Cart register device

Abstract

To provide an information processor, a server, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that enable customers to efficiently check the balance of electronic money stored on a storage medium.SOLUTION: A self-checkout shopping cart device acquires storage medium identification information from a storage medium and transmits the acquired storage medium identification information and self-checkout shopping cart identification information to a server. The server stores the received storage medium identification information and the self-checkout shopping cart identification information in correspondence therewith, and transmits a first balance associated with the received storage medium identification information to an information processor. The self-checkout shopping cart device displays the received first balance on a display unit. When the storage medium is charged with electronic money, the self-checkout shopping cart device receives a second balance of the charged storage medium from the server and displays the received second balance on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a server, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Cited Document 1 describes a system that can process everything from registering purchased items to settling the payment using a single shopping cart (hereinafter referred to as "cart"). In Cited Document 1, a scanner is provided on the cart that the customer pushes around, and the scanner is used to register the items when the customer places them in the cart. Cited Document 1 also describes that a prepaid card reader / writer, card reader, display device, and cash deposit device provided on the cart are used to deposit and settle payments using cards or cash. Furthermore, it describes that after a prepaid card is read, the remaining balance can be displayed by pressing a balance display button on the display device, and that a warning sound is emitted when the remaining balance falls below a predetermined amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-314367 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the cited document 1, the remaining balance is displayed by pressing a balance display button after the payment card is read, and if the user wants to charge the card with the amount available for payment while shopping, the card must be read each time the card is charged, which is inefficient.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing device, a server, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that enable a customer to efficiently check the balance of electronic money recorded on a recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cart register device of the present invention comprises a recording medium information acquisition unit that acquires recording medium identification information from a recording medium, a transmission unit that transmits the cart register identification information and the recording medium identification information to a server that manages electronic money, a display control unit that displays a first balance corresponding to the recording medium identification information on a display unit of the cart register device, and a receiving unit that receives from the server a second balance, which is the balance obtained by adding the first balance and the charged amount when electronic money is charged by a deposit device, and the display control unit displays the second balance on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a server, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that allow a customer to efficiently check the balance of electronic money recorded on a recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a cart registration device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system 1 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cart register device usage status table 1000. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a balance table 1001. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a balance acquisition process in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when a customer loads a recording medium into the cart register device 200. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of operations in a product registration process in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 9] This is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when a customer registers mandarin oranges, apples, and chocolate as products. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a deposit process in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a balance table 1002. [Figure 12] This is an example of a screen that appears on the display when a customer charges 1,000 yen of electronic money using the deposit device. [Figure 13] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a settlement process in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a balance table 1003. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a payment completion screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a cart registration device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The cart registration device 100 includes a recording medium information acquisition unit 101, a cart registration transmission unit 102, a display control unit 103, and a cart registration reception unit 104.

[0010] The recording medium information acquisition unit 101 acquires recording medium identification information from the recording medium. The recording medium identification information is information that can uniquely identify the recording medium. The cart register transmission unit 102 transmits the acquired recording medium identification information and cart register identification information to an external device (not shown). The display control unit 103 causes the display unit to display the first balance corresponding to the acquired recording medium identification information. When electronic money is charged to a recording medium, the cart register reception unit 104 receives the second balance, which is the balance of the charged recording medium.

[0011] As described above, according to this embodiment, the customer can efficiently check the balance recorded on the recording medium.

[0012] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment is a system used for checkout processing at retail stores (convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc.). Checkout processing involves registering products that a customer intends to purchase and then settling the payment for the registered products. The information processing system according to this embodiment is also used in retail stores that accept prepaid electronic money. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a cart register device 200 and a server 300 that are communicatively connected to each other.

[0013] The cart register device 200 includes at least a tablet terminal, a barcode scanner, and a shopping cart for storing items to be purchased. When a customer enters a store, they first receive the cart register device 200 and begin shopping. Specifically, the customer uses the scanner to read the barcode attached to the item. The cart register device 200 receives product identification information read from the barcode from the scanner and registers the item by storing product information corresponding to the received product identification information. After registering the item, the customer places the item in the shopping cart. By using the cart register device 200, the customer can register the item while shopping. Product information will be described later. In this embodiment, the scanner is configured as included in the cart register device 200, but it may also be provided as an external device separate from the cart register device 200. The tablet terminal included in the cart register device 200 may be referred to as an information processing device below. In addition, although the present embodiment is described as a tablet terminal, the tablet terminal can also be substituted by a customer's mobile terminal, in which case the target app is installed on the customer's terminal.

[0014] Furthermore, when the cart register device 200 detects a checkout start instruction, it starts the checkout process for the registered products. The checkout start instruction will be described later. The cart register device 200 includes a memory unit 201, a recording medium information acquisition unit 202, a reading unit 203, a cart register transmission unit 204, a cart register reception unit 205, a display control unit 206, a product identification information acquisition unit 207, and a calculation unit 208.

[0015] The storage unit 201 stores cart register identification information, product information of registered products, the total price of the registered products (hereinafter referred to as the total price), the balance, and the difference between the balance and the total price. The cart register identification information is information that can uniquely identify the cart register device 200. The product information includes at least the price of the product. In addition to the price of the product, the product information may also include information such as the product name, product classification, and product identification information.

[0016] The recording medium information acquiring unit 202 acquires recording medium identification information from the recording medium. For example, the recording medium information acquiring unit 202 is a reader that uses near-field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier). The recording medium records the recording medium identification information, and is, for example, a mobile terminal or an IC card. The recording medium may also record a balance. The recording medium identification information is information that can uniquely identify the recording medium and is used to inquire about the balance from the server 300. Specifically, when a customer uses the cart register device 200, the customer holds their own recording medium over the recording medium information acquiring unit 202. Then, the recording medium information acquiring unit 202 acquires the recording medium identification information from the recording medium and notifies the acquired recording medium identification information to the reading unit 203.

