result data in any of the first to third cases and the sixth case described above is received by the wireless communication unit 306 at the user terminal 300, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 121 in FIG. do. Further, when the result data in the fourth case or the fifth case described above is received by the wireless communication unit 306, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 128 in FIG. Then, in these cases, the processor 301 returns to the ACT 112 in FIG. 10 and displays the list screen SC1 on the touch panel 304 again. At this time, the processor 301 makes the list screen SC1 a screen showing the product name, price, and quantity of the purchased product included in the instruction data. Further, if the instruction data includes error data, the processor 301 additionally indicates to the list screen SC1 that the instruction data has not been registered correctly.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen SC1 in a state where the purchased product is registered.
In the list screen SC1 shown in FIG. 22, one product has a product name of "AAA" and a price of 120 yen, two products have a product name of "BBB" and a price of 98 yen, and the product has a price of 98 yen. This is an example of the case where one product whose product name is "CCC" and whose price is 1,024 yen is registered as a purchased product. In the list screen SC1 shown in FIG. 22, the display area AR12 shows the product name, price, and quantity of these registered products. Further, in the display area AR11, "4" is represented as the total number and "1,340" is represented as the total amount. The area surrounded by the broken line on the left side of the product name represents the area for displaying the icon. The broken line representing the area is not actually displayed on the list screen SC1.

When the customer wants to cancel all the purchased products already registered and cancel the shopping, the customer specifies the cancellation by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BU11 on the list screen SC1. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 115 in FIG. 10, and proceeds to the ACT 129 in FIG.
As ACT129, the processor 301 displays the cancellation screen on the touch panel 304. The cancellation screen is a screen that notifies the customer that all the purchased products that have already been registered will be cancelled. The cancel screen includes an execute button for designating a cancel execution and a return button for designating a return to the state before the number change was specified without changing the number.

As the ACT 130, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the cancellation execution is specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to the ACT 131.
As the ACT 131, the processor 301 confirms whether a return has been specified. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to the ACT 130.
Thus, the processor 301 waits for the ACT 130 and the ACT 131 to specify the cancellation execution or the return.

If the customer wants to continue shopping as it is, the customer specifies a return by a predetermined operation such as touching the return button on the cancellation screen. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 131, returns to the ACT 112 in FIG. 10, and displays the list screen SC1 on the touch panel 304 again. In this case, since the registration state of the purchased product is not changed, the processor 301 causes the touch panel 304 to display the list screen SC1 in the same state as that displayed before displaying the cancellation screen again on the touch panel 304.

If the customer cancels the shopping, the customer designates the cancellation execution by a predetermined operation such as touching the execution button on the cancellation screen. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 130, and proceeds to the ACT 132.
As the ACT 132, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to cancel.

If the processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 is requested to cancel by the user terminal 300 as described above, the ACT 206 in FIG. 15 determines YES, and the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 213 in FIG.
As the ACT 213, the processor 31 transfers the cancellation request to the virtual POS server 2 with the notification of the transaction code of the transaction to be processed. At this time, the processor 31 may transfer the request data sent from the user terminal 300 to the virtual POS server 2 as it is, or may send the converted request data by some processing to the virtual POS server 2.

In the virtual POS server 2, if the request data regarding cancellation is transferred from the mobile controller 3 when the processor 21 is in the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 305 in FIG. 18, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 303 and goes to ACT 309. And proceed.
As the ACT 309, the processor 21 updates the transaction database DB 21 in response to a request in the transferred request data. For example, the processor 21 regards the request by the request data sent from the mobile controller 3 as a cancellation instruction input by the input device provided in the existing POS terminal, and processes the same as the existing POS terminal. Updates the transaction database DB 21 so as to exclude all the registered products associated with the notified transaction code from the purchased products.

As the ACT 310, the processor 21 transmits the result data representing the result of the above processing to the mobile controller 3. The processor 21 includes the product codes of all the products excluded from the purchased products in the result data. When the processor 21 finishes transmitting the result data, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 305.

As described above, the processor 21 determines the content of the transaction according to the operation received by the target terminal. Thus, the processor 21 executes the information processing based on the virtual POS application AP 21, so that the computer having the processor 21 as a central part functions as a determination means.

The processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 transfers the request in the ACT 213, and then proceeds to the ACT 214.
As the ACT 214, the processor 31 acquires the result data transmitted from the virtual POS server as described above. The processor 31 stores the acquired result data in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33.

