JP7808074B2 - Communication device, communication system, and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication device, a communication system, and a program.

Recently, in response to environmental concerns, there has been a movement to promote the use of eco-bags when shopping. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that identifies a customer's membership code at the time of payment by linking the barcode on the customer's eco-bag with the customer's biometric information.

However, there was an issue of forgetting to bring an eco-bag when shopping.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a communication device, communication system, and program that can prevent people from forgetting to bring their eco-bags.

The communication device of this embodiment is installed in a shopping cart and includes a reading unit, an output unit, and an acquisition unit. The reading unit reads member information attached to a container that is placed in the shopping cart and into which items can be dropped. The output unit outputs the member information read by the reading unit to a server device. The acquisition unit acquires check-in completion information from the server device, which allows the user to shop at the store.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of an eco-bag used in a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an example of a shopping cart used in the product sales data processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a state in which an eco-bag is placed in a shopping cart. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the product sales data processing system of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device. FIG. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. FIG. 7 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store server. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the communication device. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the store server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the product sales data processing system of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product sales data processing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a transaction device. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a store server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the accounting device. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing performed by the communication device. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the store server. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the mobile terminal. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the transaction device.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

(General structure of eco bag)
The general structure of an eco-bag used in the product sales data processing system 100 (see FIG. 4) of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of an eco-bag used in the product sales data processing system of the embodiment.

The eco-bag 10 is a bag that customers bring to a store when shopping and into which they place their purchased items. As shown in FIG. 1, the eco-bag 10 comprises a main body 11, a handle 12, and a member tag 13. The eco-bag 10 is an example of a container in this disclosure. The member tag 13 is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

The main body 11 is the storage area into which products are placed. The main body 11 has a large gusset (thickness) so that as many products as possible can be placed inside.

The handle 12 is the grip that the customer holds when carrying the eco bag 10.

The member tag 13 outputs information to the communication device 30 (see Figure 2), which will be described later, by wirelessly communicating with the communication device 30. A member code, for example, that uniquely identifies the customer is written on the member tag 13. The member tag 13 is, for example, an RFID tag. The member tag 13 is attached or sewn onto the eco bag 10. The member tag 13 may also be woven into the fabric of the eco bag 10.

The eco-bag 10 may be sold at the store for a fee. Alternatively, the eco-bag 10 may be rented at the store for a fee. In this case, a guest code that uniquely identifies the guest customer is written on the membership tag 13.

(Shopping cart schematic structure)
The general structure of a shopping cart 20 used by a customer when shopping will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an external view showing an example of a shopping cart used in the product sales data processing system of the embodiment.

The shopping basket 20 is a plastic basket commonly used in stores. As shown in FIG. 2 , the shopping basket 20 includes a main body 21, a handle 22, and a communication device 30.

The main body 21 is a storage section into which products are placed. In this embodiment, the shopping basket 20 is used with the eco-bag 10 stored in the main body 21. Details will be described later (see Figure 3).

The handle 22 is the part that the customer holds when carrying the shopping basket 20.

The communication device 30 is installed on the side of the main body 21 of the shopping cart 20 and is powered by its own battery. It reads the membership code registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10 placed in the shopping cart 20. The communication device 30 also outputs the membership code read from the membership tag 13 to the store server 50 (see Figure 4). The communication device 30 is assigned a unique identification number that identifies itself, and the communication device 30 outputs the result of reading the membership code registered on the membership tag 13 to the store server 50, associating it with its own identification number.

The communication device 30 also receives check-in completion information from the store server 50, which allows the user to shop at the store. Furthermore, the communication device 30 also receives payment completion information from the store server 50, which indicates that payment for the items added to the shopping cart 20 has been completed.

The communication device 30 also includes a speaker 34.

The speaker 34 outputs voice or sound to alert a customer when they perform an action other than the designated action related to purchasing a product. Specific details will be described later (see Figure 8).

In the example of FIG. 2, the shopping cart 20 is equipped with one communication device 30, but the number of communication devices 30 installed in the shopping cart 20 is not limited to one. For example, multiple communication devices 30 may be installed on each side of the shopping cart 20. In other words, the shopping cart 20 may be equipped with two to four communication devices 30.

(Shopping cart status when shopping)
The state of the shopping cart 20 when a customer makes a purchase in the product sales data processing system 100 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an external view showing the state in which an eco-bag is placed in the shopping cart.

As shown in Figure 3, customers go shopping with the eco-bag 10 stored in the main body 21 of the shopping basket 20.

When the eco-bag 10 is placed in the shopping cart 20, the communication device 30 reads the membership code (an example of membership information) written on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco-bag 10. The communication device 30 then associates the read membership code with an identification number that identifies the communication device 30 itself, and outputs the associated information to the store server 50. The store server 50 recognizes that the customer with the acquired membership code has placed the eco-bag 10 in the shopping cart 20 in which the communication device 30 with the specific identification number is installed, and sends check-in completion information (an example of permission information) to the communication device 30, allowing the customer to begin shopping.

Once the communication device 30 receives the check-in completion information from the store server 50, the customer can begin shopping at the store.

(General configuration of product sales data processing system)
The general configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system of the first embodiment.

The product sales data processing system 100 includes a communication device 30 installed in a shopping cart 20 containing an eco-bag 10, a mobile terminal 40, and a store server 50.

The eco bag 10 and shopping basket 20 are as described above.

The mobile terminal 40 is a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the customer who owns the eco bag 10.

The store server 50 is installed in the store and performs product registration processing and payment processing related to customer purchases. The store server 50 also performs check-in processing to allow customers who have placed an eco-bag 10 in their shopping cart 20 to shop at the store. The store server 50 is an example of a server device in this disclosure. The server device may be, for example, a headquarters server that oversees and manages shopping at each store.

The communication device 30 is communicatively connected to the store server 50. The mobile terminal 40 is communicatively connected to the store server 50.

The communication device 30 transmits to the store server 50 the membership code read from the membership tag 13 on the eco bag 10. The communication device 30 also transmits to the store server 50 the product code read from the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 that the customer placed in the eco bag 10.