[0017] The product identification information acquisition unit 207 acquires the product identification information of the product. Specifically, when a customer uses a scanner to read a barcode attached to a product, the product identification information acquisition unit 207 acquires the product identification information from the scanner. An RFID tag may be attached to the product. When an RFID tag is attached to the product, an RFID reader provided in the cart register device 200 reads the RFID tag, and the product identification information acquisition unit 207 acquires the product identification information from the RFID reader. The product identification information acquisition unit 207 notifies the reading unit 203 of the acquired product identification information.

[0018] The reading unit 203 reads the cart register identification information and product information stored in the storage unit 201. Specifically, when a customer causes the recording medium information acquisition unit 202 to read a recording medium, the reading unit 203 acquires the recording medium identification information from the recording medium information acquisition unit 202 and reads the cart register identification information from the storage unit 201. The reading unit 203 notifies the cart register transmission unit 204 of the acquired recording medium identification information and the read cart register identification information.

[0019] Furthermore, when a customer operates the scanner to read the barcode attached to a product, the reading unit 203 obtains the product identification information from the product identification information obtaining unit 207 and reads the cart register identification information from the storage unit 201. The reading unit 203 notifies the cart register sending unit 204 of the obtained product identification information and the read cart register identification information.

[0020] Furthermore, when a customer pushes the cartregister device 200 through the exit gate, the reading unit 203 obtains a checkout start instruction from the cartregister receiving unit 205 and reads the cartregister identification information and product information from the storage unit 201. The reading unit 203 then notifies the cartregister identification information and product information to the cartregister transmitting unit 204. A communication device is provided at the exit gate, and a determination device capable of communicating with the cartregister device 200 determines that the cartregister device 200 has passed through the exit gate. Specifically, the determination device determines whether communication with the cartregister device 200 has been established, and if communication with the cartregister device 200 has been established, determines that the cartregister device 200 has passed through the exit gate. If the determination device determines that the cartregister device 200 has passed through the exit gate, it transmits a checkout start instruction to the cartregister device 200. The checkout start instruction is information instructing the start of checkout. The determination device may be installed in a location where a customer passes when leaving the store, such as on the floor at the store exit or in the parking lot. The determination device may be any device that can detect a customer leaving the store, such as a human presence sensor. The determination device may also detect the presence of the cart register device 200 in a predetermined area where a customer stops when leaving the store.

[0021] The cart register transmitting unit 204 transmits the recording medium identification information, product identification information, product information, and cart register identification information notified by the reading unit 203 to the server 300 .

[0022] The cart register receiving unit 205 receives from the server 300 the first balance, which is the balance corresponding to the recording medium identification information, product information, and the second and third balances, which are balances updated by the server 300. The cart register receiving unit 205 also receives a settlement start instruction from the exit gate. The first balance is the balance when the customer has the recording medium read by the recording medium information acquisition unit 202. The second balance is the balance charged with electronic money after the customer has read the recording medium by the recording medium information acquisition unit 202. The third balance is the balance after settlement.

[0023] Specifically, when a customer has the recording medium information acquisition unit 202 read the recording medium, the cart register receiving unit 205 receives the first balance corresponding to the recording medium identification information from the server 300. The cart register receiving unit 205 stores the received first balance in the memory unit 201. The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the display control unit 206 of the received first balance.

[0024] When a customer operates the scanner to read the barcode attached to a product, the cart register receiving unit 205 receives the product information from the server 300. The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the calculation unit 208 of the received product information. The cart register receiving unit 205 stores the received product information in the storage unit 201.

[0025] When a customer charges electronic money to a recording medium via a deposit device, the cart register receiving unit 205 receives the second balance from the server 300. The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the calculation unit 208 of the received second balance. The cart register receiving unit 205 overwrites the first balance stored in the memory unit 201 with the received second balance. The deposit device is a device that accepts electronic money charges from customers.

[0026] When a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the cart register receiving unit 205 receives a payment start instruction from the exit gate. The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the readout unit 203 and the display control unit 206 of the received payment start instruction.

[0027] Furthermore, when the server 300 completes the settlement, the cart register receiving unit 205 receives the third balance from the server 300. The cart register receiving unit 205 overwrites the third balance with the first balance or the second balance stored in the memory unit 201. The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the display control unit 206 of the received third balance.

[0028] Furthermore, if the balance is insufficient when the server 300 attempts to settle the transaction, the cart register receiving unit 205 receives error information from the server 300. The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the display control unit 206 of the received error information. The error information is information indicating that the registered product cannot be settled with the current balance.

[0029] The calculation unit 208 calculates the total amount and the difference between the total amount and the balance displayed on the display unit (not shown). The display unit is, for example, a display provided on a tablet terminal. Specifically, when a customer operates a scanner to read a barcode attached to a product, the calculation unit 208 acquires product information from the cart register receiving unit 205. The calculation unit 208 adds the product price included in the acquired product information and the total amount stored in the memory unit 201 to calculate a new total amount to be displayed on the display unit. The calculation unit 208 also calculates the difference by subtracting the calculated total amount from the balance stored in the memory unit 201. The calculation unit 208 then stores the calculated total amount and difference in the memory unit 201 and notifies the display control unit 206 of the calculated total amount and difference. The calculation unit 208 overwrites the calculated total amount and difference with the total amount and difference stored in the memory unit 201.