As the ACT 215, the processor 31 updates the registration database DB 32 based on the above result data. That is, the processor 31 changes the cancellation flag, which is "0", to "1" for all the registered data included in the data record DR2 associated with the transaction to be processed.
As ACT216, the processor 31 notifies the user terminal 300 of the cancellation. After that, the processor 31 returns to the standby state of ACT 205 to ACT 208 in FIG.

By the way, after the processor 301 requests the cancellation at the ACT 132 in FIG. 11 at the user terminal 300, the processor 301 proceeds to the ACT 133.
As the ACT 133, the processor 301 waits for the cancellation notification from the mobile controller 3. Then, the processor 301 determines YES if the cancellation is notified as described above, and returns to the ACT 101 in FIG.

When the customer has registered all the products he / she wants to purchase as purchased products, he / she proceeds to payment.
At this time, the customer designates the start of accounting by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BU13 on the list screen SC1. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 116 in FIG. 10, and proceeds to the ACT 134.
As the ACT 134, the processor 301 demands accounting from the mobile controller 3. The processor 301 includes the terminal code in the request data transmitted here. If the electronic receipt ID is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303, the processor 301 includes the electronic receipt ID in the above request data.
As the ACT 135, the processor 301 waits for an instruction to display the accounting screen.

If the mobile controller 3 requests accounting from the user terminal 300 as described above, the processor 31 determines YES in the ACT 207 in FIG. 15 and proceeds to the ACT 217 in FIG.
As the ACT 217, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the electronic receipt ID has been notified from the user terminal 300. Then, if the request data includes the electronic receipt ID, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 218.

As the ACT 218, the processor 31 updates the transaction management database DB 31 in order to record the electronic receipt ID notified from the user terminal 300. For example, the processor 31 searches the transaction management database DB 31 for the data record DR1 in which the terminal code included in the request data is set in the field F11. Then, the processor 31 sets the electronic receipt ID included in the request data in the field F14 of the corresponding data record DR1. If the electronic receipt ID is already set in the field F14 of the corresponding data record DR1, the processor 31 overwrites the electronic receipt ID with the electronic receipt ID included in the request data.

When the processor 31 finishes updating the transaction management database DB 31, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT219. If the request data does not include the electronic receipt ID, the processor 31 determines NO in the ACT 217, passes the ACT 218, and proceeds to the ACT 219.
As ACT219, the processor 31 instructs the user terminal 300 to display the accounting screen.

If the display of the accounting screen is instructed by the user terminal 300 as described above, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 135 in FIG. 10, and proceeds to the ACT 136 in FIG.
As the ACT 136, the processor 301 displays the accounting screen on the touch panel 304. The accounting screen is a screen for the customer to select whether to perform the operation for payment of the price on the user terminal 300 or the accounting machine 5.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the accounting screen SC3.
The accounting screen SC3 includes a display area AR31, a message ME31, and buttons BU31 and BU32. The display area AR31 represents the total number of purchased products and the total price of the purchased products. The message ME 31 is a character message prompting the customer to specify whether to perform the operation for payment of the price on the user terminal 300 or the accounting machine 5. The button BU 31 is a soft key for the customer to specify the user terminal 300. The button BU 32 is a soft key for the customer to specify the accounting machine 5.

As ACT 137, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the user terminal 300 is designated. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and proceeds to ACT138.
As the ACT 138, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the accounting machine 5 has been designated. Then, if the corresponding designation cannot be confirmed, the processor 301 determines NO and returns to ACT 137.
Thus, the processor 301 waits for the user terminal 300 or the accounting machine 5 to be designated as the ACT 137 and the ACT 138.

When the customer wants to perform an operation for payment of the price on the user terminal 300, the customer designates the user terminal 300 by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BU31. In response to this, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 137, and proceeds to the ACT 139.
As ACT 139, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to make a payment. The processor 301 may include payment information such as a credit number or a user code for an online payment service, which is necessary for payment, in the request data for requesting payment.

The processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 instructs the display of the accounting screen in the ACT 219 in FIG. 16, and then proceeds to the ACT 220.
As the ACT 220, the processor 31 confirms whether or not payment has been requested. Then, if the corresponding request cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and proceeds to ACT221.
As ACT221, the processor 31 confirms whether or not the payment completion is notified. Then, if the corresponding notification cannot be confirmed, the processor 31 determines NO and returns to the ACT 220.
Thus, the processor 31 waits for the settlement request or the settlement completion notification for the ACT 220 and the ACT 221. Then, if the payment is requested from the user terminal 300 as described above, the processor 31 determines YES in the ACT 220 and proceeds to the ACT 222.

