JP2016118844A - Information providing method, server device, server program, store terminal, and store terminal program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing method, a server device, a server program, a store terminal, and a store terminal program, capable of quickly and efficiently performing payment of transaction, even when, a payment method which is used by each customer who stands in line in front of a register counter of a store, for payment of purchase and selling transaction, is different for every customer.SOLUTION: Portable terminals MT1-MT5 transmit identifiers which are demodulated from waves transmitted from information transmission devices TA1-TA6, and terminal identification information corresponding to the portable terminals MT1-MT5, to an information providing server SE. The information providing server SE transmits customer information of customers who respectively possess the portable terminals MT1-MT5 corresponding to the respective terminal identification information to a store terminal ST, for list display of the customer information in an arrangement order, corresponding to a reception order of the customer information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information transmission device installed at or near a cash register counter of a store, a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by a plurality of customers lined up for settlement of sales transactions at the cash register counter, and a store clerk serving customers at the cash register counter. The present invention relates to a technical field such as an information providing method performed by a store terminal used by the server and a server device capable of communicating with the store terminal and the mobile terminal via a network.

  Conventionally, when a customer purchases a product at a store or receives a service, any one of various payment methods such as cash payment, point payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, etc. Can be selected. On the other hand, as a store terminal (checkout terminal) installed at a checkout counter of a store in recent years, a tablet in which an application for realizing a cash register function (an application for executing accounting processing and settlement processing related to product sales) is installed A terminal is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a tablet terminal displays a button corresponding to each of a plurality of settlement methods on the touch panel, and when a button corresponding to a settlement method desired by the customer is pressed by a store clerk, a settlement corresponding to the pressed button is performed. Settlement process is performed by the method.

JP 2014-99156 A

  By the way, the payment methods used by customers lined up for the settlement of sales transactions at the cashier counter of the store may differ from customer to customer, but if the store clerk is not at the customer service stage for payment, the customer's desired payment It is difficult to know how. As described above, there are various payment methods, and depending on the payment method, it is necessary to prepare a peripheral device such as a reader, so if you can inform the store clerk in advance about the payment method available to the customer and the desired payment method, It is expected to speed up and increase the efficiency of settlement.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and even if the settlement method used by the customers lined up for the settlement of the sales transaction at the register counter of the store is different for each customer, the transaction It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing method, a server device, a server program, a store terminal, and a store terminal program capable of speeding up and improving the efficiency of settlement.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a counter for performing transaction settlement in a store or an information transmitting device installed in the vicinity thereof, and a plurality of lines arranged for the settlement at the counter An information providing method performed by a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by each customer, a store terminal used by a store clerk serving at the counter, and a server device capable of communicating with the store terminal and the mobile terminal via a network An identification information transmitting step of transmitting identification information that can identify the portable terminal to the server device via the network when the portable terminal receives a radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device; When the server device receives the identification information transmitted from the portable terminal, the server device has the portable terminal corresponding to the identification information. An acquisition step of acquiring customer information including at least a payment method that can be used by the customer, a customer information transmission step in which the server device transmits the acquired customer information to the store terminal via the network, and the store When the terminal receives the customer information transmitted from the server device, the terminal includes a display step of displaying the customer information in a list according to the order of reception.

  According to the present invention, customer information can be displayed in a list on the store terminal in the order in which the customers are coming to the counter and can be grasped by the store clerk, so that the settlement method used by the customers is different for each customer. However, the settlement of the transaction can be speeded up and made efficient.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information providing method according to the first aspect, the information providing method increases by a predetermined value each time the server device receives the identification information transmitted from the portable terminal. A step of issuing a serial number to be transmitted, wherein in the customer information transmission step, the server device transmits the issued serial number and the acquired customer information to the store terminal via the network, and the display step Then, when the store terminal receives the serial number and the customer information transmitted from the server device, the store terminal displays the serial number and the customer information in a list according to the order of reception.

  According to the present invention, the serial numbers reflecting the order in which the customers have arrived at the counter can be displayed in a list together with the customer information. The number of people can be grasped.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information providing method according to the first or second aspect, the server device owns each portable terminal in association with the identification information corresponding to the respective portable terminal. Storage means for storing one or more payment methods that can be used by a customer, and in the obtaining step, the server device uses the payment method associated with the received identification information as the customer information. It is obtained from the storage means.

  According to this invention, a payment method that can be used by a customer can be efficiently acquired and displayed on a store terminal.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the storage means includes the customer among the one or more payment methods that can be used by the customer who owns the mobile terminal. And further storing a payment method selected as a payment method to be used for payment of the transaction, and in the obtaining step, the server device is the payment method associated with the received identification information, The payment method selected as the payment method used for the payment of the transaction is acquired from the storage means as the customer information.

  According to this invention, it is possible to efficiently acquire and display the payment method selected as the payment method to be used for transaction payment by the customer on the store terminal.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information provision method is the customer associated with the identification information received by the server device. After the information is transmitted to the store terminal, payment selection information indicating a payment method selected as a payment method to be used for payment of the transaction is received from the mobile terminal by a customer having the mobile terminal corresponding to the identification information When the server device transmits the received payment selection information to the store terminal via the network, and when the store terminal receives the payment selection information transmitted from the server device. And further displaying the selected payment method indicated by the payment selection information in addition to the customer information already displayed in a list. That.

  According to this invention, it is possible to display the payment method selected when the customer is lined up at the counter in addition to the customer information of the customer already displayed in the list.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing method according to the third or fourth aspect, the storage unit is associated with the identification information corresponding to each of the portable terminals and possesses each of the portable terminals. In the obtaining step, the server device obtains the name associated with the received identification information as the customer information from the storage means.

  According to this invention, it is possible to display a list of customer names together with customer information.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information providing method is performed after the mobile terminal receives the radio wave from the information transmitting device, A step of transmitting cancellation information including identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal to the server device via the network when reception of radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device is interrupted for a predetermined time or more; When the apparatus receives the cancellation information transmitted from the mobile terminal, the information for canceling the display of the customer information corresponding to the identification information included in the cancellation information is transmitted to the store terminal via the network. Cancellation information transmission step, and when the store terminal receives the cancellation information transmitted from the server device, the cancellation information A step of erasing the list display of the customer information that indicates, and further comprising a.

  According to this invention, when a customer leaves the counter, customer information of the customer can be quickly deleted.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing method according to the seventh aspect, in the cancellation information transmission step, the customer who owns the portable terminal corresponding to the identification information included in the received cancellation information Only when the settlement of the transaction is not completed, the information for canceling the display of the customer information is transmitted to the store terminal.

  According to this invention, after the settlement of the customer transaction is completed, information for canceling the display of the customer information of the customer is not transmitted from the server device, so that useless traffic can be reduced.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information providing method is performed after the mobile terminal receives the radio wave from the information transmitting device, When reception of radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device is interrupted for a predetermined time or more and settlement of the transaction is not completed, cancellation information including identification information that can identify the mobile terminal is transmitted via the network. Transmitting to the server device, and when the server device receives the cancellation information transmitted from the portable terminal, information for canceling the display of the customer information corresponding to the identification information included in the cancellation information When transmitting to the store terminal via the network, and when the store terminal receives the cancel information transmitted from the server device Characterized in that it further comprises a step of erasing the list display of the customer information to which the revocation information indicates, a.

