Accounting devices and programs

Abstract

To provide an accounting device and a program that can improve operability when charging electronic money media.SOLUTION: Accounting device according to the embodiment includes: a first acquisition unit for acquiring a transaction amount for transaction; a second acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining amount of an electronic money medium used for the transaction; a display control unit for displaying a charge screen for depositing money into the electronic money medium when the remaining amount obtained by the second acquisition unit is less than the transaction amount obtained by the first acquisition unit; and a reception unit for accepting the amount of money to be deposited into the electronic money medium in response to an operation on the charge screen. The display control unit allows the display unit to display a selection screen for selecting whether to display the charge screen or a payment method selection screen for selecting another payment method when the remaining amount in the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount even after adding the deposit amount received by the reception unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an accounting device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In stores that sell products or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "products"), payment devices are installed where customers can pay for their purchases. In recent years, with the spread of cashless payments, these payment devices are now capable of accepting payments using electronic money.

[0003] Incidentally, when making payments using electronic money, the balance stored on an electronic money medium such as an electronic money card or smartphone (hereinafter simply referred to as an "electronic money card") may be less than the transaction amount. When such a balance is insufficient, customers who purchase goods often make payments after depositing money into the card (hereinafter also referred to as "charging"). To address this, accounting devices have been proposed that allow users to charge their electronic money cards during checkout (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] When there is a shortage of funds on an electronic money card, the conventional accounting device will accept a charge of the amount entered as a charge amount only if the amount entered is equal to or greater than the shortage. This prevents a customer from accidentally or mistakenly charging an amount that is less than the shortage, which would require another charge.

[0005] However, with the conventional accounting devices described above, if a customer accidentally enters an amount that is less than the balance due as the charge amount, the customer cannot easily recognize the operation that should be performed, and in this respect, the operability is not good. This is also true for accounting devices such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals operated by store clerks. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout device and a program that can improve the operability when charging an electronic money medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An accounting device according to an embodiment includes a first acquisition unit that acquires the transaction amount for a transaction, a second acquisition unit that acquires the remaining balance of an electronic money medium used in the transaction, a display control unit that causes a charge screen for depositing money into the electronic money medium to be displayed on a display unit when the remaining balance acquired by the second acquisition unit is less than the transaction amount acquired by the first acquisition unit, and a reception unit that accepts the amount to be deposited into the electronic money medium in response to operations on the charge screen, and the display control unit causes a selection screen to be displayed on the display unit to allow the user to choose whether to display the charge screen or a payment method selection screen from which another payment method can be selected when the remaining balance of the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount even after adding the deposit amount accepted by the reception unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a transaction system including a transaction device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the transaction device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main functional configuration of the control unit in the accounting device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation up to when the transaction device receives transaction information in the transaction system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of transaction processing by the control unit of the transaction device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a payment method selection screen displayed on the display unit of the checkout apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a balance shortage screen displayed on the display unit of the accounting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a charge screen displayed on the display unit of the accounting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed on the display unit of the accounting device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Below, a description is given of a checkout device and a program according to an embodiment with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, a checkout device for a semi-self-service POS system is described, which includes a registration device where a store clerk performs operations related to product registration and a checkout device where a customer performs operations related to checkout. However, checkout devices are not limited to this. The checkout device may be a regular POS terminal where a store clerk performs operations related to product registration and checkout, or it may be a self-service POS terminal where a customer performs operations related to product registration and checkout.

[0010] The checkout device and program of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a checkout system including a checkout device. The checkout system 1 of this embodiment is applied to a store that sells products, such as a supermarket. The checkout system 1 includes a store server 2, multiple checkout devices 3, and multiple mobile terminals 4. In the diagram, SC represents a shopping cart that is installed in the store's sales floor and used by customer C to transport products purchased by the customer.

[0011] The store server 2 and the checkout device 3 are connected to each other via a network such as a local area network (LAN) so that they can communicate with each other. When the installed shopping application program (hereinafter also referred to as the "shopping app") is launched, the mobile terminal 4 is connected to the store server 2 and the checkout device 3 via a wireless LAN so that they can communicate with each other.

[0012] The store server 2 is connected to an electronic money server 10 managed by an electronic money operating company via a network such as the Internet. The electronic money server 10 manages user information and balances for each electronic money card.