As the ACT222, the processor 31 transfers the settlement request to the virtual POS server 2 with the notification of the transaction code of the transaction to be processed. At this time, the processor 31 may transfer the request data sent from the user terminal 300 to the virtual POS server 2 as it is, or may send the converted request data by some processing to the virtual POS server 2. However, if the electronic receipt ID has already been acquired for the transaction to be processed, the processor 31 includes the electronic receipt ID in the request data. For example, the processor 31 searches the transaction management database DB 31 for the data record DR1 in which the terminal code included in the request data is set in the field F11. Then, if the electronic receipt ID is set in the field F14 of the corresponding data record DR1, the processor 31 includes the electronic receipt ID in the request data. If the request data sent from the user terminal 300 includes payment data, the processor 31 includes the payment data as it is in the request data to be transmitted to the virtual POS server 2.

If the electronic receipt ID set in the field F14 of the data record DR1 is transmitted from the user terminal 300, the processor 31 uses the electronic receipt ID as a second information processing device in the virtual POS server 2. Will be transferred using the communication interface 34.
As ACT223, the processor 31 waits for notification of payment completion.

In the virtual POS server 2, if the processor 21 is in the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 305 in FIG. 18 and the request data related to payment is transferred from the mobile controller 3, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 304, and FIG. Proceed to ACT311 in 19.
As ACT311, the processor 21 executes a settlement process for settlement of the price in response to the request in the transferred request data. For example, the processor 21 regards the request by the request data sent from the mobile controller 3 as a payment instruction input by the input device provided in the existing POS terminal, and processes the same as the existing POS terminal. Calculates the price for the transaction identified by the notified transaction code. Then, the processor 21 requests the payment server 500 to settle the calculated price. For example, the processor 21 refers to the user database included in the database group DB 11 to determine the payment method applied to the payment, and acquires the payment information used for the payment by the payment method. When a plurality of payment methods or a plurality of payment information are registered in the user database, one of them is selected according to an instruction by an operator on the user terminal 300 or according to a predetermined condition. .. Note that, for example, if the request data includes payment information, the processor 21 may determine the payment method to be used for payment based on the payment information, and may use the payment information as payment information for payment.

As the ACT 312, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the electronic receipt ID has been notified. For example, if the request data requesting payment includes the electronic receipt ID, the processor 21 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 313.
As the ACT 313, the processor 21 registers the transaction data related to the transaction for which the settlement is completed as described above in the electronic receipt server 600 so that the user identified by the electronic receipt ID included in the above request data can view the transaction data. Perform processing. In addition, this process may be the same as the process performed by the existing electronic receipt service, for example. What kind of data the processor 21 includes in the transaction data is, for example, in accordance with the provisions of the electronic receipt service.

When the customer wants to perform an operation for settlement of the price on the accounting machine 5, the customer designates the accounting machine 5 by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BU 32 on the accounting screen SC3. In response to this, the processor 301 at the user terminal 300 determines YES at the ACT 138 in FIG. 12, and proceeds to the ACT 140.
As the ACT 140, the processor 301 displays the accounting barcode screen on the touch panel 304. The accounting barcode screen is a screen showing an accounting barcode showing data necessary for the accounting machine 5 to acquire data related to the contents of a transaction from the virtual POS server 2. Although detailed processing is not shown, the processor 301 acquires an accounting barcode from the virtual POS server 2 via the mobile controller 3 and displays the accounting barcode on the accounting barcode screen.

The customer causes a scanner provided in the accounting machine 5 not used by another customer to read the accounting barcode. In response to this, the accounting machine 5 requests the virtual POS server 2 to transfer the settlement data according to the data represented by the accounting barcode. For example, the accounting machine 5 transmits request data including a transaction code included in the data represented by the accounting barcode to the virtual POS server 2.

