Facility management device and its program

Abstract

This system allows users to pay facility usage fees via mobile payment and prevents users from leaving without paying. [Solution] The facility management device comprises a linking means, a provisioning means, a determination means, and a control means. The linking means links facility information that identifies the facility used by the user with terminal information that identifies the mobile terminal used by the user. The provisioning means provides the fee associated with the use of the facility to the mobile terminal identified by the terminal information linked with the facility information of the said facility. The determination means determines whether or not payment has been made on the mobile terminal. The control means controls the user's exit from the facility based on the determination result by the determination means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a facility management device and its program.

Background Art

[0002] In facilities that involve food and drink, such as karaoke boxes, dart bars, and manga cafes, the price varies depending on the content of the food and drink. Therefore, it is common to perform accounting when leaving the facility. Accounting is usually performed using an accounting terminal such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or a self-POS terminal.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, so-called mobile payment, which uses payment application software installed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone to pay the fee without cash, has become widespread. By enabling mobile payment even in the payment scenarios of the above-mentioned facilities, it is possible to relieve congestion during accounting and also serve as a measure against infectious diseases, which is very convenient.

[0004] However, it is difficult for the employees of the facility to distinguish whether the user who leaves the facility has paid the fee by mobile payment. For this reason, there is a possibility that the user may leave without paying the fee, so the actual situation is that it is difficult to introduce mobile payment.

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 facility management device that enables users to pay facility usage fees via mobile payment and prevents users from leaving without paying. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the facility management device comprises a linking means, a providing means, a determination means, and a control means. The linking means links facility information that identifies the facility used by the user with terminal information that identifies the mobile terminal used by the user. The providing means provides the fee associated with the use of the facility to the mobile terminal identified by the terminal information linked with the facility information of the said facility. The determination means determines whether or not payment has been made on the mobile terminal. The control means controls the user's exit from the facility based on the determination result by the determination means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a facility management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a karaoke establishment where a facility management system has been implemented. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server included in the facility management system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data items stored in a box file on the store server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic operation of the store server. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the output terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the store server's processor. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of information processing performed by the mobile device's processor based on the store application. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the slip reading process performed by the mobile terminal's processor and the essential steps of the information processing performed by the store server's processor in conjunction with the said process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the product order processing performed by the mobile terminal's processor and the essential steps of the information processing performed by the store server's processor in conjunction with that processing. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the accounting process executed by the mobile terminal's processor and the essential steps of the information processing executed by the store server's processor in conjunction with that process. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the top screen displayed on the touch panel of a mobile device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a loading screen displayed on the touch panel of a mobile device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the essential information processing steps performed by the exit terminal's processor and the essential information processing steps performed by the store server's processor in conjunction with that process. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the initial screen displayed on the exit terminal's display. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of an exit permission screen displayed on the exit terminal's screen. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of a payment guidance screen displayed on the exit terminal's display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes, with reference to drawings, an embodiment of a facility management device that enables users to pay facility usage fees via mobile payment and prevents users from leaving without paying.

[0010] In this embodiment, a karaoke box is exemplified as the facility. A karaoke box is a facility where users can enjoy karaoke while eating and drinking. A karaoke box can also be referred to as a karaoke room or the like. Generally, a karaoke box is provided in a karaoke store. The karaoke store manages the usage status of the karaoke box. Specifically, the karaoke store manages the entry into the karaoke box, so-called check-in, and the exit from the karaoke box, so-called check-out. The karaoke store also provides food and drink menu items ordered by the users. And when checking out, the karaoke store calculates the fee by adding up the usage fee of the karaoke box and the fee for the food and drink menu items, and receives the payment of the fee from the user. In this embodiment, so-called mobile payment is enabled, where the fee is paid using a mobile terminal owned by the user who uses the karaoke box.

[0011] [Overview of the Facility Management System] First, the overview of the facility management system 100 constructed in the karaoke store FA according to this embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facility management system 100, and FIG. The layout example of the karaoke store FA in which the facility management system 100 is constructed is shown. The facility management system 100 includes a store server 1 and a mobile server 2, and the two servers are connected by a communication network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the facility management system 100 connects a reception terminal 3, a kitchen terminal 4, a cashier terminal 5, an exit terminal 6, and a gate controller 7 to the communication network NW respectively. The gate controller 7 controls the opening and closing of the exit gate 71 and the cashier gate 72. The exit gate 71 and the cashier gate 72 are, for example, security doors. The exit gate 71 and the cashier gate 72 may be flap gates. Note that the number of the reception terminal 3, the kitchen terminal 4, the cashier terminal 5, the exit terminal 6, and the gate controller 7 is not limited to one. Depending on the scale of the store and the like, two or more of each may be connected to the communication network NW.

[0012] The store server 1 is a computer for controlling the reception terminal 3, the kitchen terminal 4, the accounting terminal 5, the exit terminal 6, and the gate controller 7 to support all operations related to the karaoke store FA. The operations include check-in operations, check-out operations, order reception operations for food and beverage menu items, fee calculation operations, and the like. The store server 1 is an example of a facility management device.

[0013] The mobile server 2 provides a two-way data communication service with the mobile terminal 8 owned by the user of the karaoke box KB. The mobile server 2 performs data communication with the mobile terminal 8 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a mobile communication network.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the reception terminal 3 is installed at the entrance EN communicating with the entrance 70 of the karaoke store FA. The reception terminal 3 is a device for receiving entry into the karaoke box KB, so-called check-in. Specifically, the reception terminal 3 receives input of items necessary for check-in, such as member ID, presence or absence of reservation, karaoke fee course, and its usage time.

[0015] The member ID is unique identification information assigned to a user who has a membership contract with the karaoke store FA, so-called a member. The user installs store-specific application software, so-called store app 821 (see FIG. 6), on a mobile terminal 8 such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal owned by the user to perform member registration. When the user performs member registration, the user becomes a member, and a member ID unique to the user is assigned. The member ID is displayed in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code on the touch panel 85 (see FIG. 6) of the mobile terminal 8 by starting the store app 821.

[0016] The reception terminal 3 issues a reception slip to users who have completed check-in. The reception slip records the box number and the slip number. The box number is unique identification information assigned to each karaoke box KB in order to individually identify the multiple karaoke boxes KB that the karaoke store FA has. Figure 2 illustrates a karaoke store FA in which five karaoke boxes KB, each assigned box number "1" to "5", are arranged on either side of a passageway PA. The slip number is unique identification information issued to individually identify users who have checked in. The slip number is printed on the reception slip in the form of a machine-readable code, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

[0017] Incidentally, users who receive a registration slip enter the PA passageway through partition gate 73. Then, users enter karaoke box KB, the box number recorded on their registration slip, and enjoy karaoke, food and drinks, etc.