[0030] Furthermore, when a customer charges electronic money to a recording medium using a deposit device, the calculation unit 208 acquires the second balance from the cart register receiving unit 205. The calculation unit 208 calculates the difference by subtracting the total amount stored in the memory unit 201 from the acquired second balance. The calculation unit 208 then stores the calculated difference in the memory unit 201 and notifies the display control unit 206 of the calculated difference. The calculation unit 208 overwrites the calculated difference with the difference stored in the memory unit 201.

[0031] The display control unit 206 generates a screen based on the information received from the server 300 and the information calculated by the calculation unit 208, and causes the display unit to display the generated screen. Specifically, when the customer causes the recording medium information acquisition unit 202 to read the recording medium, the display control unit 206, upon receiving notification of the first balance from the cart register receiving unit 205, generates a screen including the first balance stored in the storage unit and causes the display unit to display the screen.

[0032] When a customer operates a scanner to read the barcode attached to a product, the display control unit 206 receives notification of the total amount and the difference from the calculation unit 208, and generates a screen including the balance, total amount, the difference between the total amount and the balance stored in the memory unit 201, and product information, and displays the screen on the display unit.

[0033] When a customer charges electronic money to a recording medium via a deposit device, the display control unit 206, upon receiving notification of the difference from the calculation unit 208, generates a screen including the second balance, the total amount, the difference between the total amount and the balance, and product information stored in the memory unit 201, and displays the screen on the display unit.

[0034] When the server 300 completes the settlement, the display control unit 206 acquires a settlement start instruction from the cart register receiving unit 205. The display control unit 206 then acquires the third balance from the cart register receiving unit 205. The display control unit 206 generates a settlement completion screen indicating that the settlement process has been completed, and causes the display unit to display the generated settlement completion screen. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the settlement completion screen was displayed on the display unit, the display control unit 206 causes the display unit to display the initial screen before the recording medium was read, and deletes the product information, total amount, balance, and the difference between the balance and the total amount stored in the memory unit 201. The settlement completion screen may include the third balance.

[0035] Furthermore, when the display control unit 206 is notified of error information from the cart register receiving unit 205, it generates an error screen urging the customer to deposit electronic money, and displays the generated error screen on the display unit.

[0036] Server 300 manages the balance of electronic money that each customer has charged via a deposit device. Server 300 includes a server receiving unit 301, a memory unit 302, a balance obtaining unit 303, a server transmitting unit 304, a product information obtaining unit 305, a balance updating unit 306, an extraction unit 307, and a determination unit 308.

[0037] The storage unit 302 stores a cartreg device usage status table 1000 and a balance table 1001. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the cartreg device usage status table 1000. The storage unit 302 associates the recording medium identification information and the cartreg identification information received from the cartreg device 200 and stores them in the cartreg device usage status table 1000. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the balance table 1001. The balance table 1001 stores the recording medium identification information and the balance in association with each other.

[0038] The server receiving unit 301 receives cart register identification information, recording medium identification information, product identification information, and product information from the cart register device 200. The server receiving unit 301 also receives the charge amount and recording medium identification information from the deposit device. Specifically, when the customer has the recording medium information acquiring unit 202 read the recording medium, the server receiving unit 301 receives the recording medium identification information and cart register identification information from the cart register device 200. The server receiving unit 301 then associates the received recording medium identification information and cart register identification information and stores them in the cart register device usage status table 1000 and notifies the balance acquiring unit 303.

[0039] When a customer operates the scanner to read the barcode attached to the product, the server receiving unit 301 receives the product identification information and the cart register identification information from the cart register device 200. Then, the server receiving unit 301 notifies the received product identification information and cart register identification information to the product information acquiring unit 305 .

[0040] When a customer charges a recording medium with electronic money using a deposit device, the server receiving unit 301 receives the recording medium identification information and the charge amount from the deposit device. The server receiving unit 301 notifies the balance obtaining unit 303 of the recording medium identification information and the charge amount received from the deposit device.

[0041] When a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the server receiving unit 301 receives the cart register identification information and product information from the cart register device 200. The server receiving unit 301 then notifies the extraction unit 307 of the received cart register identification information and product information.

[0042] When a customer operates a scanner to read a barcode attached to a product, the product information acquisition unit 305 acquires product identification information and cart register identification information from the server reception unit 301 . The product information acquisition unit 305 acquires the product information by referring to a product information table (not shown) that stores product information in association with the product identification information, based on the acquired product identification information. The product information acquisition unit 305 notifies the server transmission unit 304 of the acquired cart register identification information and product information.

[0043] The balance obtaining unit 303 obtains the balance based on the notified recording medium identification information. Specifically, when a customer has the recording medium information obtaining unit 202 read the recording medium, the balance obtaining unit 303 obtains the recording medium identification information and the cart register identification information from the server receiving unit 301. The balance obtaining unit 303 references the balance table 1001 and obtains the first balance stored in association with the obtained recording medium identification information. The balance obtaining unit 303 then notifies the server transmitting unit 304 of the obtained first balance and the cart register identification information.

[0044] When a customer charges a recording medium with electronic money using a deposit device, balance acquisition unit 303 acquires recording medium identification information and the charge amount from server receiving unit 301. Balance acquisition unit 303 references balance table 1001 and acquires the first balance corresponding to the acquired recording medium identification information. Then, balance acquisition unit 303 notifies balance update unit 306 of the acquired first balance, charge amount, and recording medium identification information.

[0045] When a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the balance acquisition unit 303 acquires the recording medium identification information, the cart register identification information, and the product information from the extraction unit 307 . The balance acquisition unit 303 references the balance table 1001 and acquires the balance corresponding to the acquired recording medium identification information. The balance acquisition unit 303 then notifies the determination unit 308 of the acquired balance, cart register identification information, and product information.