When the virtual POS server 2 receives the request data for the transfer request including the transaction code of the transaction that is the target of the transaction processing in the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 305 shown in FIG. If so, the result is determined to be YES by the ACT 305, and the process proceeds to the ACT 314 in FIG.
As the ACT 314, the processor 21 represents the content of the transaction that is the target of the transaction processing, and transmits the settlement data necessary for the settlement in the accounting machine 5 to the accounting machine 5 that requested the transfer. The settlement data may be, for example, the same data as the settlement data transferred from the registration machine to the accounting machine in the existing semi-self-type transaction processing system.
As the ACT 315, the processor 21 waits for the settlement by the accounting machine 5 that has transmitted the settlement data as described above to be completed.

When the accounting machine 5 receives the payment data transmitted from the virtual POS server 2, the accounting machine 5 setstles the transaction price while receiving an operation by the operator. Further, the accounting machine 5 issues various printed matter such as receipts or coupons as needed. When the settlement is completed, the accounting machine 5 notifies the virtual POS server 2 to that effect. In response to this, the processor 21 in the virtual POS server 2 determines YES in the ACT 315, and proceeds to the ACT 316.
The processor 21 proceeds to the ACT 316 even after the electronic receipt registration is completed in the ACT 313. If the request data requesting payment does not include the electronic receipt ID, the processor 21 determines NO in the ACT 312, passes the ACT 313, and proceeds to the ACT 316.
As the ACT 316, the processor 21 updates the transaction database DB 21 in order to end the management of the transaction to be processed. For example, the processor 21 deletes a data record including a transaction code of a transaction to be processed from the transaction database DB 21.
As ACT317, the processor 21 notifies the mobile controller 3 of the completion of payment. Then, the processor 21 ends the transaction processing with this.

When the virtual POS server 2 notifies the completion of payment by the mobile controller 3, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT221 or ACT223 in FIG. 16, and proceeds to ACT224 in either case. Incidentally, when the processor 21 advances from ACT 312 or ACT 313 in FIG. 18 to ACT 317, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 221 in FIG. 16, and the processor 21 advances from ACT 315 to ACT 317 in FIG. In that case, the ACT 223 in FIG. 16 determines YES.
As the ACT 224, the processor 31 notifies the user terminal 300 of the completion of payment.

The processor 301 at the user terminal 300 proceeds to ACT 141 after requesting payment at ACT 139 or displaying the accounting barcode screen at ACT 140.
As ACT 141, processor 301 waits for notification of payment completion. Then, if the mobile controller 3 notifies the completion of payment as described above, the processor 301 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 142.
As the ACT 142, the processor 301 displays the completion screen on the touch panel 304. The completion screen is a screen for notifying the customer that the payment has been completed.

After confirming the completion screen, the customer declares that the confirmation has been made by a predetermined operation such as touching a button displayed on the completion screen. Accordingly, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT 143. The processor 301 may proceed to ACT 143 when the elapsed time in the state where the completion screen is displayed reaches a predetermined time.

As the ACT 143, the processor 301 causes the touch panel 304 to display a scan screen for checkout. The checkout scan screen is a screen for reading the checkout two-dimensional code TC2. For example, the processor 301 activates the camera 305, and the image obtained by the camera 305 shows a character message prompting the customer to read the two-dimensional code TC2 and an indication of the position where the two-dimensional code TC2 should be held. Generate a scan screen by overlapping with the line.

When the scan screen for checkout is displayed on the touch panel 304, the customer points the camera 305 at the 2D code TC2 so that the 2D code TC2 posted near the exit of the store is reflected on the scan screen.
As the ACT 144, the processor 301 waits for the two-dimensional code to be read.
At this time, the processor 301 repeatedly analyzes the image obtained by the camera 305 and tries to read the two-dimensional code. The reading of the two-dimensional code may be performed as a process based on the smartphone POS application AP301, or may be performed as a process based on another application program for reading the two-dimensional code. Then, if the two-dimensional code is read, the processor 301 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 145.

As the ACT 145, the processor 301 confirms whether or not the data represented by the read two-dimensional code is the checkout data. Then, the processor 301 determines NO if it is not the checkout data, and returns to ACT 144. At this time, the processor 301 may display a screen on the touch panel 304 notifying the customer that the erroneous two-dimensional code has been read.

If the processor 301 can confirm that the data represented by the read two-dimensional code is the checkout data, the processor 301 determines YES in the ACT 145 and proceeds to the ACT 146.
As an ACT 146, the processor 301 requests the mobile controller 3 to check out.

The processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 notifies the completion of payment by the ACT 224 in FIG. 16, and then proceeds to the ACT 225.
As ACT225, processor 31 waits for a checkout request. Then, if the checkout is requested from the user terminal 300 as described above, the processor 31 determines YES and proceeds to ACT226.

