Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To reduce a burden on an employee in adjustment processing when refund processing of change is not performed.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a collection unit that collects a plurality of pieces of change data indicating a change amount calculated from an amount of advance payment received from a user and an amount of a purchase price purchased by the user, a refund processing unit that performs, when any of a plurality of identification tags on which the plurality of pieces of change data are respectively recorded is read, a change refund process based on the change data on the read identification tag, a storage processing unit that stores, in a storage unit, unprocessed change refund information corresponding to change data on which the change refund process is not performed when a daily checkout process is performed, and a depositing transaction creation unit that creates a depositing transaction using the unprocessed change refund information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel dispenser used in self-service gas stations. This fuel dispenser includes a fuel dispenser installed in a fuel dispense area and a change return machine installed in an office away from the fuel dispense area. The fuel dispenser includes a bill discriminating means for reading inserted bills, a slip issuing means for recording the difference between the fuel dispensed amount and the deposited amount as change data on a fuel dispenser slip, and a slip reading means for reading the fuel dispenser slip on which the change data is recorded.

[0003] The amounts read by the slip reading means and the bill validating means are added up, and the user can refuel up to the total amount of the change recorded on the fueling slip and the newly inserted bill. If the user wishes to receive change in cash, the fueling slip with the change data recorded on it is read by a change return machine installed in an office away from the fueling area. The change return machine returns change (bills and coins) to the user based on the change data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-168100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] At gas stations and other locations, when a customer purchases a product using an external machine with a deposit function but no dispensing function and receives change, a "change receipt" containing information about the change amount is issued along with the sales slip. Generally, the change is returned by scanning the change receipt with a cash register with a dispensing function. In stores operating in this sales format, customers who have purchased a product may leave the store without scanning the change receipt with the cash register. If the customer returns on the same day as the product purchase, they can receive the change by scanning the change receipt with the cash register.

[0006] Employees usually need to perform daily settlement processing once a day, including creating deposit transactions based on sales data. If a customer leaves the store without swiping their change deposit ticket at the settlement machine and does not return on the day of their purchase, and is therefore unable to return their change, employees must perform miscellaneous deposit processing to treat the unrefunded change as miscellaneous income and reflect it in the deposit transaction.

[0007] Furthermore, even if a customer returns to the store after the daily settlement process has been completed and attempts to scan their change receipt into the settlement machine, the machine will not be able to return the change because the payment has already been made. In this case, the employee will perform a miscellaneous withdrawal process to return the change to the customer, and then in the daily settlement process for that day, the amount of the returned change will be subtracted from the sales amount to make the total amount add up. All settlement processes, including miscellaneous deposit and withdrawal processes, are performed manually by employees.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can reduce the burden on employees in the settlement process when change is not returned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a collection unit that collects multiple change data indicating the amount of change calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; a refund processing unit that, when one of multiple identification tags each recording multiple change data is read, performs a change refund process based on the change data on the read identification tag; a storage processing unit that, when performing daily settlement processing, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, stores unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a storage unit; and a deposit transaction creation unit that creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information.

[0010] The information processing system according to the present disclosure comprises an external machine having an advance payment acceptance unit that accepts an advance payment from a user, and an identification tag issuance unit that calculates the amount of change from the amount of the advance payment and the amount of the purchase made by the user and issues an identification tag that records the change data; a collection unit that collects multiple change data; a refund processing unit that, when one of multiple identification tags that each record multiple change data is read, performs a change refund process based on the change data on the read identification tag; a storage processing unit that, when performing daily settlement processing, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, stores unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a memory unit; and a deposit transaction creation unit that creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information.

[0011] The information processing method disclosed herein includes a computer that performs the following processes: collecting multiple change data indicating the amount of change calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; when one of multiple identification tags each recording the multiple change data is read, performing a change refund process based on the change data on the read identification tag; when performing daily settlement processing, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, storing unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a memory unit; and creating a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information.