[0046] The extraction unit 307 extracts the cart register identification information. Specifically, when a customer charges electronic money to a recording medium using a deposit device, the extraction unit 307 obtains the second balance and recording medium identification information from the balance update unit 306. The extraction unit 307 references the cart register device usage status table 1000 and extracts the cart register identification information corresponding to the obtained recording medium identification information. The extraction unit 307 then notifies the server transmission unit 304 of the extracted cart register identification information and the obtained second balance.

[0047] The extraction unit 307 also extracts recording medium identification information. Specifically, when a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the extraction unit 307 acquires the cart register identification information and product information from the server receiving unit 301. The extraction unit 307 references the cart register device usage status table 1000 and extracts recording medium identification information corresponding to the acquired cart register identification information. The extraction unit 307 notifies the balance acquisition unit 303 of the extracted recording medium identification information, the acquired cart register identification information, and the product information.

[0048] The balance updating unit 306 updates the balance in the balance table 1001. Specifically, when a customer charges electronic money to a recording medium using a deposit device, the balance updating unit 306 acquires the first balance, the charge amount, and the recording medium identification information from the balance acquiring unit 303. The balance updating unit 306 stores the sum of the first balance and the charge amount as the second balance in the balance table 1001. Then, the balance updating unit 306 notifies the extracting unit 307 of the second balance and the acquired recording medium identification information.

[0049] Furthermore, when a customer pushes the cart register device 200 through the exit gate, the balance update unit 306 obtains the total amount, the balance, and the cart register identification information from the determination unit 308. The balance update unit 306 subtracts the total amount from the obtained balance and stores the result as a new third balance in the balance table 1001. In this way, the balance update unit 306 stores the third balance in the balance table 1001, thereby completing the settlement of the products registered in the cart register device 200. The balance update unit 306 notifies the server transmission unit 304 of the third balance and the acquired cart register identification information, and deletes the record corresponding to the acquired cart register identification information from the cart register device usage status table 1000.

[0050] The determination unit 308 compares the total amount with the remaining balance. Specifically, when a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the determination unit 308 obtains the balance, cart register identification information, and product information from the balance acquisition unit 303. The determination unit 308 calculates the total amount based on the obtained product information. The determination unit 308 then compares the balance with the total amount. If the total amount is less than or equal to the balance, the determination unit 308 notifies the balance update unit 306 of the obtained balance, cart register identification information, and total amount. On the other hand, if the total amount is greater than the balance, the determination unit 308 notifies the server transmission unit 304 of error information and the obtained cart register identification information.

[0051] The server transmitting unit 304 transmits the first balance, product information, second balance, third balance, and error information to the cart register device 200. Specifically, when a customer has the recording medium read by the recording medium information acquiring unit 202, the server transmitting unit 304 acquires the cart register identification information and the first balance from the balance acquiring unit 303. The server transmitting unit 304 transmits the first balance to the cart register device 200 that has the acquired cart register identification information.

[0052] When a customer operates the scanner to read the barcode attached to a product, the server transmission unit 304 acquires the cart register identification information and the product information from the product information acquisition unit 305. The server transmission unit 304 transmits the product information to the cart register device 200 that has the acquired cart register identification information.

[0053] When a customer charges electronic money to a recording medium via a deposit device, the server transmitting unit 304 acquires the cart register identification information and the second balance from the extracting unit 307. The server transmitting unit 304 transmits the second balance to the cart register device having the acquired cart register identification information.

[0054] When a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the server transmission unit 304 acquires the cart register identification information and the third balance from the balance update unit 306. The server transmission unit 304 transmits the third balance to the cart register device 200 having the acquired cart register identification information.

[0055] When a customer pushes the cart register device 200 and passes through the exit gate, the server transmission unit 304 acquires the cart register identification information and error information from the determination unit 308. The server transmission unit 304 transmits the error information to the cart register device that has the acquired cart register identification information.

[0056] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system 1. The information processing system illustrated in the figure includes a cart registration device 200 and a server 300. The cart registration device 200 includes a bus 209, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, a memory 211, a storage device 212, an input / output interface 213, and a communication interface 214.

[0057] The bus 209 is a data transmission path for the CPU 210, memory 211, storage device 212, and input / output interface 213 to send and receive data to and from each other.

[0058] The memory 211 is a main storage device realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage device 212 is an auxiliary storage device realized by, for example, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a memory card, etc. The storage device 212 may be realized by the same hardware as that used to realize a main storage device such as a RAM.

[0059] The storage device 212 stores program modules that implement the various functions of the cart registration device 200. The CPU 210 reads these program modules into the memory 211 and executes them to implement the functions of the functional block diagram shown in FIG.

[0060] The input / output interface 213 is an interface for connecting the cart register device 200 with an input device and an output device. The input device is, for example, an RFID reader, a scanner, or a touch panel display, and the output device is, for example, a display.

[0061] The communication interface is an interface for connecting to a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0062] The server 300 includes a bus 309, a CPU 310, a memory 311, a storage device 312, and a communication interface 313. The hardware configuration of the server 300 is substantially the same as the bus 209, the CPU 210, the memory 211, the storage device 212, and the communication interface 214 of the cart registration device 200, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] [Operation of information processing system] The operational flow of the information processing system 1 will be explained by dividing it into a balance acquisition process, a product registration process, a charge process, and a settlement process. In the balance acquisition process, a customer has the recording medium read by the recording medium information acquisition unit 202, and the cart register device 200 acquires the recording medium identification information and displays the electronic money balance. In the product registration process, a customer operates a scanner to read a barcode attached to a product, and the cart register device 200 acquires the product identification information and displays the product information, the total price of the products, and the difference between the balance and the total price of the products on the display unit. In the charge process, a customer charges electronic money using a deposit device, and the cart register device 200 updates the display. In the settlement process, a customer moves the cart register device 200, and the cart register device 200 passes through the exit gate, and a settlement completion screen is displayed on the display unit.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a balance acquisition process in the information processing system 1. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a product registration process in the information processing system 1. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a deposit process in the information processing system 1. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operational flow of a settlement process in the information processing system 1.

