Store system, information processing device and control program therefor

Abstract

To relieve congestion in a store where a purchased commodity is registered by a customer himself / herself with the use of an information terminal by shortening an occupancy time by a customer, of a device shared by a plurality of customers.SOLUTION: A store system includes first acquisition means, second acquisition means, accounting code output means, and first providing means. The first acquisition means acquires sales data of a commodity purchased by a customer through the operation of an information terminal by the customer. The second acquisition means acquires preprocessing data to be input in a settlement terminal before performing the accounting processing through the operation of the information terminal by the customer. The accounting code output means outputs an accounting code for commanding the start of accounting of a commodity purchased by the customer to the information terminal such that the accounting code is readable by the settlement terminal. The first providing means provides the sales data acquired by the first acquisition means by the operation of the information terminal by the customer and the preprocessing data acquired by the second acquisition means to the settlement terminal which reads the accounting code from the information terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a store system including an information terminal and a payment terminal, an information processing device for the store system, and a control program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Self-service product registration systems are already known, which allow customers to register products by scanning the barcodes attached to the products themselves when purchasing them at a sales floor where products are displayed, using an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. Introducing a self-service product registration system in a supermarket or other store with separate sales floors and cash registers eliminates the need to register products at the cash register, which has the advantage of reducing congestion at the cash registers.

[0003] Self-service payment terminals, where customers can act as operators, are also being put into practical use at checkout counters. In stores that have introduced a self-service product registration system, using self-service payment terminals makes it possible to realize a fully self-service system in which customers can perform all operations from product registration to checkout.

[0004] However, while information terminals are used by individual customers, payment terminals are shared by multiple customers. Therefore, if each customer occupies a payment terminal for a long time, there is a concern that many customers will have to wait to pay during busy times. This problem also applies to other devices shared by multiple customers, such as charging machines for electronic money. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2007-537506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a store system, information processing device, and its control program that can alleviate congestion in a store where customers register their purchased items themselves using an information terminal, by shortening the amount of time that customers occupy equipment shared by multiple customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the store system includes an information terminal operated by a customer at a sales floor where products are displayed, and a payment terminal that processes the payment for products purchased by the customer. The store system includes a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, an accounting code output means, and a first provision means. The first acquisition means acquires sales data for products purchased by a customer through operations of the information terminal by the customer. The second acquisition means acquires pre-processing data to be input into a payment terminal before processing the transaction through operations of the information terminal by the customer. The accounting code output means outputs an accounting code to the information terminal in a form readable by the payment terminal, instructing the start of transaction for the products purchased by the customer. The first provision means provides the sales data acquired by the first acquisition means through operations of the information terminal by the customer, and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquisition means, to the payment terminal that reads the accounting code from the information terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a store system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of an electronic money record. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the charging machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile controller. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedure executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the mobile controller. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor of the charging machine. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the payment terminal according to the program. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the payment terminal according to the program. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deposit amount designation screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first payment method designation screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a lack of balance notification displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shortage processing designation screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second payment method designation screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Store system configuration explanation] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a store system 1. The store system 1 is a system established in a store where each customer uses an information terminal 2 to register the products they wish to purchase. In this type of store system 1, the information terminal 2 can be, for example, a smartphone owned by each consumer, a mobile terminal owned by the store and lent to customers, or a tablet-type cart terminal attached to a shopping cart. The following explanation will exemplify the case where a smartphone is used as the information terminal 2.

[0010] The store system 1 includes a charging machine 11, a payment terminal 12, an attendant terminal 13, a store server 14, a communication server 15, a mobile controller 16, and an access point 17. The store system 1 also includes a communication network 18 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and the charging machine 11, the payment terminal 12, the attendant terminal 13, the store server 14, the communication server 15, the mobile controller 16, and the access point 17 are connected to this communication network 18 to form the store system 1. The communication network 18 may be wired or wireless. The communication network 18 may also be a combination of wired and wireless networks.

[0011] The charging machine 11 is a device for charging (depositing) electronic money. The charging machine 11 is installed, for example, in a sales floor where products are displayed. The payment terminal 12 is a device for processing payments from customers who have purchased products and settling sales transactions with those customers. The payment terminal 12 is called, for example, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, a cash register, etc. The payment terminal 12 is installed in a cash register separate from the sales floor. There is no particular limit to the number of charging machines 11 and payment terminals 12 that can be installed. Both the charging machine 11 and the payment terminal 12 are self-service machines operated by customers. However, this does not prevent store clerks from operating the charging machine 11 and the payment terminal 12. The charging machine 11 and the payment terminal 12 are examples of shared machines that are shared by multiple customers.

[0012] The attendant terminal 13 is a device that has the function of displaying a surveillance image of the payment terminal 12 on a display device. The attendant terminal 13 is installed near the exit of the checkout area. A store employee called an attendant is always present where the attendant terminal 13 is installed. The surveillance image changes in response to operation inputs to the payment terminal 12. The attendant monitors customer errors, fraudulent operations, etc. from the information in the surveillance image.

[0013] The store server 14 is a computer that supports all store operations. To support this, the store server 14 manages various databases, including a product database. The product database is a collection of product records that describe data on each product sold in the store. The product records describe product data such as product code, price, and product name. The product code is a unique identification code assigned to each product to identify it individually. Each product is usually affixed with a barcode that represents the product code. Some products, such as fresh food, may not have a barcode attached.

[0014] The communication server 15 is a computer for performing data communication with external devices connected to a wide area network 4 such as the Internet. In this embodiment, at least an electronic money server 3 is connected to the wide area network 4 as an external device.

[0015] The electronic money server 3 is a computer that manages electronic money held by consumers who have registered as members, so-called electronic money members, and supports payment processing in which the members, as customers, pay for products purchased at stores, etc. with electronic money. The electronic money server 3 has an electronic money database 31. The electronic money database 31 is a collection of electronic money records 310 (see Figure 2) created for each electronic money member.

[0016] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the electronic money record 310. As shown in the figure, the electronic money record 310 has data items such as an electronic money ID, electronic money balance, expiration date, and update history. The electronic money ID is a unique ID assigned to each electronic money member. The electronic money member owns an electronic money card that records information linked to their own electronic money ID. Alternatively, the electronic money member has installed on their information terminal 2 an electronic money app (application software) that can display a barcode or two-dimensional code linked to their own electronic money ID.

[0017] The electronic money balance is the amount of electronic money held by an electronic money member. An electronic money member can increase the balance up to the upper limit by charging electronic money using the charging machine 11 or the payment terminal 12, etc.

[0018] The expiration date is the last day that electronic money can be used. Most electronic money has an expiration date, for example, 5 or 10 years from the date of its last use. The expiration date is updated every time the electronic money is used to pay for something, starting from the date of that use. If no expiration date is set for the electronic money, the expiration date data is omitted.

[0019] The update history data consists of usage history data of purchase and sale transactions paid using electronic money and charge history data of electronic money recharge. The usage history data includes the date of payment and the amount paid. The charge history data includes the date of recharge of electronic money and the amount recharged.

[0020] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. Access point 17 is a device that serves as an end point of communication network 18 and receives connection requests from information terminal 2 and relays communication to devices on communication network 18. Access point 17 is installed within the store so that it can receive connection requests from information terminal 2 throughout the sales floor. Multiple access points 17 may be installed in a dispersed manner within the store to prevent blind spots in communication.

[0021] The mobile controller 16 is a computer that processes information so that the information terminal 2 functions as a product registration machine by performing two-way data communication with the information terminal 2 connected via the access point 17. The mobile controller 16 is an example of an information processing device.

[0022] Next, the hardware configurations of the information terminal 2, the charger 11, the payment terminal 12, and the mobile controller 16 will be described.

[0023] [Information terminal configuration explanation] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 2. The information terminal 2 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a touch panel 24, a camera 25, a wireless unit 26, and a system transmission path 27. The system transmission path 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 27 connects the processor 21 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0024] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or an application program to realize various functions of the information terminal 2. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0025] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 22 may store data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 21 as appropriate. The nonvolatile 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 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an SD memory card, etc. can serve as the auxiliary storage device 23 of the information terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 21, etc. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the application programs described above.

[0027] The touch panel 24 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 24 displays information to the operator of the information terminal 2 and also accepts operational inputs from the operator. The operator is typically a customer shopping at the store.

[0028] Camera 25 is an imaging device mounted on information terminal 2. Camera 25 operates as a still or video image capturing device or as a data code scanning device for barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc., depending on an application program installed on information terminal 2. Camera 25 is an example of a code reader.

[0029] The wireless unit 26 is a circuit for performing data communication with the access point 17 in accordance with the wireless LAN communication protocol.

[0030] The information terminal 2 configured as described above has a shopping support program 231 installed in the auxiliary storage device 23 so that it can be used in the store system 1. The shopping support program 231 is a type of application software, and is installed in the information terminal 2 via the Internet or the like. The information terminal 2 with the shopping support program 231 installed uses part of the memory area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 23 as a user ID area 232, an electronic money ID area 233, and a set charge amount area 234. The information terminal 2 also uses part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 22 as a balance memory 221 and a post-payment balance memory 222.

[0031] The user ID area 232 is an area for storing a unique user ID set for each user (referred to as a consumer, customer, electronic money member, etc.) of the information terminal 2 in order to individually identify the user. Each information terminal 2 on which the shopping support program 231 is installed has a different user ID stored in the user ID area 232. The user ID stored in the user ID area 232 of one information terminal 2 will not overlap with the user ID stored in the user ID area 232 of another information terminal 2.

[0032] The electronic money ID area 233 is an area for storing an electronic money ID set for each electronic money member. One of the functions of the shopping support program 231 is a function for linking with electronic money. By using this linking function, an electronic money member who is a user of the information terminal 2 registers his or her own electronic money ID, and the electronic money ID is stored in the electronic money ID area 233.