[0013] The store server 2 receives payment information related to payment methods and product information for products paid for in the checkout process from each checkout device 3. The store server 2 also receives sales information indicating the sales amount for a predetermined period (e.g., one day) from each checkout device 3. The store server 2 centrally manages the product information, payment information, sales information, etc. received from each checkout device 3, and performs sales management for a single store.

[0014] The store server 2 also stores a product master that associates product codes, which are product identification information, with product information (product name, price, etc.) for products sold in the store, and transmits product information to the mobile terminal 4 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 4. Specifically, when customer C reads a product code from a code symbol such as a barcode (hereinafter also referred to as a "product barcode") attached to a product using the mobile terminal 4 while shopping, the store server 2 receives the product code from the mobile terminal 4 and reads product information corresponding to the product code from the product master. The store server 2 then transmits the read product information to the mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 registers the product by storing the received product information. Product registration means registering (storing) product information based on the product code read from the product barcode.

[0015] Furthermore, the store server 2 stores transaction information including the above-mentioned product information for each customer C. The transaction information is information necessary for customer C to pay for purchases at the checkout device 3. In this embodiment, the store server 2 stores in memory for each transaction the transaction information, which corresponds to the terminal ID of the mobile terminal 4, the product code received from the mobile terminal 4, the product information read from the product master, and the issued transaction code. Therefore, it can be said that product registration is also performed in the store server 2.

[0016] In response to a request from a mobile terminal 4, the store server 2 transmits a transaction code to the mobile terminal 4. Specifically, when information instructing a transaction (a transaction instruction) is entered into the mobile terminal 4, the store server 2 receives the terminal ID and transaction code request from the mobile terminal 4 and reads the transaction code corresponding to the terminal ID from its memory. The store server 2 then transmits the read transaction code to the mobile terminal 4.

[0017] When paying for the purchase, customer C displays the transaction code received from the store server 2 on his mobile terminal 4 and has the transaction code read by the accounting device 3. The store server 2 then receives the transaction code from the accounting device 3, reads transaction information including the transaction code from its memory, and sends the transaction information to the accounting device 3. This allows customer C to pay for the purchase at the accounting device 3.

[0018] The checkout device 3 is a self-service checkout device where, for example, customer C performs the checkout process themselves. The checkout device 3 reads the transaction code displayed on the mobile terminal 4 and obtains transaction information related to that transaction code from the store server 2. Based on the obtained transaction information, the checkout device 3 performs checkout processing related to payment by cash or cashless payment such as electronic money payment or credit card payment. Checkout processing is processing for paying for the products purchased by customer C, and includes processing related to payment (payment processing) and processing related to display (display processing).

[0019] The checkout device 3 also executes a process for charging an amount to an electronic money card. As a process for charging an amount to an electronic money card, the checkout device 3 performs, for example, a sales registration process for the charged amount, an issuance of a receipt for the charged amount, and a process for rewriting the remaining balance on the electronic money card. The checkout device 3 can charge an amount to the electronic money card even if the remaining balance on the electronic money card (hereinafter simply referred to as the "balance") during the checkout process is less than the transaction amount.

[0020] The mobile terminal 4 is, for example, a smartphone owned by customer C, and has a shopping app installed. When the shopping app is launched, the mobile terminal 4 is connected to the store server 2 and the checkout device 3 via a network such as a wireless LAN so that they can communicate with each other.

[0021] The mobile terminal 4 can realize the following functions by running the shopping app. For example, the mobile terminal 4 reads a product code from a product barcode, obtains product information for the product identified by the product code from the store server 2, and displays it on its display. The mobile terminal 4 also obtains a transaction code that identifies a transaction from the store server 2, generates a barcode indicating the transaction code, and displays it on its display. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 4 communicates with the store server 2 and the checkout device 3 to perform other processes required for shopping.

[0022] Next, the checkout device 3 will be described in detail. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the checkout device 3. The checkout device 3 is equipped with a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a scanner 34, an electronic money reader / writer 35, a change dispenser 36, and a communication unit 37. The control unit 30, memory unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, scanner 34, electronic money reader / writer 35, change dispenser 36, and communication unit 37 are connected to each other via a bus 38 or the like.