  According to the present invention, since the cancellation information is not transmitted from the mobile terminal of the customer after the settlement of the customer transaction is completed, useless traffic can be reduced.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the information providing method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein in the identification information transmitting step, the portable terminal is a radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device. When the radio wave modulated with a specific identifier is received, the identifier is demodulated from the radio wave, and the demodulated identifier and identification information that can identify the mobile terminal are transmitted to the server device via the network, In the customer information transmission step, the server device transmits the customer information via the network only when the identifier received from the mobile terminal is an identifier unique to the information transmission device. It transmits to the said store terminal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to this invention, even when a plurality of information transmitting devices each having a unique identifier are installed in a store and each information transmitting device transmits a radio wave carrying each identifier, the customer information Can be appropriately transmitted to the store terminal.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a counter for performing transaction settlement in a store, a plurality of portable terminals possessed by each of a plurality of customers lined up for the settlement, and a store terminal used by a store clerk serving at the counter A server device capable of communicating via a network, wherein the identification information is transmitted from the portable terminal that has received a radio wave transmitted from the counter or an information transmitting device installed in the vicinity thereof. Receiving means for receiving identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal via the network, and at least a settlement method usable by a customer possessing the mobile terminal corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving means. Acquisition means for acquiring customer information including the customer information acquired by the acquisition means via the network And transmitted to the terminal, characterized in that it comprises a control means for listing the customer information sorted according to the order of reception of the identification information corresponding to the customer information.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the eleventh aspect, the server device issues a serial number that increases by a predetermined value every time the server device receives the identification information transmitted from the portable terminal. The control means transmits the serial number issued by the issuing means and the customer information acquired by the acquiring means to the store terminal via the network, and corresponds to the customer information. The serial numbers and the customer information are displayed in a list in the arrangement order corresponding to the reception order of the identification information.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the server device possesses each portable terminal in association with the identification information corresponding to the respective portable terminal. The storage device stores one or more payment methods that can be used by a customer, and the acquisition unit includes the payment method associated with the identification information received by the reception unit. The customer information is obtained from the storage means.

  The invention according to claim 14 is a store terminal used by a plurality of portable terminals possessed by each of a plurality of customers lined up for settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions in a store, and a store clerk serving at the counter A computer communicable via a network with identification information transmitted from the portable terminal that has received a radio wave transmitted from an information transmission device installed in the counter or in the vicinity thereof, Customer information including at least receiving means for receiving identification information capable of identifying a terminal via the network, and a payment method usable by a customer having the mobile terminal corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving means. Acquisition means for acquiring the customer information acquired by the acquisition means via the network to the store terminal Characterized in that to function as a control means for listing the customer information sorted according to the order of reception of the identification information transmitted to that corresponding to the customer information.

  The invention according to claim 15 is a server device capable of communicating via a network with a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by each of a plurality of customers arranged for settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions at a store. From a store terminal that receives customer information including at least a payment method that can be used by a customer who has the mobile terminal that has received a radio wave transmitted from an information transmission device installed in the counter or in the vicinity thereof, The store terminal used by the store clerk who serves customers at the counter is a display control means for displaying the customer information received from the server device in a list according to the order of reception, and the head among the customer information displayed in the list And payment means for executing a payment process using a payment method selected based on the customer information displayed on the screen.

  The invention according to claim 16 is a server device capable of communicating via a network with a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by a plurality of customers lined up for settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions at a store. A computer that receives customer information including at least a payment method that can be used by a customer who has the mobile terminal that has received radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device installed in or near the counter. The store terminal used by the store clerk is displayed at the head of the customer information received from the server device in a display control means for displaying the customer information in a list according to the order of reception and the customer information displayed in the list. It is made to function as a payment means which performs a payment process with the payment method selected based on the customer information.

  According to the present invention, customer information can be displayed in a list on the store terminal in the order in which the customers come to the counter and can be grasped by the store clerk, so that the payment method used by the customer is different for each customer. However, the settlement of the transaction can be speeded up and made efficient.

It is a figure showing an example of outline composition of information service system S concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the equipment arrangement | positioning figure in the shop where the information provision system S is utilized. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a schematic structure of shop terminal ST, (B) is a figure which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the operation / display part 11. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a schematic structure of portable terminal MTn, (B) is a figure which shows the example of a schematic structure of information provision server SE. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the information registered into the shop information database 32a, (B) is a figure which shows an example of the information registered into the customer information database 32b, (C) is a point It is a figure which shows an example of the information registered into the information database 32c. It is a figure which shows an example of the process (an information acquisition process is included) performed by the control part 26 of portable terminal MTn. It is a figure which shows an example of the process (an information provision process is included) performed by the system control part 34 of information provision server SE. It is a figure which shows an example of the process (an information provision process is included) performed by the system control part 34 of information provision server SE. It is a figure which shows an example of the process (a customer list display process and a payment process are included) performed by the control part 15 of shop terminal ST. It is a figure which shows an example of the process (a customer list display process and a payment process are included) performed by the control part 15 of shop terminal ST.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment described below is embodiment at the time of applying this invention to an information provision system.

[1. Overview of information provision system and operation]
First, the configuration and operation overview of the information providing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an information providing system S according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system S includes a plurality of information transmission devices TAm (m = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and a plurality of portable terminals MTn (n = 1, 2, 3, 4). 5), a store terminal ST, and an information providing server SE (an example of a server device of the present invention). The information transmission device TAm, the portable terminal MTn, the store terminal ST, and the information providing server SE are examples of components for performing the information providing method of the present invention. The information providing server SE is connected to the network NW and can communicate with the mobile terminal MTn and the store terminal ST accessed via the network NW. The network NW is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line, a mobile communication network (including a base station), a gateway, and the like. In addition, although the store terminal ST of one store is shown in the example of FIG. 1, when there are a plurality of stores using the system, the store terminal is provided for each store.

  The plurality of information transmission devices TAm are respectively installed at different positions in the store. For example, a short-range communication technology called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is adopted for the information transmission device TAm. Each of the information transmission devices TAm transmits (broadcasts) radio waves (beacon) (for example, 2.4 GHz band radio waves) periodically (for example, every tens to hundreds of ms). By this radio wave, an identifier (ID) unique to each information transmission device TAm is conveyed. That is, the information transmission device TAm transmits a radio wave modulated with an identifier (that is, transmits the identifier by placing the identifier on the radio wave). The radio wave receivable range is set within, for example, several m (for example, 5 m) from each information transmission device TAm. The radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TAm is received by the mobile terminal MTn that has entered the reception area. The mobile terminal MTn transmits an identifier demodulated from the radio wave and terminal identification information (terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MTn) that can identify the mobile terminal MTn to the information providing server SE via the network NW. . Note that radio waves other than Beacon may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a facility layout diagram in a store where the information providing system S is used. In the example of FIG. 2, the information transmission device TA <b> 1 is installed at or near a cashier counter for settlement of merchandise sales transactions (to complete sales transactions) in a store. In this specification, the cash register counter means a place where a customer and a store clerk face each other for settlement of a sales transaction.