[0033] The charge setting amount area 234 is an area for storing the charge setting amount of electronic money. One of the functions of the shopping support program 231 linked to electronic money is a charge notification function. The charge notification function is a function that prompts electronic money members to charge when the electronic money balance falls below the charge setting amount. The charge setting amount is arbitrary and can be set as appropriate by the electronic money member. For example, an electronic money member who wants to be notified of a charge when the balance falls below 1,000 yen can set "1,000 yen" as the charge setting amount. For example, an electronic money member who wants to be notified when the balance falls to 0 yen can set "0 yen" as the charge setting amount.

[0034] The balance memory 221 is an area for storing the balance of electronic money linked to the shopping support program 231 installed on the information terminal 2 before the electronic money member starts shopping at a store using the information terminal 2. The post-payment balance memory 222 is an area for storing the balance assuming that the electronic money member has paid for the goods purchased at the store with electronic money.

[0035] [Charging machine configuration explanation] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the charging machine 11. The charging machine 11 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a communication interface 54, a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, a printer 57, a reader / writer 58, a currency receiving unit 59, and a system transmission path 60. The system transmission path 60 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 60 connects the processor 51 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0036] The charging machine 11 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, and a communication interface 54 via a system transmission path 60. The charging machine 11 then connects device interfaces or devices such as a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, a printer 57, a reader / writer 58, and a currency receiving unit 59 to the computer via the system transmission path 60.

[0037] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 51 controls each part to realize various functions of the charging machine 11 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU.

[0038] 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 application programs 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 either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 51 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0039] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) can be the auxiliary storage device 53 of the charging device 11. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 51, etc. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the application programs described above.

[0040] The communication interface 54 is a circuit for performing data communication with the store server 14, the communication server 15, the mobile controller 16, and the like, which are connected via the communication network 18.

[0041] The touch panel 55 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 55 displays information to the operator of the charging machine 11 and accepts operational inputs from the operator. The operator is typically a customer who is an electronic money member.

[0042] The scanner 56 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 56 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.

[0043] The printer 57 issues a charge receipt by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. The charge receipt is a receipt on which the balance of electronic money before and after charge and the amount of the charge are printed. This type of printer 57 can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0044] The reader / writer 58 has a function to read data recorded on an electronic money card and a function to write data to the card. When the electronic money card is formed by an IC card, the reader / writer 58 is an IC card reader / writer.

[0045] The currency receiving unit 59 has the function of counting the bills inserted through the bill insertion slot or the coins inserted through the coin insertion slot by denomination to charge electronic money and storing them in the safe, and the function of dispensing the bills or coins from the safe to the withdrawal slot as change if an amount exceeding the specified charge amount is deposited.

[0046] The charging machine 11 having such a hardware configuration can be a well-known electronic money charging machine as it is.

[0047] [Payment terminal configuration explanation] 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of payment terminal 12. Payment terminal 12 includes a processor 71, main memory 72, auxiliary storage device 73, clock 74, communication interface 75, touch panel 76, scanner 77, printer 78, reader / writer 79, change dispenser interface 80, and system transmission path 81. System transmission path 81 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. System transmission path 81 connects processor 71 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0048] The payment terminal 12 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 71, a main memory 72, an auxiliary storage device 73, a clock 74, and a communication interface 75 via a system transmission path 81. The payment terminal 12 then connects device interfaces or devices, such as a touch panel 76, a scanner 77, a printer 78, a reader / writer 79, and a change dispenser interface 80, to the computer via the system transmission path 81.

[0049] The processor 71 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 71 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or an application program to realize various functions of the payment terminal 12. The processor 71 is, for example, a CPU.

[0050] 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 application programs 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 either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 72 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 71 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0051] The auxiliary storage device 73 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 73 of the payment terminal 12. The auxiliary storage device 73 stores data used by the processor 71 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 71, etc. The auxiliary storage device 73 may also store the application programs described above.

[0052] The clock 74 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 71 processes the date and time kept by the clock 74 as the current date and time.

[0053] The communication interface 75 is a circuit for performing data communication with the store server 14, the communication server 15, the mobile controller 16, and the like, which are connected via the communication network 18.

[0054] The touch panel 76 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 76 displays information to an operator of the payment terminal 12 and accepts operational inputs from the operator. The operator is typically a customer who handles the payment for the purchased items.

[0055] The scanner 77 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 77 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.

[0056] The printer 78 issues a purchase receipt by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. A purchase receipt is a receipt on which the product name, price, total amount, etc. of the purchased item are printed. This type of printer 78 can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer. The payment terminal 12 may also have an electronic receipt function that digitizes receipt data and provides it to the customer.

[0057] Reader / writer 79 has the function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or smartphone, and the function of writing data to the medium. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as point cards such as company point cards and shared point cards. Reader / writer 79 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0058] The change machine interface 80 constitutes an interface with an automatic change machine (not shown). The change machine interface 80 inputs amount data of coins inserted into the automatic change machine from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 80 outputs change data from the payment terminal 12 to the automatic change machine. Having input the change data, the automatic change machine automatically dispenses coins equivalent to the change data as change.

[0059] The payment terminal 12 having such a hardware configuration is capable of performing cash payment processing for settling sales transactions with customers using cash inserted into an automatic change dispenser, credit card payment processing for settling using a credit card read by the reader / writer 79, electronic money payment processing for settling using electronic money identified by an electronic money ID read by the scanner 77 or the reader / writer 79, and code payment processing for settling using a barcode or two-dimensional code read by the scanner. The cash payment processing, credit card payment processing, electronic money payment processing, and code payment processing are well known processes, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0060] [Mobile controller configuration] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the mobile controller 16. The mobile controller 16 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, a clock 94, a communication interface 95, and a system transmission path 96. The system transmission path 96 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines. The system transmission path 96 connects the processor 91 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0061] The mobile controller 16 configures a computer by connecting a processor 91, a main memory 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, a clock 94, and a communication interface 95 via a system transmission line 96.

[0062] The processor 91 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 91 controls each part to realize various functions of the mobile controller 16 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 91 is, for example, a CPU.

[0063] The main memory 92 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 92 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 92 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 92 may store data required for the processor 91 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 92 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 91 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0064] The auxiliary storage device 93 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can serve as the auxiliary storage device 93 of the mobile controller 16. The auxiliary storage device 93 stores data used by the processor 91 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 91, etc. The auxiliary storage device 93 may also store the application programs described above.

[0065] The clock 94 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 91 processes the date and time kept by the clock 94 as the current date and time.

[0066] The communication interface 95 is a circuit for performing data communication between the charging machine 11, the payment terminal 12, the attendant terminal 13, the store server 14, the communication server 15, the access point 17, etc., which are connected via the communication network 18.

[0067] The mobile controller 16 configured as described above uses a portion of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 92 as a storage area for a transaction file 921. The transaction file 921 is a data file created for each customer who makes a purchase using the information terminal 2. The data stored in the transaction file 921 will be made clear in the operation explanation given below.

[0068] The mobile controller 16 also implements a control program so that the processor 91 has the functions of a first acquisition means 911, a second acquisition means 912, an accounting code output means 913, a first provision means 914, a charge code output means 915, a second provision means 916, and a post-payment balance output means 917. The control program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control program in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication via the network 18 and installed in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93. 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.

[0069] The first acquisition means 911 is a function for acquiring sales data of a product purchased by a customer through the customer's operation on the information terminal 2. The sales data of the product is data including the product code, price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc.

[0070] The second acquisition means 912 has a function of acquiring pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal 12 before processing the transaction, based on the customer's operation on the information terminal 2. The pre-processing data is, for example, data related to the payment method, data related to charging electronic money, etc. The data related to charging electronic money is also pre-processing data for the charging machine 11.

[0071] The accounting code output means 913 is a function that outputs an accounting code for instructing the start of accounting for the products purchased by the customer to the information terminal 2 in a format that can be read by the payment terminal 12. The information terminal 2 displays the accounting code provided by the mobile controller 16 on the touch panel 24, for example, in the form of a barcode.

[0072] The first providing means 914 has a function of providing the payment terminal 12, which has read the accounting code from the information terminal 2, with the sales data acquired by the first acquiring means 911 through the customer's operation on the information terminal 2 and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquiring means 912. The payment terminal 12 executes the payment processing based on the sales data and pre-processing data provided by the mobile controller 16.

[0073] The charge code output means 915 is a function that outputs a charge code for instructing the charging of electronic money to the information terminal 2 in a format that can be read by the charge machine 11. The information terminal 2 displays the charge code provided by the mobile controller 16 on the touch panel 24, for example, in the form of a barcode.

[0074] The second providing means 916 is a function that provides data related to charging electronic money, which the second obtaining means 912 has obtained as preprocessing data through the customer's operation of the information terminal 2, to the charging machine 11 that has read the charge code from the information terminal 2. The charging machine 11 executes processing related to charging electronic money based on the data provided by the mobile controller 16.

[0075] The post-payment balance output means 917 is a function that outputs to the information terminal 2 the balance after deducting the price of the product, for which sales data has been acquired by the first acquisition means 911, from the balance of electronic money owned by the customer. The information terminal 2 displays the post-payment balance provided by the mobile controller 16 on the touch panel 24. The details of each function will be explained in the following operation explanation.

