Monetary data transaction method, user management device, store management device, and transaction management system

Abstract

To provide a transaction method which pays a price in the case of charging electronic money to an electronic money account managed by a server, in cash.SOLUTION: A transaction management system 1 displays a two-dimensional code including access destination information on a user terminal 5 and store management device identification information which can identify a store management device, on a display screen of the store management device 10, and makes the user terminal 5 acquire it. The access destination information is a URL of a Web page which can operate information on a user managed by the user management device 2. The user management device acquires user identification information and the store management device identification information by access by the user terminal. The user management device acquires a charge amount from the store management device, by connecting with the store management device identified by the acquired store management device identification information, and further, when the information indicating that the price has been settled is acquired, charges electronic money equivalent to the charge amount to an electronic money account identified by the user identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transacting monetary data, a user management device for managing monetary data for each user, a store management device for settling the price of monetary data transactions, and a transaction management system equipped with the user management device and the store management device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known automated service machines that accept coins through a deposit slot, identify the type of coins, and sell goods or provide services according to the amount deposited. For example, there are known coin-operated laundry machines that accept coins to wash and dry clothes. There are also known coin laundries in which multiple coin-operated laundry machines are installed within a store.

[0003] For example, the laundry machine described in JP 2020-156581 A has a card reader / writer and can read and write IC cards. The IC card stores monetary data equivalent to coins or banknotes. Laundry machines have set service fees, such as 100 yen for 10 minutes of dryer use. The laundry machine stores the usage fee for each service, such as washing or drying, and the monetary data equivalent to that fee. For example, by holding an IC card over the card reader / writer installed in the laundry machine, the monetary data equivalent to the usage fee is subtracted from the monetary data stored on the IC card, and the laundry machine begins operating according to the usage fee. Coin laundries are equipped with charging devices that charge monetary data onto IC cards and deposit the payment. The charging device also has a currency exchange function, allowing it to exchange banknotes for coins.

[0004] Another optional feature for laundry systems is the ability to award points based on laundry machine usage. Points earned through laundry machine usage are accumulated by adding them to the points already stored on the IC card. The points accumulated on the IC card can be exchanged for rewards such as free laundry machine use coupons or discount coupons according to a preset number of points. When points are used, the reward points are deducted from the points stored on the IC card. The IC card charging device installed in the store allows users to deposit bills and coins, and the monetary data equivalent to the deposited amount is added to the monetary data stored on the IC card. The charging device also functions as a management device for unmanned stores. Each laundry machine in the store is equipped with a card reader / writer and connected to the charging device. The charging device can control each laundry machine via the card reader / writer and also collect usage information for each laundry machine.

[0005] The self-service laundry system described in JP 2021-058685 A allows users to pay for laundry equipment by subtracting the usage fee from the charge balance stored in the server. The charge balance is managed by the server for each pre-registered user. The charge balance is topped up by the user entering the prepaid code printed on the prepaid card they purchase. If the prepaid code is authenticated, the charge amount corresponding to the prepaid card is added to the monetary data stored in the management server. In this way, electronic money systems that store monetary data in a management server without using an IC card are known. Systems are also known in which the price for topping up monetary data managed by the management server is paid for via e-commerce using a credit card. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-156581 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-058685 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] IC cards store user information such as a user ID that identifies the IC card, monetary data (electronic money), and points. If an IC card is lost, the user is unable to use laundry equipment. Furthermore, if a lost card is found by someone else, there is the risk that the card may be used fraudulently by someone who pretends to be the IC card's owner. On the other hand, electronic money, whose monetary data is managed by a management server, cannot be lost, but when charging monetary data, it is necessary to pay with a credit card or purchase a prepaid card in advance, which places restrictions on payment methods. Using a credit card incurs a processing fee. Furthermore, when using a prepaid card, after purchasing the card, the user must enter the prepayment code printed on the card, which is a hassle.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a monetary data transaction method that enables easy cash settlement using a store management device installed in a store when charging new monetary data to monetary data stored in a user management device such as a management server that can be used to pay for services provided. It also aims to provide a store management device, a user management device, and a transaction management system equipped with the store management device and the user management device that enables easy cash settlement when charging the monetary data stored in the user management device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The monetary data transaction method of the present invention includes: A user management device that is communicatively connectable to a user terminal operated by a user who visits a store, and that is communicatively connectable to a store management device that is installed in each store and has a deposit means for depositing currency, and that stores monetary data associated with user identification information that identifies the user. is executed A method for trading monetary data, comprising: but a step of directing the connected store management device to a member page, which is a web page that confirms user information about the user generated by the user management device, and transmitting access destination information including store management device identification information that identifies the store management device so that the store management device can display the access destination information in a manner that can be acquired by the user terminal; a step of inputting the user identification information from the user terminal when the user terminal that acquired the access destination information displayed on the store management device connects to the member page corresponding to the access destination information; and a step of transmitting data of the member page to the user terminal that made the connection so that the connection status with the user management device can be displayed. and, when the store management device identified by the store management device identification information is connected while the connection with the user terminal is maintained, a step of inputting from the store management device a charge amount to be charged to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information, and thereafter, when payment information indicating that payment of the amount corresponding to the charge amount has been completed is input by the store management device, a step of adding the charge amount to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information based on the user identification information obtained from the user terminal and the charge amount obtained from the store management device.

[0010] The transaction management system of the present invention comprises a user terminal operated by a user and equipped with a display means, a store management device equipped with an operation panel for input and display and a deposit means for depositing currency, and a user management device that stores user identification information that identifies the user and monetary data associated with the user identification information and has a control means for controlling the charging and payment of the monetary data, the user management device being communicatively connected to the user terminal and the store management device, the store management device having access destination information display means that directs the user to a member page, which is a web page that confirms user information related to the user generated by the user management device, and displays access destination information including store management device identification information that identifies the store management device, a charge amount input means that inputs a charge amount to be charged to the monetary data, and deposits a fee corresponding to the charge amount using the deposit means, and when the deposit is completed, payment of the fee corresponding to the charge amount is completed. and a charge payment means for generating payment information indicating that the user has been connected to the member page based on the access destination information and outputting the generated payment information to the user management device, the user terminal having a member page connection means for connecting to the member page based on the access destination information, an information output means for outputting the user identification information to the user management device, and a display and operation means for displaying and operating the user management device, the user management device having an information input means for inputting information when connected to an external device, when the user terminal connects to the member page based on the access destination information, the user identification information is input from the user terminal, and when the store management device identified by the store management device identification information is connected while the user terminal is connected to the member page based on the access destination information, the charge amount to be charged to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information is input from the store management device, and thereafter the payment information for the amount corresponding to the charge amount is input from the store management device, the control meansThe charging amount obtained from the store management device is added to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information obtained from the user terminal.

[0011] The user management device of the present invention is communicatively connected to a user terminal operated by a user, and communicatively connected to a store management device equipped with a deposit means for depositing currency, and stores user identification information that identifies the user and monetary data associated with the user identification information, and controls the charging and payment of the monetary data. The user management device directs the user to a member page, which is a web page generated by the user management device and on which user information about the user can be confirmed, and the user terminal is communicatively connected based on access destination information including store management device identification information that identifies the store management device, and obtains the user identification information from the connected user terminal, and is communicatively connected to the store management device specified based on the store management device identification information, and obtains the charge amount for the monetary data. When the store management device identified by the store management device identification information is connected while the connection with the user terminal is maintained, the charge amount obtained from the store management device is added to the money data stored in association with the user identification information. It is characterized by adding.

[0012] The store management device of the present invention is communicably connected to a user terminal operated by a user, and stores monetary data associated with user identification information that identifies the user. A user management device that controls charging and payment of the monetary data is communicably connected to the store management device, and the store management device is equipped with a deposit means for depositing currency and an operation panel for displaying and inputting information, the operation panel is capable of inputting a charge amount and guiding the user to a member page, which is a web page that confirms user information related to the user corresponding to the user identification information generated by the user management device, and displaying access destination information including store management device identification information that identifies the store management device; the deposit means is capable of depositing money corresponding to the charge amount; when the user terminal that has acquired the access destination information connects to the member page based on the access destination information and the connection with the user management device is maintained, the charge amount to be added to the stored monetary data associated with the user identification information corresponding to the member page displayed on the user terminal is input from the operation panel; The input charge amount is output to the user management device, and a fee corresponding to the charge amount is calculated. By the deposit means The payment is made, payment information indicating that the payment of the price has been completed is generated, and the payment information is output to the user management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a monetary data transaction method can be provided in which the cost of charging new monetary data to monetary data stored in a user management device such as a management server and usable for fees for provided services can be settled by depositing cash using a store management device located in a store. Also, according to the present invention, the cost of charging monetary data stored in the user management device can be settled by easily depositing cash using a store management device located in a store. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a transaction management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transaction management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of settling the charge amount. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the service providing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the cash payment operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of paying for the service providing device from an electronic money account. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a payment by two-dimensional code payment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu display screen displayed on the store management device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an access destination code for a charge process displayed on a store management device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the store management device for selecting a recharge amount. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the store management device. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen for charge processing displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge completion screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen for payment processing displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for payment confirmation processing displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the store management device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an access destination code for payment processing displayed on the store management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0016] As an example of a transaction management system, we will explain a management system for a coin laundry in which laundry machines are used as service provision devices. The service provision devices operate automatically in response to the deposit of currency or payment of a fee, selling goods or providing services. Laundry machines are an example of a service provision device. A coin laundry is equipped with multiple coin-operated laundry machines, such as washing machines and dryers. In addition to laundry machines, service provision devices also include, for example, massage machines, game machines, and vending machines.

