System, mobile terminal and program

Abstract

To provide a store system, an information processing device, an accounting machine, and a control program capable of reducing the number of operation steps when charging electronic money with the accounting machine.SOLUTION: An information processing device acquires balance of electronic money. The information processing device calculates a price every when a purchased commodity is registered. The information processing device stores charge instruction information of the electronic money in association with a mobile terminal when a predetermined condition is satisfied between the balance of the electronic money and the price. The accounting machine selects an accounting mode for receiving input of data relating to the accounting when accepting the accounting instruction from the mobile terminal that is not associated with the charge instruction information and selects a charge mode for receiving the input of the data relating to the charge of the electronic money when accepting the accounting instruction from the mobile terminal that is associated with the charge instruction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a store system, an information processing device and a control program therefor, and a payment machine and a control program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various store systems have been devised that simplify the process of registering purchased items at the time of checkout by allowing customers to register purchased items using a mobile terminal (such as a shopping cart terminal or smartphone) when shopping around the sales floor.

[0003] In such a store system, when a customer using a mobile terminal, a so-called user, finishes registering the purchased items and moves to the location where the cash register is installed, a payment method selection screen is displayed on the touch panel of the cash register, prompting the user to select a payment method such as cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. Here, a user who wants to charge electronic money first selects "electronic money" as the payment method. The screen then switches to the electronic money payment screen. As the payment screen displays a charge button in addition to the electronic money payment button, the user touches the charge button. The screen then switches to the charge screen. The user then specifies the charge amount and makes a deposit. When charging electronic money is thus completed, the screen returns to the payment method selection screen, and the user selects a payment method.

[0004] In this way, when charging electronic money at a cash register and then making a payment, complicated operations are required, which takes time and raises concerns that payment may be delayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-53786 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a store system that can reduce the number of operational steps required when charging electronic money at a cash register. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the store system comprises an information processing device and a payment machine. The information processing device comprises 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. The storage means stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal when a predetermined condition is met between the balance of the electronic money and the price. The payment machine comprises a reception means and a mode selection means. The reception means receives payment instructions from the mobile terminal. The mode selection means selects a payment mode that accepts input of data related to payment when receiving a payment instruction from a mobile terminal that is not associated with the charge instruction information, and selects a charge mode that accepts input of data related to charging electronic money when receiving a payment instruction from a mobile terminal that is associated with the charge instruction information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a store system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a mobile terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart equipped with a mobile terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a store server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment machine table. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a virtual POS server. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration list. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchased product data. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in a mobile terminal. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a main part of a processor in the virtual POS server. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure of a processor in the accounting machine. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a charge selection screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment barcode and a payment machine guide screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a charge amount input screen displayed on the payment machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cash insertion screen displayed on the accounting machine. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the payment machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is a case in which a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart (a so-called shopping cart terminal) is used as a 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 payment machine 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 payment machine 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 input data related to the registration of a product to be purchased, i.e., a purchased product, by himself / herself. The mobile terminal 70 is provided in a shopping cart C. Hereinafter, the shopping cart C will be simply referred to as a cart C. A mobile terminal 70 is provided in each of a plurality of carts C. The cart C is an example of a carrier that transports purchased products by a user, who is the user of the cart C.

[0013] The mobile terminal 70 is equipped with a wireless unit 74 (see FIG. 2). The mobile terminal 70 performs wireless communication with an access point 80. The access point 80 relays communication between the mobile terminal 70 and each device connected to the network 2, namely, 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 accounting machine 60. Although only one access point 80 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more access points 80 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0014] The payment machine 60 is a device that enables a store clerk or a user to process the payment for purchased goods. The number of payment machines 60 is not particularly limited.

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

[0016] The member server 20 manages a member database. The member database stores a member data record that describes member data for each member. The member data record includes a member ID, name, gender, email address, electronic money user ID, etc. The member ID is an identification code for a member. 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 executes data communication processing between the accounting machine 60 or the virtual POS server 50 and the electronic money management server 30 via a dedicated network 3 .