[0076] 7 to 11 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 21 of the information terminal 2 in accordance with the shopping support program 231. FIGS. 12 to 19 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 91 of the mobile controller 16 in accordance with a control program. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 51 of the charging machine 11 in accordance with a program. FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 71 of the payment terminal 12 in accordance with a program. FIGS. 23 to 28 are schematic diagrams showing examples of main screens displayed on the touch panel 24 of the information terminal 2. The main operations of the store system 1 will be described below using these diagrams. The operations described below are merely examples. The operation procedures and contents are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained. Furthermore, the screen layout, text data, and the like are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0077] [Information terminal operation explanation] First, using the flowcharts in Figures 7 to 11 and the screen examples in Figures 23 to 28, we will explain the main operations of the information terminal 2 when a customer who is an electronic money member shops at a store using the information terminal 2 linked to electronic money.

[0078] When the shopping support program 231 is launched, the processor 21 of the information terminal 2 starts processing the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 11. First, the processor 21 waits for an entry code to be input as ACT1. The entry code is store-related setting information coded using a predetermined two-dimensional code system, and is prepared, for example, at the entrance of the store. The setting information includes, for example, parameters necessary for the information terminal 2 to communicate with the access point 17 using a wireless LAN, or information related to operational restrictions of the information terminal 2. A customer who visits the store has the entry code read by the camera 25 of the information terminal 2.

[0079] When the store entry code is read by camera 25, processor 21 controls wireless unit 26 as ACT2 to connect to access point 17 using wireless LAN. Then, once connected to access point 17, processor 21 acquires a user ID from user ID area 232 as ACT3. Processor 21 also acquires an electronic money ID from electronic money ID area 233.

[0080] Having acquired the user ID and electronic money ID, processor 21 controls wireless unit 26 to transmit a check-in request command as ACT4. This control causes the check-in request command to be wirelessly transmitted via wireless unit 26. The check-in request command is received by access point 17 and transmitted to mobile controller 16 via communication network 18. The check-in request command includes the user ID and electronic money ID.

[0081] The processor 21 that sent the check-in request command waits for an acceptance response command as ACT5. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, the mobile controller 16 that received the check-in request command returns an acceptance response command. The acceptance response command includes the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money server 3 for the electronic money ID stored in the electronic money ID area 233.

[0082] When the processor 21 receives the acceptance response command via the wireless unit 26, it writes the balance of electronic money included in the acceptance response command as ACT6 in the balance memory 221. With this operation, data M in the balance memory 221 becomes the balance of electronic money at the time the customer entered the store. At this point, data N in the post-payment balance memory 222 has been reset to "0."

[0083] In ACT7, the processor 21 displays the screen of the touch panel 24 as the registration screen 100 (see FIG. 23). FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the registration screen 100. As shown in the figure, the registration screen 100 includes a details area 101 and a total area 102 for registered products, an electronic money area 103, and an operation key area 104. The details area 101 displays the product name, points, price, etc. of the product registered by operating the information terminal 2. The customer can change the points by touching the points area. Changing the points also updates the price. The total area 102 displays the total points and price of the registered products. The electronic money area 103 displays data M from the balance memory 221, i.e., the balance of electronic money before the start of shopping, and data N from the post-payment balance memory 222, i.e., the balance assuming the customer paid for the purchased products with electronic money. Therefore, the post-payment balance before registering the purchased products is 0 yen. Incidentally, Figure 23 shows an example of the registration screen 100 after a customer with an electronic money balance of 1,000 yen has registered product AAA with a unit price of 300 yen, product BBB with a unit price of 200 yen, and product CCC with a unit price of 100 yen, and the balance after payment has been updated to 400 yen.

[0084] The operation key area 104 displays soft keys such as a barcode key, no barcode key, charge key, and payment key. The barcode key is input by the customer when scanning the barcode of a product with the camera of the information terminal 2. The no barcode key is input by the customer when registering a product without a barcode. When the no barcode key is input, a list of products without barcodes is displayed on the touch panel 24, and the customer selects the product to purchase from that list. The charge key is input by the customer when charging electronic money with the charge machine 11 during shopping. The payment key is input by the customer when they have finished shopping and wish to pay for the purchase.

[0085] After displaying registration screen 100, processor 21 waits for the purchase item to be registered in ACT 8, for a charge key to be entered in ACT 9, or for a payment key to be entered in ACT 10. The purchase item registration operation involves entering a barcode key and scanning the barcode of the purchase item with camera 25, or entering a no barcode key and selecting a purchase item without a barcode from a product list. By performing such purchase item registration operations, processor 21 can obtain the product code of the purchase item.

[0086] When a registration operation for a purchased item is performed in the standby state of ACT8 to ACT10, processor 21 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT11 in Fig. 8. In ACT11, processor 21 acquires the product code of the purchased item. For example, if the registration operation is performed by inputting a barcode key, processor 21 acquires the product code of the purchased item from the barcode. For example, if the registration operation is performed by inputting a key without a barcode, processor 21 acquires the product code of the purchased item selected from the list.

[0087] Having acquired the product code of the purchased product, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to transmit a product registration request command as ACT12. This control causes the product registration request command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The product registration request command is received by the access point 17 and transmitted to the mobile controller 16 via the communication network 18. The product registration request command includes the user ID and the product code of the purchased product.

[0088] The processor 21 that sent the product registration request command waits for an approval response command in ACT13. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 14, the mobile controller 16 that received the product registration request command returns an approval response command. The approval response command includes data from a transaction file 921 created for the customer identified by the user ID. The data in the transaction file 921 includes the product name, unit price, number of items sold, total number of items, total amount, etc. of the purchased product. Upon receiving the approval response command, the processor 21 updates the data in the details area 101 and total area 102 of the registration screen 100 based on the data in the transaction file 921 in ACT14.

[0089] The data in the transaction file 921 also contains the post-payment balance after deducting the cost of the purchased items from the balance of the customer's electronic money. In ACT 15, the processor 21 rewrites data N in the post-payment balance memory 222 with the post-payment balance, thereby updating the post-payment balance in the electronic money area 103. In ACT 16, the processor 21 checks whether the post-payment balance stored in the post-payment balance memory 222 is equal to or less than the set charge amount set in the set charge amount area 234.

[0090] If the post-payment balance is greater than the set charge amount, the processor 21 skips the processing in ACT17 and returns to the standby state of ACT8 to ACT10 described above. On the other hand, if the post-payment balance is equal to or less than the set charge amount, the processor 21 notifies the user of the insufficient balance in ACT17. For example, the processor 21 displays a message such as "If you have selected electronic money payment, your balance is insufficient" on the registration screen 100. After that, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of ACT8 to ACT10.

[0091] When a charge key is input in the standby state of ACT8 to ACT10, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT21 in Fig. 9. In ACT21, the processor 21 displays the deposit amount designation screen 200 (see Fig. 24) on the screen of the touch panel 24.

[0092] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deposit amount specification screen 200. As shown in the figure, the deposit amount specification screen 200 includes a registered product total area 201, an electronic money area 202, and a deposit key area 203. The total area 201 and the electronic money area 202 display information similar to that of the total area 102 and the electronic money area 103 of the registration screen 100. The deposit key area 203 displays soft keys, so-called deposit keys, for specifying five amounts as the deposit amount, for example, 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen. The deposit key amounts displayed in the deposit key area 203 are not limited to these. The desired deposit amount may also be specified using a numeric keypad.

[0093] 24 shows the deposit amount specification screen 200 when a customer (electronic money member) who has been notified of an insufficient balance after registering a purchase worth 1,100 yen against an electronic money balance of 1,000 yen, has entered a charge key and is therefore notified of an insufficient balance, resulting in a balance of -100 yen after payment. The customer selects and enters the deposit key that displays the desired deposit amount.

[0094] The processor 21, which has displayed the deposit amount designation screen 200, waits for the deposit amount to be designated in ACT 22. When the deposit amount is designated by inputting the deposit key, the processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to transmit a charge request command in ACT 23. This control causes the charge request command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The charge request command is received by the access point 17 and transmitted to the mobile controller 16 via the communication network 18. The charge request command includes data on the user ID and the deposit amount.

[0095] The processor 21 that sent the charge request command waits for an approval response command as ACT24. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, the mobile controller 16 that received the charge request command returns an approval response command. The approval response command includes a charge code. The charge code is a unique code that is generated each time a charge request command is received. Upon receiving the approval response command, the processor 21 displays a charge barcode, which represents the charge code in the form of a barcode, on the touch panel 24 as ACT25.

[0096] The processor 21 that has displayed the charge barcode waits for a charge start command as ACT 26. The charge barcode is a barcode that is read by the scanner 56 of the charge machine 11. When the charge barcode is read by the scanner 56, the charge machine 11 starts the process of charging electronic money. At this time, the mobile controller 16 sends a charge start command to the information terminal 2 that sent the charge request command.

[0097] Upon receiving the charge start command, the processor 21 erases the charge barcode on the touch panel 24 in ACT 27. The processor 21 also controls the wireless unit 26 to send a balance request command in ACT 28. This control causes the balance request command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The balance request command is received by the access point 17 and transmitted to the mobile controller 16 via the communication network 18. The balance request command includes a user ID and an electronic money ID. The electronic money ID is stored in the electronic money ID area 233.

[0098] The processor 21 that sent the balance request command waits for an approval response command as ACT28. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, the mobile controller 16 that received the balance request command returns an approval response command. The approval response command includes the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money server 3 for the electronic money ID stored in the electronic money ID area 233, that is, the balance after the deposited amount is charged. The approval response command also includes data from the transaction file 921 created for the customer identified by the user ID. The data in the transaction file 921 also includes the post-payment balance after deducting the price of the purchased items from the electronic money balance after the deposited amount is charged.

[0099] When the processor 21 receives the acceptance response command via the wireless unit 26, it writes the electronic money balance included in the acceptance response command in the balance memory 221 in ACT30. With this operation, data M in the balance memory 221 becomes the electronic money balance after the deposited amount is charged. In addition, in ACT31, the processor 21 updates data N in the post-payment balance memory 222 to the post-payment balance included in the acceptance response command. In ACT32, the processor 21 transitions the screen of the touch panel 24 to the registration screen 100, and then returns to the standby state of ACT8 to ACT10 described above. At this time, the electronic money balance and post-payment balance in the electronic money area 103 on the registration screen 100 have been updated to data M in the balance memory 221 and data N in the post-payment balance memory 222, respectively.

