Accounting machines and programs

Abstract

This invention provides a store system, information processing device, accounting machine, and control program that can reduce the number of steps required when charging electronic money using an accounting machine. [Solution] The information processing device acquires the balance of the electronic money. The information processing device calculates the price each time a purchased item is registered. When predetermined conditions are met between the electronic money balance and the price, the information processing device stores the electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal. When the accounting machine receives an accounting instruction from a mobile terminal that is not associated with charge instruction information, it selects an accounting mode that accepts input of accounting data, and when it receives an accounting instruction from a mobile terminal that is associated with charge instruction information, it selects a charging mode that accepts input of data related to charging the electronic money.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a store system, an information processing device and its control program, as well as a cash register and its control program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various store systems have been devised that simplify the registration operation of purchased items at the time of settlement by allowing customers, so-called users, to register the purchased items using a mobile terminal (such as a cart terminal or a smartphone) when shopping around the store.

[0003] In such a store system, when a customer who uses a mobile terminal, i.e., a user, finishes registering the purchased items and moves to the location where the cash register is installed, a payment method selection screen for prompting the user to select a payment method such as cash, credit card, or electronic money is displayed on the touch panel of the cash register. Here, a user who wants to recharge electronic money first selects "electronic money" as the payment method. Then, the screen switches to the electronic money payment screen. In addition to the electronic money payment button, a recharge button is displayed on the payment screen, so the user touches the recharge button. Then, the screen switches to the recharge screen. Therefore, the user specifies the recharge amount and makes a payment. After finishing the recharge of electronic money in this way, the screen returns to the payment method selection screen again, so the user selects a payment method.

[0004] Thus, when recharging electronic money with a cash register and then performing settlement, a complicated operation is required, which takes time and there is a concern that the settlement may be delayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a store system that can reduce the number of steps required when charging electronic money at a payment terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the store system comprises an information processing device and an accounting machine. The information processing device includes an acquisition means, a calculation means, and a storage means. The acquisition means acquires the balance of electronic money. The calculation means calculates the price each time a purchased item is registered. When a predetermined condition is met between the electronic money balance and the price, the storage means stores the electronic money charge instruction information in association with a mobile terminal. The accounting machine comprises a reception means and a mode selection means. The reception means receives accounting instructions from a mobile terminal. The mode selection means selects an accounting mode that accepts input of accounting data when it receives an accounting instruction from a mobile terminal that is not associated with charge instruction information, and selects a charge mode that accepts input of data related to electronic money charging when it receives an accounting instruction from a mobile terminal that is associated with charge instruction information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a store system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile device. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart equipped with a mobile device. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting machine table. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration list. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing an example of purchase product data. [Figure 9] Block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the mobile terminal. [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 15] Flowchart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the accounting machine. [Figure 16] Schematic diagram showing an example of the purchase registration screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 17] Schematic diagram showing an example of the charge selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 18] Schematic diagram showing an example of the accounting barcode and the accounting machine guidance screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 19] Schematic diagram showing an example of the charge amount input screen displayed on the accounting machine. [Figure 20] Schematic diagram showing an example of the cash input screen displayed on the accounting machine. [Figure 21] Schematic diagram showing an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the accounting machine.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a case where a tablet terminal (so-called cart terminal) attached to a shopping cart is used as the mobile terminal.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a store system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0011] The store system 1 includes a store server 10, a member server 20, an electronic money management server 30, a communication server 40, a virtual POS server 50, a cash register 60, a mobile terminal 70, and an access point 80. The store server 10, the member server 20, the communication server 40, the virtual POS server 50, the cash register 60, and the access point 80 are connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The electronic money management server 30 is connected to the communication server 40 via a dedicated network 3.

[0012] The mobile terminal 70 is a device that enables a user who is a purchaser to self-enter data related to registration of a product to be purchased, so-called purchased products. The mobile terminal 70 is provided in a shopping cart C. Hereinafter, the shopping cart C is simply referred to as a cart C. A plurality of carts C are each provided with a mobile terminal 70. The cart C is an example of a carrier that conveys purchased products of a user who is the user of that cart C.

[0013] The mobile terminal 70 includes a wireless unit 74 (see FIG. 2). The mobile terminal 70 performs wireless communication with the access point 80. The access point 80 relays communication between each device connected to the network 2, that is, the store server 10, the member server 20, the electronic money management server 30, the communication server 40, the virtual POS server 50, and the cash register 60, and the mobile terminal 70. Although only one access point 80 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more depending on the scale of the store or the like.

[0014] The cash register 60 is a device that enables a store clerk or a user to perform accounting for purchased products. The number of cash registers 60 is not particularly limited.

[0015] The store server 10 manages the product database. The product database stores product data records that describe the data of products sold in the store. Product data records include items such as product code, product name, and price. The product code is product identification data set for each product to identify it individually. Each product is usually accompanied by a barcode representing the product code.

[0016] The member server 20 manages the member database. The member database stores member data records that describe member data for each member. Member data records include member ID, name, gender, email address, electronic money user ID, etc. The member ID is the member's identification code. The electronic money user ID is issued when a customer purchases prepaid electronic money.

[0017] The electronic money management server 30 is a computer that manages the balance of electronic money for each electronic money user ID.

[0018] The communication server 40 performs data communication processing between the accounting machine 60 or virtual POS server 50 and the electronic money management server 30 via a dedicated network 3.