[0012] The program disclosed herein causes a computer to perform the following processes: collecting multiple change data indicating the amount of change calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; when one of multiple identification tags each recording the multiple change data is read, performing a change refund process based on the change data on the read identification tag; when performing daily settlement processing, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, storing unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a memory unit; and creating a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the burden on employees in processing settlements when change is not returned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 1 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fuel supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an external machine according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a POS according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the employee display unit when returning change after daily settlement processing has been performed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a refund confirmation screen for confirming refund for unprocessed change information extracted from the read change data. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a refund confirmation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of the process of creating a deposit transaction when performing daily settlement processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow for carrying out a money refund process after a daily settlement process has been carried out. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0016] The embodiments relate to an information processing device applied to a fueling system used, for example, in a self-service gas station. The gas station may be a service station that sells fuel oils such as gasoline and diesel (hereinafter referred to as "oil"), as well as selling products and providing services such as various repairs. The gas station may also be a service station that supplies not only oil but also energy such as electricity, hydrogen, and biofuel. Such a service station may provide, for example, a charging service that supplies electricity to electric vehicles (EVs). Here, the self-service gas station includes a fueling area where multiple fuel pumps and external equipment are installed, and a store area where a point-of-sale (POS) register (hereinafter referred to as "POS") and a payment machine are installed.

[0017] The user first uses the external machine to select the type and quantity of oil and deposits a prepayment that is greater than the cost of the selected oil. When refueling is complete, the external machine issues a change receipt (identification tag) that records the difference between the prepayment and the cost of the fuel as change data. The change receipt can be issued together with a sales slip that includes transaction details. The sales slip can identify the user and serve as a substitute for a receipt. After refueling their vehicle with the fuel pump, the user can go into the store area and have the change receipt scanned by the payment machine to receive the change for the difference between the prepayment and the cost of the oil.

[0018] As described above, at gas stations operating in this sales format, if change cannot be returned to a customer who has filled up their car, there is a problem that the amount of work required for employees to process the payment increases. The ratio of self-service gas stations is increasing year by year, and the number of cases where change is forgotten is also increasing significantly. This increases the workload of employees and increases the costs associated with processing the forgotten change. The embodiment relates to a technology that reduces the burden on employees in processing the payment when change is not returned.

[0019] Embodiment 1. An example configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a collection unit 2, a refund processing unit 3, a storage processing unit 4, and a deposit transaction creation unit 5.

[0020] The information processing device 1 can perform various communications with external devices via a network. Specifically, the information processing device 1 can be connected to an external device installed in a fueling area, a payment machine installed in a store area, and a server that stores various information via a communication line such as the Internet. However, the communication line is not limited to the Internet, and may be a combination of the Internet and another communication line, or may be a communication line other than the Internet. As a communication method, for example, wireless communication or wired communication such as 4G (Generation), 5G, local 5G, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and LTE (Long Term Evolution) can be used. However, the communication method is not limited to these examples.

[0021] The collection unit 2 collects multiple change data indicating the change amount calculated from the amount of advance payment received from the user and the amount of purchases made by the user. When one of multiple change deposit slips, each recording multiple change data, is read, the refund processing unit 3 performs a change refund process based on the change data on the read change deposit slip. Here, the change deposit slip is an example of an identification tag recording change data. The change deposit slip may be, for example, a paper medium on which the change data is printed using a two-dimensional code such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark).

[0022] If there is an identification tag that has not been read when the next settlement process is performed, the memory processing unit 4 stores in the memory unit unprocessed change information corresponding to the change data that has not been processed for change refund. The unprocessed change information is stored and managed in a database of a server, which is an example of a memory unit. The deposit transaction creation unit 5 creates a deposit transaction based on the unprocessed change information.

[0023] Next, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an information processing method according to the present disclosure. First, the information processing device 1 collects a plurality of change data indicating the amount of change calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user (S11). When any of a plurality of identification tags each recording a plurality of change data is read, the information processing device 1 performs a change refund process based on the change data of the read identification tag (S12).

[0024] If there is an identification tag that has not been read when performing the daily settlement process, the information processing device 1 stores unprocessed change information corresponding to the change data that has not been processed for change refund in the storage unit (S13).Then, the information processing device 1 creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change information (S14).

[0025] In this way, according to the embodiment, even if the change cannot be returned to the customer who filled up the tank, a deposit transaction can be created without the employee having to manually process miscellaneous deposits when performing daily settlement processing, thereby reducing the workload of the employee.

[0026] The information processing device 1 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device, which are not shown in the figure. The storage device stores a program that causes a computer to execute each process of the information processing method according to the first embodiment. The processor loads the program from the storage device into the memory and executes the program. As a result, the processor realizes the functions of a collection unit 2, a refund processing unit 3, a storage processing unit 4, and a deposit transaction creation unit 5.

[0027] Each component of the information processing device 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and programs. Furthermore, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc. may be used as the processor.