[0100] When a payment key is input in the standby state of ACT8 to ACT10, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT10 to ACT41 in Fig. 10. In ACT41, the processor 21 displays the first payment method designation screen 300 (see Fig. 25) on the screen of the touch panel 24. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first payment method designation screen 300. As shown in the figure, the first payment method designation screen 300 includes a registered product total area 301, an electronic money area 302, and a payment key area 303. The total area 301 and the electronic money area 302 display information similar to that of the total area 102 and the electronic money area 103 of the registration screen 100. The payment key area 303 displays soft keys for designating four payment methods, for example, cash, credit card, code payment, and electronic money, namely, a cash key, a credit key, a code payment key, and an electronic money key. The types of keys for designating payment methods are not limited to these. Keys for designating other payment methods, such as point payment, may be added. Some payment methods, such as credit card or code payment, may be omitted.

[0101] 25 shows the first payment method selection screen 300 for a customer who has an electronic money balance of 11,000 yen and has registered a purchase worth 5,500 yen, leaving a balance of 5,500 yen after payment. The customer enters the payment method key that displays the desired payment method.

[0102] After displaying the first payment method designation screen 300, the processor 21 waits for one of the payment methods to be designated in ACT42 to ACT45. In the standby state of ACT42 to ACT45, if cash payment is designated by inputting the cash key, processor 21 proceeds from ACT42 to ACT46. In ACT46, processor 21 sets the payment status to "01" to identify the payment method. If credit card payment is designated by inputting the credit key, processor 21 proceeds from ACT43 to ACT47. In ACT47, processor 21 sets the payment status to "02". If code payment payment is designated by inputting the code payment key, processor 21 proceeds from ACT44 to ACT48. In ACT48, processor 21 sets the payment status to "03".

[0103] On the other hand, if electronic money payment is designated by inputting an electronic money key in the standby state of ACT42 to ACT45, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT44 to ACT49. In ACT49, the processor 21 checks whether the data in the post-payment balance memory 222 is a negative value. If the data in the post-payment balance memory 222 is not a negative value, in other words, if the electronic money balance is sufficient to pay the full price of the purchased items, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT49 to ACT50. In ACT50, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "04".

[0104] In this way, in a short-tend where the price of the purchased goods is paid in full using one payment method, if cash payment is specified, processor 21 sets the payment status to "01." If credit card payment is specified, processor 21 sets the payment status to "02." If code payment payment is specified, processor 21 sets the payment status to "03." If electronic money payment is specified, processor 21 sets the payment status to "04."

[0105] When the payment status is determined by processing in ACT46, ACT47, ACT48, or ACT50, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT51. The processor 21 controls the wireless unit 26 to transmit a payment request command in ACT51. This control causes the payment request command to be wirelessly transmitted via the wireless unit 26. The payment request command is received by the access point 17 and transmitted to the mobile controller 16 via the communication network 18. The payment request command includes the user ID and the payment status.

[0106] The processor 21 that sent the payment request command waits for an acceptance response command as ACT52. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, the mobile controller 16 that received the payment request command returns an acceptance response command. The acceptance response command includes an accounting code. The accounting code is a unique code that is generated each time a payment request command is received. Upon receiving the acceptance response command, the processor 21 displays an accounting barcode, which represents the accounting code in the form of a barcode, on the touch panel 24 as ACT53.

[0107] After displaying the transaction barcode, processor 21 waits for a transaction start command in ACT26. The transaction barcode is a barcode that is read by scanner 77 of payment terminal 12. When scanner 77 reads the transaction barcode, payment processing begins in payment terminal 12. At this time, as will be explained using FIG. 19 below, a transaction start command is sent from mobile controller 16 to information terminal 2, which sent the payment request command. Upon receiving the transaction start command, processor 21 erases the transaction barcode on touch panel 24 in ACT55.

[0108] On the other hand, in ACT49, if the data in the post-payment balance memory 222 is a negative value, that is, if the balance of the electronic money is not enough to pay the full price of the purchased items, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT49 to ACT61 in Fig. 11. In ACT61, the processor 21 displays the insufficient balance notification screen 400 (see Fig. 26) on the screen of the touch panel 24.

[0109] 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of an insufficient balance notification screen 400. As shown in the figure, the insufficient balance notification screen 400 comprises a registered product total area 401, an electronic money area 402, and a payment key area 403. The total area 401 and the electronic money area 402 display information similar to that displayed in the total area 102 and the electronic money area 103 of the registration screen 100. The payment key area 403 displays a message notifying the user that the electronic money balance is insufficient, and a soft key for instructing the user to continue payment, known as a payment key.

[0110] Incidentally, Figure 26 shows the insufficient balance notification screen 400 that appears when a customer who has an electronic money balance of 1,000 yen has registered a purchase of 5,500 yen worth of products, resulting in a balance of -4,500 yen after electronic money payment, selects electronic money payment on the first payment method specification screen 300 in Figure 25. After checking the insufficient balance notification screen 400, the customer enters the payment key.

[0111] After displaying the insufficient balance notification screen 400, the processor 21 waits for the payment key to be entered in ACT 62. When the payment key is entered, the processor 21 displays the insufficient balance processing designation screen 500 (see FIG. 27) on the screen of the touch panel 24 in ACT 63.

[0112] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shortage processing designation screen 500. As shown in the figure, the shortage processing designation screen 500 includes a registered product total area 501, an electronic money area 502, and a shortage processing key area 503. The total area 501 and the electronic money area 502 display information similar to that displayed in the total area 102 and the electronic money area 103 of the registration screen 100. The shortage processing key area 503 displays soft keys, known as shortage processing keys, for specifying three processing methods: "Pay after charging," "Pay separately after withdrawal," and "Pay all separately." "Pay after charging" is a process in which electronic money is charged to the account to cover the shortage amount, and then the full price of the purchased items is paid with electronic money. "Pay separately after withdrawal" is a process in which part of the price is paid with the electronic money balance, and the remaining price is paid using another payment method. "Pay all separately" is a process in which the price of the purchased items is paid using a payment method other than electronic money. After viewing the shortage processing designation screen 500, the customer inputs the shortage processing key for the desired processing method.

[0113] The processor 21, which has displayed the shortage processing designation screen 500, waits for the shortage processing key for "pay after charging" to be input in ACT64, for the shortage processing key for "pay separately after withdrawal" to be input in ACT65, or for the shortage processing key for "pay separately in full" to be input in ACT66. In the standby state of ACT64 to ACT66, if the shortage processing key for "pay separately in full" is input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT66 to ACT67. In ACT67, the processor 21 displays the second payment method designation screen 600 (see FIG. 28) on the screen of the touch panel 24.

[0114] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second payment method specification screen 600. As shown in the figure, the second payment method specification screen 600 includes a registered product total area 601, an electronic money area 602, a post-payment balance area 603, and a payment key area 604. The total area 601 and the electronic money area 602 display information similar to that of the total area 102 and the electronic money area 103 of the registration screen 100. However, since the post-payment balance in the electronic money area 103 is not paid with electronic money, the electronic money balance is displayed. The post-payment balance area 603 displays the remaining amount if the price of the purchased product is paid with the electronic money balance. However, if the shortage processing key for "full payment separately" is entered, the price of the purchased product is not paid with electronic money, so the post-payment balance area 603 displays the price of the purchased product as is. The payment key area 604 displays soft keys for specifying three payment methods: cash, credit card, and code payment, i.e., the cash key, credit key, and code payment key. The electronic money key is not displayed, or is grayed out and disabled.

[0115] 28 shows the second payment method selection screen 600 when a customer who cannot pay the full amount with electronic money because the price of the purchased item is 5,500 yen but has only 1,000 yen in their electronic money balance inputs the shortage processing key for "pay all amount separately." The customer inputs the key that displays the desired payment method.

[0116] After displaying the second payment method designation screen 600, the processor 21 waits for one of the payment methods to be designated in ACT68. When one of the keys displayed in the payment key area 604 is entered to designate a payment method, the processor 21 determines the payment status corresponding to that payment method in ACT69. Specifically, when cash payment is designated by entering the cash key, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "01." When credit card payment is designated by entering the credit key, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "02." When code payment payment is designated by entering the code payment key, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "03."

[0117] After determining the payment status in this way, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 10. The processor 21 similarly executes the processes in ACT51 to ACT55 described above.

[0118] When the shortage processing key for "Pay separately after withdrawal" is input during the standby state of ACT64 to ACT66, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT65 to ACT70. In ACT70, the processor 21 displays the second payment method designation screen 600-2 on the touch panel 24. The second payment method designation screen 600-2 displayed when the shortage processing key for "Pay separately after withdrawal" is input has the same configuration as the second payment method designation screen 600 displayed when the shortage processing key for "Pay separately in full" is input. However, the post-payment balance in the electronic money area 103 becomes 0 yen. Furthermore, the amount obtained by subtracting the electronic money balance from the price of the purchased goods is displayed in the post-payment balance area 603. For example, in the case of the screen example shown in FIG. 28, when the second payment method designation screen 600-2 is displayed, the post-payment balance in the electronic money area 103 becomes 0 yen, and the amount in the post-payment balance area 603 becomes 4,500 yen.

[0119] The processor 21, which has displayed the second payment method designation screen 600-2, waits for one of the payment methods to be designated in ACT71. Then, when one of the keys displayed in the payment key area 604 is entered to designate a payment method, the processor 21 determines the payment status corresponding to that payment method in ACT72. Specifically, when cash payment is designated by entering the cash key, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "11." When credit card payment is designated by entering the credit key, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "12." When code payment payment is designated by entering the code payment key, the processor 21 sets the payment status to "13."