[0019] The virtual POS server 50 works in cooperation with the mobile terminal 70 to operate the mobile terminal 70 in a way that enables the functions of a POS terminal.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal 70. The mobile terminal 70 includes a processor 71, main memory 72, auxiliary storage device 73, wireless unit 74, touch panel 75, scanner 76, reader 77, camera 78, and system transmission line 79. The system transmission line 79 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The mobile terminal 70 connects the processor 71, main memory 72, auxiliary storage device 73, wireless unit 74, touch panel 75, scanner 76, reader 77, and camera 78 to the system transmission line 79. In the mobile terminal 70, the computer is composed of the processor 71, main memory 72, auxiliary storage device 73, and the system transmission line 79 connecting them.

[0021] The processor 71 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 71 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a mobile terminal 70 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 71 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] Main memory 72 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 72 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 72 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 72 may also store data necessary for the processor 71 to perform processing to control each part in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 72 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 71. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 73 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 73. The auxiliary storage device 73 stores data used by the processor 71 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 71. The auxiliary storage device 73 may also store the application program described above.

[0024] The application program stored in the main memory 72 or auxiliary storage device 73 includes a control program describing information processing performed by the mobile terminal 70. The method of installing the control program in the main memory 72 or auxiliary storage device 73 is not particularly limited. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication to be installed in the main memory 72 or auxiliary storage device 73. The recording medium can be of any form, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0025] The wireless unit 74 transmits data wirelessly to the access point 80 in accordance with the wireless communication protocol.

[0026] The touch panel 75 is a device that combines the input device and display device functions for the mobile terminal 70. The touch panel 75 detects the touch position on the displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 71.

[0027] The scanner 76 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. Products have code symbols that represent their product code. The scanner 76 outputs the data of the read code symbol to the processor 71. The scanner 76 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0028] The reader 77 reads the data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 71. If the recording medium is a magnetic card, the reader 77 is a magnetic card reader; if it is a contact IC card, the reader 77 is an IC card reader. In the case of a contactless IC card or a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 77.

[0029] Camera 78 is installed on cart C so as to be able to photograph the basket placed in the basket holder of cart C from above. Camera 78 is used to monitor whether the user of cart C has correctly placed the purchased items in the basket.

[0030] In the mobile terminal 70 having the circuit components described above, the processor 71, main memory 72, auxiliary storage device 73, wireless unit 74, and touch panel 75 are made up of a tablet terminal™. The mobile terminal 70 is then configured by electrically connecting a scanner 76, reader 77, and camera 78 to this tablet terminal™.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C equipped with a mobile terminal 70. The cart C comprises a caster section C1 for movement, a handle frame section C2, and a basket support section C3. The caster section C1 has four wheels C11 for smooth movement on the floor. The caster section C1 also has a support section C12 for placing large items that do not fit in the shopping basket SB. The handle frame section C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster section C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket support section C3 is located in front of the middle part of the handle frame section C2. The cart C can place a store-provided shopping basket SB on the basket support section C3. The shopping basket SB is for holding goods.

[0032] The scanner 76 is located midway along the handlebar C22. The scanner 76 is mounted on the handlebar C22 so that the reading window is on the front side. The front side is the side where the user stands when pushing the cart C while holding the handlebar C22.

[0033] A pole C4 is attached to one of the vertical frames C21. The tip of the pole C4 is positioned above the handlebar C22. The tablet terminal TM is attached to the tip of the pole C4 with the touch panel 75 screen facing forward. The reader 77 is attached to the tablet terminal TM so that the card slot is facing forward. In Figure 3, the reader 77 is a magnetic card reader. The camera 78 is attached to the middle of the pole C4 so as to capture an image of the entire shopping basket SB placed on the basket support section C3 from above.

[0034] The battery BT is mounted on the lower end of the handle frame C2, extending across the vertical frames C21, C21. The battery BT powers the tablet terminal TM, scanner 76, reader 77, and camera 78.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 10. The store server 10 comprises a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, communication interface 14, and system transmission line 15. The system transmission line 15 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The store server 10 connects the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14 to the system transmission line 15. In the store server 10, the computer is composed of the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission line 15 connecting them.

[0036] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a store server 10 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0037] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0038] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application program described above.

[0039] The communication interface 14 is connected to network 2. The communication interface 14 communicates data with other devices connected via network 2 according to a communication protocol.

[0040] In this configuration, the store server 10 uses a portion of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12 as the accounting machine table 121.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting machine table 121. As shown in Figure 5, the accounting machine table 121 describes the status of accounting machines 60 in order of a series of accounting machine numbers. The status is information indicating the state of accounting machine 60 identified by the corresponding accounting machine number. The states of accounting machine 60 include "Idle" and "Paying". "Idle" is the state from when the previous user's payment is finished until the next user's payment begins. "Paying" is the state from when a user's payment begins until it is finished. Note that the states of accounting machine 60 are not limited to "Idle" and "Paying".

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the virtual POS server 50. The virtual POS server 50 comprises a processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, communication interface 54, and system transmission line 55. The system transmission line 55 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The virtual POS server 50 connects the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, and communication interface 54 to the system transmission line 55. In the virtual POS server 50, the computer is composed of the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, and the system transmission line 55 connecting them.

[0043] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 51 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a virtual POS server 50 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU.