[0017] Each service provision device is connected to a store management device, which manages multiple service provision devices for each store, via a network, for data communication. The store management device can control and manage each service provision device. The store management device is connected to a user management device via a network for data communication. The user management device can communicate data with each store management device and the service provision devices connected to each store management device, and can control and manage each device. A user terminal operated by a user is connected to the user management device via a network for data communication. The user management device stores user information, including monetary data. A user can access the user management device using the user terminal, pay for the service provision device with monetary data, and receive services. A user can also access the user management device using the user terminal, perform operations to charge the monetary data, and use the store management device's functions to pay the charge amount in cash. Monetary data, an example of electronic money, is data equivalent to currency such as banknotes and coins, and is electronic data stored on a storage medium. In addition to cash, other payment methods such as two-dimensional barcode payment and credit card payment are also possible for payment of the charge amount.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a transaction management system.

[0019] The transaction management system 1 is connected via a first network 7 such as the Internet to a user management device 2, a store management device 10 at a first store 3, a store management device (not shown) at a second store 4, a user terminal 5, and a payment server 6 so that data communication is possible. The user management device 2 can manage multiple store management devices, multiple service providing devices, and multiple users.

[0020] In a first store 3, which is a coin laundry store, a first service providing device 11 having a first laundry machine 14 and a first terminal device 15, a second service providing device 12 having a second laundry machine 17 and a second terminal device 16, and a third service providing device 13 having a third laundry machine 19 and a third terminal device 18 are connected to a store management device 10 via a second network 20 so as to be able to communicate data therewith. The second network 20 is, for example, a local area network using the TCP / IP protocol. The first laundry machine 14 and the first terminal device 15 may be integrated, or the first terminal device 15 may be attached to the outside of the housing of the first laundry machine 14.

[0021] The user management device 2 manages information about each user who uses the directly or indirectly connected store management device 10, laundry machines 14, 17, 19, and service provider devices 11, 12, 13. Device IDs, which are identification numbers that can identify each device, are assigned to devices such as the store management device 10 and laundry machines 14, 17, 19, and are managed by the user management device 2. Each user is also assigned an ID number, which can identify each user. user Each user is assigned an ID and managed by the user management device 2. The user management device 2 can also remotely control devices such as the store management device 10 and first service provision device 11 that are connected to the device.

[0022] First laundry machine 14, second laundry machine 17, and third laundry machine 19 are installed in a coin laundry store. Although first store 3 has three laundry machines, the number of installed laundry machines can be one or more, and is not limited to three.

[0023] Although not shown, the second store 4 also has multiple laundry machines and a store management device, which are managed and controlled by the user management device 2. The second store 4 has a similar configuration to the first store 3, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] There may be multiple store management devices 10, and in a two-story store, for example, one may be placed on each floor. At least one store management device 10 is placed in each coin laundry in a store.

[0025] The first service providing device 11, the second service providing device 12, and the third service providing device 13 are connected to the store management device 10 via wired or wireless connections to send and receive data. The data includes control values, commands, and status information. For example, the control values, commands, and status information are data used by the store management device 10 to individually control each of the laundry devices 14, 17, and 19. The store management device 10 can also control and manage each of the connected laundry devices 14, 17, and 19. The store management device 10 can select one of the laundry devices 14, 17, or 19 that a user will use, obtain the amount of money deposited for the selected laundry device, start, stop, change the settings of the selected laundry device, and obtain status information for each of the connected laundry devices 14, 17, and 19.

[0026] When a user selects a laundry device to use from among the laundry devices 14, 17, and 19 connected to the store management device 10, the user either operates the store management device 10 directly or indirectly selects and operates the store management device 10 via the user terminal 5 and the user management device 2. The user can control, start, and use the laundry device selected from among the laundry devices 14, 17, and 19 by paying a usage fee for the selected laundry device using the store management device 10. The user can pay the usage fee using monetary data from the user's electronic money account stored in the user management device 2. The user can also charge the electronic money monetary data from the user's electronic money account stored and managed in the user management device 2 by operating the user terminal 5 and the store management device 10.

[0027] The user terminal 5 is owned by the user and is operated by the user who uses the laundry equipment. The user terminal 5 has a web browser function and can display web pages, input data, etc. By operating the user terminal 5, the user can access the user management device 2 via the first network 7 and undergo user authentication. If the user is authenticated and found to be a legitimate user, the user can log in from the user terminal 5 to a member page, which is a web page unique to each user generated by the user management device 2. After logging in to the member page, the user can perform various operations until logging out of the member page.

[0028] After accessing the member page, a user can deposit and withdraw electronic money from the user's electronic money account by operating the database unit 44 from the user terminal 5, and can pay for the use of automated service devices and charge electronic money. The user data storage means 22 stores monetary data in an electronic money account associated with a user ID, and the database unit 44 controls processes such as adding and subtracting monetary data from the electronic money account. In other words, electronic money is stored in the database unit 44 for each user identification information.

[0029] The payment server 6 is a server equipped with a payment means for performing credit card payment or two-dimensional code payment in response to a payment request that specifies the payment source, payment destination, and amount, and outputting the payment results to the payment requester and the payment destination.

[0030] Next, we will explain the store management device 10. Various operations of the store management device 10 are controlled by store management control means 31. The store management control means 31 is equipped with a CPU and memory (not shown), and operations are controlled according to programs stored in the memory. The memory is also used to store setting values ​​and as a work area for the CPU.

[0031] The store management communication device 32 is connected to and controlled by the store management control means 31. The store management communication device 32 is connected to the second network 20, and is connected to the first service provision device 11, the second service provision device 12, and the third service provision device 13 via the second network 20, and transmits and receives data. For example, the store management device 10 transmits data such as control commands and control values ​​to each of the service provision devices 11, 12, and 13. The store management device 10 also receives various data such as status information, control values, and return values ​​from each of the service provision devices 11, 12, and 13 and each of the laundry machines 14, 17, and 19. The store management communication device 32 is also connected to the first network 7, and transmits and receives data to and from other devices connected to the first network 7.

[0032] The store management control means 31 can acquire and send various data via the store management communication device 32. The acquired data is used by the store management control means 31 for various controls.

[0033] The store management operation panel 30 is connected to and controlled by the store management control means 31. The store management operation panel 30 is equipped with a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the store management control means 31, and an input device that inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. under the control of the store management control means 31. In other words, the store management operation panel 30 is a device equipped with display means and input means. For example, the store management operation panel 30 is a touch panel that is capable of display and input. The store management operation panel 30 may also be equipped with display means such as an LCD and input means such as a keyboard.

[0034] The currency deposit and withdrawal device 29 is connected to and controlled by the store management control means 31. The currency deposit and withdrawal device 29 functions as a deposit means for depositing currency such as coins and banknotes and as a withdrawal means for withdrawing currency. For example, the currency deposit and withdrawal device 29 identifies the denomination of coins and banknotes inserted into an insertion slot and outputs a different identification signal for each denomination. It also dispenses coins and banknotes from a dispensing slot as needed. The store management control means 31 receives and analyzes the identification signal to obtain denomination identification result data. The store management control means 31 can also count the number of inserted currency. The store management control means 31 can also obtain the amount inserted. The obtained data is stored in the store data storage means 28 and is also used by the store management control means 31 for various control purposes. The store management control means 31 can calculate the amount to be dispensed and the number of coins of each denomination, and dispense the coins.

[0035] The currency deposit and withdrawal device 29 may also be equipped with a card reader / writer to enable payments other than cash. The store management control means 31 may communicate with an externally located payment server 6 based on data read by the card reader / writer to process credit card payments. The currency deposit and withdrawal device 29 may also be equipped with imaging means such as an electronic camera to read two-dimensional codes presented by users. The store management control means 31 may also communicate with an externally located payment server 6 based on the read data to process two-dimensional code payments.

[0036] The store data storage means 28 is connected to the store management control means 31 and is controlled by the store management control means 31. The store data storage means 28 can store various information necessary for control.

[0037] A user can select a laundry device to use from multiple laundry devices by operating the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10. The store management control means 31 can collect the usage fee for the selected laundry device using the currency deposit / withdrawal device 29 and control the operation of the selected laundry device.

[0038] The store management device 10 also transmits and receives data to and from the user management device 2, identifies users, and can provide special services to identified users.

[0039] The store management device 10 can obtain information from, remotely control, and otherwise operate each connected service providing device, and also functions as a currency exchange machine, with a currency deposit and withdrawal device 29 for depositing and withdrawing currency. The store management device 10 also functions as a service machine that converts user points into benefits such as discount coupons and free use tickets.

[0040] Next, the first service providing device 11 will be described. The second service providing device 12 and the third service providing device 13 are similar to the first service providing device 11, so detailed descriptions will be omitted. The first laundry machine 14 will be described, but the other second laundry machine 17 and third laundry machine 19 have the same configuration as the first laundry machine 14, so descriptions will be omitted. The first terminal device 15 will be described, but the other second terminal device 16 and third terminal device 18 have the same configuration as the first terminal device 15, so descriptions will be omitted.

[0041] The first service providing device 11 includes a first terminal device 15 and a first laundry machine 14. Various operations of the first laundry machine 14 are controlled by a laundry control means 34. The laundry control means 34 includes a CPU and memory (not shown), and its operations are controlled according to programs stored in the memory. The memory also stores setting values ​​and serves as a work area for the CPU.