As the ACT 226, the processor 31 executes the checkout process. The checkout process is a process such as clearing the data stored in the main memory 32 and the auxiliary storage unit 33 for the management of the transaction to be processed. The virtual POS server 2 may end the processing related to the corresponding transaction according to the completion of the settlement, or may end the processing related to the transaction according to the instruction from the mobile controller 3. In the latter case, the processor 31 gives the above instruction to the virtual POS server 2 in the checkout process. In addition, a history database showing the history of user operations including erroneous barcode scanning may be managed by a store server 1, a virtual POS server 2, a mobile controller 3, or another server (not shown). In this case, in the checkout process, the processor 31 performs a process for updating the history database so as to reflect the history of operations related to the current transaction.
As the ACT 227, the processor 31 notifies the user terminal 300 of the completion of the checkout. Then, the processor 31 ends the mediation process with this.

The processor 301 at the user terminal 300 requests checkout at ACT 146 in FIG. 12, and then proceeds to ACT 147.
As ACT 147, processor 301 awaits notification of checkout completion. Then, the processor 301 determines YES if the checkout completion is notified from the mobile controller 3 as described above, and proceeds to ACT148.
As the ACT 148, the processor 301 clears various data temporarily used for this shopping, such as the check-in data saved in the ACT 107 in FIG. Then, the processor 301 returns to the ACT 101 in FIG.

By the way, in the cart terminal 400, the processor 401a proceeds to ACT164 after requesting check-in at ACT163 in FIG.
As ACT164, the processor 401a confirms whether or not the check-in completion is notified. Then, if the corresponding notification cannot be confirmed, the processor 401a determines NO and proceeds to ACT165.
As ACT165, the processor 401a confirms whether or not a check-in error has been notified. Then, if the corresponding notification cannot be confirmed, the processor 401a determines NO and returns to ACT164.
Thus, the processor 401a waits for the ACT 164 and ACT 165 to be notified of the completion of check-in or an error. Then, if the notification data for error notification in ACT 188 in FIG. 14 or ACT 203 in FIG. 15 is received by the wireless communication unit 401d, the processor 401a determines YES in ACT 165 and proceeds to ACT 166.

As ACT166, the processor 401a displays an error screen on the touch panel 401e. The error screen is a screen defined as a screen for notifying the customer that check-in is not possible. For example, in response to the error notification in ACT188 in FIG. 14, the processor 401a notifies that check-in is not possible due to the congestion of the store, and further, an error screen prompting the user to try check-in after a while. Is displayed. The processor 401a returns to the standby state of the ACT 162 when the display cancellation of the error screen is instructed by, for example, the operation of the GUI element displayed in the error screen.

On the other hand, if the notification data for the above-mentioned check-in completion notification transmitted from the mobile controller 3 by the processor 31 executing the ACT 204 in FIG. 15 is received by the wireless communication unit 401d, the processor 401a is ACT164. Judges YES. Although not shown in FIG. 15, after that, the processor 401a requests the mobile controller 3 to register, change the quantity, cancel or settle in the same manner as the processor 301 described above, or accounts for the payment. Display the barcode screen on the touch panel 401e. However, the customer's operation received by the processor 401a may be different from that of the processor 301. For example, the scanner 402 reads the barcode displayed on the product to be registered as a purchased product.
In the mobile controller 3 and the virtual POS server 2, even in the intermediary processing and transaction processing using the cart terminal 400 as the target terminal, the above-mentioned request or accounting machine 5 is performed in the same manner as in the case where the user terminal 300 is the target terminal as described above. Executes the process according to the transfer request from.

As described above, the processor 21 executes transaction processing as information processing for processing transactions in response to instructions from different target terminals.

At the cart terminal 400, the processor 401a requests payment in the same manner as ACT139 in FIG. 12, or displays the accounting barcode screen in the same manner as in ACT140, and then proceeds to ACT171 in FIG.
As ACT171, processor 401a waits for notification of payment completion. Then, the processor 401a determines YES if the above-mentioned payment completion notification by the ACT 224 in FIG. 16 or the above-mentioned payment completion notification from the accounting machine 5 is given, and proceeds to the ACT 172.
As ACT172, the processor 401a causes the touch panel 401e to display the end screen. The end screen is, for example, a screen that informs the customer that the transaction has been completed.
As the ACT 173, the processor 401a clears various data temporarily used for this shopping. Then, the processor 401a then returns to the standby state of the ACT 161.