  In the example of FIG. 2, a counter stand is installed at the checkout counter, and an information transmission device TA1 and a store terminal ST used by a store clerk who serves customers at the checkout counter are installed on the counter stand. Yes. For example, customers who have the portable terminal MTn line up in turn at a cashier counter, for example, for settlement of a sale transaction of a product put in a shopping cart (that is, payment at the time of product purchase). The radio waves transmitted from the information transmitting device TA1 are received in the order of the mobile terminal MTn (in the example of FIG. 2, the mobile terminal MTn possessed by the customer who has come to the checkout counter) that has entered the reception area. In the example of FIG. 2, a screen for blocking radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 is installed on the opposite side of the counter table across the customer. This is to prevent the customer's portable terminal MTn from receiving the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1. Even if the mobile terminal MTn of the customer who is not lined up at the checkout counter can receive the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device TA1, the mobile terminal MTn can detect the intensity of the radio wave, so Only when the strength is greater than or equal to the threshold (in other words, only when the position corresponding to the strength of the radio wave is a position near the register counter), the identifier demodulated from the radio wave and the mobile terminal MTn are associated. If the terminal identification information is transmitted to the information providing server SE via the network NW, the screen is not necessary. In addition, when the cashier counter is along the passage or along the wall, the screen is unnecessary even when the mobile terminal MTn can secure a place where the mobile terminal MTn cannot receive radio waves unless the customer lines up at the cashier counter.

  In the example of FIG. 2, three customers A to C are lined up at a cashier counter for settlement of sales transactions, and the first customer A possesses radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device TA1. The mobile terminal MT1 receives first, then the mobile terminal MT2 possessed by the customer B, and then the mobile terminal MT3 possessed by the customer C. In the example of FIG. 2, the information transmission devices TA <b> 2 to TA <b> 6 are installed at the store entrance / exit, the product shelf a, the product shelf b, the product shelf c, and the product shelf d, respectively. This is a shelf for displaying products for sale at a store. In the example of FIG. 2, the information transmission device TA1 is installed on the entrance side of the cashier counter, but in addition to this, the information transmission device may be installed on the outlet side of the cashier counter. In this case, the function of the information transmission device installed on the exit side of the cashier counter is the same as that of the information transmission device TA1.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the store terminal ST. As shown in FIG. 3A, the store terminal ST includes an operation / display unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, an input / output interface unit 14, a control unit 15, and the like. The control unit 15 and the input / output interface unit 14 are connected via a system bus 16. For example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone is applied to the store terminal ST.

  The operation / display unit 11 includes, for example, a touch panel having an input function for receiving a user operation with a finger (a clerk), a pen, or the like, and a display function for displaying a Web page or the like. The wireless communication unit 12 can be connected to the network NW via, for example, a wireless LAN access point (not shown) or a base station of a mobile communication network.

  The storage unit 13 includes, for example, a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, and the like. Remember. The cash register application is an application program created in a predetermined program language, and is downloaded and installed from the predetermined server to the store terminal ST via the network NW and the wireless communication unit 12. The cash register application is recorded (recorded so as to be readable by a computer) on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a portable semiconductor memory, and is read and installed from the recording medium. It may be.

  The input / output interface unit 14 is an interface (for example, a USB interface) for connecting to peripheral devices. Examples of the peripheral device include a cash drawer, a receipt printer, a credit card reader, and an electronic money card reader. The credit card reader and the electronic money card reader may be appropriately connected to the input / output interface unit 14 by a store clerk according to the customer's payment method.

  The control unit 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and performs a customer list display process, a settlement process, and the like by executing a cash register application on the OS operation. . The customer list display process is a process of displaying a list of customer information transmitted from the information providing server SE in an arrangement order corresponding to the reception order. The payment process is a process of making a payment by a payment method desired by the customer at the cashier counter, for example, for the total amount (payment amount) of the total amount of each item that the customer has put in the shopping basket. In such processing, the control unit 15 functions as a display control unit and a settlement unit of the present invention. Here, examples of the settlement method include cash settlement, point settlement, credit card settlement, electronic money (electronic value) settlement, and debit card settlement. Point settlement is a settlement method in which payment of a settlement amount is completed with points provided (issued) from a store or an affiliated organization thereof. In the point settlement, for example, settlement is performed using points managed by the information providing server SE for each mobile terminal MTn. Specifically, when the amount corresponding to the balance of the points managed by the information providing server SE is equal to or greater than the settlement amount, an instruction to reduce the balance of the points by the point corresponding to the settlement amount is sent from the control unit 15 to the information provision server. It is sent to SE and the balance is reduced. In credit card payment, a card read by a credit card reader connected to the input / output interface unit 14 from an IC chip mounted on a credit card (or an IC chip mounted on a portable terminal MTn having a credit card function). Payment is performed online or offline using information such as the number and expiration date. In electronic money settlement, an electronic money card reader connected to the input / output interface unit 14 reads from an IC chip mounted on an electronic money card (or an IC chip mounted on a portable terminal MTn having an electronic money card function). Settlement is performed using information such as the balance of the received electronic money. Specifically, if the balance of electronic money read from the IC chip is equal to or greater than the payment amount, a command to reduce the balance of electronic value by the payment amount is sent from the control unit 15 to the IC chip, and the balance is reduced. .

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment screen displayed on the operation / display unit 11. The settlement screen 51 shown in FIG. 3B includes a customer list 51a, an amount display column 51b, a cash settlement selection button 51c, a point settlement selection button 51d, a credit card settlement selection button 51e, an electronic money settlement selection button 51f, and an accounting. A button 51g is displayed.

  In the customer list 51a shown in FIG. 3B, the serial numbers issued by the information providing server SE and the customer information of each of the customers A to C are listed in the order of serial numbers (in this example, the serial numbers are in ascending order). ing. Here, the serial number indicates the order of the mobile terminals MTn that have entered the reception area of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting apparatus TA1 (in other words, the order of the customers who have come to the entrance of the cashier counter). The customer information shown in FIG. 3B includes a customer nickname (an example of a customer name), a payment method that can be used by the customer, and a selective payment method selected by the customer in association with each other. In addition, the customer information may include benefits (for example, discount voucher information indicating a discount (discount) of a product, a coupon providing a crude gift, etc.). In the example of FIG. 3B, “ABC card” indicates a settlement method using a credit card provided by the credit card company ABC. Here, “XYZ card” indicates a credit card settlement using a credit card provided by the credit card company XYZ. “Point” indicates point settlement. Note that points (number of points) that can be used for point settlement may be displayed. For example, when “Point 1000” is displayed, the points that can be used in the point settlement are 1000 points. “Cash” indicates cash settlement. The selective settlement method is a settlement method selected as a settlement method to be used for settlement of sales transactions by the customer among the settlement methods that can be used by the customer. In the example of FIG. 3B, the payment method associated with “◯” is the selective payment method selected by the customer. With the customer list 51a as shown in FIG. 3B, the store clerk at the checkout counter can know in advance the settlement method desired by each customer currently lined up for settlement of merchandise sales transactions. it can.

