JP7381658B2 - Monitoring support equipment, its programs, and product sales systems - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a monitoring device, a monitoring support device, and a program for causing a computer to function as the monitoring support device.

A semi-self-selling product sales system in which the product registration and accounting functions of a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal are separated into a registration machine and an accounting machine, with the registration machine being operated by a clerk and the customer operating the accounting machine themselves. The system is already in practical use. A product sales system is already known in which customers walk around the sales floor with an information terminal that has a wireless communication function and register the data of the product they wish to purchase on the information terminal, thereby simplifying the product registration operation on a POS terminal. ing.

Consideration is being given to introducing a product sales system in which customers themselves register purchased products by operating an information terminal, and customers themselves pay for the purchased products using a checkout machine. In order to introduce such a product sales system, a monitoring device for centrally monitoring the status of information terminals and accounting machines is required.

JP2007-095026A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-108010

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device, a monitoring support device, and a program therefor that can efficiently monitor the status of an information terminal and an accounting machine.

In one embodiment, the monitoring support device is a product sales system in which each user of an information terminal registers a purchased product by operating the information terminal at a sales floor, and the user accounts for the purchased product using an accounting machine. This is a monitoring support device. The monitoring support device includes a first collection section, a second collection section, a control section, and an output section. The first collection unit collects information that can identify the status related to registration from a plurality of information terminals. The second collection unit collects information from the accounting machine that can identify the status of accounting. The control unit sets a first status representing the status of each information terminal for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and determines the status of the accounting machine based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the first status set for each information terminal, and a second status having the same size as the first status display section and a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area. A monitoring image is generated in which the second status display section shown in FIG . The output unit outputs the monitoring image to an output device.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a product sales system according to the present embodiment. A schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a store that has introduced the product sales system. A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first server in the product sales system The schematic diagram which shows the main data structure of the product data record preserve|saved in the product database in the same 1st server. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member data records stored in the member database in the first server. The schematic diagram which shows the main data structure of the sales promotion data record preserve|saved in the sales promotion database in the same 1st server. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a second server in the product sales system. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the information terminal table in the same 2nd server. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration list written in the information terminal table. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the sales promotion list described in the same information terminal table. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the shopping list described in the same information terminal table. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the accounting machine table in the same 2nd server. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a monitoring terminal in the product sales system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal in the product sales system. The perspective view which shows an example of the cart to which the same information terminal was attached. 2 is a flowchart showing main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the information terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the login interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the product registration interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the product registration interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the product registration interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the accounting interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the accounting request interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the accounting end interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the face-to-face checkout interruption process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of timeout interruption processing performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the monitoring image creation process performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The flowchart which shows the procedure of batch cancellation interruption processing performed by the processor of the same 2nd server. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registered image displayed on the touch panel of the same information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registered image displayed on the touch panel of the same information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the attendant confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the same information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the plastic bag confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the same information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of a member barcode image displayed on the touch panel of the same information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the monitoring image displayed on the touch panel of the same monitoring terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the accounting machine status display part displayed on the same monitoring image. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a terminal status display section displayed in the monitoring image. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a monitoring image displayed on the touch panel of the monitoring terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the batch cancellation confirmation image displayed on the touch panel of the same information terminal.

Below, we will explain how to efficiently manage the status of the information terminal and accounting machine in a product sales system in which the customer registers purchased items by operating an information terminal, and the customer also accounts for the purchased items using the accounting machine. Embodiments of a monitoring device and a monitoring support device that can perform monitoring will be described using the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a product sales system according to this embodiment. The product sales system includes a first server 10, a second server 20, a POS terminal 30, a checkout machine 40, an information terminal 50, and a monitoring terminal 60. The first server 10, the second server 20, the POS terminal 30, and the accounting machine 40 are connected to a network 70 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

The information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60 are both equipped with a wireless unit. An access point 80 is connected to the network 70. The information terminal 50 and the monitoring terminal 60 perform wireless communication with the access point 80. The access point 80 relays communication between each device connected to the network 70, that is, the first server 10, second server 20, POS terminal 30, and accounting machine 40, and the information terminal 50 and monitoring terminal 60.

A store may have a plurality of POS terminals 30, accounting machines 40, and information terminals 50. There may also be two or more monitoring terminals 60 and access points 80 depending on the size of the store. At least one of the first server 10 and the second server 20 communicates with a customer terminal via a public network. The customer terminal is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a personal computer, etc. owned by the customer. The public network is, for example, the Internet. In this embodiment, the first server 10 connects to the public network as a center saver. The second server 20 communicates with the POS terminal 30 as a store server.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a store that has introduced the product sales system. A shopping cart used by a customer M1 who is a purchaser or consumer when shopping in a store includes an information terminal 50. In the following description, the shopping cart will be referred to as cart C. The customer becomes a user of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 may be included in the cart C or may be included in the shopping cart. Customer M1 goes around the sales floor with cart C and puts the products to be purchased into cart C. The customer M1 operates the information terminal 50 to register the purchased product. After completing the registration of the purchased product, the customer M1 goes to the face-to-face cash register G1 or the self-checkout register G2 and settles the transaction by paying for the purchased product. After making the payment, the customer M1 fills bags at the soccer table SU if necessary.

At the face-to-face cash register G1, a cashier M2 who is a clerk in charge of accounting registers purchased products and makes payments. The face-to-face cash register G1 has a POS terminal 30. The face-to-face cash register G1 has a scanner. The scanner may be stationary or handheld. The cashier M2 registers the sales data of the purchased products in the POS terminal 30 by scanning the barcodes of the purchased products one by one with the scanner SC. The POS terminal 30 calculates the payment amount for the registered purchased product. Customer M1 pays cashier M2 a fee equivalent to the settlement amount. The price can be paid in cash, credit card, electronic money, points, gift certificates, and other gift certificates. The POS terminal 30 is an example of a product sales processing device that processes purchased product registration and accounting.

At the self-checkout register G2, the customer M1 registers purchased products and makes payment. The self-register G2 has a checkout machine 40. The second server 20 calculates the payment amount for the purchased product registered by the customer M1 by operating the information terminal 50. The second server 20 notifies the accounting machine 40 of the payment amount via the network 70. The customer M1 pays the amount equivalent to the payment amount to the accounting machine 40 which has been notified of the payment amount. Payment can be made with cash, credit card, electronic money, points, etc.

Attendant counter AT is located near self-register G2. As described above, in the store of this embodiment, the customer M1 can perform the entire process from registering purchased products to making payment by operating the information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40. However, on the other hand, a situation may arise in which a store clerk must intervene. For example, a specialized salesperson may have to provide information to customer M1 who is purchasing medicines. If you forget to input the information on the discount sticker into the information terminal 50, it may be registered at the regular price. Alternatively, there may be a case where an error occurs when scanning the barcode of a product using the information terminal 50 and registration is not possible. Even in the accounting machine 40, errors such as coin jamming or receipt paper exhaustion may occur.

In order to quickly deal with such an event, an attendant M3, who is a clerk in charge of customer service, is permanently stationed at the attendant counter AT. There is a monitoring terminal 60 at the attendant counter AT. The attendant M3 uses the monitoring terminal 60 to monitor the status of each information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40.

Next, the configurations of the first server 10, second server 20, information terminal 50, and monitoring terminal 60 will be explained. The POS terminal 30 may be similar to a POS terminal used in an existing store having a face-to-face cash register G1. The accounting machine 40 may be similar to an accounting machine used in a semi-self-type product sales system. A description of the configurations of the POS terminal 30 and the accounting machine 40 will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the first server 10 will be explained.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the first server 10. As shown in FIG. The first server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication interface 14, a gateway device 15, and a system transmission path 16. The system transmission line 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The first server 10 connects a processor 11 , a main memory 12 , an auxiliary storage device 13 , a communication interface 14 , and a gateway device 15 to a system transmission path 16 . The first server 10 constitutes a computer by a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a system transmission path 16 connecting these.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to implement various functions of the first server 10 according to the operating system and application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system and application programs in a nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data necessary for the processor to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor. For example, the nonvolatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used as the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 to perform various processes and data created by processing by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above application program.

The communication interface 14 transmits and receives data to and from each unit connected via the network 70 according to a communication protocol. Gateway device 15 connects to a public network.

The first server 10 includes a product database 131, a member database 132, and a sales promotion database 133 in an auxiliary storage device 13.

The product database 131 stores data regarding each product sold at the store. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the product data record 131R for each product stored in the product database 131. As shown in FIG. 4, the product data record 131R includes items such as a product ID, product name, price, classification name, link promotion ID, and restriction flag.

The product ID is a unique code set for each product to identify each product individually. The product name and price are the name of the product specified by the product ID and the selling price per item.

The classification name is information that specifies the classification to which the product specified by the product ID belongs. For example, the product "apple" has many varieties such as "Fuji," "Jonagold," and "Kugyoku," and a different product ID is set for each variety. However, regardless of the variety, the classification name is unified to "apple".

The link promotion ID is a code that identifies promotional information associated with the product specified by the product ID. The promotional information associated with a product includes, for example, information about a campaign in which the user can participate by purchasing the product, information about bargain items that offer discount benefits, information about available coupons, and the like. Incidentally, if no promotional information is associated with the product, a null value is set as the link promotion ID. In this embodiment, one piece of promotional information is associated with one product, but two or more pieces of promotional information may be associated.

The restriction flag is 1-bit information for identifying whether the product specified by the product ID is an age-restricted product such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, etc. In this embodiment, the restriction flag for products with age restrictions is set to "1", and the restriction flag for products without age restrictions is set to "0".

The member database 132 stores data regarding customers who have registered as point members, so-called members. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the member data record 132R per member stored in the member database 132. As illustrated, the member data record 132R includes items such as member ID, purchase history data, and shopping data. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to identify each member individually. A member owns a recording medium in which the member ID is recorded. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic card, a contact type IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a non-contact type IC card, a smartphone, or the like. The purchase history data is data indicating the purchase history of what and when the member identified by the member ID purchased.

The shopping data is data on products that the member specified by the member ID is planning to purchase. The customer can access the first server 10 via the public network by operating a customer terminal, for example, and register shopping data in his or her member data record 132R. The shopping data includes the name of the product that is planned to be purchased. The name may be a product name set in the product data record 131R or a classification name. In other words, a customer who plans to purchase the product ``apple'' regardless of the variety only needs to register the name ``apple'' as shopping data. On the other hand, for example, a customer who is planning to purchase a product "Apple" whose product name is "Fuji Ringo" may register the name "Fuji Ringo" as shopping data.

The sales promotion database 133 stores sales promotion information regarding campaigns, special sales items, coupons, etc. as described above. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the sales promotion data record 133R per piece of information stored in the sales promotion database 133. As illustrated, the promotion data record 133R includes a promotion ID and promotion data. The promotion ID is a unique code set for each piece of promotional information in order to individually identify the promotional information. The promotional data is image data specifically representing promotional information.

Next, the configuration of the second server 20 will be explained.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the second server 20. As shown in FIG. Like the first server 10, the second server 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, and a system transmission line 25. Auxiliary storage device 23 and communication interface 24 are connected. The second server 20 constitutes a computer by a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, and a system transmission path 25 connecting these. A general description of the processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and communication interface 24 may be the same as that for the first server 10.

The second server 20 functions as a monitoring support device that supports monitoring the status of the information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40 using the monitoring terminal 60 that functions as a display device. The second server 20 uses a part of the volatile area in the main memory 22 as an information terminal table 221 and an accounting machine table 222 in order to realize the function as a monitoring support device. The information terminal table 221 includes an area that holds various information for each information terminal 50 provided in each cart C.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal table 221. The information terminal table 221 includes terminal ID, terminal status ST1, member ID, accounting machine ID, first timer T1, second timer T2, third timer T3, counter N, registration list, sales promotion list, shopping list, accounting code, It has areas A1 to A13 for describing each piece of ranking information.