Customers who have completed check-in but have not completed payment as described above and have not specified cancellation can stop shopping and leave the store, for example, smartphone POS service and cart. It is a prohibited matter regarding the use of POS services. However, there is a risk that the customer will behave that way.
When the customer acts as described above, the processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 continues the standby state of ACT 205 to ACT 208. When the elapsed time from ACT204, ACT212 or ACT216 in FIG. 16 to the standby state of ACT205 to ACT208 reaches a predetermined time limit, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT208. Proceed to ACT228. At this time, the processor 31 detects a state in which no operation can be received for a predetermined time as a non-operation state. Thus, the processor 31 executes information processing based on the transaction management application AP 31, so that the computer having the processor 31 as a central portion functions as a detection means.
As an example, the time limit is determined by the manager of the store system 100 for each store. The processor 31 inputs a time limit according to the operation of the administrator or the like, and stores the time limit in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33. If the time limit is already stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage unit 33, the processor 31 overwrites it with the newly input time limit. However, the time limit is set by, for example, the creator of the transaction management application AP31, and may be fixedly applied to all stores.

As ACT228, the processor 31 instructs the virtual POS server 2 to end the transaction processing related to the target terminal. For example, the processor 31 sends instruction data for an end instruction to the virtual POS server 2 from the communication interface 34 to the in-store communication network 7. The processor 31 includes identification data for identifying the end instruction in the instruction data. The processor 31 finds the data record DR1 in which the terminal code of the target terminal is set in the field F11 from the transaction management database DB 31, and includes the transaction code set in the field F13 of the corresponding data record DR1 in the instruction data.

When the above instruction data is transmitted to the virtual POS server 2 by the in-store communication network 7, it is received by the communication interface 24. At this time, the processor 21 should be in the standby state of ACT 302 to ACT 306 in FIG. 18 in the transaction processing targeting the transaction identified by the transaction code included in the instruction data. Therefore, the processor 21 determines YES in the ACT 306 regarding the transaction processing, and proceeds to the ACT 318 in FIG.
As ACT318, the processor 21 updates the transaction database DB 21 in order to end the management of the transaction to be processed. For example, the processor 21 deletes a data record including a transaction code of a transaction to be processed from the transaction database DB 21.
As ACT 319, the processor 21 notifies the mobile controller 3 of the end. The processor 21 includes the transaction code of the transaction to be processed in the notification data for the end notification. Then, the processor 21 ends the transaction processing with this. That is, although the settlement is not completed, the processor 21 forcibly terminates the corresponding transaction processing.
In this way, the transaction processing is terminated in response to the instruction from the processor 31 of the mobile controller 3. Thus, the processor 31 executes information processing based on the transaction management application AP 31, so that the computer having the processor 31 as a central portion functions as a control means.

The processor 31 in the mobile controller 3 instructs the end by the ACT 228 in FIG. 15, and then proceeds to the ACT 229.
As ACT229, the processor 31 waits for the end notification. Then, the processor 31 determines YES if the virtual POS server 2 notifies the end as described above, and proceeds to the ACT 230.

As the ACT 230, the processor 31 instructs a predetermined notification destination to execute the notification operation. Then, the processor 31 ends the mediation process with this.
The notification operation is an operation for notifying a predetermined notification destination that the transaction processing has been forcibly terminated.
For example, when the transaction processing is forcibly terminated as described above, it is assumed that the customer returns with the cart terminal 400, which is the target terminal of the transaction processing, left in the store. That is, the shopping cart C1 containing the product is left in the store without being used by any customer. The cart terminal 400 attached to the shopping cart C1 is in a state where a new transaction can be started by forcibly terminating the transaction processing, but since the shopping cart C1 contains products, new customers can use it. Can not. Therefore, the processor 31 notifies the clerk of the above-mentioned forced termination by causing the clerk terminal to perform the notification operation. In response to this report, the clerk can make the shopping cart C1 available, for example, by searching for the shopping cart C1 notified in the store, removing the contained products, and returning the shopping cart C1 to the storage place. ..