[0019] The virtual POS server 50 cooperates with the mobile terminal 70 to operate the mobile terminal 70 so as to realize the functions of a POS terminal.

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

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

[0022] The main memory 72 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 72 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 72 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 72 may store data required for the processor 71 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 72 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 71. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 73 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) 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 processes in the processor 71. The auxiliary storage device 73 may also store the application programs.

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

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

[0026] The touch panel 75 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the mobile terminal 70. The touch panel 75 detects a touch position on a 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 are provided with code symbols that represent their product codes. The scanner 76 outputs data of the read code symbols to the processor 71. The scanner 76 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0028] The reader 77 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 71. The reader 77 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a non-contact 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] The camera 78 is provided on the cart C so as to photograph from above the basket placed in the basket receiving portion of the cart C. The camera 78 is for monitoring whether or not the user of the 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, the main memory 72, the auxiliary storage device 73, the wireless unit 74, and the touch panel 75 are configured as a tablet terminal TM. The mobile terminal 70 is configured by electrically connecting a scanner 76, a reader 77, and a camera 78 to the tablet terminal TM.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C equipped with a mobile terminal 70. The cart C includes a caster portion C1 for moving, a handle frame portion C2, and a basket receiving portion C3. The caster portion C1 has four wheels C11 for smooth movement on a floor surface. The caster portion C1 also includes a receiving portion C12 for placing large luggage that does not fit into a shopping basket SB. The handle frame portion C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster portion C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of the vertical frames C21, C21. The basket receiving portion C3 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame portion C2. The cart C can place a shopping basket SB provided by the store on the basket receiving portion C3. The shopping basket SB is for storing merchandise.

[0032] The scanner 76 is located midway along the handle bar C22. The scanner 76 is attached to the handle bar C22 so that a reading window is located on the near side. The near side is the side on which a user standing while holding the handle bar C22 and pushing the cart C stands.

[0033] A pole C4 is attached to one of the vertical frames C21. The tip of the pole C4 is located above the handlebars C22. The tablet terminal TM is attached to the tip of the pole C4 with the screen of the touch panel 75 facing forward. The reader 77 is attached to the tablet terminal TM so that the card slit is located on the front side. In FIG. 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 in the basket receiving section C3 from above.

[0034] The battery BT is attached across the vertical frames C21, C21 at the lower end side of the handle frame portion C2. The battery BT serves as a driving power source for the tablet terminal TM, the scanner 76, the reader 77, and the camera 78.

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

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

[0037] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

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

[0039] The communication interface 14 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 14 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0040] The store server 10 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 12 as a payment machine table 121.

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

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

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

[0044] The main memory 52 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 52 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 52 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 52 may store data required for the processor 51 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

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

[0046] The communication interface 54 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 54 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0047] The virtual POS server 50 configured as above uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 52 as an area for creating the purchase registration list 521. The virtual POS server 50 can create a plurality of purchase registration lists 521 in this area.

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

[0049] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of purchased item data 522. As shown in Fig. 8, purchased item data 522 includes, in sequential numerical order, item codes, item names, prices, purchase quantities, purchase amounts, etc. of purchased items purchased by a user. The purchase quantities are the number of items identified by the item codes purchased, and the purchase amount is the price multiplied by the purchase quantity.

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

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

[0052] The main memory 612 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 612 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 612 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 612 may store data required for the processor 611 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 612 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 611. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0053] The auxiliary storage device 613 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 613. The auxiliary storage device 613 stores data used by the processor 611 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 611, etc. The auxiliary storage device 613 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0054] The application programs stored in the main memory 612 or the auxiliary storage device 613 include a control program that describes information processing executed by the accounting machine 60. There is no particular limitation on the method for installing the control program in the main memory 612 or the auxiliary storage device 613. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via a network, and installed in the main memory 612 or the auxiliary storage device 613. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0055] The clock 614 functions as a time information source for the payment device 60. The processor 611 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 614.