The store server 50 sends check-in completion information to the communication device 30, indicating that check-in to the store has been completed. The store server 50 also sends payment completion information to the communication device 30, indicating that the payment process for the items placed in the eco bag 10 has been completed.

The mobile terminal 40 sends a payment instruction to the store server 50 to make payment for the item 15 placed in the eco bag 10.

The store server 50 sends check-in completion information to the mobile terminal 40, indicating that check-in to the store has been completed. The store server 50 also sends product registration information to the mobile terminal 40, indicating that registration of the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 has been completed. Furthermore, the store server 50 sends payment completion information to the mobile terminal 40, indicating that payment processing for the product placed in the eco bag 10 has been completed.

(Hardware configuration of communication device)
The hardware configuration of the communication device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device.

The communication device 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, an antenna interface 33, a speaker 34, a communication interface 35, and an antenna 36. Note that the communication device 30 may include a camera instead of the antenna interface 33 and the antenna 36. In other words, the communication device 30 may be configured to read a membership code or product code from an image captured by the camera.

The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the communication device 30. The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 312, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 313. The CPU 311 is connected to the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 311 loads various programs stored in the ROM 312 and the storage unit 32 into the RAM 313. The CPU 311 controls the operation of the communication device 30 by operating in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 313. In other words, the control unit 31 has the configuration of a typical computer.

The memory unit 32 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory unit 32 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 32 stores the control program 321.

The control program 321 is a program that controls the overall operation of the communication device 30. The control program 321 may be provided stored in the storage unit 32, or may be provided recorded as an installable or executable file on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 321 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 321 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The control unit 31 is connected to the antenna 36 via the antenna interface 33. The control unit 31 transmits radio waves to the antenna 36 to read the member tag 13. The control unit 31 also acquires the received radio waves received by the antenna 36 and analyzes their contents. Alternatively, instead of using the antenna interface 33 and antenna 36, the control unit 31 may read the member code registered in the member tag 13 or the product code registered in the product tag 14 based on an image captured by a camera.

The speaker 34 receives instructions from the control unit 31 and sounds an alarm or outputs predetermined audio information.

The communication interface 35 controls wireless communication between the control unit 31 and the store server 50.

The communication device 30 is powered by a battery not shown in Figure 5.

(Mobile device hardware configuration)
The hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a memory unit 42, a peripheral device controller 43, and a communication interface 44.

The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 40. The control unit 41 includes a CPU 411, a ROM 412, and a RAM 413. The CPU 411 is connected to the ROM 412 and the RAM 413 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 411 loads various programs stored in the ROM 412 and the storage unit 42 into the RAM 413. The CPU 411 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 40 by operating in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 413. In other words, the control unit 41 has the configuration of a typical computer.

The memory unit 42 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Alternatively, the memory unit 42 may be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 42 stores a control program 421, member information 422, product registration information 423, and payment information 424.

The control program 421 is a program that controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 40. The control program 421 may be provided stored in the storage unit 32, or may be provided recorded as an installable or executable file on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 421 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 421 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The membership information 422 stores the same membership code as that registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the customer's eco bag 10.

Product registration information 423 is information that stores product information about the product 15 purchased by the customer. Product registration information 423 includes the product code, product name, quantity, unit price, total price, etc.

Payment information 424 is information sent from the store server 50 indicating the details of the payment.

The control unit 41 is connected to the display device 45 and the operation device 46 via the peripheral device controller 43.

The display device 45 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an organic EL monitor. The display device 45 displays various screens to the customer, such as a registration details screen displaying registered product information and a payment screen showing payment details.

The operation device 46 is a touch panel that is superimposed on the display screen of the display device 45. The operation device 46 acquires various operation information from customers and outputs it to the control unit 41.

The communication interface 44 controls wireless communication between the control unit 41 and the store server 50.

(Store server hardware configuration)
The hardware configuration of the store server 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store server.

The store server 50 includes a control unit 51, a memory unit 52, a peripheral device controller 53, and a communication interface 54.

The control unit 51 controls the overall operation of the store server 50. The control unit 51 includes a CPU 511, a ROM 512, and a RAM 513. The CPU 511 is connected to the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 511 loads various programs stored in the ROM 512 and the memory unit 52 into the RAM 513. The CPU 511 controls the operation of the store server 50 by operating in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 513. In other words, the control unit 51 has the configuration of a typical computer.

The memory unit 52 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory unit 52 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 52 stores a control program 521, a member master 522, a product master 523, and product registration information 524.

The control program 521 is a program that controls the overall operation of the store server 50. The control program 521 may be provided stored in the storage unit 52, or may be provided recorded as an installable or executable file on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 521 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 521 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The member master 522 is a master file that registers the member information of customers who can shop at the store using the product sales data processing system 100.

Product master 523 is a master file that stores product information for products sold in the store.

Product registration information 524 is information that stores product information about the product 15 purchased by the customer. Product registration information 524 includes the product code, product name, quantity, unit price, total amount, etc. Product registration information 524 is stored in association with the membership code of the customer who purchases the product 15.

The control unit 51 is connected to the display device 55 and the operation device 56 via the peripheral device controller 53.

The display device 55 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an organic EL monitor. The display device 55 displays various screens related to the operating status of the store server 50 to the operator or administrator of the store server 50.

The operation device 56 is a touch panel superimposed on the display screen of the display device 55. The operation device 56 may also be a keyboard, mouse, etc. The operation device 56 acquires various operation information from the operator or administrator of the store server 50 and outputs it to the control unit 51.

The communication interface 54 controls wireless communication between the control unit 51 and the communication device 30, or between the control unit 51 and the mobile terminal 40.

(Functional configuration of communication device)
The functional configuration of the communication device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the communication device.

The control unit 31 of the communication device 30 reads the control program 321, deploys it in the RAM 313 provided in the control unit 31, and executes it, thereby realizing the wireless tag reading unit 61, read information output unit 62, check-in completion information acquisition unit 63, payment completion information acquisition unit 64, and notification unit 65 shown in Figure 8 as functional units.

The wireless tag reading unit 61 reads the product code registered on the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 placed in the shopping cart 20. Here, the product 15 placed in the shopping cart 20 is the product placed in the eco bag 10. The wireless tag reading unit 61 is an example of a reading unit in this disclosure.