[0044] Main memory 52 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 52 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 52 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 52 may also store data necessary for the processor 51 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 51. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 51. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the application program described above.

[0046] The communication interface 54 is connected to network 2. The communication interface 54 communicates data with other devices connected via network 2 according to the communication protocol.

[0047] In this configuration, the virtual POS server 50 uses a portion of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 52 as the area for creating purchase registration lists 521. The virtual POS server 50 can create multiple purchase registration lists 521 in this area.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration list 521. As shown in Figure 7, the purchase registration list 521 has areas for storing the member ID, electronic money user ID, electronic money balance, charge flag, display flag, purchased product data 522 (see Figure 8), total amount, and accounting barcode. The charge flag, display flag, and accounting barcode will be described later. The total amount is the sum of the purchase amounts included in the purchased product data 522. The purchase registration list 521 is created in association with the member ID of the mobile terminal 70.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchase product data 522. As shown in Figure 8, purchase product data 522 includes the product code, product name, price, quantity purchased, and purchase amount of the products purchased by the user, in sequential order. The quantity purchased is the number of products identified by that product code, and the purchase amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the price by the quantity purchased.

[0050] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 60. The accounting machine 60 comprises a processor 611, main memory 612, auxiliary storage device 613, clock 614, change dispenser interface 615, communication interface 616, touch panel 617, scanner 618, reader 619, printer 620, and system transmission line 621. The system transmission line 621 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission line 621 interconnects the processor 611 with the main memory 612, auxiliary storage device 613, clock 614, change dispenser interface 615, communication interface 616, touch panel 617, scanner 618, reader 619, and printer 620. The computer of the accounting machine 60 is configured by connecting the processor 611, main memory 612, and auxiliary storage device 613 via the system transmission line 621.

[0051] The processor 611 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 611 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as an accounting machine 60 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 611 is, for example, a CPU.

[0052] Main memory 612 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 612 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 612 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 612 may also store data necessary for the processor 611 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 612 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 611. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0053] The auxiliary storage device 613 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 613. The auxiliary storage device 613 stores data used by the processor 611 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 611, etc. The auxiliary storage device 613 may also store the application program described above.

[0054] The application programs stored in the main memory 612 or auxiliary storage device 613 include control programs that describe information processing performed by the accounting machine 60. The method of installing the control programs in the main memory 612 or auxiliary storage device 613 is not particularly limited. The control programs can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication and installed in the main memory 612 or auxiliary storage device 613. The recording medium can be of any form, as long as it can store programs and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0055] The clock 614 functions as a time source for the accounting machine 60. The processor 611 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 614.

[0056] The change dispenser interface 615 communicates data with the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 615 receives data such as the amount of money to be deposited and the number of coins to be stored from the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 615 transmits the change data to the automatic change dispenser.

[0057] The communication interface 616 is connected to network 2. The communication interface 616 communicates data with other devices connected via network 2 according to the communication protocol.

[0058] The touch panel 617 is a device that combines the input device and display device for the accounting machine 60. The touch panel 617 detects the touch position on the displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 611.

[0059] Scanner 618 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Scanner 618 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0060] The reader 619 reads the data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 611. If the recording medium is a magnetic card, the reader 619 is a magnetic card reader; if it is a contact IC card, it is an IC card reader. In the case of a contactless IC card or a recording medium using RFID, such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 619.

[0061] The printer 620 issues receipts by printing various text strings or images onto receipt paper. Examples of this type of printer 620 include thermal printers and dot matrix printers. The printer 620 functions as a printing device for the accounting machine 60.

[0062] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the main components of the processor 71 in the mobile terminal 70. Figures 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing the control procedure for the main components of the processor 51 in the virtual POS server 50. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the main components of the processor 61 in the accounting machine 60.

[0063] The following flowcharts illustrate the main operations of the store system 1 when a member user uses the mobile terminal 70 in cart C to register and pay for their purchases themselves. Note that the operations described below are just one example; the procedure is not limited to any other method that can achieve similar results.

[0064] First, a user who is shopping using cart C touches the touch panel 75. When the touch panel 75 is touched, the processor 71, which was in an idle state, starts up. The processor 71 starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 10.

[0065] The processor 71 displays the login screen on the touch panel 75 as ACT1. The login screen is a screen that instructs members to log in. Members possess a membership card on which their membership code is recorded. After the user confirms the login screen, they have the reader 77 read the data from their membership card. Once the reader 77 reads the data from the membership card, that data is sent to the processor 71.

[0066] The processor 71, which displays the login screen, is waiting for a login as ACT2. The processor 71 receives data from the reader 77, and when it confirms that the data is the member card data including the member ID, it determines that a login has been performed. In other words, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0067] The processor 71 controls the wireless unit 74 to send a login command as ACT3 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 74 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via network 2. The login command includes the member ID of the member card read by the reader 77.

[0068] When the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 receives a command from the mobile terminal 70 via the communication interface 54, it checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 51 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 11.

[0069] Processor 51 detects the member ID from the login command as ACT21. Then, as ACT22, Processor 51 authenticates the member identified by that member ID. Specifically, Processor 51 queries the member server 20 to see if a member data record containing that member ID exists in the member database. If the member server 20 responds that the corresponding member data record exists in the member database, Processor 51 determines that the member authentication is valid. Conversely, if the member server 20 responds that the corresponding member data record does not exist in the member database, Processor 51 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

[0070] Processor 51 checks the result of member authentication as ACT23. If the authentication result is invalid, processor 51 determines NO in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24. Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to send a denial response command to mobile terminal 70 as ACT24. This control causes communication interface 54 to send a denial response command. The denial response command is transmitted wirelessly from access point 80 via network 2 and received by mobile terminal 70, the source of the login command.