In addition, for example, a customer using a terminal subject to forced termination of transaction processing is taking a break in a break space in the store, and the transaction processing is forcibly terminated even though he / she is shopping. There may be cases. Therefore, the processor 31 notifies the customer of the forced termination by causing the notification operation to be performed on the target terminal of the transaction processing that has been forcibly terminated. The customer can know from this report that the shopping needs to be restarted from the beginning. If there is concern that such a situation may occur, the processor 31 determines that the duration of the standby state of ACT 205 to ACT 208 in FIG. 15 has elapsed shorter than the time limit. Accordingly, the target terminal may be instructed to perform an alarm operation to inform the customer that the operation will be forcibly terminated if no operation is performed. Then, in response to this instruction, the processor 301 or the processor 401a may execute the predetermined alarm operation as described above at the target terminal.
The processor 31 may instruct a plurality of terminals to execute the notification operation.
In this way, the processor 31 instructs a predetermined terminal to execute the notification operation, so that the processor 31 notifies the predetermined notification destination. Thus, when the processor 31 executes information processing based on the transaction management application AP 31, the computer having the processor 31 as a central portion functions as a reporting means.

As described above, the transaction processing system of the present embodiment forcibly terminates the transaction processing when the target terminal becomes non-operational while the processor 21 is in the transaction processing on the virtual POS server 2. Therefore, the resources used for the transaction processing can be released and used for new transactions. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a situation may occur in which the use of the new terminal device cannot be started.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
The virtual POS server 2 may directly accept requests from the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400 without providing the mobile controller 3. Then, the management process may be executed by the processor 21 on the virtual POS server 2. Further, in this case, the processor 21 executes, for example, the process corresponding to the ACT 208 in FIG. 15 instead of the ACT 306 in FIG. Further, the processor 21 executes, for example, a process corresponding to the ACT 230 in FIG. 15 instead of the ACT 319 in FIG.

The processor 301 and the processor 401a may execute the detection of the non-operation state on the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400. With the processor 301, for example, it may be confirmed whether or not the duration of the standby state of ACT 113 to ACT 116 in FIG. 10 exceeds the time limit. Further, in the case of the processor 401a, for example, it may be confirmed whether or not the duration of the standby state corresponding to ACT113 to ACT116 in FIG. 10 in the cart UI processing exceeds the time limit. If the no-operation state is detected by the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400, the processor 301 and the processor 401a may also give an instruction to end the transaction processing according to the detection of the no-operation state. ..

The detection of the non-operation state can be arbitrarily changed, for example, by counting the number of times the ACT 208 is repeatedly executed and setting the non-operation state when the number of times exceeds a predetermined limit number of times.

A plurality of virtual POS servers 2 may be provided, and a plurality of transaction processes may be shared and executed by the plurality of virtual POS servers 2. Further, one transaction process may be shared and processed by a plurality of information processing devices. For example, the process for registering the purchased product and the process for payment may be executed by separate information processing devices.

The transaction to be processed by the transaction processing system is not limited to the sale of goods displayed in the store, and may be another form of transaction such as cooking and serving food and drink.

The terminal device lent to the customer by the store may be carried by the user without being attached to the shopping cart C1, or such a terminal device and the cart terminal 400 may be mixed.

Either one of the user terminal 300 and the cart terminal 400 may be used.

Each function realized by the processors 11,21,31,301,401a by information processing can also be realized by hardware that executes information processing that is not based on a program such as a logic circuit or the like. be. Further, each of the above-mentioned functions can be realized by combining software control with the above-mentioned hardware such as a logic circuit.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the original claims of the present application are described below.
[Appendix 1] A terminal device and at least one information processing device are included.
An operating means provided in the terminal device and receiving an operation by an operator,
A determination means provided in one of the information processing devices and performing a process for determining the content of a transaction according to an operation received by the operation means.
A detection means provided in one of the terminal device or the information processing device to detect a non-operation state in which the operation cannot be received by the operation means.
It is provided in one of the terminal device or the information processing device, and during the period from the start of the process for determining the content of one transaction to the completion of determination of the content of the transaction. A control means for controlling the determination means to end the process for the one transaction in response to the detection of the no-operation state by the detection means.
A transaction processing system.
[Appendix 2] The detecting means detects a state in which the operation cannot be received for a predetermined time by the operating means as the non-operating state.
The transaction processing system described in Appendix 1.
[Appendix 3] A reporting means provided in one of the information processing devices, which notifies a predetermined reporting destination that the determining means has been completed without completing the processing.
The transaction processing system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.
[Appendix 4] The terminal device is lent to a customer from a store, and the customer becomes the operator.
The reporting means uses an employee of the store as the reporting destination.
The transaction processing system described in Appendix 3.
[Appendix 5] Transaction processing together with a terminal device provided with an operating means for receiving an operation by an operator and a registration processing device provided with a determining means for determining the content of a transaction according to the operation received by the operating means. Configure the system,
A detection means for detecting a non-operation state in which the operation cannot be received by the operation means,
According to the fact that the no-operation state is detected by the detection means between the time when the determination means starts the process for determining the content of the transaction and the time when the determination of the content of the transaction is completed. A control device comprising a control means for controlling the determination means so as to end the process relating to the one transaction.
[Appendix 6] Transaction processing together with a terminal device provided with an operating means for receiving an operation by an operator and a registration processing device provided with a determining means for determining the content of a transaction according to the operation received by the operating means. The computer of the control device that makes up the system,
A detection means for detecting a non-operation state in which the operation cannot be received by the operation means,
According to the fact that the no-operation state is detected by the detection means between the time when the determination means starts the process for determining the content of the transaction and the time when the determination of the content of the transaction is completed. An information processing program for functioning as a control means for controlling the determination means so as to end the process related to the one transaction.