[0120] After determining the payment status in this way, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 10. The processor 21 similarly executes the processes in ACT51 to ACT55 described above.

[0121] In the standby state of ACT64 to ACT66, when the shortage processing key for "pay after charging" is entered, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT64 to ACT73. In ACT73, the processor 21 displays the screen of the touch panel 24 as the deposit amount designation screen 200 (see FIG. 24) described above. Then, in ACT74, the processor 21 waits for the deposit amount to be designated. When the deposit amount is designated by entering the deposit key, the processor 21 stores the designated deposit amount in ACT75.

[0122] The processor 21 sets the payment status to "14" in ACT76 and proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 10. The processor 21 similarly executes the processes of ACT51 to ACT55 described above. However, in addition to the user ID and payment status "14", the payment request command also includes the electronic money ID stored in the electronic money ID area 233 and the deposit amount stored in the process of ACT75.

[0123] When the processor 21 has finished erasing the accounting barcode in ACT55, it ends the information processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0124] [Mobile controller operation explanation] Next, the main operations of the mobile controller 16 when a customer who is an electronic money member uses the information terminal 2 linked to electronic money to shop at a store will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0125] The processor 91 of the mobile controller 16 waits for a request command as ACT101 in Fig. 12. When the processor 91 receives a request command via the communication interface 95, it identifies the type of the request command as ACT102 to ACT108 and executes information processing according to the type.

[0126] <Explanation of operation when a check-in request command is received> If the request command is a check-in request command issued from the information terminal 2, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT111 in Figure 13. The processor 91 detects the user ID from the check-in request command in ACT111. The processor 91 creates a transaction file 921 for the customer identified by the user ID in ACT112. The user ID detected in ACT111 is saved in this transaction file 921.

[0127] The processor 91 checks whether the check-in request command has been issued from an information terminal 2 linked to electronic money in ACT 113. If the check-in request command includes an electronic money ID, the processor 91 recognizes that the command has been issued from an information terminal 2 linked to electronic money.

[0128] If the check-in request command is issued from the information terminal 2 linked to electronic money, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 113 to ACT 114. In ACT 114, the processor 91 saves the electronic money ID included in the check-in request command in the transaction file 921 created in the processing of ACT 112.

[0129] The processor 91 accesses the electronic money server 3 and obtains the balance of the electronic money identified by the electronic money ID in ACT 115. Then, the processor 91 saves the balance of the electronic money in the transaction file 921 in ACT 116.

[0130] Thereafter, in ACT 117, the processor 91 transmits an acceptance response command to the information terminal 2 that transmitted the check-in request command. With this, the processor 91 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13. The acceptance response command at this time includes the balance of electronic money acquired in the processing of ACT 115. This balance data is stored in the balance memory 221 of the information terminal 2.

[0131] If the check-in request command is issued from an information terminal 2 that is not linked to electronic money, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 113 to ACT 117. In ACT 117, the processor 91 transmits an acceptance response command to the information terminal 2 that transmitted the check-in request command. Since the processor 91 skips the processes of ACT 114 to ACT 116, the acceptance response command does not include the balance of electronic money.

[0132] <Explanation of operation when receiving a product registration request command> If the request command is a product registration request command issued from the information terminal 2, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 103 to ACT 121 in Figure 14. In ACT 121, the processor 91 detects the user ID from the product registration request command. Then, in ACT 122, the processor 91 selects the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID. Hereinafter, the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID obtained from the command will be referred to as the target transaction file 921.

[0133] Processor 91 detects the product code from the product registration request command in ACT 123. Then, processor 91 acquires product data such as the product name and unit price of the product identified by the product code in ACT 124. Based on the product data, processor 91 generates product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity, sales amount, etc. in ACT 125, and saves it in target transaction file 921. Processor 91 also calculates the total price of the registered products based on the product sales data saved in target transaction file 921.

[0134] In ACT127, the processor 91 checks whether the product registration request command was issued from an information terminal 2 linked to electronic money. If the electronic money ID and electronic money balance are stored in the target transaction file 921, the processor 91 recognizes that the product registration request command was issued from an information terminal 2 linked to electronic money. If the product registration request command was issued from an information terminal 2 linked to electronic money, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT127 to ACT128. In ACT128, the processor 91 calculates the post-payment balance. That is, the processor 91 subtracts the total amount calculated in the processing of ACT126 from the electronic money balance stored in the target transaction file 921.

[0135] Thereafter, in ACT129, processor 91 transmits an approval response command to information terminal 2, the sender of the product registration request command. With this, processor 91 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 14. The approval response command at this time includes the post-payment balance calculated in the processing of ACT128, along with the data of the target transaction file 921. This post-payment balance data is stored in post-payment balance memory 222 of information terminal 2.

[0136] On the other hand, if the product registration request command is issued from an information terminal 2 that is not linked to electronic money, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 127 to ACT 129. In ACT 129, the processor 91 transmits an approval response command to the information terminal 2 that transmitted the product registration request command. Since the processor 91 skips the processing of ACT 128, the post-payment balance is not included in the approval response command.

[0137] <Explanation of operation when a charge request command is received> If the request command is a charge request command issued from the information terminal 2, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 104 to ACT 131 in Figure 15. The processor 91 detects the user ID from the charge request command in ACT 131. Then, the processor 91 selects the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID, that is, the target transaction file 921, in ACT 132.

[0138] In ACT 133, the processor 91 detects the electronic money ID from the target transaction file 921. In ACT 134, the processor 91 also detects the deposit amount from the charge request command. In ACT 135, the processor 91 generates charge data that associates the electronic money ID with the deposit amount. In ACT 136, the processor 91 saves the charge data in the target transaction file 921.

[0139] The processor 91 generates a charge code in ACT137. The charge code is data for barcoding the user ID detected in the processing of ACT131. The processor 91 transmits an approval response command to the information terminal 2 that sent the charge request command in ACT138. With this, the processor 91 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15. The approval response command at this time includes the charge code generated in the processing of ACT137. This charge code is displayed on the touch panel 24 of the information terminal 2 in the form of a barcode.

[0140] <Explanation of behavior when receiving a balance request command> If the request command is a balance request command issued from the information terminal 2, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 105 to ACT 141 in Figure 16. The processor 91 detects the user ID from the balance request command in ACT 141. Then, the processor 91 selects the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID, that is, the target transaction file 921, in ACT 142.

[0141] In ACT143, the processor 91 detects the electronic money ID from the target transaction file 921. Having detected the electronic money ID, the processor 91 accesses the electronic money server 3 in ACT144 to obtain the balance of the electronic money identified by the electronic money ID. In ACT145, the processor 91 updates the balance of the electronic money stored in the target transaction file 921 to the balance obtained in the processing of ACT144. The processor 91 also clears the charge data from the target transaction file 921 in ACT146.

[0142] Thereafter, in ACT 147, the processor 91 transmits an acceptance response command to the information terminal 2 that transmitted the balance request command. With this, the processor 91 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16. The acceptance response command at this time includes the balance of electronic money acquired in the processing of ACT 144. This balance data is stored in the balance memory 221 of the information terminal 2.

[0143] <Explanation of operation when receiving a payment request command> If the request command is a payment request command issued from the information terminal 2, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT106 to ACT151 in Figure 17. The processor 91 detects the user ID from the payment request command in ACT151. Then, the processor 91 selects the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID, that is, the target transaction file 921, in ACT152.

[0144] The processor 91 detects the payment status from the payment request command in ACT 153. The processor 91 saves the payment status in the target transaction file 921 in ACT 154.

[0145] In ACT155, the processor 91 checks whether the payment status is "14." If the payment status is "14," that is, if a customer with an insufficient electronic money balance selects the "pay after charging" process, the processor 91 obtains the electronic money ID and the deposit amount from the payment request command in ACT156. Then, in ACT157, the processor 91 generates charge data that associates the electronic money ID with the deposit amount. In ACT158, the processor 91 saves the charge data in the target transaction file 921.

[0146] On the other hand, if the payment status is other than "14", the processor 91 skips the processing of ACT156 to ACT158. After completing the processing of ACT158, or if the payment status is other than "14", the processor 91 generates an accounting code in ACT159. The accounting code is data for barcoding the user ID detected in the processing of ACT151. The processor 91 then sends an approval response command to the information terminal 2 that sent the payment request command in ACT160. With this, the processor 91 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17. The approval response command at this time includes the accounting code generated in the processing of ACT155. This accounting code is displayed in the form of a barcode on the touch panel 24 of the information terminal 2.

[0147] <Explanation of operation when receiving a charge data request command> When the barcode of the charge code displayed on the touch panel 24 of the information terminal 2 is scanned by the scanner 56 of the charge machine 11, a charge data request command is sent from the charge machine 11 to the mobile controller 16. The charge data request command includes the user ID obtained from the charge code.

[0148] If the request command is a charge data request command issued by the charge machine 11, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT 107 to ACT 161 in Figure 18. The processor 91 detects the user ID from the charge data request command in ACT 161. Then, the processor 91 selects the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID, that is, the target transaction file 921, in ACT 162.

[0149] In ACT 163, the processor 91 obtains charge data from the target transaction file 921. In ACT 164, the processor 91 outputs the charge data to the charge machine 11 that sent the charge data request command. In ACT 165, the processor 91 also sends a charge start command to the destination user ID detected in the processing of ACT 161. With this, the processor 91 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18.

[0150] The charge start command is received by the information terminal 2 that stores the user ID of the destination in the user ID area 232. In the information terminal 2 that has received the charge start command, the charge code barcode that was displayed on the touch panel 24 is erased.