[0028] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the information processing device 1 are realized by multiple devices, circuits, etc., the multiple devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 101 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system 101 includes a collection unit 102, a refund processing unit 103, a storage processing unit 104, and a deposit transaction creation unit 105. As described above, the detailed operation of each component of the information processing system 101 corresponds to the operation of each component of the information processing device 1. The devices, circuits, etc. realizing each component of FIG. 3 may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the functions of the information processing device 1 may be provided in a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0029] Embodiment 2. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refueling system 100 according to the present disclosure. The refueling system 100 is applied to a self-service gas station. The refueling system 100 includes a POS 10, an adjustment machine 20, an external device 30, a refueling machine 40, and a server 50. Although not shown here, the refueling system 100 may include a plurality of external devices 30 and refueling machines 40, or may include a plurality of POSs 10 and adjustment machines 20.

[0030] A store area A1 of the gas station is equipped with a POS 10 and a payment machine 20. A fueling area A2 is also provided at a location separated from the store area A1. An external machine 30 and a fuel dispenser 40 are installed in the fueling area A2.

[0031] At such a gas station, a user first pays for fuel such as gasoline as an advance payment using an external machine 30. When the user fills up their vehicle with fuel using a fuel dispenser 40, the external machine 30 issues a change ticket that records change data indicating the amount of change, which is the difference between the advance payment and the fuel price. Note that if the amount of the advance payment matches the amount of the fuel price, a change ticket is not issued.

[0032] A customer can have the payment machine 20 installed in store area A1 read the change deposit slip. The payment machine 20 is communicably connected to the POS 10 operated by an employee. The POS 10 causes the payment machine 20 to dispense bills and coins in an amount corresponding to the change data on the read change deposit slip, and returns the change to the customer. This allows the customer to receive change for the difference between the advance payment and the fuel charge.

[0033] A server 50 is provided outside the store area A1. The POS 10 is communicably connected to the server 50 via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. The server 50 is an entry server that stores and manages unprocessed change information transmitted from the POS 10 and corresponding to change data for which the change refund process has not yet been carried out.

[0034] 4 may be applied to a plurality of gas stations, and the POS 10 at each gas station may be communicatively connected to a management system (not shown) at the headquarters. Each POS 10 may execute daily settlement processing, including the creation of a deposit transaction based on sales data, at specific intervals, such as once a day, and transmit the processing results to the management system at the headquarters.

[0035] However, the fuel supply system 100 of the embodiment is not limited to this aspect. The POS 10 may be an independent fuel supply system installed at the gas station without being communicatively connected to an external system such as a headquarters management system. Each component used in the fuel supply system 100 of the above aspect will be described in detail below.

[0036] <External equipment 30> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the external machine 30 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, the external machine 30 includes an advance payment receiving unit 31, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, an identification tag issuing unit 34, a communication unit 35, a processing unit 36, and a memory unit 37. The external machine 30 may have a touch panel in which the input unit 32 and the display unit 33 are integrated.

[0037] The advance payment receiving unit 31 receives currency to be paid by a user as an advance payment. For example, the advance payment receiving unit 31 can take the currency inserted by the user into the device, identify its type, authenticity, and damage, and store it by denomination. The advance payment receiving unit 31 can also calculate the amount of the received advance payment.

[0038] The input unit 32 accepts input of setting data related to refueling (hereinafter referred to as refueling setting data). A user can use the input unit 32 to input refueling setting data such as the type of oil to be purchased and the amount of fuel to be refueled. The input unit 32 can also accept unique identification information for each user. For example, the input unit 32 can accept specific information for identifying a transaction by a user that is stored on a medium such as a point card used by the user at the time of purchase. The specific information can include an ID such as a membership number for each user, and information related to the point card used at the time of the transaction. The communication unit 35 is a communication interface for communicating with the POS 10. The refueling setting data is transmitted to the POS 10 via the communication unit 35.

[0039] The processing unit 36 ​​is a processor that controls the hardware of the external machine 30. The storage unit 37 is an example of a storage device that includes a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 37 stores a program that implements processes including a process for transmitting input fuel supply setting data and a process for transmitting data related to a received advance payment.

[0040] The processing unit 36 ​​loads the program from the storage unit 37 into a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 36 ​​realizes the functions of a transmission / reception processing unit 361 and a display processing unit 362. The transmission / reception processing unit 361 transmits fuel supply setting data and data related to the received advance payment to the POS 10. The transmission / reception processing unit 361 also receives from the POS 10 a set amount set as the fuel supply fee determined based on the selected fuel type and fuel amount, as well as slip data.