[0065] The operational flow of the balance acquisition process in the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the cart register usage device status table 1000 shown in Figure 3 and the balance table 1001 shown in Figure 4 described above. Figure 7 is an example of a screen that is displayed on the display unit when a customer loads a recording medium into the cart register device 200. The description will be made assuming that the identification information of the recording medium owned by the customer is "12-1348a" and the cart register identification information of the cart register device 200 used by the customer is "0001."

[0066] 6, when a customer connects a recording medium to a short-range wireless communication reader, the cartreg device 200 acquires the recording medium identification information "12-1348a" from the recording medium (step S400) and reads the cartreg identification information "0001" stored in the storage unit 201 (step S401).Then, the cartreg device 200 transmits the recording medium identification information and the cartreg identification information to the server 300 (step S402).

[0067] The server 300 associates the received recording medium identification information "12-1348a" with the received cart register identification information "0001" and stores them in the cart register device usage status table 1000 (step S403). The server 300 references the balance table 1001 and obtains the first balance "500 yen" stored in association with the recording medium identification information "12-1348a" (step S404). The server 300 then transmits information indicating that the balance is "500 yen" to the cart register device 200 having the cart register identification information "0001" (step S405).

[0068] The cartreg device 200 generates and displays the screen shown in FIG. 7 including the first balance based on the first balance of "500 yen" (step S406), and ends the process. Specifically, in step S406, the cartreg device 200 displays the first balance of "500 yen" in the balance display area 20 of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, displays the total amount of "0 yen" in the total amount display area 21, displays the difference of "500 yen" obtained by subtracting the total amount from the first balance in the difference display area 22, and displays product information of the registered product in the registered product display area 23. Since no products have been registered in the cartreg device 200, the registered product display area 23 in FIG. 7 does not display any registered products. Furthermore, since the product information in this embodiment includes the product name and price, the registered product display area 23 is provided with an area for displaying the product name and price.

[0069] The recording medium may store the balance. In this case, the cart register device 200 acquires the recording medium identification information and the first balance from the recording medium in step S400. The server 300 does not perform the processes in steps S404 and S405.

[0070] The operational flow of the product registration process in the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when a customer registers mandarin oranges, apples, and chocolate as products. Figure 8 explains an example in which, after the balance acquisition process described in Figure 6, a customer registers mandarin oranges and apples as products, and then registers chocolate as a product.

[0071] 8, when a customer uses a scanner to read the barcode attached to the chocolate, the cart register device 200 receives the product identification information of the chocolate from the scanner (step S407).Then, the cart register device 200 reads out the cart register identification information "0001" stored in the memory unit 201 (step S408), and transmits the product identification information of the chocolate and the cart register identification information to the server 300 (step S409).

[0072] The server 300 refers to the product information table and acquires "product name: chocolate, price: 300 yen" as product information corresponding to the product identification information of chocolate (step S410).Then, the server 300 transmits the acquired product information "product name: chocolate, price: 300 yen" to the cart register device 200 having "0001" as cart register identification information (step S411).

[0073] The cart register device 200 adds the price "300 yen" included in the product information to the total price "360 yen" of the mandarin oranges and apples that has already been registered and displayed on the display unit, to calculate a new total price of "660 yen" to be displayed (step S412).The cart register device 200 also subtracts the calculated total price of "660 yen" from the balance "500 yen" displayed on the display unit, to calculate the difference between the total price and the balance of "-160 yen" (step S413).

[0074] Based on the calculated total amount of "660 yen" and the difference of "-160 yen," the cart register device 200 generates and displays the screen shown in Fig. 9 including the total amount and the difference (step S414), and ends the process. Specifically, in step S414, the cart register device 200 displays the balance of "500 yen" in balance display area 20 of the display screen shown in Fig. 9, displays the total amount of "660 yen" in total amount display area 21, displays the difference obtained by subtracting the total amount from the balance of "-160 yen" in difference display area 22, and displays product information for the registered mandarin oranges, apples, and chocolates in registered product display area 23.

[0075] The cart register device 200 may store a product information table in the storage unit 201. At this time, following step S407, the cart register device 200 refers to the product information table stored in the storage unit 201 and acquires product information corresponding to the acquired product identification information. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 does not perform the processes of steps S408 to S411. After charging the recording medium with electronic money, if the customer operates the scanner to read the barcode attached to the product, the display control unit 206 automatically updates the display of the balance on the recording medium, the total price of the registered products, and the difference. The update is preferably performed when the server 300 receives the charge amount and recording medium identification information from the deposit device, but may be performed at any time while the customer is shopping and before settling the bill.

[0076] The flow of operations for deposit processing in the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, as well as the cart register device usage status table 1000 shown in FIG. 3 and the balance table 1001 shown in FIG.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing balance table 1002. Balance table 1002 shows the table after electronic money is charged from the deposit device by customer operation and server 300 overwrites the first balance in balance table 1001 with the second balance. FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when a customer charges 1,000 yen in electronic money from the deposit device. FIG. 10 explains an example in which a customer charges 1,000 yen in electronic money from the deposit device after the product registration process described in FIG. 8.

[0078] 10, when a customer operates the deposit device to charge "1,000 yen" of electronic money to a recording medium, the server 300 receives "1,000 yen", which is the charge amount of electronic money charged by the customer, and "12-1348a", which is the recording medium identification information, from the deposit device (step S415). The server 300 refers to the balance table 1001 and obtains "500 yen", which is the first balance stored in association with the received recording medium identification information "12-1348a" (step S416).