[0151] <Operation when receiving a transaction data request command> When the barcode of the accounting code displayed on the touch panel 24 of the information terminal 2 is scanned by the scanner 77 of the payment terminal 12, a transaction data request command is sent from the payment terminal 12 to the mobile controller 16. The transaction data request command includes the user ID obtained from the accounting code.

[0152] If the request command is a transaction data request command issued from the payment terminal 12, the processor 91 proceeds from ACT108 to ACT171 in Figure 19. The processor 91 detects the user ID from the transaction data request command in ACT171. Then, the processor 91 selects the transaction file 921 that stores the user ID, that is, the target transaction file 921, in ACT172.

[0153] In ACT 173, the processor 91 obtains transaction data from the target transaction file 921. The transaction data includes the electronic money ID saved in ACT 114 of FIG. 13, the electronic money balance saved in ACT 116 of FIG. 13 or updated in ACT 145 of FIG. 16, the product sales data saved in ACT 125 of FIG. 14, and the payment status saved in ACT 154 of FIG. 17. In ACT 174, the processor 91 outputs the transaction data to the payment terminal 12 that sent the transaction data request command. In ACT 175, the processor 91 sends a checkout start command to the user ID detected in the processing of ACT 171 as the destination. With this, the processor 91 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19.

[0154] The accounting start command is received by the information terminal 2 that stores the destination user ID in the user ID area 232. When the information terminal 2 receives the accounting start command, the accounting code barcode displayed on the touch panel 24 is erased.

[0155] When the processor 91 receives a command other than the above-mentioned request command, it executes processing according to the command as ACT 109.

[0156] The processor 91 of the mobile controller 16 operating in this manner receives a product registration request command from the information terminal 2 and executes the processing of ACT121 to ACT125 in FIG. 14, thereby realizing the function of first obtaining means 911. The processor 91 also executes the processing of ACT126 to ACT129, thereby realizing the function of post-payment balance output means 917. The processor 91 receives a charge request command from the information terminal 2 and executes the processing of ACT131 to ACT136 in FIG. 15, thereby realizing the function of second obtaining means 912. The processor 91 receives a payment request command from the information terminal 2 and executes the processing of ACT151 to ACT156 in FIG. 17, thereby realizing the function of accounting code output means 913. The processor 91 receives a transaction data request command from the payment terminal 12 and executes the processing of ACT171 to ACT175 in FIG. 19, thereby realizing the function of first providing means 914. The processor 91 receives a charge request command from the information terminal 2 and executes the processing of ACT131 to ACT138 in Fig. 15, thereby realizing the function of charge code output means 915. The processor 91 receives a charge data request command from the charge machine 11 and executes the processing of ACT161 to ACT165 in Fig. 18, thereby realizing the function of second providing means 916.

[0157] <Charging machine operation explanation> 20 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 51 of the charging machine 11. In the default state, a charging start key is displayed on the touch panel 55 of the charging machine 11. The processor 51 waits for the charging start key to be input as ACT201.

[0158] When a customer (electronic money member) who wants to charge electronic money touches the charge start key, the processor 51 proceeds from ACT201 to ACT202. In ACT202, the processor 51 displays a deposit acceptance screen on the touch panel 55. The deposit acceptance screen is a screen for instructing the customer on the deposit method. There are two types of customers: a first customer who inputs a charge key on the information terminal 2 linked to electronic money and whose charge code barcode is displayed on the touch panel 24, and a second customer who is not. For the first customer, the deposit acceptance screen displays an image instructing the customer to scan the charge code barcode with the scanner 56. For the second customer, it displays an image instructing the customer to have the data on the electronic money card read by the reader / writer 58.

[0159] After displaying the deposit acceptance screen, the processor 51 waits for the reader / writer 58 to read the data on the electronic money card in ACT203, or for the scanner 56 to scan the charge code barcode in ACT204. If the reader / writer 58 reads the data on the electronic money card while in the standby state in ACT203 and ACT204, that is, if the second customer has had the reader / writer 58 read the data on their electronic money card, the processor 51 proceeds from ACT203 to ACT205. In ACT205, the processor 51 sets the screen on the touch panel 55 to a deposit amount designation screen. The deposit amount designation screen is a screen on which deposit keys are arranged, for example, to be displayed in the deposit key area 203 of the deposit amount designation screen 200 shown in FIG. 24.

[0160] After displaying the deposit amount designation screen, processor 51 waits for the deposit amount to be designated in ACT 206. When the deposit amount is designated by the operation of the second customer, processor 51 proceeds to ACT 211, which will be described later.

[0161] On the other hand, when the charge code barcode is scanned by the scanner 56 during the standby state of ACT203 and ACT204, i.e., when the first customer scans the charge code barcode with the scanner 56, the processor 51 proceeds from ACT204 to ACT207. The processor 51 detects the user ID from the scanned barcode in ACT207. The processor 51 transmits a charge data request command to the mobile controller 16 in ACT208. The charge data request command is transmitted to the mobile controller 16 via the communication network 18. The charge data request command includes the user ID detected in the processing of ACT207.

[0162] The processor 51 that sent the charge data request command waits for charge data in ACT209. The mobile controller 16 that received the charge data request command detects the charge data from the transaction file that stores the user ID included in the charge data request command, as described with reference to Figure 18. The mobile controller 16 then transmits the charge data to the charge machine 11 that sent the charge data request command.

[0163] The processor 51 receives the charge data and stores the charge data, that is, the electronic money ID and the deposited amount, in ACT 210. The processor 51 then proceeds to ACT 211.

[0164] In this way, when the charge data is stored in ACT 210 or the deposit amount is specified in ACT 206, the processor 51 proceeds to ACT 211. In ACT 211, the processor 51 sets the screen of the touch panel 55 to a charge execution screen. The charge execution screen is a screen that allows the first customer or second customer to confirm the deposit amount specified on the deposit amount specification screen or the deposit amount of the charge data. An execution key that instructs the execution of the charge is displayed on the charge execution screen.

[0165] The processor 51 waits for the execution key to be input in ACT212. When the execution key is input by the first or second customer, the processor 51 executes the charge process in ACT213. The charge process is a process in which, in response to the input of currency equivalent to the deposit amount into the currency receiving unit 59, the electronic money ID linked to the information read from the electronic money card or the electronic money ID of the charge data and the deposit amount are notified to the electronic money server 3. Upon receiving this notification, the electronic money server 3 adds the deposit amount to the balance of the electronic money identified by the electronic money ID, and the balance is charged.

[0166] After completing the charge process, the processor 51 drives the printer 57 as ACT 214 to control the issuance of a charge receipt. This control causes the printer 57 to issue a charge receipt on which, for example, the balance before charge, the deposited amount, and the balance after charge are printed.

[0167] After issuing the charge receipt, the processor 51 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 20. The charge machine 11 returns to the default state. The processor 51 displays a charge start key on the touch panel 55 and waits for an operation input.

[0168] <Explanation of payment terminal operation> 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the main information processing procedures executed by processor 71 of payment terminal 12. A guidance screen is displayed on touch panel 76 of payment terminal 12 in the default state. The guidance screen is a screen that guides the customer to scan the accounting code barcode displayed on touch panel 24 of information terminal 2 with scanner 77. In ACT301, processor 71 waits for the scanning of the accounting code barcode with scanner 77.

[0169] When a customer selects one of the payment methods on the payment method selection screen 300 of the information terminal 2 and the accounting code barcode is displayed on the touch panel 24, the customer scans the barcode with the scanner 77 of the payment terminal 12. When the accounting code barcode is scanned by the scanner 77, the processor 71 detects the user ID from the scanned barcode in ACT 302. The processor 71 then transmits a transaction data request command to the mobile controller 16 in ACT 303. The transaction data request command is transmitted to the mobile controller 16 via the communication network 18. The transaction data request command includes the user ID detected in the processing of ACT 302.

[0170] Processor 71, which sent the transaction data request command, waits for transaction data in ACT 304. Upon receiving the transaction data request command, mobile controller 16 detects the transaction data from the transaction file that stores the user ID included in the transaction data request command, as described with reference to Figure 19. Mobile controller 16 then transmits the transaction data to payment terminal 12, which sent the transaction data request command.

[0171] Upon receiving the transaction data, the processor 71 obtains the payment status from the transaction data in ACT 305. In ACT 306 to ACT 309, the processor 71 checks whether the payment status is "01," "02," "03," or "04."

[0172] If the payment status is "01", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT306 to ACT310. The processor 71 executes cash payment processing in ACT310. If the payment status is "02", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT307 to ACT311. The processor 71 executes credit card payment processing in ACT311. If the payment status is "03", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT308 to ACT312. The processor 71 executes code payment processing in ACT312.

[0173] If the payment status is "04", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT 309 to ACT 313. In ACT 313, the processor 71 obtains the balance of electronic money along with the electronic money ID from the transaction data. Then, in ACT 314, the processor 71 executes electronic money payment processing using that balance. Upon completing the electronic money payment processing, in ACT 315, the processor 71 notifies the electronic money server 3 of an update to the balance of electronic money identified by the electronic money ID obtained from the transaction data. As a result of this notification, the electronic money server 3 deducts the amount of electronic money payment from the balance of electronic money identified by that electronic money ID. With this, the processor 71 ends information processing when the payment status is "01", "02", "03", or "04".

[0174] On the other hand, if the payment status is not "01", "02", "03", or "04", the processor 71 checks whether the payment status is "11", "12", "13", or "14" in ACT321 to ACT323 of FIG. 22.