[0018] Kitchen terminal 4 is installed in kitchen KI of karaoke store FA, as shown in Figure 2. Kitchen terminal 4 is a device for outputting information on food and drink items ordered by users of karaoke box KB. There are two types of kitchen terminal 4: one that displays the information of food and drink items ordered by users on a display device, and another that prints the information on recording paper using a printer. The staff in kitchen KI use the information output from kitchen terminal 4 to understand the food and drink items ordered by users of karaoke box KB, prepare them, and serve them to the users.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the accounting terminal 5 is installed in the accounting area RE, which is located in a part of the entrance EN. The accounting terminal 5 is a device for receiving checkouts, or departures, from the karaoke box KB. The accounting terminal 5 receives and settles payments for the use of the karaoke box KB. For example, the accounting terminal 5 supports various payment methods such as cash, credit cards, electronic money, and code payments. The accounting terminal 5 may also support only one type of payment method. The accounting terminal 5 can also be referred to as a payment terminal, POS (Point of Sales) terminal, etc.

[0020] Incidentally, in the karaoke store FA shown in Figure 2, the reception terminal 3 is a self-service terminal operated by the user, while the payment terminal 5 is a counter-service terminal operated by a staff member. In this regard, both the reception terminal 3 and the payment terminal 5 may be self-service terminals, or both may be counter-service terminals. In that case, a terminal device that combines the functions of both the reception terminal 3 and the payment terminal 5 may be used.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the exit terminal 6 is installed in the exit area EX, which is connected to the passage PA. The exit area EX is equipped with an exit gate 71 that separates the exit area EX from the outside of the store, and a checkout gate 72 that separates the exit area EX from the entrance EN.

[0022] As will be explained in more detail later, the exit terminal 6 has the function of reading machine-readable codes. After using the karaoke box KB, the user proceeds through the passage PA to the exit area EX and has the machine-readable code of the receipt number recorded on the receipt read by the exit terminal 6. At this time, if the user has completed payment via mobile payment, the exit gate 71 is opened by the control of the gate controller 7. Thus, the user can exit the store through the exit gate 71. On the other hand, if the user has not completed payment, the payment gate 72 is opened by the control of the gate controller 7. Thus, the user enters the entrance EN through the payment gate 72. The user then pays the fee at the payment counter RE and exits the store through the entrance 70.

[0023] [Store Server Configuration Description] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 1. The store server 1 includes a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, clock 14, communication interface 15, and system transmission path 16, etc. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 16 connects the processor 11 to the other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The store server 1 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, clock 14, and communication interface 15 with the system transmission path 16.

[0024] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a store server 1 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 may also be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of several of these. Preferably, the processor 11 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0025] 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 needed by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application program described above.

[0027] Clock 14 measures the date and time. Processor 11 processes the date and time measured by clock 14 as the current date and time.

[0028] The communication interface 15 is an interface for data communication between the mobile server 2, reception terminal 3, kitchen terminal 4, accounting terminal 5, exit terminal 6, and gate controller 7, which are connected via the communication network NW.

[0029] In this configuration, the store server 1 supports all the operations related to the karaoke store FA mentioned above, and a portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 13 is used for the product master 131, the member master 132, and the box files 133 for each karaoke box KB.

[0030] The product master 131 stores data related to various food and beverage menu items offered to users at karaoke establishments (FA). Specifically, the product master 131 stores data such as the item name and price, associated with the product code of each menu item.

[0031] The Member Master 132 stores data related to users who have become members of the karaoke establishment FA. Specifically, the Member Master 132 stores data such as the user's name, email address, and membership validity period, associated with the user's Member ID.

[0032] Box file 133 stores data related to the usage status of the corresponding karaoke box KB. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data items stored in one box file 133. As shown in the figure, box file 133 stores data items such as entry time, karaoke fee course, usage time, scheduled exit time, usage fee, receipt number, member ID, order data, linkage flag Fa, accounting flag Fb, and status, associated with the box number of the corresponding karaoke box KB.

[0033] The entry time is the time when check-in is performed at reception terminal 3. The course and usage time are the karaoke course and usage time specified at check-in. The scheduled exit time is the time after the usage time has elapsed from the entry time. The usage fee is the amount derived from the karaoke course and usage time, etc. Since courses usually have a base fee set per unit time, store server 1 calculates the usage fee by multiplying the base fee by the integer obtained by dividing the usage time by the unit time, rounding up the decimal part of the quotient.

[0034] The receipt number is the identification information of the receipt issued to a user who entered karaoke box KB, which is identified by the box number. The order data is the data of the food and beverage items ordered by the same user. The order data includes the item code, the name and price of the food and beverage item identified by that item code, the number of items ordered, and the total amount calculated by multiplying the price by the number of items ordered. If a user orders two or more items, the order data for each item is stored in box file 133.

[0035] The linkage flag Fa is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not a karaoke box KB, identified by its box number, and the mobile terminal 8 of a user who has entered the karaoke box KB are in a linked state. In this embodiment, the linkage flag Fa is set to "0" to indicate that the two are not linked, and the linkage flag Fa is set to "1" to indicate that they are linked.

[0036] The accounting flag Fb is a 1-bit data value used to identify whether or not the user has completed payment via mobile payment. In this embodiment, the accounting flag Fb is set to "0" to indicate that payment has not been completed, and the accounting flag Fb is set to "1" to indicate that payment has been completed.

[0037] The status indicates the state of the karaoke box KB, which is identified by the box number. The status of the karaoke box KB can be "Available," "In Use," "Reserved," or "Unavailable." "Available" means that the box is available for use but not currently occupied. "In Use" means that the box is being used by a user. "Reserved" means that the box is reserved. "Unavailable" means that the box is unavailable due to a malfunction of the karaoke equipment, etc.

[0038] [Basic Operation Explanation of the Store Server] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic operation of store server 1. Store server 1 receives a check-in request event Ea from the reception terminal 3. Check-in request event Ea is an event output to store server 1 each time check-in is completed at reception terminal 3. Check-in request event Ea includes box number, entry time, course, usage time, scheduled exit time, usage fee, receipt number, etc. If the user is a member, the member ID is also included. Upon receiving check-in request event Ea, store server 1 executes the entry process. The entry process involves writing the entry time, course, usage time, scheduled exit time, usage fee, receipt number, member ID, etc. included in the check-in request event Ea to box file 133 corresponding to the box number included in the event. At this time, the status of box file 133 becomes "In Use".