  In the amount display column 51b shown in FIG. 3B, for example, the amount of each product put in the shopping basket by the customer (the amount is input to the store terminal ST from a barcode or the like attached to the product via a reader or the like). )) Is displayed in total. The cash settlement selection button 51c is a button for selecting cash settlement as a settlement method. The point settlement selection button 51d is a button for selecting point settlement as a settlement method. The credit card payment selection button 51e is a button for selecting a credit card payment as a payment method. The electronic money payment selection button 51f is a button for selecting electronic money payment as a payment method. The accounting button 51g is a button for performing settlement processing. For example, when the selective settlement method is indicated in the customer information associated with the smallest serial number in the customer list 51a (that is, the customer information displayed at the top of the plurality of customer information displayed in the list). Any one of the buttons 51c to 51f corresponding to the selected settlement method (for example, the credit card settlement selection button 51e) is selected (that is, automatically selected). On the other hand, when the selective settlement method is not indicated in the customer information associated with the youngest serial number in the customer list 51a, the store clerk at the checkout counter confirms the selective settlement method with the customer and confirms the selected selective settlement. When any of the buttons 51c to 51f corresponding to the method is pressed, the button is selected (that is, manually selected). When the clerk presses the accounting button 51g, for example, the control unit 15 reads information from the credit card via the credit card reader, and then executes the settlement process by the credit card settlement selected as the selected settlement method. . That is, payment processing is executed by a payment method selected manually or automatically based on the customer information displayed at the top of the plurality of customer information displayed in a list. Further, when the customer information includes, for example, discount ticket information, it is displayed in the customer list 51a as a discount ticket that can be used for the settlement.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the mobile terminal MTn. As shown in FIG. 4A, the mobile terminal MTn includes an operation / display unit 21, a wireless communication unit 22, a short-range communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, an input / output interface unit 25, a control unit 26, and the like. The control unit 26 and the input / output interface unit 25 are connected via a system bus 27. In addition, a removable IC chip (for example, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module card) card) is mounted on the mobile terminal MTn. For example, a smartphone or a mobile phone is applied to the mobile terminal MTn.

  The operation / display unit 21 includes, for example, a touch panel having an input function for receiving a user operation with a user's (customer) finger, a pen, or the like, and a display function for displaying a web page or the like. The wireless communication unit 22 can be connected to the network NW via, for example, a wireless LAN access point or a mobile communication network base station. The short-range communication unit 23 receives a radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TAm within the receivable range and demodulates the identifier from the received radio wave.

  The storage unit 24 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, and stores an OS, an information acquisition application (hereinafter referred to as “information acquisition application”), and the like. The information acquisition application is an application program created in a predetermined program language, and is downloaded and installed from a predetermined server to the mobile terminal MTn via the network NW and the wireless communication unit 22. Note that the information acquisition application may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a portable semiconductor memory, and read from the recording medium and installed. The input / output interface unit 25 is an interface for connecting to peripheral devices.

  The storage unit 24 and the like store terminal identification information that can identify the mobile terminal MTn. As the terminal identification information, for example, a telephone number, a mail address, an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), a user ID, or the like of the mobile terminal MTn can be applied. Here, IMSI is identification information (identification information unique to each SIM card) stored in a SIM card mounted on the mobile terminal MTn. The user ID is identification information (identification information unique to each user) given to the user of the mobile terminal MTn.

  The control unit 26 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs an information acquisition process by executing an information acquisition application on the OS operation. When the mobile terminal MTn receives a radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device TAm by the short-range communication unit 23, the information acquisition process includes an identifier demodulated from the radio wave, terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MTn, and Is transmitted to the information providing server SE via the wireless communication unit 22 and the network NW, so that the provided information transmitted from the information providing server SE is received and displayed. Examples of provided information include product information (privileges, advertisements, etc.) of products sold at a store, point information indicating points available at the store, and a serial number issued by the information providing server SE.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the information providing server SE. As shown in FIG. 4B, the information providing server SE includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input / output interface unit 33, a system control unit 34, and the like. The system control unit 34 and the input / output interface unit 33 are connected via a system bus 35. The communication unit 31 is connected to the network NW and controls the communication state. The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a hard disk drive and stores an OS, a server program, and the like. The server program is downloaded and installed from a predetermined server to the information providing server SE via the network NW and the communication unit 31. Note that the server program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a portable semiconductor memory, read from the recording medium, and installed. The input / output interface unit 33 is an interface for connecting to peripheral devices.

  In the storage unit 32, a store information database (DB) 32a, a customer information database (DB) 32b, a point information database (DB) 32c, and the like are constructed. The store information database 32a associates, for each store, a store ID for identifying the store, a password designated by the store, an identifier of the information transmission device TAm installed in the store, and a process to be executed. It is a database to register. Store ID and a password are used for login processing, for example. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of information registered in the store information database 32a. In the example of FIG. 5A, the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 is associated with the transmission of customer information to the store terminal as a process to be executed, and the identifier of the information transmission device TA2 is a process to be executed. The transmission of the point information to the mobile terminal and the point information (that is, the point information indicating the point to be provided to the customer) are associated, and the identifier of the information transmission device TA3 is the product information to the mobile terminal as a process to be executed. And the product information are registered in association with each other. Note that the point information and the product information are registered in the store information database 32a according to an instruction from the store terminal ST or the like of the store when the store logs in through the login process.

  The customer information database 32b is a database that registers terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MTn, customer information of the customer who owns the mobile terminal MTn, and a password specified by the customer in association with each mobile terminal MTn. is there. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of information registered in the customer information database 32b. In the example of FIG. 5B, the terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 includes the nickname of the customer A, the payment method available by the customer A, the selected payment method selected by the customer A, and the customer A The specified password is registered in association with it. Here, the terminal identification information, the nickname, and the password are registered in the customer information database 32b, for example, in accordance with an instruction from the customer's mobile terminal MTn in the member registration process. The nickname and password are used for login processing, for example. The payment method and the selective payment method may be registered in the customer information database 32b in accordance with an instruction from the mobile terminal MTn of the customer, for example, in the member registration process, or when the customer logs in through the login process after the member registration. It may be registered in the customer information database 32b in accordance with an instruction from the customer's mobile terminal MTn. In addition, like the customer A shown in the example of FIG. 5B, discount ticket information that can be used by the customer may be associated and registered in the customer information.

  The point information database 32c is a database in which terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MTn and a balance of points that can be used by a customer having the mobile terminal MTn are registered in association with each mobile terminal MTn. The points provided to each customer are managed. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of information registered in the point information database 32c. In the example of FIG. 5C, “1000” points are registered in association with the terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 as the balance of points.

  The system control unit 34 (an example of a computer) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs an information providing process and the like by executing a server program on the OS operation. When the information providing server SE receives the identifier and the terminal identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal MTn, the information providing process is performed according to the process to be executed associated with the received identifier according to the mobile terminal MTn and the store terminal. This is a process of providing provision information to at least one of ST. In this information providing process, the system control unit 34 functions as a receiving unit, an acquiring unit, an issuing unit, and a controlling unit of the present invention.

  In the information providing system S configured as described above, for example, when the mobile terminal MT1 receives a radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1, an identifier demodulated from the radio wave and a terminal corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 The identification information is transmitted to the information providing server SE via the network NW. Next, when the information providing server SE receives the identifier and the terminal identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal MT1, the customer includes at least a settlement method that can be used by the customer who owns the mobile terminal MT1 corresponding to the terminal identification information. Information is acquired from the customer information database 32b. Next, the information providing server SE transmits the acquired customer information and the like to the store terminal ST via the network NW. Next, when the store terminal ST receives the customer information transmitted from the information providing server SE, the store terminal ST displays the customer information and the like in a list according to the order of reception.

[2. Operation of information providing system S]
Next, an operation example of the information providing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing (including information acquisition processing) performed by the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MTn. 6, after the mobile terminal MTn activates the information acquisition application, the mobile terminal MTn accesses the information provision server SE according to the address information (for example, IP address) of the information provision server SE set by the information acquisition application. Then, it starts when the customer logs in through the login process. Note that the session is maintained between the portable terminal MTn and the information providing server SE by the login (maintained until logout). 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of processing (including information providing processing) performed by the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE. The process shown in FIG. 7 is started by starting a server program. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of processing (including customer list display processing and settlement processing) performed by the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST. In the process shown in FIG. 9, after the store terminal ST activates the cash register application, the information providing server SE is accessed according to the address information (for example, IP address) of the information providing server SE set by the cash register application. It starts when the store logs in. The session is maintained between the store terminal ST and the information providing server SE by the login.