[0056] The change machine interface 615 performs data communication with the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 615 receives data on the inserted amount, data on the number of stored coins, etc. from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 615 transmits change data to the automatic change machine.

[0057] The communication interface 616 is connected to the network 2. The communication interface 616 performs data communication with other devices connected via the network 2 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0058] The touch panel 617 is a device that functions as both an input device and a display device for the payment device 60. The touch panel 617 detects a touch position on a displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 611.

[0059] The scanner 618 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 618 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0060] The reader 619 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 611. The reader 619 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a non-contact 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 characters or images on receipt paper. A thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, for example, can be used as this type of printer 620. The printer 620 functions as a printing device for the accounting machine 60.

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

[0063] Below, using these flow charts, we will explain the main operations of the store system 1 when a member user uses the mobile terminal 70 of the cart C to perform the process from registering purchased items to paying for them by himself / herself. Note that the operations described below are just an example. As long as similar results are obtained, the procedure is not particularly limited.

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

[0065] As ACT1, processor 71 causes touch panel 75 to display a login screen. The login screen is a screen for instructing members to perform a login operation. A user who is a member has a membership card on which his or her membership code is recorded. After checking the login screen, the user causes reader 77 to read the data on the membership card. When the data on the membership card is read by reader 77, the data on the membership card is provided to processor 71.

[0066] The processor 71 that has displayed the login screen waits for login in ACT2. The processor 71 receives data from the reader 77, and when it confirms that the data is membership card data including a membership ID, it determines that login has been performed. That is, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0067] The processor 71 controls the wireless unit 74 to transmit 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 the 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, the processor 51 checks the type of the command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 51 starts a command receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0069] Processor 51 detects the member ID from the login command as ACT21. Then, processor 51 authenticates the member identified by that member ID as ACT22. Specifically, processor 51 queries member server 20 as to whether or not a member data record including that member ID exists in the member database. If processor 51 receives a response from member server 20 indicating that the corresponding member data record exists in the member database, processor 51 determines that the member authentication is valid. On the other hand, if processor 51 receives a response from member server 20 indicating that the corresponding member data record does not exist in the member database, processor 51 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

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

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

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

[0073] The processor 51 inquires of the electronic money management server 30 about the electronic money balance using the electronic money user ID included in the member data acquired as ACT27. In response to this inquiry, the electronic money management server 30 reads out the electronic money balance associated with the electronic money user ID and responds to the virtual POS server 50. Thus, the processor 51 acquires the electronic money balance.

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

[0075] In this way, the virtual POS server 50 that has received the login command transmits a denial or approval response command to the mobile terminal 70 that transmitted the login command in ACT 24 or ACT 29. After completing transmission of either response command, the processor 51 ends the login command receiving process.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70 that controlled the transmission of the login command in ACT3 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 judges NO in ACT4 and returns to ACT2. Therefore, the user will log in again.

[0077] If an approval response command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. The processor 71 stores the member ID included in the approval response command in the main memory 72 in ACT5. The processor 71 also causes the touch panel 75 to display a purchase registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 16) in ACT6.

[0078] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the purchase registration screen SC1. As shown in Fig. 16, the purchase registration screen SC1 has an area for displaying the product name, purchase price, and total price of the registered product. In addition, an image of a checkout button BT1 for instructing checkout is displayed.