[0023] The control unit 30 is configured as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 38.

[0024] CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the checkout apparatus 3. ROM 302 stores various programs and data, including programs used to drive CPU 301. RAM 303 is used as a work area for CPU 301, and loads various programs and data stored in ROM 302 and storage unit 31. Control unit 30 executes various control processes for the checkout apparatus 3 by having CPU 301 operate in accordance with control programs stored in ROM 302 and storage unit 31 and loaded into RAM 303.

[0025] The RAM 303 also includes a charge amount information unit 3031. The charge amount information unit 3031 stores the charge amount that the customer C inputs to the operation unit 33 when charging the electronic money card. For example, the charge amount information unit 3031 stores the card ID that identifies the electronic money card and the input charge amount in association with each other.

[0026] The storage unit 31 is configured with a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 31 stores a control program 311.

[0027] The control program 311 is a program for realizing functions such as obtaining transaction information from the store server 2, obtaining the remaining balance of an electronic money card from the card, and displaying various information on the display unit 32.

[0028] The display unit 32 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 32 displays transaction information and the transaction amount obtained from the store server 2. The display unit 32 also displays a selection screen for the customer C to select a payment method for the purchase price, an insufficient balance screen to notify the customer that the balance is insufficient to cover the transaction amount when paying with electronic money, and the like. The display unit 32 also displays a charge screen for the customer C to charge the electronic money card. The display unit 32 also displays a selection screen when the transaction amount is not covered even after charging the entered charge amount. The selection screen is a screen for the customer C to select whether to display the charge screen again or to display a payment method selection screen from which another payment method can be selected.

[0029] The operation unit 33 is used to input information to the control unit 30, and is configured with a touch panel or the like provided on the surface of the display unit 32. The operation unit 33 is operated by the customer C to input various pieces of information to the control unit 30. For example, the operation unit 33 inputs information selected on various screens displayed on the display unit 32 to the control unit 30. The operation unit 33 may be configured with a keyboard or the like provided separately from the display unit 32.

[0030] Scanner 34 reads a transaction code that identifies the transaction from the barcode displayed on customer C's mobile terminal 4. When customer C makes a payment using two-dimensional code payment, scanner 34 also reads the information necessary for payment from the two-dimensional code displayed on customer C's mobile terminal 4. Scanner 34 may be a fixed device installed in checkout apparatus 3, or it may be a handheld device that customer C can hold and operate.

[0031] The electronic money reader / writer 35 accesses an electronic money card that electronically stores monetary information using near-field communication technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication) to read and write information. For example, the electronic money reader / writer 35 reads the remaining balance stored on the electronic money card. The electronic money reader / writer 35 also writes the remaining balance after a transaction to the electronic money card. The electronic money reader / writer 35 may be provided in a payment terminal that is provided separately from the checkout apparatus 3. In this case, the control unit 30 obtains the remaining balance from the payment terminal, which is an external device, via the communication unit 37.

[0032] When customer C pays for a purchase in cash, the change dispenser 36 accepts the bills and coins paid by customer C and dispenses change as necessary.

[0033] The communication unit 37 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2 and the mobile terminal 4. The control unit 30 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 37, thereby enabling transmission and reception of information (data) with the external devices.

[0034] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3. The control unit 30 functions as an acquisition unit 3001, a reception unit 3002, a processing unit 3003, a display control unit 3004, and a transmission / reception unit 3005, as the CPU 301 operates in accordance with control programs stored in the ROM 302 or storage unit 31. Note that each of these functions may also be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0035] The acquisition unit 3001 acquires the transaction amount related to the transaction. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3001 acquires the transaction amount calculated by the processing unit 3003 based on the transaction information received by the transmission / reception unit 3005 from the store server 2. The transaction amount may be calculated by the mobile terminal 4, in which case the acquisition unit 3001 acquires the transaction amount received by the transmission / reception unit 3005. The acquisition unit 3001 may also acquire the transaction amount from the mobile terminal 4 via short-range wireless communication or the like. The acquisition unit 3001 functions as a first acquisition unit.

[0036] The acquiring unit 3001 also acquires the remaining balance of the electronic money medium used in the transaction. Specifically, the acquiring unit 3001 acquires information indicating the remaining balance read by the electronic money reader / writer 35 when customer C makes a payment using electronic money. Note that in this specification, information indicating the remaining balance may be simply referred to as the "balance." The acquiring unit 3001 also functions as a second acquiring unit.