Area A1 is an area for writing a unique terminal ID set for each information terminal 50 in order to identify each information terminal 50 individually. In FIG. 8, the terminal IDs are represented as TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, . . . . The terminal ID is terminal identification information. Area A2 is an area for describing information indicating the status of information terminal 50 specified by the corresponding terminal ID, so-called terminal status ST1. The terminal status ST1 represents "waiting", "registering", "accounting", and "abandoned". "Waiting" is the state from when the previous customer finishes paying until the next customer logs in. "Registering" is the state from when login is performed until accounting is approved. "Accounting in progress" is the state from when the accounting is approved until the accounting is completed. “Abandoned” is a state in which the device is left without any operation for a certain period of time from the “registering” state.

Area A3 is an area for writing the member ID of the member who has logged in to the information terminal 50. Area A4 is an area for writing the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 40 that performs accounting for products registered on the information terminal 50. The accounting machines 40 have unique accounting machine IDs to individually identify each accounting machine 40.

Area A5 is an area for writing the value of the first timer T1 for measuring the elapsed time after login. Area A6 is an area for writing the value of the second timer T2 for measuring the elapsed time since the bar code of the product with the discount sticker was scanned. Area A7 is an area for writing the value of the third timer T3 for measuring the elapsed time since the last purchased product was registered after login. Area A8 is an area for writing the value of counter N for counting the number of promotional data.

Area A9 is an area for writing a registration list L1 shown in FIG. 9, which is a list of information regarding products registered with information terminal 50. The area A10 is an area for writing a sales promotion list L2 shown in FIG. 10, which is a list of sales promotion information associated with products registered on the information terminal 50. Area A11 is an area for writing shopping list L3 shown in FIG. 11, which lists shopping data of members who have logged in to information terminal 50. Area A12 is an area for writing an accounting code issued for each commercial transaction in order to identify the commercial transaction for which product registration has been performed on the information terminal 50. Area A13 is an area for describing the ranking when the status of the information terminal 50 is displayed on the monitoring terminal 60. The accounting code and ranking will be clarified in the explanation below.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the registration list L1. The registration list L1 describes a product ID, product name, number of items, price, first flag F1, second flag F2, and third flag F3 in the order of a series of numbers. The first flag F1, second flag F2, and third flag F3 will be explained later.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the sales promotion list L2. The sales promotion list L2 describes a sales promotion ID, sales promotion data, product ID, and fourth flag F4 in numerical order. The fourth flag F4 will be explained later in the explanation.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the shopping list L3. The shopping list L3 is a list in which names and a fifth flag F5 are written in numerical order. The fifth flag F5 will be explained later in the explanation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the accounting machine table 222. The accounting machine table 222 has areas B1 to B4 for respectively writing information such as an accounting machine ID, an accounting machine status ST2, a first error flag EF1, and a second error flag EF2.

Area B1 is an area for writing a unique accounting machine ID set for each accounting machine 40 in order to identify each accounting machine 40 individually. Area B2 is an area for describing the accounting machine status ST2. The accounting machine status ST2 is information indicating the state of the accounting machine 40 specified by the accounting machine ID. The accounting machine status ST2 represents "idling" and "paying". "Idle" is the state from when the previous customer finishes paying the bill until the next customer's bill starts. "Paying" is the state from when one customer's checkout starts until it ends.

Area B3 is an area for writing a first error flag EF1 that indicates whether or not an error has occurred in the printer of accounting machine 40 using 1-bit information. The accounting machine 40 has a printer for printing receipts. For example, when the accounting machine 40 runs out of receipt paper, a printer error occurs. When a printer error occurs, the first error flag EF1 changes from "0" to "1". Thereafter, when the error is resolved, the first error flag EF1 returns from "1" to "0".

Area B4 is an area for writing a second error flag EF2 that indicates whether or not an error has occurred in the change machine of accounting machine 40 using 1-bit information. The accounting machine 40 has a change machine for collecting deposits and dispensing change. For example, if a coin jams in the accounting machine 40, a change machine error occurs. When a change machine error occurs, the second error flag EF2 changes from "0" to "1". Thereafter, when the error is resolved, the second error flag EF2 returns from "1" to "0".

Next, the configurations of the monitoring terminal 60 and the information terminal 50 will be explained.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the monitoring terminal 60. The monitoring terminal 60 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a wireless unit 64, a touch panel 65, and a system transmission line 66. The system transmission line 66 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The monitoring terminal 60 connects a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a wireless unit 64, and a touch panel 65 to a system transmission path 66 directly or via a signal input/output circuit. The monitoring terminal 60 constitutes a computer by a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, and a system transmission path 66 connecting these.

The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to implement various functions of the monitoring terminal 60 according to the operating system and application programs. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

The main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 is a nonvolatile memory area that stores an operating system and application programs. The main memory 62 may store data necessary for the processor to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor. For example, the nonvolatile memory area is a ROM. The volatile memory area is RAM.

The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD is used as the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 to perform various processes and data created by processing by the processor 61. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the above application program.

The wireless unit 64 wirelessly transmits or receives data to and from the access point 80 according to a wireless communication protocol.

The touch panel 65 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the monitoring terminal 60. The monitoring terminal 60 is equipped with a browser for displaying images on the touch panel 65 based on image data created by a web server such as the second server 20.

The monitoring terminal 60 can be a computer device such as a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a wireless unit 54, a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, a reader 57, and a system transmission path 58. The system transmission line 58 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The information terminal 50 connects a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a wireless unit 54, a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, and a reader 57 to a system transmission path 58 directly or via a signal input/output circuit. The information terminal 50 constitutes a computer by a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, and a system transmission path 58 connecting these. A general description of the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, and wireless unit 54 may be the same as that for the monitoring terminal 60.

The touch panel 55 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 50. The information terminal 50 is equipped with a browser for displaying images on the touch panel 55 based on image data created by a web server such as the second server 20.

The scanner 56 has a camera as an imaging section. The scanner 56 reads code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional data codes from images taken by the camera.

The reader 57 reads the member ID recorded on the recording medium. The reader 57 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 non-contact IC card or a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 57.

The information terminal 50 is configured such that a scanner 56 and a reader 57 are electrically connected to a tablet terminal TM shown in FIG. Consists of.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C to which an information terminal 50 is attached. The cart C includes a caster section C1 for movement, a handle frame section C2, and a basket receiving section C3. The caster portion C1 has four wheels for smooth movement on the floor. The handle frame portion C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster portion C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket receiving portion C3 is located forward from a midway portion of the handle frame portion C2. In the cart C, a shopping basket BA for accommodating products is placed on a basket receiving part C3 and a caster part C1.

The scanner 56 is located in the middle of the handlebar C22. The scanner 56 is attached to the handlebar C22 with the reading window facing forward. The cart C has a pole C4 attached to one vertical frame C21. The tip of the pole C4 is located above the handlebar C22. The tablet terminal TM is attached to the tip of the pole C4 so that the screen of the touch panel 55 faces backward. The reader 57 is attached to the tablet terminal TM so that the card slit is positioned toward the rear. In FIG. 15, the reader 57 is a magnetic card reader. The battery BT is attached to the lower end side of the handle frame portion C2, spanning the vertical frames C21, C21. The battery BT serves as a driving power source for the tablet terminal TM and the scanner 56.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor 51 of the information terminal 50. 17 to 27 are flowcharts showing main information processing procedures executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. 28 to 32 and 37 are examples of images displayed on the touch panel 55, which is a display device of the information terminal 50. 33 to 36 are examples of images displayed on the touch panel 65, which is a display device of the monitoring terminal 60. Hereinafter, the main operations of the product sales system according to this embodiment will be explained using each figure. The content of the processing described below is an example. The processing procedure and processing contents are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

First, the operation related to the information terminal 50 will be explained.
The processor 51 of the information terminal 50 displays an initial image on the touch panel 55 as Act 1 in FIG. The initial image is arbitrary. The processor 51 uses, for example, an image explaining the login procedure as the initial image. Image data of the initial image is received from the second server 20. The processor 21 of the second server 20 distributes the image data of the initial image to the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "on standby". The information terminal 50 that is waiting for login displays an initial image on the touch panel 55.

When customer M1, who is a member, comes to the store, he takes out an empty cart C from the cart storage area. Customer M1 confirms that the initial image is displayed on touch panel 55 of information terminal 50 attached to cart C. After confirmation, customer M1 logs in. That is, the customer M1 causes the reader 57 to read the data on the recording medium in which the member ID is recorded.

The processor 51 waits for login in Act2. When the data of the recording medium in which the member ID is recorded is read by the reader 57, the processor 51 determines that login has been performed, and proceeds to YES in Act2. The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit the login command to the second server 20 as Act 3. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the login command. The login command includes the member ID read by the reader 57 and the terminal ID of the information terminal 50. Access point 80 receives the login command. Access point 80 sends a login command to second server 20 via network 70 .

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has received the login command via the communication interface 24, starts login interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, in Act 21, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID from the login command. In Act 22, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID detected from the login command. In the following description, the terminal ID detected from the login command will be referred to as a login terminal ID.

If the terminal status ST1 is "on standby", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act22. The processor 21 detects the member ID from the login command in Act23. In Act 24, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to make an inquiry to the first server 10 for authentication of the member ID. The communication interface 24 transmits an authentication inquiry command. The authentication inquiry command includes the member ID. The first server 10 receives the authentication inquiry command via the network 70.

The processor 11 of the first server 10 detects the member ID from the authentication inquiry command. Processor 11 accesses member database 132 and reads member data record 132R containing the member ID. If the member data record 132R of the member ID is not registered in the member database 132, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a denial response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a response signal of a denial response to the second server 20 .

When the processor 11 is able to read the corresponding member data record 132R from the member database 132, it controls the communication interface 14 to transmit an approval response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a response signal of an approval response to the second server 20. The approval response includes shopping data of member data record 132R.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the authentication inquiry command, waits for a response signal from the first server 10 in Act 25. If the response signal of the approval response is received within a certain period of time, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act25. In Act 26, the processor 21 checks whether the approval response includes shopping data.

If the customer M1 who has logged in has registered shopping data in advance, the approval response includes the shopping data. If shopping data has not been registered, the shopping data will not be included in the approval response. If the approval response includes shopping data, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act26. The processor 21 creates a shopping list L3 from the shopping data as Act 27. That is, the processor 21 creates a shopping list L3 by assigning a series of numbers to the names forming the shopping data. The processor 21 stores the shopping list L3 in the area A11 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. As Act 28, the processor 21 sets all the fifth flags F5 corresponding to each number of the shopping list L3 to "0". If the approval response does not include shopping data, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act26. The processor 21 does not execute the processes in Acts 27 and 28 described above.

The processor 21 creates the registered image P1 shown in FIG. 28 as Act 29. In Act 30, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit an approval response to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the login command. Furthermore, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the image data of the registered image P1 to the information terminal 50 as Act 31. The communication interface 24 transmits the response signal of the approval response and the image data of the registered image P1 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits a response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that is the source of the login command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

The processor 21 that controlled the transmission of the response signal and the image data changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "standby" to "registering" in Act 32. As Act 33, the processor 21 resets the value of the counter N associated with the login terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 to "0". Furthermore, the processor 21 starts the counting operation of the first timer T1 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 as Act 34.
With this, the processor 21 ends the login interrupt process.

If the terminal status ST1 is not "on standby", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act22. If the response from the first server 10 is a denial response, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 25. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit a denial response to the information terminal 50 that sent the login command as Act 35. Communication interface 24 transmits a response signal of the denial response via network 70 . Access point 80 wirelessly transmits a response signal of a denial response. The information terminal 50 that is the source of the login command receives the response signal of the denial response wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80 .
The login command is information that can specify the state related to the registration of the information terminal 50. In other words, the processor 21 cooperates with the communication interface 24 to configure a first collection section. The processor 21 has a function of setting a terminal status ST1 as a first status representing the state of the information terminal 50 for each of the plurality of information terminals 50 based on the information collected by the first collection unit through the process of Act 32.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16.
The processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the login command in Act 3, waits for a response signal from the second server 20 in Act 4. If a response signal of a denial response is received via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act4. The processor 51 treats the login as an error. If the login is an error, the processor 51 causes the touch panel 55 to display an error notification image including a confirmation button. When the confirmation button is touched, the processor 51 returns the image on the touch panel 55 to the initial image and waits for the next login.