[0079] After checking the purchase registration screen SC1, the user goes around the sales floor and places the purchased items in the cart C. For example, the user places the purchased items in a shopping basket SB placed on the basket receiving section C3. Before placing the purchased items in the shopping basket SB, the user operates the scanner 76 to read the code symbol attached to the purchased items. When the code symbol is read by the scanner 76, the product code represented by the 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 foods, may not have a code symbol attached to them. Although not shown, when a purchased product does not have a code symbol attached to it, the user touches a product button corresponding to the purchased product from among the product buttons displayed on the screen of the touch panel 75. When the product button is touched, the product code of the product corresponding to that product button is input to the mobile terminal 70. In other words, the product identified by the product code is registered. Note that, as another method, for example, a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code may be provided near the price tag placed around the product, such as fruit and vegetables, and the code symbol may be read by the scanner 76.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10.

[0082] After completing the processing of ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 71 checks whether or not a purchase registration has been made in ACT7. When the processor 71 checks that a purchase registration has been made, it determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. The processor 71 controls the wireless unit 74 to transmit a purchase registration command to the virtual POS server 50 in 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 the network 2. The purchase registration command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 72 and the product code of the registered product.

[0083] Upon receiving the purchase registration command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the purchase registration command as ACT 31. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration list 521 in which the member ID is written as ACT 32.

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

[0085] The processor 51 checks whether the updated total amount exceeds the electronic money balance in ACT 35. If the total amount does not exceed the electronic money balance, the processor 51 determines YES in ACT 35 and ends the purchase registration command reception process.

[0086] If the total amount exceeds the electronic money balance, the processor 51 determines NO in ACT 35 and proceeds to ACT 36. The processor 51 checks whether the display flag is "0" in ACT 36. The display flag is 1-bit data that is in the initial state of "0" until the charge selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 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 judges NO in ACT36 and ends the purchase registration command reception process. However, at this point, the charge selection screen SC2 has not yet been displayed on the mobile terminal 70, so the display flag is in the initial state of "0." Therefore, the processor 51 judges YES in ACT36 and proceeds to ACT37.

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

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

[0090] A user who charges electronic money before payment touches the "Charge" button BT2. A user who does not charge electronic money touches the "Do not charge" 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 ends the purchase registration command receiving process.

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

[0093] When a display command for the charge selection screen SC2 is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 71 determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT 10. The processor 71 causes the touch panel 75 to display the charge selection screen SC2 in ACT10.

[0094] The processor 71 checks whether or not the "Charge" button BT2 has been touched in ACT 11. If the "Charge" button BT2 has not been touched and the "Do not charge" button BT3 has been touched, the processor 71 judges NO in ACT 11 and proceeds to ACT 14.

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

[0096] The processor 71 controls the wireless unit 74 to transmit 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 the network 2. The charge command includes 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, the processor 51 checks the type of the command. If the received command is a charge command, the processor 51 starts a command receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0098] Processor 51 detects the member ID from the charge command as ACT 41. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration list 521 in which the member ID is described as ACT 42.

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

[0100] Processor 51 controls communication interface 54 to execute charge to mobile terminal 70 as ACT 44. This control causes communication interface 54 to transmit a charge execution command. The charge execution command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 80 via network 2, and received by mobile terminal 70 which sent the charge command. The charge execution command includes the member ID detected from the charge command. After executing the charge, processor 51 ends the charge command reception process.

[0101] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70, which controlled the transmission of the charge command in ACT12, waits for a charge execution command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT13. When the charge execution command is received from the virtual POS server 50, the processor 71 judges YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT14. The processor 71 updates the purchase registration screen SC1 in ACT14. Although not shown, a message such as "Please charge electronic money before checkout" is displayed on the updated purchase registration screen SC1. Note that, when the processor 71 judges NO in ACT9 or ACT11 and proceeds to ACT14, the message prompting the user to charge electronic money before checkout is not displayed on the purchase registration screen SC1. After updating the purchase registration screen SC1, the processor 71 returns to ACT7. When the processor 71 confirms that the purchase registration has been performed again in the standby state of ACT7, 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 executes the purchase registration command receiving process shown in FIG. 12 and the charge command receiving process shown in FIG. 13 again.