[0037] The reception unit 3002 receives the amount to be deposited into the electronic money medium. For example, the reception unit 3002 receives the amount to be deposited into the electronic money medium in response to an operation on a charge screen. Specifically, the reception unit 3002 receives information indicating the charge amount input by the operation unit 33 when the customer C charges the electronic money card. As with the remaining balance, information indicating the charge amount may be simply referred to as the charge amount in this specification. The same applies to other information. The reception unit 3002 also receives various information input by the operation unit 33, such as the payment method for the purchase price.

[0038] The processing unit 3003 executes various processes related to payment. For example, the processing unit 3003 compares the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit 3001 with the remaining balance, calculates the remaining balance after the transaction, etc. The processing unit 3003 also stores the charge amount accepted by the acceptance unit 3002 in the charge amount information unit 3031, and clears the stored charge amount as necessary.

[0039] When customer C pays in cash, the processing unit 3003 compares the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit 3001 with the amount accepted by the change dispenser 36, calculates the amount of change, etc. The processing unit 3003 also executes various processes necessary for other accounting procedures and various processes necessary for charging an electronic money card.

[0040] The display control unit 3004 displays various information on the display unit 32. For example, when the balance acquired by the second acquisition unit is less than the transaction amount acquired by the first acquisition unit, the display control unit 3004 displays a charge screen for depositing money into the electronic money medium on the display unit 32. Specifically, when the balance of the electronic money card is insufficient for payment with electronic money, the display control unit 3004 displays a charge screen on the display unit 32 that allows the user to specify (input) the charge amount.

[0041] The display control unit 3004 also causes the display unit 32 to display a payment method selection screen. The payment method selection screen is a screen that allows customer C to select a payment method for the purchase price. Payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. The display control unit 3004 also causes the display unit 32 to display an insufficient balance screen. The insufficient balance screen is a screen that notifies the customer that the balance is insufficient to cover the transaction amount when paying with electronic money.

[0042] Furthermore, when the balance of the electronic money medium is insufficient to cover the transaction amount even after adding the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit 3002, the display control unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a selection screen for selecting whether to display a charge screen or a payment method selection screen from which another payment method can be selected. Specifically, when the charge amount entered by customer C when the balance is insufficient is added to the balance, the selection screen is displayed on the display unit 32. The selection screen is a screen for customer C to select whether to display a screen for inputting the charge amount again or a screen from which another payment method can be selected.

[0043] The transmitting / receiving unit 3005 transmits and receives various information to and from the store server 2, etc. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 3005 transmits a transaction information request to the store server 2. In addition, the transmitting / receiving unit 3005 receives transaction information from the store server 2 as a response to the transaction information request.

[0044] An overview of the operation of the above-configured checkout system 1 will now be described. Figure 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the checkout system 1 up until the checkout device 3 receives transaction information.

[0045] When customer C makes a purchase at a store, the mobile terminal 4 starts a shopping app (step S1) by operation of the customer C or by detecting that the mobile terminal 4 is located inside the store. The mobile terminal 4 reads the product code of the purchased product using a camera or the like provided on the mobile terminal 4 (step S2). The mobile terminal 4 transmits a terminal ID that identifies the mobile terminal 4 and the read product code to the store server 2 (step S3).

[0046] The store server 2 registers the transaction information based on the received terminal ID and product code (step S4). More specifically, the store server 2 reads product information corresponding to the received product code from the product master 212. Then, the store server 2 stores the received terminal ID and the read product information in association with each other.

[0047] Steps S2 to S4 are performed each time a product code is read by the mobile terminal 4. When the product codes for all products purchased by customer C have been read, a checkout instruction is entered into the mobile terminal 4 (step S5). When a checkout instruction is entered, the mobile terminal 4 sends the terminal ID and a transaction information request to the store server 2 (step S6).

[0048] The store server 2 extracts the transaction information corresponding to the terminal ID received from the mobile terminal 4 and calculates the total purchase price, i.e., the transaction amount, based on the transaction information (step S7). At this time, the store server 2 issues and stores a transaction code corresponding to the extracted transaction information. Next, the store server 2 transmits the transaction information including the transaction code and the calculated transaction amount to the mobile terminal 4 (step S8).