The read information output unit 62 outputs the information registered in the member tag 13 read by the wireless tag reading unit 61 to the store server 50. At this time, the read information output unit 62 outputs the member code registered in the member tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10 and the product code registered in the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 read by the wireless tag reading unit 61 to the store server 50, thereby causing the store server 50 to generate product registration information 524 corresponding to the product code. Furthermore, if the wireless tag reading unit 61 removes the product 15 from the eco bag 10 and the product code of the product 15 cannot be read, the read information output unit 62 outputs the product code to the store server 50, thereby causing the store server 50 to cancel the product registration information 524 corresponding to the product code. The read information output unit 62 is an example of an output unit in this disclosure.

After an eco-bag 10 with a membership tag 13 bearing the customer's membership code is placed in the shopping cart 20 and the read information output unit 62 outputs the membership code read by the wireless tag reading unit 61 to the store server 50, the check-in completion information acquisition unit 63 acquires information permitting the customer to shop at the store, i.e., check-in completion information, from the store server 50. The check-in completion information acquisition unit 63 is an example of an acquisition unit in this disclosure.

The payment completion information acquisition unit 64 acquires payment completion information from the store server 50 indicating that payment for the product has been completed, for the product code of the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 output by the read information output unit 62.

If the payment completion information acquisition unit 64 has not acquired payment completion information and the wireless tag reading unit 61 is unable to read the membership code on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10, the notification unit 65 will notify the customer that payment for the items 15 placed in the eco bag 10 has not been completed. This assumes that a shopping customer removes the eco bag 10 from the shopping cart 20 before completing payment. In such a case, the notification unit 65 will sound an alarm on the speaker 34 provided in the communication device 30 or output a sound from the speaker 34 to warn the customer not to remove the eco bag 10 from the shopping cart 20 until the payment process is complete. The customer will notice the alarm and return the eco bag 10 to the shopping cart 20, preventing fraudulent activity such as taking the eco bag 10 with the unpaid items 15 placed in it and leaving the store.

In addition, if the check-in completion information acquisition unit 63 has not received check-in completion information from the store server 50 and the wireless tag reading unit 61 reads the product code registered on the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10, the notification unit 65 will notify the customer that the purchase is not permitted. The customer will then notice the alarm and can place the eco bag 10 in the shopping cart 20 and continue shopping.

(Functional configuration of mobile terminal)
The functional configuration of the mobile terminal 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal.

The control unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40 reads the control program 421, deploys it in the RAM 413 provided in the control unit 41, and executes it, thereby realizing the check-in completion information acquisition unit 71, product registration information acquisition unit 72, payment instruction unit 73, payment completion information acquisition unit 74, display control unit 75, and operation control unit 76 shown in FIG. 9 as functional units.

The check-in completion information acquisition unit 71 receives information from the store server 50 that authorizes the customer to shop at the store, i.e., check-in completion information. Furthermore, upon receiving the check-in completion information, the check-in completion information acquisition unit 71 transitions the mobile terminal 40 to an in-store mode that allows shopping within the store.

The product registration information acquisition unit 72 acquires registered product information from the store server 50.

The payment instruction unit 73 issues payment instructions to the store server 50. The payment instruction unit 73 also outputs to the store server 50 the payment method selected by the customer's selection operation (e.g., credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, virtual currency payment, etc.).

The payment completion information acquisition unit 74 acquires payment completion information from the store server 50, indicating that payment for the product has been completed.

The display control unit 75 generates the screen to be displayed on the display device 45 and controls the display of the screen.

The operation control unit 76 acquires operation information for the operation device 46 and outputs it to the control unit 41.

(Functional configuration of store server)
The functional configuration of the store server 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store server of the first embodiment.

The control unit 51 of the store server 50 reads the control program 521, deploys it in the RAM 513 provided in the control unit 51, and executes it, thereby realizing the following functional units: a wireless tag information acquisition unit 81, a check-in processing unit 82, a check-in completion information output unit 83, a product registration processing unit 84, a product registration information output unit 85, a payment instruction acquisition unit 86, a payment processing unit 87, a payment completion information output unit 88, and a checkout processing unit 89 shown in FIG. 10.

The wireless tag information acquisition unit 81 acquires information from the wireless tags (member tag 13 and product tag 14) output by the read information output unit 62 of the communication device 30.

The check-in processing unit 82 performs check-in processing to allow the customer to shop at the store, using the information on the member tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10 output by the read information output unit 62 of the communication device 30. Specifically, the check-in processing associates the customer's member code with a unique identification number assigned to the communication device 30 of the shopping cart 20. By executing the check-in processing, the product sales data processing system 100 can identify that a specific customer is shopping with a specific shopping cart 20.

The check-in completion information output unit 83 outputs check-in completion information indicating that the check-in processing unit 82 has completed the check-in processing to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40.

The product registration processing unit 84 performs product registration processing to register product information for products purchased by customers and generate product registration information 524.

The product registration information output unit 85 outputs the product registration information 524 to the mobile terminal 40.

The payment instruction acquisition unit 86 acquires from the mobile terminal 40 a payment instruction to make a payment related to the product registration information 524. The payment instruction acquisition unit 86 also acquires the payment method from the mobile terminal 40.

The payment processing unit 87 requests payment processing from an external payment server (not shown) using the payment method acquired by the payment instruction acquisition unit 86.

The payment completion information output unit 88 outputs payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40. The payment completion information output unit 88 also outputs payment information indicating the details of the payment to the mobile terminal 40.

The checkout processing unit 89 performs checkout processing to disconnect communication between the communication device 30 installed in the shopping cart 20 used by the customer during shopping and the store server 50.

(Processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system)
The flow of processing performed by the merchandise sales data processing system 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the merchandise sales data processing system of the first embodiment.

(Flow of processing performed by communication device)
First, the flow of processing performed by the communication device 30 will be described.

The wireless tag reader 61 reads the customer's membership code registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco-bag 10 contained in the shopping cart 20 (step S11). It is assumed that the shopping cart 20 contains the customer's eco-bag 10.