[0071] If the authentication result is valid, the processor 51 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT25. In ACT25, the processor 51 requests member data for the member identified by the member ID from the member server 20 and retrieves member data including the member ID from the member server 20.

[0072] The processor 51 creates a purchase registration list 521 as ACT26 in the main memory 52. ​​Then the processor 51 writes the member ID included in the login command to the purchase registration list 521.

[0073] The processor 51 queries the electronic money management server 30 for the electronic money balance using the electronic money user ID included in the member data acquired as ACT27. In response to this query, the electronic money management server 30 reads the electronic money balance associated with the electronic money user ID and sends a response to the virtual POS server 50. The processor 51 then retrieves the electronic money balance.

[0074] The processor 51 stores the electronic money balance in the purchase registration list 521 as ACT28. Once the balance has been stored, the processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to send an acknowledgment response command to the mobile terminal 70 as ACT29. This control causes the communication interface 54 to send the acknowledgment response command. The acknowledgment response command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80 via the network 2 and received by the mobile terminal 70 that sent the login command.

[0075] In this manner, the virtual POS server 50, upon receiving the login command, sends a denial or approval response command in ACT24 or ACT29 to the mobile terminal 70 that sent the login command. Once the processor 51 has finished sending either response command, it terminates the login command reception process.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. In ACT3, the processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70, which controlled the transmission of the login command, waits for a response command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT4. If a denial response command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT4 and returns to ACT2. Therefore, the user will log in again.

[0077] When the processor 71 receives an approval response command from the virtual POS server 50, it determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 71 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in the main memory 72. The processor 71 also displays the purchase registration screen SC1 (see Figure 16) on the touch panel 75 in ACT6.

[0078] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the purchase registration screen SC1. As shown in Figure 16, the purchase registration screen SC1 has areas for displaying the product name, purchase price, and total amount of the purchased items. An image of the checkout button BT1 for instructing the customer to check out is also displayed.

[0079] After viewing the purchase registration screen SC1, the user walks around the store and places the purchased items in cart C. For example, the user places the purchased items in a shopping basket SB placed on the basket holder C3. Before placing the purchased items in the shopping basket SB, the user operates scanner 76 to read the code symbol attached to the item. Once the code symbol is read by scanner 76, the product code represented by that code symbol is entered into the mobile terminal 70. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered.

[0080] Note that some products, such as fresh produce, may not have a code symbol. Although not shown in the diagram, if a purchased product does not have a code symbol, the user touches the product button corresponding to the purchased product from the product buttons displayed on the touch panel 75 screen. When the product button is touched, the product code of the product corresponding to that product button is entered into the mobile terminal 70. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered. Alternatively, for example, a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code may be placed near the price tag around the product, such as fruits and vegetables, and the scanner 76 may read that code symbol.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10.

[0082] After completing the processing of ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 71 checks whether the purchase registration has been performed as ACT7. If the processor 71 confirms that the purchase registration has been performed, it determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. The processor 71 controls the wireless unit 74 to send a purchase registration command to the virtual POS server 50 as ACT8. This control causes the wireless unit 74 to wirelessly transmit the purchase registration command. The purchase registration command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via network 2. The purchase registration command includes the member ID stored in main memory 72 and the product code of the product to be registered.

[0083] Upon receiving the purchase registration command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 12. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the purchase registration command as ACT31. Then, processor 51 extracts the purchase registration list 521 in which that member ID is described as ACT32.

[0084] After completing the processing of ACT31 and ACT32, the processor 51 creates purchased product data 522 as ACT33 based on the product code included in the purchase registration command, and writes the purchased product data 522 to the purchase registration list 521. The processor 51 also updates the total amount in the purchase registration list 521 as ACT34 by adding the purchase amount of the newly written purchased product data 522.

[0085] Processor 51 checks in ACT35 whether the updated total amount exceeds the electronic money balance. If the total amount does not exceed the electronic money balance, processor 51 determines YES in ACT35 and terminates the purchase registration command reception process.

[0086] If the total amount exceeds the electronic money balance, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT35 and proceeds to ACT36. In ACT36, the processor 51 checks whether the display flag is "0". The display flag is a 1-bit data that is initially "0" until the charge selection screen SC2 (see Figure 17) is displayed on the mobile terminal 70, and is set to "1" when it is displayed.

[0087] If the charge selection screen SC2 is already displayed, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT36 and terminates the purchase registration command reception process. However, at this point, the charge selection screen SC2 is not yet displayed on the mobile terminal 70, so the display flag is in its initial state of "0". Therefore, the processor 51 determines YES in ACT36 and proceeds to ACT37.

[0088] The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to display the charge selection screen SC2 on the mobile terminal 70 as ACT37. This control causes the communication interface 54 to send a display command notifying the display of the charge selection screen SC2. The display command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80 via the network 2 and received by the mobile terminal 70, which sent the purchase registration command. Upon receiving the display command, the mobile terminal 70 displays the charge selection screen SC2 on the touch panel 75.