[0175] If the payment status is "11", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT321 to ACT324. In ACT324, the processor 71 obtains the balance of electronic money along with the electronic money ID from the transaction data. Then, in ACT325, the processor 71 subtracts an amount equivalent to the balance from the total amount of the transaction data to calculate the remaining total amount after the electronic money payment. In ACT326, the processor 71 executes cash settlement processing for the remaining total amount. Thereafter, the processor proceeds to ACT333.

[0176] If the payment status is "12", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT322 to ACT327. In ACT327, the processor 71 obtains the balance of electronic money along with the electronic money ID from the transaction data. Then, in ACT328, the processor 71 subtracts an amount equivalent to the balance from the total amount of the transaction data to calculate the remaining total amount after the electronic money payment. In ACT329, the processor 71 executes credit card payment processing for the remaining total amount. Thereafter, the processor proceeds to ACT333.

[0177] If the payment status is "13", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT 323 to ACT 330. In ACT 330, the processor 71 obtains the balance of electronic money along with the electronic money ID from the transaction data. Then, in ACT 331, the processor 71 subtracts an amount equivalent to the balance from the total amount of the transaction data to calculate the remaining total amount after the electronic money payment. In ACT 332, the processor 71 executes code payment processing for the remaining total amount. The processor then proceeds to ACT 333.

[0178] In this way, when the payment status is "11", "12", or "13", the processor 71 executes a payment process in which part of the total amount is paid with the electronic money balance and the remainder is paid with cash, credit card, or code payment, and then proceeds to ACT 333. In ACT 333, the processor 71 notifies the electronic money server 3 of an update to the balance of the electronic money identified by the electronic money ID acquired from the transaction data. As a result of this notification, the electronic money server 3 deducts the amount of electronic money payment from the balance of the electronic money identified by that electronic money ID. In other words, the electronic money balance becomes 0 yen. With this, the processor 71 ends information processing when the payment status is "11", "12", or "13".

[0179] If the payment status is "14", the processor 71 proceeds from ACT323 to ACT334. In ACT334, the processor 71 acquires charge data from the transaction data. Then, in ACT335, the processor 71 displays the screen of the touch panel 76 as a charge execution screen. The charge execution screen is a screen that allows the customer to confirm the deposit amount of the charge data. An execution key that instructs the execution of the charge is displayed on the charge execution screen.

[0180] The processor 51 waits for the execution key to be input in ACT 336. When the execution key is input by the customer, the processor 51 executes the charge process in ACT 337. The charge process is a process in which, in response to the input of currency equivalent to the deposit amount into the automatic change dispenser, the electronic money ID of the charge data and the deposit amount are notified to the electronic money server 3. Upon receiving this notification, the electronic money server 3 adds the deposit amount to the balance of the electronic money identified by the electronic money ID, and the balance is charged.

[0181] After completing the recharge process, the processor 51 acquires the post-recharge electronic money balance from the electronic money server 3 in ACT 338. Then, the processor 71 executes electronic money payment processing to pay the full amount with the post-recharge electronic money balance in ACT 339. With this, the processor 71 ends the information processing when the payment status is "14".

[0182] [Effects of the store system] When a customer who is an electronic money member purchases a product at a sales floor, the customer registers the product using an information terminal 2 linked to electronic money, and a registration screen 100 is displayed on the touch panel 24 of the information terminal 2. This registration screen 100 displays the product name, price, total amount, etc. of the product registered, as well as the balance of the electronic money and the post-payment balance if the product price is paid with electronic money. Therefore, the customer can easily check not only the balance of the electronic money, but also the post-payment balance if the product price is paid with electronic money.

[0183] When a customer has finished shopping at the sales floor and entered the payment key on registration screen 100, the screen on touch panel 24 transitions from registration screen 100 to first payment method designation screen 300. The customer then enters the key assigned to the desired payment method. A checkout barcode is then displayed on touch panel 24, and the customer proceeds to the checkout area. The customer then scans the checkout barcode with scanner 77 of an available payment terminal 12. This operation sends the customer's transaction data from mobile controller 16 to payment terminal 12.

[0184] The transaction data includes a payment status. If the payment status is "01", that is, if the customer has designated cash payment, cash payment processing is executed in the payment terminal 12. If the payment status is "02", that is, if the customer has designated credit card payment, credit card payment processing is executed in the payment terminal 12. If the payment status is "03", that is, if the customer has designated code payment, code payment processing is executed in the payment terminal 12. If the payment status is "04", that is, if the customer has designated electronic money payment, electronic money payment processing is executed in the payment terminal 12.

[0185] In this way, with the store system 1, the pre-processing operation of specifying the payment method, which was previously performed at the payment terminal 12, can be performed by the customer operating the information terminal 2 before moving to the cash register. Therefore, the amount of time each customer occupies the payment terminal 12 is shorter than in the past.

[0186] Furthermore, if the customer selects electronic money payment, payment terminal 12 executes the payment process using the electronic money balance included in the transaction data. Therefore, the processing time of payment terminal 12 is shorter than in the past when payment terminal 12 accesses electronic money server 3 to obtain the electronic money balance. As a result, the occupancy time of payment terminal 12 per customer is shorter than in the past.

[0187] Furthermore, if a customer specifies electronic money payment but the electronic money balance is insufficient, an insufficient balance notification screen 400 is displayed on the touch panel 24. This insufficient balance notification screen 400 allows the customer to know that the electronic money balance is insufficient to pay the price before operating the payment terminal 12.

[0188] When a customer confirms the insufficient balance notification screen 400 and enters the payment key, the screen on the touch panel 24 transitions from the insufficient balance notification screen 400 to a shortage processing selection screen 500. There, the customer selects one of three processing methods: "Pay after charging," "Pay separately after withdrawal," or "Pay in full separately."

[0189] If the customer selects "full payment separately" or "separate payment after withdrawal," the screen on the touch panel 24 transitions from the shortage processing selection screen 500 to the second payment method selection screen 600. The customer then selects a payment method other than electronic money payment. For example, if the customer selects cash payment, the payment status becomes "01" or "11." If the customer selects credit card payment, the payment status becomes "02" or "12." If the customer selects code payment, the payment status becomes "03" or "13." The accounting barcode is then displayed on the touch panel 24.

[0190] When the payment status is "01," "02," or "03," the payment terminal 12 that reads the accounting barcode executes cash payment processing, credit card payment processing, or code payment processing. When the payment status is "11," "12," or "13," electronic money payment processing is executed for the amount equivalent to the electronic money balance, and cash payment processing, credit card payment processing, or code payment processing is executed for the remaining amount.

[0191] In this way, with the store system 1, when the electronic money balance is insufficient, the pre-processing operations of specifying the processing method and payment method, which were previously performed at the payment terminal 12, can now be performed by operating the information terminal 2 before the customer moves to the cash register. Therefore, the amount of time each customer occupies the payment terminal 12 is further reduced compared to the past.

[0192] On the other hand, if the customer selects "Pay after charging," the screen on the touch panel 24 transitions from the shortage processing specification screen 500 to the deposit amount specification screen 200. The customer then specifies the deposit amount. The payment status then becomes "14." The accounting barcode is then displayed on the touch panel 24.

[0193] If the payment status is "14" on the payment terminal 12 that reads the transaction barcode, a charge execution screen is displayed, allowing the customer to confirm the specified deposit amount by operating the information terminal 2. The customer then enters the execution key. The deposit amount is then charged to the customer's electronic money. The payment terminal 12 then executes the electronic money payment process using the electronic money balance after the charge.

[0194] In this way, with store system 1, when charging because the electronic money balance is insufficient for the payment amount, the pre-processing operation of specifying the deposit amount, which was conventionally performed at payment terminal 12, can be performed by the customer operating information terminal 2 before moving to the cash register. Therefore, the amount of time each customer occupies payment terminal 12 is further reduced compared to conventional methods.

[0195] Thus, the time that each customer occupies the settlement terminal 12 is significantly reduced compared to the conventional method, thereby reducing congestion at the checkout counter.

[0196] Incidentally, the registration screen 100 displays not only the electronic money balance but also the balance after payment. A customer who uses the charge machine 11 to charge electronic money while shopping inputs the charge key on the registration screen 100. This causes the screen on the touch panel 24 to transition from the registration screen 100 to a deposit amount specification screen 200, where the customer specifies the deposit amount. A charge barcode is then displayed on the touch panel 24, and the customer scans the charge barcode with the scanner 56 of an available charge machine 11. This operation causes charge data to be sent from the mobile controller 16 to the charge machine 11. The charge data includes the customer's electronic money ID and the deposit amount specified by the customer on the information terminal 2.

[0197] When the charge data is received by the charge machine 11, a charge execution screen is displayed, and the customer inputs an execution key. Then, the charge machine 11 executes the charge process.

[0198] In this way, according to the store system 1, the pre-processing operation of specifying the deposit amount, which was conventionally performed at the charging machine 11, can be performed at the information terminal 2 before the customer operates the charging machine 11. Therefore, the occupancy time of the charging machine 11 per customer can be shortened compared to conventional cases. As a result, congestion at the charging machine 11 can also be alleviated.

[0199] [Variations] Although the embodiment of the store system 1 has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the mobile controller 16 has all of the functions of the first acquisition unit 911, the second acquisition unit 912, the accounting code output unit 913, the first providing unit 914, the charge code output unit 915, the second providing unit 916, and the post-payment balance output unit 917. In other embodiments, some or all of these units may be provided by a device other than the mobile controller 16, such as the information terminal 2. For example, the store system 1 may be configured such that the information terminal 2 has the first acquisition unit 911, the second acquisition unit 912, the accounting code output unit 913, the charge code output unit 915, and the post-payment balance output unit 917, and the mobile controller 16 has the first providing unit 914 and the second providing unit 916.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the mobile controller 16 is connected to the communication network 18. In another embodiment, the functions of the mobile controller 16 may be realized by a cloud server on the Internet. In this case, the cloud server on the Internet is connected to the wide area network 4 and realizes the functions of the mobile controller 16. By realizing the functions of the mobile controller 16 by the cloud server, the functions can be easily expanded.