Upon receiving check-in completion information from the store server 50, the wireless tag reading unit 61 reads the product code registered on the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 by the customer (step S12). The wireless tag reading unit 61 repeatedly reads the product tag 14. If the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 is removed from the eco bag 10, the wireless tag reading unit 61 no longer reads the information registered on the product tag 14 attached to the removed product 15. Therefore, the latest reading result of the wireless tag reading unit 61 indicates the product codes of all products 15 placed in the eco bag 10 at that time. If the wireless tag reading unit 61 detects that products 15 have been placed in the eco bag 10 before receiving the check-in completion information, the alarm unit 65 may activate the speaker 34 to alert the customer that shopping is not permitted. Furthermore, the notification unit 65 may sound the speaker 34 to notify the customer when an item 15 is placed in the shopping cart 20 without an eco-bag 10 inside. This can prevent fraudulent behavior by customers.

The notification unit 65 determines whether the eco bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 (step S13). If it is determined that the eco bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the eco bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S15. The notification unit 65 determines whether the eco bag 10 has been removed when the wireless tag reading unit 61 no longer reads the membership code on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10.

If, in step S13, it is determined that the eco-bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 before the payment completion information acquisition unit 64 has received payment completion information from the store server 50, the notification unit 65 sounds an alarm on the speaker 34 to notify the customer that payment for the items placed in the eco-bag 10 has not been completed (step S14). This prevents fraudulent activity such as the customer taking away unpaid items while still inside the eco-bag 10. After that, when the customer places the eco-bag 10 in the shopping cart 20, the process returns to step S12.

On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S13 that the eco-bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20, and the payment process for the product 15 placed in the eco-bag 10 is completed in response to a payment instruction from the mobile terminal 40 to the store server 50, the payment completion information acquisition unit 64 acquires payment completion information from the store server 50 (step S15).

The notification unit 65 determines whether the eco bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 (step S16). If it is determined that the eco bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 (step S16: Yes), the communication device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the eco bag 10 has been removed from the shopping cart 20 (step S16: No), step S16 is repeated.

(Flow of processing performed by mobile terminal)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the mobile terminal 40 will be described.

When the check-in completion information acquisition unit 71 of the mobile terminal 40 acquires the check-in completion information from the store server 50, it transitions the mobile terminal 40 to an in-store mode in which the customer can shop (step S21).

The product registration information acquisition unit 72 acquires product information about the product placed in the eco-bag 10 by the customer from the store server 50 and displays the acquired product information on the display device 45 (step S22).

When it is detected that the customer has performed an operation on the mobile terminal 40 to instruct payment, the payment instruction unit 73 issues a payment instruction to the store server 50 (step S23). Following the payment instruction, the payment instruction unit 73 outputs the payment method selected by the customer to the store server 50.

The payment completion information acquisition unit 74 acquires payment completion information and payment information indicating the payment details from the store server 50 (step S24). The mobile terminal 40 then terminates processing.

(Processing flow performed by the store server)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the store server 50 will be described.

The check-in processing unit 82 performs check-in processing based on the customer's membership code acquired by the wireless tag information acquisition unit 81 from the communication device 30 (step S31).

The check-in completion information output unit 83 outputs check-in completion information to the mobile terminal 40 and the communication device 30 (step S32).

The product registration processing unit 84 acquires the product code output from the communication device 30 and compares it with the product master 523. The product registration processing unit 84 then registers the product information for the product corresponding to the product code (step S33).

The product registration information output unit 85 outputs the product registration information registered in step S33 to the mobile terminal 40 (step S34).

The payment instruction acquisition unit 86 acquires a payment instruction and payment method from the mobile terminal 40. The payment processing unit 87 then requests payment processing from an external payment server (not shown) using the instructed payment method (step S35).

The payment completion information output unit 88 outputs payment completion information to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40. The payment completion information output unit 88 also outputs payment information indicating the payment details to the mobile terminal 40 (step S36).

The checkout processing unit 89 performs checkout processing to disconnect communication between the communication device 30 installed in the shopping cart 20 used by the customer during shopping and the store server 50. The store server 50 then terminates processing.

(Operation and effect of the first embodiment)
As described above, in the product sales data processing system 100 of the first embodiment, the communication device 30 includes a wireless tag reader 61 (an example of a reader) that is installed in the shopping cart 20 and reads a membership code attached to an eco-bag 10 (an example of a container) that is placed in the shopping cart 20 and into which a product 15 can be placed, a read information output unit 62 (an example of an output unit) that outputs the membership code read by the wireless tag reader 61 to the store server 50 (an example of a server device), and a check-in completion information acquisition unit 63 (an example of an acquisition unit) that acquires check-in completion information from the store server 50 that permits shopping at the store when the membership code is output to the store server 50. Therefore, because the use of the eco-bag 10 is required when shopping, it is possible to prevent customers from forgetting to bring their eco-bag 10 when shopping, thereby promoting the use of the eco-bag 10.

In addition, in the communication device 30 of the first embodiment, the wireless tag reading unit 61 (an example of a reading unit) further reads the product code of the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 (an example of a container). When the wireless tag reading unit 61 reads the product code of the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10, the read information output unit 62 (an example of an output unit) outputs the product code to the store server 50 (an example of a server device), causing the store server 50 to generate product registration information corresponding to the product code. Therefore, customers can register the products they want to purchase simply by placing them in the eco bag 10 without performing any special operations.

In addition, in the communication device 30 of the first embodiment, the wireless tag reading unit 61 (an example of a reading unit) further reads the product code of the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 (an example of a container). If the product 15 is removed from the eco bag 10 and the wireless tag reading unit 61 is no longer able to read the product code of the product 15, the read information output unit 62 (an example of an output unit) outputs the product code to the store server 50 (an example of a server device), causing the store server 50 to cancel the product registration information corresponding to the product code. Therefore, if a customer decides not to purchase a product that they have placed in the eco bag 10, they can simply remove the product from the eco bag 10 to cancel the product registration without performing any special operations.