[0089] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge selection screen SC2. As shown in Figure 17, the charge selection screen SC2 displays a message notifying the user that their electronic money balance is insufficient, the current electronic money balance, the total amount of the registered purchase items, and a message asking whether the user wants to charge before payment. The charge selection screen SC2 also displays images of the "Charge" button BT2 and the "Do not charge" button BT3.

[0090] Users who wish to top up their e-money before payment should touch the "Top Up" button BT2. Users who do not wish to top up their e-money should touch the "Do Not Top Up" button BT3.

[0091] Returning to the explanation of Figure 12. Since the charge selection screen SC2 is displayed on the mobile terminal 70, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 updates the display flag to "1" as ACT38. With this, the processor 51 terminates the purchase registration command reception process.

[0092] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. In ACT8, the processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70, which controlled the transmission of the purchase registration command, checks in ACT9 whether it has received a command to display the charge selection screen SC2 from the virtual POS server 50. If it does not receive a display command, that is, if the total amount does not exceed the electronic money balance, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT14.

[0093] When the processor 71 receives a command from the virtual POS server 50 to display the charge selection screen SC2, it determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT10. In ACT10, the processor 71 displays the charge selection screen SC2 on the touch panel 75.

[0094] Processor 71 checks whether the "charge" button BT2 has been touched as ACT11. If the "charge" button BT2 is not touched and the "do not charge" button BT3 is touched, processor 71 determines NO in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT14.

[0095] If the "Charge" button BT2 is touched, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT12.

[0096] The processor 71 controls the wireless unit 74 to send a charge command as ACT12 to the virtual POS server 50. This control causes the wireless unit 74 to wirelessly transmit the charge command. The charge command is received by the access point 80 and sent to the virtual POS server 50 via network 2. The charge command contains the member ID of the member card read by the reader 77.

[0097] When the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 receives a command from the mobile terminal 70 via the communication interface 54, it checks the type of the command. If the received command is a charge command, the processor 51 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0098] Processor 51 detects the member ID from the charge command as ACT41. Then, processor 51 extracts the purchase registration list 521 in which that member ID is described as ACT42.

[0099] After completing the processing of ACT41 and ACT42, the processor 51 updates the charge flag, which is stored in the purchase registration list 521 in association with the member ID detected from the charge command as ACT43, to "1". The charge flag is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not the "Charge" button BT2 has been touched on the charge selection screen SC2. In other words, the charge flag is charge instruction information. In this embodiment, the charge flag is set to "1" when the "Charge" button BT2 is touched, and to "0" when the "Charge" button BT2 is not touched, i.e., when the "Do not charge" button BT3 is touched. At this point, the "Charge" button BT3 has been touched, so the charge flag is set to "1".

[0100] Processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to perform a charge on the mobile terminal 70 as ACT44. This control causes the communication interface 54 to send a charge execution command. The charge execution command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80 via network 2 and received by the mobile terminal 70 that sent the charge command. The charge execution command includes the member ID detected from the charge command. After performing the charge execution, processor 51 terminates the charge command reception process.

[0101] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. In ACT12, the processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70, which controlled the transmission of the charge command, waits for a charge execution command from the virtual POS server 50 as ACT13. When the processor 71 receives a charge execution command from the virtual POS server 50, it determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT14. In ACT14, the processor 71 updates the purchase registration screen SC1. Although not shown in the diagram, the updated purchase registration screen SC1 displays a message such as "Please charge your electronic money before payment." Note that if the processor 71 determines NO in ACT9 or ACT11 and proceeds to ACT14, the purchase registration screen SC1 does not display a message prompting the user to charge their electronic money before payment. After updating the purchase registration screen SC1, the processor 71 returns to ACT7. In the waiting state of ACT7, if the processor 71 confirms that a purchase registration has been performed again, it executes the processes of ACT8 to ACT14 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in the virtual POS server 50, the processor 51 also executes the purchase registration command reception process shown in Figure 12 and the charge command reception process shown in Figure 13 again.

[0102] If the purchase registration has not been performed, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT15. The processor 71 then checks whether accounting has been instructed in ACT15.

[0103] A portion of the purchase registration screen SC1 displays an image of the checkout button BT1. Users who have finished their purchase touch the checkout button BT1. When the checkout button BT1 is touched, the processor 71 recognizes that checkout has been requested. If checkout has not been requested, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT15 and returns to ACT7.

[0104] Upon confirming that accounting has been instructed, processor 71 determines YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT16. Processor 71 controls wireless unit 74 to send the accounting command to virtual POS server 50 as ACT16. This control causes wireless unit 74 to wirelessly transmit the accounting command. The accounting command is received by access point 80 and sent to virtual POS server 50 via network 2. The accounting command includes the member ID stored in main memory 72.

[0105] Upon receiving the accounting command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 14. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the accounting command as ACT51. Then, processor 51 extracts the purchase registration list 521 in which that member ID is described as ACT52.

[0106] After completing the processing of ACT51 and ACT52, the processor 51 generates accounting barcode data as ACT53. The accounting barcode is used to identify the user performing the payment at the accounting machine 60. An accounting barcode is generated for each user performing the payment at the accounting machine 60. The processor 51 stores the accounting barcode in the purchase registration list 521 as ACT54.