[0102] If a purchase registration has not been made, the processor 71 determines NO in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 15. The processor 71 checks in ACT 15 whether or not a transaction has been instructed.

[0103] An image of the checkout button BT1 is displayed in part of the purchase registration screen SC1. When the user has completed their purchase, they touch the checkout button BT1. When the checkout button BT1 is touched, the processor 71 recognizes that a checkout has been instructed. If a checkout has not been instructed, the processor 71 judges NO in ACT15 and returns to ACT7.

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

[0105] Upon receiving the transaction command, the processor 51 of the virtual POS server 50 starts the command reception process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Processor 51 detects the member ID from the accounting command as ACT 51. Processor 51 then extracts purchase registration list 521 in which the member ID is written as ACT 52.

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

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

[0108] Processor 51 creates a payment machine information screen SC3 (see FIG. 18) based on the data in payment machine table 121 acquired in ACT56. The payment machine information screen SC3 also includes the payment barcode generated in ACT53. Processor 51 controls communications interface 54 to display payment machine information screen SC3 on mobile terminal 70 in ACT57. This control causes communications interface 54 to send a screen command notifying mobile terminal 70 to display payment machine information screen SC3. The screen command is wirelessly transmitted from access point 80 via network 2, and received by mobile terminal 70, which sent the payment command. Having notified mobile terminal 70 to display payment machine information screen SC3, processor 51 ends the payment command reception process.

[0109] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10.

[0110] The processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70, which controlled the transmission of the payment command in ACT16, waits for a screen command from the virtual POS server 50 in ACT17. If 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 causes the touch panel 75 to display a payment machine information screen SC3.

[0111] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the payment machine guide screen SC3. As shown in FIG. 18, the payment machine guide screen SC3 has a payment barcode display area AR1 and a payment machine guide image display area AR2. The payment barcode BC1, the total price of the registered products, and a message prompting the user to scan the payment barcode with the payment machine 60 are displayed in the display area AR1. The display area AR2 displays a store map along with a message indicating the location of the available payment machine 60. The store map is created based on the payment machine table 121. The location of the payment machine 60 whose status in the payment machine table 121 is "idle", i.e., the location of the payment machine 60 that the user can use at this time, is displayed with a solid double circle. The location of the payment machine 60 whose status in the payment machine table 121 is "payment in progress", i.e., the location of the payment machine 60 that is unavailable, is displayed with a dotted double circle. Note that the contents of the message and the store map displayed in FIG. 18 are merely examples. Any content may be used as long as it notifies the user of the payment barcode and guides the user to the available payment machines.

[0112] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10.

[0113] The processor 71 of the mobile terminal 70 that has displayed the payment machine information screen SC3 in ACT18 ends the information processing procedure.

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

[0115] 15, the processor 61 of the payment device 60 checks whether or not the payment barcode has been read. If the payment 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 out the purchase registration list 521 containing the queried accounting barcode and responds to the accounting device 60. The processor 61 then checks in ACT62 whether or not it has received the purchase registration list 521. If it has received the purchase registration list 521, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT63. The processor 61 checks in ACT63 whether or not the charge flag stored in the received purchase registration list 521 is "1". If the charge flag is "1", that is, if the user is charging electronic money, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT63 and proceeds to ACT64. The processor 61 transitions to charge mode in ACT64. That is, the processor 61 displays a recharge amount input screen SC4 (see FIG. 19) on the touch panel 617 provided on the payment device 60, and receives input of data related to recharging electronic money.

[0117] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge amount input screen SC4. As shown in Fig. 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. In addition, the charge amount input screen SC4 has a cancel button BT4 and a confirm button BT5 displayed.