The communication device 30 of the first embodiment also includes a payment completion information acquisition unit 64 that acquires payment completion information from the store server 50, indicating that payment for the product 15 has been completed, and a notification unit 65 that, if the payment completion information acquisition unit 64 has not acquired the payment completion information and the wireless tag reading unit 61 (an example of a reading unit) is no longer able to read the membership code attached to the eco bag 10, notifies the customer that payment for the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 has not been completed. This prevents customers from committing fraud by removing an eco bag 10 containing an unpaid product 15 from the shopping cart 20 and taking it home when shopping.

Furthermore, in the communication device 30 of the first embodiment, if the wireless tag reading unit 61 (an example of a reading unit) reads the product code attached to the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 when the check-in completion information acquisition unit 63 (an example of an acquisition unit) has not acquired check-in completion information permitting shopping from the store server 50 (an example of a server device), the notification unit 65 will further notify that shopping at the store is not permitted. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent activity such as placing products in eco bags 10 that do not have a membership tag 13 attached.

Second Embodiment
The general configuration of a merchandise sales data processing system 110 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the general configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system according to the second embodiment.

The product sales data processing system 110 includes a communication device 30 installed in a shopping cart 20 containing an eco-bag 10, a mobile terminal 40, a store server 50, and an accounting device 160.

The eco bag 10, shopping basket 20, communication device 30, and mobile terminal 40 are all as described in the first embodiment.

The store server 150 performs a check-in process to allow a customer who has placed an eco-bag 10 in the shopping cart 20 to shop at the store. The store server 150 also performs a product registration process to register the product corresponding to the product code obtained from the communication device 30. The store server 150 is an example of a server device in this disclosure.

The accounting device 160 accepts payment instructions from the mobile terminal 40. In addition, the accounting device 160 performs payment processing related to the product registration information obtained from the store server 150 in accordance with the accepted payment instructions.

The communication device 30 is communicatively connected to the store server 150. The mobile terminal 40 is communicatively connected to the store server 150.

The communication device 30 transmits to the store server 150 the membership code read from the membership tag 13 on the eco bag 10. The communication device 30 also transmits to the store server 150 the product code read from the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 that the customer placed in the eco bag 10.

The store server 150 sends check-in completion information to the communication device 30, indicating that check-in to the store has been completed. The store server 150 also sends payment completion information to the communication device 30, indicating that the payment process for the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 has been completed.

The store server 150 sends check-in completion information to the mobile terminal 40, indicating that check-in to the store has been completed. The store server 150 also sends product registration information to the mobile terminal 40, indicating that registration of the product placed in the eco bag 10 has been completed. Furthermore, the store server 150 sends payment completion information to the mobile terminal 40, indicating that payment processing for the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10 has been completed.

The accounting device 160 is connected to the store server 150 via a wired connection, for example, via an in-store LAN. Note that the accounting device 160 and store server 150 may also be connected wirelessly.

The store server 150 sends member information and product registration information to the accounting device 160.

The accounting device 160 sends member information and payment completion information to the store server 150.

The accounting device 160 also reads the code symbol containing the member information that the customer has displayed on the mobile terminal 40, allowing the customer to make a payment at the accounting device 160.

(Hardware configuration of accounting device)
The hardware configuration of the accounting device 160 will be described using Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the accounting device.

The accounting device 160 includes a control unit 95, a memory unit 96, a peripheral device controller 97, and a communication interface 98.

The control unit 95 controls the overall operation of the accounting device 160. The control unit 95 comprises a CPU 951, a ROM 952, and a RAM 953. The CPU 951 is connected to the ROM 952 and the RAM 953 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 951 loads various programs stored in the ROM 952 and the storage unit 96 into the RAM 953. The CPU 951 controls the operation of the accounting device 160 by operating in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 953. In other words, the control unit 95 has the configuration of a typical computer.

The memory unit 96 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory unit 96 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 96 stores a control program 961 and product registration information 962.

The control program 961 is a program that controls the overall operation of the accounting device 160. The control program 961 may be provided stored in the storage unit 96, or may be provided recorded as an installable or executable file on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 961 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 961 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Product registration information 962 is information that stores product information about the product 15 purchased by the customer. Product registration information 962 includes the product code, product name, quantity, unit price, total amount, etc. Product registration information 962 is stored in association with the membership code of the customer who purchases the product 15.

The control unit 95 is connected to a display device 111, an operation device 112, a scanner 113, a change dispenser 114, and a receipt printer 115 via a peripheral device controller 97.

The display device 111 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an organic EL monitor. The display device 111 displays various screens to the customer, such as a registration details screen displaying registered product information and a payment screen showing payment details.

The operation device 112 is, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display screen of the display device 111. The operation device 112 acquires various operation information from customers and outputs it to the control unit 95. The operation device 112 may also be a keyboard or a physical switch.

The scanner 113 is a reading device that reads the code symbol containing member information that the customer has displayed on the display device 45 of the mobile terminal 40. The scanner 113 may be a handheld reading device that the customer holds to read the code information, or it may be a stationary reading device.

When a customer pays in cash, the change dispenser 114 accepts inserted coins or bills and dispenses coins or bills as change.

The receipt printer 115 prints and issues a receipt indicating the payment result.

The communication interface 98 controls wireless communication between the control unit 95 and the store server 150.

The hardware configuration of the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so a repeated explanation will be omitted. The hardware configuration of the store server 150 is the same as that of the store server 50 described in the first embodiment, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

(Store Server Functional Configuration)
The functional configuration of the store server 150 will be described using Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store server of the second embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration of the store server 150 is the same as the hardware configuration of the store server 50 described above, and therefore the hardware components of the store server 150 will be described using the same reference numerals as those shown in Fig. 7.

The control unit 51 of the store server 150 reads the control program 521, deploys it in the RAM 513 provided in the control unit 51, and executes it, thereby realizing the following functional units: a wireless tag information acquisition unit 81, a check-in processing unit 82, a check-in completion information output unit 83, a product registration processing unit 84, a product registration information output unit 90, a member information acquisition unit 91, a payment completion information acquisition unit 92, a payment completion information output unit 88, and a checkout processing unit 89 shown in FIG. 14.

Of these, the functions of the wireless tag information acquisition unit 81, check-in processing unit 82, check-in completion information output unit 83, product registration processing unit 84, payment completion information output unit 88, and check-out processing unit 89 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, so a repeated description will be omitted.