When the processor 51 receives the response signal of the approval response via the wireless unit 54, the process proceeds to YES in Act4. The processor 51 displays the registered image P1 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received together with the approval response as Act 5.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the registered image P1. As shown in FIG. 28, the registration image P1 includes a registration list area PA1, a sales promotion list area PA2, a shopping memo area PA3, a touch button BU1 for [product without barcode], and a touch button BU2 for [checkout]. include.

The registration list area PA1 is located at the center of the registration image P1. The registration list area PA1 is an area for displaying the registration list L1 described in the area A9 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. Before starting product registration, the registration list area PA1 is blank.

The promotion list area PA2 is located above the registered image P1. The promotion list area PA2 includes a plurality of promotion areas along the upper edge of the registered image P1. In FIG. 28, four sales promotion areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 are shown. Each of the promotion areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 displays the promotion information of the promotion list L2 described in the area A10 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. The sales promotion area PA21 at the left end when facing the screen displays the sales promotion information most recently registered in the sales promotion list L2. Sales promotion areas PA22, PA23, and PA24 on the right side of the sales promotion area PA21 as viewed from the screen sequentially shift the previously registered sales promotion information. Before the start of product registration, the sales promotion list area PA2 is also blank. Promotional information that is not linked to the purchased product, such as "Tomorrow is a sale day", may be displayed in the promotional areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24 of the registered image P1 before the product registration starts.

The shopping memo area PA3 is located on the left side when facing the screen of the registered image P1. The shopping memo area PA3 is an area for displaying the shopping list L3 described in the area A11 associated with the login terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. If the customer M1 who has logged in has registered shopping data in advance, the shopping memo area PA3 displays information on the shopping list L3 based on the shopping data. If the customer M1 who has logged in has not registered shopping data in advance, the shopping memo area PA3 will be blank. Alternatively, the shopping memo area PA3 itself may be omitted from the registered image P1.

The touch button BU1 for [product without barcode] and the touch button BU2 for [checkout] are located at the bottom of the registered image P1. Specifically, there is a touch button BU1 for [products without barcode] on the left side of the screen, and a touch button BU2 for [checkout] on the right side. The left and right positions of the touch button BU1 and the touch button BU2 may be reversed.

[Product without barcode] touch button BU1 is used when a customer registers a product without a barcode in the information terminal 50. Many products sold at stores are attached with barcodes that correspond to the product ID of the product. Therefore, the customer M1 who performs self-registration using the cart C operates the scanner 56 to read the barcode attached to the purchased product before putting it in the shopping cart BA at the sales floor. When the barcode is read by the scanner 56, the product ID represented by the barcode is input into the information terminal 50. That is, product registration is performed. On the other hand, some products such as fresh foods may not have barcodes attached to them. If the purchased product does not have a barcode attached, customer M1 touches touch button BU1. Then, the touch panel 55 displays a touch button corresponding to a product without a barcode, a so-called product button, and the customer M1 touches the product button corresponding to the purchased product. When a product button is touched, the product ID of the product corresponding to the product button is input to the information terminal 50. That is, product registration is performed.

The [Checkout] touch button BU2 is used when the customer declares the checkout for the purchased product. That is, customer M1, who has self-registered purchased products using cart C, touches touch button BU2 when proceeding to checkout.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16.
In Act 5, the processor 51 displays the registration image P1 on the touch panel 55, and checks in Act 6 whether the product has been registered. If the product has not been registered, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act 6. In Act 7, the processor 51 checks whether the [Accounting] touch button BU2 is touched. If the [Accounting] touch button BU2 is not touched, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act7. The processor 51 returns to Act6. Here, the processor 51 waits for product registration to be performed or for the touch button BU2 of [Accounting] to be touched in Acts 6 and 7.

When confirming that product registration has been performed in the standby state in Acts 6 and 7, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act 6. The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit the product registration command to the second server 20 in Act 8. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the product registration command. The product registration command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 and the product ID of the registered product. That is, when the barcode of a registered product is read by the scanner 56, the product registration command includes the product ID obtained from the barcode. When a registered product is selected by touching a product button, the product registration command includes the product ID assigned to the product button. The product registration command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has received the product registration command via the communication interface 24, starts product registration interrupt processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 to 20. First, in Act 41, the processor 21 detects the product ID from the product registration command. In Act 42, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to inquire about product data to the first server 10. The communication interface 24 transmits a product inquiry command. The product inquiry command includes a product ID. The product inquiry command is sent to the first server 10 via the network 70.

The processor 11 of the first server 10 that receives the product inquiry command via the communication interface 14 detects the product ID from the product inquiry command. Processor 11 accesses product database 131 and reads product data record 131R including the product ID. If the product data record 131R of the product ID cannot be read from the product database 131, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send an abnormal response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a response signal indicating an abnormality response to the second server 20 .

When the processor 11 is able to read the corresponding product data record 131R from the product database 131, it controls the communication interface 14 to transmit a normal response to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a normal response response signal to the second server 20. The normal response includes product data such as the product ID, product name, price, classification name, link promotion ID, and restriction flag of the product data record 131R.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the product inquiry command, waits for a response signal from the first server 10 in Act 43. If a normal response response signal is received within a certain period of time, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act43. In Act 44, the processor 21 adds the product data included in the normal response to the registration list L1 of the information terminal table 221. That is, the processor 21 adds the product ID, product name, number, and price to the registration list L1 in the area A9 associated with the terminal ID included in the product registration command of the information terminal table 221. The product ID and product name are included in the product data. The score is "1". The amount is the price of the product data. In the following description, the terminal ID included in the product registration command will be referred to as a registered terminal ID. In Act 45, the processor 21 sets the first to third flags F1 to F3 of the added product data to "0".

In Act 46, the processor 21 determines whether the registered product is a product with a discount sticker. In this embodiment, a discount sticker indicating discount information is attached to a product eligible for discount, and a discount mark is attached to a part of the barcode. The discount information is, for example, a discount amount or a discount rate. If the barcode image taken by the scanner 56 of the information terminal 50 includes a discount mark, the processor 21 determines that the registered product is a product with a discount sticker. If the registered product is not a product with a discount sticker, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act46. The processor 21 proceeds to the process in Act53.

If the registered product is a product with a discount sticker, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act46. The processor 21 starts the timer counting operation of the second timer T2 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 as Act 47. In Act 48, the processor 21 checks whether discount information has been received. If no discount information has been received, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act48. In Act 49, the processor 21 checks whether the second timer T2 has timed out. For example, the second timer T2 times out after counting 15 seconds. If the second timer T2 has not timed out, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act49. The processor 21 returns to Act48. In Acts 48 and 49, the processor 21 waits until the discount information is received or the second timer T2 times out.

If a discount sticker is attached to the purchased product, the customer M1 who is self-registering needs to operate the scanner 56 to read the information on the discount sticker. If the registered product is a product with a discount sticker, the processor 21 may display guidance on the touch panel 55 of the information terminal 50 instructing the user to read the discount sticker with the scanner 56.

When the discount information is read by the scanner 56 of the information terminal 50, the wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits the discount information. Discount information is received at access point 80 and sent to second server 20 via network 70 .

When the processor 21 of the second server 20 detects that the discount information has been received via the communication interface 24 before the second timer T2 times out, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act48. The processor 21 performs discount processing as Act 50. For example, the processor 21 obtains the discount amount based on the discount information, and subtracts the discount amount from the amount of product data added to the registration list L1 in the process of Act44. The processor 21 stops the second timer T2 as Act51. Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to the process in Act53.

If the second timer T2 times out, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act49. As Act 52, the processor 21 changes the second flag F2 of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the process of Act 44 from "0" to "1". Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to the process in Act53. If the customer M1 causes the scanner 56 to read the information on the discount sticker before the second timer T2 times out, the registered product is discounted based on the discount information on the discount sticker and stored in the registration list L1. Ru. However, if the second timer T2 times out, the registered product is stored in the registration list L1 without being discounted. In other words, a discount sticker reading error occurs for the registered product. The second flag F2 becomes "1" for registered products for which a discount sticker reading error occurred.

In Act 53, the processor 21 checks the restriction flag of the product data. If the restriction flag is "0", that is, the registered product is a product without age restrictions, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 53. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 in FIG. 19 .

If the restriction flag is "1", that is, the registered product is an age-restricted product, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 53. In Act 54, the processor 21 changes the third flag F3 of the product data added to the registration list L1 in the process of Act 44 from "0" to "1". In other words, the third flag F3 becomes "1" for registered products with age restrictions.

As Act 55, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the image data of the age verification image to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the product registration command. The processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 in FIG. 19 . The communication interface 24 transmits image data of the age verification image via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50 that is the source of the product registration command receives image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80 .

In the information terminal 50 that has received the image data of the age confirmation image, the age confirmation image is displayed on the touch panel 55. As for the age confirmation image, a confirmation button is displayed together with guidance such as "Are you 20 years old or older?", so the customer M1 who has confirmed the age confirmation image touches the confirmation button. Then, the age confirmation image is erased and the screen of the touch panel 55 returns to the registered image P1.

If the processor 21 cannot receive a normal response response signal within a certain period of time in response to the transmission of the product inquiry command, the process proceeds to NO in Act 43. The processor 21 executes virtual product registration processing as Act 57. For example, there may be a case where the product data record 131R of a registered product has been deleted from the product database 131. In this case, the processor 21 cannot receive a normal response response signal. As a virtual product registration process, the processor 21 adds only the product ID of the registered product to the registration list L1. The product name, number of items, and price are not added to the registration list L1. As Act 58, the processor 21 sets the first flag F1 of the product data to which only the product ID is added to "1", and sets both the second flag F2 and the third flag F3 to "0". The processor 21 proceeds to Act 61 in FIG. 19 . The first flag F1 becomes "1" for a product registered by the virtual product registration process.

In Act 61, the processor 21 creates a registration list image based on the registration list L1 in the area A9 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. The registration list image is an image displayed in the registration list area PA1 of the registration image P1. That is, the registration list image, as shown in FIG. 28, is an image in which the product names, numbers, and prices of the product data registered in the registration list L1 are arranged in a list. This sorting order is such that the newly registered products are ranked higher, that is, in descending order from the one with the largest registration number in the registration list L1. The registration number is represented as "No." in FIG. The product data that has been most recently added to the registration list L1 can be identified by having a different font color or a different background color from other product data. The example in FIG. 28 shows a case where the background colors are different. A [Cancel] touch button BU3 is displayed for each product data. The [Cancel] touch button BU3 is touched and operated by the customer M1 when canceling the purchase of the product of the corresponding product data during shopping. When the [Cancel] touch button BU3 is touched, the number and price of the corresponding product in the registration list area PA1 become "0". The [Cancel] touch button BU3 is deleted.

In Act 62, the processor 21 checks whether promotional information is set in association with the registered product. That is, the processor 21 examines the link promotion ID included in the product data. If the link sales promotion ID is a Null value, the processor 21 determines that no sales promotion information is set. If a code as a link promotion ID is set, the processor 21 determines that promotion information is set. If the promotional information is not set, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 62. The processor 21 proceeds to the process in Act71.

If the promotional information is set, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act62. In Act 63, the processor 21 searches the promotion list L2 in the area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 checks whether the link promotion ID included in the product data has already been registered in the promotion list L2.

If the link promotion ID is not registered in the promotion list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act64. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to inquire about promotional data to the first server 10 in Act 65. The communication interface 24 transmits the promotional inquiry command. The promotion inquiry command includes a link promotion ID. The promotional inquiry command is sent to the first server 10 via the network 70.

The processor 11 of the first server 10, which received the promotion inquiry command via the communication interface 14, detects the link promotion ID from the promotion inquiry command. Processor 11 accesses promotion database 133 and reads promotion data record 133R containing the link promotion ID. If the promotion data record 133R of the promotion ID is not registered in the promotion database 133, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 14 to send a normal response without promotion to the second server 20. The communication interface 14 transmits a normal response without promotion to the second server 20.

When the processor 11 is able to read the corresponding promotional data record 133R from the promotional database 133, it controls the communication interface 14 to transmit a normal response including the promotional data to the second server 20. Communication interface 14 transmits a normal response including promotional data to second server 20 .

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the sales promotion inquiry command, checks in Act 66 whether or not a normal response including the sales promotion data has been received. If a normal response without promotion is received, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act66. The processor 21 proceeds to the process in Act71.