[0042] The laundry device 35 is connected to and controlled by the laundry control means 34. For example, the laundry device 35 may be a washing machine that washes clothes, a dryer that dries clothes, or a washing machine with a drying function that dries washed clothes. The laundry control means 34 controls the laundry device 35, such as starting and stopping its operation, filling and discharging water, and adding detergent. The laundry control means 34 can also control changes in the laundry device 35's operating mode. The laundry control means 34 can also acquire the status of the laundry device 35. For example, the laundry control means 34 can detect the laundry device 35's abnormality, operating status, stopped status, etc., or calculate the end time of operation, which can be used for various control purposes. For example, the laundry control means 34 can monitor the operation of the laundry device 35 based on signals from sensors (not shown) attached to the laundry device 35, determine the status of the laundry device 35, and use this information for various control purposes. For example, the sensors are sensors related to the laundry device 35, such as a sensor that detects whether the device is running, a water temperature sensor, a water level sensor, and a sensor that detects the remaining amount of detergent. The laundry control means 34 can count the time from start, determine that the device has stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed, and calculate the remaining time of operation, and can be used for various controls. The laundry control means 34 can also determine the state of the laundry device 35 depending on the stage of processing, such as whether it is in a washing or spin-dry state, and can be used for various controls. The laundry device 35 is a service providing unit of the first service providing device 11. For example, by changing the service providing unit, the device can become a variety of service providing devices. For example, the service providing unit is a device that realizes various functions, such as a dryer, a goods vending machine, a data vending machine, a data storage device, a data lending device, and a remote control device.

[0043] The laundry operation panel 33 is connected to and controlled by the laundry control means 34. The laundry operation panel 33 is equipped with a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the laundry control means 34, and an input device that inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. under the control of the laundry control means 34. The laundry control means 34 can obtain data such as characters, numbers, and symbols through the laundry operation panel 33. For example, the laundry operation panel 33 is a touch panel that is capable of display and input. The operation mode of the laundry device 35 (selection of a wash course, setting of drying time, etc.) and optional functions (whether to use fabric softener, type of detergent, etc.) can be input. The laundry operation panel 33 may also be a combination of display means such as an LCD and input means such as a keyboard.

[0044] The currency identification device 36 receives currency such as coins and identifies their authenticity and denomination. When a predetermined amount is deposited, the currency identification device 36 outputs a charging signal to the laundry control means 34. The laundry control means 34 controls the laundry device 35 in response to the input of the charging signal, causing it to perform a predetermined operation. The amount deposited into the currency identification device 36 is also output to the first terminal device 15, which stores it together with the time of deposit.

[0045] Next, the first terminal device 15 will be described. Various operations of the first terminal device 15 are controlled by a terminal device control means 37. The terminal device control means 37 is equipped with a CPU and memory (not shown), and its operations are controlled according to programs stored in the memory. The memory also stores setting values ​​and serves as a work area for the CPU. The terminal device control means 37 is connected to the laundry control means 34 so that data communication is possible. The terminal device control means 37 can control the first laundry device 14.

[0046] The terminal communication device 38 is connected to the terminal device control means 37 and controlled by the terminal device control means 37. The terminal communication device 38 of the first terminal device 15 and the store management communication device 32 of the store management device 10 are connected to each other via the second network 20 so that data can be communicated between them. For example, the store management device 10 can output an instruction to the connected first terminal device 15 to control the startup of the first laundry device 14, thereby remotely controlling the startup of the first laundry device 14 and obtaining information.

[0047] The card reader / writer 39 is connected to and controlled by the terminal device control means 37. The card reader / writer 39 can read and write data stored on an IC card. For example, the data stored on the IC card is monetary data equivalent to currency. The terminal device control means 37 can perform various controls and calculations based on the read data. The terminal device control means 37 can also write data obtained as a result of the various controls and calculations. The card reader / writer 39 also reads credit card data. Based on the read data, the terminal device control means 37 communicates with an external payment server 6 to complete credit card payments. The terminal device control means 37 subtracts the usage fee for the first laundry machine 14 from the monetary data stored on the IC card, updates the stored monetary data, and transmits payment completion data from the terminal device control means 37 to the laundry control means 34. The laundry control means 34 controls the operation of the laundry machine 35 based on the input of the payment completion data. In this way, the usage fee for the first laundry machine 14 can be paid using the monetary data stored on the IC card. The card reader / writer 39 is not necessarily required if an IC card is not used.

[0048] The terminal operation panel 40 is connected to the terminal device control means 37 and controlled by the terminal device control means 37. The terminal operation panel 40 is equipped with a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the terminal device control means 37, and an input device that inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. under the control of the terminal device control means 37. The terminal device control means 37 can obtain data such as characters, numbers, symbols, etc. through the terminal operation panel 40. For example, the terminal operation panel 40 is a touch panel that is capable of display and input. The terminal operation panel 40 may also be a display means such as an LCD and an input means such as a keyboard.

[0049] Next, the user terminal 5 will be described. The user terminal 5 is a portable computer equipped with communication means, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, or notebook computer. Various operations of the user terminal 5 are controlled by user terminal control means 24. The user terminal control means 24 is equipped with a CPU and memory (not shown), and operations are controlled according to programs stored in the memory. The memory is also used to store setting values ​​and as a work area for the CPU.

[0050] The user terminal communication device 27 is connected to the user terminal control means 24 and is controlled by the user terminal control means 24. The user terminal communication device 27 is connected to the first network 7 and transmits and receives data to and from external devices. For example, the user terminal 5 transmits and receives data to and from the user management device 2 via the user terminal communication device 27.

[0051] The user operation panel 25 is connected to the user terminal control means 24 and controlled by the user terminal control means 24. The user operation panel 25 is equipped with a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the user terminal control means 24, and an input device that inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. under the control of the user terminal control means 24. For example, the user operation panel 25 is a touch panel that is capable of display and input. Alternatively, the user operation panel 25 may be a combination of a display means such as an LCD and an input means such as a keyboard.

[0052] The imaging means 26 is connected to and controlled by the user terminal control means 24. The imaging means 26 is, for example, an electronic camera, and generates image data. The image data is acquired by the user terminal control means 24 and stored in built-in memory. The acquired image data is then used for various control operations by the user terminal control means 24. For example, a two-dimensional code may be displayed on the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10 so that it can be acquired by the user terminal 5. The two-dimensional code may be imaged by the imaging means 26, and the user terminal control means 24 may acquire image data of the two-dimensional code. The acquired image data of the two-dimensional code is analyzed by the user terminal control means 24. The user terminal control means 24 acquires the original two-dimensionally coded data and uses it for various controls.

[0053] The user terminal control means 24 also operates in accordance with a web browser program stored in memory, and can display files acquired from a network connection.

[0054] Next, we will explain the user management device 2. The user management device 2 is a computer such as a server that manages laundry devices and users.

[0055] The user management device 2 stores information about each service provision device 11, 12, 13 connected to the store management device 10, information about the users who use the laundry devices, and information about the status of the laundry devices. The user management device 2 can remotely control each connected service provision device 11, 12, 13 and the store management device 10.

[0056] Various operations of the user management device 2 are controlled by user management control means 21. The user management control means 21 is equipped with a CPU and memory (not shown), and its operations are controlled according to programs stored in the memory. The memory is also used to store setting values ​​and as a work area for the CPU.

[0057] The user management communication device 23 is connected to the user management control means 21 and is controlled by the user management control means 21. The user management communication device 23 is connected to the first network 7 and transmits and receives data to and from external devices. For example, the user management device 2 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 5 and the store management device 10 via the user management communication device 23.

[0058] The user data storage means 22 is connected to the user management control means 21 and is controlled by the user management control means 21. The user data storage means 22 stores various information and setting values ​​of each device, such as users required for control and manageable service providing devices. The user data storage means 22 is composed of storage means such as semiconductor memory and a hard disk drive.

[0059] The user management control means 21 includes an authentication unit 41, a code generation unit 42, a member page generation unit 43, and a database unit 44.

[0060] The authentication unit 41 authenticates a user as a genuine user when logging in to a member page provided for each member. That is, the authentication unit 41 determines whether the user is a legitimate user. For example, the authentication unit 41 is an authentication means that authenticates a user using a user ID and a corresponding password. The user management control means 21 stores a set of user IDs and passwords, prompts the user to input the user ID and password from the user terminal 5, compares the input password with a pre-stored password corresponding to the input user ID, and determines whether they match. If they match, the user is authenticated as a legitimate user, and if they do not match, the user is determined to be an invalid user. If the user is a legitimate user, access to the member page corresponding to the user ID is permitted. Instead of a password, member-specific biometric information such as a fingerprint, vein pattern, or iris pattern may be used for authentication. In this case, fingerprints, veins, or irises are used instead of passwords, and means for acquiring these and means for determining whether they match are provided.

[0061] The code generation unit 42 is a code generation means for generating access destination information including the URL of a login page for the member page. For example, the store management device 10 converts the access destination information generated by the code generation unit 42 into a two-dimensional code and displays it. The access destination information can include a device ID, which is information identifying the store management device 10 that displays the two-dimensional code. By obtaining the two-dimensional code, the user terminal 5 can simultaneously obtain the device ID of the device that performs payment for charging monetary data and the access destination information that leads to the member page.

[0062] The member page generation unit 43 provides a member page, which is a user-specific web page provided for each user. The member page generation unit 43 generates web page data such as a login page for the member page and data for the member page to be displayed after login. The member page generation unit 43 can obtain user-specific information corresponding to the user ID used for the member page from the database unit 44, which will be described later.