[0107] The processor 51 queries the store server 10 for the cashier table 121 as ACT 55. In response to this query, the store server 10 reads the cashier table 121 and responds to the virtual POS server 50. Thus, the processor 51 obtains the cashier table 121.

[0108] The processor 51 creates the accounting machine guidance screen SC3 (see Figure 18) based on the data from the accounting machine table 121 acquired as ACT 56. The accounting machine guidance screen SC3 also includes the accounting barcode generated in ACT 53. The processor 51 controls the communication interface 54 to display the accounting machine guidance screen SC3 on the mobile terminal 70 as ACT 57. This control causes the communication interface 54 to send a screen command notifying the display of the accounting machine guidance screen SC3. The screen command is transmitted wirelessly from the access point 80 via the network 2 and received by the mobile terminal 70 that sent the accounting command. Having notified the display of the accounting machine guidance screen SC3, the processor 51 terminates the accounting command reception process.

[0109] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10.

[0110] In ACT16, the processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70, which controlled the transmission of accounting commands, waits for screen commands from the virtual POS server 50 as ACT17. When a screen command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT18. In ACT18, the processor 71 displays the accounting machine guidance screen SC3 on the touch panel 75.

[0111] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cashier guidance screen SC3. As shown in Figure 18, the cashier guidance screen SC3 has a cashier barcode display area AR1 and a cashier guidance image display area AR2. Display area AR1 displays the cashier barcode BC1, the total amount of the purchased items, and a message prompting the user to scan this cashier barcode with the cashier 60. Display area AR2 displays a store map along with a message indicating the location of available cashiers 60. The store map is created based on the cashier table 121. The location of a cashier 60 that is available to the user at the time when the status of the cashier table 121 is "idle" is indicated by a solid double circle. The location of a cashier 60 that is unavailable when the status of the cashier table 121 is "paying" is indicated by a dotted double circle. Note that the message content and store map shown in Figure 18 are examples. Any content that notifies the user of the cashier barcode and guides them to an available cashier is acceptable.

[0112] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10.

[0113] In ACT18, the processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70 that displayed the accounting machine guidance screen SC3 terminates the information processing procedure.

[0114] After checking the accounting machine information screen SC3, the user goes to the location of an available accounting machine 60 and has the scanner 618 on that accounting machine 60 read the accounting barcode displayed on the accounting machine information screen SC3.

[0115] In ACT61 in Figure 15, the processor 61 of the accounting machine 60 checks whether or not the accounting barcode has been read. If the accounting barcode has been read, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT61 and proceeds to ACT62.

[0116] The processor 61 queries the virtual POS server 50 for the purchase registration list 521 using the read accounting barcode. In response to this query, the virtual POS server 50 reads the purchase registration list 521 containing the queried accounting barcode and responds to the cashier 60. The processor 61 then checks whether or not the purchase registration list 521 has been received as ACT 62. If the purchase registration list 521 has been received, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT 62 and proceeds to ACT 63. The processor 61 checks whether the charge flag stored in the received purchase registration list 521 is "1" as ACT 63. If the charge flag is "1", that is, if the user is charging electronic money, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 64. The processor 61 then transitions to charge mode as ACT 64. In other words, the processor 61 displays the charge amount input screen SC4 (see Figure 19) on the touch panel 617 provided on the accounting machine 60 and accepts data input related to the charging of electronic money.

[0117] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge amount input screen SC4. As shown in Figure 19, the charge amount input screen SC4 has a balance display area AR3, an amount button display area AR4, and a charge amount display area AR5. The charge amount input screen SC4 also displays a cancel button BT4 and a confirm button BT5.

[0118] The balance display area AR3 shows the electronic money balance. In Figure 19, the electronic money balance is displayed as 999 yen. The amount button display area AR4 displays the following buttons: 500 yen button BT6, 1000 yen button BT7, 2000 yen button BT8, 3000 yen button BT9, 5000 yen button BT10, and 10000 yen button BT11. The 500 yen button BT6 is for entering a charge amount of 500 yen. The 1000 yen button BT7 is for entering a charge amount of 1000 yen. The other buttons BT8 to BT11 function similarly. Note that the types of buttons displayed in the amount button display area AR4 are not limited to the example in Figure 19.

[0119] The charge amount display area AR5 will show the charge amount entered using the amount buttons BT6 to BT11.

[0120] On the charge amount input screen SC4, users who touch the amount buttons BT6 to BT11 corresponding to the charge amount then touch the confirm button BT5. If the user wishes to cancel the charge amount input, they touch the cancel button BT4.

[0121] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15.

[0122] The processor 61, which displays the charge amount input screen SC4, waits for the amount buttons BT6 to BT11 to be touched as ACT65. If the amount buttons BT6 to BT11 are touched, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT65 and proceeds to ACT66. The processor 61 waits for the confirmation button BT5 to be touched as ACT66. If the confirmation button BT5 is touched, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT66 and proceeds to ACT67. As ACT67, the processor 61 switches the screen of the touch panel 617 from the charge amount input screen SC4 to the cash insertion screen SC5 (see Figure 20).

[0123] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cash input screen SC5. As shown in Figure 20, the cash input screen SC5 displays a message prompting the user to insert cash. The cash input screen SC5 also contains an image of the cancel button BT12, a charge amount area AR6, an input amount area AR7, a change area AR8, and a post-charge balance area AR9. The input amount area AR7 is for displaying the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser. The change area AR8 is for displaying the amount of change obtained from the input amount and the charge amount. The post-charge balance area AR9 is for displaying the balance of the electronic money after the charge amount has been added. Note that in Figure 20, amounts are displayed in the input amount area AR7, the change area AR8, and the post-charge balance area AR9, but no amounts are displayed at the time of ACT67.