[0049] The mobile terminal 4 displays the received transaction information and transaction amount (step S9). The displayed transaction information is the product information included in the transaction information, i.e., the product information of the registered product. The mobile terminal 4 also converts the transaction code included in the received transaction information into a barcode and displays it (step S10). The barcode indicating the transaction code is displayed on the display screen on which the transaction information is displayed or on another display screen transitioned from the display screen.

[0050] Customer C moves to a checkout area where a checkout device 3 is installed and makes a payment at that checkout device 3. To make a payment, a checkout start input is first entered into the checkout device 3 (step S11). Next, the checkout device 3 reads the transaction code from the barcode displayed on the mobile terminal 4 (step S12). The checkout device 3 then sends the read transaction code and a transaction information request to the store server 2 (step S13).

[0051] The store server 2 extracts the transaction information and transaction amount corresponding to the received transaction code from the memory unit (step S14), and then transmits the extracted transaction information and transaction amount to the checkout device 3 (step S15).

[0052] The checkout device 3 executes the checkout process based on the received transaction information and transaction amount (step S17), allowing customer C to pay for the purchase at the checkout device 3.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the transaction process performed by the control unit 30 of the transaction device 3. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transaction process performed by the control unit 30 of the transaction device 3.

[0054] In the transaction process, the display control unit 3004 first displays a payment method selection screen on the display unit 32 (step S21). Figure 6 shows the payment method selection screen. The payment method selection screen has a message section 51, an icon section 52, a transaction amount section 53, and a store clerk call button 54.

[0055] The message section 51 displays a message prompting the user to select a payment method, such as "Please select a payment method." The icon section 52 displays multiple icons for selecting a payment method. In this embodiment, selectable payment methods are cash, credit card, and electronic money, and the icon section 52 displays each icon corresponding to these payment methods. The transaction amount section 53 displays the total number of items purchased in one transaction and the total amount, i.e., the transaction amount. The store clerk call button 54 is an operation button for calling a store clerk.

[0056] Returning to Figure 5, the transaction process will now be described. The control unit 30 determines whether payment by electronic money has been selected on the payment method selection screen (step S22). If a payment method other than electronic money has been selected (N in step S22), the processing unit 3003 performs payment processing using the selected payment method (step S23). In other words, the processing unit 3003 performs processing related to cash payment or credit card payment in step S23. The control unit 30 then terminates the payment processing. Note that processing related to cash payment or credit card payment is widely known, so a detailed description will be omitted here.

[0057] If payment by electronic money is selected (Y in step S22), the control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3001 has acquired the remaining balance from the electronic money card (step S24), and if not (N in step S24), returns to the processing of step S24 and waits.

[0058] When the acquiring unit 3001 acquires the balance from the electronic money card (Y in step S24), the processing unit 3003 compares the transaction amount acquired by the acquiring unit 3001 with the balance (step S25). If the result of the comparison shows that the balance is less than the transaction amount (Y in step S25), the display control unit 3004 displays a balance shortage screen on the display unit 32 (step S26).

[0059] FIG. 7 shows the insufficient balance display screen. The insufficient balance display screen is displayed as a pop-up on the payment method selection screen. The insufficient balance display screen has a message section 61 and a payment information section 62. The message section 61 displays a message informing users that there is insufficient balance on the card, such as "Insufficient card balance."

[0060] The payment information section 62 displays the total amount, the card balance, and the balance due. The total amount is the total price of the products purchased by customer C, i.e., the transaction amount. The transaction amount includes consumption tax. The card balance is the remaining amount on the electronic money card. The balance due is the total amount minus the card balance, i.e., the amount by which the balance on the electronic money card is insufficient to cover the payment.

[0061] Furthermore, the payment information section 62 displays a Yes button 63, a No button 64, and a Charge button 65. The Yes button 63 is operated when using the remaining balance on the electronic money card to pay the transaction amount. More specifically, the Yes button 63 is operated when using the remaining balance on the electronic money card and paying the remaining amount using another payment method. When the Yes button 63 is operated, the processing section 3003 subtracts the remaining balance from the transaction amount to calculate the amount to be paid using another payment method. Then, the display control section 3004 causes the display section 32 to display a payment method selection screen.