[0079] Then, the server 300 adds the acquired first balance of "500 yen" and the charge amount of "1,000 yen", resulting in "1,500 yen", and stores this as the second balance in the balance table 1001, updating the first balance (step S417). By the processing of step S417, "1,500 yen" is stored as the second balance associated with the recording medium identification information "12-1348a", as shown in the balance table 1002.

[0080] When the balance table 1001 is updated, the server 300 references the cart register device usage status table 1000 and extracts the cart register identification information "0001" stored in association with the recording medium identification information "12-1348a" (step S418).Then, the server 300 transmits the second balance "1,500 yen" to the cart register device 200 having the cart register identification information "0001" (step S419).

[0081] The cartregister device 200 subtracts the total amount displayed on the display unit, "660 yen," from the second balance, "1,500 yen," to calculate the difference between the balance and the total amount, "840 yen" (step S420). Based on the total amount, "660 yen," the second balance, "1,500 yen," and the calculated difference, "840 yen," the cartregister device 200 displays the screen shown in FIG. 12, including the total amount, the second balance, and the difference, (step S421), and ends the processing. Specifically, in step S421, the cartregister device 200 displays the second balance, "1,500 yen," in the balance display area 20 of the display screen shown in FIG. 12, displays the total amount, "660 yen," in the total amount display area 21, and displays the difference, "840 yen," obtained by subtracting the total amount from the balance, in the difference display area 22.

[0082] The operational flow of the settlement process in the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 13, 14, and 15, as well as the cart register device usage status table 1000 shown in Figure 3 and the balance table 1002 shown in Figure 11 described above.

[0083] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the balance table 1003. The balance table 1003 shows the third balance when the cart register device 200 passes through the exit gate and the payment for the products registered in the cart register device 200 is made. Fig. 15 is an example of a payment completion screen. Fig. 13 will be explained as the payment processing that is carried out following the deposit processing explained in Fig. 10.

[0084] When the customer pushes the cart register device 200 through the exit gate and receives a payment start instruction from the exit gate (step S422), the cart register device 200 reads the cart register identification information "0001" and the product information of mandarin oranges, apples, and chocolates from the storage unit 201 (step S423).Then, the cart register device 200 transmits the read cart register identification information "0001" and the product information to the server 300 (step S424).

[0085] The server 300 references the cart register device usage status table 1000 and extracts the recording medium identification information "12-1348a" stored in association with the received cart register identification information "0001" (step S425). The server 300 references the balance table 1002 and obtains the second balance "1,500 yen" stored in association with the extracted recording medium identification information "12-1348a" (step S426).

[0086] The server 300 calculates the total amount of "660 yen" based on the received product information and compares the total amount of "660 yen" with the second balance of "1,500 yen" (step S427). Because the value of the second balance is greater than the total amount, the server 300 stores "840 yen", which is the second balance of "1,500 yen" minus the total amount of "660 yen", as the third balance in the balance table 1002 and updates the balance (step S428). By the processing of step S428, "840 yen", which is the second balance minus the total amount, is stored as the third balance associated with the recording medium identification information "12-1348a" in the balance table 1003, thereby completing the settlement of the products registered in the cart register device 200.

[0087] The server 300 transmits the third balance of "840 yen" to the cart register device 200 having the read cart register identification information "0001" (step S429). Then, the server 300 deletes the record corresponding to the cart register identification information "0001" from the cart register device usage status table 1000 (step S430).

[0088] When the cart register device 200 receives a settlement start instruction from the exit gate and further receives the third balance of "840 yen" from the server 300, it displays the screen shown in Fig. 15 (step S431). Specifically, in step S431, the cart register device 200 displays the received third balance of "840 yen" in the balance display area 20 and the difference display area 22 of the display screen shown in Fig. 15, and displays "0 yen" in the total amount display area 21.

[0089] After a predetermined time, the cart register device 200 displays "0 yen" in the balance display area 20, total amount display area 21, and difference display area 22 on the display screen, and returns the display screen to the initial screen before the recording medium was read (step S432). After returning the display screen to the initial screen, the cart register device 200 deletes the product information, total amount, balance, and difference between the balance and the total amount stored in the memory unit 201 (step S433), and ends the process.

[0090] If the balance is less than the total amount and the customer presses the button to cause the cartreg device 200 to pass through the exit gate, the cartreg device 200 obtains error information from the server 300 and displays an error screen. If the balance is less than the total amount and the customer presses the button to cause the cartreg device 200 to pass through the exit gate, the server 300 may suspend use of the used recording medium. If the balance is less than the total amount and the customer presses the button to cause the cartreg device 200 to pass through the exit gate, the cartreg device 200 may notify a store clerk terminal or POS register that there is a cartreg device 200 that cannot be settled. If the balance is less than the total amount and the customer presses the button to cause the cartreg device 200 to pass through the exit gate, the next time the recording medium used this time is used at the cartreg device 200, the cartreg device 200 may display an error screen and notify a store clerk terminal or POS register that a customer who left the previous time without settling has returned to the store.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a customer deposits electronic money into a recording medium while shopping, the balance display of the cart register device 200 can be updated without having to reload the recording medium into the cart register device 200. This allows the customer to efficiently check the balance recorded on the recording medium.

[0092] [Variation 1] In the information processing system 1, the cart register device 200 may further include an input unit (not shown) that accepts updates to the balance display. If the display unit is a touch panel display, the input unit is displayed as a display area that accepts input. Alternatively, the input unit may be provided on the cart register device 200 as a physical button.

[0093] The operation of each unit of the information processing system 1 in Modification 1 will be described. When the input unit receives an update to the balance display due to a customer's input operation, the reading unit 203 reads out the cart register identification information and notifies the cart register identification information to the cart register transmission unit 204. The cart register transmission unit 204 transmits the cart register identification information to the server 300.