[0124] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15.

[0125] Processor 61 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser as ACT68. If cash is inserted, Processor 61 determines YES in ACT68 and proceeds to ACT69. Processor 61 displays the charge result on the cash insertion screen SC5 as ACT69. Specifically, as shown in Figure 20, Processor 61 displays the value of the inserted amount in the inserted amount area AR7, the change amount in the change area AR8, and the balance after adding the inserted amount in the balance after charge area AR9.

[0126] Processor 61 executes the electronic money payment process as ACT70. This payment process is an existing process and is well-known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0127] If the charge flag is not "1", that is, if the user does not charge electronic money, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 71. The processor 61 then transitions to payment mode as ACT 71. That is, the processor 61 displays the payment method selection screen SC6 (see Figure 21) on the touch panel 617 and accepts input of payment-related data.

[0128] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the payment method selection screen SC6. As shown in Figure 21, the payment method selection screen SC6 displays a message prompting the user to select a payment method. The payment method selection screen SC6 also contains images of the cash button BT13, the credit button BT14, and the electronic money button BT15, as well as a total amount area AR10.

[0129] The cash button BT13 is a button image for accepting declarations of cash payment. The credit button BT14 is a button image for accepting declarations of credit card payment. The e-money button BT15 is a button image for accepting declarations of e-money payment. The total amount area AR10 is an area for displaying the total amount stored in the purchase registration list.

[0130] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15.

[0131] The processor 61, which controls the display of the payment method selection screen SC6, waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT72. Specifically, the processor 61 waits for either the cash button BT13, the credit button BT14, or the electronic money button BT15 to be touched.

[0132] If a payment method is selected, processor 61 determines YES in ACT72 and proceeds to ACT73.

[0133] Processor 61 checks in ACT73 whether the electronic money button BT15 has been touched. If the electronic money button BT15 has not been touched, that is, if the cash button BT13 or credit button BT14 has been touched, Processor 61 determines NO in ACT73 and proceeds to ACT70. Processor 61 executes the settlement process according to the selected payment method in ACT70. That is, if the cash button BT13 has been touched, Processor 61 executes the settlement process by cash payment. If the credit button BT14 has been touched, Processor 61 executes the settlement process by credit payment. These settlement processes are well known from existing processes, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0134] If the electronic money button BT15 is touched, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT73 and proceeds to ACT74. Then, in ACT74, the processor 61 checks whether the electronic money balance is insufficient. If the electronic money balance is sufficient, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT74 and proceeds to ACT70. In other words, the processor 61 executes the electronic money payment process in ACT70.

[0135] If the electronic money balance is insufficient, processor 61 determines YES in ACT74 and returns to ACT64. Then processor 61 repeats the processing of ACT64 through ACT70 in the same manner as described above. This completes the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 15.

[0136] As is clear from the above explanation, the virtual POS server 50, which is an example of an information processing device, constitutes an acquisition means by having the processor 51 execute the processes of ACT21 to ACT28 in Figure 11. That is, the virtual POS server 50 acquires the balance of electronic money owned by a user identified by a member ID from the electronic money management server 30 via the communication server 40.

[0137] Furthermore, the virtual POS server 50 constitutes a calculation means by having the processor 51 execute the processes of ACT31 to ACT34 in Figure 12. That is, each time a product purchased by a user is registered, the virtual POS server 50 calculates the total price by summing up the purchase amounts of the products that have been registered up to that point.

[0138] Furthermore, the virtual POS server 50 constitutes a storage means by having the processor 51 execute the processes of ACT35 to ACT37 in Figure 12 and ACT41 to ACT44 in Figure 13. That is, when predetermined conditions are met between the balance of the electronic money and the payment, the virtual POS server 50 stores the electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal 70.

[0139] The accounting machine 60 constitutes a receiving means by having the processor 61 execute the processes of ACT61 and ACT62 in Figure 15. In other words, the accounting machine 60 receives accounting instructions from the mobile terminal 70.

[0140] Furthermore, the accounting machine 60 has a mode selection means configured by having the processor 61 execute the processes of ACT63 to ACT74 in Figure 15. Specifically, when it receives an accounting instruction from a mobile terminal 70 that is not associated with charge instruction information, it selects an accounting mode that accepts input of accounting-related data, and when it receives an accounting instruction from a mobile terminal 70 that is associated with charge instruction information, it selects a charge mode that accepts input of data related to electronic money charging.

[0141] When the accounting machine 60 selects charge mode, the screen of the touch panel 617 switches to the charge amount input screen SC4 when the accounting machine 60 reads the accounting barcode. The user can charge electronic money by operating the software keys displayed on this screen SC4. Therefore, in a store system 1 equipped with such an information processing device and accounting machine, the processor 61 of the accounting machine 60 does not need to perform the processing of ACT71 to ACT74 in Figure 15, thus reducing the number of processing steps of the accounting machine 60. As a result, the processing load on the accounting machine is reduced. In addition, the time required to charge electronic money at the accounting machine can be shortened, thus preventing delays in payment.