[0041] The display processing unit 362 displays various information on the display unit 33 so that the user can see it. The display unit 33 displays the amount of the advance payment accepted by the advance payment accepting unit 31. The display unit 33 also displays the input fuel supply setting data, the set amount, etc.

[0042] After refueling is completed, the invoice data is sent from the POS 10 to the external device 30. The invoice data may include transaction details such as the type of oil purchased, the amount of oil refueled, the unit price, the refueling fee, and a management number for managing the transaction. In addition, if there is a difference between the advance payment and the refueling fee, the invoice data also includes change information (change data). The change data is linked to the transaction details.

[0043] After refueling is complete, the identification tag issuing unit 34 issues a change deposit ticket on which the change data is printed, for example, as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark). The change deposit ticket is issued, for example, together with a sales slip including transaction details. Note that if change data does not exist in the slip data, the identification tag issuing unit 34 may issue a sales slip without a change deposit ticket on which the change data is recorded.

[0044] The change data is also linked to specific information that identifies the user's transaction and is stored on the medium used by the user at the time of purchase. The specific information may include, for example, each user's unique identification information. For example, the specific information may include each user's ID, such as a membership number, or information about the point card or electronic money used at the time of the transaction. The specific information may also include information about the application software (hereinafter referred to as the "app") for the fueling system that was installed on the user's smartphone or other device and used at the time of the transaction.

[0045] <Fuel Tanker 40> The fuel dispenser 40 is connected to a fuel storage tank via piping (not shown). A fuel pump and a flow meter are provided on the piping. The piping is connected to a fuel hose, and a fuel nozzle is provided at the end of the fuel hose. A user can operate the fuel dispenser 40 to dispense fuel according to the fuel dispense setting information. The amount of fuel dispensed can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 33 of the external device 30. Furthermore, fuel dispense data indicating the amount of fuel dispensed is transmitted to the POS 10 via the external device 30. The POS 10 can calculate the fuel dispense fee using the received fuel dispense data and the stored unit price of oil, tax rate, etc. Furthermore, the POS 10 can calculate the amount of change from the advance payment and the fuel dispense fee. The operation of the POS 10 will be described in detail later.

[0046] <Payment machine 20> The settlement machine 20 includes a reading unit and a dispensing unit, neither of which are shown. The reading unit is configured to read the change data recorded on the change deposit slip. The read change data is sent to the POS 10. The POS 10 executes a change refund process in accordance with the change data. The dispensing unit pays out the coins stored in the device as change in response to instructions from the POS 10. The change refund process by the POS 10 will be described in detail later.

[0047] <pos10> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a POS 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 6, the POS 10 includes a storage unit 11, a memory 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, an employee display unit 15, a user display unit 16, a code reading unit 17, a card reading unit 18, a printing unit 19, and a processing unit 200. The POS 10 mainly issues instructions to and manages the settlement machine 20 and the external machine 30.

[0048] Specifically, the POS 10 can execute various processes, including (1) a process for calculating the fuel charge using the fuel setting data and fuel data input from the external device 30 and the stored unit price of fuel, tax rate, etc. (fuel charge calculation process), (2) a process for calculating the amount of change from the advance payment amount and the fuel charge (change calculation process), (3) a process for returning the change based on the read change data (change return process), and (4) a daily settlement process. Note that each process may be executed by the settlement machine 20, the external device 30, or an external device not shown.

[0049] The memory unit 11 is an example of a storage device that includes a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 11 stores a program 111 and an information DB (database) 112. The program 111 is a computer program that implements a fuel fee calculation process, a change calculation process, a change refund process, and a portion of a daily settlement process. The information DB 112 stores information about products handled at gas stations. The information DB 112 can store various data necessary for calculating the fuel fee and the amount of change, such as the unit price of each type of oil sold at the gas station and tax rates. The information DB 112 also stores sales data and change data.

[0050] The memory 12 is a volatile storage device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the processing unit 200. The communication unit 13 is a communication interface with other devices other than the settlement machine 20. For example, the communication unit 13 is connected to be able to communicate with the settlement machine 20, the external device 30, the server 50, an external management system, etc.