[0118] The balance display area AR3 displays the electronic money balance. In Fig. 19, the electronic money balance displayed is 999 yen. A 500 yen button BT6, a 1000 yen button BT7, a 2000 yen button BT8, a 3000 yen button BT9, a 5000 yen button BT10, and a 10000 yen button BT11 are displayed in the amount button display area AR4. The 500 yen button BT6 is a button for inputting a recharge amount of 500 yen. The 1000 yen button BT7 is a button for inputting a recharge amount of 1000 yen. The same applies to the other buttons BT8 to BT11. Note that the types of buttons displayed in the amount button display area AR4 are not limited to the example in FIG. 19.

[0119] The recharge amount display area AR5 displays the recharge amount input using the amount buttons BT6 to BT11.

[0120] On the recharge amount input screen SC4, the user touches the amount button BT6-BT11 of the corresponding recharge amount, and then touches the confirmation button BT5. If the user wishes to cancel input of the recharge amount, he or she touches the cancel button BT4.

[0121] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15.

[0122] Having displayed the recharge amount input screen SC4, the processor 61 waits for any of the amount buttons BT6 to BT11 to be touched in ACT65. If any of 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 Confirm button BT5 to be touched in ACT66. If the Confirm button BT5 is touched, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT66 and proceeds to ACT67. The processor 61 switches the screen of the touch panel 617 from the recharge amount input screen SC4 to the cash insertion screen SC5 (see FIG. 20) in ACT67.

[0123] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cash insertion screen SC5. As shown in FIG. 20, the cash insertion screen SC5 displays a message prompting the user to insert cash. The cash insertion screen SC5 also includes an image of a cancel button BT12, a charge amount area AR6, an inserted amount area AR7, a change area AR8, and a post-charge balance area AR9. The inserted amount area AR7 is an area for displaying the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine. The change area AR8 is an area for displaying the amount of change obtained from the inserted amount and the charge amount. The post-charge balance area AR9 is an area for displaying the balance of electronic money after the charge amount is charged. Note that, although the amounts are displayed in the inserted amount area AR7, the change area AR8, and the post-charge balance area AR9 in FIG. 20, the amounts are not displayed at the time of ACT67.

[0124] Returning to the explanation of Figure 15.

[0125] The processor 61 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine in ACT68. When cash has been inserted, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT68 and proceeds to ACT69. The processor 61 displays the charge result on the cash insertion screen SC5 in ACT69. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the processor 61 displays the value of the inserted amount in the inserted amount area AR7, displays the change amount in the change area AR8, and displays the balance after adding the value of the inserted amount in the post-charge balance area AR9.

[0126] The processor 61 executes electronic money settlement processing as the ACT 70. This settlement processing is an existing process that is well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

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

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

[0129] The CASH button BT13 is a button image for accepting a declaration of cash payment. The CREDIT button BT14 is a button image for accepting a declaration of credit card payment. The ELECTRONIC MONEY button BT15 is a button image for accepting a declaration of electronic money payment. The TOTAL AMOUNTS 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] Processor 61, which has controlled the display of payment method selection screen SC6, waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT 72. Specifically, processor 61 waits for the cash button BT13, the credit button BT14, or the electronic money button BT15 to be touched.

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

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

[0134] When the electronic money button BT15 is touched, the processor 61 judges as YES in ACT 73 and proceeds to ACT 74. Then, the processor 61 checks whether the electronic money balance is insufficient in ACT 74. If the electronic money balance is not insufficient, the processor 61 judges as NO in ACT 74 and proceeds to ACT 70. That is, the processor 61 executes the electronic money settlement process in ACT 70.

[0135] If the electronic money balance is insufficient, the processor 61 judges YES in ACT 74 and returns to ACT 64. The processor 61 then repeats the subsequent processing from ACT 64 to ACT 70 in the same manner as described above. This ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0136] As is clear from the above description, the virtual POS server 50, which is an example of an information processing device, constitutes an acquisition means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT21 to ACT28 in Fig. 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] The virtual POS server 50 also constitutes a calculation means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT31 to ACT34 in Fig. 12. That is, every time a product to be purchased by a user is registered, the virtual POS server 50 calculates the price by adding up the purchase prices of the purchased products registered up to that point.