[0039] After completing the entry process, store server 1 outputs a slip issuance event Eb to reception terminal 3. Reception terminal 3 prints and issues a reception slip upon receiving the slip issuance event Eb.

[0040] Store server 1 receives an order event Ec from kitchen terminal 4. An order event Ec is an event output to store server 1 each time an order for a food or drink item is received at kitchen terminal 4. An order event Ec includes the box number of the karaoke box KB in which the user who ordered the food or drink item is present, the product code of the food or drink item ordered by that user, the number of items ordered, etc. Upon receiving an order event Ec, store server 1 executes order acceptance processing. Order acceptance processing involves generating order data based on the product code, number of items ordered, etc. included in the order event Ec, and writing that order data to box file 133 corresponding to the box number included in the event Ec.

[0041] Store server 1 receives a payment request event Ed from payment terminal 5. The payment request event Ed is an event output to store server 1 each time a checkout is declared at payment terminal 5. The payment request event Ed includes the slip number of the receipt issued to the user leaving the karaoke box KB. The payment request event Ed may also include the box number of the karaoke box KB.

[0042] Upon receiving the accounting request event Ed, the store server 1 executes the fee calculation process. The fee calculation process calculates the charges associated with the use of karaoke box KB based on the usage fees and order data in box file 133, which contains the slip number or box number included in the accounting request event Ed. The user pays this fee. In other words, the fee can be rephrased as the billed amount incurred as a result of using karaoke box KB. If the usage time has been extended, the fee calculation process will calculate the fee including the extension fee.

[0043] After completing the fee calculation process, the store server 1 outputs a fee notification event Ee to the accounting terminal 5. The fee notification event Ee contains the fee data calculated during the fee calculation process. The accounting terminal 5 displays the fee upon receiving the fee notification event Ee. The accounting terminal 5 then accepts payment from the user. When payment data is entered, the accounting terminal 5 executes settlement processing based on that data. Settlement processing involves, for example, subtracting the fee from the payment amount if the fee is paid in cash, and calculating the difference as change. Settlement processing involves, for example, requesting authentication of the credit card from the credit card settlement server if the fee is paid by credit card, and issuing a credit card slip once authentication is obtained. Settlement processing involves, for example, deducting the fee from the balance of the electronic money if the fee is paid by electronic money.

[0044] Once the payment processing is complete, the accounting terminal 5 issues a receipt. The receipt may be printed on paper or issued as an electronic receipt that can be viewed on the user's smartphone. After issuing the receipt, the accounting terminal 5 sends a payment completion event Ef to the store server 1. The payment completion event Ef includes the slip number or box number that was included in the accounting request event Ed.

[0045] Upon receiving the settlement completion event Ef, store server 1 executes an exit process. The exit process involves saving the data from box file 133, which contains the slip number or box number obtained from the settlement completion event Ef, to a transaction history file (not shown), and then clearing box file 133. This process clears all data items in box file 133 except for the box number. The status also becomes "empty".

[0046] In this embodiment, users who enter the karaoke box KB can order food and drink items using the mobile terminal 8. Users can also pay for their meals using the mobile terminal 8. Next, we will specifically explain the ordering of food and drink items and the payment of fees using the mobile terminal 8. First, we will describe the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 8 and the exit terminal 6.

[0047] [Description of mobile device configuration] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile terminal 8. The mobile terminal 8 includes a processor 81, internal storage 82, wireless communication unit 83, memory interface 84, touch panel 85, camera 86, and system transmission path 87, etc. The system transmission path 87 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 87 connects the processor 81 and the other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0048] The mobile terminal 8 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 81, internal storage 82, and wireless communication unit 83 via a system transmission path 87. The mobile terminal 8 connects a memory interface 84, a touch panel 85, a camera 86, etc., to this computer via the system transmission path 87 through signal input / output circuits (not shown). The memory interface 84 is an interface for sending and receiving data signals with an external memory 88 that is detachably installed. The external memory 88 is typically an SD memory card, miniSD card, microSD card, etc. The touch panel 85 functions as a display device and input device for the mobile terminal 8. The camera 86 functions as an imaging device for the mobile terminal 8. Note that the interfaces, devices, etc., connected to the system transmission path 87 are not limited to those described above. Other interfaces, devices, etc., may be connected.

[0049] The processor 81 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 81 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a mobile terminal 8 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 81 is, for example, a CPU.

[0050] The internal storage 82 is a storage device built into the casing of the mobile terminal 8. The internal storage 82 stores the operating system or application programs. The internal storage 82 may also store data necessary for the processor 81 to perform processing to control various parts.

[0051] The wireless communication unit 83 performs wireless data communication with the mobile server 2, for example, using a short-range wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi or a mobile communication network.

[0052] For example, a smartphone or tablet carried by a user can be a mobile device 8. The mobile device 8 stores the store application 821 in its internal storage. The mobile device 8 also stores the payment application 822 in its internal storage. The payment application 822 is application software for processing mobile payments. Mobile payment refers to cashless payment using the mobile device 8. By registering information such as credit card and electronic money information along with the payment application 822 in the mobile device 8, the mobile device 8 becomes capable of mobile payments.

[0053] Note that the installation location for the store app 821 and the payment app 822 is not limited to the internal storage 82. The store app 821 and the payment app 822 may also be installed in external memory 88. Alternatively, one of the apps, for example, the store app 821, may be installed in internal storage, and the other app, for example, the payment app 822, may be installed in external memory 88.

[0054] [Explanation of the exit terminal configuration] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the exit terminal 6. The exit terminal 6 includes a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner 66, display 67, and system transmission path 68, etc. The system transmission path 68 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 68 connects the processor 61 to the other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The exit terminal 6 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, and communication interface 65 via the system transmission path 68. The exit terminal 6 then connects the scanner 66 and display 67 to this computer.

[0055] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as an exit terminal 6 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0056] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 62 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0057] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, and so on. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0058] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0059] The communication interface 65 is an interface for data communication with the store server 1, which is connected via the communication network NW.

[0060] The scanner 66 is a device for scanning and reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 66 can read machine-readable codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes printed on reception slips. The scanner 66 can also read machine-readable codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 8. Alternatively, instead of the scanner 66, a camera capable of reading machine-readable codes from images captured by the imaging unit may be provided.