If a normal response including promotional data is received, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act66. In Act 67, the processor 21 increments the counter N in the area A8 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 by "1". As Act 68, the processor 21 adds data to the sales promotion list L2 in the area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. The data consists of a product ID of a registered product, a link promotion ID associated with the product ID, and promotion data in which the link promotion ID is set. Data is added to the area with the same number as counter N.

If the link promotion ID has already been registered in the promotion list L2, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act64. In Act 69, the processor 21 shifts the link promotion ID and the promotion data and product ID registered in the promotion list L2 together with the link promotion ID to the area with the same number as the counter N.

After completing the processing in Act 68 or Act 69, the processor 21 sets the fourth flag F4 in the area with the same number as the counter N of the sales promotion list L2 to "1" and sets the fourth flag F4 in the area with another number as "1" in Act 70. 0”. Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to Act71. The fourth flag F4 becomes "1" for promotional information associated with a newly registered product.

In Act 71, the processor 21 checks whether the counter N is counting a value larger than "0". If the counter N is "0", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act71. The processor 21 proceeds to Act81 in FIG.

If the counter N is greater than "0", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act71. As Act 72, the processor 21 creates a promotional image based on the promotional list L2 in the area A10 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. When the processor 21 finishes creating the promotional image, it proceeds to Act 81 in FIG. 20.

The promotional image is an image displayed in the promotional list area PA2 of the registered image P1. That is, as shown in FIG. 28, the promotional image is an image in which promotional information generated from promotional data registered in the promotional list L2 is arranged in areas PA21, PA22, PA23, and PA24, respectively. Specifically, promotional information is displayed in the area PA21, area PA22, area PA23, and area PA24 in order from the one with the largest number in the promotion list L2. The promotional information generated from the promotional data for which the fourth flag F4 is "1", that is, the promotional information displayed in area PA21, can be distinguished from the promotional information displayed in other areas PA22, PA23, and PA24. For example, by making the color of the frame in area PA21 the same as the font color of the registered product newly added to registration list area PA1, it can be distinguished from other promotional information.

In Act 81, the processor 21 determines whether the shopping list L3 is stored in the area A11 associated with the registered terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. If the shopping list L3 is not saved, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act81. The processor 21 proceeds to Act86.

If the shopping list L3 is saved, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act81. The processor 21 searches the shopping list L3 in Act82. In Act 83, the processor 21 checks whether the registered product is included in the shopping list L3. That is, the processor 21 checks whether a name that matches the product name or classification name of the registered product exists in the shopping list L3. If no matching name exists, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act83. The processor 21 proceeds to Act85.

If a matching name exists, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act83. In Act 84, the processor 21 changes the fifth flag F5 corresponding to the matching name of the shopping list L3 from "0" to "1". After that, the processor 21 proceeds to Act85. The fifth flag F5 becomes "1" for the name of the product for which product registration has been performed among the names stored in the shopping list L3.

In Act 85, the processor 21 creates a shopping memo image using the information in the shopping list L3. When the processor 21 finishes creating the shopping memo image, it proceeds to Act86.

The shopping memo image is an image displayed in shopping memo area PA3 of registered image P1. That is, as shown in FIG. 28, the processor 21 forms a shopping memo image by arranging the names registered in the shopping list L3 in order from the top to the bottom of the screen. The processor 21 deletes the names whose fifth flag F5 is "1". For example, the processor 21 crosses out names for which the fifth flag F5 is "1" by drawing a strikethrough line. Alternatively, the processor 21 erases the names for which the fifth flag F5 is "1" by reducing the character density compared to other names.

In Act86, the processor 21 edits the registered image P1. That is, the processor 21 edits the registered image P1 so that the registered list image created in Act 61, the promotional image created in Act 72, and the shopping memo image created in Act 85 are displayed in areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively. do.

In Act 87, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the registration image P1 to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the product registration command. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the registered image P1 edited in Act86 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50 that sent the product registration command receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

The processor 21 that controlled the transmission of the registered image P1 starts the counting operation of the third timer T3 associated with the registered terminal information ID of the information terminal table 221 as Act88. If the third timer T3 has already started, the processor 21 restarts the third timer T3. With this, the processor 21 ends the product registration interrupt process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16.
The processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the product registration command in Act8, returns to Act5. That is, the processor 51 updates the registered image P1 displayed on the touch panel 55 based on the image data newly received from the second server 20.

The product name, number, and price of the product self-registered by customer M1 are added to registration list area PA1. If the registered product exists in the shopping list L3, the name of the registered product is erased from the shopping memo area PA3. If promotional information is set in association with the registered product, a promotional image based on the promotional information is displayed in the promotional area PA21 of the promotional list area PA2. If other promotional information is already displayed in the promotional areas PA21 to PA23, it is sequentially shifted to the right promotional areas PA22 to PA24, and the promotional information displayed in the promotional area PA24 is no longer displayed. However, if the promotional information for the registered product has already been displayed in the promotional area PA21, the promotional image does not change. For example, if the promotional information of the registered product is displayed in the promotional area PA22, that promotional information is moved to the promotional area PA21, and the promotional information that was displayed in the promotional area PA22 immediately before is shifted to the promotional area PA22. . The same applies when promotional information for registered products is displayed in other promotional areas PA23 and PA24.

The processor 51 advances to YES in Act 6 every time product registration is performed. The processor 51 repeats the processing in Act8 and Act5.

By the way, for products registered through the virtual product registration process, the first flag F1 is set to "1". For registered products for which the first flag F1 is "1", the name is "Product Registration Error" as shown in the display example PR1 of FIG. 29. Instead of the points and amount, the guidance "The staff will confirm this at the time of payment" is displayed. An icon IC1 indicating that the product registration is in error is displayed.

The second flag F2 is set to "1" for registered products for which a discount sticker reading error occurred. For registered products for which the second flag F2 is "1", the name is "discount sticker error", as shown in display example PR2 in FIG. 29. Instead of the points and amount, the guidance "The staff will confirm this at the time of payment" is displayed. An icon IC2 indicating a discount sticker error is displayed.

For registered products with age restrictions, the third flag F3 is set to "1". For registered products for which the third flag F3 is "1", an icon IC3 indicating that the product is an age-restricted product is displayed, as shown in display example PR3 in FIG.

Regarding the product for which cancellation is instructed by the touch operation of the [Cancel] touch button BU3, the score and price need not be set to "0" in the registration list area PA1. As shown in display example PR4 in FIG. 29, strikethrough lines may be displayed on the product name, number of items, and price, and the [Cancel] touch button BU3 may be erased. As shown in FIG. 29, the order of error items such as "product registration error" and "discount sticker error" may be rearranged so that they are located at the top of the registration list area PA1. Error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error" are newly registered without changing the sort order so that they can be used as a reference for customer M1 who is searching for the product corresponding to the error in the shopping cart BA. It is also possible to leave the sorting order in such a way that the higher the number of products, the higher the rank. In order to make it easier to see the row positions of error items such as "Product Registration Error" and "Discount Sticker Error," the background color of the scroll bar at the right end of Figure 29 at the position corresponding to the row of error items is changed. The background color may be different from that of positions that do not correspond to the background color.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16.
In the standby state in Acts 6 and 7, if the [Accounting] touch button BU2 is input, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 7. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit the accounting command to the second server 20 as Act 9. Wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits accounting commands. The accounting command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has received the accounting command via the communication interface 24, starts accounting interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 using the terminal ID included in the accounting command as Act 101. In the following description, the terminal ID included in the accounting command will be referred to as accounting terminal ID. The processor 21 checks whether data for which the first flag F1 is set to "1" exists in the registration list L1 in the area A9 associated with the accounting terminal ID.

If there is no data for which the first flag F1 is set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act101. In Act 102, the processor 21 checks whether data for which the second flag F2 is set to "1" exists in the registration list L1.

If there is no data for which the second flag F2 is set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 102. The processor 21 controls the communication interface to transmit an approval response to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the accounting command in Act 103. Furthermore, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the image data of the plastic bag confirmation image P3 shown in FIG. 31 to the information terminal 50 as Act 104. The communication interface 24 transmits the response signal of the approval response and the image data of the plastic bag confirmation image P3 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits a response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that is the source of the accounting command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

In Act 101, if data for which the first flag F1 is set to "1" exists in the registration list L1, the processor 21 proceeds to YES and proceeds to the processing in Act 111. In Act 102, if there is data for which the second flag F2 is set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to YES and proceeds to the processing in Act 111. The processor 21 controls the communication interface in Act 111 to transmit a denial response to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the accounting command. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the image data of the attendant confirmation image P2 shown in FIG. 30 to the information terminal 50 as Act 112. The communication interface 24 transmits the response signal of the denial response and the image data of the attendant confirmation image P2 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits a response signal and image data. The information terminal 50 that is the source of the accounting command receives the response signal and image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.
The accounting command is information that can specify the registration status of the information terminal 50. In other words, the processor 21 cooperates with the communication interface 24 to configure a first collection section. The processor 21 has a function of setting a terminal status ST1 as a first status representing the state of the information terminal 50 for each of the plurality of information terminals 50 based on the information collected by the first collection unit through the process of Act 110.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16.
The processor 51 of the information terminal 50, which controlled the transmission of the accounting command in Act 9, waits for a response signal from the second server 20 in Act 10. If a response signal of a denial response is received via the wireless unit 64, the processor 51 proceeds to NO in Act10. The processor 51 displays the attendant confirmation image P2 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received together with the response signal in Act 11.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the attendant confirmation image P2. As shown in FIG. 30, the staff confirmation image P2 includes a guidance GA1 that notifies that staff confirmation is required due to an error in self-registration of the product, as well as a [Yes] touch button BU4. After confirming the attendant confirmation image P2, the customer M1 goes to the attendant counter AT and makes a request to the attendant M3.

Upon receiving the offer from the customer M1, the attendant M3 performs an operation to delete the data of the products for which the first flag F1 is "1" or the second flag F2 is "1" from the registration list L1. This operation may be performed from the monitoring terminal 60 or the information terminal 50. Alternatively, the transaction may be performed from the accounting machine 40 or by connecting other computer equipment to the network 70.

If the data of the product for which the first flag F1 is "1" or the second flag F2 is "1" is deleted from the registration list L1, the customer M1 touches the [Yes] touch button BU4.

The processor 51 that controlled the display of the attendant confirmation image P2 waits for a confirmation operation to be performed in Act 12. If the processor 51 detects that the touch button BU4 for [Yes], which is a confirmation operation, has been touched, the process proceeds to YES in Act12. The processor 51 returns to Act5. That is, the processor 51 returns the screen of the touch panel 55 to the registered image P1.

After confirming that the screen on the touch panel 55 has returned to the registered image P1, the customer M1 touches the [Checkout] touch button BU2 again. Then, since the processor 21 of the second server 20 determines NO in Act 101 and NO in Act 102 in FIG. 21, it executes the processes in Acts 103 and 104. As a result, the information terminal 50 receives the response signal of the approval response and the image data of the plastic bag confirmation image P3.

Upon receiving the acknowledgment response signal via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act10. The processor 51 displays the plastic bag confirmation image P3 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data received together with the response signal in Act 13.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the plastic bag confirmation image P3. As shown in FIG. 31, the plastic bag confirmation image P3 includes guidance GA2 inquiring whether or not to purchase a plastic bag, as well as a touch button BU5 for [Yes] and a touch button BU6 for [No]. The customer M1 who has confirmed the plastic bag confirmation image P3 touches the touch button BU5 when purchasing a plastic bag, goes to the attendant counter AT, and receives the plastic bag. If the customer does not want to purchase a plastic bag, the customer M1 touches the touch button BU6 and does not receive the plastic bag.

The processor 51 controls the wireless unit 54 to transmit the plastic bag information to the second server 20 in Act 14. The wireless unit 54 wirelessly transmits plastic bag information. In the plastic bag confirmation image P3, the plastic bag information is information indicating plastic bag purchase when the [Yes] touch button BU5 is touched, and when the [No] touch button BU6 is touched. is information indicating that the person does not purchase plastic bags.

In Act 104 of FIG. 21, the processor 21 of the second server 20, which controlled the transmission of the plastic bag confirmation image P3, waits for plastic bag information in Act 105. When the processor 21 receives plastic bag information indicating plastic bag purchase, the process proceeds to YES in Act 105. The processor 21 adds the plastic bag sales data to the registration list L1 as Act 106. If the processor 21 receives the plastic bag information indicating that the plastic bag is not purchased, the process proceeds to NO in Act 105. The processor 21 skips the process of Act106.