[0062] The No button 64 is operated when the remaining balance on the electronic money card will not be used to pay the transaction amount. When the No button 64 is operated, the display control unit 3004 displays a payment method selection screen on the display unit 32. The Charge button 65 is operated when charging an electronic money card that has insufficient balance.

[0063] Returning to Figure 5, the transaction process will now be described. The control unit 30 determines whether or not "charge" has been selected on the insufficient funds screen, in other words, whether or not the charge button 65 has been operated (step S27). If "charge" has been selected (Y in step S27), the display control unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display the charge screen (step S28).

[0064] Figure 8 shows the charge screen. The charge screen is displayed in place of the insufficient balance display screen. The charge screen has a message section 71 and a charge information section 72. The message section 71 displays a message prompting the user to input the charge amount, such as "Please select the charge amount."

[0065] The charge information section 72 displays multiple charge amount selection buttons, the charge amount, and the balance due. The charge amount selection button is a button that allows customer C to select the charge amount. In this embodiment, four charge amount selection buttons are provided: 1,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen. Note that instead of or in addition to the charge amount selection buttons, numeric keys for inputting the charge amount may be displayed. The charge amount is the input charge amount. The balance due is the amount that is not enough to cover the payment with the remaining balance on the electronic money card.

[0066] The charge information section 72 also displays a store clerk call button 73, a back button 74, and a charge button 75. The store clerk call button 73 is an operation button for calling a store clerk. The back button 74 is a button for returning the display screen to display the insufficient balance screen. The charge button 75 is a button for confirming the input charge amount.

[0067] Returning to Figure 5, the transaction process will now be described. The control unit 30 determines whether a charge amount has been input on the charge screen and a charge input to confirm the charge amount has been made, in other words, whether the charge amount has been set using the charge amount selection button and the charge button 75 has been operated (step S29). When a charge amount has been input and a charge input to confirm the charge amount has been made (Y in step S29), the processing unit 3003 stores the input charge amount in the charge amount information unit 3031 (step S30).

[0068] Next, the processing unit 3003 compares the remaining balance after charging with the transaction amount (step S31), and if the remaining balance after charging is equal to or greater than the transaction amount (Y in step S31), executes the deposit process. The deposit process is a process for depositing money into the electronic money card, and includes accepting money with the change dispenser 36, recognizing the amount of the accepted money, and issuing a receipt for the deposited amount. The receipt may be issued by printing it on receipt paper using a printer (not shown), or an electronic receipt may be sent to the mobile terminal 4 of customer C.

[0069] Next, the processing unit 3003 executes the payment process using electronic money (step S33). Specifically, the processing unit 3003 executes processes such as calculating a new balance by subtracting the transaction amount from the balance on the electronic money card, writing the calculated new balance to the electronic money card, and issuing a receipt. The control unit 30 then ends the accounting process.

[0070] In the process of step S25, if the remaining balance is equal to or greater than the transaction amount (N in step S25), the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S33. In addition, in the process of step S27, if "charge" is not selected (N in step S27), the control unit 30 determines whether "use remaining balance" is selected (step S34). In other words, the control unit 30 determines whether the "Yes" button 63 is operated on the insufficient balance screen shown in FIG.

[0071] If "Use remaining balance" is selected (Y in step S34), the processing unit 3003 calculates the payment amount after using the remaining balance (step S35). Specifically, the processing unit 3003 subtracts the remaining balance from the transaction amount. The control unit 30 then returns to the processing of step S21. If "Use remaining balance" is not selected (N in step S34), in other words, if the No button 64 is operated on the insufficient balance screen, the control unit 30 skips the processing of step S35 and returns to the processing of step S21.

[0072] In the process of step S29, if at least one of the input of the charge amount and the charge input to confirm the charge amount is not performed (N in step S29), the control unit 30 determines whether or not a back input is performed (step S36). Specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the back button 74 is operated on the charge screen shown in FIG.

[0073] If a back input is made (Y in step S36), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S28. If a back input is not made (N in step S36), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S29.

[0074] In the process of step S31, if the remaining amount after charging is less than the transaction amount (N in step S31), the display control unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a selection screen (step S37).