[0061] The display 67 is a device for displaying various information to users who have operated the exit terminal 6. The exit terminal 6 displays information on the display 67 to guide users on how to exit, for example. Specifically, for users who have completed mobile payment using the mobile terminal 8, the exit terminal 6 displays information on the display 67 instructing them to exit through the exit gate 71. On the other hand, for users who have not completed mobile payment, the exit terminal 6 displays information on the display 67 instructing them to exit through the payment gate 72. Alternatively, a speaker may be provided instead of the display, or in conjunction with the display, to output information guiding users on how to exit in voice.

[0062] [Store Server Function Description] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 11 of the store server 1 in order to enable mobile payments. As shown in the figure, the processor 11 has the functions of a coordinating means 111, a providing means 112, a first acquisition means 113, a storage means 114, a second acquisition means 115, a determination means 116, and a control means 117.

[0063] The linking means 111 is a function that links facility information that identifies the facility used by the user with terminal information that identifies the mobile terminal 8 used by the user. The store application 821 installed on the mobile terminal 8 has a member ID set as information that identifies the owner. In other words, the member ID can be terminal information that identifies the mobile terminal 8 used by the user. On the other hand, the karaoke box KB, which is the facility used by the user, is identified by its box number. In other words, the box number can be facility information that identifies the facility used by the user. The linking means 111 links the box number, which is facility information that identifies the facility used by the user, i.e., karaoke box KB, with the member ID, which is terminal information that identifies the mobile terminal 8 used by the user using karaoke box KB. Specifically, the linking means 111 links by setting the linking flag Fa of the box file 133, which contains the box number and member ID, to "1".

[0064] The provisioning means 112 is a function that provides the charges associated with the use of the facility to a mobile terminal 8 identified by terminal information linked to the facility information of the facility. The charges associated with the use of the facility, that is, the charges associated with the use of karaoke box KB, are calculated based on the usage fees and order data in the box file 133. The provisioning means 112 provides this charge as the billing amount to the user to a mobile terminal 8 to which a member ID linked to the box number in the box file 133 has been assigned. Specifically, the provisioning means 112 wirelessly transmits the charge data via the mobile server 2 to the mobile terminal 8 on which the store application 821 with the member ID set is installed.

[0065] The first acquisition means 113 has the function of acquiring notification from the mobile terminal 8 that payment has been made. As will be described in detail later, when the mobile terminal 8 completes mobile payment for the charges provided by the provision means 112, it outputs a signal to notify the store server 1 of the completion of payment, i.e., a payment completion event signal Ep (see Figure 12). This signal is received by the mobile server 2 and transmitted to the store server 1 via the communication network NW. The first acquisition means 113 acquires notification from the mobile terminal 8 that payment has been made by receiving this signal via the communication interface 15.

[0066] The storage means 114 has the function of storing identification information for each mobile terminal 8 whose terminal information is linked to facility information, which identifies whether or not it has received notification that payment has been made. The identification information is the accounting flag Fb of the box file 133. When the storage means 114 receives notification from the mobile terminal 8 that payment has been made by the first acquisition means 113, it sets the accounting flag Fb of the box file 133, which has the box number of the karaoke box KB linked to the mobile terminal 8, to "1".

[0067] The second acquisition means 115 is a function that acquires exiter information to identify users leaving the facility. The exiter information is the slip number of the reception slip issued to the user leaving the karaoke box KB. The second acquisition means 115 acquires the slip number obtained from the machine-readable code of the reception slip read by the scanner 66 of the exit terminal 6 as exiter information.

[0068] The determination means 116 is a function that determines whether or not payment has been made on the mobile terminal 8. As described above, when the first acquisition means 113 receives notification from the mobile terminal 8 that payment has been made, the storage means 114 sets the accounting flag Fb of the box file 133, which has the box number of the karaoke box KB that is linked to the mobile terminal 8, to "1". Then the determination means 116 determines whether or not payment has been made on the mobile terminal 8 based on the accounting flag Fb stored in the box file 133, which has the slip number of the exit information acquired by the second acquisition means 115. That is, the determination means 116 determines that payment has been made on the mobile terminal 8 when the accounting flag Fb is "1". The determination means 116 determines that payment has not been made on the mobile terminal 8 when the accounting flag Fb is "0".

[0069] The control means 117 has the function of controlling a user's exit from the facility based on the determination result by the determination means 116. The control means 117 includes a gate control means 118 that controls the gate controller 7 and a guidance control means 119 that controls the information provided to the user who operates the exit terminal 6.

[0070] The gate control means 118 controls the exit gate 71 and the payment gate 72 so as not to allow users who have been determined to have completed payment on their mobile terminal 8 to leave the facility, but not to allow users who have been determined not to have completed payment to leave the facility. Specifically, the gate control means 118 opens the exit gate 71 so that users who have been determined to have completed payment on their mobile terminal 8 can leave the karaoke box KB. The gate control means 118 does not open the exit gate 71 for users who have been determined not to have completed payment on their mobile terminal 8. In other words, they are not allowed to leave the karaoke box KB. The gate control means 118 opens the payment gate 72. Therefore, users proceed to the payment counter RE through the payment gate 72 and pay the fee.

[0071] The guidance control means 119 determines that payment has been made on the mobile terminal 8 and displays information on the display 67 of the exit terminal 6 indicating that the user is permitted to leave the facility. The guidance control means 119 determines that payment has not been made on the mobile terminal 8 and displays information on the display 67 of the exit terminal 6 indicating that the user is not permitted to leave the facility.

[0072] Furthermore, the guidance control means 119 may output audio from the speaker of the exit terminal 6 informing users who have been determined to have completed payment on their mobile terminal 8 that they are permitted to leave the facility, and informing users who have been determined not to have completed payment that they are not permitted to leave the facility.

[0073] The functions of the aforementioned coordinating means 111, providing means 112, first acquisition means 113, storage means 114, second acquisition means 115, determination means 116, and control means 117 are realized by the processor 11 executing information processing in accordance with the mobile payment processing program.

[0074] A mobile payment processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 12 or an auxiliary storage device 13. The method of installing the mobile payment processing program in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited. The program can be installed in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing it via network communication. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0075] [Explanation of operation between mobile devices and store servers] Next, we will describe the operation of the mobile terminal 8 and the operation of the store server 1 related to its operation. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing performed by the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8 based on the store application 821. When the store application 821 is launched, the processor 81 starts the information processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 9. First, the processor 81 sets the screen of the touch panel 85 as the top screen SCa (see Figure 13) as ACT1.