[0202] The above embodiment has exemplified the case where a smartphone is used as the information terminal 2. The information terminal 2 may be a mobile terminal owned by a store and lent to customers, or a tablet-type cart terminal attached to a shopping cart. In the case of such a mobile terminal or card terminal, the customer can achieve the same effects as the above embodiment by performing an operation to link their electronic money ID to the mobile terminal or card terminal before shopping.

[0203] In the above embodiment, the charging machine 11 and the payment terminal 12 are exemplified as shared devices shared by multiple customers. For shared devices other than the charging machine 11 or the payment terminal 12, such as ticket machines and ATMs, the amount of time each customer occupies the shared device can be reduced by inputting preprocessing data to be input to the shared device using an information terminal.

[0204] Although several 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 embodied 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 inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] A store system including an information terminal operated by a customer in a sales area where products are displayed, and a payment terminal that processes the transaction for the products purchased by the customer, the store system comprising: a first acquisition means that acquires sales data for the products purchased by the customer through the customer's operation on the information terminal; a second acquisition means that acquires pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal before processing the transaction through the customer's operation on the information terminal; an accounting code output means that outputs an accounting code to the information terminal in a form readable by the payment terminal to instruct the start of the transaction for the products purchased by the customer; and a first provision means that provides the sales data acquired by the first acquisition means through the customer's operation on the information terminal and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquisition means to the payment terminal that has read the accounting code from the information terminal. [2] The second acquisition means acquires the identification information of the electronic money owned by the customer and data on the deposit amount to be deposited into the electronic money as pre-processing data, and the payment terminal, to which the identification information of the electronic money and the data on the deposit amount have been provided as pre-processing data together with the sales data by the first provision means, executes a charge process to deposit the deposit amount into the electronic money identified by the identification information before processing the transaction based on the sales data, in the store system described in Appendix [1]. [3] The store system further includes a charging machine for charging electronic money, and further includes a charge code output means for outputting a charge code for instructing the charging of the electronic money to the information terminal in a form readable by the charging machine, and a second providing means for providing the charging machine, which has read the charge code from the information terminal, with the identification information of the electronic money and the data of the deposit amount acquired as the pre-processing data by the second acquiring means through the customer's operation of the information terminal, and the charging machine, which has been provided with the identification information of the electronic money and the data of the deposit amount as the pre-processing data by the second providing means, executes a charge process to deposit the deposit amount into the electronic money identified by the identification information, the store system described in Appendix [2]. [4] The store system described in appendix [2] or [3] further comprises a post-payment balance output means for outputting to the information terminal the balance remaining after deducting the price of the product for which sales data has been acquired by the first acquisition means from the balance of electronic money held by the customer. [5] An information processing device for a store system including an information terminal operated by a customer in a sales area where products are displayed, and a payment terminal that processes the accounting for the products purchased by the customer, the information processing device comprising: a first acquisition means that acquires sales data for the products purchased by the customer through the customer's operation on the information terminal; a second acquisition means that acquires pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal before processing the accounting through the customer's operation on the information terminal; an accounting code output means that outputs an accounting code to the information terminal in a form readable by the payment terminal to instruct the start of the accounting for the products purchased by the customer; and a first provision means that provides the sales data acquired by the first acquisition means through the customer's operation on the information terminal and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquisition means to the payment terminal that has read the accounting code from the information terminal. [6] The information processing device according to appendix [5], wherein the second acquisition means acquires, as pre-processing data, identification information of the electronic money owned by the customer and data on the amount to be deposited into the electronic money. [7] The store system further includes a charging machine for charging electronic money, and further includes a charge code output means for outputting a charge code for instructing the charging of the electronic money to the information terminal in a form readable by the charging machine, and a second providing means for providing the charging machine, which has read the charge code from the information terminal, with the identification information of the electronic money and the data of the deposit amount acquired by the second acquisition means as the preprocessing data by the customer's operation of the information terminal. [8] An information processing device as described in appendix [6] or [7], further comprising a post-payment balance output means for outputting to the information terminal the balance remaining after deducting the price of the product for which sales data has been obtained by the first acquisition means from the balance of electronic money held by the customer. [9] A control program for causing a computer of an information processing device of a store system including an information terminal operated by a customer in a sales area where products are displayed and a payment terminal that processes the transaction for the products purchased by the customer to function as: a first acquisition means that acquires sales data for the products purchased by the customer through the customer's operation of the information terminal; a second acquisition means that acquires pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal before the transaction is processed through the customer's operation of the information terminal; an accounting code output means that outputs an accounting code to the information terminal in a form readable by the payment terminal to instruct the start of the transaction for the products purchased by the customer; and a first provision means that provides the sales data acquired by the first acquisition means and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquisition means through the customer's operation of the information terminal to the payment terminal that has read the accounting code from the information terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 1...store system, 2...information terminal, 3...electronic money server, 4...wide area network, 11...charging machine, 12...payment terminal, 13...attendant terminal, 14...store server, 15...communication server, 16...mobile controller, 17...access point, 18...communication network, 31...electronic money database, 100...registration screen, 200...deposit amount designation screen, 300...first payment method designation screen, 400...insufficient balance notification screen, 500...insufficient balance processing designation screen, 600...second payment method designation screen, 911...first acquisition means, 912...second acquisition means, 913...accounting code output means, 914...first provision means, 915...charge code output means, 916...second provision means, 917...post-payment balance output means, 921...transaction file.

Claims

1. The system includes an information terminal operated by a customer at a sales floor where merchandise is displayed, a payment terminal that processes the transaction for merchandise purchased by the customer, a charging machine for charging electronic money, and an information processing device, The information processing device includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring sales data of a product purchased by the customer through an operation of the information terminal by the customer; a second acquisition means for acquiring, by the customer's operation of the information terminal, at least identification information of the electronic money owned by the customer and data on the amount to be deposited into the electronic money as pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal before processing the transaction; an accounting code output means for outputting an accounting code for instructing the start of accounting for the products purchased by the customer to the information terminal in a format readable by the settlement terminal; a first providing means for providing the sales data acquired by the first acquiring means and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquiring means through the customer's operation of the information terminal to the payment terminal that reads the accounting code from the information terminal; a charge code output means for outputting a charge code for instructing the charging of the electronic money to the information terminal in a format readable by the charging machine; a second providing means for providing the charging machine, which has read the charge code from the information terminal, with the identification information of the electronic money and the data of the deposit amount, which the second obtaining means has obtained as the pre-processing data in response to the customer's operation of the information terminal; Equipped with The charging machine, to which the second providing means provides the identification information of the electronic money and the deposit amount data as the preprocessing data, is a store system that performs a charging process to deposit the deposit amount into the electronic money identified by the identification information.

2. The payment terminal, to which the first providing means has provided the identification information of the electronic money and the deposit amount data as the pre-processing data together with the sales data, performs a charge process to deposit the deposit amount into the electronic money identified by the identification information before processing the transaction based on the sales data.

3. The information processing device a post-payment balance output means for outputting to the information terminal a balance remaining after deducting the price of the product for which sales data has been acquired by the first acquisition means from the balance of electronic money possessed by the customer; The store system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. An information processing device that constitutes a store system together with an information terminal operated by a customer at a sales floor where merchandise is displayed, a payment terminal that processes the accounting for merchandise purchased by the customer, and a charging machine for charging electronic money, a first acquisition means for acquiring sales data of a product purchased by the customer through an operation of the information terminal by the customer; a second acquisition means for acquiring, by the customer's operation of the information terminal, at least identification information of the electronic money owned by the customer and data on the amount to be deposited into the electronic money as pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal before processing the transaction; an accounting code output means for outputting an accounting code for instructing the start of accounting for the products purchased by the customer to the information terminal in a format readable by the settlement terminal; a first providing means for providing the sales data acquired by the first acquiring means and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquiring means through the customer's operation of the information terminal to the payment terminal that reads the accounting code from the information terminal; a charge code output means for outputting a charge code for instructing the charging of the electronic money to the information terminal in a format readable by the charging machine; a second providing means for providing the charging machine, which has read the charge code from the information terminal, with the identification information of the electronic money and the data of the deposit amount, which the second obtaining means has obtained as the pre-processing data in response to the customer's operation of the information terminal; An information processing device comprising:

5. a post-payment balance output means for outputting to the information terminal a balance remaining after deducting the price of the product for which sales data has been acquired by the first acquisition means from the balance of electronic money possessed by the customer; The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising:

6. The store system comprises an information terminal operated by a customer at a sales floor where merchandise is displayed, a payment terminal for processing the payment of merchandise purchased by the customer, and a charging machine for charging electronic money. a first acquisition means for acquiring sales data of a product purchased by the customer through an operation of the information terminal by the customer; a second acquisition means for acquiring, by the customer's operation of the information terminal, at least identification information of the electronic money owned by the customer and data on the amount to be deposited into the electronic money as pre-processing data to be input into the payment terminal before processing the transaction; an accounting code output means for outputting an accounting code for instructing the start of accounting for the products purchased by the customer to the information terminal in a format readable by the settlement terminal; a first providing means for providing the sales data acquired by the first acquiring means and the pre-processing data acquired by the second acquiring means through the customer's operation of the information terminal to the payment terminal that reads the accounting code from the information terminal; a charge code output means for outputting a charge code for instructing the charging of the electronic money to the information terminal in a format readable by the charging machine; and a second providing means for providing the charging machine, which has read the charge code from the information terminal, with the identification information of the electronic money and the data of the deposit amount, which the second obtaining means has obtained as the pre-processing data in response to the customer's operation of the information terminal; A control program that functions as a

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