[0142] Furthermore, the accounting barcode and the accounting machine information screen SC3 display the locations of available accounting machines 60. Therefore, users can know the locations of available accounting machines 60 in advance, making the process more efficient.

[0143] The embodiments of the store system, information processing device, accounting machine, and control program have been described above, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0144] In the above embodiment, each time a purchase item is registered by the user, if the total purchase amount calculated by adding up the purchase amounts of the previously registered purchase items exceeds the electronic money balance and the display flag is "0", the charge selection screen SC2 is displayed. The predetermined conditions between the electronic money balance and the purchase amount are not limited to these. For example, the condition may be when the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the electronic money balance is less than or equal to a set amount. In this case, the set amount may be set in advance by the customer.

[0145] Incidentally, if a predetermined condition is deemed to be met when the payment exceeds the electronic money balance, then customers whose electronic money balance becomes insufficient due to a purchase can be instructed to top up their electronic money. Therefore, customers can efficiently top up their electronic money when their balance is insufficient. On the other hand, if a predetermined condition is deemed to be met when the difference between the electronic money balance and the payment is less than or equal to a set amount, then customers whose electronic money balance becomes less than or equal to a set amount due to a purchase can be instructed to top up their electronic money. Therefore, customers can efficiently top up their electronic money when their balance becomes less than or equal to a set amount to increase their balance. Moreover, by allowing customers to set the set amount themselves, the amount at which they top up can be determined for each customer.

[0146] In the above embodiment, cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment were shown as examples on the payment method selection screen SC6. However, the payment methods are not limited to these three.

[0147] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the mobile terminal 70 is attached to the cart C. The mobile terminal 70 does not necessarily have to be attached to the cart C. For example, a smartphone, tablet, or the like owned by the user may be used as the mobile terminal 70.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the virtual POS server 50 was described as one aspect of the information processing device. The virtual POS server 50 is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment. For example, the virtual POS server 50 may be an information processing device that further includes the functionality of at least one server from among the store server 10, member server 20, electronic money management server 30, or communication server 40. In other words, the store server 10, member server 20, electronic money management server 30, or communication server 40 equipped with the functionality of a virtual POS server 50 may be an information processing device.

[0149] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0150] 1...Store system, 2,3...Network, 10...Store server, 11,51,71,611...Processor, 12,52,72,612...Main memory, 13,53,73,613...Auxiliary storage device, 14,54,616...Communication interface, 15,55,79,621...System transmission path, 20...Member server, 30...Electronic money management server, 40...Communication server, 50...Virtual POS server, 60...Accounting machine, 70...Mobile terminal, 74...Wireless unit, 75,617...Touch panel, 76,618...Scanner, 77,619...Reader, 78...Camera, 80...Access point, 121...Accounting machine table, 521...Purchase registration list, 522...Purchased product data, 614...Clock, 615...Cash dispenser interface, 620...Printer.

Claims

1. Means of obtaining the balance of electronic money, A calculation method for calculating the price each time a purchased item is registered, and When a predetermined condition is met between the balance of the electronic money and the payment, a storage means stores the electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal. An information processing device equipped with, A receiving means for receiving accounting instructions from the aforementioned mobile terminal, and A mode selection means that, when a payment instruction is received from a mobile device that is not associated with the aforementioned charge instruction information, selects a payment mode that accepts input of payment data, and when a payment instruction is received from a mobile device that is associated with the aforementioned charge instruction information, selects a payment mode that accepts input of data related to the charging of electronic money. An accounting machine with, A store system equipped with the following features.

2. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal when the payment exceeds the balance of the electronic money.

3. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores electronic money charge instruction information associated with the mobile terminal when the difference obtained by subtracting the payment from the balance of the electronic money is less than or equal to a set amount.

4. When predetermined conditions are met between the balance of electronic money and the price calculated each time a purchased item is registered, the accounting machine, which constitutes a store system together with an information processing device that stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with a mobile terminal, A reception means for receiving accounting instructions from the aforementioned mobile device, A mode selection means that, when receiving a payment instruction from a mobile device not associated with the aforementioned charge instruction information, selects a payment mode that accepts input of payment data, and when receiving a payment instruction from a mobile device associated with the aforementioned charge instruction information, selects a payment mode that accepts input of data related to the charging of electronic money. An accounting machine equipped with the following features.

5. Methods for obtaining the balance of electronic money, A calculation method for calculating the price each time a purchased item is registered, When a predetermined condition is met between the balance of the electronic money and the payment, a storage means stores the electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal, An information processing device equipped with the following.

6. When predetermined conditions are met between the electronic money balance and the price calculated each time a purchased item is registered, the computer of the accounting machine that constitutes the store system, along with an information processing device that stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with a mobile terminal, A receiving means for receiving accounting instructions from the aforementioned mobile terminal, and A mode selection means that, when a payment instruction is received from a mobile device that is not associated with the aforementioned charge instruction information, selects a payment mode that accepts input of payment data, and when a payment instruction is received from a mobile device that is associated with the aforementioned charge instruction information, selects a payment mode that accepts input of data related to the charging of electronic money. A control program to enable it to function as such.

7. The computer of the information processing device, Means of obtaining the balance of electronic money, A calculation method for calculating the price each time a purchased item is registered, and When a predetermined condition is met between the balance of the electronic money and the payment, a storage means stores the electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal. A control program to enable it to function as such.

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