[0076] Figure 13 shows an example of the display of the top screen SCa. As shown in Figure 13, the top screen SCa displays the member ID, which functions as terminal information for the mobile terminal 8, as a machine-readable code, such as a barcode BC. Various soft key buttons are also displayed, including the slip reading button BTa, the product order button BTb, the payment button BTc, and the exit button BTd. The slip reading button BTa is an operator that instructs the reading of the slip number printed on the receipt slip. The product order button BTb is an operator that instructs the ordering of food and beverage items. The payment button BTc is an operator that instructs payment via mobile payment. Therefore, on a mobile terminal 8 that does not have the payment app 822 installed, the payment button BTc is not displayed on the top screen SCa. Alternatively, the payment button BTc is grayed out and disabled. The exit button BTd is an operator that instructs the exit of the store app 821.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which is displaying the top screen SCa, checks as ACT2 whether it has memorized the box number of the karaoke box KB. In the default state, the mobile terminal 8 does not have the box number memorized. Therefore, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT3. The processor 81 checks as ACT3 whether the slip reading button BTa has been touched. If the slip reading button BTa has not been touched, the processor 81 returns to ACT2. In this way, the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which is displaying the top screen SCa, waits for the slip reading button BTa to be touched until it has memorized the box number of the karaoke box KB. Therefore, at this point, the product order button BTb and the checkout button BTc may be grayed out and disabled.

[0078] In ACT3, when the slip reading button BTa is touched, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT4. The processor 81 executes the slip reading process as ACT4. Details of the slip reading process will be described later. After the slip reading process is completed, the processor 81 returns to ACT1. The processor 81 proceeds to ACT2 with the touch panel 85 screen as the top screen SCa. As will be described in detail later, once the slip reading process is executed, the box number is stored in the internal storage 82 or external memory 88 of the mobile terminal 8. Therefore, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT2, and then the processor 11 proceeds to ACT5. At this time, the product order button BTb and the checkout button BTc are activated.

[0079] Processor 81 checks in ACT5 whether the product order button BTb has been touched. If the product order button BTb has not been touched, processor 81 proceeds to ACT6. Processor 81 checks in ACT6 whether the checkout button BTc has been touched. If the checkout button BTc has not been touched, processor 81 proceeds to ACT7. Processor 81 checks in ACT7 whether the exit button BTd has been touched. If the exit button BTd has not been touched, processor 81 returns to ACT5. In this way, processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which has stored the box number, waits in ACT5 through ACT7 for the product order button BTb, the checkout button BTc, or the exit button BTd to be touched.

[0080] When the product order button BTb is touched while in the standby state of ACT5 to ACT7, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT8. The processor 81 executes the product order process as ACT8. Details of the product order process will be described later. After completing the product order process, the processor 81 returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT2 with the touch panel 85 screen as the top screen SCa. At this time as well, since the mobile terminal 8 has memorized the box number, the processor 81 returns to the standby state of ACT5 to ACT7.

[0081] When the accounting button BTc is touched while in the standby state of ACT5 to ACT7, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT9. The processor 81 executes the accounting process as ACT9. Details of the accounting process will be described later. After completing the accounting process, the processor 81 returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT2 with the touch panel 85 screen as the top screen SCa. At this time as well, since the mobile terminal 8 has memorized the box number, the processor 81 returns to the standby state of ACT5 to ACT7.

[0082] In the standby state of ACT5 to ACT7, if the exit button BTd is touched, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 81 clears the box number stored in the internal storage 82 or external memory 88. The processor 81 also erases the top screen SCa as ACT11. Thus, the processor 81 terminates the information processing based on the store application 821.

[0083] <Invoice reading process> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the slip reading process executed by the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, and the essential steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the store server 1 in conjunction with the said process.

[0084] When the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8 starts the slip reading process, it sets the screen of the touch panel 85 as the reading screen SCb (see Figure 14) as ACT21. Figure 14 shows an example of the display of the reading screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the reading screen SCb displays a reading area Ar for the camera 86 to read the machine-readable code (barcode or two-dimensional code) printed on the receipt slip. By holding the lens of the camera 86 over the receipt slip so that the machine-readable code is within this reading area Ar, the machine-readable code is read.

[0085] The processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which is displaying the loading screen SCb, proceeds to ACT22. The processor 81 waits for the machine-readable code to be read as ACT22. Once the machine-readable code is read by the camera 86, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT23. The processor 81 obtains the slip number from the machine-readable code as ACT23. Furthermore, the processor 81 obtains the member ID registered in the store app 821 as ACT24.

[0086] Processor 81, having obtained the slip number and member ID, proceeds to ACT25. Processor 81 controls the wireless communication unit 83 to send a linkage request event Eg as ACT25 to the store server 1. This control causes the linkage request event Eg signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal 8. The linkage request event Eg signal is received by the mobile server 2 and transmitted to the store server 1 via the communication network NW. The linkage request event Eg includes the slip number obtained in ACT23 and the member ID obtained in ACT24.

[0087] Upon receiving the signal for the linkage request event Eg, the processor 11 of the store server 1 searches for the box file 133 containing the slip number included in the linkage request event Eg as ACT101. Then, as ACT102, the processor 11 checks whether the member ID is written in the box file 133. If the member ID is not written in the box file 133, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT103. As ACT103, the processor 11 writes the member ID included in the linkage request event Eg into the box file 133.

[0088] If the member ID is written in box file 133 in ACT102, or if the member ID is written in box file 133 in ACT103, processor 11 proceeds to ACT104. Processor 11 sets the linkage flag Fa of box file 133 to "1" and the accounting flag Fb to "0" as ACT104. After that, processor 11 proceeds to ACT105. Processor 11 retrieves the box number from box file 133 as ACT105. Then processor 11 controls the transmission of the linkage completion response event Eh as ACT106. This control transmits the linkage completion response event Eh signal via the communication interface 15. The linkage completion response event Eh signal is transmitted to mobile server 2 via the communication network NW. Then, through the action of mobile server 2, the linkage completion response event Eh signal is wirelessly transmitted to mobile terminal 8, which is the source of the linkage request event Eg. The linkage completion response event Eh contains the box number obtained in ACT105.

[0089] In ACT25, the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which controlled the transmission of the linkage request event Eg, proceeds to ACT26. As ACT26, the processor 81 waits for the linkage completion response event Eh. Upon receiving the signal for the linkage completion response event Eh via the wireless communication unit 83, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT27. As ACT27, the processor 81 stores the box number of the karaoke box KB obtained from the linkage completion response event Eh in the internal storage 82 or external memory 88. Also, as ACT28, the processor 81 displays an image on a part of the top screen SCa indicating that the member ID set on the mobile terminal 8 owned by the user and the box number of the karaoke box KB in which the user is present have been linked. With this, the processor 81 terminates the slip reading process.