[0063] The database unit 44 works in conjunction with the user data storage means 22 to treat and control user-related data as a database. The database unit 44 stores information for each user, such as a user ID, user attributes, password, electronic money account, electronic money balance, point balance, and usage history, in the user data storage means 22, in association with the user ID. An electronic money account is stored by associating an account number unique to the electronic money account with the electronic money balance and user ID. The database unit 44 treats the user information stored in the user data storage means 22 as a database and controls data read / write retrieval, etc. In addition, the database unit 44 assigns a device ID to each connected device, such as a store management device or service providing device, in each store, and stores information about each device, such as the device's attributes, usage status, and usage history, in association with the device's device ID in the user data storage means 22. The database unit 44 treats the information about each device stored in the user data storage means 22 as a database and controls data read / write retrieval, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, the account number, which is a unique number for the electronic money account, and the password are stored in advance in the database unit 44. When depositing or withdrawing electronic money from the electronic money account, after logging in to the member page, the password corresponding to the account number is entered and compared with the pre-stored password, and if they match, the process of depositing or withdrawing electronic money from the electronic money account can be executed. This can reduce fraudulent use of electronic money accounts.

[0065] The user management control means 21 acquires various information from the store management device 10 and user terminals 5 connected to the first network 7 and stores it in the user data storage means 22. The acquired information is stored in association with IDs uniquely assigned to users and laundry machines. The user management control means 21 can search for various information from the user data storage means 22. The searched and acquired information is used by the user management control means 21 for control purposes. The searched information can also be transmitted in response to a request from another device connected to the first network 7. For example, if it is desired to acquire the number of points of a certain user, the user management control means 21 can control the database unit 44 to search for and acquire the number of points of the target user from the user data storage means 22 based on the user ID and the item to be acquired. The user management control means 21 can use the acquired information for control purposes.

[0066] Next, the operation of settling the charge amount of electronic money in cash using the transaction management system will be described using Figures 1, 2, and 8 to 13. Figure 2 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the transaction management system. Figure 8 is a diagram explaining an example of a menu display screen displayed on a store management device. Figure 9 is a diagram explaining an example of a screen displaying an access destination code for the charge process displayed on a store management device. Figure 10 is a diagram explaining an example of a screen for selecting the charge amount displayed on a store management device. Figure 11 is a diagram explaining an example of a screen for selecting a payment method displayed on a store management device. Figure 12 is a diagram explaining an example of a login screen for the charge process displayed on a user terminal. Figure 13 is a diagram explaining an example of a charge completion screen displayed on a user terminal.

[0067] 2 is a flowchart of the processing performed by the user management device 2, store management device 10, and user terminal 5. Each device operates based on a program stored in the device.

[0068] First, the display screens displayed on the store management operation panel 30 and the display screens displayed on the user operation panel 25 will be described.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows an example of a menu screen 50 displayed on the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10. The menu screen 50 changes in response to user operations. The menu screen 50 displays a charge button 52 for executing the electronic money charge process and a point redemption button 51 for exchanging the user's points for benefits such as discount coupons. Touching a button executes the process corresponding to the button. The menu screen 50 displays the charge button 52 selected, with the button's color darkened.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows a first two-dimensional code display screen 53 displayed on the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10. A first two-dimensional code 54 is displayed on the first two-dimensional code display screen 53. The first two-dimensional code 54 is a two-dimensional code that contains information about the access point for charging electronic money and access information, including a device ID, which is identification information for identifying the store management device 10 displaying the first two-dimensional code 54. If the charging amount has been determined, the first two-dimensional code 54 can also include the charging amount. The user management device 2 needs to identify the user's electronic money account and the store management device 10 that will make the payment. The user management device 2 can identify the user's electronic money account by logging in to the member's page, and can identify the store management device 10 that will make the payment by using the device ID of the store management device 10 included in the first two-dimensional code 54. By reading the first two-dimensional code 54 with the user terminal 5, accessing the user management device 2, and logging in to the member's page, the user management device 2 can obtain two pieces of necessary information at once. The user management device 2 can acquire the user ID of the user who charges electronic money and the device ID that settles the payment. When the user remains logged in to the member page, electronic money can be charged by making a payment, such as depositing the charge amount, using the store management device 10.

[0071] Additionally, to enhance security, the access destination included in the first two-dimensional code 54 can be a one-time URL. Once the access destination is accessed once based on the first two-dimensional code 54, the access destination is deleted, making it impossible to access the access destination based on that first two-dimensional code 54 from the second time onward. A one-time password can also be added. The user management device 2 monitors access, and if the user terminal 5 accesses the user management device 2 based on the first two-dimensional code 54 that includes the one-time password, a process can be performed that allows login to the member page only the first time the user accesses the user management device 2 based on the first two-dimensional code 54, thereby preventing subsequent accesses. These processes can prevent fraudulent use of the first two-dimensional code 54.

[0072] FIG. 10 shows a charge amount selection screen 55 displayed on the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10. The charge amount selection screen 55 displays a 1000 yen button 56, a 2000 yen button 57, a 3000 yen button 58, and a 4000 yen button 59. By touching a button displayed on the charge amount selection screen 55, the process corresponding to the button is executed. The charge amount selection screen 55 displays the 1000 yen button 56 selected, with the button's color darkened. As another embodiment, a charge amount input area and input buttons such as a numeric keypad can be displayed on the store management operation panel 30, allowing the user to enter the charge amount and set the charge amount to any amount.

[0073] FIG. 11 shows the payment method selection screen 60 displayed on the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10. The payment method selection screen 60 displays a cash button 61 and a two-dimensional code payment button 62. By touching a button displayed on the payment method selection screen 60, the process corresponding to the button is executed. The payment method selection screen 60 displays a state in which neither the cash button 61 nor the two-dimensional code payment button 62 has been selected yet, and the button color remains unchanged. When either button is selected, the display mode of the button changes, making it visible that it has been selected.

[0074] FIG. 12 shows a login screen 70 for the charge process that is displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5. On the login screen 70, the date and time of use and information about the device used are displayed in a first display area 71, and a message is displayed in a second display area 72. The user ID input area 73 is an area for inputting a user ID. Touching the user ID input area 73 allows input to begin. The password input area 74 is an area for inputting a password. Touching the password input area 74 allows input to begin. The login button 75 is a button for logging in to the member page. Touching this button starts the login process, such as authentication, for logging in to the member page.

[0075] FIG. 13 shows a charge completion screen 76 displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5. The charge completion screen 76 displays the date and time of use and information about the device used in the third display area 77, and a message in the fourth display area 78. The fifth display area 79 displays the name of the device used, the charge amount, and the balance of the electronic money account after the charge. The back button 80 is a button that moves to the top page of the member page. Touching the button moves to the top page of the member page. The top page of the member page provides menus for other operations such as logging out, various settings, and coupon usage, as well as various information displays such as the electronic money balance, point balance, news, and laundry device usage status.

[0076] Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart.

[0077] First, in step S1, when the user touches the charge button 52 on the menu screen 50 displayed on the store management operation panel 30, the electronic money charge process is started.

[0078] In step S2, the store management device 10 requests the user management device 2 to log in to the member page. Because the member page is a web page unique to each user, authentication is required to determine whether the person logging in to the member page is a legitimate user or an impersonator. The request to log in to the member page involves processing to link the store management device 10 and the member page, and is output from the store management device 10 to the user management device 2. The request to log in to the member page includes attribute information of the store management device 10, including a device ID uniquely assigned to the store management device 10. The attribute information may include a store number uniquely assigned to each store. The store number is used to identify the store. The attribute information may include the time the charge button 52 was touched as the date and time of use. After the store management device 10 requests the user management device 2 to log in to the member page, the store management device 10 enters a standby state.

[0079] Next, in step S3, when the user management device 2 inputs a login request to the member page, the user management device 2 generates access destination information including the URL of the login page to be accessed by the user terminal 5. The user management device 2 also generates the access destination web page. The access destination information can include attribute information of the store management device 10 and the date and time of use. The user management device 2 also generates data in which the access destination information is converted into a two-dimensional code. At this time, the user management device 2 may generate a one-time password and add it to the access destination information. After the login page URL is accessed once with the one-time password, the user management device 2 performs processing to reject a second access using that one-time password. The login page URL may also be a one-time URL. After the one-time URL is accessed once, the user management device 2 performs processing to reject a second access.

[0080] Next, in step S4, user management device 2 outputs the access destination information as a two-dimensional code to store management device 10. After outputting the data, user management device 2 goes into standby mode.

[0081] Next, in step S5, the store management device 10 inputs the access destination information converted into a two-dimensional code from the user management device 2, and displays the two-dimensional code of the access destination information on the store management operation panel 30, for example, as shown in the first two-dimensional code display screen 53. The first two-dimensional code display screen 53 displays the two-dimensional code together with a message urging the user to read the displayed two-dimensional code with the user terminal 5 and access the information. After displaying the two-dimensional code, the store management device 10 enters standby mode.

[0082] Next, in step S6, the user terminal 5 uses the imaging means 26 to capture an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the store management operation panel 30 and acquires image data of the two-dimensional code. The user terminal control means 24 analyzes the acquired image data of the two-dimensional code and extracts and acquires the login page URL, attribute information of the store management device 10, and information on the date and time of use, all of which are included in the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may also include a one-time password.

[0083] Next, in step S7, the user terminal 5 accesses the destination based on the login page URL, adding the store management device 10's attribute information and the date and time of use. In this example, the destination is a login page managed by the user management device 2. The user terminal 5 accesses the login page URL using a commonly installed web browser, adding the store management device 10's attribute information and the date and time of use as parameters, and requests the web page data to display. After the request, the user terminal 5 enters a standby state. If a one-time password is added, the user management device 2 determines whether this is the first access involving the one-time password. If so, it proceeds to the next process; if not, it determines this to be unauthorized access and ends the process. For example, if the destination is a one-time URL, the user management device 2 deletes the accessed web page after the first access, preventing it from being accessed again.