[0138] Furthermore, the virtual POS server 50 constitutes a storage means by the processor 51 executing the processes of ACT35 to ACT37 in Fig. 12 and ACT41 to ACT44 in Fig. 13. That is, the virtual POS server 50 stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal 70 when a predetermined condition is established between the balance of electronic money and the amount.

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

[0140] The payment machine 60 also constitutes a mode selection means by the processor 61 executing the processes of ACT63 to ACT74 in Fig. 15. That is, when a payment instruction is received from a mobile terminal 70 that is not associated with charge instruction information, a payment mode that accepts input of data related to the payment is selected, and when a payment instruction is received from a mobile terminal 70 that is associated with charge instruction information, a charge mode that accepts input of data related to charging electronic money is selected.

[0141] When the payment machine 60 selects the recharge mode, when the payment machine 60 reads the payment barcode, the screen on the touch panel 617 switches to a recharge amount input screen SC4. The user can recharge electronic money by operating the software keys displayed on this screen SC4. Therefore, with a store system 1 equipped with such an information processing device and payment machine, the processor 61 of the payment machine 60 does not need to perform the processes in ACT71 to ACT74 of FIG. 15, and the processing operation steps of the payment machine 60 can be reduced. As a result, the processing load of the payment machine is reduced. Furthermore, because the time it takes to recharge electronic money with the payment machine can be shortened, payment delays can be prevented.

[0142] Additionally, the accounting barcode and accounting machine guide screen SC3 display the locations of available accounting machines 60. This allows the user to know in advance the locations of available accounting machines 60, which is efficient.

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

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

[0145] Incidentally, if the predetermined condition is deemed to be met when the price exceeds the balance of electronic money, a customer whose electronic money balance is insufficient due to shopping can be instructed to top up with electronic money. Therefore, customers can efficiently top up when their electronic money balance is insufficient. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is deemed to be met when the difference between the balance of electronic money minus the price falls below or below a set amount, a customer whose electronic money balance falls below or below a set amount due to shopping can be instructed to top up with electronic money. Therefore, customers can efficiently top up to increase their electronic money balance when their electronic money balance falls below or below the set amount. Moreover, by allowing customers to set the set amount themselves, the balance to be topped up can be determined for each customer.

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

[0147] In the above embodiment, 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, a tablet terminal, or the like owned by a user may be the mobile terminal 70.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the virtual POS server 50 has been described as one aspect of an information processing device. The virtual POS server 50 is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. For example, the virtual POS server 50 further having a function as at least one of the store server 10, the member server 20, the electronic money management server 30, and the communication server 40 may be used as an information processing device. In other words, the store server 10, the member server 20, the electronic money management server 30, or the communication server 40 having a function as the virtual POS server 50 may be used as an information processing device.