1 ... Store server, 2 ... Virtual POS server, 3 ... Mobile controller, 4 ... Communication server, 5 ... Accounting machine, 6 ... Access point, 7 ... In-store communication network, 11,21,31,301,401a ... Processor, 12 , 22, 32, 302, 401b ... Main memory, 13, 23, 33, 303, 401c ... Auxiliary storage unit, 14, 24, 34 ... Communication interface, 15, 25, 35, 308, 401h ... Transmission path, 304, 401e ... Touch panel, 305,404 ... Camera, 306,401d ... Wireless communication unit, 307 ... Mobile communication unit, 401f ... Sound unit, 401g ... Interface unit, 402 ... Scanner, 403 ... Reader, 100 (100A, 100B) ... Store System, 200 ... relay server, 300 ... user terminal, 400 ... cart terminal, 500 ... payment server, 600 ... electronic receipt server, 700 ... communication network.

Claims (6)

Including a terminal device and at least one information processing device
An operating means provided in the terminal device and receiving an operation by an operator,
A determination means provided in one of the information processing devices and performing a process for determining the content of a transaction according to an operation received by the operation means.
A detection means provided in one of the terminal device or the information processing device to detect a non-operation state in which the operation cannot be received by the operation means.
It is provided in one of the terminal device or the information processing device, and during the period from the start of the process for determining the content of one transaction to the completion of determination of the content of the transaction. A control means for controlling the determination means to end the process for the one transaction in response to the detection of the no-operation state by the detection means.
A reporting means provided in one of the information processing devices, and a reporting means for notifying a predetermined reporting destination that the determining means has been completed without completing the processing.
A transaction processing system. The detection means detects a state in which the operation cannot be received for a predetermined time by the operation means as the non-operation state.
The transaction processing system according to claim 1. The reporting means uses the operator of the terminal device as the reporting destination.
The transaction processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The terminal device is lent to a customer from a store, and the customer serves as the operator.
The reporting means uses an employee of the store as the reporting destination.
The transaction processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A transaction processing system is configured with a terminal device having an operation means for receiving an operation by an operator and a registration processing device having a decision means for determining the contents of a transaction according to the operation received by the operation means. ,
A detection means for detecting a non-operation state in which the operation cannot be received by the operation means,
According to the fact that the no-operation state is detected by the detection means between the time when the determination means starts the process for determining the content of the transaction and the time when the determination of the content of the transaction is completed. Then, a control means for controlling the determination means so as to end the processing related to the one transaction, and
A reporting means for notifying a predetermined reporting destination that the determining means has been completed without completing the processing, and
A control device equipped with. A transaction processing system is configured with a terminal device provided with an operating means for receiving an operation by an operator and a registration processing device provided with a determining means for performing a process for determining the content of a transaction according to the operation received by the operating means. The computer that the control device has
A detection means for detecting a non-operation state in which the operation cannot be received by the operation means,
According to the fact that the no-operation state is detected by the detection means between the time when the determination means starts the process for determining the content of the transaction and the time when the determination of the content of the transaction is completed. Then, a control means for controlling the determination means so as to end the processing related to the one transaction, and
A reporting means for notifying a predetermined reporting destination that the determining means has been completed without completing the processing, and
Information processing program to make it work.

Images