[0090] Here, the processor 11 of the store server 1 realizes its function as a coordinating means 111 through the processing of ACT 104.

[0091] <Product Order Processing> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the product order processing performed by the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, and the essential steps of the information processing performed by the processor 11 of the store server 1 in conjunction with said processing.

[0092] When the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8 starts processing an order, it controls the wireless communication unit 83 to send a menu request event Ei as ACT31 to the store server 1. This control causes the mobile terminal 8 to wirelessly transmit the menu request event Ei signal. The menu request event Ei signal is received by the mobile server 2 and transmitted to the store server 1 via the communication network NW.

[0093] Upon receiving the menu request event Ei signal, the processor 11 of the store server 1 creates a menu based on the food and beverage menu item data stored in the product master 131 as ACT111. The menu is a list of item names and prices of food and beverage menu items that can be ordered at the karaoke store FA. The processor 11 controls the transmission of the menu event Ej as ACT112. This control causes the menu event Ej signal to be transmitted via the communication interface 15. The menu event Ej signal is transmitted to the mobile server 2 via the communication network NW. Then, through the action of the mobile server 2, the menu event Ej signal is wirelessly transmitted to the mobile terminal 8, which was the source of the menu request event Ei. The menu event Ej contains the data of the menu created in ACT111.

[0094] The processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which controlled the transmission of the menu request event Ei, proceeds to ACT32. The processor 81 waits for the menu event Ej as ACT32. Upon receiving the signal for menu event Ej via the wireless communication unit 83, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT33. The processor 81 displays the menu screen on the touch panel 85 as ACT33. The menu screen is created based on the menu data contained in the menu event Ej. The menu screen displays a list of food and drink menu items that can be ordered at the karaoke store FA, along with their names and prices. Soft key buttons, namely an order button and an exit button, are also placed on part of the menu screen.

[0095] After viewing the menu screen, the user decides which food and drink items they want to order. They then touch the item name, enter the quantity, and touch the order button. Once they have finished ordering their food and drink items, they touch the finish button.

[0096] The processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8 displaying the menu screen checks in ACT34 whether the exit button has been touched. If the exit button has not been touched, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT35. The processor 81 then checks in ACT35 whether the order button has been touched. If the order button has not been touched either, the processor 81 returns to ACT34. In this way, the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8 displaying the menu screen waits in ACT34 and ACT35 for either the exit button or the order button to be touched.

[0097] When the order button is touched while in the standby state of ACT34 and ACT35, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT36. The processor 81 controls the wireless communication unit 83 to send the order event Ek as ACT36 to the store server 1. This control causes the signal of the order event Ek to be wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal 8. The signal of the order event Ek is received by the mobile server 2 and transmitted to the store server 1 via the communication network NW. The order event Ek includes the product code of the food and beverage menu item selected from the menu screen and the number of items ordered. The box number stored in the internal storage 82 or external memory 88 is also included in the order event Ek.

[0098] Upon receiving the order event Ek signal, the processor 11 of the store server 1 obtains the box number from the order event Ek as ACT113. Then, as ACT114, the processor 11 executes the order acceptance process, similar to when it receives the order event Ec from the kitchen terminal 4. That is, the processor 11 generates order data based on the product code, order quantity, etc., included in the order event Ek, and writes that order data to the box file 133 corresponding to the box number included in the event Ek.

[0099] After completing the order acceptance process, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 115. Processor 11 controls the transmission of the order completion response event Em as ACT 115. This control causes the signal for the order completion response event Em to be transmitted via the communication interface 15. The signal for the order completion response event Em is transmitted to mobile server 2 via the communication network NW. Then, through the action of mobile server 2, the signal for the order completion response event Em is wirelessly transmitted to mobile terminal 8, which is the source of the order event Ek.

[0100] The processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which controlled the transmission of the order event Ek, proceeds to ACT37. The processor 81 waits for the order completion response event Em as ACT37. Upon receiving the signal for the order completion response event Em via the wireless communication unit 83, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT38. The processor 81 displays an image as ACT38 indicating that the order for the menu item has been completed. After that, the processor 81 returns to the waiting state for ACT34 and ACT35.

[0101] If the order button is touched again while in the standby state of ACT34 and ACT35, the processor 81 executes the processing of ACT36 to ACT38 in the same manner as described above. Also, the processor 11 of the store server 1 executes the processing of ACT113 to ACT115. Thus, the order data of the food and beverage menu items ordered by the operation of the mobile terminal 8 is stored in the box file 133 of the box number linked to the member ID set on the mobile terminal 8.

[0102] If the exit button is touched while ACT34 and ACT35 are in standby mode, the processor 81 terminates the product order processing.

[0103] <Accounting Procedures> Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the accounting process executed by the processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, and the essential steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the store server 1 in conjunction with the said process.

[0104] When the mobile terminal 8's processor 81 starts accounting processing, it controls the wireless communication unit 83 to send an accounting request event En as ACT41 to the store server 1. This control causes the mobile terminal 8 to wirelessly transmit the accounting request event En signal. The accounting request event En signal is received by the mobile server 2 and transmitted to the store server 1 via the communication network NW. The accounting request event En includes a box number stored in the internal storage 82 or external memory 88.

[0105] Upon receiving the payment request event En signal, the processor 11 of the store server 1 obtains the box number from the payment request event En as ACT121. Then, as ACT122, the processor 11 performs the fee calculation process, similar to when it receives the payment request event Ed from the payment terminal 5. That is, the processor 11 calculates the fee for using karaoke box KB based on the usage fee and order data in the box file 133 which contains the box number included in the payment request event En.

[0106] After completing the charge calculation process, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 123. Processor 11 controls the transmission of the charge notification event Eo as ACT 123. This control causes the signal for the charge notification event Eo to be transmitted via the communication interface 15. The signal for the charge notification event Eo is transmitted to the mobile server 2 via the communication network NW. The mobile server 2 then wirelessly transmits the signal for the charge notification event Eo to the mobile terminal 8, which is the source of the accounting request event En. The charge notification event Eo contains the charge calculated in the charge calculation process. The accounting request event En may also contain details of the charge, such as the karaoke box usage fee, the names of the food and drink items ordered, their prices, and the number of items ordered.