[0149] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The claims immediately prior to division are set forth below. [C1] A means for acquiring the balance of electronic money; A calculation means for calculating a price each time a purchased item is registered; and a storage means for storing, in association with the mobile terminal, charge instruction information for the electronic money when a predetermined condition is satisfied between the balance of the electronic money and the price and a user inputs an instruction to charge the electronic money; An information processing device comprising: A reception means for receiving a payment instruction from the mobile terminal; and a mode selection means for selecting a billing mode that accepts input of billing data when a billing instruction is received from a mobile terminal that is not associated with the billing instruction information, and for selecting a charge mode that accepts input of data related to charging electronic money when a billing instruction is received from a mobile terminal that is associated with the billing instruction information; and an accounting machine equipped with A store system equipped with the above. [C2] The store system described in [C1], wherein the storage means stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal when the amount exceeds the balance of the electronic money and the user inputs an instruction to charge the electronic money. [C3] The store system described in [C1], wherein the storage means stores electronic money charge instruction information in association with the mobile terminal when the difference obtained by subtracting the amount of the payment from the balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than a set amount and the user inputs an instruction to charge the electronic money. [C4] a payment machine constituting a store system together with an information processing device which stores charge instruction information for charging electronic money in association with a mobile terminal when a predetermined condition is satisfied between a balance of electronic money and a price calculated each time a purchased item is registered and a user inputs to charge electronic money, A reception means for receiving a transaction instruction from the mobile terminal; a mode selection means for selecting a billing mode that accepts input of billing data when a billing instruction is received from a mobile terminal that is not associated with the billing instruction information, and for selecting a charge mode that accepts input of data related to charging electronic money when a billing instruction is received from a mobile terminal that is associated with the billing instruction information; An accounting machine equipped with the above. [C5] An acquisition means for acquiring a balance of electronic money; A calculation means for calculating a price each time a user registers a purchased item using a mobile terminal; a storage means for storing, when a predetermined condition is satisfied between the balance of the electronic money and the price and the user inputs an instruction to charge the electronic money, in association with the mobile terminal; An information processing device comprising: [C6] When a predetermined condition is met between the balance of electronic money and the price calculated each time a purchased item is registered, and when a user inputs to charge electronic money, a computer of an accounting machine constituting a store system together with an information processing device which stores charge instruction information for the electronic money in association with the mobile terminal, A reception means for receiving a payment instruction from the mobile terminal; and a mode selection means for selecting a billing mode that accepts input of billing data when a billing instruction is received from a mobile terminal that is not associated with the billing instruction information, and for selecting a charge mode that accepts input of data related to charging electronic money when a billing instruction is received from a mobile terminal that is associated with the billing instruction information; A control program that functions as a [C7] The computer of the information processing device, A means for acquiring the balance of electronic money; A calculation means for calculating a price each time a user registers a purchased item using a mobile terminal; and a storage means for storing, in association with the mobile terminal, charge instruction information for the electronic money when a predetermined condition is satisfied between the balance of the electronic money and the price and an input is made by the user to charge the electronic money; A control program that functions as a [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...membership 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 item data, 614...clock, 615...change machine interface, 620...printer.

Claims

1. A system including a mobile terminal and an information processing device, The mobile terminal includes: a transmission means for transmitting a purchase registration command for the product based on the purchase registration of the product; A reception means for receiving a charge declaration for charging electronic money at a payment machine before a payment is made; A transmission means for transmitting a charge command based on the charge declaration; Equipped with The information processing device includes: A receiving means for receiving the purchase registration command; A receiving means for receiving the charge command; Equipped with system.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the accepting unit accepts the charge declaration when a screen for selecting the charge declaration is displayed after login and before a payment instruction is given.

3. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a display means for displaying a screen for selecting the charge declaration when a predetermined condition is met between the balance of electronic money and the amount of the charge.

4. a transmission means for transmitting a product purchase registration command to an information processing device based on the product purchase registration; A reception means for receiving a charge declaration for charging electronic money at a payment machine before a payment is made; a transmission means for transmitting a charge command to the information processing device based on the charge declaration; A mobile terminal comprising:

5. The mobile terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the accepting unit accepts the charge declaration when a screen for selecting the charge declaration is displayed after login and before a payment instruction is given.

6. 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 4, further comprising a display means for displaying a screen for selecting the charge declaration when a predetermined condition is met between the balance of electronic money and the amount of the charge.

7. Use your mobile computer A transmission means for transmitting a product purchase registration command to an information processing device based on the product purchase registration; A reception means for receiving a charge declaration for charging electronic money at the payment machine before payment; a transmission means for transmitting a charge command to the information processing device based on the charge declaration; A program to function as a

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the accepting means accepts the charge declaration when a screen for selecting the charge declaration is displayed after login and before a payment instruction is given.

9. The computer, a display means for displaying a screen for selecting the charge declaration when a predetermined condition is met between the balance of electronic money and the amount of the charge; The program according to claim 7, for causing the program to function as follows:

Images