[0094] When the server receiving unit 301 receives the cart register identification information, it notifies the extraction unit 307 of the cart register identification information. The extraction unit 307 references the cart register device usage status table 1000 and extracts the recording medium identification information stored corresponding to the notified cart register identification information, and notifies the balance acquisition unit 303 of the cart register identification information and the recording medium identification information. The balance acquisition unit 303 references the balance table 1002 and acquires the balance stored corresponding to the notified recording medium identification information. The balance acquisition unit 303 then notifies the server transmitting unit 304 of the cart register identification information and the acquired balance. The server transmitting unit 304 transmits the balance to the cart register device 200 having the notified cart register identification information.

[0095] The cart register receiving unit 205 notifies the calculation unit 208 of the received balance. The calculation unit 208 calculates the difference between the balance and the total amount by subtracting the total amount displayed on the display unit from the notified balance. The calculation unit 208 then notifies the display control unit 206 of the notified balance and the calculated difference. Based on the notified balance and difference, the display control unit 206 generates a screen including the balance updated by the server 300 and the difference calculated by the calculation unit, and updates the display on the display unit.

[0096] The cart register device 200 may activate an input unit that accepts display updates when the balance falls below a predetermined amount or when the balance is received from the server 300.

[0097] As described above, when a customer deposits electronic money into a recording medium while shopping, the customer can update the balance display on the cart register device 200 by operating the input unit without having to remove the recording medium from a bag or the like and read it into the cart register device 200. This allows the customer to efficiently check the balance recorded on the recording medium.

[0098] [Variation 2] During the checkout process, the information processing system 1 can also communicate with an accounting terminal (not shown), such as a self-service POS terminal, to perform the process. In this case, the cart register device 200 detects the checkout start instruction when the customer inputs an instruction to start the checkout into the accounting terminal and receives the instruction from the accounting terminal. Alternatively, the cart register device 200 may detect the checkout start instruction when the customer inputs the instruction to start the checkout into an input unit of the cart register device 200.

[0099] The operation of each component of information processing system 1 in Variation 2 will be described. When the cart register device 200 detects a payment start instruction due to a customer's input operation on the payment terminal or cart register device 200, the cart register transmission unit 204 transmits the product information and cart register identification information stored in the memory unit 201 to the payment terminal. The payment terminal inquires of server 300 about the balance of the recording medium associated with the received cart register identification information and receives the balance from server 300. The payment terminal then completes the payment by subtracting the received balance from the total amount calculated based on the product information, and transmits payment completion information to the cart register device 200 indicating that the payment has been completed. If the balance is less than the total amount, the payment terminal displays a screen indicating that the balance is insufficient and prompts the customer to charge electronic money.

[0100] Upon receiving the payment completion information, the cart register device 200 displays a payment completion screen on the display unit. Then, a predetermined time after displaying the payment completion screen, the display unit returns to the initial screen before the recording medium was read. When the cart register device 200 returns the display unit to the initial screen, it deletes the product information, total amount, balance, and the difference between the balance and the total amount stored in the memory unit 201.

[0101] [Variation 3] In the settlement process, the information processing system 1 can also communicate with a customer terminal (not shown), such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the customer, to perform the process. At this time, the cart register device 200 detects the settlement start instruction when the customer inputs the instruction to start settlement through the input unit.

[0102] When the cart register device 200 detects the payment start instruction, it displays a two-dimensional code on the display unit. The customer terminal then reads the displayed two-dimensional code, sets the payment method to the electronic money stored on the recording medium read by the recording medium information acquisition unit 202, and inputs the total amount of the registered products into the customer terminal. The customer terminal completes the payment by subtracting the input total amount from the set electronic money balance, and transmits payment completion information to the cart register device 200.

[0103] Upon receiving the payment completion information, the cart register device 200 displays a payment completion screen on the display unit. Then, a predetermined time after displaying the payment completion screen, the display unit returns to the initial screen before the recording medium was read. When the cart register device 200 returns the display unit to the initial screen, it deletes the product information, total amount, balance, and the difference between the balance and the total amount stored in the memory unit 201.