[0084] Next, in step S8, the user management device 2 generates login page data to which the store management device 10's attribute information and the date and time of use information have been added, and outputs the login page data to the accessing user terminal 5. After outputting the login page data, the user management device 2 enters a standby state.

[0085] Next, in step S9, the user terminal 5 inputs the login page data and displays the login page on the user operation panel 25. For example, the login page displayed on the user operation panel 25 is the login screen 70 in FIG. 12. The first display area 71 of the login screen 70 displays the store name and device number so that the date and time of use and the device used can be identified. In the first display area 71, ABC store is the store name, and device 1 is the device number.

[0086] Next, in step S10, the user enters a user ID in a user ID input area 73 and a password in a password input area 74 on the login page displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5, for example, as shown in the login screen 70 of FIG. 12. The user ID is a number assigned uniquely to the member or an email address unique to the member. The password is a character string arbitrarily registered by the member in advance. After entering the user ID and password, the user touches the login button 75. When the user terminal control means 24 detects that the login button 75 has been touched, it determines that the input has been confirmed and proceeds to the next step. The user terminal control means 24 outputs the user ID and password to the user management device 2, which then performs authentication.

[0087] Next, in step S11, it is determined whether the user is a legitimate member based on the user ID and password sent from the user terminal 5. That is, this determination is made based on the user ID previously stored in the user management device 2 and the stored password associated with that user ID. If the user ID and password sent from the user terminal 5 match the user ID and password stored in the user management device 2, authentication is successful; if they do not match, authentication is unsuccessful. If authentication is unsuccessful, the user management device 2 notifies the user terminal 5 that authentication has failed, and the process ends, although this is not shown. If authentication is successful, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0088] Next, in step S12, the user management control means 21 generates member page data corresponding to the input user ID and transmits it to the user terminal 5. The member page data is information related to the input user ID by the database unit 44, such as the balance of electronic money, and can be obtained from the user data storage means 22.

[0089] Next, in step S13, a member page is displayed on the user terminal 5. For example, the user operation panel 25 displays the user ID, date and time of use, store name, device number, current electronic money balance, and a confirmation button. The device number of the device used by the user and the charge amount are displayed on the user operation panel 25 so that they can be identified. The confirmation button is a button that confirms that the electronic money of the logged-in user ID will be charged to the user management device 2 and that the amount will be deposited via the store management device 10. When the user touches the confirmation button displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5, it is clear that the user intends to continue the electronic money charge process. The user terminal 5 also displays the connection status with the user management device 2. For example, a display indicating that the user is currently logged in to the member page is displayed. The display on the user terminal 5 indicates whether the user is currently logged in or has already logged in. When logged in to the member page, buttons for various operations performed on the member page, such as a logout button and a payment button, as well as user information are displayed. These buttons can also be said to double as an indication of the connection status, indicating whether the user is currently logged in or not. Preferably, a message indicating that the member page is currently logged in or connected is displayed on the screen. If the member page is not logged in, various operations on the member page cannot be performed.

[0090] Here, the procedure has been described in which the user terminal 5 acquires access destination information with a device ID added, and logs in to the user page based on the acquired access destination information, but other procedures are also possible. For example, after logging in to the user page, the user terminal 5 can read a two-dimensional code displayed on the store management device 10 where payment is made, and acquire information such as the device ID. The user terminal 5 can access the URL of a web page for logging in to the user page, and log in to the user page. This corresponds to a procedure in which the processes of steps S1 to S9 and steps S10 to S13 are interchanged.

[0091] Next, in step S14, if the user touches the confirmation button displayed on user operation panel 25 of user terminal 5, a request for charging electronic money is output from user terminal 5 to user management device 2.

[0092] Here, steps S12 to S14 are processes for confirming the charging of electronic money by the user terminal 5, and are not necessarily required, so they may be omitted.

[0093] Next, in step S15, by being authenticated in step S11, it is confirmed that the electronic money account of the user ID to be charged with electronic money is the account of a legitimate user, and in some cases, after reconfirmation by inputting the password for the electronic money account from the user terminal 5, a request is output from the user management device 2 to the store management device 10 to charge the electronic money to the electronic money account corresponding to the authenticated user ID and to settle the amount, in order to charge new electronic money to the electronic money account.

[0094] Next, in step S16, if a request is received to charge electronic money to an electronic money account corresponding to the authenticated user ID and to settle the amount, the store management device 10 displays a screen for charging electronic money on the store management operation panel 30. For example, a screen for selecting the charge amount, such as charge amount selection screen 55 in FIG. 10, is displayed on the store management operation panel 30. At this time, the store management device 10 notifies the user that the request has been entered by lighting or flashing an LED, making a sound from a speaker, or the like. The user can recognize that their membership page or electronic money account has been linked to the store management device 10.

[0095] Next, in step S16, the user touches the button of the desired charge amount from among the charge amounts displayed on the charge amount selection screen 55.

[0096] Next, in step S17, if the 1000 yen button is touched, the store management control means 31 recognizes that the charge amount to be charged is 1000 yen. In Figure 10, the 1000 yen button is displayed in bold compared to the other buttons, indicating that it has been touched. Furthermore, the store management device 10 outputs the charge amount entered into the user management device 2.

[0097] Next, in step S18, a payment method is selected from the payment method selection screen 60 displayed on the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10. The user selects either the cash button 61 or the two-dimensional code payment button 62.

[0098] Next, in step S19, if the cash button 61 is touched, the store management control means 31 executes the cash payment process, and if the two-dimensional code payment button 62 is touched, the store management control means 31 executes the two-dimensional code payment process.

[0099] Next, in step S20, the store management device 10 outputs to the user management device 2 the payment result of the payment of the electronic money charge amount selected by the user in step S17 to the electronic money account of the authenticated user ID by the payment method specified by the user in step S18 in step S19. In other words, the store management device 10 outputs to the user management device 2 payment information indicating that payment of the charge amount has been completed by the store management device 10.

[0100] Next, in step S21, if the charge amount has been settled, the charge amount determined in step S17 is added to the electronic money in the electronic money account of the authenticated user ID. If the payment has not been made, the process ends (not shown).

[0101] Next, in step S22, the user management control means 21 generates member page data corresponding to the authenticated user ID and sends it to the user terminal 5. The member page displayed on the user terminal 5 is updated. For example, the data to be sent is information indicating that electronic money has been charged, such as the user ID, date and time, charge amount, charge method, payment method, and payment amount. The member page data can be obtained from the database unit 44, and is information such as the balance of electronic money related to the user ID, which can be obtained from the user data storage means 22.

[0102] In step S24, the user management control means 21 stores information such as the user ID, date and time, charge amount, charge method, payment method, and payment amount, indicating that electronic money has been charged to the authenticated user ID, as history.

[0103] Next, in step S23, the user terminal 5 displays the updated member page data acquired from the user management device 2. The updated member page displays the electronic money balance after charging, etc. The user terminal 5 inputs the member page data corresponding to the authenticated user ID, and displays the member page on the user operation panel 25. For example, the user operation panel 25 displays the charge amount and the balance of the electronic money account after charging, as shown in the charge completion screen 76 of FIG. 13. The date and time of the charge process, the store name, the device number, the user ID, and a message are also displayed on the user operation panel 25.

[0104] Payment must be completed while the user is logged in to the member page. If the user is logged out of the member page, the data on the user management device 2 cannot be updated. For example, it may be possible to prevent logging out from the time the payment is confirmed by the store management device 10 until the electronic money is added to the account by the user management device 2. If the user is logged out during this time, problems will arise with the continuity of processing, making refunds and other processes more complicated and inconvenient. In this way, a period during which logout processing is prohibited can be set as a predetermined processing period.

[0105] In this way, the store management device 10, which handles payments including cash payments, and the user's electronic money account managed by the user management device 2 are linked through processing on the user terminal 5 operated by the user, and the price of the electronic money to be charged can be settled by the store management device 10, and new electronic money can be charged to the user's electronic money account managed by the user management device 2.

[0106] Next, a method for paying the amount when new electronic money is charged to a user's electronic money account managed by user management device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of settling the charge amount. The process described in the flowchart of Fig. 3 corresponds to step S19 in Fig. 2.

[0107] First, in step S30, the store management operation panel 30 of the store management device 10 selects a payment method from the payment method selection screen 60, and determines whether the user selected the cash button 61 or the two-dimensional code payment button 62. If the cash button 61 is selected, the process proceeds to step S31, and if the two-dimensional code payment button 62 is selected, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0108] Next, in step S31, the money depositing and dispensing device 29 waits until a predetermined amount of cash is deposited as the charge amount for the electronic money or until the deposit of cash is canceled. When the predetermined amount of cash has been deposited or the deposit of cash has been canceled, the process proceeds to the next step S42.

[0109] Next, in step S32, a request for two-dimensional code payment is output to the payment server 6 that performs two-dimensional code payment. The request for two-dimensional code payment includes at least the amount to be paid and information that identifies the recipient.

[0110] Next, in step S33, the payment server 6 that has received the request for two-dimensional code payment generates a payment code based on the request for two-dimensional code payment. Furthermore, for each request for two-dimensional code payment, the payment server 6 stores the request for two-dimensional code payment in association with a unique number that makes it possible to distinguish transactions that use two-dimensional code payment. The payment code includes the unique number of the transaction as information that identifies the transaction, and also includes the access address of the payment server 6.

[0111] Next, in step S34, the payment server 6 outputs the payment code to the store management device 10.

[0112] Next, in step S35, the store management device 10 displays the entered payment code on the store management operation panel 30. For example, the payment code is displayed as a two-dimensional code.