[0107] The processor 81 of the mobile terminal 8, which controlled the transmission of the accounting request event En, proceeds to ACT42. The processor 81 waits for the charge notification event Eo as ACT42. Upon receiving the signal for the charge notification event Eo via the wireless communication unit 83, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT43. The processor 81 displays the charge obtained from the charge notification event Eo on the touch panel 85 as ACT43. The processor 81 then waits for mobile payment to be executed for that charge as ACT44. When the user launches the payment app 822 and commands the execution of mobile payment, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT45. The processor 81 executes the mobile payment process as ACT45. For example, if credit card payment is selected as the payment method for mobile payment, the processor 81 executes the cashless payment using the credit card data registered in the mobile terminal 8. For example, if electronic money payment is selected as the payment method for mobile payment, the processor 81 executes the cashless payment using the electronic money data registered in the mobile terminal 8.

[0108] Processor 81 waits for the mobile payment to be completed as ACT46. Once the mobile payment is complete, processor 81 proceeds to ACT47. Processor 81 controls the wireless communication unit 83 to send a payment completion event Ep to the store server 1 as ACT47. This control causes the mobile terminal 8 to wirelessly transmit the payment completion event Ep signal. The payment completion event Ep signal is received by the mobile server 2 and transmitted to the store server 1 via the communication network NW. The payment completion event Ep includes a box number stored in the internal storage 82 or external memory 88.

[0109] The processor 11 of the store server 1, which controlled the transmission of the billing notification event Eo, proceeds to ACT124. Processor 11 waits for the payment completion event Ep as ACT124. Upon receiving the signal for the payment completion event Ep via the communication interface 15, processor 11 proceeds to ACT125. Processor 11 obtains the box number from the payment completion event Ef as ACT125. Then, as ACT126, processor 11 sets the accounting flag Fb described in the box file 133 for that box number to "1".

[0110] Here, processor 11 realizes the function of a providing means 112 through the processing of ACT 122 and ACT 123. Processor 11 realizes the function of a first acquisition means 113 through the processing of ACT 124. Processor 11 realizes the function of a storage means 114 through the processing of ACT 125 and ACT 126. Thus, a user who has a mobile terminal 8 whose membership number is linked to the box number of karaoke box KB can use that mobile terminal 8 to pay the fees associated with using karaoke box KB via mobile payment.

[0111] [Explanation of operation between the exit terminal and the store server] Next, we will explain the operation of the exit terminal 6 and the operation of the store server 1 related to its operation. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 61 of the exit terminal 6 and the main information processing steps performed by the processor 11 of the store server 1 in conjunction with said steps. Figures 16 to 18 are examples of the main screens displayed on the display 67 of the exit terminal 6.

[0112] The processor 61 of the exit terminal 6, in its default state, sets the screen of the display 67 as the initial screen SCc (see Figure 16) as ACT 51. Figure 16 shows an example of the display of the initial screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the initial screen SCc displays text TXa instructing users leaving the karaoke box KB to scan the barcode printed on the reception slip with the scanner 66. Therefore, users who move to the exit area EX to leave the karaoke box KB hold the barcode, i.e., the slip number, printed on the reception slip over the scanner 66 to have it read.

[0113] The processor 61 of the exit terminal 6, which displays the initial screen SCc, proceeds to ACT52. The processor 61 waits for the slip number to be entered as ACT52. When the barcode of the receipt slip is read by the scanner 66, the processor 61 determines that the slip number has been entered. The processor 61 proceeds to ACT53. The processor 61 controls the communication interface 65 to send an exit notification event Eq as ACT53 to the store server 1. This control causes the exit notification event Eq signal to be sent from the exit terminal 6. The exit notification event Eq signal is sent to the store server 1 via the communication network NW. The exit notification event Eq contains the slip number obtained from the barcode read by the scanner 66.

[0114] Upon receiving the exit notification event Eq signal, the processor 11 of the store server 1 retrieves the slip number from the exit notification event Eq as ACT131. Then, as ACT132, the processor 11 searches for the box file 133 in which that slip number is described. As ACT133, the processor 11 determines whether the accounting flag Fb in the box file 133 is "1".

[0115] If the accounting flag Fb is "1", the user who used the karaoke box KB to which the box number of the box file 133 was assigned has completed mobile payment. Processor 11 proceeds to ACT 134. Processor 11 outputs a signal to the gate controller 7 as ACT 134, commanding the opening of the exit gate 71. Upon receiving this signal, the gate controller 7 opens the exit gate 71.

[0116] The processor 11 also controls the transmission of the exit permission notification event Er as ACT 135. This control causes the exit permission notification event Er signal to be transmitted via the communication interface 15. The exit permission notification event Er signal is transmitted to the exit terminal 6 via the communication network NW.

[0117] Processor 11, which controlled the sending of the exit permission notification event Er, proceeds to ACT 136. Processor 11 executes the exit process as ACT 136. That is, processor 11 saves the data from box file 133, which contains the voucher number obtained from the exit notification event Eq, to ​​a transaction history file that is not shown. Then processor 11 clears box file 133.

[0118] On the other hand, if the accounting flag Fb is "0" in ACT133, the user who used the karaoke box KB to which the box number of the box file 133 was assigned has not completed the mobile payment. Processor 11 proceeds to ACT137. Processor 11 outputs a signal to the gate controller 7 as ACT137, commanding the opening of the accounting gate 72. Upon receiving this signal, the gate controller 7 opens the accounting gate 72.

[0119] The processor 11 also controls the transmission of the accounting guidance notification event Es as ACT138. This control causes the signal for the accounting guidance notification event Es to be transmitted via the communication interface 15. The signal for the accounting guidance notification event Es is transmitted to the exit terminal 6 via the communication network NW.

[0120] The processor 61 of the exit terminal 6, which controls the transmission of the exit notification event Eq, proceeds to ACT 54. As ACT 54, the processor 61 waits for the notification event from the store server 1. Upon receiving the notification event signal via the communication interface 65, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 55. As ACT 55, the processor 61 determines whether the notification event is an exit permission notification event Er or a payment guidance notification event Es.

[0121] When the exit permission notification event Er signal is received, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 56. The processor 61 executes the exit permission process as ACT 56. The exit permission process is the process of displaying an exit permission screen SCd on the display 67, which displays text TXb prompting the user to exit through the exit gate 71, as shown in Figure 17. The exit permission process may also include the process of outputting an audio message from a speaker (not shown) prompting the user to exit through the exit gate 71.