The product registration information output unit 90 outputs product registration information 524 to the mobile terminal 40. In addition, the product registration information output unit 90 associates the customer's product registration information 524 corresponding to the membership information obtained from the accounting device 160 with the customer's membership information and outputs it to the accounting device 160.

The member information acquisition unit 91 acquires the member information of the customer who issued the transaction instruction from the transaction device 160.

The payment completion information acquisition unit 92 acquires payment completion information indicating that payment has been completed and payment information indicating the payment details from the accounting device 160.

(Functional configuration of accounting device)
The functional configuration of the accounting device 160 will be described using Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the accounting device.

The control unit 95 of the accounting device 160 reads the control program 961, deploys it in the RAM 963 provided in the control unit 95, and executes it, thereby realizing the functional units of the member information acquisition unit 101, member information output unit 102, payment instruction acquisition unit 103, product registration information acquisition unit 104, payment processing unit 105, payment completion information output unit 106, and receipt issuing unit 107 shown in FIG. 15.

The member information acquisition unit 101 acquires the customer's membership code by using the scanner 113 to read the code symbol containing the membership code that the customer has displayed on the display device 45 of the mobile terminal 40.

The member information output unit 102 outputs the member code acquired by the member information acquisition unit 101 to the store server 150.

The payment instruction acquisition unit 103 acquires payment instruction information indicating the payment method based on operation information of the customer on the checkout device 160. The payment instruction acquisition unit 103 acquires the payment instruction, for example, by detecting that the customer has pressed the checkout button. The payment instruction acquisition unit 103 also acquires the payment method selected by the customer.

The product registration information acquisition unit 104 acquires product registration information 524 associated with the customer's membership code from the store server 150.

The payment processing unit 105 performs payment processing for the product related to the product registration information 524 using the payment method acquired from the customer by the payment instruction acquisition unit 103.

The payment completion information output unit 106 outputs payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed to the store server 150. The payment completion information output unit 106 also outputs payment information indicating the details of the payment to the store server 150.

The receipt issuing unit 107 prints the results of the payment processing performed by the payment processing unit 105 on a receipt using the receipt printer 115.

(Functional configuration of communication device)
The functional configuration of the communication device 30 included in the product sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment is the same as the functional configuration of the communication device 30 included in the product sales data processing system 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 8 ), so a repeated description will be omitted. In the following description, the functional components of the communication device 30 will be described using the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 8 .

(Functional configuration of mobile terminal)
The functional configuration of the mobile terminal 40 included in the merchandise sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment is the same as the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 40 included in the merchandise sales data processing system 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 9 ), so a repeated description will be omitted. In the following description, the functional components of the mobile terminal 40 will be described using the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 9 .

(Flow of processing performed by communication device)
The flow of processing performed by the communication device 30 included in the product sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the communication device.

The wireless tag reading unit 61 determines whether the membership code has been read (step S41). If it is determined that the membership code has been read (step S41: Yes), the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the membership code has been read (step S41: No), step S41 is repeated. In this step, it is determined whether the customer has placed an eco bag 10 in the shopping cart 20. That is, when the customer places an eco bag 10 in the shopping cart 20, the wireless tag reading unit 61 can read the membership code registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10, and therefore the wireless tag reading unit 61 determines that the membership code has been read.

If it is determined in step S41 that the membership code has been read, the read information output unit 62 outputs the membership code to the store server 150 (step S42).

Next, the wireless tag reader 61 determines whether the product code has been read (step S43). If it is determined that the product code has been read (step S43: Yes), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product code has been read (step S43: No), step S43 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S43 that the product code has been read, the read information output unit 62 outputs the product code to the store server 150 (step S44). At this time, the read information output unit 62 associates the product code registered in the product tag 14 attached to the product with the membership code registered in the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10, and outputs this information to the store server 150. This is to enable the store server 150 to recognize which eco bag 10 the product code belongs to.

Next, the wireless tag reader 61 determines whether the membership code registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10 can be read (step S45). If it is determined that the membership code cannot be read (step S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the membership code cannot be read (step S45: No), the process proceeds to step S47. Note that the case where the membership code registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10 cannot be read is assumed to be when the eco bag 10 is removed from the shopping cart 20 before payment for the items 15 placed in the eco bag 10 is completed. In such a case, the wireless tag reader 61 is unable to read the membership code registered on the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10, and therefore determines in step S45 that the membership code cannot be read.

If it is determined in step S45 that the membership code cannot be read, the notification unit 65 sounds an alarm through the speaker 34 (step S46). Then, the process returns to step S45. At this time, the customer who notices the alarm attaches the eco bag 10 to the shopping cart 20.

If it is not determined in step S45 that the membership code cannot be read, that is, if it is determined that the membership code has been read, the notification unit 65 determines whether the alarm is sounding (step S47). If it is determined that the alarm is sounding (step S47: Yes), the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the alarm is sounding (step S47: No), the process proceeds to step S49.

If it is determined in step S47 that the alarm is sounding, the notification unit 65 causes the speaker 34 to stop sounding the alarm (step S48). This allows a customer who has removed the eco-bag 10 from the shopping cart 20 to notice the alarm sounding and place the eco-bag 10 back into the shopping cart 20, thereby stopping the alarm sounding.

Following step S48, or if it is determined in step S47 that the alarm is not sounding, the payment completion information acquisition unit 64 determines whether payment completion information has been acquired from the store server 150 (step S49). If it is determined that payment completion information has been acquired from the store server 150 (step S49: Yes), the communication device 30 ends the processing. On the other hand, if it is not determined that payment completion information has been acquired from the store server 150 (step S49: No), the process returns to step S43.

(Flow of processing performed by the store server device)
The flow of processing performed by the store server 150 included in the merchandise sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the store server.

The wireless tag information acquisition unit 81 determines whether a membership code has been acquired from the communication device 30 (step S51). If it is determined that a membership code has been acquired (step S51: Yes), the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that a membership code has not been acquired (step S51: No), step S51 is repeated. Whether a membership code has been acquired from the communication device 30 is determined by the store server 150 acquiring the membership code registered in the membership tag 13 attached to the eco bag 10, which is output by the communication device 30.