If the charge for plastic bags is constant, sales data for plastic bags may be set in advance. If the charges for plastic bags differ depending on the size, etc., the barcode of the plastic bag is scanned with a scanner 56 when receiving the plastic bag. When the barcode of the plastic bag is scanned, the sales data of the plastic bag is added to the registration list L1 using the same procedure as normal product registration.

The processor 21 issues a new accounting code in Act 107. The accounting code is a unique combination of, for example, a date and a series of transaction numbers, and does not overlap with other accounting codes. The processor 21 stores the accounting code in the area A12 associated with the accounting terminal ID of the information terminal table 221.

In Act 108, the processor 21 converts the accounting code into a barcode to create an accounting barcode image P4 shown in FIG. 32. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the accounting barcode image P4 to the information terminal 50 that is the source of the accounting command as Act 109. The communication interface 24 transmits image data of the checkout barcode image P4 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. The information terminal 50 that is the source of the accounting command receives the image data wirelessly transmitted from the access point 80.

The processor 21 that controlled the transmission of the image data of the accounting barcode image P4 changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "registering" to "accounting" in Act 110. In this way, when the processing in Act 110 or the above-mentioned processing in Act 112 is finished, the processor 21 stops the counting operation of the third timer T3 associated with the accounting terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 as Act 113. With this, the processor 21 ends the accounting interrupt process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16.
In Act 14, the processor 51 of the information terminal 50 that sent the plastic bag information waits for the checkout barcode image P4 as Act 15. Upon receiving the image data of the checkout barcode image P4 via the wireless unit 54, the processor 51 proceeds to YES in Act15. In Act 16, the processor 51 displays the checkout barcode image P4 on the touch panel 55 based on the image data. With this, the processor 51 ends the post-login processing.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the accounting barcode image P4. As shown in FIG. 32, accounting barcode image P4 includes a barcode BC representing an accounting code. After confirming the checkout barcode image P4, the customer M1 advances to an empty checkout machine 40 of the self-checkout register G2, and uses a scanner connected to the checkout machine 40 to read the barcode BC of the checkout barcode image P4.

When the barcode BC is read by the scanner of the accounting machine 40, the accounting machine 40 sends an accounting request command containing the accounting code obtained from the barcode BC and the accounting machine ID unique to the accounting machine via the network 70. 2 server 20.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has received the accounting request command, starts the accounting request interrupt process shown in FIG. 22. First, the processor 21 detects the accounting code included in the accounting request command as Act 121. The processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 in Act 122, and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in the area A12. In the following description, a terminal ID in which the same accounting code is stored in area A12 will be referred to as an accounting requesting terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is other than "accounting", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 122. The processor 21 terminates this interrupt processing as an error.

If the terminal status ST1 is "accounting", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act122. The processor 21 stores the accounting machine ID included in the accounting request command in the area A4 associated with the accounting requesting terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 as Act 123. The processor 21 controls the registration list L1 stored in the area A9 associated with the accounting request terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 to be transmitted as Act 124 to the accounting machine 40 that is the source of the accounting request command. Furthermore, the processor 21 searches the accounting machine table 222 in Act 125, and sets the accounting machine status ST2 corresponding to the accounting machine ID included in the accounting request command to "Paying". With this, the processor 21 ends the accounting request interrupt process.

The communication interface 24 transmits the data of the registration list L1 to the accounting machine 40 via the network 70. The accounting machine 40 can perform accounting processing based on the data in the registration list L1. The customer M1 pays the payment amount calculated based on the data of the registration list L1 to the accounting machine 40. When the accounting process is completed, the accounting machine 40 transmits an accounting completion command including the accounting code and accounting machine ID similar to the accounting request command to the second server 20 via the network 70.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has received the checkout end command, starts the checkout end interrupt process shown in FIG. First, the processor 21 detects the accounting code included in the accounting end command as Act 131. The processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 in Act 132, and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID for which the same accounting code is stored in the area A12. In the following explanation, a terminal ID in which the same accounting code is stored in area A12 will be referred to as an accounting completion terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is other than "accounting", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act132. The processor 21 terminates this interrupt processing as an error.

If the terminal status ST1 is "accounting", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act132. The processor 21 searches the accounting machine table 222 in Act 133, and sets the accounting machine status ST2 corresponding to the accounting machine ID included in the accounting end command to "idling". As Act 134, the processor 21 searches the shopping list L3 in the area A11 associated with the checkout terminal ID of the information terminal table 221. In Act 135, the processor 21 determines whether there is data for which the fifth flag is set to "1". If the shopping list L3 includes data for which the fifth flag is set to "1", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act135. The processor 21 edits the shopping list L3 in Act 136. That is, the processor 21 deletes the data for which the fifth flag F5 is set from the shopping list L3. If there is no data in which the fifth flag is set to "1" in the shopping list L3, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 135. The processor 21 does not execute the process in Act136.

Thereafter, the processor 21 controls the member data to be transmitted to the first server 10 in Act 137. The member data includes a member ID in area A3 associated with the checkout terminal ID of information terminal table 221, a registration list L1 in area A9, and a shopping list L3 in area A11.

The processor 11 of the first server 10 that has received the accounting data adds the data of the registration list L1 included in the accounting data to the purchase history data of the member database 132 specified by the member ID included in the accounting data. The processor 11 changes the shopping data in the member database 132 to the data in the shopping list L3 included in the accounting data.

The processor 21 of the second server 20 that controlled the transmission of accounting data initializes information associated with the accounting end terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 as Act 138. That is, the processor 21 stores the member ID in area A3, the accounting machine ID in area A4, the registration list L1 in area A9, the sales promotion list L2 in area A10, the shopping list L3 in area A11, and the accounting code in area A12. Clear. The processor 21 resets the values of the first timer T1 in the area A5, the second timer T2 in the area A6, and the third timer T3 in the area A9 to "0". Further, the processor 21 resets the value of the counter N in the area A8 to "0".

Thereafter, as Act 139, the processor 21 changes the status ST1 associated with the checkout end terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "checking out" to "waiting". With this, the processor 21 ends the accounting end interrupt process.
The accounting request command and accounting end command are information that can specify the accounting-related status of the accounting machine 40. In other words, the processor 21 cooperates with the communication interface 24 to configure a second collection unit. The processor 21 has a function of setting the accounting machine status ST2 as a second status representing the state of the accounting machine 40 based on the information collected by the second collection unit through the processing in Acts 125 and 139.

By the way, the customer M1 who has self-registered by operating the information terminal 50 provided in the cart C can also complete the transaction at the face-to-face register G1. When payment is made at the face-to-face register G1, the cashier M2 inputs the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 into the POS terminal 30. For example, the information terminal 50 is attached with a barcode indicating the terminal ID. The cashier M2 inputs the terminal ID by scanning the barcode with a scanner. Alternatively, the information terminal 50 is attached with an RFID tag that wirelessly transmits the terminal ID. The cashier M2 inputs the terminal ID by reading the data of the RFID tag with an RFID reader connected to the POS terminal 30.

When the terminal ID is input, a face-to-face accounting command is transmitted from the POS terminal 30 to the second server 20 via the network 70. The face-to-face accounting command includes the terminal ID input at the POS terminal 30.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which received the face-to-face checkout command, starts the face-to-face checkout interrupt process shown in FIG. First, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID included in the face-to-face accounting command as Act 141. As Act 142, the processor 21 checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID included in the face-to-face accounting command in the information terminal table 221. In the following description, the terminal ID included in the face-to-face accounting command in the information terminal table 221 will be referred to as the face-to-face terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is "standby", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act142. The processor 21 ends the face-to-face checkout interruption process.

If the terminal status ST1 is other than "on standby", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act142. As Act 143, the processor 21 initializes the information associated with the face-to-face terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 as described above. Thereafter, the processor 21 changes the terminal status ST1 associated with the face-to-face terminal ID of the information terminal table 221 to "on standby" in Act 144. With this, the processor 21 ends the face-to-face checkout interruption process.

The fact that the terminal status ST1 is "on standby" means that the customer M1 has not logged in to the information terminal 50. In other words, the customer M1 completed the transaction at the face-to-face register G1 without performing self-registration. In this case, even if the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 is input at the POS terminal 30, the processor 21 of the second server 20 does not execute the processes in Acts 143 and 144.

For example, when the terminal status ST1 is "registering", it means that the customer M1 who has logged in to the information terminal 50 has completed the transaction at the face-to-face cash register G1. In this case, the member ID is written in area A3 associated with the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 in the information terminal table 221. When customer M1 has registered shopping data, a shopping list L3 is stored in area A11. When customer M1 performs self-registration, a registration list L1 and a sales promotion list L2 are stored in area A9 and area A10, respectively. The information terminal 50 cannot be used unless these areas are initialized and the terminal status ST1 is returned to "standby". By executing the processes in Acts 143 and 144, the processor 21 can restore the information terminal 50 used by the customer M1 who switched from self-registration to face-to-face cash register G1 to a usable state.

By the way, when paying at the face-to-face register G1, the clerk M2 may forget to input the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 into the POS terminal 30. If the user forgets to input the terminal ID, data regarding the information terminal 50 remains in the information terminal table 221 even after completing the transaction. The terminal status ST associated with the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 is "registering". Therefore, the next customer cannot log in to the information terminal 50, so the cart C is left abandoned.

The third timer T3 is restarted every time the processor 21 of the second server 20 executes the product registration interrupt process. When the processor 21 executes the accounting interrupt process, the third timer T3 stops. In other words, after the processor 21 executes the product registration interrupt process in response to a product registration command, if the next product registration command or accounting command is not received from the information terminal 50 that sent the product registration command, The third timer T3 corresponding to the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 continues to count up.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer monitoring processing executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. The processor 21 starts this timer monitoring process, for example, at one minute intervals. That is, the processor 21 checks the time measured by the third timer T3 in Act 151. The processor 21 determines the presence or absence of the third timer T3, which measures a first threshold time TM1 preset as Act 152, for example, 5 minutes. If the time measured by the third timer T3 associated with all the terminal IDs is less than the first threshold time TM1, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 152. The processor 21 ends the timer monitoring process.

If the time measured by at least one third timer T3 is equal to or greater than the first threshold time TM1, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 152. As Act 153, the processor 21 checks the terminal status ST1 corresponding to the third timer T3 that has counted the first threshold time TM1. If the terminal status ST1 is "registering", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act153. The processor 21 changes the terminal status ST1 from "registering" to "abandoned" in Act 154. If the terminal status ST1 is other than "registering", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 153. The processor 21 does not execute the process in Act154. With this, the processor 21 ends the timer monitoring process.

In this way, the information terminal 50 provided in the abandoned cart C is managed with the terminal status ST1 as "abandoned" in the information terminal table 221. A member ID is written in area A3 of the information terminal table 221 associated with the terminal ID whose terminal status ST1 is "abandoned". If the customer has registered shopping data, a shopping list L3 is stored in area A11. When a customer performs self-registration, a registration list L1 and a sales promotion list L2 are stored in area A9 and area A10, respectively. As described above, the information terminal 50 cannot be used unless these areas are initialized and the terminal status ST1 is returned to "standby".

In this embodiment, the data in the information terminal table 221 regarding the information terminal 50 provided in the abandoned cart C can be initialized by remote control from the monitoring terminal 60. Next, the operation related to the monitoring terminal 60 will be explained.

FIG. 33 is an example of a monitoring image P11 displayed on the touch panel 65, which is a display device of the monitoring terminal 60. In this example, the number of accounting machines 40 is three.

In the monitoring image P11, a total of 15 status display sections (T1) to (T15) are arranged in a matrix of 5 rows and 3 columns. The three status display sections (T1) to (T3) from the first line to the third line of the first column are accounting machine status display sections Ta that display the status of the accounting machine 40. The status display sections (T4) and (T5) on the fourth and fifth lines of the first column and the status display sections (T6) to (T15) on the second and third columns indicate the status of the information terminal 50. This is the terminal status display section Tb to be displayed.