[0051] The input unit 14 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard. The employee display unit 15 is a display device that displays necessary information to employees who operate the POS 10. The user display unit 16 is a display device that displays necessary information to users. The employee display unit 15 and the user display unit 16 may be equipped with a touch panel as an input device. The employee display unit 15 and the user display unit 16 perform display according to the control of the processing unit 200.

[0052] The code reading unit 17 is, for example, a two-dimensional code reader. The code reading unit 17 can read a two-dimensional code that records change data printed on a change receipt. The code reading unit 17 can also read a two-dimensional code that indicates information about a fuel supply system app installed on a user's mobile device. The card reading unit 18 is a card reader that reads a point card or the like used by the user when making a transaction.

[0053] The change data can be obtained by an employee reading a change receipt using the code reading unit 17. Alternatively, the change data can be obtained by an employee inputting the transaction details and management number written on the sales slip brought by the user using the input unit 14. The change data can also be obtained by reading the point card used by the user at the time of the transaction or information from the app for the fuel supply system. The printing unit 19 prints a refund confirmation, which will be described later. An example of a refund confirmation printed by the printing unit 19 will be described later.

[0054] The processing unit 200 is a processor that controls each component of the POS 10. The processing unit 200 loads the program 111 from the storage unit 11 into the memory 12 and executes the program 111. As a result, the processing unit 200 realizes the functions of a collection unit 201, a refund processing unit 202, a storage processing unit 203, a deposit transaction creation unit 204, a search unit 205, an update unit 206, a withdrawal transaction creation unit 207, a settlement processing unit 208, a transmission / reception processing unit 209, and a display processing unit 210.

[0055] The transmission / reception processing unit 209 receives various information (fuel setting data, information related to advance payment, fuel data indicating the amount of fuel supplied, etc.) required to calculate the fuel fee and the amount of change from the external device 30. The transmission / reception processing unit 209 transmits the calculated data related to the fuel fee and change data to the external device 30. Furthermore, when a change deposit ticket is read in the adjustment device 20, the transmission / reception processing unit 209 can transmit a control signal to the adjustment device 20 to cause it to pay out the amount of change corresponding to the read change data. The display processing unit 210 displays screens showing various information generated by executing the program on the employee display unit 15 and the user display unit 16.

[0056] The collection unit 201 collects multiple pieces of change data indicating the amount of change calculated from the amount of advance payment received from the user and the amount of purchases made by the user. Specifically, the collection unit 201 can calculate the purchase price using fueling setting data and fueling data input from the external device 30. Data related to income obtained from the sale of such goods and services is considered to be sales data. The collection unit 201 can also calculate the amount of change from the purchase price and advance payment. Data related to the difference between such advance payment and purchase price is considered to be change data. The collection unit 201 can collect sales data and change data. The change data for each user is stored in the memory unit 11 together with the sales data, linked to, for example, a management number included in the transaction details or specific information identifying the user's transaction.

[0057] When one of a plurality of change deposit slips issued for each user transaction, each recording a plurality of pieces of change data, is read, the refund processing unit 202 performs a change refund process based on the change data of the read change deposit slip. When the change refund process is performed by the settlement machine 20 reading the change deposit slip, the status of the change data in the information DB 112 is updated to "refunded."

[0058] Once a day, employees perform settlement processing (daily settlement processing), which includes creating deposit transactions based on sales data. Daily settlement processing is a process that tallys up the amounts related to transactions and payments for the day and calculates income and expenses for a specific period (usually one day). As mentioned above, if a user does not scan their change receipt into the settlement machine and the change cannot be returned to the user, the change is treated as miscellaneous income, which is income other than sales.

[0059] Therefore, if there is a change deposit ticket that has not been read when performing the daily settlement process, the storage processing unit 203 stores in the server 50 change refund pending information corresponding to the change data for which the change refund process has not been performed. The deposit transaction creation unit 204 creates a deposit transaction using the change refund pending information. Specifically, the deposit transaction creation unit 204 can create a deposit transaction that includes income based on sales data and miscellaneous income based on the change refund pending information. In other words, the deposit transaction creation unit 204 can treat change for which the refund process has not been performed as miscellaneous income and reflect it in the deposit transaction based on the sales data.

[0060] Furthermore, even if a customer who has forgotten to collect their change returns to the store after the daily settlement process has been completed and attempts to have the change deposit ticket scanned by the settlement machine 20, the change cannot be returned by the settlement machine because the settlement has already been completed.