[2-1. Operation of mobile terminal MTn]
First, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation example of the mobile terminal MTn will be described using the mobile terminal MT1 as an example. For example, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 that has started the process shown in FIG. 6 determines whether or not a radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TAm has been received (step S1). For example, when the short-range communication unit 23 of the mobile terminal MT1 receives the radio wave when the mobile terminal MT1 enters the reception area of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TAm, the reception of the radio wave is detected. Thereby, the control part 26 of portable terminal MT1 acquires the identifier demodulated from the said electromagnetic wave from the near field communication part 23, when it determines with the electromagnetic wave having been received (step S1: YES), and the said identifier Is stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM, for example, and the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that no radio wave is received (step S1: NO), the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S3, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines whether or not the same identifier as the identifier acquired in step S2 is stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM. For example, if identifiers acquired before the identifier acquired this time are stored in the temporary storage area, the identifiers are compared with each other, and if they do not match, the same identifier as the acquired identifier is stored in the temporary storage area It is determined that it is not stored in Further, if the identifier is not acquired before the identifier acquired this time, it is determined that the same identifier as the acquired identifier is not stored in the temporary storage area. When it is determined that the same identifier as the acquired identifier is not stored in the temporary storage area (step S3: NO), the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that the same identifier as the acquired identifier is stored in the temporary storage area (step S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S6. That is, in this case, the information acquisition message is not transmitted to the information providing server SE.

  In step S4, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 acquires terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 from, for example, the storage unit 24 or the IC chip. Next, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 transmits an information acquisition message including the identifier acquired in step S2 and the terminal identification information acquired in step S4 to the information providing server SE via the wireless communication unit 22 and the network NW. (Step S5), the process proceeds to Step S6.

  In step S <b> 6, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT <b> 1 determines whether or not the provision information transmitted from the information provision server SE has been received via the wireless communication unit 22. If the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that the provision information from the information provision server SE has not been received (step S6: NO), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, when it is determined that the providing information from the information providing server SE has been received (step S6: YES), the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 stores the providing information in the storage unit 24 and operates the providing information. -It displays on the display screen of the display part 21 (step S7), and progresses to step S8.

  For example, when the identifier demodulated from the radio wave from the information transmission device TA2 is transmitted to the information providing server SE in step S5, the point information is transmitted as the provision information from the information providing server SE and displayed in step S7. Become. Further, when the identifier demodulated from the radio wave from the information transmission device TA3 is transmitted to the information providing server SE in step S5, the product information (for example, a specific information displayed on the product shelf a) is provided as the provided information from the information providing server SE. Discount coupon information indicating product discounts and benefits such as coupons for providing a crude gift) are transmitted and displayed in step S7. When the identifier demodulated from the radio wave from the information transmission device TA1 is transmitted to the information providing server SE in step S5, the serial number is transmitted as the provision information from the information providing server SE and displayed in step S7. . When the serial number is received from the information providing server SE, the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 is stored in association with the serial number.

  In step S <b> 8, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT <b> 1 determines whether or not a payment method that can be used by the customer A is specified via the operation / display unit 21. The payment method may be specified by, for example, the customer A inputting characters into an input field displayed on the touch panel, or any payment method from the payment method candidate list displayed on the touch panel by the customer A. It may be specified by selecting. If the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that the payment method has been designated (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that the payment method is not designated (step S8: NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S9, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 acquires terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 from, for example, the storage unit 24 or the IC chip. Next, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 sends an information registration message including the payment method information indicating the payment method specified in step S8 and the terminal identification information acquired in step S9 via the wireless communication unit 22 and the network NW. To the information providing server SE (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S <b> 11, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT <b> 1 determines whether a selected settlement method is designated from among the settlement methods that can be used by the customer A via the operation / display unit 21. Note that the selected settlement method may be specified by, for example, the customer A entering characters in the input field displayed on the touch panel, or the customer A may select any settlement from the registered settlement method list displayed on the touch panel. It may be specified by selecting a method. If the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that the selective settlement method has been designated (step S11: YES), the control unit 26 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when it determines with the control part 26 of portable terminal MT1 not having selected the selective payment method (step S11: NO), it progresses to step S14.

  In step S12, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 acquires terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 from, for example, the storage unit 24 or the IC chip. Next, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 sends an information registration message including the payment selection information indicating the selected payment method specified in step S11 and the terminal identification information acquired in step S12 to the wireless communication unit 22 and the network NW. To the information providing server SE (step S13), and proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines whether or not reception of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 has been interrupted for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after reception of the radio wave from the information transmission device TA1. Determine. For example, when the identifier demodulated from the radio wave received by the short-range communication unit 23 in step S1 is the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 (in this case, the identifier is stored in association with the serial number), the portable terminal The control unit 26 of MT1 resets (sets to 0) the count value of the timer and starts counting. Then, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 detects the radio wave modulated by the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 until the timer counts up (that is, until the count value passes a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds)). Is not received (that is, when the identifier demodulated from the received radio wave does not match the identifier stored in association with the serial number), the reception of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device TA1 is longer than a predetermined time. Judge that it has stopped. If a radio wave modulated with the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 is received before the timer counts up, the count value of the timer is reset and the count is restarted.

  If the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that reception of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 has been interrupted for a predetermined time or longer (step S14: YES), the control unit 26 proceeds to step S15. For example, although the customer A of the portable terminal MT1 is lined up at the cashier counter, for example, the customer A receives the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitter TA1 by leaving the cashier counter for reasons such as adding a product to be purchased. Corresponds to the fact that no longer exists for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that reception of radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 has not been interrupted for a predetermined time or longer (step S14: NO), the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S15, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 acquires terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MT1 from, for example, the storage unit 24 or the IC chip. Next, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 transmits a cancellation message (an example of cancellation information) including the terminal identification information acquired in step S15 to the information providing server SE via the wireless communication unit 22 and the network NW (step). S16). Next, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 deletes the serial number and the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 stored in the storage unit 24 (step S17), and proceeds to step S18.

  Note that even when the settlement of the sales transaction is completed at the cashier counter, the customer leaves the cashier counter, and thus the reception of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 is interrupted for a predetermined time or more. In this case, it is not necessary to send a cancellation message to the information providing server SE. For this reason, in step S14, the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 has stopped receiving radio waves transmitted from the information transmission apparatus TA1 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after reception of radio waves from the information transmission apparatus TA1. It may be configured to determine whether or not the transaction is settled. Thereby, useless traffic can be reduced. For example, when the transaction is completed, the store terminal ST or the information providing server SE is configured to transmit a transaction completion message indicating the completion of the transaction to the mobile terminal MT1, and the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 If the transaction completion message is received via the short-range communication unit 23 or the wireless communication unit 22 at the time of determination in S14, it is determined that the transaction has been settled. When the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that reception of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device TA1 has been interrupted for a predetermined time or more and determines that the transaction has not been completed, the portable terminal MT1 Terminal identification information corresponding to MT1 is acquired (step S15), a cancellation message including the terminal identification information is transmitted to the information providing server SE (step S16), and the serial number and the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 are deleted (step S16). S17). On the other hand, if the control unit 26 of the portable terminal MT1 determines that reception of radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 has been interrupted for a predetermined time or more and determines that the transaction has been settled, The serial number and the identifier of the information transmission device TA1 are deleted without transmitting a message (step S17). According to such a configuration, the server load can be reduced.