The status display parts (T1) to (T15) have the same shape, size, background color, etc., for example. In this regard, for example, the accounting machine status display section Ta and the terminal status display section Tb may be differentiated by making at least some of their shapes, sizes, background colors, etc. different.

In addition, the monitoring image P11 includes a touch button BU11 for [in operation], a touch button BU12 for [standby], a touch button BU13 for [all units], a layout button BU14 for monitoring images, and a layout button for detailed images. BU15 etc. are arranged. The arrangement and number of status display sections of the monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 33 are merely examples. Needless to say, it can be changed as appropriate depending on the screen size of the touch panel 65, the number of accounting machines 40 and information terminals 50, etc.

FIG. 34 is an example of the accounting machine status display section Ta. The accounting machine status display section Ta consists of a first area Ta1 on the left side when facing the screen, and a second area Ta2 on the right side when facing the screen. The first area Ta1 displays the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 40. In FIG. 34, the accounting machine ID is "Q1". In FIG. 33, the accounting machine IDs are "Q1", "Q2", and "Q3". The second area Ta2 displays the state of the accounting machine 40. Specifically, the second area Ta2 displays the state of the accounting machine 40, whether it is [idling] before accounting processing or [currently paying] while accounting processing is being performed. This state display is based on the accounting machine status ST2 of the accounting machine table 222. Incidentally, FIG. 34 shows that the accounting machine 40 is [idling].

The second area Ta2 displays a mark MC1 that lights up when an error occurs in the printer in the accounting machine 40, and a mark MC2 that lights up when an error occurs in the change machine. When the first error flag EF1 of the accounting machine table 222 becomes "1", the mark MC1 lights up. When the second error flag EF2 of the accounting machine table 222 becomes "1", the mark MC2 lights up.

[A] to [E] in FIG. 35 are examples of the terminal status display section Tb. The terminal status display section Tb consists of a first area Tb1 on the left side when facing the screen, and a second area Tb2 on the right side when facing the screen. The second area Tb2 displays the status of the information terminal 50. Specifically, the second area Tb2 displays the status of the information terminal 50, whether it is "on standby", "registering", "accounting", or "idle". . The display of such a state is based on the terminal status ST1 of the information terminal table 221. Incidentally, the terminal status display section Tb shown in [A] of FIG. 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [on standby]. The terminal status display section Tb shown in [B] and [C] of FIG. 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [under registration]. The terminal status display section Tb shown in [D] of FIG. 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [currently accounting]. The terminal status display section Tb shown in [E] of FIG. 35 indicates that the information terminal 50 is [left].

The second area Tb2 includes a mark MC3 that lights up when a product with a "product registration error" is registered in the registration list L1, and a mark MC4 that lights up when a product with a "discount sticker error" is registered. , a mark MC5 that lights up when an age-restricted product is registered is displayed. When data in which the first flag F1 is "1" exists in the registration list L1, the mark MC3 lights up. When data in which the second flag F2 is "1" exists in the registration list L1, the mark MC4 lights up. When data in which the third flag F3 is "1" exists in the registration list L1, the mark MC5 lights up.

The first area Tb1 is an area that allows the status of the information terminal 50 to be identified by color or the like. In the case of a normal state in which no error or the like occurs in [Waiting], [Registering], or [Checking out], the background color of the first area Tb1 is, for example, blue. In the example of FIG. 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display section Tb shown in [A] and [D] is blue. In the case of [Accounting in progress], the first area Tb1 displays the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 40 that is performing the accounting process. In the example of FIG. 35, the accounting machine ID is displayed in the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display section Tb shown in [D]. In [Registering], if it is necessary to alert the staff because an age-restricted product has been registered, the background color of the first area Tb1 is set to a color that urges attention, for example, yellow. In the example of FIG. 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display section Tb shown in [B] is yellow. [During Registration], if an attendant's intervention is required for checkout due to a "product registration error", "discount sticker error", etc., the first area Tb1 changes the background color to a warning color, for example red. shall be. In the example of FIG. 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display section Tb shown in [C] is red. In the case of [Leave it alone], the background color of the first area Tb1 is a color that indicates another warning, for example, black. The second area Tb2 displays a mark MC6 indicating that it is in an abandoned state. In the example of FIG. 35, the background color of the first area Tb1 of the terminal status display section Tb shown in [E] is black, and the mark MC6 is displayed in the second area Tb2.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the monitoring image creation process executed by the processor 21 of the second server 20. The processor 21 starts this monitoring image creation process, for example, at intervals of 10 seconds. First, in Act 161, the processor 21 selects the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "accounting" from the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 sets the ranks of the information terminals 50 selected in Act 162 from 1st to a in descending order of the count value of the first timer T1, and writes the ranks in the area A13 of the information terminal table 221. The a position corresponds to the number of information terminals 50 that are "currently accounting". If there is no information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "accounting", the processor 21 does not execute the process in Act 162.

In Act 163, the processor 21 selects the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "registering" from the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 calculates the remaining points in the shopping list L3 for each information terminal 50 selected as Act 164. The remaining score is the number of names registered in the shopping list L3 minus the names whose fifth flag F5 is "1". If the shopping list L3 is not saved, the remaining points are set to a specified value, for example "100". The processor 21 sets ranks for the information terminals 50 selected in Act 165 from rank a+1 to rank a+b in descending order of remaining points, and writes the ranks in area A13 of the information terminal table 221. The b-rank is a ranking corresponding to the number of information terminals 50 that are "under registration." In Act 166, the processor 21 determines whether there is an information terminal 50 with the same remaining points. If at least two or more customers who have not registered shopping data in advance are logged in, there are multiple information terminals 50 with remaining points of "100". If there is an information terminal 50 with the same remaining points, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 166. As Act 167, the processor 21 sets the ranking in descending order of the count value of the first timer T1. If there is no information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "registering", the processor 21 does not execute the processes in Acts 164 to 167.

In Act 168, the processor 21 selects the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "abandoned" from the information terminal table 221. In Act 165, the processor 21 sets the selected information terminal 50 in the order of the terminal ID set in the information terminal table 221 from a+b+1 to a+b+c, and ranks the information terminal 50 in the area A13 of the information terminal table 221. Describe the ranking. The c position is a rank corresponding to the number of "abandoned" information terminals 50. If there is no information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "abandoned", the processor 21 does not execute the process in Act 169.

In Act 170, the processor 21 selects the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "on standby" from the information terminal table 221. The processor 21 sets the ranks of the information terminals 50 selected in Act 171 from a+b+c+1st to a+b+c+d in the order of the terminal IDs set in the information terminal table 221. The ranking is written in area A13. The d position is a ranking corresponding to the number of information terminals 50 that are "on standby." If there is no information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "on standby", the processor 21 does not execute the process in Act 171.

As Act 172, the processor 21 generates the monitoring image P11 based on the data in the information terminal table 221 and the accounting machine table 222. That is, the processor 21 creates the accounting machine status display section Ta for each accounting machine 40 based on the accounting machine ID, accounting machine status ST2, first error flag EF1, and second error flag EF2 in the accounting machine table 222. The processor 21 arranges the checkout machine state display section Ta of each checkout machine 40 in the state display section (T1), the state display section (T2), and the state display section (T3) of the monitoring image P11.

The processor 21 creates a terminal status display section Tb for each information terminal 50 based on the terminal ID of the information terminal table 221, the terminal status ST1, and the first to third flags F1 to F3 of the registration list L1. The processor 21 selects the terminal status display section Tb of each information terminal 50 ranked from 1st to 12th, and places them in the status display section (T4) to status display section (T15) in order from the 1st place.

After creating the monitoring image P11, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 24, which is a communication unit, to transmit the monitoring image P11 to the monitoring terminal 60 in Act 173. The communication interface 24 transmits the image data of the monitored image P11 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. Monitoring terminal 60 receives image data wirelessly transmitted from access point 80 . The touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60 displays a monitoring image P11 shown in FIG. 33.
Through the processing in Acts 161 and 172, the processor 21 displays, in one screen area, a terminal status display section Tb as a first status display section showing the terminal status ST1 as the first status set for each information terminal 50, and It has a function of generating a monitoring image in which a checkout machine status display section Ta as a second status display section indicating checkout machine status ST2 as one status is arranged.
Specifically, the processor 21 estimates, for each of the plurality of information terminals 50, the time required for the user of the information terminal 50 to complete the checkout, through the processing in Acts 164 to 167 and Act 172. Regarding the terminal status display section Tb as the first status display section, monitoring images are generated that are arranged in descending order of required time from the top. In Acts 164 and 165, it is estimated that the fewer the remaining points on the shopping list L3, the shorter the time required for the user of the information terminal 50 to check out. In Acts 166 and 167, it is estimated that the elapsed time since the start of registration of the purchased product, that is, the time required for the first timer T1, which is a timer, is shorter in order.
Through the process of Act 173, the processor 21 functions as an output unit that outputs the monitored image to an output device in cooperation with the communication interface 24. In this embodiment, the output device is a monitoring terminal 60 that functions as a display device.

When the [in operation] touch button BU11 of the monitoring image P11 is touched, the processor 21 executes the monitoring image creation process by omitting the processes in Acts 161 and 162 and the processes in Acts 170 and 171 in FIG. 26. The monitoring image P11 is narrowed down to only the terminal status display section Tb indicating the status of the information terminal 50, such as [Curring], [Registering], or [Abandoned]. When the [Standby] touch button BU12 is touched, the processor 21 executes a monitoring image creation process that omits the processes in Acts 161 to 169 in FIG. 26. The monitoring image P11 is narrowed down to only the terminal status display section Tb that indicates the status of the information terminal 50 as [on standby].

By the way, as shown in FIG. 33, the monitoring image P11 includes a page turn touch button BU16. The checkout machine status display section Ta and the terminal status display section Tb are touch buttons.

As shown in FIG. 26, after controlling the transmission of the monitoring image, the processor 21 of the second server 20 checks in Act 174 whether or not the page turn touch button BU16 has been touched. If the touch button BU16 is not touched, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act174. In Act 175, the processor 21 checks whether the checkout machine status display section Ta or the terminal status display section Tb has been touched. If the checkout machine status display section Ta or the terminal status display section Tb is not touched, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act 174. In Act 176, the processor 21 checks whether a timer interrupt signal is detected. If no timer interrupt signal has been detected, the processor 21 returns to Act 174. That is, the processor 21 waits until the page turn touch button BU16 is touched, the checkout machine status display section Ta or the terminal status display section Tb is touched, or a timer interrupt signal is detected.

If the timer interrupt signal is detected, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 176. The processor 21 executes the process starting from Act 161 again.

When the page turn touch button BU16 is touched, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act174. The processor 21 returns to Act172. That is, the processor 21 recreates the monitoring image P11. For example, the processor 21 creates a monitoring image P11 in which each of the status display sections (T1) to (T15) is ranked as the terminal status display section Tb from 13th to 27th place. When the attendant M3 touches the page turn touch button BU16, terminal status display areas Tb2 with ranks from 13th to 27th are displayed in each status display area (T1) to (T15).
The processor 21 also has a function of generating a monitoring image in which only the terminal status display section as the first status display section is arranged in order from the top to the shortest required time in one screen area.

The pattern of the monitoring image P11 created by the processor 21 when the page turn touch button BU16 is operated is not limited to the above-mentioned pattern. For example, the status display areas (T1) to (T3) where the accounting machine status display area Ta is arranged are fixed, and the rankings are from 13th to 24th with respect to the remaining status display areas (T4) to (T15). A monitoring image P11 may be created in which the terminal status display section Tb2 is arranged.

When the checkout machine status display section Ta or the terminal status display section Tb is touched, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act 175. The processor 21 obtains the registration list L1 as Act 177. For example, when the checkout machine status display section Ta of the checkout machine 40 whose status is [Paying] is touched, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221, and the checkout machine ID of the checkout machine 40 is written in the area A4. The registration list L1 associated with the terminal ID is obtained. When the terminal status display section Tb of the information terminal 50 whose status is [Registering] is touched, the processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 and obtains the registration list L1 associated with the terminal ID of the information terminal 50. do.