[0061] If a user who forgot to collect their change requests a refund of the change after the daily settlement process has been completed, an employee can read the change data from the change deposit ticket using the code reading unit 17. The search unit 205 searches for unprocessed change refund information stored in the server 50 based on the change data obtained after the entry transaction is created. Specifically, the search unit 205 can obtain a list of unprocessed change refund information and extract the unprocessed change information corresponding to the read change data.

[0062] Note that the search for unprocessed change information is not limited to being based on change vouchers. As described above, change data can be obtained not only from change vouchers, but also by reading the transaction details listed on a sales slip, or by reading a point card, electronic money, or a fuel system app. For example, an employee can identify change data by using the input unit 14 to input the transaction management number listed on a sales slip, and extract unprocessed change information related to the change data. Furthermore, an employee can identify change data by using the card reader 18 to read a point card, and extract unprocessed change information related to the change data.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the employee display unit 15 when returning change after the daily settlement process. As shown in FIG. 7, the employee display unit 15 displays a search method selection screen D10 for unprocessed change information. The search method selection screen D10 includes selection buttons (B11 to B16) that indicate various methods for obtaining change data. When an employee presses one of the selection buttons, the various components of the POS 10 can obtain the change data. For example, when the "change deposit ticket" selection button (B13) is pressed, the code reading unit 17 can read the change deposit ticket.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows an example of a refund confirmation screen D20 for confirming the refund of the unprocessed change information extracted from the read change data. The extracted unprocessed change information includes transaction details such as the date and time of the transaction, change deposit voucher information, transaction control number, purchased items, fuel cost, and change amount. The refund confirmation screen D20 includes buttons (B21, B22) for selecting whether to execute or cancel the refund process. For example, an employee can confirm that the transaction details are correct and press the refund button, which allows the POS 10 to process the change refund.

[0065] If there is change refund pending information corresponding to the acquired change data, the update unit 206 performs a change refund process and updates the status of the change refund pending information in the server 50 to "change refunded." The update unit 206 can, for example, cause the settlement machine 20 to perform a change refund process, dispensing currency in an amount corresponding to the acquired change data. When the update unit 206 updates the change refund pending information, the printing unit 19 may print a refund confirmation. Because identity verification cannot be performed using a change deposit ticket or sales slip, the refund confirmation may be printed only when the user scans the change deposit ticket or enters the transaction control number listed on the sales slip. Since identity verification can be performed by reading the information on the card or app used in the transaction, a refund confirmation does not need to be printed. FIG. 9 shows an example of a refund confirmation. The refund confirmation may include the slip number (original slip number) of the sales slip issued at the time of the transaction and the transaction control number.

[0066] The withdrawal transaction creation unit 207 creates a withdrawal transaction based on the change refunded information. Specifically, the withdrawal transaction creation unit 207 can create a withdrawal transaction that includes miscellaneous losses, which are non-operating expenses unrelated to business, and miscellaneous losses based on the change refunded information. In other words, the withdrawal transaction creation unit 207 can treat the refunded change as a miscellaneous loss and reflect it in a withdrawal transaction based on non-operating expenses.

[0067] The settlement processing unit 208 aggregates deposit transactions and withdrawal transactions and executes settlement processing. The transmission / reception processing unit 209 can transmit the processing results of the settlement processing executed by the settlement processing unit 208 to the management system at headquarters as a daily report.

[0068] Here, the flow of the information processing method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows the flow of the process of creating a deposit transaction when performing daily settlement processing. As shown in Figure 10, first, it is determined whether there is unprocessed change data for which the refund process has not been completed (S101). For example, if there is a change deposit ticket that has not been read when performing daily settlement processing, it is determined that there is change data for which the refund process has not been completed. If there is no unprocessed change data (S101, NO), the process ends.

[0069] If there is unprocessed change data (S101, YES), the server 50 stores unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the unprocessed change data (S102). Then, when performing daily settlement processing, the POS 10 creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information (S103). This allows the unprocessed change to be treated as miscellaneous income and reflected in the deposit transaction based on the sales data.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows the flow for carrying out the change refund process after the daily settlement process has been carried out. As shown in FIG. 11, the POS 10 acquires change data using one of the methods described above (S201). For example, a search method selection screen D10 for unprocessed change information, as shown in FIG. 7, is displayed on the employee display unit 15. When the employee presses one of the selection buttons, the change data is acquired using the selected method.