  In step S18, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 determines whether or not to end the process. For example, when there is a logout instruction, an information acquisition application termination instruction, or a power-off instruction via the operation / display unit 21, or reception of radio waves transmitted from any of the information transmission devices TAm is interrupted for a predetermined time or more. In this case, the control unit 26 of the mobile terminal MT1 determines to end the process (step S18: YES), and ends the process illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, when it determines with the control part 26 of portable terminal MT1 not complete | finishing a process (step S18: NO), it returns to step S1 and continues the said process.

[2-2. Operation of information providing server SE]
Next, an operation example of the information providing server SE will be described with reference to FIGS. The system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE that has started the process illustrated in FIG. 7 determines whether an information acquisition message transmitted from the mobile terminal MTn has been received via the communication unit 31 (step S21). If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the information acquisition message has been received (step S21: YES), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the information acquisition message has not been received (step S21: NO), the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S22, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires the identifier and the terminal identification information from the information acquisition message received in step S21. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE refers to the store information database 32a and specifies a process to be executed associated with the identifier acquired in Step S22 (Step S23).

  Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not the process to be executed identified in step S23 is transmission of point information to the mobile terminal (step S24). If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the specified process to be executed is transmission of point information to the mobile terminal (step S24: YES), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the specified process to be executed is not transmission of point information to the mobile terminal (step S24: NO), the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S25, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires point information associated with the identifier acquired in step S22 from the store information database 32a. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE registers the point information acquired in step S25 in the point information database 32c in association with the terminal identification information acquired in step S22 (step S26). When points are already registered in association with the terminal identification information acquired in step S22, the points indicated by the point information are added to the points registered in association with the terminal identification information. (The balance of points increases.) Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE uses the point information acquired in step S25 as the provided information, as the provided information, through the communication unit 31 and the network NW, as the transmission source mobile of the information acquisition message received in step S21 Transmit to the terminal MTn (step S27), and proceed to step S37.

  In step S28, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not the process to be executed identified in step S23 is transmission of customer information to the store terminal. The system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the identified process to be executed is not transmission of customer information to the store terminal (in other words, transmission of product information to the mobile terminal) (step S28). : YES), the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the specified process to be executed is transmission of customer information to the store terminal (step S28: NO), the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S29, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires the product information associated with the identifier acquired in step S22 from the store information database 32a. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE registers the product information acquired in step S29 in the customer information database 32b in association with the terminal identification information acquired in step S22 (step S30). Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE uses the product information acquired in step S29 as the provided information as the provided information, via the communication unit 31 and the network NW, as the transmission source mobile of the information acquisition message received in step S21. Transmission to the terminal MTn (step S31), the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S32, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE issues a serial number. This serial number is a number that increases by a predetermined value (for example, 1) each time an information acquisition message (including terminal identification information) transmitted from the mobile terminal MTn is received. The issued serial number is stored in the storage unit 32, for example, and is referred to when the next serial number is issued. That is, for example, 1 is added to the previous serial number, and a new serial number is issued. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE uses the serial number issued in step S32 as the provision information, and the mobile terminal that is the transmission source of the information acquisition message received in step S21 via the communication unit 31 and the network NW. Transmit to MTn (step S33).

  Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires customer information associated with the terminal identification information acquired in step S22 from the customer information database 32b (step S34). For example, a nickname and a payment method associated with the terminal identification information are acquired as customer information. In addition, if the selective payment method and discount ticket information are included in association with the terminal identification information acquired in step S22, these pieces of information are also acquired as customer information.

  Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE sends a list display message including the terminal identification information acquired in step S22, the serial number issued in step S32, and the customer information acquired in step S34, to the communication unit 31 and the network NW. Is transmitted to the store terminal ST (step S35). That is, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE transmits the serial number and customer information to the store terminal ST only when the identifier received from the mobile terminal MTn is an identifier unique to the information transmission device TA1, and The customer information is displayed in a list in the arrangement order corresponding to the reception order of the terminal identification information corresponding to the serial number and the customer information. As a result, the serial numbers reflecting the order in which the customers came to the cashier counter can be displayed in a list together with the customer information, so that the clerk who saw the serial number, for example, the number of customers lined up at the cashier counter from the opening of the day Can be grasped. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE registers the terminal identification information (which may be a nickname associated with the terminal identification information) acquired in step S22 in the settlement waiting list (step S36).

  In step S37, as shown in FIG. 8, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not the information registration message transmitted from the portable terminal MTn is received via the communication unit 31. If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the information registration message has been received (step S37: YES), the system control unit 34 proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the information registration message has not been received (step S37: NO), the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S38, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires payment method information (or payment selection information) and terminal identification information from the information registration message received in step S37. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE associates the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired in step S38 (or the selective payment method indicated by the payment selection information) with the terminal identification information acquired in step S38. Register in the customer information database 32b (step S39).

  Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not the terminal identification information acquired in step S38 is registered in the settlement waiting list (step S40). If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the terminal identification information is registered in the settlement waiting list (step S40: YES), the system control unit 34 proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the terminal identification information is not registered in the payment waiting list (step S40: NO), the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S41, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires the terminal identification information acquired in step S38 (may be a nickname associated with the terminal identification information) and the payment method information acquired in step S38 (or payment selection). Information) is transmitted to the store terminal ST via the communication unit 31 and the network NW, and the process proceeds to step S42. That is, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE transmits the list display message including the customer information associated with the terminal identification information acquired in step S38 to the store terminal ST, and then the payment method information from the mobile terminal MTn. When an information registration message including (or payment selection information) is received, a list update message including the payment method information (or payment selection information) is transmitted to the store terminal ST. Thereby, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE displays the payment method indicated by the payment method information (or the selected payment method indicated by the payment selection information) in addition to the corresponding customer information. As a result, the payment method selected when the customer is lined up at the counter can be displayed in addition to the customer information of the customer already displayed in the list.

  In step S42, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether a cancellation message transmitted from the mobile terminal MTn has been received via the communication unit 31. If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the cancel message has been received (step S42: YES), the system control unit 34 proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the cancellation message has not been received (step S42: NO), the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S43, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires terminal identification information from the cancellation message received in step S42. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not the terminal identification information acquired in step S43 is registered in the payment waiting list (step S44). If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the terminal identification information is registered in the payment waiting list (step S44: YES), the system control unit 34 proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the terminal identification information is not registered in the payment waiting list (step S44: NO), the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S45, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE displays a display cancellation message (corresponding to the terminal identification information) including the terminal identification information (which may be a nickname associated with the terminal identification information) acquired in step S43. An example of information for canceling the display of the received customer information) is transmitted to the store terminal ST via the communication unit 31 and the network NW. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE deletes the terminal identification information acquired in step S43 from the payment waiting list (step S46).

  In addition, when the transaction completion message is received in the following step S47, the terminal identification information included in the transaction completion message is deleted from the payment waiting list, so even if the cancellation message is received in step S42, By the determination in step S44, the display cancellation message including the terminal identification information is not transmitted to the store terminal ST. That is, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE only when the settlement of the sales transaction of the customer possessing the mobile terminal MTn corresponding to the terminal identification information included in the cancellation message received in step S42 has not been completed. A display cancellation message for canceling the display of the customer information of the customer is transmitted to the store terminal ST. Thereby, useless traffic can be reduced. When the mobile terminal MTn determines that reception of the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 has been interrupted for a predetermined time or more, and determines that the settlement of the transaction has not been completed, the cancel message is sent to the information providing server SE. In the case of the configuration to transmit to, the process of step S44 need not be performed (that is, the process proceeds from step S43 to step S45).