[0075] 9 is a diagram showing the selection screen. The selection screen has a message section 81 and a confirmation information section 82. The message section 81 displays a message informing the user that the transaction amount is not covered even if the charge amount entered on the charge screen is added, such as a message saying "The amount entered is insufficient." The message displayed in the message section 81 is an example of a message indicating that the balance of the electronic money medium is not covered by the transaction amount even if the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance section 3002 is deposited.

[0076] The confirmation information section 82 displays a confirmation message for confirming whether or not to re-input the recharge amount. The confirmation message is, for example, a message such as "Do you want to re-input the recharge amount?"

[0077] The confirmation information section 82 also displays a re-input button 84 and a payment method selection transition button 85. The re-input button 84 is an operation button for re-inputting the charge amount. When the re-input button 84 is operated, the charge amount entered on the charge screen is cleared and the charge screen is displayed again. The payment method selection transition button 85 is an operation button for making payment using another payment method without recharging. When the payment method selection transition button 85 is operated, the charge amount entered on the charge screen is cleared and the payment method selection screen is displayed.

[0078] Returning to Figure 5, the transaction process will now be explained. The control unit 30 determines whether a selection has been made (step S38). The control unit 30 performs the process of step S38 by determining whether the re-enter button 84 or the payment method selection transition button 85 has been operated on the selection screen.

[0079] If no selection input is made (N in step S38), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S38 and waits. If a selection input is made (Y in step S38), the processing unit 3003 clears the charge amount stored in the charge amount information unit 3031 (step S39).

[0080] The control unit 30 determines whether re-input of charge amount has been selected (step S40). In other words, the control unit 30 determines whether the re-input button 84 has been operated on the selection screen. If a charge amount has been input (Y in step S40), the control unit 30 returns to the processing of step S28. If a charge amount has not been input (Y in step S40), in other words, if the payment method selection transition button 85 has been operated on the selection screen, the control unit 30 returns to the processing of step S21.

[0081] Note that the electronic money icon may be erased when the payment method selection screen is redisplayed during the transaction. Specifically, the display control unit 3004 may erase the electronic money icon when the payment method selection screen is displayed after step S34, when the payment method selection screen is displayed after step S35, or when the payment method selection screen is displayed after step S40.

[0082] When the payment method selection screen is redisplayed, it is possible to hide the electronic money icon, since it is assumed that customer C has indicated that he or she will be paying with a payment method other than electronic money. This prevents customer C from accidentally selecting electronic money on the payment method selection screen. Therefore, operability can be improved without forcing customer C to perform unnecessary operations that would occur if the customer inputs an incorrect payment method (incorrect icon selection).

[0083] Through the above accounting process, customer C can pay the transaction amount by electronic money or other payment methods. Furthermore, if customer C does not have enough funds in his / her electronic money card to pay the transaction amount, he / she can not only select another payment method, but also charge his / her electronic money card and then pay the transaction amount by electronic money.

[0084] Furthermore, if the balance on the electronic money card is insufficient as a result of the above-mentioned transaction process, and customer C mistakenly or by mistake enters a charge amount that is less than the shortfall, a selection screen is displayed on the display unit 32. This allows customer C to easily recognize that the charge amount he entered will result in a shortfall.

[0085] As described above, the accounting device 3 of the embodiment comprises a first acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3001) that acquires the transaction amount related to the transaction, a second acquisition unit (acquisition unit 3001) that acquires the remaining balance of the electronic money medium used in the transaction, a display control unit 3004 that displays a charge screen on the display unit 32 for depositing money into the electronic money medium when the remaining balance acquired by the second acquisition unit is less than the transaction amount acquired by the first acquisition unit, and an acceptance unit 3002 that accepts the amount to be deposited into the electronic money medium in accordance with operations on the charge screen, and when the remaining balance of the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount even after adding the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit 3002, the display control unit 3004 displays a selection screen on the display unit to allow the user to choose whether to display the charge screen or a payment method selection screen from which another payment method can be selected.

[0086] As a result, the checkout device 3 of the embodiment displays a selection screen when customer C mistakenly or by mistake enters a charge amount that is less than the shortfall, allowing customer C to easily recognize the operation that should be performed. Therefore, the checkout device 3 of the embodiment can improve operability.