[0113] Next, in step S36, the user terminal 5 acquires the payment code displayed on the store management operation panel 30. The imaging means 26 of the user terminal 5 acquires the displayed payment code as image data, analyzes it, and acquires the access destination and information identifying the transaction. The information identifying the transaction is information that enables the payment server 6 to identify information such as the payee and amount ultimately required for payment, and may include the payment amount and payee information.

[0114] Next, in step S37, the acquired access destination is accessed and a payment request is made based on the payment code. This payment request includes at least information identifying the transaction and information identifying the user who will pay the price.

[0115] Next, in step S38, the payment server 6 executes payment processing based on the payment request from the user terminal 5. Based on the information identifying the transaction, the payment server 6 identifies the transaction, including the transaction amount corresponding to the stored transaction unique number. The payment server 6 settles the price based on the identified user of the payment source, the transaction amount, and the payee. If the information to be identified is met and the payment source's ability to pay is met, the payment is completed. There are also cases where the payment is not completed due to the lack of any of the information to be identified or the lack of the payment source's ability to pay.

[0116] Next, in step S39, the payment server 6 notifies the store management device 10 of the result of the payment based on the payment code. In addition, in step S40, the payment server 6 notifies the user terminal 5 of the result of the payment based on the payment code.

[0117] Next, in step S42, the store management device 10 determines whether the payment was successful. If successful, the process proceeds to step S43, and if unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step S44. The store management device 10 determines whether the cash payment was successful or not, or whether the payment was successful or not based on the result of the payment using the payment code.

[0118] In step S43, the payment flag is set to ON to indicate that the payment was successful, and the process ends. In step S44, the payment flag is set to OFF to indicate that the payment was unsuccessful, and the process ends.

[0119] In step S41, the user terminal 5 inputs the result of the payment and displays the result so that the user can confirm the result of the payment.

[0120] The store management device 10 can determine whether the payment has been successful in subsequent processing by checking the payment flag.

[0121] The store management device 10 allows the user to select a payment method from among a number of payment methods and settle the price, and stores the result so that it can be used in subsequent processes.

[0122] Next, a method for paying for use of a service providing device will be described using FIGS. 4 to 7. Also, using FIGS. 14 to 18, examples of screens displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5 and examples of screens displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 of the terminal device 15 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the service providing device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of paying by cash. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of paying for the service providing device from an electronic money account. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of paying by two-dimensional code payment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen for payment processing displayed on a user terminal. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for payment confirmation processing displayed on a user terminal. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment completion screen displayed on a user terminal. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on a store management device. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for displaying an access destination code for payment processing displayed on a store management device.

[0123] First, examples of the display screens of each device will be described. Figures 14, 15, and 16 are examples of display screens displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5, and Figures 17 and 18 are examples of display screens displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 of the first terminal device 15.

[0124] FIG. 14 shows a login screen 81 for paying with electronic money, which is displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5. On the login screen 81, the date and time of use and information about the device used are displayed in a first display area 82, and a message is displayed in a second display area 83. In addition, a user ID input area 84 is an area for inputting a user ID. Touching the user ID input area 84 allows entry to begin. A password input area 85 is an area for inputting a password. Touching the password input area 85 allows entry to begin. A login button 86 is a button for logging in to the member page. Touching the button starts the login process.

[0125] FIG. 15 shows a payment processing screen 87 for the member page displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5. The payment processing screen 87 displays the date and time of use and the device used in the third display area 88, and a message in the fourth display area 89. The fifth display area 90 displays the name of the device used, the usage fee, and the balance of the electronic money account. The PAY button 91 confirms the electronic money payment and transitions to the payment process. Touching the button transitions to the electronic money payment process. If the user is logged in to the member page, the device used during login and the time are displayed in the third display area 88, indicating that the user is currently logged in. If the login is successful, a message indicating successful login, such as "Mr. / Ms. XX has successfully logged in to the member page," is displayed in the fourth display area 89. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, a message is displayed with instructions and guidance for the next step.

[0126] Figure 16 shows a payment completion screen 92 on the member page displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5. The payment completion screen 92 displays the date and time of use and information about the equipment used in the third display area 93, and a message in the fourth display area 94. The fifth display area 95 displays the name of the equipment used, the usage fee amount, and the balance of the electronic money account. The back button 96 is a button that moves to the top page of the member page. Touching the button moves to the top page of the member page. The top page of the member page provides menus for other operations such as logging out, various settings, and coupon usage, as well as various information displays such as the electronic money balance, point balance, news, and laundry equipment usage status.

[0127] Figure 17 shows a payment method selection screen 97 displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 of the first terminal device 15. The payment method selection screen 97 displays a member electronic money payment button 98, a cash button 99, a company A two-dimensional code payment button 100, and a company B two-dimensional code payment button 101. By touching a button displayed on the payment method selection screen 97, the process corresponding to the button is executed. The payment method selection screen 97 displays the member electronic money payment button 98 selected, with the button color darkened. When one of the buttons is selected, the display mode of the button changes, making it visible that it has been selected.

[0128] 18 shows second two-dimensional code display screen 102 displayed on terminal operation panel 40 of first terminal device 15. Second two-dimensional code display screen 102 displays second two-dimensional code 103. Second two-dimensional code 103 is a two-dimensional code that contains data including information on the access destination for paying the usage fee for first laundry machine 14 using two-dimensional code payment and attribute information of first terminal device 15 or first laundry machine 14. The attribute information of first terminal device 15 or first laundry machine 14 includes a unique number that can identify first terminal device 15 or first laundry machine 14.

[0129] 4 is a flowchart of the processing of the first laundry machine 14, first terminal device 15, and store management device 10. Each device operates based on a program stored in the device.

[0130] The first laundry machine 14 is connected to the first terminal device 15. When using the first laundry machine 14, payment is made by cash, electronic money, or a two-dimensional code, and operation of the first laundry machine 14 begins after payment is completed.

[0131] First, in step S50, the user selects a desired usage mode from the menu displayed on laundry operation panel 33. Information corresponding to the selected usage mode is output to first terminal device 15. The information corresponding to the usage mode may include a fee amount.

[0132] Next, in step S51, the fee corresponding to the usage mode is displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 of the first terminal device 15. If the fee amount is not included in the information corresponding to the usage mode, the terminal device control means 37 acquires the fee corresponding to the usage mode based on the correspondence between usage modes and fees stored in advance in the first terminal device 15, and displays it on the terminal operation panel 40.

[0133] Next, in step S52, buttons for each payment method are displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 of the first terminal device 15, as shown in Fig. 17. By touching the button corresponding to the desired payment method, processing for the payment method corresponding to the touched button begins.

[0134] In step S53, it is determined whether or not the payment is to be made by currency, i.e., cash. If the payment is to be made by currency, the process proceeds to step S54, and if not, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0135] In step S55, it is determined whether or not payment is to be made by electronic money. If payment is to be made by electronic money, the process proceeds to step S56, and if not, the process proceeds to step S57.

[0136] In step S57, it is determined whether or not payment is to be made using Company A's two-dimensional code payment. If payment is made using Company A's two-dimensional code payment, the process proceeds to step S58; if not, the payment is made using Company B's two-dimensional code payment, so the process proceeds to step S59. Two-dimensional code payments use different payment servers depending on the company making the payment, and the procedures and methods also differ, so the processing needs to be changed.

[0137] In step S54, a monetary settlement process is executed, which will be described later.

[0138] In step S56, payment processing using electronic money is executed, which will be described later.

[0139] In step S58, two-dimensional code payment processing is executed by Company A. The two-dimensional code payment processing will be described later.

[0140] In step S59, the two-dimensional code payment process of Company B is executed. The two-dimensional code payment process of Company B differs from the two-dimensional code payment process of Company A, but a detailed explanation will be omitted since it is possible to use the same method for payment except for the different payment servers.

[0141] Next, in step S60, the first terminal apparatus 15 notifies the store management apparatus 10 of the result of the payment.

[0142] Next, in step S61, the first terminal apparatus 15 determines the result of the settlement, and if the settlement is successful, the process proceeds to step S62, and if it is unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0143] Next, in step S62, first terminal device 15 outputs to first laundry device 14 a payment signal indicating that the usage fee has been paid.

[0144] Next, in step S63, the first laundry device 14 performs laundry device drive control in response to the input of the deposit signal. The laundry device drive control is a control that causes the laundry device 35 to operate in the selected usage mode according to a program.

[0145] Step S64 is a process for determining the status of the first laundry appliance 14, whether the payment is successful and the first laundry appliance 14 starts operating or whether the payment is unsuccessful and the first laundry appliance 14 does not start operating. The terminal device control unit 37 calculates the operating time from the start time of the first laundry appliance 14 and the selected operating mode, and stores the result. If the payment is unsuccessful, the first laundry appliance 14 does not operate. The laundry appliance operation confirmation process may also obtain detection results from sensors controlled and acquired by the laundry control unit 34 of the first laundry appliance 14. Alternatively, the terminal device control unit 37 may obtain the operating status from the deposit signal output from the first terminal device 15 to the first laundry appliance 14. For example, a higher-level device, such as the store management device 10, that obtains the information on the deposit signal can estimate the operating status of the first laundry appliance 14 based on the deposit signal. Knowing the output time of the deposit signal, the amount, and the operating mode of the first laundry appliance 14 makes it possible to estimate the operating status, such as spinning after 10 minutes and drying after 20 minutes.

[0146] Next, in step S65, the first terminal 15 outputs information about the status of the first laundry machine 14 to the store management device 10.