[0122] In response to this, if the processor 61 receives a signal for the accounting guidance notification event Es, it proceeds to ACT 57. The processor 61 executes the accounting guidance process as ACT 57. The accounting guidance process is the process of displaying an accounting guidance screen SCe on the display 67, which displays text TXc prompting the user to enter the entrance EN from the accounting gate 72 and pay at the accounting area RE. The accounting guidance process may also include the process of outputting an audio message from a speaker (not shown) prompting the user to enter the entrance EN from the accounting gate 72 and pay at the accounting area RE.

[0123] After completing the exit permission process or the accounting guidance process, processor 61 returns to its default state. Processor 61 sets the screen of display 67 as the initial screen SCc.

[0124] Here, the processor 11 of the store server 1 realizes the function of a second acquisition means 115 through the processing of ACT 131. The processor 11 realizes the function of a determination means 116 through the processing of ACT 133. The processor 11 realizes the function of a gate control means 118 through the processing of ACT 134 and ACT 137. The processor 11 realizes the function of a guidance control means 119 through the processing of ACT 135 and ACT 138.

[0125] [Effects and benefits of facility management systems] As detailed above, users of Karaoke Box KB link their member ID, set on a mobile device 8 such as a smartphone, with the box number assigned to that Karaoke Box KB. This allows users to order food and drink items using their mobile device 8, and to pay for their use of Karaoke Box KB via mobile payment.

[0126] On the other hand, users who have finished using the karaoke box KB and are leaving the facility self-operate the scanner 66 on the exit terminal 6 located in the exit area EX to scan the barcode on the receipt issued by the reception terminal 3 upon entry. If the user has already paid the fee via mobile payment, the exit gate 71 will open. Additionally, an exit permission screen SCd will be displayed on the display of the exit terminal 6. Thus, users can smoothly exit the facility through the exit gate 71.

[0127] In response, if the user has not paid the fee, the payment gate 72 will open. Additionally, a payment guidance screen SCe will be displayed on the exit terminal 6. Therefore, the user will proceed through payment gate 72 to entrance EN, pay the fee at the payment counter RE, and then exit the store through entrance 70.

[0128] Thus, according to this embodiment, only users who have completed mobile payment can exit the store through the exit gate 71. In other words, users who have completed mobile payment cannot exit the store through the exit gate 71. Therefore, it is possible to prevent users from illegally exiting without paying.

[0129] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment has been described above, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the above embodiment illustrates a case where an exit gate 71 and a payment gate 72 are provided in the exit area EX. In another embodiment, only an exit gate 71 is provided in the exit area EX. The exit gate 71 is opened only when the user has finished mobile payment. In this way, users who have finished mobile payment can exit the store through the exit gate 71. On the other hand, users who have finished mobile payment cannot exit through the exit gate 71, so they enter the entrance EN through the partition gate 73 and pay the fee at the payment counter RE.

[0130] For example, when the processor 11 of the store server 1 confirms that the accounting flag Fb is "0" in ACT133 in Figure 15, it adds a process to output a signal to the accounting terminal 5 to notify that a user who has not completed mobile payment is leaving. When the accounting terminal 5 receives this signal, it outputs a display, sound, etc., to inform the employee that a user who has not completed mobile payment is leaving. Thus, the employee can know that a user who has not completed mobile payment is coming to the entrance EN, and can smoothly collect the fee from the user who has come through the accounting gate 72 or partition gate 73.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the exiter information acquired by the second acquisition means 115 was the slip number. The exiter information may also be the box number. For example, a numeric keypad is provided on the exit terminal 6. A user exiting the karaoke box KB operates the numeric keypad to enter the box number written on the reception slip. The processor 11 of the store server 1 checks the accounting flag Fb of the box file 133, which contains the box number. Thus, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved. Alternatively, the user may have the scanner 66 of the exit terminal 6 read the barcode BC displayed on the top screen SCa of the mobile terminal 8. In this case, the exiter information will be the member ID.

[0132] For example, in the above embodiment, the facility was a karaoke box. The facility is not limited to a karaoke box. For example, by applying the facility management device of this embodiment to facilities such as a darts bar or a manga cafe, it becomes possible to make it possible to pay the fees associated with using the facility via mobile payment and to prevent users from leaving without paying.

[0133] 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]

[0134] 1...Store server, 2...Mobile server, 3...Reception terminal, 4...Kitchen terminal, 5...Accounting terminal, 6...Exit terminal, 7...Gate controller, 8...Mobile terminal, 70...Entrance, 71...Exit gate, 72...Accounting gate, 73...Separation gate, 100...Facility management system, 111...Cooperation means, 112...Provision means, 113...Acquisition means, 114...Storage means, 115...Acquisition means, 116...Determination means, 117...Control means, 118...Gate control means, 119...Guidance control means, 131...Product master, 132...Member master, 133...Box file, 821...Store app, 822...Payment app.

Claims

1. A linking means for linking facility information that identifies the facility used by the user and terminal information that identifies the mobile device used by the user, A means of providing the fees associated with the use of the said facility to the mobile terminal identified by terminal information linked to the facility information of said facility, A determination means for determining whether or not the payment of the aforementioned charges has been executed on the mobile terminal, Based on the determination result by the determination means, a control means controls the user's exit from the facility, A facility management device equipped with the following features.

2. A first acquisition means for obtaining notification from the mobile terminal that payment of the aforementioned charges has been made, A storage means for storing identification information for each mobile terminal linked to the facility information, which identifies whether or not it has received notification that payment of the charges has been made. It is equipped with, The facility management device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means makes a determination based on the identification information stored by the storage means.

3. A second acquisition means for acquiring exiter information that identifies users leaving the aforementioned facility. Furthermore, it is equipped with, The facility management device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines whether or not payment of the fee has been made on a mobile terminal used by a user identified by the exiter information.

4. The control means includes a gate control means that controls the gate to allow users who are determined to have completed payment of the fee on their mobile terminal to leave the facility, and to prevent users who are determined not to have completed payment of the fee from leaving the facility. A facility management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including the following:

5. The control means provides guidance to users who are determined to have completed payment of the fee on their mobile terminal, informing them that they are permitted to leave the facility, and to users who are determined not to have completed payment of the fee, informing them that they are not permitted to leave the facility. A facility management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including the following:

6. The computer for the facility management system, A linking means for linking facility information that identifies the facility used by the user and terminal information that identifies the mobile device used by the user. A means of providing the fees associated with the use of the said facility to the mobile terminal identified by terminal information linked to the facility information of said facility, A determination means for determining whether or not the payment of the aforementioned charges has been executed on the mobile terminal, and Based on the determination result by the determination means, control means control the user's departure from the facility. A program designed to function as such.

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