If it is determined in step S51 that a membership code has been acquired, the check-in processing unit 82 performs check-in processing to allow the customer with the acquired membership code to shop at the store (step S52).

The check-in completion information output unit 83 outputs check-in completion information indicating that check-in has been completed to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40 (step S53).

Next, the wireless tag information acquisition unit 81 determines whether a product code has been acquired from the communication device 30 (step S54). If it is determined that a product code has been acquired (step S54: Yes), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is determined that a product code has not been acquired (step S54: No), the process proceeds to step S57. Whether a product code has been acquired from the communication device 30 is determined by the store server 150 acquiring the product code registered on the product tag 14 attached to the product 15 placed in the eco bag 10, which was output by the communication device 30.

If it is determined in step S54 that a product code has been acquired, the product registration processing unit 84 acquires product information for the product corresponding to the acquired product code from the product master 523. The product registration processing unit 84 then performs product registration processing to generate product registration information 524 for purchase by the customer who has the membership code acquired in step S51 (step S55).

The product registration information output unit 90 outputs the product registration information 524 to the mobile terminal 40 (step S56). This allows the customer to confirm that the product they wish to purchase has been registered by checking the product registration information acquired by the mobile terminal 40.

The member information acquisition unit 91 determines whether the member code of the customer who issued the payment instruction has been acquired from the payment device 160 (step S57). If it is determined that the customer's member code has been acquired (step S57: Yes), the process proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the customer's member code has been acquired (step S57: No), the process proceeds to step S54.

If it is determined in step S57 that the customer's membership code has been acquired, the product registration information output unit 90 associates the customer's product registration information 524 corresponding to the membership code acquired from the accounting device 160 with the customer's membership code and outputs it to the accounting device 160 (step S58).

The payment completion information acquisition unit 92 determines whether payment completion information has been acquired from the accounting device 160 (step S59). If it is determined that payment completion information has been acquired (step S59: Yes), the process proceeds to step S60. On the other hand, if it is not determined that payment completion information has been acquired (step S59: No), step S59 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S58 that payment completion information has been acquired, the payment completion information output unit 88 outputs the payment completion information to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40 (step S60).

The checkout processing unit 89 performs checkout processing to disconnect communication between the communication device 30 installed in the shopping cart 20 used by the customer during shopping and the store server 150 (step S61). The store server 150 then terminates processing.

(Flow of processing performed by mobile terminal)
The flow of processing performed by the mobile terminal 40 included in the product sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the mobile terminal.

The check-in completion information acquisition unit 71 determines whether check-in completion information has been acquired from the store server 150 (step S71). If it is determined that check-in completion information has been acquired (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if it is not determined that check-in completion information has been acquired (step S71: No), step S71 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S71 that check-in completion information has been acquired, the product registration information acquisition unit 72 determines whether product registration information 524 has been acquired from the store server 150 (step S72). If it is determined that product registration information 524 has been acquired (step S72: Yes), the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if it is not determined that product registration information has been acquired (step S72: No), step S72 is repeated. Note that what the mobile terminal 40 acquires here is the product registration information for the product that the member will purchase, from the product registration information 524 stored in the store server 150.

The display control unit 75 displays the product registration information 524 acquired in step S72 on the display device 45 of the mobile terminal 40, for example, as a registration details screen (step S73). This allows the customer to confirm that the product they wish to purchase has been registered.

The operation control unit 76 determines whether the checkout button (not shown) displayed on the display device 45 of the mobile terminal 40 has been pressed (step S74). If it is determined that the checkout button has been pressed (step S74: Yes), the process proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the checkout button has been pressed (step S74: No), the process returns to step S72.

In step S74, if it is determined that the checkout button has been pressed, the display control unit 75 causes the display device 45 of the mobile terminal 40 to display a code symbol including the customer's, i.e., the member's, membership code. At this time, the display control unit 75 may also cause the display device 45 of the mobile terminal 40 to display information (e.g., a product registration number) that can uniquely identify the product registration information 524 obtained from the store server 150.

The information displayed on the display device 45 in step S75 is read by the scanner 113 of the accounting device 160. The accounting device 160 then performs payment processing based on the membership code and product registration number read from the mobile terminal 40. The processing flow performed by the accounting device 160 will be described later (see Figure 19).

Following step S75, the payment completion information acquisition unit 74 determines whether payment completion information has been acquired from the store server 150 (step S76). If it is determined that payment completion information has been acquired (step S76: Yes), the mobile terminal 40 ends the processing. On the other hand, if it is not determined that payment completion information has been acquired (step S76: No), step S76 is repeated. Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, after it is determined that payment completion information has been acquired, the display control unit 75 of the mobile terminal 40 may display the acquired payment details along with the payment completion information on the display device 45.

(Processing flow performed by the accounting device)
The flow of processing performed by the checkout device 160 included in the product sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment will be described using Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the checkout device.

The member information acquisition unit 101 determines whether the member code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 has been acquired (step S81). If it is determined that the member code has been acquired (step S81: Yes), the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if it is determined that the member code has not been acquired (step S81: No), step S81 is repeated. Note that the member information acquisition unit 101 may also display information on the mobile terminal 40 that can uniquely identify the product registration information 524 that the mobile terminal 40 acquired from the store server 150, and have the checkout device 160 read it.

If it is determined in step S81 that a membership code has been acquired, the membership information output unit 102 outputs the membership code to the store server 150 (step S82). Note that if the accounting device 160 reads information that can uniquely identify the product registration information 524 from the mobile terminal 40 in step S81, the membership information output unit 102 outputs information that can uniquely identify the read product information to the store server 150.

The product registration information acquisition unit 104 acquires from the store server 150 the product registration information 524 associated with the customer's membership code output in step S82 (step S83). Note that if the membership information output unit 102 outputs information that can uniquely identify product information to the store server 150 in step S82, the product registration information acquisition unit 104 acquires from the store server 150 the product registration information 524 that corresponds to the information that can uniquely identify the product information output in step S82.

The payment processing unit 105 performs payment processing related to the product registration information 524 acquired in step S83 based on the payment instructions and payment method acquired by the payment instruction acquisition unit 103 (step S84).