[0147] In step S66, the store management device 10 receives the payment result notification and stores it in the database as the operation history for each device.

[0148] In step S67, the store management device 10 receives the notification of the operating status and stores it in the database as an operation history for each device. If it is necessary to estimate the operation of the first laundry device 14, it performs an estimation calculation and stores the result in the database as an operation history for each device.

[0149] Next, the operation of the monetary settlement process for paying the price in cash in step S54 of Fig. 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the cash payment.

[0150] First, in step S90, the terminal device control means 37 obtains the amount of currency deposited by the currency identification device 36 of the first laundry machine 14 via the laundry control means 34. The deposited amounts are then totaled. For example, if three 100-yen coins are deposited into the currency identification device 36, the terminal device control means 37 obtains 100-yen information three times from the laundry control means 34. Based on the obtained information, the total deposited amount is calculated to obtain 300 yen. For example, the calculation is "100 + 100 + 100 = 300."

[0151] Next, in step S91, it is determined whether the deposited amount has reached a predetermined amount. If it has reached that amount, the process proceeds to step S92, and if it has not reached that amount, the process proceeds to step S93.

[0152] In step S92, processing is performed to indicate that the monetary payment was successful. Monetary payment data is generated, including data indicating that the monetary payment was successful and data on the payment amount. Subsequent processing is performed based on the monetary payment data.

[0153] In step S93, processing is performed to indicate that the monetary settlement was unsuccessful. Monetary settlement data including data indicating that the monetary settlement was unsuccessful is generated. Various processes are then performed in subsequent processing based on the monetary settlement data.

[0154] Next, the operation of the electronic money payment process in step S56 of Fig. 4 will be described using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart explaining the operation of paying the fee for the service providing device from an electronic money account. Data communication between the user management device 2 and first terminal device 15 may be performed directly, or may be performed via the store management device 10.

[0155] Once the service to be used and the fee have been decided, the payment method for the fee is selected. The selected payment method is selected from the payment method selection screen 97 displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 of the first terminal device 15. Here, the member electronic money payment button 98 is selected, and the processing of the corresponding payment method will be explained.

[0156] First, in step S70, the device ID, which is a unique number identifying the device to be used, and the amount of payment to be paid are set as target device information for the payment. The device to be used is first service providing device 11, and the unique number to identify it is either the device ID, which is the unique number of first terminal device 15, or the device ID, which is the unique number of first laundry device 14.

[0157] Next, in step S71, a member login request is output from first terminal device 15 to user management device 2. The member login request includes information that the fee will be paid with the user's electronic money, and attribute information including target device information. The attribute information includes date and time information. This allows user management device 2 to obtain the service providing device to be used and the fee from first terminal device 15.

[0158] Next, in step S72, when the user management device 2 inputs a login request to the member page, the user management device 2 generates access destination information including the URL of the login page to be accessed by the user terminal 5. The access destination information includes attribute information that identifies the first service providing device 11 to be used and the date and time of use. Furthermore, the user management device 2 generates data in which the access destination information is converted into a two-dimensional code. At this time, the user management device 2 may generate a one-time password and add it to the access destination information.

[0159] Next, in step S73, user management device 2 outputs data in which the access destination information has been converted into a two-dimensional code to first terminal device 15. After outputting the data, user management device 2 goes into a standby state.

[0160] Next, in step S74, first terminal device 15 inputs data representing the access destination information in the form of a two-dimensional code from user management device 2, and displays the two-dimensional code of the access destination information on terminal operation panel 40, for example, as shown in second two-dimensional code display screen 102. Second two-dimensional code display screen 102 displays second two-dimensional code 103 together with a message urging the user to read the displayed two-dimensional code with user terminal 5 and access it. After displaying the two-dimensional code, first terminal device 15 enters a standby state.

[0161] Next, in step S75, the user terminal 5 captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the terminal operation panel 40 with the imaging means 26 and acquires image data of the two-dimensional code. The user terminal control means 24 analyzes the acquired image data of the two-dimensional code, and extracts and acquires the URL of the login page, attribute information of the first service providing device 11, and information on the date and time of use, which are included in the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may also include a one-time password.

[0162] Next, in step S76, the user terminal 5 adds the attribute information of the first service providing device 11 and the date and time of use information based on the URL of the login page, and accesses the access destination. In this example, the access destination is a login page managed by the user management device 2. The user terminal 5 accesses the login page URL using a commonly installed web browser, adding the attribute information of the first service providing device 11 and the date and time of use information as parameters, and requests the web page data to be displayed. After the request, the user terminal 5 enters a standby state. Furthermore, if a one-time password is added, the user management device 2 determines whether or not this is the first access involving the one-time password. If it is the first, it proceeds to the next process; if it is not the first, it determines that this is unauthorized access and ends the process.

[0163] Next, in step S77, user management device 2 generates login page data to which attribute information of first service providing device 11 and information on the date and time of use have been added, and outputs the login page data to the accessing user terminal 5. After outputting, user management device 2 enters a standby state.

[0164] Next, in step S78, the user terminal 5 inputs the login page data and displays the login page on the user operation panel 25. For example, the login page displayed on the user operation panel 25 is the login screen 81 in FIG. 14. The first display area 82 of the login screen 81 displays the store name and device number of the device being used to identify the date and time of use and the device being used. In the first display area 82, ABC Store is the store name, and Device No. 10 is the device number.

[0165] Next, in step S79, the user enters a user ID in a user ID input area 84 and a password in a password input area 85 on the login page displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5, for example, as shown in the login screen 81 of FIG. 14. The user ID is a number assigned uniquely to the member or an email address unique to the member. The password is a character string arbitrarily registered by the member in advance. After entering the user ID and password, the user touches the login button 86. When the user terminal control means 24 detects that the login button 86 has been touched, it determines that the input has been confirmed and proceeds to the next step. The user terminal control means 24 outputs the user ID and password to the user management device 2, which then performs authentication.

[0166] Next, in step S80, it is determined whether the user is a legitimate member based on the user ID and password sent from the user terminal 5. That is, this determination is made based on the user ID previously stored in the user management device 2 and the password stored and associated with that user ID. If the user ID and password sent from the user terminal 5 match the user ID and password stored in the user management device 2, authentication is successful and the user can log in to the member page; if they do not match, authentication has failed. If authentication has failed, the user management device 2 notifies the user terminal 5 that authentication has failed, and the process ends, although this is not shown. If authentication has succeeded, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0167] Next, in step S81, the user management control means 21 generates member page data corresponding to the input user ID and sends it to the user terminal 5. The member page data is information related to the input user ID via the database unit 44, such as the balance of electronic money, and can be obtained from the user data storage means 22. Since the user management device 2 has already obtained the information that payment will be made with electronic money in response to the member login request in step S71, it can generate display data for the payment processing screen 87 as the member page to be displayed on the user terminal 5.

[0168] Next, in step S82, a member page is displayed on the user terminal 5. For example, as shown in FIG.

[0169] Next, in step S83, when the user touches the payment button 91 displayed on the user operation panel 25 of the user terminal 5, the user terminal 5 confirms the payment by electronic money to the user management device 2 and outputs a request for payment by electronic money.

[0170] Next, in step S84, user management device 2 subtracts electronic money equivalent to the payment amount from the electronic money account of the logged-in user ID.

[0171] Next, in step S85, user management device 2 outputs the result of the electronic money payment to user terminal 5 and first terminal device 15. The result of the electronic money payment is generated by user management device 2. User management device 2 generates electronic money payment data including data indicating that the electronic money payment was successful and data on the payment amount, and outputs this to user terminal 5 and first terminal device 15. In subsequent processing, various processes are performed based on the electronic money payment data.

[0172] Next, in step S86, the user terminal 5 that has input the electronic money payment data displays the result of the electronic money payment based on the electronic money payment data. For example, as shown in Figure 16, a payment completion screen 92 indicating that the payment has been completed is displayed on the user operation panel 25.

[0173] Next, in step S87, the user operates the user terminal 5 to log out of the member page. When the user terminal 5 detects that a displayed logout button (not shown) has been touched, it executes processing to log out of the member page. The user terminal 5 outputs a logout request from the member page to the user management device 2.

[0174] Next, in step S88, user management device 2 blocks access to the member page when a logout request is input from user terminal 5. Payment is completed while the user is logged in to the member page.

[0175] Next, the operation of the Company A two-dimensional code payment processing in step S58 of Fig. 4 will be described using Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart explaining the operation when the Company A two-dimensional code payment is selected by the user. Note that the Company B two-dimensional code payment processing in step S59 of Fig. 4 can be realized by the same processing as the Company A two-dimensional code payment processing in step S58, except that the payment company is different, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0176] First, in step S100, a request for generating a payment code is output from the first terminal device 15 to the payment server 6. The request for generating a payment code includes information for identifying the payee and information on the amount.

[0177] Next, in step S101, when the payment server 6 receives a request to generate a payment code, it assigns a unique handling number to the request, and stores and manages the request in association with the handling number. To obtain information for identifying the payer who will pay the amount corresponding to the handling number, the payment server 6 generates a payment code that includes attribute information for payment, such as an access destination for the payer to access the payment server 6 and the handling number. The payment code is, for example, a two-dimensional code.

[0178] Next, in step S102, the generated payment code is output from the payment server 6 to the first terminal device 15.

[0179] Next, in step S103, the payment code entered is displayed on the first terminal device 15. For example, as shown in the second two-dimensional code display screen 102 of FIG. 18, a second two-dimensional code 103 and a message are displayed.

[0180] Next, in step S104, the user operates the user terminal 5 to photograph the payment code displayed on the first terminal device 15. The photographed payment code is analyzed by the user terminal 5.