[0071] Then, the POS 10 acquires a list of unprocessed change refund information from the server 50 (S202). The POS 10 searches for unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the acquired change data (S203). If there is no unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the acquired change data in the list of unprocessed change refund information (no hit) (S204, NO), the processing ends. If there is unprocessed change refund information corresponding to the acquired change data in the list of unprocessed change refund information (a hit) (S204, YES), a refund confirmation screen such as that shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the employee display unit 15 (S205). When the refund button is pressed (S206), the POS 10 updates the unprocessed change refund information in the server 50 to change refunded information (S207).

[0072] The POS 10 then prints a refund confirmation (S208) and causes the settlement machine 20 to dispense the amount of currency corresponding to the specified change data (S209). When performing daily settlement processing, the POS 10 then creates a withdrawal transaction using the change refund information (S210). This allows the refunded change to be treated as miscellaneous loss and reflected in the withdrawal transaction based on non-operating expenses.

[0073] As described above, according to the embodiment, when there is change data for which the change refund process has not been performed, the unprocessed change refund information can be automatically collected in the entry server at the timing of the daily settlement process, and a deposit transaction can be created. This reduces the burden on employees in creating deposit transactions when performing the daily settlement process.

[0074] Furthermore, by adding a change refund function to the POS, even if a user who forgot to collect their change requests a refund after the daily settlement process has been completed, the change refund process can be completed without the need for staff. Furthermore, by updating the server's pending change refund information with the refunded change information, it becomes possible to automatically create a withdrawal transaction at the time of the daily settlement process. This reduces the burden on employees of processing miscellaneous income, miscellaneous withdrawals, and change refunds for refunds of forgotten change.

[0075] In addition, the change data is linked to information such as sales slips and point cards used during transactions, so even if a user loses their change deposit ticket, it is possible to process the change refund using media such as sales slips and point cards used during transactions.

[0076] The external device 30 can be used not only to purchase products such as oil, but also to charge electronic money to a transportation IC card, for example. In this case, the amount of change may be the difference between a larger advance payment and the amount charged. If the customer forgets to collect the change, the POS 10 can read the information on the charged electronic money and process the change refund.

[0077] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include RAM, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, SSD or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0079] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0080] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix A1) a collection unit that collects a plurality of change data items that indicate change amounts calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; a refund processing unit that, when one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, performs a change refund process based on the change data of the read identification tag; a storage processing unit that stores, in the storage unit, change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which the change refund process has not been performed, when there is change data for which the change refund process has not been performed when performing the daily settlement process; a deposit transaction creation unit that creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; Equipped with Information processing device. (Appendix A2) a search unit that searches for unprocessed change refund information stored in the storage unit based on change data acquired after the deposit transaction is created; an updating unit that, if there is unprocessed change information corresponding to the acquired change data, performs a change refund process and updates the unprocessed change information in the storage unit to completed change refund information; Further provided with 10. The information processing device according to claim 1, (Appendix A3) a withdrawal transaction creation unit that creates a withdrawal transaction based on the change refund information; Further provided with 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the information processing device is a (Appendix A4) further comprising a settlement processing unit that aggregates the deposit transactions and the withdrawal transactions and executes settlement processing; 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the information processing device is a (Appendix A5) The storage processing unit stores in the storage unit at least one of transaction details recorded on a slip issued together with the identification tag and specific information identifying the transaction by the user, which is stored on a medium used by the user at the time of purchase, in association with the change data; the search unit acquires the change data by reading the identification tag, the slip, or the medium. An information processing device according to any one of appendices A2 to A4. (Appendix A6) The purchase price is the amount charged to electronic money, The change amount is the difference between the advance payment and the charge amount. An information processing device according to any one of appendices A1 to A5. (Appendix B1) an advance payment receiving unit that receives an advance payment from a user; an identification tag issuing unit that calculates the amount of change from the amount of the advance payment and the amount of the purchases made by the user, and issues an identification tag that records the change data; an external machine having the a collection unit that collects a plurality of change data; a refund processing unit that, when one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, performs a change refund process based on the change data of the read identification tag; a storage processing unit that stores, in the storage unit, change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which the change refund process has not been performed, when there is change data for which the change refund process has not been performed when performing the daily settlement process; a deposit transaction creation unit that creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; an information processing device having An information processing system comprising: (Appendix C1) The computer A process of collecting a plurality of change data pieces indicating change amounts calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; When any one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, a process of returning change based on the change data of the read identification tag; When performing the daily settlement process, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, a process of storing change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a storage unit; creating a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; To execute Information processing methods. (Appendix D1) A process of collecting a plurality of change data pieces indicating change amounts calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; When any one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, a process of returning change based on the change data of the read identification tag; When performing the daily settlement process, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, a process of storing change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a storage unit; creating a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; to the computer, program.