After acquiring the registration list L1, the processor 21 returns to Act 172 and creates the monitoring image P11 again. Specifically, the processor 21 displays the touch-operated checkout machine status display section Ta or terminal status display section Tb and a detailed image showing the contents of the registration list L1 acquired in the process of Act 177, such as product name, number of points, amount, etc. A monitoring image P11 including the following is created. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the monitoring image P11 to the monitoring terminal 60 as Act 173.

For example, by touching the checkout machine status display section Ta, the attendant M3 checks the information on the purchased products of the customer M1 who is paying at the checkout machine 40 whose status is displayed on the checkout machine status display section Ta. be able to. For example, by touching the terminal status display section Tb where the mark MC5 is lit and the first area Tb1 is yellow, the attendant M3 obtains information about the purchased product of the customer M1 who is purchasing an age-restricted product. It can be confirmed. For example, by touching the terminal status display section Tb where the mark MC3 or mark MC4 is lit and the first area Tb1 is red, the attendant M3 can detect that a "product registration error" or "discount sticker error" has occurred. You can check information on the purchased products of customer M1.

When the transmission of the monitoring image P11 including the detailed image is controlled in Act 173, the processor 21 ignores the timer interrupt in Act 176. For example, in response to detecting that the monitor image layout button BU14 has been touched, the processor 21 returns to the process in Act161.

FIG. 36 is an example of the monitoring image P11 when the terminal status display section Tb indicating the "left alone" state is touched. As shown in FIG. 36, the monitoring image P11 includes the touched status display section Tb and the product name, number, price, etc. of the product registered on the information terminal 50 whose status is displayed on the status display section Tb. , and a touch button BU17 for [Batch Cancel]. When the terminal status display section Tb indicating the status of [Registering] is touched, the detailed image P111 is displayed, but the touch button BU17 of [Batch Cancel] is not displayed.

As described above, the information terminal 50 whose terminal status ST1 is managed as "abandoned" cannot be used unless the information in the information terminal table 221 is initialized. When the attendant M3 finds the terminal status display section Tb shown in [E] in FIG. 35, the attendant M3 performs a touch operation on the terminal status display section Tb. When the terminal status display section Tb is touched, the monitoring image P11 in FIG. 36 is displayed. The attendant M3 touches the touch button BU17 for [Batch Cancel].

When the processor 61 of the monitoring terminal 60 detects that the touch button BU17 for [bulk cancellation] is touched, it controls the wireless unit 64 to send a batch cancellation command to the second server 20. The wireless unit 64 wirelessly transmits the batch cancellation command. The batch cancellation command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 50 assigned to the touched terminal status display section Tb. The bulk cancellation command is received at the access point 80 and sent to the second server 20 via the network 70.

The processor 21 of the second server 20, which has received the batch cancellation command via the communication interface 24, starts batch cancellation interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the processor 21 detects the terminal ID from the batch cancellation command as Act 181. The processor 21 searches the information terminal table 221 in Act 182, and checks the terminal status ST1 associated with the terminal ID detected from the batch cancellation command. In the following description, the terminal ID detected from the batch cancellation command will be referred to as a cancellation terminal ID. If the terminal status ST1 is other than "leave", the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act182. The processor 21 ends the batch cancellation interrupt process.

If the terminal status ST1 is "idle", the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act182. In Act 183, the processor 21 determines whether the third timer T3 associated with the cancellation terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 has passed a second threshold time TM2, for example, 15 minutes, which is longer than the first threshold time TM1. Check. If the third timer T3 has exceeded the second threshold time TM2, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act183. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act186.

If the third timer T3 has not reached the second threshold time TM2, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act183. The processor 21 controls the communication interface 24 to transmit the image data of the cancellation confirmation image P12 shown in FIG. 37 to the monitoring terminal 60. The communication interface 24 transmits image data of the cancellation confirmation image P12 via the network 70. Access point 80 wirelessly transmits this image data. Monitoring terminal 60 receives image data wirelessly transmitted from access point 80 . The monitoring terminal 60 displays a cancellation confirmation image P12 on the touch panel 65.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the cancellation confirmation image P12. As shown in FIG. 37, the cancellation confirmation image P12 includes a guidance GA3 that inquires whether or not to perform bulk cancellation, as well as a touch button BU21 for [Yes] and a touch button BU22 for [No]. After confirming the cancellation confirmation image P12, the attendant M3 confirms again whether or not to permit the batch cancellation. To permit batch cancellation, the attendant M3 touches the touch button BU21. To cancel the batch cancellation, the attendant M3 touches the touch button BU22.

The processor 21 that controlled the image data transmission of the cancellation confirmation image P12 waits for an instruction input as to whether or not to cancel all at once as Act 185. If it is detected that the [No] touch button BU22 of the cancellation confirmation image P12 has been touched, the processor 21 proceeds to NO in Act185. The processor 21 ends this batch cancellation interrupt processing.

If it is detected that the [Yes] touch button BU22 of the cancellation confirmation image P12 has been touched, the processor 21 proceeds to YES in Act185. The processor 21 proceeds to processing in Act186.

In Act 186, the processor 21 initializes information associated with the canceled terminal ID in the information terminal table 221. That is, the processor 21 stores the member ID in area A3, the accounting machine ID in area A4, the registration list L1 in area A9, the sales promotion list L2 in area A10, the shopping list L3 in area A11, and the accounting code in area A12. Clear. The processor 21 resets the values of the first timer T1 in the area A5, the second timer T2 in the area A6, and the third timer T3 in the area A9 to "0". Further, the processor 21 resets the value of the counter N in the area A8 to "0".

Thereafter, the processor 21 changes the status ST1 associated with the canceled terminal ID in the information terminal table 221 from "idle" to "waiting" in Act 187. With this, the processor 21 ends the batch cancellation interrupt processing.

When the batch cancellation interrupt process is executed, data in the information terminal table 221 related to the information terminals 50 whose terminal status ST1 is "idle" is initialized. The information terminal 50 whose data in the information terminal table 221 has been initialized can be used as a self-registration terminal.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, the state of each accounting machine 40 in operation, for example, "idle" or "paying" is displayed on one screen area of the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60. Monitoring in which a machine status display section Ta and a terminal status display section Tb indicating the status of the information terminal 50 in operation, such as "standby", "registering", "accounting", or "abandoned", are arranged in a matrix. A second server 20 that displays the image P11 can be provided. The attendant M3, who is a staff member at the attendant counter AT where the monitoring terminal 60 is installed, can efficiently monitor the status of each operating accounting machine 40 and information terminal 50 from the monitoring image P11.

According to the present embodiment, the status of printer errors, change machine errors, etc. occurring in each checkout machine 40 can also be checked from the screen of the monitoring terminal 60 using the checkout machine status display section Ta. Similarly, the status of product registration errors and discount sticker errors occurring in each information terminal 50, purchases of age-restricted products, etc. can be checked from the screen of the monitoring terminal 60 using the terminal status display section Tb. .

According to the present embodiment, with respect to the monitoring image P11, the terminal status display section Tb shows that the estimated time required for a customer who is a user of the information terminal 50 whose status is displayed on the display section Tb to reach checkout is short. They are arranged in order in the monitoring image P11. From the monitoring image P11, the attendant M3 can accurately grasp the status of the information terminal 50 used by the customer who will soon come to checkout. As a result, it is possible to predict that, for example, a customer who has encountered a "product registration error" or "discount sticker error" will arrive soon and will require the intervention of the attendant M3, thereby increasing work efficiency.

In the terminal status display section Tb of the information terminal 50 that requires the intervention of the attendant M3, the color of the first region Tb1 is the color that indicates a warning. Attendant M3 can easily predict the arrival of a guest who requires intervention. The color of the first region Tb1 of the terminal status display section Tb of the information terminal 50 used by a customer who has purchased a product requiring confirmation of age restrictions is also a color that calls attention to the product. Attendant M3 can efficiently confirm the age.

According to this embodiment, when the attendant M3 touches the page turn button BU16, the only status display section displayed on the monitoring image P11 is the terminal status display section Tb. The terminal status display section Tb is arranged in descending order of the estimated time required to reach checkout. Even when many information terminals 50 are in operation, the attendant M3 can accurately grasp the status of each information terminal 50 with a simple operation.

According to this embodiment, an area A5 as the first timer T1 is provided for each terminal ID of the information terminal 50 in the information terminal table 221, and a user logs in to the information terminal 50 specified by the terminal ID. I am trying to measure the time that has passed since then. Based on the elapsed time of the first timer T1, the time required for the customer, who is the user of the information terminal 50, to check out is estimated. With a simple configuration, it is possible to estimate the time required for a customer to check out.

According to this embodiment, the time required for a customer to check out is estimated based on the number of items remaining on each customer's shopping list. The time required for a customer to check out can be estimated with high reliability.

According to this embodiment, by including the second server 20 and the monitoring terminal 60 for displaying the monitoring images generated by the second server 20, the status of the information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40 can be efficiently controlled. A monitoring device that can monitor well can be provided.

Although the embodiments of the monitoring device and the monitoring support device that can efficiently monitor the status of the information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40 have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

In the embodiment described above, the output device for monitoring images is the touch panel 65 of the monitoring terminal 60, but the output device is not limited to this. For example, it may be displayed on a display provided in the second server 20. In other words, a monitoring device that integrates the functions of the second server 20 and the monitoring terminal 60 may be configured.

The method for estimating the time required for the user of the information terminal 50 to complete the transaction is not limited to the method of the embodiment described above. For example, by using a positioning system using beacons or using PDR (Pedestrian Dead Reckoning) technology, the flow line of the information terminal 50 in the sales floor can be tracked, and the estimation can be made based on this flow line. good.

In the embodiment, the states of the information terminal 50 are "standby", "registering", "paying", and "idle", and the states of the accounting machine 40 are "idling" and "paying". The states of the information terminal 50 and the accounting machine 40 are not limited to these, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the status settings.

In the embodiment, the case where the information terminal 50 is provided in the cart C is illustrated. In this regard, the information terminal 50 does not necessarily have to be provided in the cart C. The customer may carry the information terminal 50 around the sales floor and operate the information terminal 50 as appropriate to register the purchased product.

Generally, the second server 20 and the monitoring terminal 60 are transferred with the programs stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be transferred without being stored in the ROM. In this case, programs and the like that are transferred separately from the second server 20 and the monitoring terminal 60 are written in a writable storage device provided in the second server 20 and the monitoring terminal 60 in response to an operation by the user or the like. Good too. Programs and the like can be transferred by recording them on a removable recording medium or by communicating via the network 70. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

Although several other 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 forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Below, the invention described in the original claims of the present application will be added.
[1] A monitoring support device for a product sales system in which each user of an information terminal registers a purchased product by operating the information terminal at a sales floor, and the user accounts for the purchased product using a checkout machine. a first collection unit that collects information that can identify the status related to the registration from a plurality of the information terminals; and a second collection unit that collects information that can identify the status related to the accounting from the accounting machine. a collection unit; and a first status representing a state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the accounting machine, and a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal and a second status indicating the second status in one screen area. A monitoring support device comprising: a control section that generates a monitoring image in which a status display section is arranged; and an output section that outputs the monitoring image to an output device.
[2] The control unit estimates the time required for a user of the information terminal to check out for each of the plurality of information terminals, and arranges the first status display unit in descending order of the required time from the top. The monitoring support device according to supplementary note [1], which generates the monitoring image.
[3] The monitoring support device according to appendix [2], wherein the control unit further generates, in one screen area, a monitoring image in which only the first status display units are arranged in descending order of the required time.
[4] Each of the information terminals further includes a timer that measures the elapsed time since the start of registration of the purchased product, and the control unit estimates that the required time is shorter in the order of the elapsed time. The monitoring support device according to supplementary note [2] or [3].
[5] When the control unit detects that one of the first status display units arranged in the monitoring image is selected, the control unit sets the first status indicated by the first status display unit. The monitoring support device according to any one of appendices [1] to [4], wherein the output unit outputs the detailed image, and the output unit outputs the detailed image. .
[6] Monitoring comprising the monitoring support device according to any one of appendices [1] to [5], and a display device that displays the monitoring image output from the output unit of the monitoring support device. Device.
[7] A monitoring support device for a product sales system in which each user of an information terminal registers the purchased product by operating the information terminal at the sales floor, and the user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. a function of setting a first status representing the state of the information terminal for each of the plurality of information terminals based on information collected from the plurality of information terminals that can identify the state related to the registration in a computer controlling the information terminal; A function of setting a second status representing the state of the accounting machine based on information collected from the accounting machine that can identify the status of the accounting, and the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area. a function of generating a monitoring image in which a first status display section indicating the status and a second status display section indicating the second status are arranged, and a function of controlling the monitor image to be displayed on a display device; A program to make this happen.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... First server, 20... Second server, 30... POS terminal, 40... Accounting machine, 50... Information terminal, 60... Monitoring terminal, 70... Network, 80... Access point, 11, 21, 51, 61... Processor , 12, 22, 52, 62... Main memory, 13, 23, 53, 63... Auxiliary storage device, 14, 24... Communication interface, 54, 64... Wireless unit, 55, 65... Touch panel, 56... Scanner, 57... Reader, 131...Product database, 132...Member database, 133...Promotion database, 221...Information terminal table, 222...Accounting machine table, C...Cart, L1...Registration list, L2...Promotion list, L3...Shopping list, P1... Registered image, P2... Attendant confirmation image, P3... Plastic bag confirmation image, P4... Accounting barcode image, P11... Monitoring image, Ta... Accounting machine status display section, Tb... Terminal status display section.