[0181] Next, in step S105, the user terminal 5 accesses the analyzed access destination. This access causes the user terminal 5 to output payer information, including the transaction number and information identifying the payer of the payment corresponding to the transaction number, to the payment server 6. In other words, a request for payment corresponding to the transaction number is sent from the user terminal 5 to the payment server 6.

[0182] Next, in step S106, the payment server 6 that received the payment request settles the payment amount, payment recipient, and payer corresponding to the transaction number. The payment is settled, for example, by deducting the amount from the payer's account managed by the payment server 6 and adding the amount to the payee's account.

[0183] Next, in step S107, the result of the two-dimensional code payment is notified from the payment server 6 to the first terminal device 15. The result of the two-dimensional code payment includes information that can be used to determine whether the payment was successful or unsuccessful. In addition, in subsequent processing by the first terminal device 15, it is determined whether the two-dimensional code payment was successful or unsuccessful.

[0184] Next, in step S108, the settlement server 6 notifies the user terminal 5 of the settlement result.

[0185] Next, in step S109, the user terminal 5 displays the result of the payment.

[0186] As described above, a user of a service providing device can select a desired payment method from multiple payment methods and pay for the services provided. To do so, the user can use the user terminal 5 owned and managed by the user to access the user management device 2 and pay using the user's electronic money managed by the user management device 2. In addition, the store management device 10 can be used to pay the charge amount for the user's electronic money managed by the user management device 2.

[0187] The store management device 10 can not only settle payments and charge fees for each service provision device, but also control the service provision devices located in the store. For example, the store management device 10 can acquire operational information from each connected service provision device and pass that information to the user management device 2. The user management device 2 can generate a web page listing the acquired operational information, making the operational information of the service provision devices in the store viewable from a user terminal such as a PC or mobile phone that accesses the web page. In addition, a user terminal 5 operated by the store owner can remotely control the service provision devices via the user management device 2 and the store management device 10 and shut down infrequently used service provision devices. The store management device 10 is connected to the user management device 2 in a manner that allows it to be managed, and is also connected to the service provision devices in a manner that allows it to be managed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 1. Transaction Management System 2. User management device 3 First store 4. Second store 5. User terminal 6. Payment Server 7. Network 1 10. Store management device 11 First service providing device 12 Second service providing device 13 Third service providing device 14 No. 1 Laundry Machine 15 First terminal device 16 Second terminal device 17 Second laundry machine 18 Third terminal device 19 Third Laundry Equipment 20 Second Network 21 User Management Control Measures 22 User data storage means 23 User-managed communication device 24 User terminal control means 25 User Operation Panel 26 Imaging means 27 User terminal communication device 28 Store data storage means 29. Coin deposit and withdrawal device 30 Store management operation panel 31 Store management control measures 32 Store management communication device 33 Laundry control panel 34 Laundry Control Measures 35 Laundry equipment 36 Currency Identification Device 37 Terminal device control means 38 Terminal communication device 39 Card Reader / Writer 40 Terminal operation panel 41 Authentication Section 42 Code Generation 43 Member page generation unit 44 Database Department

Claims

1. A monetary data transaction method executed by a user management device that is communicatively connectable to a user terminal operated by a user who visits a store, and that is communicatively connectable to a store management device that is installed in each store and has a deposit means for depositing currency, and that stores monetary data associated with user identification information that identifies the user, comprising: The user management device sending access destination information to the connected store management device, the access destination information including store management device identification information that identifies the store management device and that directs the user to a member page, which is a web page that confirms user information related to the user and is generated by the user management device, so that the access destination information can be displayed on the store management device in a manner that can be acquired by the user terminal; a step of inputting the user identification information from the user terminal when the user terminal acquires the access destination information displayed on the store management device and connects to the member page corresponding to the access destination information; a step of transmitting data of the member page to the user terminal that has made the connection so that the user terminal can display the connection status with the user management device; a step of inputting, when the store management device identified by the store management device identification information is connected while the connection with the user terminal is maintained, a charge amount to be charged to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information from the store management device; A method for trading monetary data, characterized by comprising the step of: when payment information indicating that payment of the amount corresponding to the charge amount has been completed is subsequently input by the store management device, adding the charge amount to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information based on the user identification information obtained from the user terminal and the charge amount obtained from the store management device.

2. 2. The method for trading monetary data according to claim 1, wherein the user information includes a balance of the monetary data.

3. A method for trading monetary data as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that if the user management device is connected to the store management device after being connected to the user terminal, and the user logs out of the member page connected to the user terminal before the charge amount is settled by the store management device, the charge amount is not added to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information.

4. a user terminal operated by a user and equipped with a display means; a store management device having an operation panel for input and display and a deposit means for depositing currency; a user management device that stores user identification information that identifies the user and monetary data associated with the user identification information, and has control means that controls charging and payment of the monetary data; a transaction management system in which the user management device is communicatively connected to the user terminal and to the store management device, the store management device has: an access destination information display means for directing the user to a member page, which is a web page for confirming user information related to the user generated by the user management device, and displaying access destination information including store management device identification information for identifying the store management device; a charge amount input means for inputting a charge amount to be charged to the monetary data; and a charge amount settlement means for depositing a fee corresponding to the charge amount using the deposit means, and generating payment information indicating that payment of the fee corresponding to the charge amount has been completed when the deposit is complete, and outputting the payment information to the user management device; The user terminal has a member page connection means for connecting to the member page based on the access destination information, an information output means for outputting the user identification information to the user management device, and a display operation means for displaying and operating the information; The user management device an information input means for inputting information when connected to an external device; When the user terminal connects to the member page based on the access destination information, the user identification information is input from the user terminal, A transaction management system characterized in that when the store management device identified by the store management device identification information is connected while the user terminal is connected to the member page based on the access destination information, the charge amount to be charged to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information is input from the store management device, and then the payment information for the price corresponding to the charge amount is input from the store management device, the control means adds the charge amount obtained from the store management device to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information obtained from the user terminal.

5. the device is communicatively connected to a user terminal operated by a user and to a store management device having a deposit means for depositing currency; a user management device that stores user identification information that identifies the user and monetary data associated with the user identification information, and controls charging and payment of the monetary data; the user terminal is communicably connected based on access destination information including store management device identification information that identifies the store management device, and the user is guided to a member page, which is a web page that confirms user information related to the user, generated by the user management device, and the user identification information is acquired from the connected user terminal; a communication device connected to the store management device identified based on the store management device identification information, and acquiring the charge amount from the monetary data; A user management device characterized in that, when the store management device identified by the store management device identification information is connected while the connection with the user terminal is maintained, the charge amount obtained from the store management device is added to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information.

6. When the connection with the user terminal is maintained and this is the first time the user terminal has connected using the access destination information that established the connection, the user management device connects to the store management device so as to be able to communicate with the store management device, acquires the charge amount of the monetary data from the store management device, and adds the charge amount to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information based on the user identification information acquired from the user terminal and the charge amount acquired from the store management device; The user management device described in claim 5, characterized in that when the connection with the user terminal is maintained, if the connection from the user terminal using the access destination information that was the basis for the connection is the second or subsequent time, the device does not connect to the store management device in a manner that allows communication.

7. the user management device acquires payment information from the store management device indicating that payment for the charge amount has been completed; The user management device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when payment corresponding to the charge amount has been completed, the charge amount is added to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information.

8. The user management device of claim 7 is characterized in that the store management device is equipped with a deposit means for depositing currency, and payment of the amount corresponding to the charge amount is completed by depositing the amount corresponding to the charge amount from the deposit means, the payment information is generated based on the completion of the payment, and the generated payment information is acquired by the user management device.

9. The user management device of claim 7 is characterized in that the store management device is communicatively connected to a payment server that processes payments of an amount equivalent to the payment amount from the payment source to the payee based on at least the payee, payment source, and payment amount, the payment server performs payment of the amount corresponding to the charge amount, the payment information is generated upon completion of the payment, and the generated payment information is acquired by the user management device.

10. the user management device generates the member page corresponding to the user identification information, the member page can be accessed by the user terminal, and by accessing the member page by the user terminal, the balance of the monetary data, the store management device connected to the user management device, and the charge amount can be confirmed; 7. The user management device according to claim 6, wherein the connection between the user management device and the user terminal is maintained by accessing the member page through the user terminal.

11. A user management device as described in any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the user acquires the charge amount input by operating an input and display operation panel provided on the store management device.

12. A user management device described in any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the user management device acquires operation information of the service providing device obtained from a service providing device connected to the store management device from the store management device, and outputs the operation information associated with identification information that identifies the service providing device to the user terminal.

13. A store management device is communicatively connected to a user terminal operated by a user, stores monetary data associated with user identification information that identifies the user, and controls charging and payment of the monetary data. The store management device is communicatively connected to a user management device, and includes a deposit means for depositing currency and an operation panel for displaying and inputting information, the operation panel is capable of inputting a charge amount, guiding the user to a member page, which is a web page that confirms user information related to the user corresponding to the user identification information generated by the user management device, and displaying access destination information that includes store management device identification information that identifies the store management device; the depositing means is capable of depositing a payment corresponding to the charge amount, A store management device characterized in that, when the user terminal that has acquired the access destination information connects to the member page based on the access destination information and the connection is maintained, and the connection with the user management device is maintained, the charge amount to be added to the monetary data stored in association with the user identification information corresponding to the member page displayed on the user terminal is input from the operation panel, the input charge amount is output to the user management device, the amount corresponding to the charge amount is paid by the deposit means, payment information indicating that payment of the amount has been completed is generated, and the payment information is output to the user management device.

Images