  In step S47, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not the payment completion message transmitted from the store terminal ST has been received via the communication unit 31. If the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the payment completion message has been received (step S47: YES), the system control unit 34 proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines that the payment completion message has not been received (step S47: NO), the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S48, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE acquires terminal identification information (which may be a nickname associated with the terminal identification information) from the payment completion message received in step S47. Next, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE deletes the terminal identification information acquired in Step S48 (or the terminal identification information associated with the acquired nickname) from the payment waiting list (Step S49). At this time, the system control unit 34 may transmit a transaction completion message including the terminal identification information acquired in step S48 to the mobile terminal MTn corresponding to the terminal identification information.

  In step S50, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines whether or not to end the process. For example, when there is a power-off instruction or the like, the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines to end the process (step S50: YES), and ends the process illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, if the system control unit 34 of the information providing server SE determines not to end the process (step S50: NO), the process returns to step S21 to continue the process.

[2-3. Operation of store terminal ST]
Next, with reference to FIG.9 and FIG.10, the operation example of store terminal ST is demonstrated. The control unit 15 of the store terminal ST that has started the processing shown in FIG. 9 determines whether or not the list display message transmitted from the information providing server SE has been received via the wireless communication unit 12 (step S51). When it is determined that the list display message has been received (step S51: YES), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that the list display message has not been received (step S51: NO), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST proceeds to step S54.

  In step S52, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST acquires a serial number, customer information, and terminal identification information from the list display message received in step S51. Next, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST displays a list of the serial numbers and customer information acquired in step S52 in the order of reception according to the order of reception (step S53), and proceeds to step S54. For example, the list is displayed as shown in a customer list 51a in FIG. Here, the reception order means the order in which the customer information is received, in other words, the serial number order (the order in which the customer counters are arranged). In the example of FIG. 3B, the customer A's customer information, the customer B's customer information, and the customer C's customer information are listed in order. That is, each time a list display message is received, a serial number and customer information are additionally displayed in the customer list 51a (customer A customer information etc. → customer B customer information etc. → customer C customer information etc. in order) List). The serial number, customer information, and terminal identification information acquired in step S52 are stored in association with each other during display of the serial number and the customer information. Further, in the case where an information transmission device is installed on the exit side of the cashier counter in addition to the information transmission device TA1, even if customers come in from the cashier counter's exit side, the customer information of the customers who came to the cashier is ordered. A list can be displayed.

  In step S54, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not the list update message transmitted from the information providing server SE has been received via the wireless communication unit 12. When it is determined that the list update message has been received (step S54: YES), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, when it determines with the control part 15 of store terminal ST not having received the list update message (step S54: NO), it progresses to step S57.

  In step S55, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST acquires terminal identification information (or nickname) and payment method information (or payment selection information) from the list update message received in step S54. Next, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST corresponds to the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired in step S55 (or the selective payment method indicated by the payment selection information) to the terminal identification information (or nickname) acquired in step S55. It is added to the customer information already added and displayed as a list (step S56).

  In step S57, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not the display cancellation message transmitted from the information providing server SE has been received via the wireless communication unit 12. When it is determined that the display cancellation message has been received (step S57: YES), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display cancellation message has not been received (step S57: NO), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST proceeds to step S60.

  In step S58, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST acquires terminal identification information (or nickname) from the display cancellation message received in step S57. Next, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST displays a list of customer information (customer information indicated by the display cancellation message) and serial numbers already displayed in a list in association with the terminal identification information (or nickname) acquired in step S58. Is deleted (for example, the customer information and serial number of customer B are deleted) (step S59).

  In step S60, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not a button for selecting a payment method has been pressed. When it is determined that the button for selecting a payment method (for example, any of buttons 51c to 51f shown in FIG. 3B) has been pressed (step S60: YES), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST presses the button. The settlement method (for example, point settlement) corresponding to the button that has been set is set to the selected state (step S61). On the other hand, if the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines that the button for selecting the settlement method has not been pressed (step S60: NO), the process proceeds to step S62.

  In addition, when the selective settlement method is indicated in the customer information displayed at the top of the plurality of customer information displayed in the list, the selected settlement method is selected without pressing the buttons 51c to 51f. become. For this reason, it is possible to further accelerate the settlement and efficiency of the transaction.

  In step S62, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not the accounting button 51g is pressed. When it is determined that the transaction button 51g has been pressed (step S62: YES), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST proceeds to step S63. If the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines that the transaction button 51g is not pressed (step S62: NO), the process proceeds to step S68.

  In step S63, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not a payment method is selected (manually or automatically as described above). When it is determined that the payment method has been selected (step S63: YES), the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST executes the payment process using the selected payment method (step S64), and proceeds to step S65. On the other hand, when it determines with the payment method not being selected (step S63: NO), the control part 15 of shop terminal ST performs the display which prompts selection of the payment method, for example, and returns to step S60.

  In step S65, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not the payment process executed in step S64 has been normally completed. If the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines that the payment process has been normally completed (step S65: YES), the control unit 15 proceeds to step S66. On the other hand, when it determines with the payment process not being completed normally (step S65: NO), the control part 15 of shop terminal ST performs the display which prompts re-selection of a payment method, for example, and returns to step S60.

  In step S66, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST performs terminal identification information (the terminal identification) associated with the customer information (the above-described top customer information) of the customer that is the target of the settlement process executed in step S64. The transaction completion message including the nickname associated with the information) is transmitted to the information providing server SE via the wireless communication unit 12 and the network NW. Note that the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST may transmit a transaction completion message including the terminal identification information and the like to the mobile terminal MTn corresponding to the terminal identification information via the wireless communication unit 12 and the like. Next, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST deletes the list display of customer information and serial numbers of the customers who are the targets of the settlement process executed in step S64 (step S67).

  In step S68, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines whether or not to end the process. For example, when there is a logout instruction, a cashier application termination instruction, or a power-off instruction via the operation / display unit 11, the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines that the process is terminated (step S68: YES). The process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the control unit 15 of the store terminal ST determines that the process is not ended (step S68: NO), the process returns to step S51 and continues the process.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal MTn transmits the identifier demodulated from the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device TA1 and the terminal identification information corresponding to the mobile terminal MTn to the information providing server SE. And the information providing server SE transmits the customer information of the customer possessing the portable terminal MTn corresponding to the terminal identification information to the store terminal ST so that the customer information is displayed in a list according to the order of reception. Since it is configured, customer information can be displayed in a list on the store terminal ST in the order in which the customers come to the cashier counter so that the store clerk can grasp the information. Therefore, the settlement method used by the customer is different for each customer. However, the settlement of the transaction can be speeded up and made efficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where transaction settlement is performed at a store that sells products has been described as an example.However, the present invention is a transaction settlement at a store such as a restaurant that provides a predetermined service (that is, The present invention can also be applied to the case where payment at the time of service enjoyment is performed.