Once the payment process is completed, the payment completion information output unit 106 outputs payment completion information and payment details to the store server 150 (step S85).

The receipt issuing unit 107 prints and issues the payment details on the receipt printer 115 (step S86). The accounting device 160 then ends the process.

(Operation and effect of the second embodiment)
As described above, the product sales data processing system 110 of the second embodiment includes a communication device 30 installed in the shopping cart 20, a store server 150 (an example of a server device), a mobile terminal 40 operated by a customer, and a checkout device 160. The communication device 30 includes a wireless tag reader 61 (an example of a reader) that reads a membership code attached to an eco-bag 10 that is placed in the shopping cart 20 and into which a product 15 can be placed, a read information output unit 62 (an example of an output unit) that outputs the membership code read by the wireless tag reader 61 to the store server 150, and a check-in completion information acquisition unit 63 (an example of an acquisition unit) that acquires check-in completion information from the store server 150 when the membership code is output to the store server 150, allowing the customer to shop at the store.

The store server 150 includes a wireless tag information acquisition unit 81 that acquires the membership code attached to the eco bag 10 from the communication device 30; a check-in completion information output unit 83 that outputs information authorizing shopping at the store to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40 to which the wireless tag information acquisition unit 81 outputs the membership code acquired; a product registration processing unit 84 that generates product registration information corresponding to the product code acquired from the communication device 30; a product registration information output unit 90 that outputs the product registration information registered by the product registration processing unit 84 to the mobile terminal 40 and the checkout device 160; and a payment completion information output unit 88 that outputs payment completion information indicating that payment related to the product registration information registered by the product registration processing unit 84 has been completed to the communication device 30 and the mobile terminal 40.

The mobile terminal 40 includes a payment completion information acquisition unit 74 that acquires payment completion information from the store server 150, and a product registration information acquisition unit 72 that acquires product registration information registered or canceled by the product registration processing unit 84 from the store server 150.

The accounting device 160 includes a membership information acquisition unit 101 that acquires a membership code from the mobile terminal 40, a payment instruction acquisition unit 103 that acquires payment instruction information indicating the payment method based on operation information of the customer on the accounting device 160, a product registration information acquisition unit 104 that acquires product registration information associated with the membership code from the store server 150, a payment processing unit 105 that performs payment for products related to the product registration information, and a payment completion information output unit 106 that outputs payment completion information to the store server 150 indicating that payment has been completed.

As a result, the use of the eco-bag 10 becomes essential when shopping, which prevents people from forgetting to bring the eco-bag 10 with them when shopping, thereby promoting the use of the eco-bag 10.

The above describes embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

10 Eco bag (an example of a container)
13 Membership tag 14 Product tag 15 Product 20 Shopping basket 30 Communication device 34 Speaker 36 Antenna 40 Mobile terminal 50 Store server (an example of a server device)
61 Wireless tag reading unit (an example of a reading unit)
62 read information output unit (an example of an output unit)
63 Check-in completion information acquisition unit (an example of an acquisition unit)
64 Payment completion information acquisition unit 65 Notification unit 71 Check-in completion information acquisition unit 72 Product registration information acquisition unit 73 Payment instruction unit 74 Payment completion information acquisition unit 75 Display control unit 76 Operation control unit 81 Wireless tag information acquisition unit 82 Check-in processing unit 83 Check-in completion information output unit 84 Product registration processing unit 85 Product registration information output unit 86 Payment instruction acquisition unit 87, 105 Payment processing unit 88 Payment completion information output unit 89 Check-out processing unit 90 Product registration information output unit 91 Member information acquisition unit 92 Payment completion information acquisition unit 100, 110 Product sales data processing system 101 Member information acquisition unit 102 Member information output unit 103 Payment instruction acquisition unit 104 Product registration information acquisition unit 106 Payment completion information output unit 107 Receipt issuing unit 150 Store server (an example of a server device)
160 Accounting device 422 Member information 423, 524, 962 Product registration information 424 Payment information 522 Member master 523 Product master

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-135591

Claims (7)

A communication device installed in a shopping cart,
a reading unit that reads member information attached to a container that is contained in the shopping cart and into which products can be placed;
an output unit that outputs the member information read by the reading unit to a server device;
an acquisition unit that acquires, when the member information is output to the server device, check-in completion information that permits shopping at the store from the server device;
A communication device comprising: The reading unit further reads product information of the product placed in the container,
When the reading unit reads the product information of the product placed in the container, the output unit outputs the product information to the server device, thereby causing the server device to generate product registration information corresponding to the product information.
The communication device according to claim 1 . The reading unit further reads product information of the product placed in the container,
When the product is removed from the container and the reading unit is no longer able to read the product information of the product, the output unit outputs the product information to the server device, thereby causing the server device to cancel the product registration information corresponding to the product information.
The communication device according to claim 1 . a payment completion information acquisition unit that acquires, from the server device, payment completion information indicating that payment for the product has been completed;
and a notification unit that notifies the user that payment for the product placed in the container has not been completed when the reading unit is unable to read the member information attached to the container while the payment completion information acquisition unit has not acquired the payment completion information.
The communication device according to claim 1 . and a notification unit that notifies the user that shopping at the store is not permitted when the reading unit reads the product information of the product placed in the container while the acquisition unit has not acquired the check-in completion information.
The communication device according to claim 1 . A communication system including a communication device installed in a shopping cart and a server device,
The communication device
a reading unit that reads member information attached to a container that is contained in the shopping cart and into which products can be placed;
an output unit that outputs the member information read by the reading unit to a server device;
an acquisition unit that acquires, when the member information is output to the server device, check-in completion information that permits shopping at the store from the server device;
The server device
an information acquisition unit that acquires the member information attached to the container from the communication device;
a check-in completion information output unit that outputs the check-in completion information to the communication device when the member information is acquired. A computer that controls a communication device installed in a shopping cart
a reading unit that reads member information attached to a container that is contained in the shopping cart and into which products can be placed;
an output unit that outputs the member information read by the reading unit to a server device;
a program that functions as an acquisition unit that acquires, when the member information is output to the server device, check-in completion information that permits shopping at the store from the server device;