[0081] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Appendix A2 to Appendix A6, which are dependent on Appendix A1, may also be dependent on Appendix B1 (system), Appendix C1 (method), and Appendix D1 (program) in the same dependency relationship as Appendix A2 to A6. Some or all of the elements described in any appendix may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Information processing equipment 2 Collection Department 3. Refund Processing Department 4 Memory Processing Unit 5. Deposit transaction creation section 10 POS 11 Storage section 12 Memory 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Employee display unit 16 User display 17 Code reader 18 Card reader 19 Printing Department 20 Payment machine 30 External equipment 31 Advance Payment Reception Department 32 Input section 33 Display section 34 Identification Card Issuance Department 35 Communications Department 36 Processing section 361 Transmission and Reception Processing Unit 362 Display processing section 37 Memory section 40 Refueling Machine 50 servers 100 Refueling System 101 Information Processing Systems 102 Collection Department 103 Refund Processing Department 104 Memory Processing Unit 105 Deposit Transaction Creation Department 111 Program 112 Information DB 200 Processing section 201 Collection Department 202 Refund Processing Department 203 Memory Processing Unit 204 Deposit Transaction Creation Department 205 Search Department 206 Update Department 207 Withdrawal Transaction Creation Department 208 Settlement Processing Unit 209 Transmission and Reception Processing Unit 210 Display processing unit A1 Store Area A2 Refueling Area

Claims

1. a collection unit that collects a plurality of change data items that indicate change amounts calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; a refund processing unit that, when one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, performs a change refund process based on the change data of the read identification tag; a storage processing unit that stores, in the storage unit, change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which the change refund process has not been performed, when there is change data for which the change refund process has not been performed when performing the daily settlement process; a deposit transaction creation unit that creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; Equipped with Information processing device.

2. a search unit that searches for unprocessed change refund information stored in the storage unit based on change data acquired after the deposit transaction is created; an updating unit that, if there is unprocessed change information corresponding to the acquired change data, performs a change refund process and updates the unprocessed change information in the storage unit to completed change refund information; Further provided with The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a withdrawal transaction creation unit that creates a withdrawal transaction based on the change refund information; Further provided with The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. further comprising a settlement processing unit that aggregates the deposit transactions and the withdrawal transactions and executes settlement processing; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The storage processing unit stores in the storage unit at least one of transaction details recorded on a slip issued together with the identification tag and specific information identifying the transaction by the user, which is stored on a medium used by the user at the time of purchase, in association with the change data; the search unit acquires the change data by reading the identification tag, the slip, or the medium. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The purchase price is the amount charged to electronic money, The change amount is the difference between the advance payment and the charge amount. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. an advance payment receiving unit that receives an advance payment from a user; an identification tag issuing unit that calculates the amount of change from the amount of the advance payment and the amount of the purchases made by the user, and issues an identification tag that records the change data; an external machine having the a collection unit that collects a plurality of change data; a refund processing unit that, when one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, performs a change refund process based on the change data of the read identification tag; a storage processing unit that stores, in the storage unit, change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which the change refund process has not been performed, when there is change data for which the change refund process has not been performed when performing the daily settlement process; a deposit transaction creation unit that creates a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; an information processing device having An information processing system comprising:

8. The computer A process of collecting a plurality of change data pieces indicating change amounts calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; When any one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, a process of returning change based on the change data of the read identification tag; When performing the daily settlement process, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, a process of storing change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a storage unit; creating a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; To execute Information processing methods.

9. A process of collecting a plurality of change data pieces indicating change amounts calculated from the amount of advance payment received from a user and the amount of purchases made by the user; When any one of a plurality of identification tags, each having a plurality of change data recorded thereon, is read, a process of returning change based on the change data of the read identification tag; When performing the daily settlement process, if there is change data for which change refund processing has not been performed, a process of storing change refund unprocessed information corresponding to the change data for which change refund processing has not been performed in a storage unit; creating a deposit transaction using the unprocessed change refund information; to the computer, program.

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