[0104] The first and second embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. [Appendix 1] a recording medium information acquisition unit that acquires recording medium identification information from a recording medium; a transmitting unit that transmits the acquired recording medium identification information and cart register identification information; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first balance corresponding to the acquired recording medium identification information; a receiving unit that receives, when electronic money is charged to the recording medium, a second balance that is the balance of the charged recording medium; the display control unit causes the display unit to display the received second balance. Information processing device. [Appendix 2] further comprising an input unit that accepts updates to the display of the first balance; the display control unit causes the display unit to display the second balance when the input unit accepts an update to the display of the first balance. 10. The information processing device according to claim 1. [Appendix 3] The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein when the receiving unit receives a third balance, which is the balance after settlement, after receiving a settlement start instruction, the display control unit displays a settlement completion screen on the display unit indicating that settlement has been completed, and after a predetermined time has passed since displaying the settlement completion screen, the display unit displays an initial screen. [Appendix 4] further comprising a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information of the product; An information processing device described in any of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein when the product identification information acquisition unit acquires product identification information after electronic money is charged to the recording medium, the display control unit displays the second balance, the total amount of the products for which identification information was acquired, and the difference between the second balance and the total amount. [Appendix 5] an acquisition unit that acquires recording medium identification information and cart registration identification information of the recording medium; a storage unit that stores the acquired recording medium identification information and the acquired cart register identification information in association with each other; an acquisition unit that acquires, when electronic money is charged to a recording medium, recording medium identification information of the charged recording medium and a balance of the charged recording medium; an extracting unit that extracts, from the storage unit, cart registration identification information corresponding to the recording medium identification information; a server transmitting unit that transmits the obtained balance to an information processing device corresponding to the extracted cart register identification information; A server comprising: [Appendix 6] an acquisition unit that acquires recording medium identification information and cart registration identification information of the recording medium; a storage unit that stores the acquired recording medium identification information and the acquired cart register identification information in association with each other; an acquisition unit that acquires, when electronic money is charged to a recording medium, recording medium identification information of the charged recording medium and a balance of the charged recording medium; an extracting unit that extracts, from the storage unit, cart registration identification information corresponding to the recording medium identification information; a display control unit that displays the balance of the charged recording medium on a display unit corresponding to the extracted cart register identification information; An information processing system comprising: [Appendix 7] a product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information of a product; a calculation unit that calculates a total price of the products for which the product identification information has been acquired based on product information corresponding to the acquired product identification information, When the cart register detects a payment start instruction, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the payment process has been completed. 7. The information processing system according to claim 6. [Appendix 8] An information processing system as described in Appendix 7, wherein the display indicating that the settlement process has been completed includes the balance after the settlement process. [Appendix 9] Acquiring recording medium identification information from the recording medium; Transmitting the acquired recording medium identification information and cart registration identification information; displaying a first balance corresponding to the acquired recording medium identification information; When the recording medium is charged with electronic money, a second balance of the recording medium is received; An information processing method that displays the received second balance. [Appendix 10] On the computer, obtaining recording medium identification information from the recording medium; transmitting the acquired recording medium identification information and cart register identification information; displaying a first balance corresponding to the acquired recording medium identification information; When electronic money is charged to the recording medium, receiving a second balance which is the balance of the charged recording medium; and a step of displaying the received second balance. [Appendix 11] Acquire recording medium identification information and cart registration identification information of the recording medium; storing the acquired recording medium identification information and the acquired cart register identification information in association with each other; When electronic money is charged to a recording medium, the recording medium identification information of the charged recording medium and the remaining balance of the charged recording medium are acquired; extracting cartridge identification information corresponding to the recording medium identification information; An information processing method for displaying the balance of the charged recording medium on a display section corresponding to the extracted cart register identification information. [Appendix 12] On the computer, acquiring recording medium identification information and cartridge identification information of the recording medium; storing the acquired recording medium identification information and the acquired cart register identification information in association with each other; When electronic money is charged to a recording medium, acquiring recording medium identification information of the charged recording medium and the remaining balance of the charged recording medium; A program for executing the steps of: extracting cart register identification information corresponding to the recording medium identification information; and displaying the balance of the charged recording medium on a display unit corresponding to the extracted cart register identification information. [Appendix 13] Acquire recording medium identification information and cart registration identification information of the recording medium; storing the acquired recording medium identification information and the acquired cart register identification information in association with each other; When electronic money is charged to a recording medium, the recording medium identification information of the charged recording medium and the remaining balance of the charged recording medium are acquired; extracting cartridge identification information corresponding to the recording medium identification information; An information processing method for transmitting the obtained balance to an information processing device corresponding to the extracted cart register identification information. [Appendix 14] On the computer, acquiring recording medium identification information and cartridge identification information of the recording medium; storing the acquired recording medium identification information and the acquired cart register identification information in association with each other; When electronic money is charged to a recording medium, acquiring recording medium identification information of the charged recording medium and a balance of the charged recording medium; extracting cartridge register identification information corresponding to the recording medium identification information; and a program for executing a step of transmitting the obtained balance to an information processing device corresponding to the extracted cart register identification information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100, 200 Cartridge device 101, 202 Recording medium information acquisition unit 102, 204 Cart register transmission unit 103 Display control unit 104, 205 Cart register receiving unit 1. Information Processing Systems 201, 302 Storage section 203 Readout section 206 Display control unit 207 Product identification information acquisition department 208 Calculation Unit 300 servers 301 Server Receiving Unit 303 Balance Acquisition Department 304 Server Sender 305 Product Information Acquisition Department 306 Balance Update Section 307 Extraction part 308 Judgment section 1000 Cart Register Device Usage Table 1001, 1002, 1003 Balance Table Buses 209 and 309 210, 310 CPU 211, 311 memory 212, 312 storage devices 213 Input / Output Interface 214, 313 Communication Interface 21 Total amount display area 22 Difference display area 23 Registered product display area

Claims

1. A recording medium information acquisition unit that acquires recording medium identification information from a recording medium; a transmitting unit that transmits the cart register identification information and the recording medium identification information to a server that manages electronic money; a display control unit that causes a first balance corresponding to the recording medium identification information to be displayed on a display unit of the cart register device; a receiving unit that receives, when electronic money is charged by a deposit device that is a device separate from the cart register device, a second balance that is the sum of the first balance and the charged amount from the server; an input unit that accepts updates to the display of the first balance, the input unit is activated when the first balance becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the second balance when the input unit accepts an update to the display of the first balance; Cart register device.

2. A recording medium information acquisition unit that acquires recording medium identification information from a recording medium; a transmitting unit that transmits the cart register identification information and the recording medium identification information to a server that manages electronic money; a display control unit that causes a first balance corresponding to the recording medium identification information to be displayed on a display unit of the cart register device; a receiving unit that receives, when electronic money is charged by a deposit device that is a device separate from the cart register device, a second balance that is the sum of the first balance and the charged amount from the server; an input unit that accepts updates to the display of the first balance, the input unit is activated when the second balance is received from the server; the display control unit causes the display unit to display the second balance when the input unit accepts an update to the display of the first balance; Cart register device.

3. The recording medium is a card or a mobile terminal. The cart register device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display unit is a display of a tablet terminal. The cart register device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images