[0087] In addition, the display control unit 3004 of the accounting device 3 of the embodiment displays a message on the selection screen indicating that even if the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit 3002 is deposited, the remaining balance of the electronic money medium is not enough to cover the transaction amount.

[0088] This allows the accounting device 3 of the embodiment to clearly notify customer C that the entered deposit amount is insufficient to cover the transaction amount, allowing customer C to easily recognize that some next operation is required.

[0089] Furthermore, when the payment method selection screen is selected by operating the selection screen, the display control unit 3004 of the checkout device 3 in this embodiment does not display an operator for selecting payment by electronic money on the payment method selection screen.

[0090] As a result, the checkout device 3 of this embodiment can prevent customer C from mistakenly selecting electronic money on the payment method selection screen when the customer C has insufficient funds in their electronic money medium and chooses to pay with a payment method other than electronic money. This prevents customer C from being forced to perform unnecessary operations due to an incorrect selection of a payment method, improving operability.

[0091] Additionally, the checkout device 3 of this embodiment further includes a processing unit 3003 that clears the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit 3002 when the charge screen or payment method selection screen is selected by operating the selection screen.

[0092] This allows the checkout device 3 of the embodiment to prevent the electronic money medium from being erroneously charged.

[0093] In addition, the processing unit 3003 of the accounting device 3 of the embodiment executes a deposit process to deposit the deposit amount into the electronic money medium, on the condition that the remaining balance of the electronic money medium becomes equal to or greater than the transaction amount when the deposit amount accepted by the accepting unit 3002 is added.

[0094] This allows the checkout device 3 of the embodiment to prevent charging less than the transaction amount. Therefore, when the balance of the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount, it is possible to prevent customer C from charging multiple times to make the balance equal to or greater than the transaction amount, improving operability.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, the control programs executed by each device, i.e., the store server 2, the checkout device 3, and the mobile terminal 4, may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each of the above devices may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 3. Accounting equipment 32 Display section 3001 Acquisition Department (1st Acquisition Department, 2nd Acquisition Department) 3002 Reception Department 3003 Processing section 3004 Display control unit 3005 Transmitter / Receiver [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0098] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-149549

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires a transaction amount related to a transaction; a second acquiring unit that acquires the balance of the electronic money medium used in the transaction; a display control unit that displays a charge screen for depositing money into the electronic money medium on a display unit when the remaining balance acquired by the second acquisition unit is less than the transaction amount acquired by the first acquisition unit; a reception unit that receives a deposit amount to the electronic money medium in response to an operation on the charge screen, the display control unit, when the remaining balance of the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount even after adding the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit, causes the display unit to display a selection screen for selecting whether to display the charge screen or a payment method selection screen on which another payment method can be selected; Accounting equipment.

2. the display control unit displays a message on the selection screen indicating that the balance of the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount even if the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit is deposited. The accounting device of claim 1 .

3. when a payment method selection screen is selected by an operation on the selection screen, the display control unit does not display an operator for selecting payment by electronic money on the payment method selection screen. The accounting device of claim 1 .

4. and a processing unit that clears the deposit amount accepted by the accepting unit when the display of the charge screen or the payment method selection screen is selected by an operation on the selection screen. The accounting device of claim 1 .

5. the processing unit executes a deposit process for depositing the deposit amount accepted by the accepting unit into the electronic money medium on the condition that the remaining balance of the electronic money medium when added with the deposit amount is equal to or greater than the transaction amount. The accounting device of claim 4.

6. A program for controlling an accounting device by a computer, The computer a first acquisition unit that acquires a transaction amount related to a transaction; a second acquiring unit that acquires the balance of the electronic money medium used in the transaction; a display control unit that displays a charge screen for depositing money into the electronic money medium on a display unit when the remaining balance acquired by the second acquisition unit is less than the transaction amount acquired by the first acquisition unit; a reception unit that receives the amount of money to be deposited into the electronic money medium in response to an operation on the charge screen; the display control unit, when the remaining balance of the electronic money medium is less than the transaction amount even after adding the deposit amount accepted by the acceptance unit, causes the display unit to display a selection screen for selecting whether to display the charge screen or a payment method selection screen on which another payment method can be selected; A program that makes it work.

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