11 Operation / Display Unit 12 Wireless Communication Unit 13 Storage Unit 14 Input / Output Interface Unit 15 Control Unit 16 System Bus 21 Operation / Display Unit 22 Wireless Communication Unit 23 Short-range Communication Unit 24 Storage Unit 25 Input / Output Interface Unit 26 Control Unit 27 System Bus 31 Communication unit 32 Storage unit 33 Input / output interface unit 34 System control unit TAm Information transmitting device MTn Mobile terminal ST Store terminal SE Information providing server S Information providing system

Claims (16)

A counter for settlement of transactions at a store or an information transmission device installed in the vicinity thereof, a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by a plurality of customers lined up for the settlement at the counter, and a clerk serving customers at the counter Is an information providing method performed by a store terminal used by a server device capable of communicating with the store terminal and the mobile terminal via a network,
An identification information transmitting step of transmitting identification information capable of identifying the portable terminal to the server device via the network when the portable terminal receives a radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device;
When the server device receives the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal, an acquisition step of acquiring customer information including at least a settlement method that can be used by a customer possessing the mobile terminal corresponding to the identification information When,
A customer information transmission step in which the server device transmits the acquired customer information to the store terminal via the network;
When the store terminal receives the customer information transmitted from the server device, a display step of displaying the customer information in a list according to the order of reception,
An information providing method comprising: The information providing method further includes a step of issuing a serial number that increases by a predetermined value every time the server device receives the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal,
In the customer information transmission step, the server device transmits the issued serial number and the acquired customer information to the store terminal via the network,
In the display step, when the store terminal receives the serial number and the customer information transmitted from the server device, the store terminal displays the list of the serial number and the customer information in an arrangement order corresponding to the reception order. The information providing method according to claim 1. The server device includes storage means for storing one or more payment methods that can be used by a customer possessing each mobile terminal in association with the identification information corresponding to each mobile terminal,
3. The information provision according to claim 1, wherein, in the obtaining step, the server device obtains the settlement method associated with the received identification information from the storage unit as the customer information. Method. The storage means further stores a payment method selected as a payment method to be used for payment of the transaction by the customer among one or more payment methods that can be used by the customer who owns each portable terminal. ,
In the obtaining step, the server device selects the payment method associated with the received identification information, the payment method selected by the customer as a payment method to be used for payment of the transaction. The information providing method according to claim 3, wherein the information is obtained from the storage unit. The information providing method includes:
The server device transmits the customer information associated with the received identification information to the store terminal, and then uses the settlement method for settlement of the transaction by a customer possessing the mobile terminal corresponding to the identification information Receiving payment selection information indicating the payment method selected as from the mobile terminal;
The server device transmits the received payment selection information to the store terminal via the network;
When the store terminal receives the payment selection information transmitted from the server device, the selected payment method indicated by the payment selection information is displayed in addition to the customer information already displayed in a list; ,
The information provision method according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage means further stores a name of a customer possessing each mobile terminal in association with the identification information corresponding to each mobile terminal,
5. The information providing method according to claim 3, wherein, in the obtaining step, the server device obtains the name associated with the received identification information as the customer information from the storage unit. . The information providing method includes:
Cancellation information including identification information that can identify the portable terminal when the portable terminal stops receiving the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting apparatus after receiving the radio wave from the information transmitting apparatus for a predetermined time or longer. Transmitting to the server device via the network;
When the server device receives the cancellation information transmitted from the mobile terminal, the store terminal transmits information for canceling the display of the customer information corresponding to the identification information included in the cancellation information via the network. A cancellation information transmission step to be transmitted to
When the store terminal receives the information to be canceled transmitted from the server device, erasing the list display of the customer information indicated by the cancellation information;
The information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:   In the cancellation information transmission step, information for canceling the display of the customer information only when the settlement of the transaction of the customer possessing the mobile terminal corresponding to the identification information included in the received cancellation information is not completed The information providing method according to claim 7, wherein the information is transmitted to the store terminal. The information providing method includes:
If the mobile terminal stops receiving radio waves transmitted from the information transmission device for a predetermined time after reception of the radio waves from the information transmission device, and the settlement of the transaction is not completed, Transmitting cancellation information including identification information capable of identifying the server to the server device via the network;
When the server device receives the cancellation information transmitted from the mobile terminal, the store terminal transmits information for canceling the display of the customer information corresponding to the identification information included in the cancellation information via the network. Sending to
When the store terminal receives the information to be canceled transmitted from the server device, erasing the list display of the customer information indicated by the cancellation information;
The information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: In the identification information transmitting step, when the mobile terminal receives a radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device and modulated with a specific identifier, the identifier is demodulated from the radio wave and demodulated And transmitting identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal to the server device via the network,
In the customer information transmission step, the server device transmits the customer information via the network only when the identifier received from the mobile terminal is an identifier unique to the information transmission device. The information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the information is transmitted to the store terminal. Via a network between a plurality of mobile terminals owned by each of a plurality of customers lined up for the settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions in the store and a store terminal used by a store clerk serving at the counter A server device capable of communication,
The identification information transmitted from the portable terminal that has received the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device installed in the counter or in the vicinity thereof is received via the network. The identification information can identify the portable terminal. Receiving means;
Obtaining means for obtaining customer information including at least a payment method usable by a customer possessing the portable terminal corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving means;
Control means for transmitting the customer information acquired by the acquisition means to the store terminal via the network and displaying the customer information in a list in an order corresponding to the reception order of the identification information corresponding to the customer information; ,
A server device comprising: The server device further includes issuing means for issuing a serial number that increases by a predetermined value every time the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal is received.
The control means transmits the serial number issued by the issuing means and the customer information obtained by the obtaining means to the store terminal via the network and receives the identification information corresponding to the customer information. 12. The server device according to claim 11, wherein the serial number and the customer information are displayed in a list in an arrangement order corresponding to the order. The server device further includes storage means for storing one or more payment methods that can be used by a customer possessing each mobile terminal in association with the identification information corresponding to each mobile terminal,
The said acquisition means, The said server apparatus acquires the said payment method matched with the said identification information received by the said reception means from the said memory | storage means as the said customer information. The server device described in 1. Via a network between a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by each of a plurality of customers lined up for settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions at a store and a store terminal used by a store clerk who serves at the counter A computer that can communicate
The identification information transmitted from the portable terminal that has received the radio wave transmitted from the information transmitting device installed in the counter or in the vicinity thereof is received via the network. The identification information can identify the portable terminal. Receiving means;
Obtaining means for obtaining customer information including at least a payment method usable by a customer possessing the portable terminal corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving means;
Control means for transmitting the customer information acquired by the acquisition means to the store terminal via the network and displaying the customer information in a list according to the order of reception of the identification information corresponding to the customer information. A server program characterized by functioning. Installed at or near the counter from a server device that can communicate via a network with a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by a plurality of customers lined up for the settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions at a store A store terminal that receives customer information including at least a payment method that can be used by a customer who has the mobile terminal that has received the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device,
The store terminal used by the store clerk who serves the customer at the counter, display control means for displaying the customer information received from the server device in a list according to the order of reception,
Payment means for executing a payment process with a payment method selected based on the customer information displayed at the top of the customer information displayed in the list;
A store terminal comprising: Installed at or near the counter from a server device that can communicate via a network with a plurality of mobile terminals possessed by a plurality of customers lined up for the settlement at a counter for settlement of transactions at a store A computer that receives customer information including at least a settlement method that can be used by a customer who possesses the mobile terminal that has received the radio wave transmitted from the information transmission device,
The store terminal used by the store clerk who serves the customer at the counter, display control means for displaying the customer information received from the server device in a list according to the order of reception,
A store terminal program which functions as a payment means for executing a payment process by a payment method selected based on customer information displayed at the top of the customer information displayed in the list.