Claims (21)

A monitoring support device for a product sales system, in which each user of an information terminal operates the information terminal at a sales floor to register purchased products, and each user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. hand,
a first collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals;
a second collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the accounting from the plurality of accounting machines;
A first status representing the state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the information terminal, a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area, and a second status display section having the same size as the first status display section; and a second status display section indicating the second status set for each of the plurality of accounting machines are arranged in a matrix, and further a status for indicating the status of the information terminal represented by the first status. A monitoring image in which instruction buttons are arranged is generated, and when a state of the information terminal is instructed by the state instruction button, the first state display section arranged in the monitoring image is configured to display the instructed state. a control unit that narrows down to a first status display unit that indicates a first status;
an output unit that outputs the monitoring image to an output device;
A monitoring support device equipped with. A monitoring support device for a product sales system, in which each user of an information terminal operates the information terminal at a sales floor to register purchased products, and each user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. hand,
The states related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals include the registration state from login until the transaction is approved, and the accounting state from the time the transaction is approved until the transaction ends. a first collection unit that collects information that can identify a state including;
A second collection of information that can identify a state related to the accounting, including an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed, from the plurality of accounting machines. Department and
A first status representing the state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the information terminal, a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area, and a second status display section having the same size as the first status display section; a control unit that generates a monitoring image in which a second status display unit indicating the second status set for each of the plurality of accounting machines is arranged in a matrix;
an output unit that outputs the monitoring image to an output device;
A monitoring support device equipped with. The accounting-related states of the accounting machine include an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed,
The status of the information terminal related to the registration includes a registration status from when login is performed until accounting is approved, and an accounting status from when accounting is approved until the accounting is completed. The monitoring support device according to claim 1. 4. The monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein in the monitoring image, the arrangement of the second state display section is fixed, and the arrangement of the first state display section is variable depending on the state related to the registration of the information terminal. Support equipment. 5. The monitoring support device according to claim 4, wherein the first status display units are arranged such that first status display units having the same first status indicated by the first status display units are arranged together. A monitoring support device for a product sales system, in which each user of an information terminal operates the information terminal at a sales floor to register purchased products, and each user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. hand,
a first collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals;
a second collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the accounting from the plurality of accounting machines;
A first status representing the state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the information terminal, a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area, and a second status display section having the same size as the first status display section; A first monitoring image is generated in which a second status display section indicating the second status set for each of the plurality of accounting machines is arranged in a matrix, and information on purchased products registered by the information terminal is generated. a control unit that generates a second monitoring image in which a button for canceling the information on the purchased products is displayed and a button for canceling the information on the purchased products;
an output unit that outputs the first monitoring image and the second monitoring image to an output device;
A monitoring support device equipped with. The control unit controls the information terminal in which the state related to the registration is displayed in the first state display section selected from the plurality of first state display sections arranged in the first monitoring image. generating the second monitoring image for;
The states related to the registration are the registration state from login until the accounting is approved, the accounting status from the accounting approval until the accounting is completed, and the registration status. including the state of being left unattended for a certain period of time,
The second monitoring image generated for the information terminal in the abandoned state is provided with the batch cancellation button, and the second monitoring image generated for the information terminal in a state other than the abandoned state is arranged with the batch cancellation button. 7. The monitoring support device according to claim 6, wherein no button is arranged. Controls a monitoring support device of a product sales system in which each user of an information terminal registers purchased products by operating the information terminal at a sales floor, and each user accounts for the purchased products using the accounting machine. to a computer that
a function of collecting information that can identify the state related to the registration from a plurality of the information terminals, and setting a first status representing the state of the information terminal for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the collected information;
a function of collecting information that can identify the state of the accounting from a plurality of the accounting machines, and setting a second status representing the state of the accounting machine based on the collected information;
a first status display section showing the first status set for each of the information terminals in one screen area; generating a monitoring image in which a second status display section indicating a second status is arranged in a matrix, and a status instruction button for indicating the status of the information terminal represented by the first status; When the state of the information terminal is instructed by the state instruction button, the first state display section arranged in the monitoring image is changed to a first state display section showing a first status representing the instructed state. Narrow down function, and
a function of outputting the monitoring image to an output device;
A program to make this happen. Controls a monitoring support device of a product sales system in which each user of an information terminal registers purchased products by operating the information terminal at a sales floor, and each user accounts for the purchased products using the accounting machine. to a computer that
The states related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals include the registration state from login until the transaction is approved, and the accounting state from the time the transaction is approved until the transaction ends. a function of collecting information that can identify the state including, and setting a first status representing the state of the information terminal for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the collected information;
Collect information from a plurality of the accounting machines that can identify states related to the accounting, including an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed, and collect the information. a function of setting a second status representing the state of the accounting machine based on the information obtained;
a first status display section showing the first status set for each of the information terminals in one screen area; a function of generating a monitoring image in which a second status display section indicating a second status is arranged in a matrix;
a function of outputting the monitoring image to an output device;
A program to make this happen. The accounting state of the accounting machine includes an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed, and the registration state of the information terminal includes an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed. 9. The program according to claim 8, comprising a registration status from when the transaction is approved until the accounting is approved, and an accounting status from after the accounting is approved until the accounting is completed. 11. In the monitoring image, the arrangement of the second state display section is fixed, and the arrangement of the first state display section is variable depending on the registration state of the information terminal. Programs listed. 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein the first status display sections are arranged such that first status display sections having the same first status indicated by the first status display sections are arranged together. Controls a monitoring support device of a product sales system in which each user of an information terminal registers purchased products by operating the information terminal at a sales floor, and each user accounts for the purchased products using the accounting machine. to a computer that
a function of collecting information that can identify the state related to the registration from a plurality of the information terminals, and setting a first status representing the state of the information terminal for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the collected information;
a function of collecting information that can identify the state of the accounting from a plurality of the accounting machines, and setting a second status representing the state of the accounting machine based on the collected information;
a first status display section showing the first status set for each of the information terminals in one screen area; A first monitoring image in which a second status display section indicating a second status is arranged in a matrix is generated, and information on the purchased product registered by the information terminal is displayed, and information on the purchased product is displayed. A function of generating a second monitoring image in which a batch cancellation button is arranged for cancellation, and
a function of outputting the first monitoring image and the second monitoring image to an output device;
A program to make this happen. The function of generating the second monitoring image includes displaying a state related to the registration in the first state display section selected from among the plurality of first state display sections arranged in the first monitoring image. the second monitoring image is generated for the information terminal in which the information terminal is represented;
The states related to the registration are the registration state from login until the accounting is approved, the accounting status from the accounting approval until the accounting is completed, and the registration status. including the state of being left unattended for a certain period of time,
The second monitoring image generated for the information terminal in the abandoned state is provided with the batch cancellation button, and the second monitoring image generated for the information terminal in a state other than the abandoned state is arranged with the batch cancellation button. 14. The program according to claim 13, wherein no button is arranged. An information terminal that a user operates to register purchased products at a sales floor, an accounting machine that the user operates to account for purchased products, and a monitor that monitors the status of the information terminal and the accounting machine. The information terminal includes a terminal and a server, and each user of the information terminal operates the information terminal at a sales floor to register purchased products, and each user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. A product sales system that
The server is
a first collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals;
a second collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the accounting from the plurality of accounting machines;
A first status representing the state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the information terminal, a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area, and a second status display section having the same size as the first status display section; and a second status display section indicating the second status set for each of the plurality of accounting machines are arranged in a matrix, and further a status for indicating the status of the information terminal represented by the first status. A monitoring image in which instruction buttons are arranged is generated, and when a state of the information terminal is instructed by the state instruction button, the first state display section arranged in the monitoring image is configured to display the instructed state. a control unit that narrows down to a first status display unit that indicates a first status;
an output unit that outputs the monitoring image to an output device of the monitoring terminal ;
A product sales system equipped with An information terminal that a user operates to register purchased products at a sales floor, an accounting machine that the user operates to account for purchased products, and a monitor that monitors the status of the information terminal and the accounting machine. The information terminal includes a terminal and a server, and each user of the information terminal operates the information terminal at a sales floor to register purchased products, and each user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. A product sales system that
The server is
The states related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals include the registration state from login until the transaction is approved, and the accounting state from the time the transaction is approved until the transaction ends. a first collection unit that collects information that can identify a state including;
A second collection of information that can identify a state related to the accounting, including an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed, from the plurality of accounting machines. Department and
A first status representing the state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the information terminal, a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area, and a second status display section having the same size as the first status display section; a control unit that generates a monitoring image in which a second status display unit indicating the second status set for each of the plurality of accounting machines is arranged in a matrix;
an output unit that outputs the monitoring image to an output device of the monitoring terminal ;
A product sales system equipped with The accounting-related states of the accounting machine include an idle state before accounting processing and a payment state where accounting processing is performed,
The status of the information terminal related to the registration includes a registration status from when login is performed until accounting is approved, and an accounting status from when accounting is approved until the accounting is completed. , The product sales system according to claim 15. 18. The product according to claim 16 or 17, wherein in the monitoring image, the arrangement of the second state display section is fixed, and the arrangement of the first state display section is variable depending on the state related to the registration of the information terminal. sales system. 19. The product sales system according to claim 18, wherein the first status display units are arranged so that first status display units having the same first status indicated by the first status display units are arranged together. An information terminal that a user operates to register purchased products at a sales floor, an accounting machine that the user operates to account for purchased products, and a monitor that monitors the status of the information terminal and the accounting machine. The information terminal includes a terminal and a server, and each user of the information terminal operates the information terminal at a sales floor to register purchased products, and each user accounts for the purchased product using the accounting machine. A product sales system that
The server is
a first collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the registration from the plurality of information terminals;
a second collection unit that collects information that can identify the state related to the accounting from the plurality of accounting machines;
A first status representing the state of the information terminal is set for each of the plurality of information terminals based on the information collected by the first collection unit, and a first status representing the state of the information terminal is set based on the information collected by the second collection unit. a second status indicating the state of the information terminal, a first status display section indicating the first status set for each information terminal in one screen area, and a second status display section having the same size as the first status display section; A first monitoring image is generated in which a second status display section indicating the second status set for each of the plurality of accounting machines is arranged in a matrix, and information on purchased products registered by the information terminal is generated. a control unit that generates a second monitoring image in which a button for canceling the information on the purchased products is displayed and a button for canceling the information on the purchased products;
an output unit that outputs the first monitoring image and the second monitoring image to an output device of the monitoring terminal ;
A product sales system equipped with. The control unit controls the information terminal in which the state related to the registration is displayed in the first state display section selected from the plurality of first state display sections arranged in the first monitoring image. generating the second monitoring image for;
The states related to the registration are the registration state from login until the accounting is approved, the accounting status from the accounting approval until the accounting is completed, and the registration status. including the state of being left unattended for a certain period of time,
The second monitoring image generated for the information terminal in the abandoned state is provided with the batch cancellation button, and the second monitoring image generated for the information terminal in a state other than the abandoned state is arranged with the batch cancellation button. 21. The product sales system according to claim 20, wherein no buttons are arranged.